How to Judge the Width of your Car - Narrow spaces and staying in your lane

Summary

This video offers practical advice on navigating narrow spaces while driving. The instructor shares personal anecdotes and demonstrates techniques to judge gaps instead of car width, using oneself as a reference point. Tips include using reference markers for parking and slow maneuvers, and checking wing mirrors when very narrow gaps are encountered. The video aims to boost driver confidence in assessing road space.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The script is a driving tutorial focusing on how to judge the sides of your car while driving.
• 👶 The narrator recalls childhood memories of being in a car and feeling like it was going to crash, relating it to new drivers' fears.
• 🚦 Many new drivers tend to veer left or right, often due to focusing too much on the sides of their car or oncoming traffic.
• 🛣️ The solution is to not think about the car's sides but rather to imagine driving oneself down the road, with the car following.
• 🌍 For right-hand drive countries, use the left leg as a guide, and for left-hand drive countries, use the right leg.
• 🚘 When navigating narrow spaces, focus on fitting the car into the gap rather than worrying about the car's width.
• 👀 Use reference points outside the car, such as other vehicles or road markings, to judge the size of gaps.
• 🚦 In tight situations, use reference markers on the car and check wing mirrors to ensure you're not going to hit anything.
• 🔍 When going through very narrow gaps, go incredibly slowly and use clutch control to maintain precise speed.
• 🛑 If unsure about a gap, it's better to wait or encourage oncoming traffic to give more space rather than risk an accident.
• 👍 The video aims to build confidence in drivers for navigating narrow roads and judging gaps without focusing on the car's width.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to teach viewers how to judge the sides of their car when driving, particularly in narrow spaces.

Why do people often feel like they are going to hit oncoming cars while driving?

People often feel like they are going to hit oncoming cars because the perspective from inside the car can make it seem like there is less space than there actually is, causing a feeling of impending collision.

What childhood memory does the narrator share to relate to the driving experience?

The narrator shares a memory of sitting in a child seat of his dad's 1979 Datsun Bluebird estate, feeling like they were going to hit oncoming cars.

Why do driving instructors struggle to stop their pupils from driving into the curb?

Driving instructors struggle to stop their pupils from driving into the curb because most people instinctively want to drive to the left, which can lead to them veering towards the curb.

What is the solution to judging the sides of the car while driving?

The solution is to not focus on the car itself but on the driver's own position on the road, imagining oneself walking down the lane with a leg in the middle of the lane to guide the car.

How does the narrator suggest using oneself to judge the position of the car?

The narrator suggests imagining oneself walking down the road with the left leg in the middle of the lane if driving in a right-hand drive country, or the right leg if in a left-hand drive country, to guide the car accordingly.

What is the key to navigating narrow gaps in the road?

The key to navigating narrow gaps is to judge the size of the gap and use reference markers or wing mirrors when going very slowly, ensuring there is enough space for the car to pass through.

Why should drivers avoid using reference markers at higher speeds?

Drivers should avoid using reference markers at higher speeds because it takes their focus off the road ahead and can cause them to veer off course.

How does the narrator demonstrate going through narrow gaps?

The narrator demonstrates going through narrow gaps by driving slowly, using clutch control, and continuously checking both sides with reference markers or wing mirrors.

What advice does the narrator give for encouraging oncoming traffic to give space?

The narrator advises getting a bit closer to the oncoming car without playing chicken, to signal the need for more space, but if they don't comply, to wait until they've passed before proceeding.

What is the importance of using oneself as a reference point when driving through narrow spaces?

Using oneself as a reference point helps to avoid overthinking and improve confidence. It allows drivers to better judge the size of the gap rather than the width of their car, leading to safer navigation through tight spaces.