Got Enough Practice?

The information I am about to share right now is vital to your progress and success as a new driver.  Driving You Into Your Destiny means you have been equipped with the knowledge to pass the road test easily and confidently.   Knowledge is power, and when you walk in power, there’s a certain way you carry yourself and you don’t need to brag, but you demonstrate your knowledge by the way you enter the car and how you handled the steering wheel when you drive.  Trust me, even the examiner will know you have been informed.  He/she may even tell you that you have been well prepared.  I was not privy to this information until after I passed the road test.  Knowing you had enough consistent practice ahead of time will lessen your frustration, and the anxiety or nervousness that all new driving students have when they are preparing to take the road test.  Even though I learned after the fact, I want you to be informed in advance.  Once you know that you too have the revealed knowledge, this knowledge allows you to walk in confidence and will help you pass the road test easily.

The driver’s manual plainly states that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles recommends at least 30 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 hours in moderately heavy traffic. If you are under 18 years old, and have not completed driver education training and received a Student Certificate of Completion (MV-285), you are required by law to have 20 hours of properly supervised practice driving: To take your road test, you must give the license examiner a completed "Certificate of 20 Hours of Driving Experience" (MV- 262), available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, and at any motor vehicle office.

Very important: It is illegal to practice driving in a designated Road Test Area. 

Have you been consistently practicing driving, and desire to Drive into Your Destiny? Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.

Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage

Have you in encountered Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage?

Aggressive driving includes speeding, which often leads to following too closely, frequent or abrupt lane changes without signaling, passing on the shoulder or unpaved portions of the roadway, or harassing motorists who just happen to not get out of the way.  Aggressive drivers also may run stop signs and red lights, pass stopped school buses, fail to keep right, drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and drive recklessly.  A few threaten, or attempt to cause, physical damage to another driver.  And that is how aggressive driving becomes road rage.

To prevent aggressive driving from developing into road rage, it is sometimes better to not make eye contact with another driver, especially where conflict can occur - the other driver may interpret eye contact as a "challenge."

Tip: That is the reason why I highly recommend the 6-hour defensive driving course.

When confronted by an aggressive driver:

• Avoid eye contact.
• Stay calm and relaxed.
• Make every attempt to get out of the way safely.  Do not escalate the situation.
• Put your pride in the back seat.  Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your position in your travel lane.
• Wear a seat belt and encourage your passengers to do the same.
• Ignore harassing gestures and name calling, and do not return them.
• Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate law enforcement authorities by providing a vehicle description, location, license plate number, and direction of travel.
• If you are being followed by an aggressive or threatening driver, do not stop or get out of your vehicle.  Drive directly to the nearest police station.
• If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash, stop a safe distance from the crash scene.  When the police arrive, report the driving behavior you witnessed.

How to avoid becoming an aggressive driver:

• Allow enough travel time to reach your destination on schedule.
• Alter your schedule to avoid driving during peak highway congestion periods.
• If you're running late, call ahead so you can relax.
• Do not drive when you are angry, upset or overly tired.
• Make your vehicle comfortable.  Listen to relaxing music and avoid situations that raise your anxiety.
• When driving, relax and remain aware of your posture.  Sit back in your seat, loosen your grip on the steering wheel and do not clench your teeth.
• Give others the benefit of the doubt; be polite, courteous and forgiving.
• You can control your own reactions to other drivers.  If someone else drives aggressively, do not retaliate.

If you have the right-of-way, do not think of it as an absolute right.  Be prepared to give up the right-of-way to avoid a crash or prevent confusion.  Waiting a few seconds for another driver is far better than risking a crash.
Did you know that after you pass the road test and receive your license, there is a 6-hour defensive driving course?  Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.

Parking Like a Parker - Pt.3 Reserved Parking for the Disabled

Parking reserved for people with disabilities is not merely a convenience, it is a legal requirement. These special parking spaces for motorists with disabilities ensure safe and equal access to goods and services (access which is taken for granted by most of us). You can help by parking in reserved spaces only if you have a permit or plates for people with disabilities, and only when the person who received the permit or plates is in the vehicle.

It is illegal for any vehicle to park, stop, or stand in a space reserved for the disabled unless it has license plates for the disabled issued by the DMV, a New York State Parking Permit for the Disabled (MV-664) issued by a locality, or a similar plate or permit issued by another state. In addition, the vehicle must actually be in use to transport the disabled person named in the registration or permit. This law applies to spaces reserved and posted by local ordinance on streets and highways, and those set aside by state law in shopping centers that have five or more stores and 20 or more off-street parking spaces available to the public.

It is a misdemeanor to make a false statement or give false information on an application for license plates. Making a false statement or providing misinformation to obtain a parking permit for a person with a disability is punishable by a fine from $250 to $1,000, plus a mandatory surcharge of $30, and potential civil penalties from $250 to $1,000. These penalties apply both to the applicant and to a doctor providing certification.

For more information about reserved parking for the disabled, and how to qualify and apply for a license plate or parking permit, see Parking for People With Disabilities (C-34). This publication is available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, and at any motor vehicle office.

Reserved spaces should be marked with signs such as the one shown, and also may be designated with pavement markings. Also, do not park in the diagonally-striped spaces next to reserved parking areas. These spaces are needed to enable access by those with wheelchairs and specially-equipped vehicles.

The fines for on-street parking violations are set by localities. Unless a locality sets higher penalties, the fine for a shopping center violation is $50 to $75 for a first offense and $75 to $150 for a second offense within two years in the same locality. A mandatory surcharge of $30 will be added to each penalty.
Make sure you can answer these questions before you proceed:

• After you have parallel parked, how close to the curb must your vehicle be?
• May you open a door on the road side of your vehicle if no traffic is coming?
• Before pulling out of a parking space, what should you do?
• What does a NO STOPPING sign mean?
• Can you stop to load or unload passengers at a NO STANDING or NO PARKING sign?
• May you park on a crosswalk in the middle of a block?

Is learning to parallel Park still a challenge? Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.
*Above mentioned fines are subject to change by the DMV at any time*

Parking Like A Parker - Pt.2

Parking on a hill?
After you park on a hill, be sure to set your (emergency) parking brake. Just in case the parking brake fails, turn the wheels so they will keep your vehicle from rolling into traffic.  If there is a curb, turn your steering wheel all the way away from it if you're facing uphill or all the way toward it if you're facing downhill.  If your vehicle starts to roll, the wheels should stop the vehicle at the curb and prevent it from rolling downhill.  This method works best where the curb is relatively high. If there is no curb or a very low one, whether you are facing uphill or down, turn your wheels all the way toward the nearest side of the road. If your vehicle does start to roll, it will probably roll away from the street and traffic.

Pulling Out From Parallel Parking?
To pull out of a parallel parking space, make sure your wheels are straight, back up to the vehicle behind you, and turn your wheels away from the curb.

Six steps to entering more safely into traffic:

1) Turn your head to look over your right shoulder and check through the backseat rear-window for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles that may become a hazard.

2) Use your vehicle's interior rear view mirror to help keep an eye on hazards behind your vehicle.

3) Signal your intentions to move from your parking space into traffic.

4) Check your vehicle's side view mirrors, especially on the driver's side, for approaching vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters, motorcyclists, and other highway users.

5) Turn your head to look over your left shoulder out through the backseat rear-window, and begin to slowly drive forward, making sure you can enter traffic without hitting the vehicle parked ahead.

6) Again turn your head and look over your left shoulder to re-check through the backseat rear-window, pull out into the traffic lane only when it is safe to do so.

Parking Regulations
What people generally understand as "parking" is legally divided into three categories: parking, standing and stopping.

A NO PARKING sign means you may stop only temporarily to load or unload merchandise or passengers.
A NO STANDING sign means you may stop only temporarily to load or unload passengers.
A NO STOPPING sign means you may stop only in order to obey a traffic sign, signal or officer, or to avoid conflicts with other vehicles.

Besides posted parking, standing and stopping rules, there are statewide rules not always indicated by signs:

Parking, standing or stopping is not allowed:

• Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in an emergency.
• On the road side of a parked vehicle ("double parking").
• On a sidewalk or in a crosswalk.
• In an intersection, unless permitted by signs or parking meters.
• On railroad tracks.
• Alongside or opposite road excavations, construction or other obstructions if your vehicle would block traffic.
• Within 30 feet (10 m) of a pedestrian safety zone, unless another distance is marked.
• On a bridge or in a tunnel.

Parking or standing is not allowed:

• In front of a driveway.
• Within 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection.
• Within 30 feet (10 m) of a traffic light, STOP sign or YIELD sign.
• Within 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway, or within 75 feet (23 m) on the opposite side of the road.
• Along a curb that has been cut down, lowered or constructed for access to the sidewalk.

In addition, you may not park your vehicle within 50 feet (15 m) of a railroad crossing.

Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.

Parking Like A Parker

Who wants to learn HOW TO PARK like a Parker?
The fact is parallel parking takes practice and skill, and is part of every road test.  You should also know where parking is illegal and what NO PARKING, NO STANDING and NO STOPPING signs mean.
Many new drivers consider parallel parking the most difficult part of driving.  However, practice will teach you how to back up properly and to judge distances and angles.  Patience and self confidence will help you master the skill.

Tip: Remember to put your arm around the passenger seat next to you, get-up, turn your body half way to the right, press your back against your seat and look through the sides, back and rear windows of your car.  In other words, do not depend only on side view mirrors.  As you back-up into the space, don’t hesitate to stop when you see an object, person or another car coming in your direction.  Doing all these steps will give you leverage, and will enable you to see everything in full view when you are parking.  Some people view this as old fashioned.  However, doing it this way is the right way which will help when you want to pass the road test!

The following instructions are basic and general.  You must adjust parallel parking procedures to the particular situation. Plenty of practice is the only way to learn properly.

  

1. Select a space that is large enough for your vehicle on your side of the road. Check your mirrors before stopping, and signal (using your hazard light or flasher) to alert other drivers.  Then pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about two feet between the other vehicle and yours.

  

2. Look behind you over both shoulders to make sure you will not interfere with pedestrians or oncoming traffic.  Back up slowly, and begin to turn your steering wheel all the way toward the near curb. Look through the rear window, not the rear view mirrors, as you back up. Check to the side and front occasionally to make sure you are clearing the vehicle ahead.

   

3. When your front wheels are opposite the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead, turn the steering wheel the other way while continuing to back up.  Make sure you clear the vehicle ahead.  Look back, and stop to avoid bumping the vehicle behind you.

  
4. Straighten your wheels, and pull forward. Allow room for the vehicles ahead and behind you to get out.  In your final parking position, your wheels must be no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb.

To get closer to the curb, alternately pull forward and back up, turning the steering wheel first toward the curb and then quickly straight again.  After parking, remember that you may not open the door on the road side if it will interfere with traffic.

Can you Park like a Parker?  Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.

Parking the Right Way

Do you know how and where to park?  Sooner or later, you need to learn how to park, where to park or not park your car.  Parking is easy for me, but most students who go for their road test most of the time have not yet mastered parallel parking and this is a challenging area for a lot of new drivers.  While you are learning to park, keep in mind that all new drivers should know where to park or not park, especially near the white lines by the crosswalk.  Usually, when your car is the last one at the end of the block the rule is that the end of your car must not go over the crosswalk's white lines.  You will notice 1-2 white lines sometimes 3 in the crosswalk.  These lines are distinct marks where pedestrians can freely walk.  Therefore, the crosswalk should not be blocked for any reason.

If you need help in identifying which line is first, your driving instructor will point it out to you during your driving lessons.  I suggest you stop where you can see the entire first white line.  Furthermore, your passing the road test depends on where you stop your car even while you wait for the traffic light to change and especially when you are parking, so pay close attention to these white lines on the pavement.

Recently, I helped accompany someone who received a parking violation ticket because she stopped her car on the crosswalk while waiting for another driver to move out, so she can parked her car in that space.  Well, while she was sitting inside her car, a traffic agent rushed over and gave her a $115.00 ticket simply because she stayed in that crosswalk too long.  We went to see the judge in court and the judge explained in detail even if the back of your car reaches where the white line is when you park or stand for any length of time; you are violating a traffic law.  Don't make the mistake my friend made.  Learn where and how to park legally in order to avoid big fines.
 
Do you need help with parking the right way?  Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.

So you think you can drive?

So you think you can drive? Driving is fun for some people, but a challenge for others. Either way it involves obeying rules and regulations that are set in place by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Obeying STOP signs is as important as traffic lights.  When you are driving, even when you have the green light, be prepared to yield the right of way to prevent an accident.  At times you must use good judgment whenever you see an object, a person or an animal crossing the street.  Stop and let them cross before you proceed to drive.
 
Did you know that there are two different types of stop signs?
It is very important to obey the "Stop" sign.  Make sure it's clear before you proceed stop, look and listen.  "Stop" means that you must come to a complete "Stop!"  This topic is taught in the pre-license 5-hour certificate course, so pay attention when the instructor is teaching this very important topic.  For further explanations, ask your driving instructor to show you the two different types of stop signs.  In case you have not noticed, one type says “STOP” and the other says, "STOP All Way" which is usually posted at 4-way intercessions with the words “All Way” posted on a small sign below the “STOP” sign.  Each crosswalk has a stop sign posted and written on the pavements at each crosswalk.

It's the law and there are consequences for not obeying this important traffic rule.  Make it a habit to obey this rule all the time.  Doing so will save you money and a trip to see the judge at the traffic violation bureau.

I was a passenger in a friend's car on a Friday evening when most drivers are going wild!  I noticed my friend did not stop, look and listened before he proceeded.  He had what we called a heavy foot.  He was driving fast and where there was a stop sign, he crept through the crosswalk.  I pointed out that he should slow down and come to a complete stop where stop signs were posted.  It turned out to be a big misunderstanding between us.  He felt I was picking on his style of driving and completely took my suggestions out of content.  His driving was so dangerous, so I asked him to drop-me-off at the next intercession and I will find my way home somehow.  It was not safe and he was not willing to listen to any suggestions I made at that time.  The unfortunate thing happened.  I am sorry to report, a couple of weeks later, this same friend ended up in a very bad car accident.  I heard he did not stop for a stop sign and another driver who had the right of way was going across the intersection and because my friend did not stop to look first, it was too late when he finally noticed the other car speeding across the intersection, my friend swerved his car to the right and hit a pole and turn his wheel to the left and smacked into two other parked vehicles on the side.

The brand new 2009 Toyota Camry that he was driving was totaled, but thank God he survived!  If he had learned this very important lesson that I'm driving home to you, he would still have the car today.  Oh, I forgot to mention he was driving a borrowed car!  My Dad used to tell me and my 3 siblings, "A word to the wise is sufficient."  When it comes to obeying stop signs, trust me I've paid my dues, so take it from me.  Don't insist on learning from your own mistakes, but be wise and learn from other people's mistakes.

Stop, look and listen, before you proceed.  Are you driving to destiny?  Then get ready to pass the road test easily and confidently.  Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.