Smarter Driver Podcast cover art

Smarter Driver Podcast

Smarter Driver Podcast

By: Rick August PhD
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About this listen

Welcome to the smarter driver podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Rick August. Here, we're going to get you on the road to being a safer, smarter driver. And no…my degree's not in driving. My degree in fact, is in legal history, which many of you know is the study of policing, courts and prisons. My expertise is in policing as it relates to traffic. Here we're going to look at the fundamental conflict of traffic which is: Collisions vs. Congestion And we're going to look at the arena of social driving. The challenges you face as a driver, the challenges you face when getting a license, or starting a career as a truck or bus driver. The car's all gassed up, we're ready to go. Let's get started. With the smarter driver podcast we provide the stepping stones towards your success in driving. We empower you to achieve your goals and aspirations as they relate to getting your first license, becoming a safer, smarter driver, or starting a career as a truck or bus driver. If you're just starting out and working towards getting your first license, be sure to check out the smarter driver course package down in the description. Guaranteed to pass first time. As well, if there's something about driving that really irks you, and you'd like to get it off your chest, please leave a comment. I'm your host, Dr. Rick August. Thanks very much for listening. And remember, pick the best answer not necessarily the right answer. Have a great day, bye now.2022 Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Defensive Driving Tips to Stay Safe in Deep Snow & Winter Storms
    Feb 5 2026

    Defensive driving skils and abilities to stay safe on ice and in deep snow. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
    ****************
    COURSES & CHECKLIST

    Get My Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/

    Click for COURSE Package that includes:
    1) Pass Driver's Test First Time
    2) Defensive Driving Smart
    3) Winter Driving Smart

    https://www.smartdrivetest.com/smarter-driver-course-package/
    "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time"

    Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30
    ****************
    DESCRIPTION

    Driving in deep snow and winter storms presents serious challenges for even experienced drivers. Reduced traction, hidden black ice, limited visibility, and sudden traffic slowdowns mean that defensive driving skills are essential for staying safe on winter roads.

    In this Smart Drive Test podcast episode, we break down practical defensive driving tips to help you stay in control during severe winter conditions. You'll learn where black ice is most likely to form, why curves and corners are especially dangerous in snow, and how to recover safely if your vehicle begins to skid.

    We also discuss what to do if traffic suddenly backs up on the highway during a winter storm, how to correctly measure following distance when roads are slippery, and the smart driving habits that reduce risk in deep snow. These strategies are especially important for new drivers, drivers preparing for a road test, and anyone who regularly drives in harsh winter conditions.

    Whether you're facing heavy snowfall, icy highways, or winter storm travel, this episode will help you drive calmly, anticipate hazards early, and make safer decisions behind the wheel—because in winter driving, space, patience, and smooth control matter most.

    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #winterdriving #defensivedriving #drivinginsnow #winterstormdriving
    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Defensive Driving Tips for Deep Snow & Winter Storm Conditions
    02:32 – Where Black Ice Forms Most Often in Winter Driving
    04:49 – Why Curves, Corners & Turns Cause Winter Loss of Control
    07:07 – How to Recover from a Skid on Snow and Ice
    09:00 – What to Do During Winter Highway Slowdowns & Traffic Backups
    11:53 – How to Measure Safe Following Distance in Winter
    12:44 – Key Smart Driving Principles for Staying Safe All Winter
    ***************
    SOCIALS

    www.smartdrivetest.com
    www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest
    www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest
    www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/

    Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd

    Music: BoxCat Games
    Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song
    ****************
    MONETARILY SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL

    If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest
    This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Why Social Driving Causes Most Traffic Crashes And How to Avoid It
    Jan 29 2026

    • Learn why social driving makes you a BAD driver. The influence of other drivers can make your driving dangerous. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
    ****************
    COURSES & CHECKLIST

    Get My Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/

    Click for COURSE Package that includes:
    1) Pass Driver's Test First Time
    2) Defensive Driving Smart
    3) Winter Driving Smart

    https://www.smartdrivetest.com/smarter-driver-course-package/
    "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time"

    Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30
    ****************
    DESCRIPTION

    Most traffic crashes are not caused by weather, road conditions, or vehicle failure—they're caused by social driving.

    In this Smart Drive Test podcast episode, Dr. Rick August explains why social driving is the leading cause of traffic collisions, how drivers miscommunicate on the road, and what you can do to protect yourself—especially if you're a new driver or preparing for your driving test.

    Social driving happens when drivers react emotionally, follow peer behavior instead of road rules, and allow pressure from other drivers to influence their decisions. Honking, tailgating, rushing left turns, and aggressive passing are all examples of social driving—and they dramatically increase crash risk.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • What social driving really is and why it's so dangerous
    • Why drivers communicate poorly with other traffic
    • How to properly measure a 2–3 second following distance
    • How to stay calm when other drivers honk or pressure you
    • Whether passing another vehicle is allowed on a driving test
    • What to do if your brakes freeze in winter conditions
    • Why winter driving tests can actually be easier for new drivers
    • Why left turns at busy intersections cause so many collisions

    If you want to be a safer, smarter driver and pass your driving test the first time, this episode will change the way you think about driving.

    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #socialdriving #defensivedriving #drivingtesttips #drivingsafety
    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Why Social Driving Is the Leading Cause of Traffic Crashes
    01:12 – What Is Social Driving? (And Why It's So Dangerous)
    03:58 – Why Drivers Communicate So Poorly on the Road
    06:58 – How to Measure a Safe 2–3 Second Following Distance
    10:37 – How to Stay Calm When Other Drivers Honk or Pressure You
    12:30 – What to Do If Your Brakes Freeze (Rare but Important)
    19:40 – Why New Drivers Often Pass Their Driving Test More Easily in Winter
    20:38 – Why Left Turns at Busy Intersections Are So Complex
    22:34 – Why Most Drivers Learn Social Driving From Their Peers
    ***************
    SOCIALS

    www.smartdrivetest.com
    www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest
    www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest
    www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/

    Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd

    Music: BoxCat Games
    Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song
    ****************
    MONETARILY SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL

    If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest
    This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Traffic Signs Most Drivers Ignore — and Why Defensive Drivers Don't
    Jan 22 2026

    Most driver DON'T read road signs! If you want to do ONE thing that will make you a safer, smarter diver...read road signs. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
    ****************
    COURSES & CHECKLIST

    Get My Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/

    Click for COURSE Package that includes:
    1) Pass Driver's Test First Time
    2) Defensive Driving Smart
    3) Winter Driving Smart

    https://www.smartdrivetest.com/smarter-driver-course-package/
    "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time"

    Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30
    ****************
    DESCRIPTION

    Traffic signs play a critical role in passing your driving test and staying safe on the road. In this video, we break down the most commonly missed traffic signs and explain how failing to notice them can lead to automatic test failures or dangerous driving situations. You'll learn how hazard and obstruction signs warn you about road conditions, how lane usage signs guide safe positioning, and why understanding vehicle height restrictions is essential—especially for larger vehicles.

    We also cover key driving test questions, including when you are legally allowed to pass another vehicle and how examiners assess your decision-making. Defensive driving is a major focus, with practical strategies to deal with unpredictable road users, aggressive drivers, and modern vehicle distractions. New car technology can easily pull your attention away from the road, and knowing how to manage it is essential for safe driving.

    Whether you're preparing for your driving test or looking to become a safer, more confident driver, this video will help you develop the awareness and defensive driving habits examiners are looking for—and that can protect you for life.

    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #DriversTest #defensivedriving #trafficsigns #driverstesttips
    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Critical Traffic Signs You Cannot Miss on Your Driving Test
    02:52 – Hazard & Obstruction Signs You'll See Everywhere
    06:06 – Lane Usage Signs That Prevent Serious Collisions
    10:22 – Vehicle Height Signs: What Every Large Vehicle Driver Must Know
    11:17 – Passing Other Vehicles: What's Allowed on a Driving Test
    13:44 – Anticipating Unpredictable Drivers and Road Users
    16:36 – How New Vehicle Technology Distracts Drivers
    16:58 – Handling Aggressive Drivers Safely
    17:51 – The Defensive Driving Mindset That Keeps You Safe
    ***************
    SOCIALS

    www.smartdrivetest.com
    www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest
    www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest
    www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/

    Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd

    Music: BoxCat Games
    Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song
    ****************
    MONETARILY SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL

    If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest
    This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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