The Open Road

Try as you might, sometimes you can't avoid manual transmission car rentals. When automatic isn't an option, remember these 10 quick tips for driving a stick.

1) Understand How Things Work

Think your aggressive driving is acceptable on the roadways? Think again. Yelling, gesturing and retaliation aren't just unacceptable actions, they're down right unsafe (and often illegal). From tailgating to speeding, aggressive driving causes many independent car rental drivers to lose their cool behind the wheel.

If you're thinking about planning an international road trip with friends, you may want to consider skipping the following destinations.

At first glance, freeway driving seems relatively simple: there are no intersections, stoplights or pedestrians. The chance of getting into a collision on a freeway is slim – and yet, the collisions that do happen on these roadways cause more vehicle and damage due to higher speeds.

There are lots of benefits to being tall – sports prowess, extended reach, a commanding presence – the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, so to does the list of disadvantages. Ducking to avoid doorframes, difficulty finding pants that fit, and let's not forget the constant issue of legroom.

How many of the following driving boo-boos have you committed lately? Car Rental Express looks at the top ten worst driving habits and how they affect our daily commute.

10. Tailgating

Did you know…

• Texting while driving increases your chances of being in an accident by 23%?

• Nearly one in five fatal distracted-driving crashes in 2010 reportedly involved cell phones?

• That 32,885 people were killed in the U.S. last year due to distracted driving accidents?

Car accidents happen when we least expect them. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a major collision, it pays to have a plan of action prepared in case you are ever involved in an accident while driving your rental vehicle. How you react could prevent future injuries, reduce repair damages, and accelerate the clean up and repair process. 

Immediately After Impact

Sharing the road with a big, noisy truck can be scary, especially if you're driving an unfamiliar car rental. The length and width alone of these large vehicles can often create special driving situations for those operating smaller vehicles. In order to safely share the road with a truck, you need to be aware of its capabilities and limitations.

Living in a rural area tends to be a peaceful experience, and some people like nothing better than to escape from a busy city and head to the tranquility of the countryside. Which is great… until you encounter rural roads for the first time!