ONE STEP, TWO STEP…PLEASE WATCH YOUR STEP

One step, two step…please watch your step. My ideas and steps that can be taken to be a safer driver should include a new driver program. My new driver program would require every student driver meet a person who was directly affected by a distracted driver and/or drunk/drug impaired driver. The personal testimony should be done in a personal setting, such that the student driver could reflect first about “why/how they use social media” i.e., why they think it is so important…perhaps using a moderator that allows them to even be comfortable laughing about it. Then the affected person would come in and introduce themselves privately and explain “why they are now either without a family member”, “how they are physically impaired because of a distracted or drunk/drug impaired driver, or how they required rehabilitation” as a result of the accident. This impact would make a huge difference immediately because the impact would be so personal that one might cry or at least feel remorse for how they were so jovial or humorous before the testimony was shared. I remember watching a video like this, but that seemed to only change behavior for a day or two. Meeting someone face-to-face would have a much more lasting impact on me and that is why I think this should be part of the new driver program. Finally, I’ve seen a distracted driving simulator as another good way that I’ve seen the distracted, drunk-drug impaired impact on one’s ability to drive. The issue I have with this solution is that individuals still believe that it won’t happen to them, like they only use the phone/device when they are at a light or something, but we all know better. May be somehow the idea could be combined to have an even greater affect on changing behavior…like first the simulators with discussion around why we, the younger generation, are so addicted to our devices, and then leverage the face-to-face testimony. I believe this will have a great impact, when studied.

Another step, that should be taken is increased awareness about pedestrian safety, bicycle safety and new laws for considering Electronic motorized transportation, such as EV scooters and skateboards. Bicyclists face an enormous amount of pressure to stay safe, as this mode of transportation is governed, by the Department of Motor Vehicles and Traffic regulation laws. Most motor vehicle drivers have been conditioned to yield to pedestrians as well as bicyclists / anyone on the road that isn’t in a motor vehicle. The challenge: (at least in New Jersey) everyone seems to be in a rush, and drivers tend to get upset by anything that creates or adds to their delay to a destination. Some of the daily problems bicyclists face on the roads include:

• Distracted Drivers

• Aggressive Drivers

• Road Hazards / Potholes / Construction

• Poor Lighting / Reduced Visibility

• Inclement Weather

• Difficult to see behind them

This is only a small subset of the daily problems bicyclists face; however, it is generally understood that bicyclists and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities. Unfortunately, ‘sharing the road’ is difficult as we as motorists need to give cyclist more room to maneuver and respect their space on the road. As newer modes of transportation increase in popularity with the addition of electric scooters/ skateboards and electronic bicycles are starting to replace the traditional Car/SUV for those who can’t afford electronic cars or the price of gas. We will see more accidents if we do not advocate for and highlight the laws for bicyclists and those sharing the road with traditional motor vehicle drivers.

We as motorists, generally, underestimate the speed of a bicyclist and do not know when they need to travel on the road versus traveling on sidewalk, or when a bicyclist slows at a stop or stop at a stop, like we do as drivers. Perhaps this is because some bicyclists themselves may not follow the rules to the “T”. Most of us learned how to ride a bicycle as a child and figure that if we now have a Driver’s license, then we have all that we need to go out cycling now. All bicyclists must ensure their bicycle is equipped with adequate lighting, audible sound, acceptable brakes and understand the operating regulations US Department of Transportation NHTSA and state/local laws. Additionally, motorists must be better

informed regarding ‘sharing the road’ and “Safe Passing Laws” versus simply citing an unsafe motorist.

Finally, my active participation in non-profits and community outreach organizations are actions that I’d take to further educate myself regarding ‘sharing the road’ and “Safe Passing Laws”. I’d encourage establishing an even greater digital footprint to help engage new motorists and bicyclists to be more informed. My idea of using someone whose been ‘impacted’ by a past accident as a focused way to help drive engagement. Asking people to express how they drive when a bicyclist is in front of them, prior to bringing the ‘impacted’ guest in to explain how their life was impacted. While this may seem like a cruel way to convey the concern, it is when we make mistakes that we are vulnerable and in the proper position to effectively learn. Thank you for this opportunity and your consideration.