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OUR BLOG

5/3/2019


It’s important for all drivers who are working towards their license or are new drivers to stay safe on the road. Once you have been driving for around a year, the skill becomes second nature, to the point where it can feel like you never even learned how to drive. However, the reality is that you, just like everybody else, put in the time and learned, making some mistakes along the way.

All Learner Drivers Can Use Some Help

If this sounds like you and you have somebody in your family who is learning to drive or recently obtained their license, Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer has some prepared a post with tips mature drivers may take for granted, but which can be a great help to new drivers.

No More Distractions

Even the most seasoned drivers can easily become distracted while they drive. For this reason, it’s a great idea for new drivers to ensure their driving space is a distraction-free zone. When getting into the vehicle, consider these:
  • Is your cell phone on silent and out of sight and reach?
  • Is the radio off?
  • Are the passengers settled?
  • Is your vehicle in good condition?
Ensure the above is a great way to remove distractions from your vehicle while you keep your focus on the task.

Where Are You Going?

Learning or starting to drive alone is a stressful experience alone without the added worry about where you are going and when the next turn is. Instead of relying on a GPS device to guide you, before you drive, familiarize yourself with the route and use the GPS as a secondary assist. Knowing exactly where you are going, including which landmarks to take note of, is a great way to make drivers feel more relaxed, comfortable, and confident as they drive. Click here to buy Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and improve the performance of your vehicle with a synthetic oil change. If you need help finding the right product for the task or you are new to the task itself, speak with a friendly expert at Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer by calling (503) 329-9004 or check out the online store.

Where Are Other Drivers Going?

On the subject of knowing where you are going, it’s also a great technique to pay attention to where other motorists are going. As an example, as you notice an upcoming turn, you instinctively maneuver your vehicle to that side of the lane, ready for the turn. This happens without you even noticing it. However, the people who do notice it are other drivers around you, and you should employ the technique. Continuing with the above example, identifying an upcoming lane change allows you time to lower your speed and increase your following distance in readiness for the other driver.

Drowsiness and Driving Don’t Mix

It can seem like common sense, however, too many drivers get behind the wheel and drive when they should be sleeping. Even just a feeling of being drowsy is enough to indicate that you shouldn’t be driving. As you drive while tired, your brain takes small breaks called micro-sleeps. During this time, your focus and your attention are taken away for one or two seconds. Unfortunately, a couple of seconds is all it takes to cause problems on the road. The easiest way to avoid this from happening is to not drive while tired. This can mean either taking a small nap before a journey or making alternative arrangements. If you feel tired while you are already driving, pull over somewhere safe and take a small sleep.

Vehicle Maintenance

While it may seem unrelated, the condition of your vehicle and engine play a large role in how safe a driver can be.
  • When driving a vehicle which is in good shape, drivers aren’t worried that a tire is about to blow or a radiator is about to overheat, leaving their attention on the task.
  • Lights which are flashing on the display can be a big distraction, causing drivers to take their eyes off the road and their focus off driving.
If you have any problems with your vehicle, be sure to have it repaired before driving.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Clackamas

One of the easiest ways to improve engine performance and help keep that ‘check engine’ light away is to give your vehicle a synthetic oil change. If you are new to the task or you need help finding the right product, don’t hesitate to call Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer at (503) 329-9004 and speak with an expert.