Online Driving Schools - Simplifying The Art Of Efficient Driving

Restrict Adventure and Still Venture

How pleasant would you imagine driving would be without an aid? If in all sense of the word you believe that road traffic in India shall remain a cake walk for the first timer, you are surely mistaken. It shall remain to be witnessed how effectively traffic offences in India go unnoticed. Series of incidents queue up the news papers every morning flooding the scene with the miseries of how people end up after violating traffic rules in India. Accidents are also prevalent for the most defensive of all drivers. If thus you are caught in a maze with no where to turn and run, this is the place where you could get the right information at the right point of time. Driving in India could be fun provided you restrict your adventures and venture safely with the best of comforts that could offered to you through an online driving deal.

Driving schools in India could probably take you through the routine schedules of the rights and lefts of a traffic jam. Imagine if you could end up being a good driver avoiding the drunk driving and keeping tuned up to the driving safety that is offered.

Sit Back Take the Test!

If road safety in India need to be followed as a measure to remain alive for long the essentials of driving safely should be mastered without much delay. The art which people often miss when it comes to mastering the art of defensive driving could now be learned provided you understand the sensitiveness of the issue that is at stake. The issue is to prevent accidents and the idea is to make you a better learner of driving. It might be the easiest thing to obtain a driving license in India. But that isn’t the end of it and what is most needed might not be obtained with the license. That could be cultivated with a little sacrifice of the valuable time that men often waste. For the sake of safety, for the need to live and prosper, the best of what you could learn is always obtained from an online driving school.

People who find it hard to miss a bit of time could still be happy when it comes to sparing a second for sharpening your skills. That’s what we have in the offing when it comes to an online driving school. You could sit back and take the test!

About the Author:
Parthiv Gupta is the contributing author to the http://www.indiandrivingschools.com Indian Driving Schools is the first dedicated Indian Traffic Portal-Made to improve road safety through education and information about road safety, road rage, traffic rules, driving license procedure, and information about various traffic authorities and online traffic forms in India.
Article Submitted On: September 14, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Getting Your Drivers License

Can you remember when you turned 16? It was a huge day in my life as I'm sure is in millions of other American youth for this was the day that we got our drivers license. Don't even try to deny it. We all wanted that little card so badly we could hardly stand it. It was going to change our lives. If you are a male, I know you were dying to acquire that legal piece of plastic that said you could finally drive on your own. It meant cruising around with your buddies and taking your best girl out on a date.

Indeed, the very definition of a drivers license is freedom. So many of us actually believe that we can venture out to any place, near or far, once we've earned the almighty drivers license. I guess that was little overly optimistic. Not to sell the access card short, but like many other things, the reality never quite lived up to the expectation. Nevertheless, it's great to finally get your drivers license and enjoy the sweet freedom that it brings. When did you get your drivers license? I remember that I got mine the very day I turned 16. Where I came from, we could get our learners permits when we turned 15, so I already logged some pretty good miles. Finally the license was attainable. What I find funny now days is the change in mentality. I see our 17 son and scratch my head. He was pretty apathetic about getting his drivers license right when he hit that milestone of 16. What's that all about? Have things changed so much in the last couple decades? He more or less said that he would did when he got around to the end that wasn't anything to be all that concerned about. Although we were clearly puzzled, we decided not to push it. Six months later I guess he found the proper motivation and got his official drivers license.

Do you have a drivers license? The majority of adults do. I think it's kind of pain that we have to get new ones each time we move. Why can't I just keep the same one? We seem to move quite regularly, and I dread always having to go back to the DMV or BMV as they call it here, and test for a new drivers license. But I understand why there's been a turkey the current including your present address. Having a drivers license makes our day-to-day life quite a bit easier. If you have not yet received your first drivers license, you can always get a head start by hopping online. The great thing is that nowadays it is relatively easy. You can prepare for that much-anticipated license to freedom before you even reach the age of 16. There is one of information they had so go ahead and get a head start.

About the Author:
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning cars and driving. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.carsanddrivinginfo.com/cars--driving-information/cars--driving/drivers-license.html
This article was posted on August 23, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Driving Away Stress

It’s the morning rush hour, and your blood has reached the boiling point.

You have exactly five minutes to get to work and you discover a major traffic tie-up along the freeway.

You see the orange pylons and suddenly realize that you are stuck in a construction zone. The stress of being late for work seems overwhelming.

Or, perhaps it’s 5:30 p.m. and you’re rushing to pick your four-year-old up from day care.

A car suddenly veers in front of you and you have to slam on the brakes. You barely avoid an accident. Again, your stress level is rising and you’re finding it difficult to cope.

In today’s world, driving is a major cause of stress. Many of us spend countless hours stuck in traffic jams. There seem to be more cars on the road than ever before.

In many American cities, traffic problems are a major public safety issue. And, at times, it might seem as if drivers are less courteous than they’ve ever been.

Another source of stress is the care and maintenance of your vehicle. You have to worry about paying insurance costs, inspection fees, rising gas prices, and basic maintenance bills. The financial stress involved in keeping a car on the road can seem tremendous.

Also, you might be saddled with a car that has constant break-downs. If you feel as if your car is not secure, it can be quite a stressful experience.

For parents, chauffeuring children can be quite a stressful time. You might have to referee fights between children as you drive. Or you might have to find innovative ways to keep children occupied during long commutes.

Keeping children well-fed in the car can also be quite stressful. In desperation, you might pull into a drive-thru, where the wait seems intolerable.

Driving stress is a fact of modern life. There will always be potholes, discourteous drivers, cranky passengers. You will inevitably encounter traffic jams on your way to work, to the store, or to school.

There will always be times when you grip the wheel, wondering whether you’ll be able to make it.

While you cannot eliminate the stress of the road, there are ways to curtail it. For instance, you might consider investing in some restful CDs. Classical music can be quite soothing on a difficult driving day.

Or you might like to listen to a CD of nature sounds as you are trying to negotiate your way through traffic.

If you don’t have a CD player, cassette tapes are another possibility. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase tapes or CDs at a record store, consider purchasing them at a yard sale or church bazaar. You can even borrow tapes and CDs from your local library.

You’ll find that you’re better able to handle the stress of driving with some pleasant sounds emanating from your car stereo.

Another thing you might consider is changing your route. If you inevitably end up in traffic jams on the freeway, consider using residential streets instead.

While you might find that your commute time is longer, you might also discover that your stress is reduced considerably when your route is changed.

Another technique that many drivers use is to start out five to ten minutes earlier than they need to. That way, you don’t have to operate under such a time crunch.

Those five or ten minutes can make quite a difference to your daily commute.

In addition, you might enjoy having those extra minutes to yourself once you arrive at school or at work.

Driving is a necessary daily chore for most of us. The trick is to make it as enjoyable as possible in order to lessen our stress levels. Investing in a comfortable seat cushion or a relaxing back rest can do wonders for our frame of mind.

Singing or whistling in the car can be another effective stress-reducer. Playing games with your children—such as trying to spot out-of-state license plates—can be yet another effective stress-reducing technique.

Chances are you will not be able to reduce your stress level overnight. Many of us have become quite used to stress on the road. However, by trying to make our trips as pleasant as possible, we can go a long way to lessening driving-induced stress.

About the Author:
Rene Graeber
Are you sick and tired of being "empty" inside and out? Worry no more! At http://www.depression-self-esteem-stress-management.com you´ll find free and reliable information that gives you the straight facts and solutions to beat depression.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Know About Traffic Thru Your Mobile

In a world where everything can be easily accessed with just a couple of touches, many businesses do try to make sure that they services can be easily available to the market. For example, for auto parts store owners selling Ford Ranchero parts, they would like to make sure that their wares can be easily accessed and scrutinized by interested parties through the Internet. Or if you are an auto dealer, you can show off the vehicles you have available through various media.

What the ATX Group has to offer is actually the capacity for people to easily access information on navigating through various roads and areas. In fact, with the ATX Group being the second largest telematics provider in the world and in the automotive industry, any advances that this group has is no longer that surprising. Today, the ATX Group is offering the auto world navigation assistance through desktop communications and mobile gadgets.

Ingrid Dinsmore is the director for ATX's navigation services. Dinsmore expresses, "Mobile consumers today demand real time data such as traffic flow and special store hours, and that can only be provided through a connected device. Enhancing the capability of any navigation unit by providing real time access to any type of content is one of our company's core capabilities. With nearly a decade of experience in providing private labeled service to embedded telematics systems in vehicles, we're just extending the connection beyond the car."

You see, ATX Group also does work on a premise that the market is out for portable means of navigation. In fact, there are various devices and gadgets out that can be connected to real time data and information without having to go through various hassles. Dinsmore expands the thought by saying, "We can provide manufacturers of portable navigation devices a new service that offers a better alternative to the increasing competition they face from other types of devices."

As an added thought, Dinsmore refreshingly shares, "Connectivity is the next logical step for personal navigation devices, expanding its usefulness beyond navigation and expanding its reach to interact with vehicles, the desktop computer and other devices."

About the Author:
Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.
Added: 23 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/43809.html

Driving This Winter

Well winter is here and we were warned. Back in October the TV weather teams told us that this winter would be the worst for many years. Some quoted the worst for 10 years and some did the usual and quoted the worst ever.

Already we have seen the gridlock in the UK and many motorists stranded overnight as they were caught out by snowstorms. The next day the TV weather teams are on the news saying we told you so, and for once I am on their side. So the message for this winter when driving is this, make sure you check the weather reports regularly, at least each night before you go to bed. If it states snow then be prepared the next morning to leave earlier or have plans to cancel.

Is your car prepared? Do you have plenty petrol in your car, more than you need in case you are stuck in traffic or snow? Do you have a basic tool kit in the car? Do you have plenty of antifreeze and is your mobile phone fully charged? Are your headlights clean and plenty of water with antifreeze in your washer bottle? If you travel by yourself or know nothing about cars have you got suitable breakdown cover? You can get cover for as little as £29 still that will get you home in a case of breakdown or accident.

This may all seem pretty basic but you would be surprised of how many think they will cope as and when it happens. But as we found out recently many were stranded overnight as the snow came in apparently from nowhere. Those with insufficient petrol ended up abandoning their cars without any heating. Others tried to book into already full hotels and bed and breakfasts.

This can be more than just inconvenience, being unprepared in bad weather can be a life or death situation. If YOU can't drive anywhere chances are the rescue services can't either. So this winter, be prepared!

About the Author:
Mark Flanighan is webmaster for Breakdown Cover and Driving Experience
Submitted: 2006-01-22
Article Source: GoArticles

Drivers Ed Spotlight: How To Choose The Best Driving School For Your Teen

It is a Saturday afternoon, a perfect afternoon to run your errands and do all that time-consuming shopping you have been putting off for the past week. You need 1) to buy groceries, 2) get an outfit for cousin Betty’s wedding next week, 3) to help high school grad-to-be Johnny select a college, and 4) sign up 15 year old Tina for drivers education. It sure is going to be a busy Saturday, better get to work!

So, after sitting down for 15 minutes and making a grocery list, you head to the local market and spend another hour and a half picking out the perfect cantaloupe, sirloin, and finding the best deal on bread. Now it’s off to the mall where you are determined to find that perfect ensemble of clothing to wear to the big wedding. Two hours and four department stores later, it’s in the bag and you’re finally on your way. You get home and look at your to-do list: find college for Johnny. “Well,” you think to yourself, “that’ll take a few days to figure out, I’ll just tackle that when I have a few days off from work.” Finally, you come to the end of your checklist and let out a sigh of relief, all you have to do is sign up little Tina for driving school. You open up the yellow pages, dial seven digits, and five minutes later Tina’s enrolled at Uncle Bill’s Driving School and you’re half way to your bed for a nap.

So let’s recap, shall we? You spent an hour and a half buying food for the next week, 2 hours purchasing clothes you’ll wear for a day, you’ll need several days to select that college Johnny will attend for four years, and it took you five minutes to select your daughter’s driver training that she will not only use for the rest of her life, but that will hopefully save her from one of life’s most lethal tasks: driving.

Did you know that the number one cause of death for teens ages 15-19, according to the National Center of Health Statistics, is automobile accidents (they account for nearly 40% of all teen deaths)? It’s no secret that teen drivers have a higher rate of serious and deadly accidents than other drivers. Many of these accidents are caused by common mistakes, or an incomplete knowledge of traffic laws. With these poignant statistics, it’s a wonder parents don’t take choosing a driving school more seriously. The knowledge gained from a good, qualified driving school decreases the chances of being involved in a costly, injurious or possibly deadly collision. When choosing the right driving school for you or your loved ones, there are some obvious and not-so-obvious points to consider.

1) Price should not be a factor.
Driver training is one of the most important investments you'll ever make for your teen. When looking for a driving school, there is usually an inverse relationship between price and quality. Though the most expensive school isn’t automatically the best, there is a reason why certain schools charge less than others. Some driving schools cut corners by investing in cheaper, less safe vehicles. Others hire unqualified instructors that they find on the street and can pay minimal wages. Not to mention, most inexpensive schools teach “off the top of their head,” and have not taken the time or money required preparing a structured, comprehensive curriculum. If you find a school you like, but the price is a little steeper than you expected, find out if they have a payment plan. Many customer friendly driving schools not only help you by breaking up costs into affordable payments, they also offer promotional discounts to help lower the price.

2) Verify the driving school is licensed in your state.
If your child needed surgery, you surely wouldn’t take them to an unlicensed surgeon. Don’t make the same mistake when choosing a driving school. Licensed schools truly have to earn their credentials by complying with a number of state laws and regulations. You can check on the status of any licensed driving school and verify what type of courses they are approved for. For example, in California, the DMV provides a free driving school look-up service located at https://eg.dmv.ca.gov/olinq/Welcome.jsp. If a school is not on their list, keep looking!

3) Review the driving school's website.
You may not always be able to judge a book by its cover, but you can get a pretty good idea of what’s inside. The same is true of driving schools and their websites, and you should take the time to see what their site has to offer. Is the site professional? Is it easy to use? How about the content – is it pertinent, helpful, and organized well? Does the site have just minimal information, or does it go above and beyond what you’d expect? Is contact information clearly stated and easy to find? If you answer no to any of these questions, you might want to say no to that driving school.

4) Customer service should be a priority.
A good test for any service-based company is to see how helpful and professional their customer service is. After all, if they have poor customer service before you are their customer, who knows how they will treat you once they’ve already got your money. Put a list of questions together and give the driving school a call. Most reputable companies will have well trained phone staff that should be able to answer any question you have regarding getting your permit or license. And they should answer those questions with a positive attitude. If a school representative answers the call on a cell phone, they probably don't have an office or they are in the middle of a driving lesson. This should raise a red flag and you should run, not walk, in the other direction.

5) What does the driving school offer in the way of training vehicles?
One of the most overlooked aspects of driver training is the vehicle used to train your teen. Shouldn’t the primary tool used to train be of primary concern? Many of the best schools train in up-to-date vehicles equipped with extra safety equipment such as side & head curtain airbags and vehicle stability control systems. Another item to consider is the type of vehicle you will train in. If your teen will be driving an SUV as their primary vehicle, it makes sense to have them trained in an SUV. There are schools out there that offer lessons in both SUV’s and compact cars, you just have to look around.

6) Make sure the driving school’s instructors are capable.
A restaurant’s only as good as their chefs and a driving school is only as good as their instructors. A legitimate driving school hires professional, highly trained instructors to teach their students. Some of the leading-edge schools even hire instructors who have strong backgrounds working with teens. Studies show that teens learn more effectively when they are mentored, not dictated to. Furthermore, the best driving schools will thoroughly screen their instructors with background and drug tests. After all, you should be able to trust leaving your child with an instructor without having any reservations. Finally, top driving schools also have a mix of both male and female instructors, allowing you to choose the best fit for you.

7) Choose a driving school with nothing to hide.
Your first instinct about the quality of a driving school is probably your best. A good driving school usually will give you a good feeling from the start. If you ask specific questions, you get specific, no nonsense answers. In addition, a respectable driving school will keep you in tune with what’s going on with your child. Some advanced schools in California actually provide written feedback after each lesson regarding the child’s progress. One good test of a driving school’s reliability is requesting to accompany your child on his or her fist lesson. An upright driving school will accommodate this request.

8) Verify basic driving school services are intact.
Unfortunately, many driving schools are just trying to make a quick buck and don’t provide some of the basic services a customer would come to expect. For example, make sure your child is the only student in the car during their lesson, not splitting their time with multiple teen drivers. Also, will the driving school pick you up at your front door? From school? From work? Or do you have to drop your child off for their lesson. Does the driving school have cell phones in their cars in case of emergencies? Do they have a GPS tracking system in their training vehicles in case you need to track down your child? And a good driving school will keep an open line of communication with you between lessons – are you getting feedback from them after each lesson?

9) Find a driving school with several products to offer.
A successful driving school usually offers more than just the basic or minimum driving packages. If they’re experienced, they know that not all students learn at the same level and may need different amounts and types of training. Some good questions to ask a prospective driving school might be, “Do you offer special freeway training?” or “Do you have special courses that help prepare for the DMV drive test?” Also, find out if they have various hourly packages; most respectable schools offer 6, 10, 20, and 30 hour drive packages. Again, inquire about their vehicle line, do they just have cars available for training, or can you train in an SUV if desired?

10) Make sure you they can accommodate your schedule.
If you decide to go with a “mom and pops” driving school, plan on scheduling your lessons around their calendar. If they only have one or two cars, chances are you’ll have to go when they are ready to take you. A well-rounded driving school should have a fleet of vehicles (and instructors) so that you can schedule lessons around your life. Furthermore, they should cater to the time of day you would like to schedule your teen. Do they have early morning lessons? How about evening lessons for practicing during the nighttime.

11) Driving schools should be able to help get your permit.
It’s very common for driving schools that teach behind the wheel training to also offer some sort of driver education to help get your permit. If the driving school doesn’t offer the education you need to get your permit, they should at least be able to refer you to someone who does. Of the driving schools that do offer driver education, many only offer it in a classroom setting. The more credible schools are heeding the results of a CA DMV study conducted in 2003. The study showed that students who received their education online or via a computer based program outperformed and tested higher than students who sat through the traditional classroom training. As a result, progressive driving schools have made the investment and now offer their education via the Internet. When choosing an online course for your child, double check that the online course has been DMV approved and is not some unsanctioned course created just to take your money.

As you can see, choosing a suitable driving school requires a little more forethought than opening up the yellow pages and randomly dialing a phone number. While many teens may opt to take the quickest and easiest route they can find, a prudent parent knows that this is not a decision that should be rushed. After all, your 15-year-old “baby” is about to get behind a 3,000-pound machine, a machine that many Department of Motor Vehicles consider a deadly weapon. So before you “load that gun”, make sure you do your part by “putting the safety on”, that is, get them the best driver training possible.

About the Author:
Chris Kramer is a content writer for both http://www.TrafficSchool.com and http://www.DriversEdDirect.com. Check out our websites for more information about online traffic school or drivers education for teens.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Car Cost Considerations For Young Drivers

So you are a young driver and you have just got your first car but there are many extra costs which you may not have thought about. There are of course the essentials such as car tax, fuel and car insurance which can all mount up. But there are many companies that will offer discounts on young driver car insurance. There are also safety and security features that your car does not have that you may want to consider installing. Here are a few details on extra costs involved with car ownership.

Essential car costs:

Car insurance

Make sure that you purchase a good car insurance policy before you even consider driving out in your new car so that you are covered for any eventuality. There are many young driver car insurance policies out there designed especially for you. Shop around to make sure that you get an affordable policy, online car insurance is a good place to start.

Car Tax

The law in the UK states that it is essential for all vehicles kept or used on public roads to display a valid tax disc. This shows the police that vehicle tax has been paid, the vehicle has passed its MOT and is covered by at least third party motor insurance. Car tax for private vehicles costs between £60 and £170 per year depending on fuel type and CO2 emissions.

Car Fuel

Obviously you need fuel to run your car but there are various different types on the market, petrol, diesel, liquid petroleum gas and compressed natural gas to name a few. Often your engine will be designed for either petrol or diesel and filling the tank with the wrong fuel can cause serious damage to your car, so take care. You can save money on fuel by purchasing a car with good fuel-economy which is measured by miles per gallon. Ask your car dealer about fuel economy before purchasing.

Car safety features

Anti-lock brakes

This relatively new safety device is designed to bring a car to a halt more quickly than conventional brakes. ABS prevent the breaks from locking so that the car does not skid and in turn increase the driver’s control over the car. This is a great safety feature that could potentially prevent road accidents from happening or at least stop your car from being involved. It is well worth the extra cost of investing in a car with ABS.

Air bags

Frontal airbags are now installed in most cars in the steering wheel hub or dashboard. They can also be fitted in the sides of a car for extra protection in case of side impact crashes. Airbags inflate in an instant after a sudden impact to protect those involved in a car crash from serious personal injuries. Seatbelts should also be worn by law, even when an air bag is fitted. If an air bag does not come as standard with your car then having them installed by a retailer is advisable.

Child seat

If you have your own young child or will be ferrying around a younger sibling a child car seat is a must. Car seats for children under three years are required by law in the front seat and are recommended for the back seat as well. This is purely for the safety of the child who would be thrown about inside the car with the impact of a car accident, causing serious injuries or worse to themselves and other passengers.

Car security features

There are many security devices that have been recommended by the police and security experts across the UK to help you to keep your car from being stolen. Although the initial cost of some of these features may be fairly high they could save you a fortune in the long run. Having your car stolen will inevitably cost you a lot more money, time and inconvenience than a few security measures. Also, some car insurance companies will reduce your premium rates if you have extra security for your car since it will be at less risk of being a crime target. Here a few examples of security devices on the market:

Car alarm - to let every one know your car is at risk form thieves

Central locking - so you don’t forget to lock up

Deadlocks - double locks for extra security

Immobiliser - stops your car from going anywhere, mostly fitted as standard now

Locking wheel nuts - you don’t want those alloy wheels rolling off

Lockable fuel caps - so you don’t lose a full tank to thieves

Security etching - have your registration etched in so any parts stolen can be matched to your car

Removable panel/security coded car stereo equipment - some manufacturers fit stereos with components that will not fit into another model, you don’t want someone else playing your tunes

Remember that there are some costs that you must fork out for when you start driving but young drivers could save themselves a fortune with a few initial costs of installing safety systems which could help save lives and security systems that could reduce your car insurance rates.

About the Author:
Katy Lassetter, Hoot Car Insurance Services (www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk)
Hoot Car Insurance Services are specialists in providing fantastically cheap young driver car insurance. For a free quote in matter seconds just call 0808 144 9954 or go to http://www.hootcarinsurance.co.uk.
This article was posted on February 23, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Truck Driving School 101

I've been driving an 18-wheeler for 11 years. People always ask "is it hard to drive that thing." The answer is: yes and no. Once you're used to driving an 18-wheeler, it's not hard. But it takes a lot of practice, patience, and paying attention to get good. You know a guy has been trucking a long time when he can blind side it into a hole between two trucks without having to pull up once. For the rest of us, it's a good idea to have an extra set of eyes watching from outside the truck, go slow, and not worry about looking dumb when you need to make a correction.

Trucking schools teach you the basics. They teach you what you need to know to pass the test in your state. They teach you how to answer the questions the right way and how to turn the wheel to put the trailer where the examiner wants it to go. They do NOT teach you trucking. I'd call trucking school "Intro to Trucking, 101," if you will. Don't get me wrong-trucking school provides you with a good base of knowledge about trucking. You can learn the physics behind a jack knife and some basic tips to avoid trucking accidents. You can learn the basics of maneuvering. You can learn the rules and regulations of the trucking world. The more you know when you leave trucking school, the better equipped you are to handle the realities you will encounter on the road.

I don't know of any reputable companies that don't require trucking school. Some companies provide their own trucking school and teach you for free so long as you drive for them for a certain period of time- usually 6 months to a year.

When I went to trucking school, there were 4 ways to pay.

1. Pay cash up front.
2. Get a loan, pay the trucking school up front and pay the loan back to the loaner (whether it's a bank or a relative).
3. Take a loan from the trucking school and pay them back with a lot of interest.
4. Government funding through unemployment or military programs.

If you opt to take a loan from the trucking school, be aware of the interest they are charging. Also, read the contract on the loan carefully. Some loans penalize you for paying them off early and some require that you pay all the interest whether you pay it off early or not.

If you opt to work for a company that provides the training in return for your commitment to drive for them, be aware of what the going rates are for new drivers. Say that trucking school costs $3,500 and the going rate for a solo driver is 30 cents per mile (cpm). If you opt to go through a company's trucking school and they want you to drive for them for a year at 20 cpm, that's a 10 cent difference. In a year's time, if you drive 100,000 miles, you have made $10,000 less than you would have working for 30 cpm. You need to decide if the original investment in trucking school is worth the loss of income you may face.

However you pay for it, trucking school is a necessity in most cases. It is the gateway to a good paying job.

About the Author:
Michael Farrell
CoopsAreOpen.com is the only comprehensive online resource for over 1100 truck weigh stations and scales as well as state DOT weight regulations and policies. Knowledge of the varying policies and the ability to manage or avoid most weigh stations can save truckers thousands of dollars in ticket fines. For further information, contact Michael Farrell at 646.257.2052 or view complete Truck Weigh Stations, Scales and State DOT Information at http://www.coopsareopen.com
Article Submitted On: July 01, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Lock without a key with keyless remotes

Everything is right on your way in the blink of an eye with the click of a mouse. Amid this stupendous swiftness and modern gadget system would you still like to carry the conventional lock and key system? You have changed your profile; also change your outlook then. Grab on time and introduce the latest innovations to shape your lifestyle. Keyless remote holds a part of this change.

Keyless remotes for your car

Keyless remotes have introduced a new dimension in the automobile world. With its help you no more need to come near a car, push the key and then open the car lock. From a distance you can operate the whole thing if the signaling criterion is perfectly matched.

The locking and the unlocking systems are not manual. Keyless remotes are actually remote controls working through signals as involved in radio frequency. You are aware of the functioning of a TV remote control. How the pulse is sent that induces the generation of signals and via radio frequency the channel surfing is done. In case of keyless remotes the same thing happens. The difference is that it is not changing of the TV channels but opening and locking of your car.

Key processes involved

The modus operandi of a keyless remote is basically depended on two systems. One among them is the remote keyless entry system. This is the conventional mode of operation of a keyless remote. The remote is sending the pulse from a distance but that has to be within the signaling area to catch with the tower. Of course here it is the car or the vehicle and the pulse should hit with the right frequency to open the car door lock.

There is another system called remote keyless ignition system working to operate the keyless remote. It also depends on the pulse sending and signal receiving technique but this one is better in terms of security. How? In remote keyless ignition system the pulse is a message sent to the vehicle and the message has to be deciphered to process further. A trick is played over here. Who is more efficient, man or car? Therefore man only creates a secret path or code in the locking system and the unlocking is only possible with the same individual’s effort.

As in your laptop, you can keep everything under the security of a password, similarly in cars keyless remotes are designed considering the safety and security measures. Forget about the conventional lock and key and begin a brand new journey on car with a keyless remote.

About the Author:
Thomas MacIntosh writes about on Lock without a key with keyless remotes to visit :- keyless remote
Article Source: http://www.articles411.com

Teaching Student Drivers: 9 Tips To Keep Everyone Safe And Sane

I have had the experience of teaching several people how to drive. Some were youngsters, but I have also taught a few adults how to drive too. Let’s just say that I am more than glad to have “retired” from this practice as teaching someone how to drive can be taxing mentally as well as physically. Still, not everyone has the funds to go to driving school or an available friend to help out. So, if you are one of the “lucky” ones playing the role of instructor, here are some tips to help keep you sane and your student listening.

1. Set A Schedule. Keeping teens on a schedule can be nearly impossible as they juggle their busy lives with after school programs, work, homework, socializing, etc., but it is something that you must do. Find a time that works for the both of you and go out no more than one hour each time for your lessons. Oh, by the way, make sure your driver in training has his or her driver’s permit on them at all times.

2. Simple Start. Keep the first lesson or two simple. Backing in and out of the driveway and driving around the neighborhood first are good starts. If you live on a busy road, then you should drive the car to a less busy area before allowing your student to take over. At the very beginning, avoid driving on days when pavement is wet – dealing with water on the road is a separate lesson for the more experienced student.

3. A Good Beginning. Thirty years after I first received my license, I remember in my lessons being told that there were four things that a driver must do before even starting the car: door, seat, seatbelt, mirror. In other words: close and lock the doors, adjust the driver’s seat for your personal settings, fasten your seatbelt, and adjust side and rear view mirrors. Then, put the key in the ignition, start the car, look all around, engage the transmission, and slowly step on the accelerator and get moving.

4. Moving Forward. Once your driver has a good feel for the car – no jackrabbit starts or hard breaking observed – step things up and start practicing using hand and turn signals, parallel parking, how to negotiate turns and curbs, etc.

5. Stepping Out. After several lessons of driving locally and practicing safe driver habits, it is time to take the student out onto a busy road. Keep this lesson short to allow the nervous student time to adjust to driving in traffic. At least initially avoid rush hour traffic, highways, and areas with excessive pedestrian traffic. Make sure your student understands road signs, traffic signals, stopping/yielding, and the myriad of other rules of the road. Repeat lessons as needed to help your student grow accustomed to driving in traffic. Once your student builds up their confidence, take them out on the highway.

6. Study and Review. While behind the wheel lessons are extremely important, knowledge about driving rules and regulations are important too. When driving down the road, point out road signs and ask your student what they mean. Discuss the fines and points that can be assessed by the Department of Motor Vehicles {DMV} for violations. All of these things will be on their written test.

7. Defensive Driving. If you live in a more northerly climate, learning how to drive on ice and snow is essential to being a safe driver. Even if your student learns how to drive and secures their license in warmer months, insist on getting back in the car with them when wet leaves, snow, and ice are on the ground. Also make certain that your student understands how alcohol can impair judgment, how a radio, cell phone, or other passengers can distract them, and how to drive around pedestrians, bicyclists, mopeds, etc.

8. Check Fluids. An important lesson apart from actual driving and preparing for the written test is maintenance of the vehicle. Your student should be familiar with looking under the hood, checking fluid levels, hoses, belts, etc. Also show your student how to check tire pressure, do a visual check of turn signals, headlights, and all other lights. Familiarization with the exhaust and suspension systems is important too.

9. Ready, Set, Test! Once you are certain that your student understands all the rules of the road, is exhibiting safe driving practices, and is a confident driver then take the test. Do not let a pending birthday or special event drive that decision as you want to produce a safe driver, not a reckless one.

Once your student has passed their test make certain that the information on their license is correct, your car’s registration is up to date, your insurance has them covered, and the car that he will be driving is road ready before allowing him to drive by himself.

Remember, driving is a privilege and not a right. Good driving habits are formed early on, but so are bad habits. Nip any problems in the bud early to ensure the safety of your student and everyone else who is out on our roads.

About the Author:
Matthew C. Keegan
Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Auto Parts Warehouse, a leading wholesaler of quality performance and replacement parts for your vehicle. At the Auto Parts Warehouse we encourage all drivers to use their http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/turn_signals~pop.html: turn signals, http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/auto_mirrors~pop.html: adjust mirrors, and http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/radiators~pop.html: check fluids to help ensure a safe and sane driving experience.
This article was posted on January 02, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Defensive Driving: The Basics

It is a fact that though drives can control most of their actions most of the time, they are totally powerless when it comes to the actions of others drivers. They simply do not know what other drivers on the road are going tot do. This is why it is very important for drivers to learn the special skill called defensive driving. So if you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from accident, then it is highly advisable that you take defensive driving courses. Such classes offer a wealth of information when it comes to preventing or fixing road mishaps.

What is defensive driving? Simply put, it is a way of driving where the driver takes every possible precautionary measure in order to prevent accidents or untoward incidents from occurring. Defensive driving is probably the best way to ensure the safety of a driver and his or her passengers,

Below are some of the basics of defensive driving:

Be ready with every possible situation that might happen on the roads. Constant preparedness is probably the best trait of a very good defensive driver. Before driving your car make it a habit to check the tire pressure, and the water, oil and gas levels. It is also important to check the lights and mirrors. It is also wise to make sure that you have all the necessary documents pertaining to your car with you before leaving.

Avoid showing road rage. You should also, as much as possible, avoid other drivers showing signs of road rage. Don’t react to the anger of other motorists. Always keep your head cool.
The color of your car is very important in defensive driving. You are in a better position if your car is brightly colored. Advantageous colors in defensive are red, orange, yellow or other brightly colored. Because they are easily seen, bright colored cars are les likely to get involved in an accident.

Remember to always use your headlight while night driving. It is very stupid, not to mention illegal, to drive without the headlights on at night.

Always follow the three second rule of driving. According to this rule, a driver must always be at least three seconds of driving time from the driver in front in all conditions. Drivers should be five second behind the driver in front during bad conditions.

Never follow a vehicle, especially big trucks and busses too closely. By doing so, driver swill be sure to have perfect visibility.

Always avoid being in the blind side of other drivers. If an accident happens, It is pretty sure that you certainly cannot blame the other party for what has happened.

As much as possible, drive with a companion. This will ensure hat someone will be there with you in case something happens.

While on the road, avoid getting close to cars that are broken down or has damages. These cars are most likely run by irresponsible drivers. You can bet that they are not defensive drivers.

The above are just the basics of defensive driving. To know more about defensive driving and how it can save you money, your car and even your life, then consider enrolling in a defensive driving school soon.

These are only a few of the defensive driving rules that are out there. You will find a wide range of them as well as places to take defensive driving classes on the web.

About the Author:
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides defensive driving resources on www.aboutdefensivedriving.info.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Be The Test Driver!

Most of us dream of owning the best kind of vehicle there is for you in the market. You may like to drive the Dodge Durango while your friend may be eyeing the Lamborghini as the kind of vehicle he would like to drive around.

However, as far as your budget would allow, the only thing you can do is to have your fair share of Ferrari parts and accessories and add them to your vehicle. And that would be it.

Now, you see, your luck can actually change. You may not actually be given a new vehicle, but you do would have the chance to drive some of the best vehicles and take them for a ride. If you live in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, then you surely are going to be in quite a spin.

This is a once in a lifetime chance. So everybody who lives in that area or who would like to join up the fun can be part of the Full Throttle Test Drive Event which is brought by the Chrysler Group. This grand motoring event would be held at the Lone Star Park which can be found on Grand Prairie Texas. This coming weekend, November 18th and 19th, car lovers can surely have a grand time test driving the Chrysler vehicles.

According to Chrysler, anybody can come and join in the fun of driving their vehicles. In fact, all of the newest Chrysler auto parts clad vehicles would be available for a spin. The list of vehicles includes a 2007 Chrysler Sebring, a Dodge Nitro, and a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

There would be three kinds of tracks where you can take the vehicles for a zoom. One track would be that where you can check out the ride and handling of all of Chrysler's passenger cars. As per the second track, this one would allow you to feel the capacities of the auto manufacturer's sport utility vehicles on the off road. As per the third track, the power and performance of the vehicles would be on the line.

Michael Milad is the director for DaimlerChrysler Corporation's Southwest Business Center and he does say, "The Full Throttle Test Drive Event is not your ordinary driving event. It is more like a celebration of all the great Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles in our product portfolio. The tour brings all three of the Chrysler Group brands together for the public to experience in an experiential way through thrilling test drive courses."

About the Author:
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
Added: 17 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/43148.html

Drunk Driving Car Crash

Accidents caused due to drunken driving are one of the major-concern issues haunting the US in the past few decades. Drunken driving causes more than 16,000 automobile casualties every year, leading to more than a million deaths. Not to mention the millions of drivers that are arrested for drunken driving each passing year.

Several people who party into the wee hours of the night drive with the drink still inside them. Youth that attend rave parties are susceptible to a more serious problem, as they often mix drugs with their drink. All these activities are deemed not only dangerous but also illegal by law. Drunk driving endangers the lives of the drivers and their passengers as well as other people on the road.

Strict methods are employed by traffic authorities to restrict and impound drunk driving. Measures such as breathalyzers are adopted by traffic police to detect whether a driver is drunk or not. A breathalyzer can ascertain the amount of alcohol in the breath of a driver. Another factor to determine the presence of alcohol in the body of a driver is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). A BAC level of more than 0.15 is considered unsafe for driving. There are other crude means adopted in certain jurisdictions such as making the suspected driver to walk in straight line or making them read out a passage.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is responsible for creating guidelines for safe driving. They have implemented rules under the National Minimum Drinking Age laws to wean drunken drivers off the road. According to their estimates, these laws have met with great success and have been able to prevent more than 20,000 drunken driving deaths in the past year.

Various organizations are dedicated to cause awareness about the problem of drunken driving. Particularly, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) has met with a lot of popularity in this field. Media such as the television and newspapers are used extensively to educate people of the dangers of drunk driving. There are clips showing gruesome drunken driving deaths interspersed with movies and TV serials and true life accounts of victims.

The country has met with success in its fight against drunken driving. The number of fatalities is dwindling off with each passing year. There is a 33% decrease in the number of deaths this year from the past year. However, there is still a lot of work to be done and several organizations are working together to drive the bane of drunken driving into extinction.

About the Author:
Kent Pinkerton
Car Crash provides detailed information on Car Crash, Drunk Driving Car Crash, Fatal Car Crashes, Car Crash Articles and more. Car Crash is affliated with Car Accident Lawsuits.
Submitted: 2006-05-02
Article Source: GoArticles

In the Nick of Time: Your Car’s Serpentine Belt

Recently, my friend called me from a roadside Dairy Queen in frenzy. His dad had been driving his Ford car down the highway and heard and awful noise. First, there was a squeal and then what sounded like a whip smacking the underneath of his hood. They weren’t sure what was happening, but after investigating, found that a black rubber belt was half-eaten off its pulleys.

“Is the belt still on there?” I asked.
“Well, half of it is,” he continued as if the world were ending. “My dad ripped the part that was hanging off and now only half remains!”
“Have you driven it? How many miles are on that thing?” I questioned.
“Yeah. We drove it into the parking lot here. I think it’s got ninety thousand.” He said flabbergasted.

After a couple more minutes of my friend’s ranting about his dad’s mechanical shortcomings, I took a risk and told them to slowly drive it over to my house (which was only five minutes away).

This problem seems all too common with owners of modern cars. The serpentine belt, both black and cracked, which had half-shredded itself under my friend’s hood should have been replaced long before. The problem could have been prevented.

Before this problem happens to you, you should be sure to check the belts when you do a regular check-up on your car. If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, then when you change the oil, be sure that you check the serpentine belt with each and every oil change (or if you use synthetic oil that doesn’t need changed as often, check your belt every 3,000 to 5,000 miles).

The serpentine belt is so called because it looks like a snake as it curves around various drive pulleys. As stated, many modern automobiles have this sort of belt because it’s a lot easier (and less expensive) to install than older “V” belts; plus they last about 50% longer.

A serpentine belt maintains its tension via a spring-loaded pulley. The belt connects to and helps function your alternator, power steering, air conditioning and water pump. You should never break down on the side of the road due to this belt breaking from wear and tear. The problem is easily preventable. Simply check the belt for cracking, fraying or if it looks aged. However, even if the belt looks excellent, it may be time to change it. The time interval will depend upon the recommendation from the manufacturer (see your car's manual), but it’s safe to say that it should be replaced every 60,000 miles, or every two to three years.

If the problem persists and you find yourself having to change the serpentine belt every few months, then it’s another issue. Most likely, there is a problem with the alignment of one of the pulleys. Many times, there could be a problem with what’s called the harmonic balancer. While this sounds nice, this part is located on the front of the crankshaft. It’s made up of an inner steel section, a rubber sleeve, and a pulley with grooves that the belt fits over. If there’s a problem with this, you’ll most definitely have to check to see if it’s in alignment with a straightedge. If you notice it’s not aligned with the other pulleys, then take the car to a professional. They may have to move the entire engine over to work on it.

If you take your car to a mechanic for an oil change, ask about the serpentine belt at that time. Be sure that s/he has inspected all the belts thoroughly. If they recommend changing the belt, be sure that they use a high-quality one. It’s recommended to use the best made, and most likely, the most expensive (usually around 18 to 45 bucks). And, be sure to buy your belt from a respectable auto-parts store as different stores carry different brands and types. Ask your mechanic if they properly dispose of the belt. If it’s some person’s home business, you may want to take the belt to a professional mechanics shop and ask them if they can dispose of it properly. It’s a good idea to keep Mother Nature in tune too! Finally, ask your mechanic if s/he did a test of the belt while the car was in operation.

However, if you’re doing research on a serpentine belt, you’ve already won half the battle. Why not try and change it yourself? If you got some tools and a place to work, then you might feel quite “handy” once you see that it’s not that hard of a job!

First, you’ll want to buy a new high-quality belt. And, be sure to buy a pulley ratchet made for your car. This will allow you to loosen the tension pulley later. So, hopefully your belt hasn’t come off on its own yet. If not, go ahead and draw a little schematic of how the belt goes around each and every pulley. I like to draw it with as much detail as possible. If the belt has already shredded off, then I recommend searching the Internet for a schematic of how the new belt should be placed. It can seem baffling at first. Be sure you find a drawing for the exact date, year and model of your car.

With my friend’s car, we drew a schematic, but still became a bit confused once we had snapped the belt off. So, we went to the Internet for a back-up check.

Next, we took cutters and snapped off the remaining shredded belt. This isn’t recommended. It’s better to locate the tension pulley (the pulley that keeps the belt snug on all the other pulley’s and pumps), take the pulley ratchet and push it counter clockwise. You might have to use another tool (i.e. a hollow bar) for added leverage, as sometimes the tension pulley is difficult to budge. Remove the old belt.

Next, check the old belt and new belt together. Are they the same length? Is there the same amount of grooves on each? If so, continue.

Put the new belt around the other pulleys according to your schematic. Be sure that the grooves in the pulleys match-up to the grooves on the belt. You don’t want it slipping off while driving!

Finally, if the tension pulley is underneath the car, you may have a difficult time holding the pulley loose and putting on the belt. Perhaps there is a friend who could help you. During the aforementioned replacement of my friend’s belt, I held the pulley while he made sure the belt was in-line with the grooves and that it looked good according to our schematic. Now, be sure all fingers are moved out of the way and slowly allow the pulley to draw itself tight again, thereby causing the serpentine belt to tighten around as whole.
Check to make sure the belt is aligned on each and every pulley, especially if there are grooves for the belt to fit into. If so, start it up and see if it runs smoothly.

So, instead of ending up on the side of the road in a parking lot at Dairy Queen learning a lesson, check the serpentine belt on your car often.

About the author:
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics such as engines from the JDM, used car motors and swapping engines. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.
Circulated by Article Emporium

Young Driver Car Insurance

It has become increasingly difficult to get young driver car insurance in the UK. The reason behind this is because the statistics for young drivers having a car accident are not very good. By definition, young drivers have very little experience of driving and thus have a greater chance of having a bump in their vehicle. Car insurance companies are obviously in business to make money and are understandably reluctant to insure such drivers. In most cases, companies will either offer a policy at a very high premium or refuse to insure the person altogether.

However, there are ways to lower your premium. First of all you should purchase a car that has a low insurance group number. Insurance group numbers range from 1 - 20. Generally speaking the higher the number the higher your premium is likely to be. This is because cars with high insurance group numbers usually have bigger engines, are more expensive and go faster. A low insurance group vehicle will lower the premium for a young driver policy. Young drivers should also be encouraged to take an advanced driving test. Some companies look favourably on drivers who take this test as they are seen as more responsible and more careful about their driving. Finally, opting for third party fire and theft or third party only cover also lowers your quote. If you have purchased a vehicle that does not cost very much money then you should seriously consider whether or not you need a fully comprehensive policy.

Getting cheaper quotes for young drivers can still be tricky. However, http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk have a special option that is aimed at this particular market and can save you a lot of money on your insurance quote.

Copyright (c) 2004 Accept Direct Limited http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk

About the Author:
Andrew Bowen is the CEO of Accept Direct Limited. Accept Direct offer car insurance to UK customers through their website http://www.acceptdirect.co.uk
This article was posted on August 28, 2004
Article Source: articlecity

Insider Techniques Lead to Outstanding Performance on Your Driving Test.

Today we are going to continue our mini series on Driving Test Preparation by looking at our insider techniques. Really good skills inside the car will lead to outstanding performance outside on the road where it really counts.

Firstly let's look at our resources. We have two feet, two eyes, two hands, two ears and one very large Brain which has the capability, when programmed, of more than 1000 Pentium Fours all firing at once. So from this we can deduce that it is the thinking processes that are the most important, other wise we would have been endowed with ten legs, twenty arms and probably just as many eyes.

If we can programme that Brain of ours to take in information from many different sources, all at once, then with a little practise and a lot of homework, it will do the work for you on automatic pilot, giving you plenty of drop-down menus to choose from and most importantly plenty of time to make that all important decision. How do we programme the Brain to do all this stuff all at once when it seems like an impossible task?

Firstly we have to be taught, then we have to repeat time and again, the same procedures, and lo and behold after a good few hiccups, the Brain will finally realise that this isn't a passing phase and that you are deadly serious about driving. This is the point at which decisions become instinctive as Mr Brain (with his 1000 Pentiums cranking up a storm) serves up the choices and gives you some solid clues to making your decision. All of this is happening in milli-seconds. Repetition and yet still more repetition is needed, until each manoeuvre is as good as you can make it. But if you haven't got the correct building blocks in place to begin with, no amount of Brain Power will do any good.

The building blocks are your Driving Lessons and the specific Techniques that you learn during these. The repetitions are your commands to your Brain to get working, and it will then start to push out really positive affirmations which will lead to a steady rise in Confidence which naturally leads to a dramatic improvement in Competence.

Let's examine the role of our various appendages.

(1) The Feet....Left foot has one function only and that is to utilise the Clutch when changing gear and to disengage the engine from the gearbox when stopping thus keeping said Motor Running.

(2) Right foot ....has two pedals to deal with but we are in luck since the exact same technique is used for both....which is .....Yes. You‘ve Guessed it Softly, Softly. The only time that heavy pressure is used with the right foot is during an emergency stop situation with the brake pedal and with the gas pedal when you need to accelerate away smartly when turning into the major road at a junction. Faster moving traffic bearing down on you is not going to take kindly to you doing a Tortoise imitation and they will either have to brake heavily or worse will attempt to overtake you.

(3) The Hands.... Left hand only leaves the Steering Wheel to change a gear or other secondary controls and then returns promptly to where it's happiest. Right hand remains on the wheel at all times, since it is the dominant grip of this hand that does most of the work of steering. Right hand comes in mighty useful on those occasions when you need to give a little extra warning to other road users in addition to your Indicators. One function that is not on the agenda for the Right hand is waving to neighbours or friends or dangling it out the window on a warm day or for Mobile phone activity.

(4) Ears are a very useful addition to your Driving equipment. In fact every new car should come with an extra pair .Why so? Keen hearing will not only alert you to the approach of an oncoming vehicle, that is still invisible, particularly at a junction; but will enable you to detect the slightest change in the performance of any of the cars equipment. There are many important pieces of kit that will give plenty of audible warning if everything is not quite right.

In fact just about everything that can go wrong in a car, and it will at some stage or other believe me, has its own inimitable sound bite. From thumping shock absorbers (known to the cognoscenti as Struts) to worn out brake pads(which sound like a nest of mice being devoured by the Neighbourhood Tom); to the screech of a slipping Drive belt; and to the imminent destruction of track-rod ends which are akin to a T-Rex starting his evening meal. This latter sound is conjecture but it's horrendous!

(5) The Nose comes hard on the tail of the Ears (what a sentence!) in importance, since a lot of the previously described events come with their own particular aroma. Clutch burn out and fuel leaks are readily noticeable to the trained nose so keep a keen ear (sorry Nose) to the ground.

(6) Obviously without our Eyes all of the above would be irrelevant. It's important that we keep our eyes in tip top shape and give ourselves plenty of breaks on long journeys. A Driving Test, while not as long in duration as an expedition is probably just as tiring on the eyes, so plenty of sleep before hand is essential . If you wear glasses then its quite likely that you will be more susceptible to glare from the sun during the day and blinding by oncoming headlights at night. You can reduce the effects of these situations substantially by keeping your inside windscreen immaculately clean. Its a fiddly job but very well worth it . Once you have been blinded by headlights at night a few times then you will realise how important it is to develop an advanced skill in handling these controls yourself. It is too late once you have blinded someone to then dip your headlights. Eyes take about seven or eight seconds to return to normal after being dazzled and that's a lot of road covered at any speed.

About the Author:
Robin Piggott is a Driving Instructor in Ireland who brings four decades of experience to his Astral Driving School based in Limerick. His newly refurbed web site due to launch in a few days can be found at http://www.astraldrivingschool.com Here you can find a treasure trove of everything for the Learner Driver and also pages for the visitor who is contemplating Touring Ireland by Car.
In the meantime why not pick up your free seven part mini-courseon "Passing the Driving Test First Time" at http://www.astralmotoring.ie
Article Submitted On: June 25, 2006
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Protect Eyes - Avoid Eyestrain

In today's world, with the predominance of television, computers and videos, people of all ages are suffering from eyestrains. Driving a car and living in the city full of smog can be the other main reasons for the eyestrains. The common symptoms of eyestrains are the blurry appearance of the letters on the computer screen or in the print of the page, which normally appear clear. The eyes hurt so badly that you are forced to shut them for some time.

The most common remedies to cure this problem are:

• Take breaks from work: If you are working on a computer or doing any other type of work, which involves working your eyes at a close distance, then you need to take a break of about two minutes after every hour. By simply closing the eyes and doing nothing will give the eyes the much needed rest.

• Stop reading to refocus: If you are reading continuously, it is highly advisable to take a short break after every 30 minutes and look far away into the distance. When you are working with your eyes close-up, there is a muscle in the eye that contracts. When you shift the focus to an object at a distance, you relieve the muscle of its strain.

• Have a tea break: Using an eyebright tea is a gentle balm for the strained eyes. Eyebright tea is a mixture of various herbal material sold by the health food shops as a remedy for the eyestrain. Soak a towel in the eyebright tea. Lie down and place this warm towel over the closed eyes. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Take care to ensure that the tea does not drip down into the eyes and should be warm but not scalding hot.

• Blink your eyes: Nature has given human eyes their personal masseur viz. the eyelids. Consciously blinking the eyes instead of squinting will cleanse and give them the required massage.

• Use glasses: If you have problems seeing but avoid using glasses due to vanity, you are bound to suffer from eyestrain. If your distance vision is good but cannot read up close then it is highly advisable for you to get a good pair of reading glasses to avoid eyestrain. If your distance vision is bad, use of glasses for curing eyestrain is highly recommended.

• Exercise the eye muscles: Stand at a distance of about five feet from the blank wall. Ask somebody else to toss a ball while you try to catch it every time it bounces off. Alternatively, hold your thumb at the arm's length, move it in circles and Xs, bringing it closer or far away and follow it with your eyes. These exercises offset the damage caused by eyestrain and improve the brain to nerve coordination for enhanced vision.

About the Author:
Kevin Pederson is the webmaster for natural home remedies websites, which guides you to all the questions you have about the usefulness of natural cure. Home Remedies for Eyestrain can help you to have good vision in the long run.
Submitted on 2006-12-01
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Driving Safely With AAA Vehicle

What could be even better than providing the teenage drivers the total gift of safety?

Well, it looks like such would be the Christmas present that the American Automobile Association's (AAA) Foundation For Traffic Safety is giving out to those new drivers out there. You see, what is actually happening is that the organization would be allowing teenagers use the Driver-ZED. What is the Driver-ZED? Well, it is actually a software program and is based on a DVD. It is like a game which teenagers can use and play around with. However, it is not all about games for the teenagers would be able to learn about being safe drivers and also teaching them tricks and tips so that they would avoid vehicle catastrophes at the maximum extent. After all, being in crashes could mean losing your arms and limbs and simply not just your car's Ford Probe performance parts.

Using the Driver-ZED is just like playing a game. Those who have tried it out have certainly said that the experience of using Driver-ZED was knowledgeable and quite fun. Many people have said that such would be the best type of gift one can give to parents who have teenage drivers as children. After all, quite a huge number of vehicle crashes involve teenagers so much so that vehicle crashes can be said to be one of the top killers of teenagers in the country. Such is backed up by data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Peter Kissinger is the AAAFTS president and CEO as well and he does explain the history behind the Driver-Zed: "We developed Driver-ZED specifically to teach teens how to handle the risks they are most likely to encounter on the road by preparing them to make split second decisions. We believe Driver-ZED is a critical tool that will complement and supplement a teen's driver training." He also does add, "It would take most people several years of real driving to gain this variety of experiences. Instead, Driver-ZED enables young people to navigate these situations from the safety of their home or classroom, where a mistake results in a lower score rather than a real world crash."

About the Author:
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has extensive knowledge on the auto parts industry.
Added: 24 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/43923.html

Understanding The N.O.T.S. In California: Keeping Points Off Your Driving Record

Have you ever wondered what counts as a point on your driving record? In California, the DMV has established a system called the Negligent Operator Treatment System, or N.O.T.S. for short. The N.O.T.S was designed as a means to getting the careless and reckless drivers off the road, and it is this system that determines how violations count against your driving record, or more formally, your Motor Vehicle Record.

The N.O.T.S. system is kind of like a game of golf--the fewer points you have, the better you are doing. California Vehicle Code 12810 dictates that all safety-related violations will count as either one or two points against you on your driving record. One-point violations stay on your record for 37 months. Two-point violations can stay on your record for five to seven years.

Some examples of a one-point violation include:

- Normal moving violations, i.e.: unsafe lane change, failure to stop at a stop sign, simple speeding, etc.
- Any collision that the Department of Motor Vehicles has determined that you are at fault.
- Failure to properly restrain a child (under 6 years of age or less than 60 pounds) in a child passenger restraint system or children between the ages of 6 and 16 years of age in an approved seat belt system.

Some examples of a two-point violation include:
-Failure to stop in the event of a collision
-Driving under the influence (DUI)
-Conviction of reckless driving
-Evading a police officer
-Driving on the wrong side of a roadway with a concrete divider
-Driving in excess of 100 mph
-Speed contest
-Transporting explosives without the proper license
-Vehicular manslaughter
-Exhibition of speed

Also, you may have your vehicle seized for 30 days by law enforcement officers if you participate in a speed contest, reckless driving or an exhibition of speed, which includes cornering at high-speeds, spinning donuts or spinning your tires (also referred to as "burning rubber").
The next obvious question is: How many points does it take to lose your license?

Here’s an easy to understand chart:

4 points over 12 months = License Suspended!
6 points over 24 months = License Suspended!
8 points over 36 months = License Suspended!

So what’s the moral of the story? Quite simply, drive safe. If you start racking up too many points against your driving record, maybe it’s time to revisit your California Driving Handbook or sign-up for a driving refresher from a licensed driving or traffic school. After all, if you’re slicing or hooking your golfing drives, wouldn’t you want a couple lessons from a pro?

About the Author:
Chris Kramer is a content writer for both http://www.TrafficSchool.com and http://www.DriversEdDirect.com. Check out our websites for more information about online traffic school or drivers education for teens.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com