Drive Safer

Teens taking driver’s education are less likely to be involved in crashes or to receive a traffic violation during their first two years of driving. Teen crashes and fatality rates are highest at ages 16-18, these reductions are especially meaningful. Teens and Adults can take these steps to be safer on the road. First up is drunk driving: The reality of drunk driving is that it is obviously a dangerous behavior, yet too often drivers get behind the wheel with alcohol in their bloodstream, impairing judgment and slowing reaction time. If you’re out having a good time, designate a driver or simply don’t drink till you’re home. Second we have texting and Driving: Commute in any populated area and you’re bound to see people driving too slowly, occasionally weaving while talking on the phone. As the slogan says, hang up and drive. Whatever you do, don’t text just turn of the ringer and wait till your parked permanently to answer the phone. In many states, it is now illegal to drive and operate a hand-held phone. Third Speeding: A speed limit exists for a reason, and it isn’t just to be a broken. Exceeding a posted speed limit means you have elected to drive faster than was intended for that road, putting others at risk, all while consuming more fuel. The faster you go, the less reaction time you have, and the more skills are necessary to avoid an accident. As the speed climbs, so do braking distances and all other force measures that can lead to some ugly collisions and rollovers. 32 percent of these type of crash deaths occurred between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., with majority being after dark. If you speed, you will be out-driving your headlights—meaning, you will not have time to appropriately react to the unexpected when it appears in your field of vision. Just follow the speed limit and be especially attentive after dark. I personally have one family member that drives erratically on the road. They are very aggressive when driving and get road rage easily. It can be scary when driving with someone like this because you are not in control and if they make one wrong move, it could not only end their life but yours as well. To avoid being like that family member, I can slow down my speed so that I am more aware of what is going on around me. I can take a few extra seconds at the red light just in case someone else speeds through. I can also turn off the radio and put away my phone, so I am focused and aware of what is in front of me.