NO JIVE WHEN YOU DRIVE!

We can take for granted the immense responsibility involved in operating a motor vehicle. The tremendous convenience it affords us–the freedom to come and go as we please–often circumvents in our minds the weightiness we assume whenever we get behind the wheel. With car accidents ranking among the top three causes of preventable death in this country, we Americans would do well to avail ourselves of whatever tools can drive down (see what I did there!) those deadly statistics. This is where Drivers Education enters in.

Young and new drivers would benefit from taking a comprehensive course that teaches the fundamentals of safe driving. Many high schools offer these courses to students as credited electives within the curriculum. There are also independent driving schools which any potential driver can pay to attend. Either way, it would be wise to invest in professional instruction, especially considering that a typical car or truck weighs several tons. In the wrong or careless hands, a vehicle easily becomes a death machine!

What are some things covered in a Drivers Education course? Obviously, having an understanding of the basic operating mechanics of a vehicle is essential knowledge–how to smoothly place the transmission into gear for drive, reverse or park; steering to the left or right; pressing the gas pedal to accelerate and the brake pedal to slow down or stop…a vehicle is like any other machine in that it’s engineered for a specific purpose and designed to function efficiently and effectively. But it is unlike most other machines in the potential that it holds for harm if mishandled.

Principles of safe driving include: obeying street signage, maintaining a safe speed, avoiding distraction, driving defensively, being mentally alert and physically capable of driving, and proper mechanical upkeep of your vehicle. Together, let’s explore these vital areas to ensure that we and our vehicles are road-worthy.

Street signs are essential to the safe flow of traffic. Common signs are: STOP, YIELD, ONE WAY, LEFT TURN ONLY, NO TURN ON RED, and DEAD END. These signs are intentionally large and bright, to catch your attention. Often, these signs are posted adjacent to intersections, both two-way and four-way. It is imperative that you pay attention to these road signs–ignoring STOP signs is one of the main causes of deadly accidents at intersections; failing to YIELD causes hundreds of fatal collisions each year. Signage also includes electric stop lights, which are typically suspended in the air above the roadway of intersections. Do not develop such bad and dangerous habits as running through yellow and red lights! In addition, be alert to signage indicating exit ramps when traveling–and place yourself well in advance to merge out of traffic safely, not waiting until the last second to try and cross lanes.

Speeding is a very common bad habit, observed among both new and experienced drivers. You must obey the posted speed limit of any street, roadway, highway or interstate. Excessive speed can cause a driver to quickly and easily lose control. Again, remember that a vehicle is made of tons of steel and fiberglass–the faster it is moving, the more damage it can inflict upon impact. And always give yourself adequate time to reach your destination if you have a scheduled appointment. But if you happen to be running behind, remember that it is better to arrive late than not at all, due to an accident.

Distracted driving can range from fiddling with your car radio, phone, or food, to turning around to see what passengers are doing. Regrettably, my first accident as a new driver occurred because I took my eyes off the road to look at my friends in the back seat, and then ran into a parked car! Believe me, it can easily happen. Another very serious problem facing modern drivers is the temptation to read and/or respond to text messages on their cell phones. Opt for hands-free options if you must answer your phone; texting should NEVER be done unless your car is in park.

Driving defensively simply means being keenly aware of the other drivers around you. For example, noticing when someone ahead of you hits their brakes, when another driver is weaving or drifting in traffic, paying attention when someone is trying to merge…many a potential crash never happens because a driver is being alert to the movements of others on the road.

One of the most deadly contributors to traffic fatalities is impaired driving. This includes alcohol, certain prescription medications and recreational drugs. It is NEVER safe to drive ‘tipsy’, let alone intoxicated or drunk! Be aware of how much alcohol you are consuming. Arrange for a designated driver or plan to utilize a ride-share service. Always notice the warnings on the labels of your prescription bottles–it will typically tell you if it’s unsafe to drive while taking the medicine. Never allow any substance to impair your ability to react quickly behind the wheel.

Last of all, make sure that your vehicle is safe to drive–that you have working brakes, good tires, responsive steering, intact glass on the windshields and door windows, usable rear view and side mirrors, along with working seatbelts, tail lights and headlights. Remember: seatbelts can’t protect you if you don’t use them!

On a personal note, most of us have either been in a car accident ourselves, or know of family or friends who have. Sadly, some of us have even lost a loved one to a car crash. It is likely that most of those tragic events were preventable and could have been avoided. Whether you got your driver’s license last month or years ago, let’s all commit to driving with intention:

NO JIVE WHEN YOU DRIVE! Be safe, America.