Category: safe driving

Do as I say, not as I do?

I was recently out with my son when he pointed out the driver in front of us was not making a smooth turn. He thought the driver went too far into the intersection before turning left. First, I was impressed my son has the “driving instructor bug” in his system. Second, I was surprised he’s…



Is this a fair comparison?

Okay, this is sad. I need to get a life. I compare a lot of things to driving. While walking I check my blind spot before moving to the other side of the aisle or sidewalk. In the grocery store I scan the intersecting aisles for other shoppers before I cross through them. How many…



Can you help save a life?

As seen in The Driver magazine in the May/June 2009 issue. http://thedrivermagazine.com/2009/help-save-a-life-%e2%80%93-let-emergency-vehicles-pass-safely/ How You Can Help Save a Life By Scott Marshall         As a driving instructor for Young Drivers of Canada over the past 21 years, I’ve been in the car with many people, as can be well expected. Many people feel that my…



What’s so dangerous?

What do you think the most dangerous thing is that we do as drivers? Is it driving in the winter, on the highway or at night? You might think these are all dangerous things to do, but the most dangerous driving task is turning left at traffic lights. It’s true! Let’s take a look and…



Is it really freedom?

When I’m teaching new drivers I will ask them why they are taking our training course. Most of their answers are to get their license, to learn to drive safely and to gain confidence. Lately, I’ve had the answer of “to get my freedom”. Does driving for you mean you’ve got freedom? For the most…



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….



Is it wrong or only different?

Every now and then I get a chance to go out without my wife and kids. Part of my job is traveling across Canada training and re-training instructors for Young Drivers of Canada, but those days are often long and tiring. When I get a chance to socialize with friends, I’ll take them up on…