HOW TO BE A SMARTER DRIVER. Adams Street Shell Promotions, Free Gas, reduced gasoline price, service customer care, auto care, car service, change oil and filter, spare parts, auto repairs, general repairs, tune up, fix car, tires, batteries, accessories, anti freeze, oil, fuel, additive

Is there a right way to enter and exit a freeway?

Yes. Always try to keep steadily increasing your speed as you enter the ramp, avoiding any sudden stops. As you approach, use your rearview and side mirror and look over your shoulder to judge the traffic situation. Vehicles already on the freeway have the right of way, so keep your eyes open for a "slot" in which you can merge smoothly and safely into the flow of traffic. And don't forget to use your turn signal and always wear your safety belt.

When exiting, gradually reduce your speed and move safely into the exit ramp. Be sure to allow plenty of time to exit and never dart into the ramp at the last minute.

What's the best way to survive the rush hour?

First, remain patient and learn to "expect the unexpected." Be ready to brake at all times and expect drivers around you to brake suddenly or change lanes without notice. We've all encountered drivers who realize (too late) that they're in the wrong lane when their exit or turn appears. Be willing to yield the right of way if another driver tries to cut in front of you.

Once traffic has started moving, don't be "lulled" into thinking it will continue. Maintain a safe distance from the car ahead of you and keep your eyes moving and alert to traffic at all times. You cannot allow yourself to be distracted -- even for a second.

So what's the "two-second" driving rule?

Two seconds is the safe following distance you should maintain from the car in front of you. It works like this: when the car ahead of you passes a landmark or fixed object along the roadside, start counting - one thousand and one, one thousand and two. If you get to the object before you stop counting, you're driving too close. Slow down and widen the distance between you and the car ahead. Allow even more following distance, however, if the weather is bad or when you're driving in heavy traffic or at night.


Q.	Tailgaters, I can't avoid them. But can I learn to drive with them?
A.	Tailgaters are impatient and in a hurry. If you notice one behind you, slowly reduce your speed. Thisdoes two things. It gives you extra room to stop if it becomes necessary to hit your brakes suddenly. At the same time, it should persuade a tailgater to ease up or pass your car. By all means, don't let a tailgater intimidate you into driving too fast. If you allow enough room to pass, the tailgater will probably go around.

What do they mean by the "left-right-left" intersection rule?

It's simply double-checking before proceeding through an intersection. Which is something you should do whether you have the right of way or not. First look to the left, then to the right and back to the left again. Always check twice on the left because cars coming from that direction would cross your path first. And don't just glance each way. Actually turn your head and look for oncoming traffic.

Who has the right of way when two cars reach an intersection at the same time?

The driver on the left should yield to the driver on the right. But never assume that the other driver will yield or come to a complete stop. How many times have you seen a driver coast through an intersection without actually coming to a complete stop?

Don't be in too much of a hurry if the other driver seems determined to continue first. It's far better to be "safe" than "right." Of course, driving rules vary from state to state, so it's best to become familiar with those in your area.

What about driving at night? Anything special I should do?

Absolutely. According to the National Safety Council, your chances of being involved in a fatal traffic accident are over three times greater at night. You should be rested and alert when behind the wheel, and if you're driving for a long period of time, build in a few rest stops. Stopping every two hours is a good idea.

If you're trying to decide whether or not it's time to use your headlights, it's time. Headlights not only make it easier for you to see at dusk, but they help other drivers see you.

When driving at night, don't just look into the bright area illuminated by your headlights. Look ahead into the outer edges of your headlights' range. You're more likely to spot a possible driving hazard. If you spot an animal in the road, switch to low beams and sound your horn. If an approaching vehicle has its high beams on, just watch the right edge of the road as a guide until the car passes.

How can I stay out of another driver's blind spot?

To see if you're driving in somebody else's blind spot, just glance at their inside rearview mirror. If you can't see the mirror, they can't see you. You're in their blind spot. Move forward or fall back out of harm's way.

Likewise, beware of blind spots in your side or rearview mirror. Always turn your head to visually check for other vehicles traveling in the lanes next to yours. Make sure your mirrors are adjusted properly and try to check them about every five seconds when driving.

OK. How do I handle drivers who aren't paying attention?

Always try to distance yourself from an obviously distracted driver. Look for signs of someone putting on makeup, listening to the radio, wearing headphones (against the law in many states) or talking on a cellular car phone. Many of these drivers are preoccupied and usually unaware of what is going on around them.

Try not to let yourself become "boxed" in. Instead, create a safe driving space around your car, leaving an "open door" should someone suddenly slam on the brakes or make a sharp turn. Remember, the two-second rule helps create a safe driving space.

Don't become too complacent behind the wheel. Smart drivers need to remain alert to their driving environment at all times.

About the Author . . .
Author F. Duggan Smith is a 25-year veteran of Shell Oil and currently holds the position of Area Real Estate Representative. He logs over 30,000 miles per year on the Southern California freeways and has taught safe driving practices for the past 13 years. He continues to bring his extensive expertise to the Driver Improvement Courses for Shell.

Shell Answer Series book #6 was published by Shell in 1991 and is no longer in print.

Shell Answer Book
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Whether you're driving around town, on the freeway or just around the neighborhood, here are a few tips to help make you not only a safer driver, but a smarter driver.
Q.1 Is there a right way to enter and exit a freeway?		Q.6 Who has the right of way when two cars reach an intersection at the same time?
Q.2 What's the best way to survive the rush hour?		Q.7 What about driving at night? Anything special I should do?
Q.3 So what's the "two-second" driving rule?		Q.8 How can I stay out of another driver's blind spot?
Q.4 Tailgaters, I can't avoid them. But can I learn to drive with them?		Q.9 OK. How do I handle drivers who aren't paying attention?
Q.5 What do they mean by the "left-right-left" intersection rule?