Teach your Teen to drive : Part 5

THE VEHICLE AND THE SPACE AROUND IT

HOW TO DO IT WELL
Help your new driver see that the appropriate use of space entails the positioning of the vehicle appropriately on all sides. The new driver should soon notice that it is essential to position the vehicle as far away as possible from potential conflicts or hazards without disturbing the flow of traffic. They should understand that driving across the centre line to get past a parked vehicle could cause a worse situation. The vehicle must be positioned between two hazards if the available space is very narrow, in some cases. Following practice, your new driver should start to realise the need to regulate speed continually to maintain a proper space zone to the sides.

THE ROLE YOU PLAY
New drivers may be puzzled when they try to abide by all the different space requirements.
Such as, you may say, “keep to the left to avoid oncoming traffic” and then,“ keep left to avoid parked vehicles.” What should your new driver do when they face oncoming traffic and parked vehicles at the same time? It may be best to steer a middle course between the oncoming vehicles and the parked vehicles when the risk is about equal.
A space cushion as desired may not be left, but there should still be enough space to react to sudden motion from either side. When space is limited between the hazards, your new driver should be advised to handle the hazards one at a time. Space should be used to enable the new driver to maneuver, change direction, and to avoid tight places. For instance, when approaching a narrow bridge, rather than meeting the oncoming vehicle, it is better to slow and let the other vehicle cross the bridge first.

SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PROBLEMS
Drifting
New drivers have a tendency to drift toward oncoming vehicles because at times they concentrate so hard on the oncoming traffic that they fail to make sure of their own vehicle’s intended path.

Blind Spots
Your new driver should understand that driving in the “blind spot” of other vehicles could be hazardous. You can make your teen aware of blind spots while your vehicle is parked by doing the following:

With your new driver in the driver’s seat, walk around the vehicle and ask them to tell you when they can’t see you in the rearview and side mirrors. When they are driving, you could point out vehicles that might be in their blind spot, and when your new driver drives in this hazardous position.

Parked Vehicles
Parked vehicles can also present a problem. Inexperienced drivers have a tendency to believe that parked vehicles will always stay parked and often do not leave enough space for them.
Persuade your new driver to move away from anything parked and to observe for indications that these vehicles might be pulling out by looking for turned wheels, a driver behind the wheel, brake lights, turn signals, and doors opening for instance. Tell your new driver that parked vehicles may also hide pedestrians who are not good at observing before crossing the road.

IMPORTANT LESSON
Handle one hazard at a time. Maintain space on all sides of the vehicle. Be aware of blind spots.

WHERE TO PRACTICE
Practice the use of space with parked vehicles on quiet side streets then progress to more heavily traveled streets with pedestrians, bicycles, and oncoming traffic. As you and your new driver move on to multi-lane streets, you can carry on working on keeping a space zone with vehicles beside you—both moving and parked. Your new driver will have a safe foundation and practical experience.