Many people enjoy driving standard-shift cars, even though there is more effort required in learning how to drive them safely. Whether you’re learning how to drive a standard-shift car or you are an experienced driver, it is a good idea to review the following safe driving tips for navigating slowed and stopped traffic safely with your standard-shift vehicle.
The most basic safe driving strategy for getting through heavy traffic in your standard-shift car is to allow plenty of space in between your car and the vehicle in front of you. If you’re accustomed to driving an automatic shift vehicle, be aware that the suggested amount of space between vehicles is even greater for standard-shift vehicles than it is for automatic shift vehicles so leave more than you usually would. The space between your car and the car in front of you will enable you to creep forward in low gear when traffic begins to move, eliminating the need to ride your clutch or shift more often than necessary.
Stop and go traffic can be frustrating when you are driving a standard-shift car. It is a good idea to learn how your vehicle handles and decide whether you prefer first or second gear for navigating traffic jams. When you need to slow down use engine braking to your advantage by easing off of the gas and shifting into a lower gear when the RPMs are low enough to do so. Shifting in this manner is much more gentle than an abrupt shift, and makes for less wear and tear on your car.
If someone is following you too close behind, remain calm. The law expects drivers to leave space between their car and the car in front of them, in acknowledgment of the fact that standard transmission vehicles roll back when the driver is shifting into first gear. If someone is close to your bumper, give your car a little more gas than you normally would as you shift into first and slowly let the clutch out.
Whenever you can, maintain a constant speed that is slightly slower than the traffic. You can avoid frequent shifts by doing this, and it also gives you time to respond to the maneuvers of cars near you. It also helps you to keep a good distance between your car and the car in front of you. Be prepared to downshift quickly if a car cuts into that space because that can happen, especially in traffic.
Barrett Law PLLC: Help for Mississippi Traffic Accident Victims
Accidents that occur in slowed or stopped traffic can cause severe injury or death. If you got hurt or a family member got killed in a traffic accident, contact a Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorney right away. If you would like to find out more about what a Mississippi automobile accident lawyer could do for you and your family after an accident, call the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys of Barrett Law PLLC at 1 (800) 707-9577 to arrange an initial consultation.