If you have recently earned your license or you are working towards it, below are some tips to help you stay safe on the road. It can be easy to think that driving is a skill which we are all born with. After all, millions upon millions of people perform the task every day in a range of situations. However, the reality is that driving is a skill which each and every one of us had to learn.

Keeping Learner Drivers Safe

If somebody in your house is learning or about to learn how to drive, Jim Ackney has some tips to share with them to help them not only be safe on the road but also help improve their confidence.

Distraction-Free Zone

Even the most advanced drivers are susceptible to distractions as they drive, which can lead to serious accidents and problems. The first thing which any new driver should do when entering a vehicle is to ensure that the area is a distraction-free zone. For example:

• Is your phone on silent and out of sight/reach?
• Is the radio/music switched off?
• Is everybody in the vehicle settled?
• Are there any problems with the vehicle?

Once you are confident that you can operate the vehicle safely without distraction, then you are ready to go.

Know Where You Are Going

One of the last things that you want to do while you are driving is to jerk the wheel is any direction or have to slam on the brakes. However, this happens all too often, all because motorists start their journey without knowing the route they will be traveling, causing last-minute decisions and problems. If you are driving somewhere new, instead of taking directions from your GPS app or a friend while you drive, become familiar with the route you will be taking, including any instances where you need to change lanes early to prepare for an exit. This can help to settle your nerves as you drive. Click here to buy Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and keep your engine in good shape and free from mechanical distractions with a synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB. To find out more, speak with an expert at Jim Ackney by calling (780) 476-0545 or check out the online store for additional information.

Read Other Vehicles

Defensive driving is all about being aware of your surroundings and anticipating driver behaviors. By driving using this technique, you can avoid accidents or minimize large accidents by simply paying attention to what other drivers are doing. For example, a second or two before the driver decides to change lanes, their driving style will move the car closer to the next lane, in anticipation. If you can see this happening in front of you in the next lane, then you have forewarning and can decrease your following distance in readiness.

Wide Awake

Closing your eyes for little more than a few seconds is all it takes to become involved in a collision or lose control of your vehicle. When you are tired or drowsy, as you drive, your brain can take micro-sleeps, causing you to drift off for a second or two with a blank look on your face as if you were paying attention. These times is all that’s required for an accident to happen, and avoiding it is easy. Don’t drive if you are tired. It’s as simple as that. Something as small as a 15-minute nap can be enough to give your brain the energy and alertness it needs to keep going, so don’t be afraid to pull over and rest for a short while if you are undertaking a long drive or even simply feel tired. Of course, if you are planning a long drive, then be sure to take steps to reduce the risk of driving drowsy, such as:

• Using a driving schedule to split the task between you and your friends.
• Get a good sleep before your driving shift.
• Take as many breaks as you need.

Improve Engine Performance with a Synthetic Oil Change in Edmonton, AB

Keeping your car in good shape is not only the best way to extend its lifespan, but it also reduces distraction, such as flashing alert lights or inconsistent performance. To find out more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB, speak with a friendly expert at Jim Ackney by calling (780) 476-0545. With a wide range of high-quality AMSOIL engine lubricants available, trust in their expert advice to get you the right product for your engine needs.