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A New Driver's Guide to the Proper Use of Signals

Since turn signals are not essential to a vehicle’s function, some drivers decide not to use them. As a new driver, you may not see what the big deal is. However, according to a recent study from the Society of Automotive Engineers, failure to properly use turn signals causes as many as two million accidents a year. Here’s a brief look at why turn signals are important and when you should use them:   

Being courteous

Using your turn signal is a common courtesy, much like tipping a waiter or holding the door open for the person behind you. If you want to change lanes while on the highway, using your turn signal is a courteous way to state your intentions. After a few seconds, the driver in the adjacent lane should repay your courtesy by letting you in.

Staying safe

Since most drivers aren’t mind readers, your turn signal is the best way to communicate your wishes on the road. If you fail to signal, the other drivers on the road will be completely unprepared for your actions. That’s why you should use your turn signal any time you want to turn, merge, switch lanes, or pull out of a parallel parking spot.

Developing good habits

If you’re the only car in sight, you might be tempted to neglect your turn signals. However, the only way to stay safe on the road is to use your turn signals every single time. Though it may not be necessary to use your turn signal on a lonely road, developing the habit will keep you and other drivers safe. You should also get in the habit of turning on your signals at least five seconds before you alter your course so that other drivers can adequately prepare. 

Though driving may seem straightforward, it’s filled with numerous complexities. In order to master them all, you should take driving lessons at Top Driver. Call us today at (888) 471-5418 to learn all about our instructors, facilities, and curriculum.  

Avoiding the Leading Causes of Parking Lot Collisions

Though most of the cars in a parking lot are stationary, the typical lot still sees countless scrapes and fender benders every year. Since parking lots require more precise maneuvering than most other driving situations, new drivers often have trouble navigating them. Luckily, this brief article offers a few tips on how to avoid the most common parking lot accidents:

Don’t rely on mirrors

When you go into reverse, you should always turn your body and look where you’re going. Though your mirrors may seem sufficient, they only offer a narrow field of vision. Turning around allows you to take in the full picture before you pull out of your parking spot.

Leave plenty of space

If you park too close to another car, you may come back later to a chip or dent on the side of your own car. As a general courtesy, you should try your best to park directly in the middle of a marked parking spot, leaving plenty of room on either side.

Pay attention to markings

Parking lots can be very tricky to the uninitiated driver. For example, sometimes it’s difficult to tell when you should stop. Generally speaking, you should stop any time there’s a white line in front of your lane. Whenever you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to stop and assess the situation. 

Be patient

You shouldn’t feel pressured into hastily navigating a parking lot. When you’re first starting out, you should take as much time as you need to pull into or out of a parking spot. If you park outside the designated lines, try again; if the parking lot is busy, you should wait for a clear chance to pull out.

In order to learn more about parking lot safety, you should attend driving lessons at Top Driver. Our driver training course covers virtually everything about staying safe on the road—from the proper use of turn signals to basic vehicle maintenance. Call us today at (888) 471-5418 if you have any questions about our driving lessons. 

Teaching Teens About Truck Blind Spots

Huge commercial trucks are formidable forces on the road—especially because their visibility is so limited. Though most experienced drivers are aware of this limitation, many new drivers are not.  

This short video from ConsumerReports.org demonstrates how limited a truck driver’s visibility can be. If you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirrors, he can’t see you. For safety’s safe, you’re best off driving either well in front of commercial trucks or at least three car lengths behind.

If you’d like your teen to become a better driver, you should consider sending him or her to Top Driver Driving School. As one of the largest driving schools in the country, we have the resources necessary to give your teen informative driving lessons. Call us today at (888) 471-5418 to find out how to enroll. 

Parent Review of Top Driver

For a high-quality driving school in Illinois, contact Top Driver Driving School at (888) 471-5418. Serving the communities of Buffalo Grove, Wilmette, Highland Park, Naperville, and Wheaton, we are proud to offer comprehensive, quality driving instruction to teens and adults.

To Learn More About Car Safety Technologies And How To Manage Your Vehicle's Blind Spots, Be Sure To Visit These Links

If you found our recent blog posts interesting, please explore the information provided below. These links contain useful advice about driving that can help keep you safe on the road. To inquire about our services, call Top Driver at (888) 471-5418.

• Check out this article from HowStuffWorks.com to learn more about blind spots.

• Read this article from MSN Autos to learn about the top automotive safety features.

• If you want to know more about the safety features that save lives, read this article from Forbes.

• Explore this page from Distraction.gov to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving.

• For some useful safe driving tips, read this article from Auto Media.