4 random 'how tos' that'll come in surprisingly handy
From remembering names to handling fender benders, here are some things it's worth knowing how to do
1. How to handle a fender bender
• Stop the car. It is illegal to drive away from the scene of an accident you were involved in.
• Try to get a sense of injuries and damage.
• Figure out where you are so that you can tell the police, the ambulance and anyone coming to help you.
• Get as much information as you can from other drivers (names, ID numbers, car details).
• Get photographic evidence if you can.
• Don't allow your car to be towed until you know for sure that the towing company is associated with your insurance company and has AA accreditation.
• If your car has to be towed, first contact your insurer.
• If it is being towed, remove all your valuable items from the car.
• Report the accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours.
2. How to remember names easily
• Make a conscious decision to listen and remember.
• Repeat the name as soon as you can: "Nice to meet you, Jacob."
• Try to make a mental picture of the name written out. If it's a difficult name, you can ask them to spell it for you. Or ask them for a business card.
• Make an image or verbal association with the name and the person. "Blonde Bella." If you meet a Gugu wearing enormously high heels, you can say "Gugu is gaga for heels." If you meet Jani, think of Jani Allen.
3. How to drive out of a skid
• Keep both hands on the wheel.
• Slow down, but don't jam on the brakes.
• For a back-wheel skid, steer into the skid. That means steer to the same side the back end of the car is sliding towards. When the car comes back into line, get the steering wheel back to centre.
• For a front-wheel skid, straighten the steering wheel.
4. How to tell if your breath is smelly
• Use some dental floss in your back teeth, where food gets caught and sniff it. If it's smelly, your breath probably is.
• Licking the inside of your wrist with your whole tongue. Let it dry and then smell it. Don't lick the inside of your hands, which might have residual smells from things you've been touching.