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!