Smarter Driver Podcast

Written by: Rick August PhD
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to the smarter driver podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Rick August. Here, we’re going to get you on the road to being a safer, smarter driver. And no…my degree’s not in driving. My degree in fact, is in legal history, which many of you know is the study of policing, courts and prisons. My expertise is in policing as it relates to traffic. Here we’re going to look at the fundamental conflict of traffic which is: Collisions vs. Congestion And we’re going to look at the arena of social driving. The challenges you face as a driver, the challenges you face when getting a license, or starting a career as a truck or bus driver. The car’s all gassed up, we’re ready to go. Let’s get started. With the smarter driver podcast we provide the stepping stones towards your success in driving. We empower you to achieve your goals and aspirations as they relate to getting your first license, becoming a safer, smarter driver, or starting a career as a truck or bus driver. If you’re just starting out and working towards getting your first license, be sure to check out the smarter driver course package down in the description. Guaranteed to pass first time. As well, if there’s something about driving that really irks you, and you’d like to get it off your chest, please leave a comment. I’m your host, Dr. Rick August. Thanks very much for listening. And remember, pick the best answer not necessarily the right answer. Have a great day, bye now.
    2022
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Personal Development Personal Success
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Episodes
  • New Driver Survival Guide: Tips for Mastering the Road

    New Driver Survival Guide: Tips for Mastering the Road
    Jan 18 2025

    Tips, techniques and skills to stay safe after you get your driver's license. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
    ****************
    COURSES & CHECKLIST

    Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/dont-fail-drivers-test-checklist

    Click for COURSE Package that includes:
    1) Pass Driver's Test First Time
    2) Defensive Driving Smart
    3) Winter Driving Smart

    https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-package
    "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time"

    Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30

    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Welcome to the New Driver Survival Guide: Master the Road Ahead!
    00:31 – Why New Drivers Face High Crash Risks: Top Tips to Stay Safe
    02:54 – Did You Miss These Critical Driving Basics? Let’s Fix That!
    05:47 – Peer Pressure on the Road: How to Stay Calm and Focused
    06:44 – Freeway Driving 101: Key Tips to Stay Safe & Confident
    11:03 – Drive Like a Pro: How to Observe and Stay Defensive
    12:20 – The Art of Communication: How to Talk to Other Drivers
    17:42 – Merging Made Simple: The Do’s and Don’ts on the Freeway
    20:19 – The Solo Drive: What’s Different Now That You’re On Your Own
    23:27 – Tailgated? Here’s What You Should Do to Stay Safe
    24:07 – Missed Your Exit? Here’s How to Stay Calm and Correct It
    26:19 – Left Turns: Tips for Safer, Smarter Decisions
    27:52 – Tire Blowout? Here’s What to Do Step-by-Step
    28:51 – Skidding? Here’s How to Recover Without Panic
    31:00 – Handling Aggressive Drivers: Stay Cool, Stay Safe
    31:36 – What’s Driving Up Your Car Insurance? Here’s What Affects Your Rates
    ****************
    DESCRIPTION

    Congratulations on getting your driver's license! But before you hit the road solo, it's important to know that driving is much more than just following traffic signals and signs. In New Driver Survival Guide: Tips for Mastering the Road, we dive into practical, real-world advice to help you stay safe, confident, and in control every time you get behind the wheel. From handling the surprises of winter driving to dealing with aggressive drivers, this podcast covers everything new drivers need to know to avoid common pitfalls and become truly skilled on the road. Whether you’re navigating freeways for the first time or wondering how to deal with a tire blowout, our expert tips and safety strategies will keep you prepared for any driving situation. Learn how to drive defensively, handle challenging conditions, and keep your insurance rates down, all while boosting your confidence as a new driver. Tune in, take notes, and become a smarter, safer driver.

    #SmartDriveTest #defensivedriving #beginnerdriver #spacemanagement

    ***************
    SOCIALS

    www.smartdrivetest.com
    www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest
    www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest
    www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/

    Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd

    Music: BoxCat Games
    Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song
    ****************
    MONETARILY SUPPORT THE CHANNEL

    If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest
    This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.
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    33 mins
  • Are You Ready for the SHOCKING Truth About WINTER DRIVING

    Are You Ready for the SHOCKING Truth About WINTER DRIVING
    Jan 10 2025
    Tips, techniques, and real-life happenings to drive safely on black ice and snow in the winter. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest **************** COURSES & CHECKLIST Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/dont-fail-drivers-test-checklist Click for COURSE Package that includes: 1) Pass Driver's Test First Time 2) Defensive Driving Smart 3) Winter Driving Smart https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-package "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time" Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30 **************** RESOURCES 14 Important Tips to Drive Safely in the Winter - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjZIqK4dJgw&list=PL0x-bChcUvwGXH4VbLmO0gJJpeIqLrs2T&index=1&t=180s Drive Safely on BLACK ICE with These Pro Tips! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYpgyNlF6cM&list=PL0x-bChcUvwGXH4VbLmO0gJJpeIqLrs2T&index=2 **************** CHAPTERS 00:00 - The Shocking Truth About Winter Driving You Need to Know Uncover the winter driving facts that could change the way you approach the season. 01:42 - How Fast Should You Really Be Driving in Winter Weather? The critical speed limits you need to follow to stay safe on icy and snowy roads. 04:34 - What to Do If Stone Chips Damage Your Windshield in Winter Quick fixes and important steps to take if your windshield gets damaged by cold-weather debris. 08:39 - Skid Control: How to Recover from a Slide on Snow & Ice Learn the best techniques to regain control of your vehicle when you start to skid. 17:49 - Driving in Snow & Ice in the Southern U.S.: What You Need to Know Tips for navigating winter weather in regions where snow is rare but still dangerous. 19:10 - Why the Brake Pedal is NOT Your Friend on Snow & Ice Learn why braking on slippery roads could lead to disaster—and what you should do instead. 20:26 - Where Does Black Ice Hide on the Road? The most common spots where black ice forms and how to avoid it. 22:44 - How to Safely Learn to Drive on Ice & Snow Essential training tips and techniques for mastering winter driving. 23:04 - What Weather Conditions Cause Black Ice to Form? The specific weather factors that create black ice and how to spot it before it’s too late. 26:15 - The Truth About ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes) in Winter Driving Debunking myths about ABS and explaining how they really work in icy conditions. 31:54 - What Traffic Conditions Lead to Black Ice Formation? Understanding how traffic patterns and road usage contribute to black ice danger. 32:47 - Temperature Ranges That Trigger Black Ice Learn the specific temperatures that make black ice more likely to form. 34:57 - Why Winter Tires Are an Investment, Not an Extra Cost How winter tires protect you and why they’re a smart financial choice for your safety. 38:33 - Building a Winter Survival Kit: Must-Have Items for Your Car Essential gear to keep in your car to survive winter emergencies. 40:42 - Conclusion: Key Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe and Avoid the Ditch Recap of the most important winter driving points you need to remember to stay safe. **************** DESCRIPTION In this eye-opening podcast, we dive into the shocking truths about winter driving that every motorist should know. From the speed limits you should follow in icy conditions to the best ways to deal with stone chips on your windshield, this podcast covers everything you need to stay safe during the winter months. We also explore some common misconceptions, like how ABS (Anti-lock Brakes) work and why the brake pedal might not be your friend on ice or snow. You'll learn how to handle tricky driving conditions in southern states where snow is rare, how to avoid dangerous black ice while driving in mountainous areas, and why defensive lane changes are so important for safety. We’ll also discuss why winter tires aren't a financial burden but a wise investment in your safety, plus essential tips for learning to drive on snow and ice. Stay prepared with a winter survival kit and know exactly what lights to turn on when driving through winter weather. With expert insights and real-world tips, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone wanting to survive and thrive on the road during the cold season. Stay safe and ready to face whatever winter throws your way! Good luck on your road test! *************** SOCIALS www.smartdrivetest.com www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/ Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd Music: BoxCat Games Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song **************** MONETARILY SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.
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    43 mins
  • Driving Cultures

    Driving Cultures
    Jul 22 2022
    Driving Cultures Is It More Difficult to Drive in Other Places? Many drivers feel that their city is the worse for drivers and driving culture. There’s road rage, people cut you off, and of course they don’t signal.   Pass Your Driving Test First Time Course Package: https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-course-package Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist: https://www.smartdrivetest.com/driving-test-inspection-checklist Smart Drive Test YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest Website: https://www.smartdrivetest.com In a Smart Drive Test poll done on 10 June 2022, less than 20% of drivers have driven in other countries. And from that information, it’s posited that most have a limited view of driving. But the question remains, is it more difficult to drive in other places. And yes, places like India and China, that don’t have well established traffic management systems, are going to be more challenging. But the differences between Europe and North America are minimal. Roundabouts A number of Americans and Canadians don’t like roundabouts. One could surmise that it’s due to the fact that these were introduced without any education about how to use these. Roundabouts are better than conventional intersections. These types of intersections: Move more traffic per hours;Have less points of conflict, thus fewer crashes;Reduce urban noise pollution. And yes, the first few times you drive through a roundabout can be intimidating. If the way is clear in the roundabout, you don’t have to stop and can simply proceed. Or the unvitiated, you have to be both prepared to stop and proceed when approaching the roundabout. There are some multi-lane roundabouts in North America, but for the most part these are not yet widely accepted. If you do encounter a multi-lane roundabout, stay in your lane when entering the roundabout, and when exiting. Be sure to scan and signal when exiting to reduce the chances of other traffic crashing into you. When the round about in congested, go slow and hold your course. Driving on the Left Side Smarter Driver Redmesa29 commented: Years ago I was a transit bus mechanic near Vail Colorado. We would have Aussie & Kiwi seasonal drivers come in for the winter. I asked a driver how they were able to drive here considering they drive on the opposite side of the road there. He said, just remember in the US & Down Under the driver sits towards the center of the road. And he is absolutely correct. Relatively speaking you are still sitting in the same position on the roadway. And the pedals on a right-hand drive are the same as in a left-hand drive. Depending on the brand of vehicle you’re driving, the only thing that might be a bit different, is that the signals and wipers are on the opposite sides of the steering wheel. And of course, if you’re driving a manual transmission, you’ll be shifting the transmission with your left hand – which isn’t has tough as you might think. For those coming from countries where they drive on the right, you’re more in danger as a pedestrian, and cyclist or a motorcycle rider. And because of this danger, the streets of London, England have “Look Right” painted on the roadway at intersections to ensure that pedestrians look the correct way before stepping out into the roadway. Freeways & Motorways Motorways and freeways are the same the world over. In their truest form, freeways are called “limited access highways.” There are only certain points where you can get on and off the freeway. And these on- and off-ramps lanes are separated by continuity lines. In other words, there aren’t any conventional intersections. Only motorized vehicles travelling at the posted speed limit are allowed. There aren’t farm tractors, industrial equipment, cyclists or pedestrians along these roadways. And traffic is travelling in the same direction, which significantly reduces the severity of car crashes. On freeways and motorways, manage space well. Have a following distance of 4-6 seconds. And if there are more than 2 lanes, travel in the middle lane, or first lane left of the right-most lane for your best defensive posturing. Right-of-Way is Never Taken You can be right, or you can be dead-right. The right-of-way is never taken, it’s always given. No matter where you go, no matter what you do, always give others the right of way if they’re intersecting with your path of travel. When moving through crowded intersections or roundabouts, and another driver or rider wants over, let off the gas and allow the other vehicle to move sideways. Is a few seconds of your time worth risking a crash. Not to mention the time, energy and money that goes into the post-crash clean up. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to escape the collision without any injuries or hospital time. In the post-crash world, there will most likely be a time where you’re without your vehicle. Without your vehicle you’ll have to arrange alternative forms of ...
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    33 mins

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