Greg's Driving School

How to Drive Safely in the Summer

Contrary to popular belief, driving in summer can actually be more dangerous than driving in winter. In the United States, more accidents take place in August than in any other month. To make sure you are as safe as possible on the road this summer, watch this video.

You should take your car in for a tune up before summer starts to make sure your car is in tip-top shape. When on the road, be aware of your surroundings. It’s very common for drivers to be distracted late at night or near the holidays, so drive defensively.

At Greg’s Driving School, we are committed to making Maryland roads safer. Since 1992, we have offered quality driving classes and driver improvement courses. Call us at (301) 703-9075 to learn more about how we can make you or your teen a safer driver.

A New App to Help University of Maryland Students Find Available Parking

When there is nowhere to park on the University of Maryland campus, many drivers take out their smart phone to find a space. To learn more about how this cutting edge app works to decrease congestion on campus, watch the video.

Using the Street Line Parker App, drivers can find nearby parking spaces. The app makes use of sensors under each parking spot that indicate whether the space is free. Watch the video to find out more about how this app works.

If you are looking for other innovative ways to make your driving experience better, contact Greg’s Driving School at (301) 703-9075. Since 1992, our driving lessons have made drivers of all ages safer.

Driver Insurance Requirements in Maryland

Once you complete your driver’s education and become a fully licensed driver, you will need to carry insurance to be able to legally operate a vehicle. Every state has its own set of laws regarding what types of driver insurance you need to carry. Here are the driver insurance requirements for the state of Maryland:

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is the type of coverage that will protect you in the event of an accident in which you are at fault. With this type of insurance, you will be covered if you are responsible for inflicting property damage, personal injury, or death upon another party. Liability insurance will provide you with the financial support you will need to pay for damages that you cause to another driver or vehicle. In Maryland, you must carry a minimum of $20,000 of insurance per person covered by the plan.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In the event that you are in an accident with another motorist who does not carry insurance, you will need to have Uninsured Motorist Coverage included in your insurance plan. This type of coverage will protect you from any damages that you suffer which are caused by an uninsured motorist. You will need at least $20,000 of coverage for each person on the insurance plan.

Personal Injury Protection

If you are in an accident and require an emergency hospital visit or other medical service, Personal Injury Protection will help cover your medical expenses. Not only does this type of coverage protect the driver of the vehicle, it can also be extended to cover any occupant of your vehicle. If you are covered by separate medical insurance, you can choose to opt out of Personal Injury Protection if you are 16 or older. 

For more information about becoming a fully licensed and insured driver in the state of Maryland, contact Greg’s Driving School. Call us at (301) 703-9075 or visit our website to learn more about our acclaimed driving school.  

Your Guide to a Successful Parallel Parking Experience

Parallel parking can be one of the most intimidating skills to master when you are learning to drive. Though parallel parking may seem difficult at first, you can easily learn to parallel park using some simple tips. Here is your guide to a successful parallel parking experience:

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The first step towards a successful parallel parking experience is to be aware of your surroundings. Look for a space that can easily accommodate your vehicle. Once you find your space, pull up next to the front car, put on your turn signal, and check your mirrors to be sure that you are clear of all other vehicles.

Find Your Alignment

Once you have lined up your car next to the vehicle in front of your parking spot, you are ready to begin parallel parking. Make sure that there are about two feet between you and the parked car. Put your car in reverse and check your mirrors before you start moving.

Turn Towards the Curb

Begin your parallel parking by slowly moving backwards. As soon as you have a bit of momentum, turn your wheel towards the curb. If you are parking on the right side of the street, this means you will turn your wheel to the right.

Turn Away From the Curb

As you are slowly backing towards the right, stop your vehicle once your driver’s seat is in alignment with the rear bumper of the vehicle that you are maneuvering around. Now, turn your wheel sharply away from the curb and gently go in reverse. After a few feet, you should be squarely into the parking space.

Straighten Out

If you aren’t completely square in the parking space, you can make small adjustments to straighten out your car. Move slowly forward or back, adjusting the wheel until you are six inches away from the curb.

When you are learning to parallel park, remember that practice makes perfect! For access to top quality driving lessons, call Greg’s Driving School of Maryland at (301) 703-9075. We have been providing driving lessons since 1992! 

What are Blind Spots and How Can You Avoid Them?

When you are learning to drive, it is essential to remain constantly aware of your surroundings out on the road. Your car’s blind spots pose a distinct challenge to your visibility when driving, so it is important to actively check them to avoid a collision. Let’s take a closer look at blind spots and how they can be avoided through careful driving habits:

Find Your Blind Spots

A blind spot is an area around your vehicle that you are not able to see when you are looking forward at the road. Typically, a vehicle has eight blind spots. There are two in the front of the car, two on each side of the car, and two on the back of the car. If a vehicle or other object moves into one of your blind spots, you will have a hard time noticing that it is there. This lack of visibility can cause a serious accident.

Turn Your Head

The best way to avoid your blind spots is to always look in your direction of travel. You should be accustomed to turning your head and looking to make sure that you are clear before you change lanes or turn. Practice visually checking your blind spots, even when you are not intending to turn or change lanes. By always being aware of the surroundings of your vehicle, you will help prevent a collision.

Adjust Your Mirrors

The rear and side mirrors of your vehicle have been designed to help eliminate your blind spots. If you adjust your mirrors to avoid blind spots, you will have a better view of your surroundings. Be sure that your side mirrors are angled far enough away from your car to give you a view of the lane of travel directly to your left or right. In addition to adjusting your mirrors, be sure to always look in your direction of travel.

For more information about avoiding your blind spots, enroll in a driver’s education course at Greg’s Driving School of Maryland. Call us at (301) 703-9075 to learn more about our driving lessons for teens and adults.