Confessions of a Driving Instructor

Flooded Roadways

Last night, we experienced a lot rainfall; so much that a large part of the city was under flash flood warnings in the morning. Flash floods can be deadly. If you drive in an area that can be flooded, you need to take precautions to protect yourself and your passengers.  Here is how National Driver Training addresses driving when roads are flooded:

 

When approaching water, avoid splashing water into the engine compartment by proceeding slowly. Do not proceed if the water level reaches your vehicle or you are unsure how deep the water is. Most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs can be swept away in as little as two feet of water. The best thing to do is to simply not drive through any standing or moving water is to, as the National Weather Service Puts it, "Turn Around Don't Drown."

Here is a list of safety rules from the National Weather Service's Turn Around Don't Drown website:

• Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio, or your favorite news source for vital weather related information.
• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
• Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown.
• Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

 

 

New Permit Test App

My friends over at National Driver Training have created an app to allow Texas students to practice for thier permit test.  For the time being, the app is only available on iTunes, but they are working on an Android version.  If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, check it out: NDT Texas Permit Test.

Screenshots:

 

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Buying a Car that Fits your Budget

Don't let your car drive you to the poorhouse

The same logic used to determine your mortgage also applies to your car. Most people can comfortably afford a car that costs one-third of their annual income. If you make $60,000, you can comfortably afford a car that costs $20,000. If that seems low, you now know why so many Americans are in financial trouble: They are driving it. A car has many other costs beyond just the monthly payment. There's insurance, gas, parking and maintenance, for example. If you follow the one-third rule of thumb, your total transportation costs should be 10% or less of your gross income.

• Calculator: How much car can you afford?

• More on Forbes.com: 10 ways a bad credit score can hurt you

via finances.msn.com

I saw a great article today on msn.com that addresses the 5 expenses that eat half of your income. Not surprisingly, car payment was number two on the list. Forbes magazine gives a clever formula to determine just how much car you can afford. Click the link above to read the entire article.