IMAGE COURTESY OF ALBERTA MOTOR ASSOCIATION
This image provided by the AMA shows the proper way to merge onto a highway.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
The Medicine Hat Police Service is focused on new and distracted drivers this month, making it an ideal time to brush up on driving skills.
Advice from the Alberta Motor Association can be summed up in a few key words: Drivers should think proactively, be courteous and increase their confidence level when that is an issue.
Here are a few examples:
We’ve all driven behind a vehicle that slows down for no apparent reason and at the last minute an indicator is activated for a turn.
Wayne McLachlan, chief instructor with the AMA, says we should be thinking proactively. Well in advance of the turn the driver should check mirrors, indicate the intention to turn and then begin slowing down to make the turn. Other drivers in the vicinity should be aware that another reason for slowing down may mean a pedestrian or animal is there but out of their view. Be cautious.
When it comes to drivers swinging to the right before making a left hand turn, as if they are driving a semi-trailer that requires lots of space to manoeuvre, McLachlan is a little mystified.
“Maybe their former career was in trucking,” said McLachlan. “Maybe they had a bad experience and they think this is a better way to compensate for what happened.”
It is about being courteous and sharing the road with others, said McLachlan.
Entering the highway from an on-ramp can pose challenges, and someone lacking confidence can be nervous about getting up to speed and safely merging.
If you are lacking confidence while driving, the AMA offers a “brush-up” course. McLachlan says in a two-hour session he is able to determine the problem areas and then assist the driver in gaining confidence by practise. A course like that costs between $170 and $185.
Have you been in the left lane of a two-lane road when all the vehicles ahead of you come to a complete stop while the front driver waits for on-coming traffic?
McLachlan says often the driver behind the car turning has been travelling too close behind and no longer has enough space to swing out into the right lane if it is clear. This would keep traffic moving.
MHPS is reminding drivers that the penalty for distracted driving is $287 plus three demerit points. Distracted driving does not only mean talking or texting on your phone.
It is an offence to “hold, view, or manipulate” a hand-held device, reads the press release.
It includes electronic devises such as computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment, audio players, GPS units, reading printed material, writing, printing or sketching, and personal grooming.
“A driver can pull over to the side of the road to use their devices, providing they are stopped and legally parked. If a driver is not in a legal parking spot, for instance a drive-thru, a ticket can still be issued. The only time a driver can use their cellphone while driving is to call in an emergency situation to a 911 communications centre,” reads the MHPS press release.
