Gear up with Bailey Schneider
1. What was your first car?
My very first car was a White Fiat Palio – I had her for 9 years and she was so reliable. I don’t think I ever had one break down, except for my fault of not watching the petrol gauge. I felt emotional the day I traded her in.
2. What do you drive now?
I drive a MINI Clubman and I absolutely adore her. I’d always dreamed of driving a MINI and that became possible last year June.
3. Do you think the car a guy drives says something about him?
I think cars are still a status piece but it certainly shouldn’t define them. Sadly, for some, that is the case.
4. Name three cars you would have in your fantasy garage?
I would have an Aston Martin, a Jeep Wrangler and the Batmobile.
5. What music are you listening to in your car at the moment?
I listen to the 2Oceansvibe Radio app on my phone and plug it into the AUX so that it blasts through my speakers. When I’m not listening to that, I play my iPod and that has a little bit of everything. I absolutely adore music and better yet, singing loudly in my car. So if you see a blonde singing away…it’s probably me.
6. Who are better drivers; men or women?
I’m going to have to say it depends on the driver. I’ve encountered excellent male and female drivers… Yes I realise this is fence sitting. ;-) Women have great sense of direction, fantastic reflexes and we’re more polite on the roads. Men can be faster with their reactions.
7. If you could be sponsored by a manufacturer, which one would it be and why?
MINI, Aston Martin or Porsche… Call me ;)
8. What’s the best driving advice you have ever received?
Always balance your focus between what’s happening right in front of you and what’s happening a few meters ahead. It can really help you in case a situation changes.
9. What three tips would you give for better driving?
~ See #8
~ Put your cell phone down. I promise the whatsapp message/email is still going to be there by the time you reach your destination and if it truly is too much of a temptation, leave your phone in the boot of your car.
~ Get into a habit of putting your handbag/laptop bag into the boot of your car so that you have nothing valuable lying on your seat or behind your seat. Smash and Grabbers know exactly where to look so don’t leave anything lying there. It only takes a few times of consciously doing this before it becomes habit.
~ Download the free Blow the Whistle App – you can set up 4 guardians who can be alerted if you ever feel like you’re in danger. It also has an option to put in your destination and how long you think it will take you to get there. It will alert your guardians if the time runs out before you stop or extend the journey. http://www.whistle.co.za/mobi_app.cfm#.Uzrnua2SypM
10. What is your pet hate on the road?
My absolute WORST is when people are impolite. If I let you into the traffic flow, be polite and say thank you – flick your hazards on quickly or raise a hand as a “thanks”… The same goes for saying sorry. It makes me so mad when people are selfish drivers.