A very important aspect of responsible driving is being an informed driver. It is essential to the safety of yourself and of other drivers that you take your driving education seriously. You are expected to know the driving laws of anywhere you drive through, and you are expected to know how to operate all of the basic components of your vehicle. You can be held legally responsible for this information by law enforcement, which should indicate to you how critical it is that you know it.

Basic driving laws are the same throughout North America. Driving laws in Mexico are somewhat less regulated, but operate under the same basic principles as the rest of North America. The United States and Canada have driving laws that are almost identical, but different states and provinces are still free to have variations on those laws. The law enforcement agencies of different jurisdictions are not out to ensnare anyone with oddball driving laws, but they do expect every driver to abide by the driving laws of all jurisdictions.

Understanding your vehicle’s basic components is also very important to being an informed driver. There are features in your vehicle that are meant to assist you in almost any situation you can encounter on the road. It is important to your abilities as a driver that you understand how to use these features. For example, you should know what situations call for hazard lights and how to switch them on. You should know when to change gears to make the best use of your vehicles’s transmission. This includes knowledge of what to do in emergency situations, such as knowing to turn your wheel into a slide rather than turning against it.

If you are going to be a vehicle owner, it is best for yourself and everyone else on the road that you possess some kind of basic mechanical knowledge of your vehicle. Unfortunately, a large number of drivers on the road understand nothing about how their vehicles work. They have no way of anticipating any mechanical issues that they will encounter and are therefore a larger risk to themselves and to other drivers, even if only in a small way. Having the money to pay someone else to repair your car is not a replacement for a reasonable level of responsibility over how your car is operating, or for being aware that your car requires basic, ongoing maintenance. There is not a great deal of knowledge one needs to personally possess about how their car operates, but there are a handful of must know items.

Firstly, know that your vehicle needs its fluids checked regularly, especially before any kind of long drive. The most vital fluids to your vehicle are oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant and windshield spray. When you lift your hood, these fluids should be labeled fairly clearly. There are methods to understanding which fluids need to be changed and which are too low, which you can learn about by watching online tutorial videos.

There are many moving parts in your vehicle that need regular inspection, and often you can tell if something is wrong by watching for engine lights and listening for unknown sounds. But one aspect of your vehicle that you cannot afford to neglect, particularly before a long drive, are your tires. Never take off on a big drive without first testing your tire pressure. In a perfect world, everyone would know how much tread is on their tires and would have them replaced before they became worn too thin, but the least a responsible driver can do is check their tires with an air pressure gauge to make sure they have enough air in them, and to monitor the rate at which they are losing air.

Everyday, we trust other people on the roads with our lives as we drive our daily commutes. Because driving is so commonplace, it often slips our minds to be diligent about driving safety. But when we hear statistics about how driving is more dangerous than flying and how most automobile deaths occur within one mile of the home, we are reminded to take driving safety very seriously. Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind while on the road or preparing to go on the road.

First and foremost, before you set out on the road, it is imperative that you know your car is in working order. Even the best driver can put themselves and others in danger if their vehicle breaks down due to improper maintenance. For proper longterm vehicle maintenance, be sure to keep up on oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotations and replacements, break inspections and tune ups with a trusted automechanic. Before any long drives, be sure to check your tire pressure and oil to make sure nothing is impairing your vehicle’s performance.

Another large part of a driver’s responsibility is their education and preparedness for road rules and emergencies. Think ahead to emergency situations and keep emergency supplies stored in your vehicle, such as jumper cables to restart a dead battery. Take the time to read up on road rules and traffic laws, both at the national and regional level, to know what is required of you in any given driving situation.

And lastly, it is very important to make wise personal decisions when you are actually behind the wheel of a car. Never drive impaired due to tiredness or being under the influence of a substance. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and drug abuse help, and always pull over and rest if you are feeling tired. Stay alert and focused on the road. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by passengers, cell phones, music or other activities. The safety of you and others on the road depend on your decisions.

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