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Smarter Driver Podcast

Smarter Driver Podcast

By: Rick August PhD
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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
  • Emotional Driving vs Defensive Driving—Which One Keeps You Safe?
    Jun 25 2026

    Most drivers think they're good drivers and that everyone else on the road needs to change. That mindset, known as social driving, can lead to road rage, crashes, and even failure on your driving test. 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 drivers believe they're good drivers and that everyone else on the road needs to change. That mindset is called social driving, and it's one of the biggest causes of road rage, poor decisions, and preventable crashes.

    In this episode, Rick explains why reacting emotionally to other drivers can increase your risk of collisions and even cause you to fail your driving test. Learn how professional defensive drivers stay calm, manage space effectively, maintain safe following distances, and avoid the common traps of tailgating, road rage, and aggressive driving.

    You'll also discover why "space buys time, time buys options, and options prevent crashes," how phantom traffic jams happen, and what to do if another driver becomes aggressive on the road. Whether you're preparing for a road test, teaching a new driver, or simply trying to become a safer driver, these practical strategies will help you drive smarter and stay safe.
    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #defensivedriving #roadtest #roadsafety #drivingtips
    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 - Social Driving Can Fail Your Road Test
    00:22 - What Is Social Driving?
    02:20 - The Dangerous Mindset Behind Road Rage
    03:54 - Reactive vs Proactive Defensive Driving
    04:47 - Why Following Too Close Causes Crashes
    05:46 - Phantom Traffic Jams Explained
    06:32 - Communication Failures on the Road
    08:02 - Emotional Driving & Road Rage Triggers
    09:36 - Top Causes of Traffic Collisions
    10:18 - Best Road Test Practice Strategy
    11:28 - What To Do During a Road Rage Incident
    13:06 - How Social Driving Increases Crash Risk
    13:57 - Space Buys Time, Time Buys Options
    ***************
    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
    16 mins
  • Highway Driving Tips for New Drivers: Stay Safe on Freeways & Interstates
    Jun 18 2026

    Learning to drive on highways and freeways can feel intimidating—especially for new drivers. In this episode, Rick from Smart Drive Test breaks down the essential highway driving tips, defensive driving strategies, and freeway skills you need to stay safe at high speeds. 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
    ****************
    Driving on highways and freeways is one of the biggest challenges for new drivers. In this Smart Drive Test podcast, Rick shares practical highway driving tips, defensive driving strategies, and freeway safety techniques that can help keep you safe at higher speeds.

    Learn why stopping on the shoulder of a highway can be dangerous, how to maintain a safe following distance, and the proper way to merge onto fast-moving traffic. Rick also explains highway lane positioning, predicting road user behavior, avoiding clusters of vehicles, shoulder checking at highway speeds, and using cruise control to reduce fatigue.

    Whether you're preparing for your road test, nervous about freeway driving, or simply want to become a safer, smarter driver, this episode will help you build confidence and improve your highway driving skills.

    Watch now and become a safer driver on highways, interstates, and freeways.

    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #HighwayDrivingTips #DefensiveDriving #DrivingTips
    #NewDriver
    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 - Highway Driving Tips to Stay Safe at High Speeds
    00:16 - The #1 Highway Rule: Never Stop on the Shoulder
    01:56 - Why Highway Speeds Scare New Drivers
    03:09 - Following Distance & Space Management on Freeways
    04:06 - Avoid Vehicle Clusters & Phantom Traffic Jams
    05:02 - Predicting Driver Behavior on Highways
    06:04 - Why "It Won't Happen to Me" Causes Crashes
    07:36 - Shoulder Checking & Blind Spots at Highway Speeds
    08:42 - Why Cruise Control Makes Highway Driving Easier
    09:16 - Roadside Emergencies & Flat Tire Safety
    10:33 - How to Merge Safely Onto a Highway
    11:57 - Using Deceleration Lanes Correctly
    12:20 - How to Pass Your Learner's Permit Test Faster
    14:39 - Night Highway Driving Tips & Fatigue Prevention
    15:18 - Sharing Space With Merging Vehicles
    16:20 - Right-of-Way Rules at Two-Way Stops
    16:40 - Final Highway Safety Tips for Smart Drivers
    ***************
    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
    17 mins
  • Distracted Driving: 7 Defensive Driving Tips to Stay Safe
    Jun 11 2026

    Distracted driving isn't just texting and driving — it's anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from driving safely. In this episode, Smart Drive Test breaks down the biggest distractions drivers face and how defensive driving skills can help prevent crashes. 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

    Distracted driving isn't just texting and driving — it's anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind away from the task of driving safely. In this episode, Smart Drive Test explains the different types of distractions drivers face, including cell phones, GPS systems, dashboard screens, emotions, fatigue, and even pressure from aggressive drivers behind you.

    Learn practical defensive driving strategies to reduce distractions, maintain situational awareness, prevent rear-end collisions, and stay focused at busy intersections where crashes happen most often. Rick also shares real-world examples of how emotional driving and cognitive distractions can lead to mistakes behind the wheel.

    Whether you're preparing for a road test, working through a learner's permit, or simply trying to become a safer driver, these distracted driving tips will help you stay calm, focused, and safe on the road.

    Remember: safe driving starts with paying attention.

    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #distracteddriving #defensivedriving #drivingtips #newdriver
    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Distracted Driving: The Hidden Crash Risk Every Driver Faces
    00:21 – Mental Distractions & Pressure from Other Drivers
    01:30 – Cell Phones, GPS & Touchscreens: Top Driving Distractions
    03:44 – The 3 Types of Distracted Driving You Must Avoid
    05:21 – When Drivers Need Maximum Focus Behind the Wheel
    06:32 – Prevent Rear-End Crashes: Defensive Driving Strategies
    07:42 – Hands-Free Phones, GPS & Driving Laws for New Drivers
    08:54 – Simple Habits to Stay Focused While Driving
    09:13 – Why Intersections Are the Most Dangerous Place to Drive
    09:56 – Smart Driving Technology That Reduces Distractions
    12:51 – Visual, Manual & Mental Distractions: Real Driving Examples
    14:59 – Road Rage, Stress & Emotional Driving Dangers
    15:32 – A Distracted Driving Mistake That Nearly Ended Badly
    17:56 – Final Distracted Driving Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
    ***************
    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
    19 mins
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