Bad Driving Advice
As winter gives way to spring, your thoughts may turn to your next road trip. Cruising down the open road, wind blowing in your hair…what a wonderful image after a long, dark, cold winter. Reviewing basic safety practices is always a good idea before you set out, as no one wants to think of their perfect road trip being ruined by a collision. However, in today’s internet age, bad advice tends to flow even more freely than good advice. From Drive and Stay Alive, here is a roundup of some recently spread bad driving advice.
Holding the Wheel
For decades, the 10 and 2 position has been recommended by safety experts. However, new advice that is making its way around the internet claims that this position is dangerous, as it could increase the chances of having the arms broken by the airbag.
Drive and Stay Alive points out that utilizing the 10 and 2 position provides the most control over the vehicle, thereby minimizing the chances of an accident occurring in the first place. According to the site, arms are more likely to be broken if they are crossed during steering, not simply by being held at 10 and 2.
Following Distance
Throughout recent decades, there has been quite a bit of confusion regarding recommended following distances, which are sometimes quoted in car lengths and sometimes in seconds. This can lead to confusion, as in a piece mentioned on the site. This piece recommends, when driving on winter roads, that drivers maintain at least six to eight seconds following distance, or at least two car lengths. Driving two car lengths does not take anywhere near six seconds, making the advice confusing to say the least.
Skid Control
Conventional wisdom states that if a driver enters a skid, it is best to steer in the direction of the skid. This will help to regain steering control, after which the driver can bring the vehicle to a safe stop. However, bad advice on this is all over the map. Some people suggest that those with front wheel drive steer in the opposite direction from the skid, while others suggest that the driver remove a hand from the wheel to drop the car into neutral. Both of these suggestions may, at best, do absolutely nothing to help or, at worst, make an already dangerous situation worse.
Above are just a few examples of bad driving advice. If you want to brush up on safety before taking your Certified Mercedes out on your next road trip, make sure that you gather tips only from a quality source. Bad advice is everywhere, so make sure that you can trust your source.
Filed Under: Certified Mercedes-Benz
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