Brunswick's Can-Do Driving School: Success!

Can Do Driving School in Brunswick, Maine, is a great choice for anyone looking to get their driver's license. The school offers comprehensive driver education courses that cover everything from safe driving habits to Maine traffic laws and road sign interpretation. Their courses are designed to help students pass both the written and behind-the-wheel examinations with flying colours. Can Do Driving School is committed to giving students the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience they need to become safe and responsible drivers. The school is conveniently located at 103 Harpswell Rd, Brunswick, ME, and is recognised by the DMV, making it an excellent choice for aspiring drivers in the area.

Safe and defensive driving habits

Defensive driving is a set of behaviours and techniques that help reduce the risk of accidents and mishaps. Defensive drivers are always alert and ready to anticipate changes to road and weather conditions, and they keep an eye out for other drivers and pedestrians. Here are some safe and defensive driving habits to keep in mind:

Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Eliminate distractions and stay focused on the task of driving. This includes avoiding talking on the phone, eating, or any other activity that takes your attention away from driving.

Stay Alert

Being alert and well-rested is crucial for safe driving. Driving while drowsy or under the influence of substances can impair your reaction time and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.

Watch Out for Other Drivers

Be aware of the actions of other drivers and anticipate their movements. Look out for aggressive or inattentive drivers and keep a safe distance from them. Assume that other drivers may make mistakes and be prepared to react accordingly.

Follow Traffic Laws and Signals

Obey traffic signals, speed limits, and road rules. Using turn signals appropriately is an important part of defensive driving, as it helps communicate your intentions to other drivers.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front. The 3- to 4-second rule is a good guideline for maintaining a safe following distance in normal traffic and good weather conditions. Adjust this distance in bad weather or when following large vehicles.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Buckling up is a critical safety measure. It reduces your risk of injury in a crash and can save your life. Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers are properly buckled up before driving.

Yield When in Doubt

When faced with uncertainty, such as an unclear traffic sign or an unfamiliar intersection, practice defensive driving by yielding to avoid potential hazards.

Prepare for Adverse Conditions and Emergencies

Know how to handle adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow, and how to respond to emergencies, such as a tire blowout or a dog running into the roadway.

Look Far Ahead

Develop situational awareness by looking far down the road and anticipating potential hazards. This will help you plan ahead and reduce the risk of accidents.

Have an Escape Plan

Always have an escape route in mind in case of unexpected situations. Leave yourself an out and position your vehicle where you have the best chance of seeing and being seen.

These safe and defensive driving habits can help keep you and others safe on the road. Remember, defensive driving is about anticipating potential hazards, staying alert, and making safety your top priority.

Maine traffic laws

Driving schools in Brunswick, Maine, such as Can Do Driving School, offer courses that teach students about the state's traffic laws and rules of the road. Here is an overview of some key traffic laws in Maine:

Slower Traffic Keep Right

Known as the "Move Over" Rule, this law requires drivers travelling slower than the surrounding traffic to stay as far right as possible. On roads with speed limits of 65 mph or higher, drivers must stay in the right-hand lane unless passing another vehicle.

Minimum Speed & Flow of Traffic

The "Minimum Speed" Rule prohibits driving at a speed that hinders the normal flow of traffic. The Department of Transportation can set a minimum speed limit if slow vehicles consistently delay traffic on a particular road.

Passing On the Left

The "Passing on the Left" Rule requires drivers to pass other vehicles on the left, maintaining a safe distance and staying on the road. When passing on a two-lane road, drivers must ensure they have enough space to pass and return to the right lane before encountering oncoming traffic.

Following Too Closely

The "Following Too Closely" Rule, or the Rear-End Collision Law, mandates that drivers maintain a "reasonable and prudent" distance from the vehicle in front of them, taking into account speed, traffic conditions, and road conditions.

Mobile Phones & Hands-Free Driving

Maine law prohibits texting while driving, even when stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. Drivers can only send or read text messages if they pull over to the side of the road and remain stationary.

Four-Way Intersections & Stop Signs

At four-way intersections, the driver on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right, except in roundabouts, traffic circles, or rotaries.

Left-Turns & Right of Way

To make a legal left turn, drivers must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. If an approaching vehicle is close enough to pose a hazard, the turning driver must let it pass through the intersection first.

Speed Limits

Maine has two types of speeding laws: "absolute speeding limits" and a "basic speeding law." The basic speeding law requires drivers to maintain a "careful and prudent speed" that is reasonable for the given road and traffic conditions. Absolute speed limits are posted and must be adhered to. The default speed limits in Maine are:

• 15 mph in school zones when children are likely to be outside
• 25 mph in business or residential areas
• 45 mph on other roads

Demerit Point System

Maine employs a demerit point system for traffic violations. Accumulating 12 points within a year can result in a license suspension for up to 15 days. Examples of violations and their corresponding points include:

• Driving the wrong way: 6 points
• Exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 15 mph but less than 30 mph: 6 points
• Illegal left turn: 2 points
• Running a red light: 4 points

Sharing the road with other road users

When driving, it's crucial to be aware of and share the road with other road users, including pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, large trucks, buses, and even farm machinery. Here are some detailed guidelines on sharing the road with different types of road users:

Sharing the Road with Pedestrians:

• Road safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers. Pedestrians should ensure they are seen by drivers and that drivers are stopped or about to stop before entering the roadway.
• Drivers must exercise caution and properly respond to the presence of pedestrians, often by yielding to them. Making eye contact with pedestrians is crucial for safety.
• Drive slowly and cautiously through areas where children may be present, such as school zones and residential areas. Expect the unexpected, as children may dart out from between parked cars or try to cross the street without checking for traffic.
• Be extra cautious during twilight, when children may still be playing outside but are harder to see.
• Watch for crosswalks, which can be marked by signs, lines, or other pavement markings. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, as there may be crossing pedestrians.
• Always yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings, and where there are crossing guards.
• Be patient with slow pedestrians, especially seniors or those with disabilities, and allow them extra time to cross.
• Be mindful of visually impaired pedestrians who may use white canes or guide dogs. If you're driving a quiet vehicle, such as an electric or hybrid car, be extra cautious, as they may rely on engine sounds.
• Watch for distracted pedestrians who may be using cell phones or listening to music.
• Be cautious when driving in low-light conditions, as pedestrians wearing dark clothing can be difficult to spot.

Sharing the Road with Cyclists:

• Bicycles and mopeds are considered slow-moving vehicles and should be treated as such on two-lane or narrow roads. Pass them only when it is safe to do so.
• Maintain a safe distance when passing cyclists. Do not pass too closely or too fast, as the wind gust from your vehicle can affect their balance.
• Do not follow too closely behind cyclists, as they may need to react suddenly to hazards in the road or bike lane.
• Yield to cyclists in bike lanes and only turn across or merge into the bike lane when it is safe to do so.
• Avoid honking or using high-beam headlights towards cyclists, as it can startle them.
• Look out for cyclists at intersections and before opening your car door. They may be hidden from view by other vehicles.
• When making a right turn, check your mirrors and blind spots for cyclists in bike lanes, as they have the right of way.
• Cyclists may need to use the full lane, especially when turning left or positioning themselves to turn left. Respect their space and do not pass too closely.
• Be aware that cyclists may need to take sudden actions to avoid obstacles such as puddles, ice, or potholes.
• Do not sound your horn unnecessarily when overtaking a cyclist, as it may frighten them and cause them to lose control.
• Make eye contact with cyclists whenever possible to ensure mutual awareness.

Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists:

• Motorcyclists are harder to see due to their smaller size. Always check your blind spots and give them plenty of space.
• Never share a lane with a motorcyclist, even if they appear to be using only a portion of the lane.
• When passing a motorcyclist, do not pass too closely. The wind gust from your vehicle can cause them to lose control.
• Maintain a minimum following distance of 4 seconds in good conditions, as motorcyclists can stop faster than cars.
• Understand that motorcyclists are more susceptible to poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven surfaces, and may need to make sudden manoeuvres.
• Be cautious when turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle with its turn signal on, as they may have forgotten to switch it off.

Sharing the Road with Large Commercial Vehicles:

• Large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers and buses, have significant blind spots on both sides. Avoid tailgating and stay out of their blind spots.
• Large vehicles require a much longer distance to stop, so allow ample space when passing and do not cut in front of them too closely.
• When a large vehicle is making a right turn, it may need to swing wide to the left first. Do not move into the space that opens up in the right lane, as you could be squeezed between the trailer and the curb.
• Leave plenty of room when stopped behind a large vehicle, as they may roll back when the driver releases the brakes.
• In bad weather, large vehicles can spray mud, snow, or debris onto your windshield, temporarily blocking your vision.
• Passing a large vehicle can be challenging due to the heavy air turbulence they create, affecting your ability to control your vehicle.

Remember, sharing the road is a collective responsibility. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the safety of everyone using the roadways.

Handling adverse conditions

Adverse weather conditions can make driving challenging for even the most experienced drivers. Here are some tips to help you handle adverse conditions and stay safe on the road:

Fog

Fog is one of the most dangerous weather conditions to drive in. If possible, avoid driving in foggy conditions. If you must drive, follow these tips:

• Do not use high-beam headlights as they will reflect light off the fog, reducing visibility. Instead, use low-beam headlights or fog lights if your vehicle has them.
• Follow the white line on the right side of the road to help guide you and keep you in your lane.
• Maintain a significant distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow for abrupt stops if needed.
• Use turn signals early to notify drivers behind you of your intention to slow down or turn.

Rain

Rain can also make driving difficult by reducing visibility and creating slippery roads. To drive safely in the rain:

• Slow down and give yourself plenty of time to stop, as it takes longer to come to a complete stop on wet roads.
• Turn on your headlights to improve visibility for yourself and other drivers.
• Avoid driving over puddles as they can cause your car to hydroplane and lose control.
• Drive in the middle lanes as water tends to pool on the outer edges of the road.
• Keep your windshield wipers in good condition and replace them as soon as they get dull.

Snow and Ice

Snow and Ice can make driving treacherous, so it's important to take extra precautions:

• Allow yourself twice as much time to get to your destination and drive slowly and steadily.
• Practice braking in an empty parking lot to get a feel for how your car reacts in snowy or icy conditions.
• Take corners slowly and give yourself plenty of time to slow down before turning to avoid losing control.
• Accelerate gradually to prevent your tires from spinning.
• Beware of "black ice," a thin layer of transparent ice that can cause you to quickly lose control of your vehicle. Avoid driving over areas that look wet.
• Keep snow chains in your trunk and use them when necessary, following the laws in your region.

High Winds

High winds can also create hazardous driving conditions, especially for lightweight or high-sided vehicles. To drive safely in high winds:

• Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel and pay extra attention to the road.
• Be aware of other vehicles that may be affected by the wind, especially large vehicles like semi-trucks and motor homes.
• Reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react to approaching hazards.
• Keep an eye out for flying debris or other obstacles on the road.

Remember, always adjust your speed according to the road conditions and avoid driving impaired or when extremely fatigued. Slowing down and being cautious can help keep you safe when facing adverse conditions.

Emergency situations

Vehicle Breakdown:

• Try to pull off the road and move away from traffic.
• Turn on your emergency hazard lights.
• If it's safe to exit the vehicle, place warning triangles behind your car to alert other drivers.
• Lift the hood to indicate an emergency.

Tire Blowout or Loss of Wheel:

• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and steer straight.
• Release the gas pedal and brake gently once the car is under control.
• Avoid braking too early, as it can cause a total loss of control.
• If you have a spare tire, assess the situation and consider changing it. Otherwise, call for roadside assistance.

Power Steering Failure:

• If your vehicle continues in a straight line and the road ahead is clear, let it decelerate.
• If your vehicle steers to one side or the road ahead is blocked, you may need to brake carefully to avoid losing control.

Oncoming Vehicle in Your Lane:

• Sound your horn and flash your high beams to alert the other driver.
• Brake hard and steer towards the side of the road if they don't respond.
• Avoid pulling into the left lane, as it could lead to a head-on collision if the other driver corrects their course.

Shattered Windscreen:

• Safely pull over to the side of the road.
• Cover ventilator openings with a blanket or cloth to prevent glass from falling inside the vehicle.
• Slowly push out the damaged windscreen.
• Drive carefully to the nearest workshop to get it fixed, and remember to wear eye protection.

Stuck Gas Pedal:

• Try to lift the pedal with your foot or hook it with your toe.
• If that doesn't work, turn on your hazard lights, shift to neutral, and stop as soon as possible, preferably off the road.
• Turn off the ignition and do not drive away. Call for assistance.

Headlight Malfunction:

• Try using your four-way flashers, parking lights, or directional signals for temporary lighting.
• Turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road.
• Place road hazard markers a safe distance behind your vehicle.
• Call for roadside assistance or flag down another car for help if you don't have a working phone.

Remember, staying calm and knowing how to respond to these emergency situations can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Frequently asked questions