Staying Alive

I want to live and I want others to live! This is why Driver’s education is so important for all new and even some advanced drivers. Driver’s education not only helps drivers to better understand the rules and safe nets of the road, but it instills confidence and core values in drivers of all ages. Confidence for you and for others that you just did not get behind the wheel of a car and just take off without some type of training, but that you have had the necessary training and time commitment in both the school aspect as well as adequate driving time.

Steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths by vehicle Include:

1. No texting. People put down the phones until you arrive at your destination.

2. Teens turn down that music. If it is too loud, then it is a major distractor.

3. Teens and adults, limit the number of passengers in your car. This also can be distracting when several individuals are in the car chatting all at once.

4. If you cannot see to drive at night, then appoint someone else to drive. Enjoy being the passenger.

5. Do not drive when you are sleepy. Pull off the road and get some rest.

6. Pay attention to road signs. There are regulatory and warning signs that give you that necessary heads up.

7. Slow down when the weather is less than desirable.

8. Do not eat that whopper and fries going down the road. Pull over and find a parking lot that is safe to consume your food.

I have seen several of my friends indulge in reckless driving. Our community has experienced the loss of many young teens because of reckless driving. I have been fortunate to not be in an accident. However, I know I am not immune to this potential of an accident happening to me. Could I practice what I preach? Absolutely! Learning to be a cool teen driver is hard and stressful for all on and off the road.

What can I do to be a better driver?

1. Practice and live these same safety measures daily as well.

2. Keep at least two car lengths between me and the car in front of me. (Someone is going to slam his or her breaks on, so be ready)!

3. Focus solely on driving.

4. Utilize your mirrors frequently. All your mirrors.

5. Do not look once but twice to ensure that you can change lanes or pull out from

6. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle prior to getting behind the wheel.

7. Learn to read the road and learn to read other drivers as well.

8. Use your turn signals ALWAYS! People cannot guess if you are going to turn or not.

9. Wear a seatbelt and make this a habit before even turning that engine on.

10. Avoid road rage. Everyone has some form of road anger. Admit it you might have said, “You aren’t getting in front of me, or just try to pass me!” Let them pass, it is not worth it.

11. Know the speed limit. There is a reason why that road is marked at 45 mph.

12. Pay attention you lane drifters, we see you. Do you see us?

13. Pay attention, pay attention and be ready at all times for the unknown.

14. Do not look down. It only takes a second for an accident to happen.

Lastly, enroll in a defensive driving course. If you are a new driver, or you are not the safest driver, take this course. These defensive driving courses can be instrumental in preparing you in advanced and safe driving techniques. It could also lower your insurance premiums. I am grateful that I did take a defensive driving course after I got my driver’s license. I feel that it gave me the extra confidence to handle difficult situations related to traffic or inclement weather. I think all teens should take a defensive driving course to boost self-esteem and help to develop effective reactive skills.

Driver’s Education is imperative for all ages. We could prevent so many accidents if we all utilized the information provided to us through the Driver’s Education. I know for me, having that confidence to be the best driver has been difficult. Nonetheless, it is not something we are going to learn after a couple times out on the road. Confidence is a learned and practiced behavior that is developed over time. Drive’s education can introduce you to those behaviors can teach you ways to optimize safety behind the wheel of a car. I believe my audience would agree that our ultimate goal for all is operating a vehicle safely and making appropriate decisions. It is all about staying alive!