Category: defensive driving

Space, what space?

We all realize how important it is to keep space around our vehicles whenever we drive. Well, most of us realize this. Actually, probably only a handful of drivers know about this space issue. Are you one of the privileged few? I will often see drivers tailgate each other and that makes their driving more…



Don’t let your space be violated

We all have a purpose when we enter a parking lot; to find a place to park. There’s really more to it than that. Parking lots are risky places to drive. People are leaving their spots with the hopes of escaping the crowds relatively unscathed. Pedestrians walk between vehicles so they can take less time…



Driving stressed is your choice

I’ve often given advice to the new instructors I’m training at Young Drivers of Canada about how they should plan their day. Starting their days off with either a good student or a polite student will always help them get off to a good start. It allows them to enjoy the opening of what could…



One way or two way?

Sometimes we’re in so much of a hurry that we make poor choices in our life. As an example, how many of you have locked your keys in the car when you arrived late for an appointment? I used to carry a spare key in my wallet for times like that. But how can you…



Come on…move over!

There are times when rules change and the general public is unaware of these changes. I will often search out government websites to keep myself up to date, but that can sometimes be hard to do when I’m too busy and away from my computer. Then there are times when rules change and we learn…



What is defensive driving?

For the almost 23 years I’ve been a driving instructor at Young Drivers of Canada, I’ve heard the term “defensive driving” many times. What is defensive driving? Many years ago it seemed like it was about driving slowly, but now it’s more about staying away from the other driver. Do you drive defensively or offensively?…




Do you trust me?

We were brought up learning not to trust other people. We couldn’t talk to strangers, go for rides with strangers or take candy from strangers. (Although I’m sure Halloween confuses small kids, don’t you think?) So, with all of this concern regarding strangers, why do we trust strangers when we drive? One of the most…



Stop or slow, what’s the difference?

I was speaking recently to a licensed driver who had a few driving problems. I had taken him out for a driving evaluation and noticed he rolled his stops. He wasn’t aware he was doing that until I explained what he was doing. Do you roll stops as well? Maybe you do, but aren’t sure….