Without follow-up tests, drivers can forget the basics—things that are crucial on the road. Whether we drive in the city or the country, we forget some concepts faster than others. Here are some observations from Julie Bourret, who has 24 years of experience as a driving instructor and currently works for Option driving school in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

“Pedestrians aren’t in a hurry. They can wait!”

After ten years of having your licence, you may occasionally forget to yield to pedestrians, especially if you drive exclusively in the country (where there are fewer of them). Be careful! In addition to putting pedestrians’ lives in danger, this habit could cost you. Depending on the city, this type of violation could result in a ticket and fine of several hundred dollars!

“The left lane, centre lane, right lane—they all go to the same place!”

When the nervousness of the early years is behind you, the highway can become a comfortable place where you can choose your lane according to how you’re feeling. Even though it’s not the law everywhere, the left lane is reserved for passing to aid traffic flow.

“My rear view mirror is clear, so there’s no one around me.”

When an accident occurs between two vehicles or a vehicle and a cyclist, you often hear the following: “I didn’t see them!” You may forget blind spots if you don’t check them regularly.

“The closer I follow other drivers, the more likely I’ll arrive on time!”

Being late can push us to be impatient at the wheel and to (literally) push other motorists in traffic. Keep your distance. Accidents happen quickly when you’re only a few feet away from other vehicles!

“Looking at something makes it move.”

One bad habit we may develop is looking at obstacles in the road instead of where we’re going. Anticipating what is happening on the road instead of looking at the back bumper of the vehicle ahead can not only help prevent accidents, but also improve the smoothness and flow of traffic. Could this one practice eliminate traffic problems if everyone did it? Who knows!

The Ajusto app to the rescue!

Opportunities to improve your driving habits (and get rid of bad ones) are rare. We all need to correct our driving foibles. With the Ajusto app on your smartphone, you can analyze your own driving and adjust it as needed. Drive safely!