Driving Safety 101

Driving a vehicle (and driving safety) is, by far, one of the most under discussed topics on the planet. Hundreds of millions of people across the globe drive and I was excited to see this topic of conversation with this scholarship opportunity. As a new driver (1.25 years now behind the wheel), I am amazed at what I witness on a daily basis. I have grown up hearing stories on the news about vehicle crashes, injuries, drunk driving, road rage – the list goes on and on. These stories are all too frequent, but yet the news cycle simply changes to the next (more powerful) story – almost belittling what had just occurred. Why is it that gun violence, drugs and other flashier stories get more press, when driving and driving safety is obviously much more prevalent, yet drastically pushed aside? I don’t understand.

When you’re behind the wheel of a car, whether alone or with passengers, driving safely should always be a top concern. We are more distracted this day in age (mostly due to technology) than ever. Think about it – we have faster, more efficient cars, 5 different ways to listen to music, touchscreen devices, 8-10 different displays in the dash and power outlets everywhere. On top of that, at a moment’s notice, a warning sign pops up that may or may not be an actual issue that also distracts you. Most importantly – the infamous cell phone in the car. With that said, it’s important to know the basics of safe driving and practice them every time you’re on the road.

I was taught to drive by my parents that did the following: 1) turned off their cell phones (ie, practice what you preach), 2) turned off the center console display (we had an option to do so), 3) keep the music low and distractions to a minimum. When the car was on, so was our focus. The vehicle is a deadly weapon if you are not attentive at all time. I was also taught to drive a 3-speed stick shift (1979 CJ5) that had no outlets, no power brakes, no power steering, no doors, no roof, no radio – and the list goes on. There was no better way to understand the power of a vehicle, than learning how to drive in a vehicle that demanded your commitment to making it work. There is no way to operate a cell phone and/or be distracted in a vehicle like this. Newer vehicles at this time are ‘too easy’ to drive and are too welcoming to a simple distraction. I am young, but I have learned a couple of tips that I would like to share:

Prep in advance

• If you need directions – get them dialed into your car or set up on your phone in advance of the drive.

• Adjust your seat, mirrors and controls before putting the car in gear.

• Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business. There is no need to break records to get to your destination. Directions have the speed limit and traffic congestion build into your directions during that time.

Driving Focus

• Stay within the designed speed limit. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident. Vehicles today make it too easy to speed and drivers simply take advantage of the power that is at their disposal. This is a recipe for disaster.

• Put down your phone. Have it on you in case of emergency, but this is crucial to keep the phone away while driving.

• Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – think of driving as a test – absolute focus at all times with no distractions.

• Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.

• Slow down.

Drive “defensively” but be committed

• Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected.

• Assume other drivers are distracted and anticipate that something may not going accordingly.

• Many situations are outside of your control, but if you are observant and confident in your abilities, you can dictate the outcome. Be smart.

• Keep the ‘2-second cushion’ between you and the car in front of you. Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.

Practice safety

• Noises distract us all, so secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.

• Do NOT attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor. You need to remind yourself of this.

• Have items needed within easy reach while driving, such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes.

• Always wear your seat belt and ensure that all your buddies are wearing their belts as well.

• Don’t drive tired – this has only happened to me once or twice but driving at night is very different than driving during the day.

Again, I am a younger driver, but I have learned a lot from watching my parents, my friends, other drivers and basic research. The smart phone is a great invention that is also highly addictive and deadly under the wrong conditions. Smart phones have apps these days that (when turned on) will not engage while the driver is active. These apps can have notifications and functionality of the phones turned off while driving. Not many people know of these offerings and these advancements should be encouraged, if not enforced within our society. Parents also should have access to their children’s phones usage to determine if the phones are being used (and for what purposes) while they are driving. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for freedoms and privacy, but I also love being alive and would rather getting lectured or fined versus being another statistic on the news.