Driving tips for urban motorists
As the St. Louis weather turns to rain, sleet & snow extra care should be taken by motorists to make sure you see bicyclists & pedestrias – as well as making sure they see you. I’ve got a few tips to share:
TURN ON YOUR HEADLIGHTS
• Many newer cars have daytime running lights but these are often smaller or dim. Very few (Volvo) have rear lights on with the daytime running lights. Both are very important to make sure other see you
• In Illinois the law requires you to use your headlights (not just parking lights) when conditions require you to use your wipers. This is a good rule of thumb
• Remember, headlight usage is not just about letting you see at night – it is making sure others see you
Other tips
• Use your turn signals – let motorists, cyclists & pedestrians know your intentions. Signaling as your are making the turn is pointless – signal ahead of time
• Keep your distance at stop signs/signals. When you stop at an intersection defensive driving instructors tell you to keep a good distance from the car in front – you should be able to see the rear tires of the car in front of you. If not, you are too close. This is good in case the car in front stalls, is stuck in snow, someone rear ends you (giving you extra distance to you don’t hit the person in front of you), or for safety you need to change lanes/leave.
• Keep your distance on the road: remember that all-wheel drive & 4-wheel drive does not give you any better stopping ability. Tire condition & pressure are important. Wet/snowy brakes can lose their ability to work so make sure you keep that in mind.
• Consolidate trips & car-pool to reduce the numbers of vehicles on the road.
Too bad everyone that would have benefited by reading this were out causing backups all around 70 in O’Fallon.