Driver Education Initiative – Don’t Drive Like Simon

Don’t Drive Like Simon

Simon
is a high-risk driver. He hasn’t caused a death, but he should heed
warning signs. There are four indicators that work together to
monitor risk associated with driving-related deaths: Driver
Education, Automobile Insurance, Police Monitoring, and Driver
Responsibility.

Driver
Education is designed to reduce the risk of accidents by increasing
driver knowledge, driver experience, and driver awareness. It
certifies a driver has demonstrated a set of critical skills on
public roads. Because Simon applied for his driver’s license at age
18, he was not obligated to undergo the extensive Drivers ed
training required by those under age 18.

Auto
insurance protects drivers in the event of an accident and provides
liability coverage in the case of injury, death or damage to
property. All 50 U.S. states require a minimum amount of liability
insurance. However, as a condition of coverage, insurance companies
evaluate a driver’s risk characteristics to determine eligibility
and premium rates. The higher the risk, the higher the rate.

Simon
was deemed high risk. He was a young/single male with a poor credit
score, no driving experience, no Drivers ed training, high
annual mileage to college, an inner-city apartment, and a sporty
(red) car. High risk status is a predictor of future driving
accidents. If risk is too high, the driver must obtain high-rate,
high-risk insurance. If the score continues to escalate, the driver
is deemed unfit, potentially negligent and a likely risk to public
safety. Simon was initially offered one of the highest annual
premiums due to uncertainty.

Simon’s
driving history is no longer uncertain. In his first two years of
driving, he rear-ended a car on icy road conditions. He plowed into
our garage doors by exiting his car while still in Drive. He repeated
that mistake at a gas pump – drifting into the car ahead of him
(thankfully, the woman was not accessing her trunk). He finally
totaled his car, hitting a guard rail (airbag deployed) while driving
fast under wet conditions. I’ve personally seen him driving
hands-free – confidently, with his thigh.

Police
continuously monitor driving patterns for high risk behavior.
Speeding beyond posted limits, driving recklessly, or driving an
unsafe vehicle are indicators of risk (and potential death). Police
immediately halt risky action, issue citations and apply risk points
to licenses. When points reach a threshold, licenses are restricted
or revoked. Simon was issued citations for accidents, speeding,
driving down a One Way (the wrong way) and for driving on the
sidewalk. He was recently dropped from his exorbitant insurance
policy and is now on our state’s high-risk plan.

It
is every driver’s responsibility to drive responsibly and reduce
risk by proactively disengaging in high risk behavior. Your insurance
premium and driving record are your best indicators of risk. If your
premium and points are low – you’re doing great. Otherwise,
adopt proactive behavior by becoming acutely aware of high-risk
situations. Just like Drivers ed, you have one goal – to
reduce the risk of accidents. Don’t drive like Simon!