Question: I have two grandsons, one 17 years old with a driver’s license, the other 15 with a permit. They both have a bad habit of driving with one hand on the wheel. I stress how dangerous this is and both hands need to be on wheel all the time. I drive at the 9 and 3 position and try to have them do the same. Any suggestions?
Answer: When it comes to driving, try to keep at least 10 inches between yourself and the steering wheel. When it comes to hand placement, keep your hands at the 8 and 4 o’clock or 9 and 3 o’clock positions on the steering wheel. Avoid the 10 and 2 o’clock position. Keep your thumbs turned out on the steering wheel.
Question: I feel like I see so many vehicles tailgating and following too close. I remember people talk about a so-many-seconds following tip. Can you remind me and others what that is?
Answer: Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. This rule is for standard-length vehicles driving in ideal conditions.
1. Choose a fixed reference point at the side of the road ahead, such as a telephone pole, signpost,
tree or bridge.
2. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the reference point, begin counting: “One-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.”
3. If you pass the reference point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
4. Gradually slow down until you reach a safe following distance and speed.
When road conditions are poor, or if you are driving a vehicle longer than the standard length, increase your following distance to a four- or five-second count.
If the vehicle behind you is following too closely, slow down slightly and allow it to pass.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)
