Every time you get behind the wheel, you should have a proactive approach. Obviously paying attention to the usual things – weather, pedestrians, animals and road construction are important, but watching the unsafe action of fellow drivers is equally as important. Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you sit behind your wheel:

- Take a defensive driving course, or consider taking a refresher class. Many of us who have been driving for several years get into bad habits, so taking a class to remind us how it’s SUPPOSED to be done isn’t a bad idea.
- Seating affects more than just how tired or comfortable you may be on your next journey, it actually affects your reflex ability as well. Your back should be pressed securely against the seat and your line of vision should be clear of any nuisances such things hanging from your rear view mirror or visor, or stored items on your dash board. To avoid possible injuries in the event of air bag deployment, position your driver seat so that you are no closer than 26 cm (10 inches) to the steering hub.
- Can you reach your pedals and steering wheel properly? It sounds odd, but some people can’t. Your arms should be relaxed and slightly bent while gripping in the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Your legs should also be slightly bent so that you can fully depress the pedals with the ball of your foot.
- Step hard on the brake pedal and maintain the pressure – no pumping. Brake gradually in a straight line to avoid the front-end of the car from dipping downward and the rear wheels losing contact with the road. Avoid unnecessary braking, as braking systems need time to cool down between hard stops.
- Skidding is a fact of driving at times. Maintaining your cool will help immensely in these situations. Front-wheel skids are caused by hard braking or accelerating. If your skid is due to a hard brake, remove your foot from the brake pedal, shift to neutral and wait for the front wheels to grip the road again. Once you have control, return again to the drive gear. If the gas is applied during a front-wheel skid, steering will not respond, but by engaging the neutral gear, all four wheels will have equal traction and control will be regained. To correct rear-wheel drive skids, take your foot off the brake and accelerator pedals and engage the neutral gear. When you feel the vehicle catch, shift back into drive and gently apply the gas.

Of course, common sense dictates the difference between an accident and a near-accident at times. Buckle up, drive at posted speed limits, don’t drive drunk or tired, stay off the cell phone and have the regular maintenance done to your vehicle. If you strive for this every time you drive, you should enjoy a long, happy relationship with your vehicle and the travels that lay out ahead of you.

Karen J. Williams is a Sales and Leasing Consultant with Okanagan Chrysler Jeep Dodge. You can reach her at (250) 861-1040.

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