Rick August, PhD

Smarter Driver Podcast

Education EN ↓ 47 episodes

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. CongestionAnd 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 car...

Author

Rick August, PhD

Episodes

The 100 Deadliest Days: Summer Driving Tips That Could Save Your Life 02.07.2026 18:17

Summer is the most dangerous time of year for new and novice drivers, often called the 100 Deadliest Days. Learn the defensive driving habits that can dramatically reduce your crash risk and help you stay safe on highways, intersections, construction zones, and city streets. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest **************** COURSES & CHECKLIST Get My Driver's Test Checklist...

Emotional Driving vs Defensive Driving—Which One Keeps You Safe? 25.06.2026 15:36

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:...

Highway Driving Tips for New Drivers: Stay Safe on Freeways & Interstates 18.06.2026 16:59

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 ► ht...

Distracted Driving: 7 Defensive Driving Tips to Stay Safe 11.06.2026 19:06

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 ► ht...

Frequently Asked Questions When Preparing for Your Driver's Test 04.06.2026 16:25

Worried about passing your driver's test? In this Smart Drive Test podcast, Rick answers the most common road test questions new drivers ask—so you can avoid mistakes and pass with confidence. 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 D...

Ultimate Road Trip Driving Guide: Highway Safety, Navigation & Long Distance Driving Tips 28.05.2026 25:00

Planning a long road trip? In this Smart Drive Test podcast, learn essential highway driving, navigation, vehicle prep, fatigue management, and road trip safety tips to help you stay safe and stress-free on the road. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest **************** COURSES & CHECKLIST Get My Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/ Click for COURSE Package...

Night Driving Tips Every Driver Needs to Know to Stay Safe 21.05.2026 16:28

Night driving tips, techniques, and safety skills every driver needs to know to stay safe after dark. Watch this video to learn how to improve visibility, avoid fatigue, use high beams correctly, and prevent common nighttime driving mistakes. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest **************** COURSES & CHECKLIST Get My Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/...

Why Most Drivers Crash And How to Avoid It | Defensive Driving Tips 07.05.2026 15:56

Smart drivers create the habits that will keep them, their families, and others on the roadway to stay safe. Learn defensive driving skills to be a safer, smarter driver. 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 Tim...

Merge Conflicts: How Defensive Drivers Avoid the Crash 30.04.2026 17:43

Are you an experienced driver looking to sharpen your safety skills? This video breaks down the 'dead-right' trap at merge lanes that causes thousands of crashes every year. 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...

When an Aggressive Driver Targets You: What to Do 23.04.2026 15:46

Road rage and acts of physical violence are on the rise in driving. Learn skills, strategies & tips to stay safe. 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 htt...

8 Reasons You Will Fail Your Driver's Test (Avoid These Common Mistakes) 16.04.2026 22:32

Learn the 8 reasons that you will potentially fail your driver's 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-c...

Driving Test Secrets: What Driving Examiners Look For (Pass First Time) 10.04.2026 17:48

Learn what driving examiners really look for during a road test and the key mistakes that cause drivers to fail their 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...

Drinking and Driving: Why It's a Leading Cause of Traffic Deaths in the U S 02.04.2026 23:20

Drinking & driving are a MAJOR contributing factor in fatal crashes in the United States. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest **************** COURSES & CHECKLIST Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/dont-fail-drivers-test-checklist Click for COURSE Package that includes: 1) Pass Driver's Test First Time 2) Defensive Driving Smart 3) Winter Driving Smart ht...

Why European Countries Have Fewer Traffic Deaths 12.03.2026 16:06

Why are traffic deaths in the United States significantly higher than in other developed countries, and what can drivers learn from safer road systems around the world? SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest **************** CHECKLIST & COURSES Driver's Test CHECKLIST ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/dont-fail-drivers-test-checklist Click for COURSE Package that includes: 1) Pass...

Pass Your Driving Test First Time! (Avoid These Automatic Fails) 26.02.2026 14:31

Passing your on-road driver's test the first time isn't luck — it's preparation, strategy, and understanding exactly what the examiner is looking for. 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 Drivi...

Why Situational Awareness Saves Lives on the Road 19.02.2026 24:39

Situational awareness is the driving skill that will allow you to respond to traffic and 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....

The Most Dangerous Maneuver on Your Driver's Test: Left Turns 12.02.2026 18:19

Left turns are the most dangerous maneuver on your driver's test—and one of the easiest ways to fail if you don't understand the fundamentals. 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...

Defensive Driving Tips to Stay Safe in Deep Snow & Winter Storms 05.02.2026 14:14

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-dri...

Why Social Driving Causes Most Traffic Crashes And How to Avoid It 29.01.2026 25:50

• 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 htt...

Traffic Signs Most Drivers Ignore — and Why Defensive Drivers Don't 22.01.2026 21:48

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...

Winter Defensive Driving Skills to Stay Safe on Snow & Ice 15.01.2026 24:37

Learn strategies and skill to be a safer, smarter driver on snow and ice - watch the video. 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...

Winter Driving Unmasked: The Real Dangers, Cold Weather Myths & Survival Tips 18.12.2025 19:49

Stay out of the ditch this winter and driving with confidence. Tips, strategies and information to be a smarter, safer winter driver. 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) Winte...

Winter Driving Skills You Actually Need to Stay Out of the Ditch 11.12.2025 17:43

Winter driving skills, abilities and habits to stay out of the ditch. Drive with confidence on ice and 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://w...

LEFT TURNS — How to Stay Safe When Turning Left (Defensive Driving Tips) 04.12.2025 20:43

Left turns cause a lot of crashes. Quick, repeatable steps to make safer left turns — shoulder checks, and scanning. Drive smart. 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 Dr...

Are Speed Cameras Really Fair to Drivers? 27.11.2025 26:44

Are speed cameras a lifesaving tool or an unfair tax on drivers? We unpack the data, legal angles, and what really causes road deaths. 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) Wint...