Fuel for the Mindful Driver: Left Hand Turns
FUEL FOR THE MINDFUL DRIVER: Left Hand Turns Left hand turns are the most dangerous turns on a two way street, and yet it is the one turn where risks are taken more often then not. There are several reasons why some drivers are failing to either yield to oncoming traffic or enter the intersection when they should have taken the opportunity to stop and wait for the next light. Risk taking behaviour is always driven by an intense emotion. The reasons are as varied as drivers themselves. The fear...
Read MoreFuel for the mindful pedestrian: Inattention
LOOK WHERE YOU ARE WALKING: This campaign from Switzerland uses black humour to educate smart phone users. The storyline is about a 24 year old young man with friends and a job and how he is about to use magic even though he is not aware of it. It is the age old trick of disappearing. This could not have been more graphic. Would it work in Canada? I wonder! http://www.stern.de/auto/news/sms-unfall-schock-kampagne-aus-der-schweiz-2192404.html This is the link to a story in...
Read MoreHow does another driver know what I am thinking?
“Hi Ingrid You taught our son how to drive (practicing with him, and modelling good driving, have made us better drivers as well). The following comes up for me when I am driving around Victoria, I wonder what your thoughts are? How does another driver know what you are thinking? When you are driving in your own lane, and approaching an intersection or a driveway, have you ever experienced Another car racing up to a stop sign and then suddenly stopping at the last moment Another car...
Read MoreFuel for the Mindful Driver: Anticipation
FUEL FOR THE MINDFUL DRIVER: So this is what happened to day — Traveling in the right hand lane on Bay Street towards the hospital, a black car is in the left-turn-only lane, just before Cook Street. He’s just a bit ahead of me, we are both traveling at 40 km/h and since I do not see his left signal on, I start to wonder if he just might want to come into my lane. I had already made sure that even though he is a bit ahead of me, I am not in his blind spot (in case he does not...
Read MoreFuel for the Mindful Driver: Roundabouts
FUEL FOR THE MINDFUL DRIVER: About Roundabouts ‘Round Here More and more intersections have been converted to roundabouts in greater Victoria area. They are designed to keep traffic flowing and have proven effective in many cities for years. However, Victoria drivers are taking a while to get used to them. Most important: Before entering the roundabout, the driver must yield to traffic approaching on the left. This kind of intersection should not be confused with a traffic circle in...
Read MoreDriving Under the Influence of Friends – Link
FUEL FOR THE MINDFUL DRIVER – Driving Under the Influence of Friends. This article points out the dangers of not having your whole attention on your driving and in this moment. Teens are especially prone to distraction while driving, but none of us are immune. Article from the Association for Psychological Science, Driving Under the Influence of Friends is Risky for Teens Teen drivers are far more likely die in car accidents when they drive with friends. According to a study by the AAA...
Read MoreWhen does driver education start?
WHEN DOES DRIVER EDUCATION START ? This is a question parents ask themselves ones their children reach their teens. Before the teen years , parents give this scarcely a thought , it seems too far into the future or too scary to contemplate. And yet, without knowing (and through little effort on your part) you have been teaching your children how to behave in traffic the whole time. Your children’s little eyes and little ears have eagerly absorbed every action you have taken and...
Read MoreHow safe is the student during lessons?
“We use a Volvo driving instructor’s car with dual controls (as mandated by ICBC). The Volvo is widely known as an extremely safe and predictable vehicle. Remember, it is my job to maintain control of the vehicle and keep you safe, and I have a brake pedal that is designed to prevent...
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