Driver's Edge Driver Training

09/07/2026

There are 2 types of Railroad Crossings across the United States. ACTIVE (Crossbow/Lights/Sirens) and PASSIVE (Signs only).

Approximately (248) people were killed last year at Railroad Crossings across the United States.

You might think it’s a no brainer, but most motorists will hit a train while driving at night while going through a PASSIVE RR crossing and get wedged under the railcar and get dragged for hours.

When approaching an ACTIVE of PASSIVE railroad Crossing “Stop, Look, Listen” within 15 feet of the crossing. Once you enter the crossing, keep moving. Never drive around a lowering gate or ignore signals. After a train passes, wait for gates to fully rise and for all lights to stop flashing before your cross.

Look again at crossings with multiple tracks. Two tracks may mean two trains – ensure all tracks are clear before driving across each rail line.

If your car stalls or stops on the crossing, get yourself and all passengers out and away quickly. Call the phone number posted at the railroad crossing or 911 to report a stalled vehicle.

07/28/2026

Your brakes are one of the most important pieces of equipment you have on your car. Did you know the Parking Brake and the Conventional Brakes are separate braking systems from each other?

The “Threshold Braking” technique is when you use maximum brake power without locking up or slamming the brakes. This is the preferred braking technique used in an emergency situation if you have to perform a sudden or controlled stop in dry conditions. Be advised “locking up” the brakes is dangerous because it greatly increases your chances of you losing control of the vehicle during a sudden stop.

“Pumping the Brakes” This braking technique is the preferred way to brake if you have to perform a sudden or controlled stop in wet, icy or snowy conditions.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a safety feature in most modern cars that help prevent the wheels from locking up when braking. This allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle and steer around obstacles. When you lock up the brakes, (ABS) Threshold brakes for you automatically.
PRO TIP - If your conventional brakes ever fail, you can use your parking brake as a back-up. If you ever experience a catastrophic brake failure do the following:

-Turn on your Hazards
-(SMOG) Signal Mirror, Overt the Shoulder, Go
-Proceed to the Shoulder
-Brake with your Parking Brake.

05/31/2026

The Graduated Driver’s License Program (GDL) enacted in 2001 in Washington State limits new drivers' privileges in stages, allowing them to gain experience in less risky situations before receiving a full license. The Intermediate Driver’s License is a specialized License for 16–18-year-old drivers.
Below are the requirements to get the IDL:
-Be 16 years of age
-Have the Learners Permit for 6mos
-Complete 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed Driver
-Pass/complete a Driver’s Ed Course
-Pass State Testing (Written/Skills)
Below are the restrictions once a teen has the IDL:
-For first 6mos, just Immediate Family in the car (under the age of 20)
-For the next 6mos, no more than 3 that aren’t immediate family. (under the age of 20)
-No driving between the hours of (1-5AM) unless with a licensed driver or if you work for a farmer in some capacity.
-No use of a cell phone while driving a motor vehicle.
-No drug or alcohol related offences.
-Tickets or Crashes (First Offense) Warning Letter is issued
-Tickets or Crashes (Second Offense) IDL suspended for 6Mos
-Tickets or Crashes (Third Offense) IDL suspended until 18

04/10/2026

The primary advantage of using high-beam headlights is that they illuminate the road surface up to 350 to 400 feet in front of you. That's twice the distance as low beams.

Also remember to turn off your high beams for approaching vehicles (500 feet, if you are behind a vehicle (300 feet).

If an oncoming vehicle does not dim its high beam headlights, the safest and most recommended reaction you must perform is to: Keep your low beams on and look to the right towards the Fog Line. Once passed go back to center view. This will keep your eyes properly adjusted to Night Vision

Always remember, high beams are often set to the right to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Thus, looking right or towards the right edge of the road can help you avoid the unfiltered light as you anticipate for the oncoming vehicle to pass.

It typically takes 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to Night Vision

02/12/2026

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02/02/2026

How much space should be between you and a bicycle?

Leave a safe distance of not less that three (3) feet between the vehicle and the bicyclist and maintain such clearance until safely past the bicycle. Leave a safe distance when passing the bicycle, and maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.

Can you ride a bike on a public road?

Riding on the road - When riding on a roadway, a cyclist has all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver. Bicyclists who violate traffic laws may be ticketed.

Can you ride a bike on a State Highway?

In Washington state, cyclists are permitted to ride on the shoulder of limited-access highways unless prohibited.

01/06/2026

Contrary to popular belief it is it is technically illegal to drive at any speed greater than the posted speed limit, even if it's to go with the flow of traffic. There are however some situations where cops will show leniency towards motorists. Below are some of those situations:

-Bathroom Emergency.
-Emergency (medical related).
-Emergency (traffic related).
-Emergency (weather related).
-Going with the flow of traffic.
-Going marginally above the posted speed limit.
-I was unaware of the speed limit.
-No excuses.

08/07/2025

Driver's Edge Driver Training - 2025 Top Driving School on Bainbridge Island, WA.

08/07/2025

(440) people died last year in the US due to Deer-Vehicle related Collisions. If you ever encounter a Deer out on the open road remember the following.

-Execute "Threshold Braking" technique if no one is directly behind you or "Pump the Brakes" during periods of inclement weather.
- If someone is directly behind you execute an Evasive Action to the Shoulder or another lane (if safe).
- Tragically if the above are not options sometimes it's better to hit a Deer then a pedestrian, cyclist or another motorist.

05/13/2025

In Washington State, the darkest legal tint for a passenger vehicle's front side windows is 24% Visible Light Transmission (VLT).

This means the tint can block up to 76% of visible light. For the back windows of SUVs and trucks, there is no VLT limit, allowing for any darkness.

All windows can be tined with the exception of the Front Windshield. The top 6 inches of the Front Windshield can be tinted however.