How To Drive A Car & General Driving Archives - Page 2 of 2

22Jun 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

Vehicle Break Down On Train Tracks – Avoid Armageddon 1 Way

Driving Skills

Vehicle Break Down On Train Tracks, and a Train is Coming? Wouldn't that be your lucky day, a vehicle break down on train tracks. To be driving along, minding your business, driving over some simple train tracks. And then all of a sudden you find yourself stopped in the middle of the train tracks. And you look and see a train is coming. Your car just won't move; it's completely disabled for some reason. Time is running out. What to do? If you think this never happens, think again. Apparently, a train hits a vehicle or a person every 3 hours in the U.S. Canada isn't immune. Man arrested for DUI after car drives through field, gets stuck on train tracksDispatch: Car gets stuck on tracks, driver escapes just before…

21Jun 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

Changing Lanes In An Intersection- Why You Shouldn’t

Driving Skills

Today we are answering another question. It's about changing lanes in an intersection. And why it's a bad idea. Preparing for your ICBC road test? Be sure to check out my epic article: ICBC Road Test Tips For Classes 5 & 7 [Instructor Gets Deep]. Question: Is changing lanes in an intersection illegal in beautiful British Columbia? There is no law that says you can't lane change inside an intersection This is a common question among drivers. There is no law that says you can't lane change inside an intersection. But, this doesn't mean it's a good idea. Changing lanes in - or near - an intersection is potentially dangerous. It should generally be avoided as a matter of good habit. And it's part of being a defensive driver. Check out…

21Jun 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

Dempster Highway – Isolated Mystic Beauty

Driving Skills

If I ever go missing, look for me here Escape from the city to... Dempster Highway, Yukon. Hmm, 736 km long highway in the middle of no where with no gas stations till the end of the road? Better get some gas. Better bring some extra gas. A LOT of extra gas. The Dempster Highway is not a very inviting or forgiving type of road. I would recommend to bring at least four extra tires. We had 5 in total, and we needed 4 of them by the time we were done, although all 8 tires were 'marginal' to begin with. Sometimes you're 20-something and buy a $1,000 minivan with 250,000 km for a road trip into the middle of no where. These things happen. Once you're on the Dempster,…

19Apr 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

Fast Lane, Slow Lane, Right Lane, Wrong Lane

Driving Skills

Life in the fast lane Fast lane, what?! It's a real thing. I couldn't help but notice in the news recently, Vancouver Police welcome crackdown on left-lane bandits. Bandits? ban·ditnounplural noun: banditsa robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically stealing left lanes from other people and operating in an isolated or lawless area. Maybe this is a good time to review some recommended and regulatory lane usage practices. The interesting thing to me is that people seem to be able to go through the process of obtaining their drivers' license in BC, pass a knowledge test and an on-road driving test, and still be unaware of this basic driving principle; much to the dismay of their fellow motorists. I am not convinced that drivers do this on purpose, waking up in the morning with…

17Feb 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

What is a Crosswalk? Easy Guide to Marked & Unmarked

Driving Skills

What is a Crosswalk Exactly? I sometimes ask this question "What is a crosswalk? Are you sure you know?" It seems there is a bit of confusion around this subject so I'm hoping to make some sense today. What Is A Crosswalk? Marked Crosswalks at Intersections I am sure we can all agree that this here is a crosswalk. But this is just one type of crosswalk. This is a marked crosswalk at an intersection (check out my complete guide to intersections to learn more about them in general). As in, it's literally marked. Omg, I used the word literally the right way. This is pretty obvious and I think most people get that vehicles are legally required to stop for pedestrians here. How many crosswalks are in this picture, though? …

15Feb 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

Pedestrian Safety

Driving Skills

Pedestrians Of 2022 Learn more about being a safe pedestrian today. Because, well, someone's gotta do it. As you may or may not have thought about, there is more to being a safe pedestrian than looking both ways before crossing the street. And everyone knows that if a pedestrian and vehicle have a fight, the pedestrian will not be winning, unfortunately. So, it's up to pedestrians to be very careful, even though drivers may not be doing what's right. Tips for Being A Safe Pedestrian Let's talk about what side of the road to walk on if you're walking on a road such as this one. But it's a good tip for any road, even ones with sidewalks. Of course, this is not an ideal place to walk (somewhere without…

19Jan 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

How To Adjust The Side View Mirrors In The Car

Driving Skills

Q: What is the proper mirror adjustment for side mirrors? I usually adjust it so I can just barely see the side of my car. How big of a blind spot does this cause? I have seen several places online say that you should push the mirrors out further than this to eliminate blind spots. Which is the best side mirror adjustment? If you don't know how big your blind spot is you should sit in your car and get someone to walk around it in an entire circle and watch the mirrors to see when they disappear. There has been a lot of debate about this over the years and in my opinion I really don't think there's a right or wrong or yes or no answer, keep in…

14Jan 2021 by Carmen Cohoe

Passing A Left Turning Vehicle

Driving Skills

Question : This is a (possibly stupid) question about indicating, but I cannot find a definitive answer. It's about passing a left turning vehicle. To indicate or not to indicate? At a lot of intersections, a single lane become two or more lanes, so passing the left turning car on the right would require a lane change. I would recommend always indicating for this. However, on some less busy roads it remains a single lane. But, it's still wide enough to still have room to pass on the right. For example, when there is a stopped car waiting to make a left turn in front of you. I indicate to the right to let the driver behind know that I'm about to veer right to pass the left turner. Do…

20Dec 2020 by Carmen Cohoe

Emerging From A Lane, Driveway, Or Parking Lot

Driving Skills

Emerging from a lane, driveway, or parking lot Question : Hi, I am not sure if I understand this information regarding emerging from a lane, driveway, or parking lot. So I must stop always when crossing the sidewalk? Even when coming to a parking lot from a main road? It just does not feel right. Annonmymous No, you don't need to stop before turning into a parking lot if there are no pedestrians anywhere to be seen for miles. ICBC nor any person in their right mind would expect you to do this either. However, when exiting a parking lot/lane it is written in the motor vehicle act that vehicles must stop This is probably because when you turn into a parking lot you are turning right/left and you have somewhat…

30Nov 2020 by Carmen Cohoe

Hill Start Without Rolling Back

Driving Skills

Hill Start Without Rolling If you are wondering how to do a hill start without rolling backwards when driving your automatic vehicle, look no further. You definitely aren't the only one wondering about this. Not all cars do this, but the ones that do, can be a bit terrifying at times. You aren't the only one who has experienced this anxiety-provoking feeling. The one you get when you see a large truck behind you and you have to stop on a hill for a red light or stop sign. You know you're on a steep hill. Maybe it's even raining or snowing. Maybe you know your tires might suck. The light goes green, and you know you're supposed to take your foot from the brake and move it to the…

14Nov 2020 by Carmen Cohoe

Roundabout signals when driving

Driving Skills

Roundabout Signals: Intro Are you wondering about roundabout signals when driving? Roundabouts are designed to keep traffic moving and improve safety at intersections. How does it improve safety? Well, first of all, drivers are forced to slow down before the circle. This alone improves safety because the slower you crash, the less it hurts. Secondly, it's rather impossible to have a 'T-bone' collision in a roundabout. This is one of the worst types of collisions. Technically a roundabout is a traffic circle with more than one lane. Although I hear a lot of people referring them to 'circle things' :lol: roundabout signals: On Approach to the roundabout On approach, reduce your speed to about 20 km/hr in case you need to yield to other vehicles and for good control. Look…

01Jun 2017 by Carmen Cohoe

Message from a Vancouver Trolly Bus Driver

Driving Skills

A Vancouver Trolly bus driver would like share something Previously, I was driving a Community Shuttle transit bus, the ones with a 24 passenger limit. Well, a few months ago I switched over to the conventional buses! I work in Vancouver and I drive the trolley buses as well. I find them easy to drive now that I've gotten used to them. The only concern that I have is that there seems to be little public awareness of how the trolley buses operate and some of their limitations on the road. A lot of drivers these days not only ignore the rules of the road but get very impatient out on the road. I have witnessed road rage directed at trolley bus drivers, and I have been targeted as well while…

20Feb 2017 by Carmen Cohoe

Manual Transmission – How To Drive Stick Shift

Driving Skills

By Kevin Nicholson Scared about learning to drive manual? Just got a new car with manual and are having a hard time learning how to drive it? This guide will get you started. First rule of driving manual transmissions: When you are unsure what to do, PUSH THE CLUTCH IN. Nothing bad will happen as long as the clutch is pressed in. If the car seems like it is going to stall (lots of shaking, bucking), push the clutch in. Also, push the clutch in when coming to a stop. Engrave this rule into you mind, and you will never stall when in doubt of what to do. Now here is the best way to learn from scratch. 1. Go to a large, empty, deserted area like a parking lot…

10Jan 2017 by Carmen Cohoe

Driving Tip: Always Use Your Headlights In Tunnels

Driving Skills

Ever noticed the sign on the highway advising you to turn on your headlights thru the tunnel? This is not necessarily only so your lights may illuminate the road for you; although yes this is a very smart idea when driving anywhere your light source is diminished Perhaps more so that vehicles behind you can still see you, especially if they are still driving with their sunglasses on (please take them off!) Do you want the vehicle behind you to potentially rear-end you, or do you want him/her to see you clearly? Turn on your headlights all the way; this ensures your rear lights are also on. Cars With Tail Lights On Cars With No Tail Lights ... See what I mean?

23Aug 2016 by Carmen Cohoe

Tips For Safe Driving When Everyone Is Speeding

Driving Skills

Tips For Safe Driving When Everyone Is Speeding & Following Too Closely Comment: I try to be a conscientious driver and follow the rules of the road. I am the type of person that would drive at the speed limit. If I were to accidentally go over the limit, I would bring my speed back down as soon as I can. I'm looking for some tips for safe driving when everyone is speeding. Not only that, I try to be courteous (and sometimes lawful) by using the right hand lane as much as possible. But even then I still get tailgated a lot. I seem to always be at the "front of the line." Or, as I now see it, I feel like a celebrity as everyone is following behind…

27Feb 2016 by Carmen Cohoe

New Driver Questions – FAQs Answered

Driving Skills

Questions about 4-Way- Stops If 2 vehicles are facing each other and have stopped at the same time, can they go together as they are not bothering anybody? Here's what the ICBC manual says about 4-way stops: four-way stops — when there are stop signs at all corners: • The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection and come to a complete stop should go first. • If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right should go first. • If two vehicles are facing each other and have arrived at the intersection at about the same time, the one making a left turn should yield to the one going straight through. Ok this doesn't help answer our question at all, but there it is anyway. (Hence, this website?) In my…

22Dec 2015 by Carmen Cohoe

Report a Pot-Hole or Issue

Driving Skills

This post was inspired by this traffic light in Vancouver on Victoria Drive & 37th When you see something is wrong, you can call the city (when you are parked) and tell them so they can fix it. City of Vancouver Call 311 Boundary Road Traffic Signal Repair call 604-871-6200 City of Victoria https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/traffic-and-road-use/report-a-road-issue City of Burnaby To report a traffic signal in need of repair, or if you want to make an inquiry you can contact us during regular office hours (8:00 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday to Friday) 604-294-7460 or by email at engineering@burnaby.ca. For emergencies outside of office hours please call Engineering Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200. City of Coquitlam If you spot any problems with a traffic signal, it should be reported right away to Engineering Customer Service at 604-927-3500. Problems include lights…

16Dec 2015 by Carmen Cohoe

Snow Plow Safety Tips from the BC Transportation Ministry

Driving Skills

Due to several recent collisions involving Snow Plows in BC, the ministry of transportation would like to remind drivers to be more careful around Snow Plows, especially on the Coquihalla Highway where the collisions occurred. Snow plow safety tips The Transportation Ministry has issued these tips for drivers on snowy highways: Turn on your head and tail lights during heavy snow or rain, even during the day. Use winter-rated snow tires with the mountain-snowflake symbol. Give snow plows plenty of space – about 10 car lengths. Salt and winter abrasives, as well as rocks and other debris in the snow, can fly – hitting nearby vehicles and decreasing visibility. Tailgating any vehicle puts you at risk of a collision; tailgating a piece of heavy equipment armed with plows only ups the…

16Dec 2015 by Carmen Cohoe

Contact Numbers to Report Traffic Signal / PotHole / Problems

Driving Skills

This post was inspired by this traffic light in Vancouver on Victoria Drive & 37th When you see something is wrong, don't just keep driving. Call the city (when you are parked) and tell them so they can fix it. City of Vancouver Call 311 Boundary Road Traffic Signal Repair call 604-871-6200 City of Burnaby To report a traffic signal in need of repair, or if you want to make an inquiry you can contact us during regular office hours (8:00 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday to Friday) 604-294-7460 or by email at engineering@burnaby.ca. For emergencies outside of office hours please call Engineering Emergency Dispatch at 604-294-7200. City of Coquitlam If you spot any problems with a traffic signal, it should be reported right away to Engineering Customer Service at 604-927-3500.…

10Apr 2015 by Carmen Cohoe

Left Turn Traffic Light Procedure for Motorcycles – BC

Driving Skills

Left turn traffic light procedure for motorcycles Question: I took my motorcycle road test yesterday and passed. But I got called out on how I was performing left turns. My riding school drilled into us to not enter the intersection until we were sure we could proceed immediately through the turn...not to enter and wait like a car does. This is because of the vulnerable nature of motorbikes to getting hit by cross traffic and not seeing you there. In the test, I stopped at the line and waited for a gap in the oncoming (heavy) traffic but none ever appeared, even had a steady line of cars coming through the late yellow...had to wait through a second light cycle before I felt it was safe. . My tester told…

09Jan 2015 by Carmen Cohoe

Rant on Exiting Intersections on Yellow/Red (for new drivers)

Driving Skills

Q: I just failed my N road test because my instructor said I was not going the speed limit of 50km/h. I was maintaining speed of 45-48 on city roads because it was rush hour and there was alot of traffic. He also said I got a violation for being in an intersection on a red light. I was turning left so I entered the intersection on a green and waited for a good sized gap to turn but there were lots of cars turning right so I had to wait for them to merge as it was a single lane road I was turning on to. As I was waiting the light turned red and cars were still turning right so I was stuck until I had room to merge. I thought I am legally allowed to finish…

Category: Driving Skills