Role Reversal
April 22, 2014
We have talked about the importance of parents setting a good example for their teen drivers. Parents should avoid cell phone use, distractions, aggressive driving, and speeding, and of course, always buckle up.
However, equally important is the teen’s ability to recognize these bad driving habits. Rather than the parent critiquing the teen, teens should critique their parents while behind the wheel. This is a fun game, especially for teens. Parents can learn how it feels to be judged while driving, and teens can learn to recognize driving mistakes.
Downtown Driving Tips
April 12, 2014
A drive through downtown takes a certain presence-of-mind and careful nuance. There are tons of people, either on foot, bicycle, unicycle or skateboard, and they are all there to enjoy the downtown life. Therefore, safety is not on the top of their to-do lists. As a driver, it is your responsibility to share the road and avoid hitting all the people in your path. Here are a few tips to help guide you through the chaos of a downtown drive:
Slow your roll. By driving slow, you will be able to react in time and avoid running people over. Also, the chances of a person getting hit by a car dying is directly related to speed: 90% chance of death at 55 mph, 50% chance of death at 40 mph, and a 10% chance of death at 25 mph.
Yield the right-of-way to those walking. Always. Even if you think you’re right, it doesn’t matter. Pedestrians always have the right of way. After all, you can’t just run them over.
Take left turns carefully. This is a common mistake among downtown drivers, and can end in a serious injury. Always look for pedestrians when taking a left turn, because more than likely, the walk signal will be indicating it’s their turn to cross the street. Just like you are supposed to yield to oncoming traffic, you must also yield to oncoming pedestrians.
Look twice before taking a right on red. Yes, you can turn right if the light is red. However, first check to make sure no one is crossing the street.
The Dilemma Zone
April 10, 2014
We’ve all experienced it: that dilemma zone when a light turns yellow and you can’t decide whether to speed up or slow down. Will it be a long yellow, forcing you to stop early and look dumb as you sit motionless before the light turns red? Or, will it be a short yellow that turns red instantly? Unfortunately, there is no legislation mandating proper yellow light times. However, we do have a few tips to get you through the intersection safely.
1. If you can’t stop, then don’t. Most high speed intersections have long yellows to allow cars more stopping time. So, if you’re traveling over 55 mph and can’t possibly stop safely before the intersection, then chances are you are close enough to cruise through long before the light turns red.
2. Slow down gradually. Never slam on your brakes when you see a yellow light – that is always dangerous. Instead, slow down gradually, giving the people behind you plenty of time to react. Plus, if the light stays yellow longer than expected, you will still be slowly coming to a stop instead of sitting motionless waiting for the light to turn red.
3. Trust no one. If the light is yellow and you’re about to make a left turn, then do so. However, if there is oncoming traffic then don’t expect them to slow down, or even stop as the light turns red. Most drivers seem to think that yellow means “Hurry up and speed through the intersection!”.