Importance of Drive Time Hours.

Driving is a privilege that comes with a great responsibility. As a new driver it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and freedom of driving. The driving coaches are the ones who are a “front line defense” against bad driving. I have talked with people who have been encouraged to “fudge” their driving hours. They think they are “being cool” or that “It is not a big deal”. I believe that this is an extreme disservice to a new driver. The fudging of drive time keeps new drivers from being comfortable with the road and its rules. It also keeps the new driver from learning in a safe environment and thus creating the possibility of an unsafe driver. Unsafe drivers can cause accidents with the outcome of either serious injury or death.

Maryland requires all new drivers to perform sixty hours of drivetime. This is split up into fifty hours of daytime driving with ten hours of nighttime driving. Getting new drivers comfortable with driving, needs to be at the forefront of the driving coach’s instruction. Having a conversation about being in control of a four-thousand-to-six-thousand-pound vehicle. Discussions with the new driver on stopping distances, how to take a turn, watching for signage, how to deal with the blind spots of vehicles and the correct hand placement on the steering wheel. As a new driver it is important to give the coach the time and to do all of the driving hours, if not more. Utilizing the same route, no matter how boring, during daytime and nighttime. If possible, during inclement weather again during daytime and nighttime would be proof to the new driver how different a road you think you know can change. Every time a new driver is on the road with a driving coach you are gaining valuable experience under supervision. Each of these outings offer unique experiences that could save a life or lives.

Once the new driver has some drive time, and starts getting comfortable, is where getting the appropriate driving hours can be invaluable. Although it would be improbable to drive every scenario with the new driver, utilizing these hours with a driving coach is the best defense to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. An example of this comes from night time driving. At night you can quickly approach a change in the road conditions ahead, get panicked and over correct for a sharp bend. Over correcting is an easy way to cause an accident. Possibly running into a tree, flipping a vehicle, and causing serious injury or loss of life. My driving coach took the time to teach me how to handle myself when challenged with an aggressive driver, inclement weather, and to stay vigilant. We worked through indecisiveness and hesitation on the road. I don’t make a turn until I know it’s safe. I personally appreciate the time and effort my driving coach gave me.

As a new driver it takes time to know when to expect the unexpected. Fortunately, I have not been in a car accident. I had a very responsible and highly aware driving coach. However, I have had some situations that could have ended in a fatality. I didn’t expect to come across a jogger on a back road with no shoulder. My driving coach had me slow down, and come to a complete stop, a good distance before the jogger, waiting for an oncoming vehicle to pass. Giving us room to proceed safely pass the jogger when the other lane was clear.

What can be done about the coaches that encourage the “fudging” of drivetime hours? The main issue is with the new driver’s coach. We could add a special detachable heartfelt note to the driving coach in the coach section of the new driver handbook. Stressing the importance of doing all the drive time hours, and the value you bring to this rookies training. Another solution could be making it sociably unacceptable to “fudge” drivetime hours. Starting while the children are young and continuing through to the learner’s permit holder requirements. For this I think we need to start with the future coaches to truly reduce this issue. Starting in high school, we could have posters made with a catchy slogan to promote completing drive time hours for new drivers. Personally, I am passionate about drive time. When I am talking with friends and family members who are starting to drive, or have new drivers, I ask about the driving hours. When I get a sheepish answer, I stress the importance of drive time hours, and how much I appreciate my driving coach, taking his time with me, and the value in it.