Refresh Your Memory on Rules of the Road

We all like to think we’re safe drivers, right?  Obeying the speed limit, wearing our seatbelt, and keeping our eyes on the road are safe driving habits we should all practice.  But what about the actual driving laws in your state?  I’m sure most of us haven’t reviewed some form of those since completing our driver’s education class and passing the state’s written exam.  How long ago was that for you?  For me, it’s approaching 20 years ago!

Without a refresher course or periodic review of a driver’s handbook, it can be easy to forget or simply overlook important rules of the road.  Most states offer easy online access to their traffic laws and safety tips.  You can test your driver safety knowledge by taking one of the state-specific DMV Practice Tests.  These free motor vehicle practice tests cover rules and regulations from several state agency’s including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Registry of Motor Vehicles, and Department of Transportation, to name a few.

No matter which state you live in, here are some quick refresher tips courtesy of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Department of Public Safety websites:

• If your car begins to hydroplane, reduce your speed and let the car decelerate.  Don’t slam on your brakes.

• Roadways can become more hazardous to drivers the first rain after a dry spell.

• When parking on a downhill slope you should turn the steering wheel to the right and apply the parking brake.

• Slow down and safely pull to the edge of the roadway for all emergency vehicles and funeral processions.

• Turn your lights on during any period of rain, snow, fog or other unfavorable atmospheric conditions—regardless of the time of day.  Rule of thumb – your headlights should be on any time you are using your windshield wipers.

• Bridges and overpasses hold frost and ice sooner and longer.

• If your vehicle does go into a skid, take your foot off the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.  Never apply the brakes while skidding.

• If a tire blows out, keep your foot off the accelerator and let the vehicle coast until it stops.  When the blowout is a rear tire, sudden application to the brakes could cause you to fish-tail.

No matter if you received your license yesterday, or 20 years ago (like me), it’s always good practice to review your state’s traffic laws periodically to assure you travel safely. Plus, some insurance companies offer discounts for completing an accident prevention course.  Check with your insurance agent to see if your insurer offers a discount.

Do you have any other safety tips you’d like to share?