In Gear Driving School
TEL : 085 810 8526
24*7 Service Call us at 085 810 8526

Blog

Tips on How to Drive Safe

Tips on How to Drive Safe

The best way to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving. Whether you’re just learning to drive or you’ve been behind the wheel for a number of years, it’s important to review the basic rules for safe driving. Here are some top tips that will help you to stay safe on the road.

Avoid Distractions

According to research, working a mobile phone behind the wheel can delay reaction times by as much as 20 percent. And it isn’t just mobile phones that can act as distractions; eating, applying make-up, fiddling with electronic devices or interacting with passengers also diverts a driver’s attention in potentially dangerous ways. It’s vital to always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel when driving.

Don’t Speed

Research has shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of you being in an accident increases by four to five percent. At higher speeds, the risk increases much more quickly. When in a hurry and you find yourself going over the speed limit, remember that you are increasing the likelihood of you being involved in a crash– whether you cause that crash yourself or cause someone else to crash. In reality, the time you’ll save is inconsequential compared to the risks associated with speeding. Take your time and stay within the speed limits. And of course, it is very simple to avoid rushing–leave on time or better yet, earlier!

Be Extra Careful in Bad Weather

If you’re driving in hazardous conditions, for example, during heavy periods of rain or on icy roads, it is important to be extra cautious on the road. Drive below the speed limit if necessary, maintain extra space between you and the car ahead, and be careful when driving around curves.

Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Vehicle maintenance isn’t just an important way to extend your car’s life — it’s a major safety issue. Of course, the NCT helps to ensure that cars on the road are safe, however, it is up to you to ensure your vehicle stays this way even after passing your NCT.One of the most common maintenance problems that can lead to an accident is improper tire pressure. Uneven tire pressure, or pressure that is too high or low, can impact performance or lead to a blowout. Be aware that you can buy a cheap pressure gauge at any auto shop and check the pressure against the recommendation in your owner’s manual.

Finally, remember that getting an experienced driving instructor to show you the ropes from day one can also help to ensure safe driving.They will make sure that you adopt safe driving techniques that will stay with you for life.

How to Prepare Your Car for Harsh Weather Conditions

When it comes to driving in harsh weather conditions, it most definitely helps to be prepared. Doing things like, inspecting your tyres or topping up your antifreeze, will help to ensure your safety on the road as well as that of your passengers.

Prepare your car for harsh weather conditions

Here is a checklist of important things you should do to prepare your car for cold and wet weather.

Prepare an emergency kit

Firstly, it is essential to have an emergency winter driving kit in your carso that you’re equipped for all types of hazardous driving conditions.It should include things like, a de-icer and scraper, demisting cloth, flashlight and batteries, water and sand or another traction aid.

Check your wipers and wiper fluid

Inspect the wipers and replace them if they are worn or have become hardened. If you are only using water as your windshield wiper fluid, it is important to change to a proper washer fluid that has antifreeze in it.

Clean your windscreen

It can be very dangerous to drive when your windscreen is smeared or dirty. Ensure to give your windscreen a thorough clean inside and out before and during the winterseason.

Inspect your tyres

To ensure your safety, give your tyres a thorough inspection by doing the following:
• Check the pressure of each tyre
• Look for excessive or uneven tread wear, which may indicate improper inflation or steering and suspension misalignment
• Check for cracks or bulges on the sidewalls or tread
• Inspect for signs of puncture, or nails, screws, glass, or any foreign object imbedded in the tire.

Check your breaks
Get your brakes checked by an experienced mechanic at least once a year and preferably before the winter time. Look out for warning signs that they’re not performing as well as they should be, such as the need to apply more pressure than usual to your brake pedal, scraping or squeaking noises that come from the wheels when the brakes are applied or if your car is pulling to the left or the right when braking.

Check your lights

Of course, harsh weather conditions means less visibility, so it is essential that all your lights –headlights and dip lights – are working correctly and you can see and be seen clearly on the road.

Finally, if you feel you are not as confident on the road as you should be, it can help to brush up on your driving by getting driving lessons from an experienced instructor. They will most definitely ensure that you know how to drive safely in any kind of conditions.

No comments

The Steps You Should Take after a Car Accident

Of course, there are many ways to avoid a car accident but once it happens it is vital that you know what actions to take. Often people can find it hard to think clearly after a car accident and in some cases people can be in shock. In this instance, it is vital that you are aware of the steps you should take right after a car accident before you actually ever get involved in an accident. It will definitely help to ensure that things run smoother and that you are capable of acting quickly. Here are some helpful guidelines to assist you if you are ever faced with a car accident.

car accident

1. Determine any injuries
The most important thing to do immediately after a car accident is to assess any injuries you or any other passengers in your car may have received. If necessary, call for an ambulance.

2.Take pictures
If you’re well prepared, take photos of the post-accident position of the cars before they are moved. You may later email them onto your insurer. This offers excellent evidence surrounding the circumstances of the accident.

3. Move your vehicle, if possible
If you can safely drive your vehicle, move it off to the side of the road and out of the path of oncoming traffic.This will keep you at a safe distance from traffic while you exchange information with the other drivers.

4. Call the Guards
The Gardaí will take statements from all drivers involved in the car accident. Don’t forget to write down the investigating officer’s name and badge number in case your insurance agent may need to contact them after the accident.

5. Exchange information
Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the other drivers involved in the accident.
Take note of the make, model, year and license plate number of their vehicle and also, be sure to obtain all insurance information including the company, policy number and any insurance agent contact information the driver can provide.

6. Retain witnesses
Take note of names and contact information for any witnesses of the accident. Also, make sure that they will be contactable in the case you may require a statement from them for insurance purposes or otherwise.

7. File an insurance claim
Immediately report the car accident to your insurance company. Also, provide the insurance company with information on the other driver. Immediately filing a claim will speed up the process of getting your car repaired.

8. Document medical treatment
Keep records of any hospital visits, tests, prescriptions or other expenses that arise as a result of the car accident.

Finally, remember that getting an experienced driving instructor to show you the ropes from day one can also help in the event of a car accident. If they are good at what they do, they will make you feel at ease on the road and this can reduce the likelihood of you panicking in the case that you are faced with a car accident or perhaps, getting into a car accident in the first place.

Tips on How to Buy a New or Used Car

Tips on how to buy a car

Buying a car is definitely a learning experience. Similar to learning how to drive, the more practice you get, the better you get at it. Of course, whether it’s your very first time buying a car or you have bought many cars up to this point, a bit of direction can go a long way. To help ensure you make the right decision when buying a new or used car, check out our helpful tips below.

Do your research
Learn about all the options that come standard with the car you have your eye on, and get familiar with more important specs like engine size and mileage.

Inspect the Interior
When looking at the car ensure to open and close all the windows, turn the wipers and lights on and off, push the seat back and forward, turn the radio up and down, play a cd… I think you may get the picture!

Check under the bonnet
Be aware that corroded battery terminals or holding brackets, an oily engine, frayed wiring and cracked hoses are all signs of neglect. It is important to check the oil level and brake fluid levels. Low levels on either could possibly indicate a leak.

Try a range of roads in the test drive
It is important to try a variety of roads in the test drive so that you can test the car’s suspension, handling and speed. Drive on motorways, country roads and windy roads. It is vital to not let the salesman/owner of the car dictate the route for the test drive.

Check all the gears
Another must when doing a test drive. Make sure to drive the car up the revs in all gears and change back down through the gears as well.

Test the Breaks
Use an appropriate stretch of road to test the brakes are functioning – they should pull the car up straight with no noises or pulling to one side.

Bring someone with you
It is important to bring someone with you to help in the decision making process. One other person is usually ideal as a crowd is likely to distract you.

Don’t forget to ask questions
Make out a list of questions to ask the salesman/owner before doing the test drive. For example, if it’s a used car, you will want to find out when the timing belt was done last or how many previous owners it had. Quite often people can get caught up in the moment and forget to ask the pertinent questions so you’ll definitely benefit from doing your homework ahead.

Some of the Best Drivers in History

When you are talking about the very best drivers amongst us inevitably you have to delve deep through the worlds of both Formula One and Rally Driving.

One world puts drivers in cars that are perhaps amongst some of the fastest we have on Earth and requires hours of intense mental focus and concentration. The other world puts its drivers in some more extreme, rougher conditions, which often tests driver’s abilities to manoeuvre and control their vehicles on rougher and harsher terrains.

Both worlds are equally as challenging as each other and require an unbelievable level of will-power, skill and determination to get results.We have complied a list of professional drivers who we think fall into this category of greatness and are ultimately the top five drivers in the world. We analyse their stats, their early careers and explain how they have come to be the drivers they are today.

ingear sriving school

 

 

 

The Freedom and Joys of Driving

If you are one of those people who have always postponed or put off the the idea of learning how to drive, then you probably don’t know what the freedom and joys of driving are like. Getting a drivers license comes with lots of benefits. Your driving license will always stand to you throughout your life.

It gives you the ability to go wherever you want without having to wait for someone to drive you there is the best part of knowing how to drive. It makes it easier for you to reach your destination with ease. You no longer have to wait on a friend or relative to take you to work or school because you simply don’t know how to drive. If you haven’t attained the legal age to learn driving then that’s warranted. However, if you are an adult but you simply don’t want to learn how to drive then something is absolutely wrong.

 The Freedom and Joys of Driving

There is no better feeling than being in control behind the wheel. There are places that you will visit and public transportation can be very limited. For instance, if you decide to move to the suburbs, you will get a lot of trouble if you rely on public transportation. In such areas, public transportation is rather costly if not on-existent depending on what part of the world your living in. Driving is vital and the best thing about it is that it can be enjoyable and fun too!

For you to enjoy your driving experience, you must exercise safety on the roads at all times. Bear in mind that there are road users out there who may have poor driving skills. It is up to you to know how to react to such situations. You also need to avoid habits like drinking under the influence which is. Driving while drunk is the worst decision you can ever make in your life. It not only risks your life but also the life of other road users. Such decisions can make driving turn out to be a nightmare for you so think before you act.

The other amazing thing about knowing how to drive is the fact that you will no longer have to rely on public transportation. Depending on where you live, public transportation can be very unreliable. Even though public transportation is cheaper, you won’t experience the same freedom and comfort as someone else who is driving their own car.

If you don’t have a car yet, that is no excuse to not learn how to drive. You need to attend driving lessons whether or not you have a car, and if you are in Dublin there are plenty of excellent schools that offer driving lessons in Dublin. Driving is considered a life skill which everyone should get really when they become adults.

A qualified instructor will equip you with all the necessary skills you need when you are behind the wheel.  You will learn some defensive and safe driving tips which can help you save lives in the event of a serious situation on the road. You will know just the right way to react when faced with road users with poor driving skills.

The best way to learn how to drive is to attend driving classes, plain and simple. There are a number of schools which offer driving lessons in Dublin. Finding a suitable driving school is very important. There is so much that you can get from a professional driving school and not your friend or family member who is trying to teach you how to drive, you will not pick up any of your friend or family member’s bad habits!

Driving is something that everyone should try to do in their adult lives, the freedom it provides a person with is second to none!

 

Risks for Teen Drivers

A teenager wanting to learn to drive has to begin somewhere and they have to get some experience on the road. Unfortunately, even if the teenage driver is particularly vigilant on the road; follows the specific rules and drives at the prescribed speed limits, there can still be road traffic accidents. Issues outside of their control such as distractions, poor weather and road conditions can all play a part in causing accidents on our roads.  As well as affecting personal safety, this can also lead to higher insurance premiums. No matter how careful you are as a driver, failure to take into account the surrounding variables can be detrimental.

Risks for Teen Drivers

Distractions

Careful driving requires care and attention and unfortunately a lot of road traffic accidents are caused by distracted drivers. The driver needs to be careful to ensure that they focus on the road ahead at all times and not get sidetracked by the radio, other passengers, pedestrians etc. as they drive. Drivers need to remember that they are in control of a moving vehicle which needs to be controlled vigilantly at all times.

Mobile Phones

Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest distractions for young drivers is mobile phone use. Teenagers and adults alike have a tendency to answer phone calls and reply to text messages while driving. This is totally irresponsible behavior as it is impossible to fully focus on the road ahead while simultaneously trying to focus on other tasks. New drivers and teenagers should be instructed to turn off their phones while at the wheel to avoid the temptation of using the phone.

Weather Conditions

 Risks for Teen Drivers

Bad weather such as snow, ice, and heavy rain usually equals worsened driving conditions and these elements can challenge most drivers. Your driving instructor will advise you on some of these in practical examples in your driving lessons and take note of their advice. Some common ways to counter the effects of bad weather include the following:

    • Fog. When it is foggy out, have your student use his or her low dipped head-lights.
    • Floods. Floods can cause a lot of uncertain driving. A very low six inches of water is enough to cause a vehicle to float off of the ground, so avoiding floods is the only way to stay safe.
    • Sleet and Snow. It is advisable not to drive when it’s snowing, but if you have no choice try to keep a clear windshield and to drive very slowly as visibility will be poor. Avoid known icy areas and try is possible to stay on main roads.

Vehicles should be regularly serviced and maintained to ensure they are road worthy.  Bare or balding tyres can be a lethal component on a car and should be attended to immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top Tips for Driving Test Preparation

The nerve racking day that is the Irish driving test does not have to be so nerve racking if you remember some essential tips going into it. Firstly remember you are not alone. All drivers in Dublin start out as learner drivers and everyone has to go through the driving test some time. So from the start make sure you are nice and relaxed, as a person who is relaxed has a higher sense of anticipation and can think much clearer, two things that will certainly help you on the day in your driving test.

 Top Tips for Driving Test Preparation

The following are some useful tips and things to remember in addition with driving lessons you may have had that will help you out on the day of your driving test:

  • Know the rules of the road like the back of your hand. This is usually at the start of the test and it is always helpful in any test to get off to a good start.
  • Drive safe and competently at all times and have excellent observation (check those mirrors!).
  • Ensure that all insurance, Tax and NCT details are up to date on your vehicle.
  • Make sure that you have an up to date learner permit with you on the day of the test.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure that the tyres on your vehicle are in good condition, tread depth is within the correct range and also make sure the air pressure in the tyres is correct.
  • Know your vehicle well. Know where all the controls in your car are, you could be tested on this.
  • Your car has to be fit for the road in the first place. Make sure all your lights are in good working order.
  • Know your blind spots, this is vital to good driving practice.
  • Reacting to hazards will be a key part of the test. Take your time when faced with a hazard. Watch out for a person crossing the road or a child that may be playing on the road.
  • Ensure that your road positioning is good at all times, especially when turning right or left. Do not sway too far away on the road from your desired correct position.
  • Make sure you use the handbrake at the right time. For example on a hill start or when stopped for any reasonable period of time like at traffic lights.
  • Avoid ‘coasting’, ensure you have smooth and correct gear change.
  • Know the correct positioning on roundabouts depending on what exit you need to take.
  • Progression is important. Stick within the recommended speed limits but make sure you do not drive too slow as you can be marked down for progression.
  • Know what everything does under your bonnet, like where the oil in the car is located, this can be tested near the start of the driving test.
  • Do not be distracted by the test examiner not speaking to you, this is completely normal. However if you do not understand an instruction you are entitled to ask for it to be repeated. Listen very carefully at all times to all instructions from the tester.

And that’s it! The main thing is to stay relaxed and focused during the test. If you are looking to maximize your chance of passing the test be sure also to get some high quality driving lessons from a reputable provider. If you are based in Dublin just search for Driving lessons Dublin!

The very best of luck with your driving test.

How to Find a Reliable Driving Instructor or Driving School

Learning to drive is something that most of us have faced at some stage in our lives. Some people choose to learn to drive at the earliest opportunity while others come to at it at a later stage in life. At whatever stage a person does decide to learn to drive, the critical point is that they need to find a reliable and experienced Driving Instructor or Driving School.

How to Find a Reliable Driving Instructor

Here are some tips to help you do that:

  • Registered: Ensure that the Driving Instructor or driving school that you sign up to has the necessary Road Safety Authority (RSA) generated Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) papers. Without these you should not contract the services of the Driving Instructor under any circumstances. You are well entitled to ask the Instructor to see his relevant documentation; though most approved Instructors will openly display that they are approved on signage etc.
  • References/Testimonials: An approved and reliable Driving Instructor will be open about their references and testimonials. Have a look on their website, they should be clearly accessible. If the Instructor does not have a website you can ask him/her verbally for some customer references.
  • Vehicle: A reliable Driving Instructor should have a well maintained and road worthy car. Often, you as the driver will be using his/her car to learn to drive so it needs to be suitable for its purpose.
  • Pass Rate: As a prospective customer you could ask the Driving Instructor about their driving test pass rate. The higher the pass rate the better chance you may have in being successful in your own test.
  • Punctuality: If you have appointed a time to meet your Instructor in a neutral area, the Instructor should make it his/her business to be on time for the appointment. Obviously if unforeseen circumstances crop up and they notify you in advance that they will be late, that is understandable. You should expect professionalism in the relationship.

There are many driving schools that offer driving lessons in Dublin; however be sure to choose the right one, the one that will teach you the correct way to drive at the outset so that you don’t pick up any bad habits that will always stay with you throughout your driving life.