This is a Turn Signal Switch

THIS IS A TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

(In Boston it's a "blinkah")

This seems to me to be extremely fundamental! But I think it's worth mentioning and explaining what it is, what it does and how it effects you and other drivers.

What it is:

 - it is a universal switch lever located in the same place on virtually EVERY motor vehicle, generally behind the steering wheel on the left side.

What it does:

 - when you press down on it, it turns on the left turn signal.

 - when you lift it, it turns on the right turn signal.

 - when either action is performed a light turns on in the front and in the rear of the vehicle which blinks.

Effects on the road:

 - when used properly, this lets other drivers on the road know what you intend to do.

 - when used properly, you become predictable and avoidable (and you don't want to be Mr. UNpredictble on the road).

When to use it:

 - changing lanes on a highway.

 - when your lane ends and you have to merge right or left.

 - when you are making a right or left hand turn.

 - when in a parking lot and turning into your chosen spot

I know this sounds fundamental, but it is absolutely ridiculous how many drivers think they're either too cool or are just plain lazy! PLEASE...use your "blinkah!!!"

Read more in my book Driving While Blind

 

Don't Use Your Cruise Control!

Hydroplaning...

What exactly is hydroplaning?? Hydroplaning (Hydro: water....Plane: fly) happens when there is enough water on the road to separate your tire contact patch from the pavement, creating a momentary loss of control of the vehicle. 
Think of it like this, ever been to the beach and gone skim boarding? You wait for the surf to recede but not entirely...there's just enough water there for your skimboard to surf for a few yards...that's what hydroplaning is to your vehicle. When the tire is separated from the pavement, you lose control...even if for just a split second it can cause a big accident. It can be a terrifying feeling...but know what to do and what exactly is happening can keep you safe.
First, it's best to be aware of the driving conditions and to spot a potential puddle in the roadway ahead of time...this way you don't panic and try to steer your way out of it. Its absolutely best to hit the puddle with the wheels pointed straight (this way, when they contact the road again and regain traction, you don't end up lurching in one direction or the other). Ease off the gas so that you are not accelerating when the tires lose traction and you get that engine rev that frightens you even more.

Don't use your cruise control in the rain!!

When you hydroplane, tires lose contact with the pavement and if you are accelerating (cruise control will "think" you need to accelerate) the wheels will just spin...in the meantime, you're not just sitting still, you're moving along at 20 or 30 MPH or worse...60MPH!! Just think...your tires will eventually regain traction and "grab" the pavement...so now you're in a panic because you feel the loss of control because of the hydroplaning and then, suddenly, the tires grab and you lurch forward again...straight into the guardrail!!

What to do...

Be aware...watch for puddles and be sure to avoid them. If you can't avoid them, go as straight as possible and ease off of the gas pedal...don't panic and don't use your cruise control!

Get more tips... 

My newly released book "Driving While Blind" is now available on Amazon