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Showing posts from December, 2010

Minnesota Officials Encourage Safe Driving this New Year's Eve

The officials of Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) are trying to encourage all motorists to bring the New Year in safely by planning a safe and sober ride. Minnesota has seen nine traffic deaths on New Year's Eve in these past two years. Two of these deaths were alcohol related. This is a considerably lower percentage of alcohol related deaths than the state's annual percentage which usually goes more than 30 per cent. Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol says, “What appears to occur on New Year's Eve is exactly what we want people to practice all year long – lock in plans for a safe and sober way home”. He also adds that since New Year's falls on a weekend, it is more likely to have impaired driving activity. This is the time to actually plan a sober and safe ride. You could either appoint a sober driver or opt for a cab. Also, families should let each other know that they are available to offer them a safe ride home any time they want. Roeske believ

AARP conducts Driver Safety Program for seniors who Text and Drive

This particular session conducted by AARP has no tests, but is filled with valuable information. The AARP Driver Safety Program has been designed specifically to teach senior drivers about the new traffic laws, defensive driving techniques and how to adjust to changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Currently, the class that is being taught has students with a joint driving experience of 966 years! But even extremely experienced drivers can learn a thing or two from this new 8 hour program. New strategies are taught to learners about the ways to cope with age-related vision, hearing and reaction time that tends to diminish as we age. According to the driving laws for the Tennessee, you are supposed to have at least a 2 second space between your car and the one in front of you. However, as we age, our ability to judge distances changes, and so the new recommendation is at least 3 seconds. Many senior drivers have stated that driving has become extremely dangerous, what with there

Defensive Driving Skills - Stay Safe This Winter Season

"What do people really think when driving in snow?" First and foremost, driving in the snow presents a large number of challenges for both the driver and the car itself. But somehow, everybody seems to complain about the other driver. Any defensive driving course, will tell you that you can simply stay safe by changing your drivers attitude and outlook. Furthermore, these defensive driving programs have helped thousands of drivers improve their winter driving skills, with the help of a few simple tips and techniques. Some of them are mentioned below: Firstly, every driver needs to avoid driving under any circumstances if they are fatigued or tired. Secondly, during the winter season, one should never warm up their car in an enclosed area. For instance, a garage. Next, the gas tank must never be kept below the half limit, for it might trigger a freeze-up. Always be alert and stay focused. Make sure that you use your seat belt at all times. Finally, you need to make sure that t

The Air Force Safety Center is known for its Young Drivers Defensive Driving Program

Members of the Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. in the Air Force Safety Center’s Ground Safety Division have recently received the National Safety Council’s Outstanding Effort award for training young adult drivers. This particular foundation has received accolades from all over for their “sincerity of heart” in training young adult drivers in the art of defensive driving and keeping them safe and sound behind the wheel of their personal vehicles as well as that of Air Force vehicles. Every year, NSC officials conduct strict reviews of all the defensive driving training programs and the number of students being trained. The “Alive at 25” program is dedicated for Airmen, instructors and instructor trainers and has made a significant impact on the lives of many. Because of the dedicated efforts and commitment of the ground safety division personnel, more than 5,000 Airmen, 250 instructors and 6 instructor trainers have been trained since 2008. Defensive driving courses are extremely importa

Road Accidents and Fatalities causing Concern

South African roads have become increasingly hazardous, what with the numbers of road deaths and mishaps increasing rapidly. Drivers are being urged to exercise more caution and to use the roads responsibly. Records have shown that from the start of December, the fatalities numbered at nearly 860 as compared to last year’s 717. According to the Ministry of Transport, this death toll has risen because of drivers who do not behave responsibly. Several drivers were found to be driving at alarmingly high speeds, ignoring the fact that in case of an accident, they would be responsible for multiple deaths. Many accidents take place because drivers disobey the traffic rules. Drivers are being appealed to exercise patience and abide by the rules. Mr. Collins Letsoalo, the CEO of the Road Traffic Management Corporation, has stated that defensive driving is really about being ready for anything on the roads. Expecting the unexpected and always being ready for other’s mistakes can save your lives

DMV Center Provides Safe Driving Precautions for Teenage Drivers

The DMV Center for Teen Safe Driving reminds parents and teens that young drivers need to be extra cautious while learning how to drive a vehicle. This is the holiday season, which means the traffic will be at its peak. New drivers lack the capability of reacting properly to situations that have the potential to turn dangerous very fast. The DMV commissioner, Robert M. Ward believes that “young drivers need to remember to be careful at all times when driving under any circumstances, to pull over if they are having difficulty”. Similarly, their parents should follow all the teen safe driving laws. “These laws are designed to help keep them safe while learning to drive”, he adds. “Being at the wheel is a great responsibility, not to just keep the passenger and driver safe, but to pay heed to others sharing the road. Give yourself extra driving time, extra room near you, and always concentrate on the driving as your priority. I'm the last one you want to meet at the holidays”, says Da

NSJP calls for Good Driving Etiquette this Christmas

With the recession just about over, it would do you some good to give away gifts that cost hardly anything, but benefit everyone. Improve your defensive driving skills! The New Jersey State Police has begun offering simple tips and suggestion to motorists this season with the hopes of enjoying an accident-free holiday season this year. Personal safety, safety of friends and other loved ones should be more important than any kind of urgency that may crop up while on the road. When we get behind the wheel, there are so many factors that demand our attention that it can be very risky. But none of these factors are worth risking our lives for. Answering phone calls and texting while driving can wait, adjusting the radio can be done off the road, checking your child’s attitude can be done at home. When you are behind the wheel, just drive and do not concentrate on anything else. Distracted driving accounts for most of the major motor vehicle crashes in the United States, and the number of d

Safe Driving Possible Even In the Worst of Weather

Its winter and although it is safer to stay at home instead of going out, it is just not possible to hibernate for the whole season. Of course, with all the forecasts spelling out that there is a strong possibility of snow and the potential of dangerous bouts of freezing rain, we dread going out to face the chilling dangers. Drivers especially have to face the challenge even more every winter. With roads becoming icier and slippery, crashes and accidents occur even more frequently at this time of the year. Local law enforcement and weather officials have warned drivers to watch out for their speeds and keep their attention on the road. It is not that we have to cease driving altogether to protect ourselves. It depends on what kind of driving technique you use. You see, even in the worst kind of weather, you can drive safe and for that you need to learn the trick. When roads are dry, drivers can make every mistake but can also escape as there is a high amount of traction present. But, t

Top Tips to Stay Safe this Holiday Season

With the holiday season round the corner, the top priority for all travelers should be staying safe behind the wheel. According to the surveys carried out by the American Automobile Association during the recent Thanksgiving weekend, around 94 per cent of the travelers in the nation are expected to drive. The following tips will help you stay safe this holiday season: 1.Take your car for a thorough checkup well before you start with your journey. Check the fluid levels, tire pressure and the wipers properly. If you are planning to drive through serious winter weather, try and get snow tires for your vehicle. 2.Create your own safety kit for the weather. Bad weather can cause road closures, delays and accidents. Prepare well for the weather with your own basic but complete safety kit. Your kit must include flashlights, a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, nonperishable foods like nuts and granola bars, water, warm gloves, etc. 3.Avoid distractions when you are behind the wheel. Do

Defensive Driving Must Be Adopted to Avoid Rear-Ended Accidents

On Saturday afternoon, a Tipp City police officer, narrowly escaped serious injury when his parked cruiser was rear-ended, by a speeding vehicle. Officer Marc Basye, was out of the patrol car at the time of the incident. He was interrogating a suspect, who could have possibly been involved in the hit and skip accident, which had occurred just a short distance away. The rear ended accident, took place at about 1.30 p.m. near a traffic stop that was located on County Road 25-A bridge over Interstate 75 in Tipp City. A speeding pickup truck simply slammed into the rear end of the cruiser. Miami County deputies, who had handled crash, said that, “the driver of the truck was not paying attention when he bounced off the left rear quarter panel of the cruiser. ”The truck driver was cited by deputies for a clear distance violation. Fortunately, there were no injuries in either mishap. Terry Reid, the owner of the National Defensive Driver Training in Guelph, recently said that, “I believe ther

Tips for Safe Driving on Ice and Snow

Driving on roads covered in ice and snow can be very dangerous. So, motorists should be extremely cautious and be safe while driving. The following tips will keep you safe when you are behind the wheel this season: 1.In shady areas, motorists may experience something known as black ice. Remember to slow down your vehicle in shady areas in these types of weather conditions. 2.Before you start out, test your braking and steering ability. Always start by slowing down at least three times sooner than you would normally while stopping or turning. 3.Chains and snow tires help you stay safe wherever ice and snow are accumulated on the road. Chains are always better preferred because snow tires tend to slip on ice and packed snow. 4.A safe speed range does not exist in such conditions. Therefore be extremely cautious before you can determine exactly how much friction you can expect from the tires of your vehicle. 5.Do not make quick and sudden movements of the steering and always apply brakes

Bystanders the Biggest Threat on the Road

Do you know more than the drivers getting injured in any road accident, it is the bystanders who are mostly hit by cars. Millions of people are killed in road accidents every year and most of the victims are not the drivers but bystanders. There are numerous cases of accidents where people get injured or die when they are struck by moving vehicles. This is a serious yet neglected issue we face today. Especially when the weather is getting cold and roads become icy, the accident rate concerning bystanders can increase manifold. However, we cannot say that only the drivers should take extra care while driving on the road, people walking around should also be careful enough. Cars skidding or sliding are common during winter season. Drivers must drive around busy roads with extra care. Riding fast on icy roads or busy streets must be avoided. It will be of great help if drivers could learn how to drive defensively. Since, you never know what will happen next, you can at least know how to a

The Government Has Urged the People to Adopt a Defensive Driving Attitude

Recently, the government urged the people of America to adopt a defensive driving attitude. This inspiration and advice resulted from the fact that Chicago and its surrounding areas had been experiencing rather bad weather conditions. Aren't we all guilty of violating stop signals or moving signs? Needless to say, we often avoid enrolling ourselves into these driver’s ed classes, for they tend to disrupt daily schedules and routines. But thanks to modern technology, we can now sit back and fulfill our driving obligations from the comforts of our own home. Since, these defensive driving programs can now be completed online, we can take those all important restroom breaks and even have a snack or two. These courses will definitely provide you with some essential tips about defensive driving. More so, they will also help you deal with a few old notions about driving. For instance, you will learn that if you are following a car and you happen to spot an object ahead, then you need to c

Formula 1 also aiming to Minimize Aggressive Driving

Defensive driving is not only applicable to your everyday road traffic; it now applies to the F1 track as well! For the 2011 season, the FIA has decided to take harsh measures against aggressive or irresponsible driving in an effort to see cleaner and safer driving on the track. Following a meeting last week, the FIA has since laid down a number of sporting and technical regulations for 2011. FIA is all set to bring about more responsible and safer racing in Formula 1, which is why harsh measures will be taken against aggressive driving and those drivers who constantly run off the track to gain advantage. Other maneuvers that intentionally or unintentionally hinder other racers include: changing direction too often, deliberately crowding a car to run off the track, or any other kind of abnormal change in the direction is also not permitted. If drivers are found committing such violation, they are liable to be fined. Likewise, drivers driving regular roadways and highways should pay hee

Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents can lead to numerous unwanted consequences that include permanent injury, high cost, damages to property and so on. When these serious consequences are well known to all people, why do they act oblivious to all these facts? This blog will highlight some of the most common causes of road accidents and may help you avoid getting into one. 1.Distracted Driving: Believe it or not, distracted driving takes the number one spot here. Anything on the road, outside or inside the car can divert the attention of a driver. Cell phones are a major distraction and it has led to so many accidents so far, more so than any other cause. 2.Speeding: A long ride on the road is a thrill when it’s mixed with speed, but a deadly one. So many young lives have been lost due to car accidents related to speeding. No matter how thrilling it sounds, speed kills. 3.Drunk Driving: Now that the holiday season is on, drunk driving may be on the rise. Drinking can cease or lower the ability to focus and f

Missouri Remembers Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

Advocates on road safety gathered at the Capitol on Thursday to focus on drunk driving accidents. The highway fatalities have certainly dropped in Missouri since last year. But the numbers of accidents caused due to alcohol constitute nearly 32 per cent of the total 281 victims. Leanna Depue, the Director of the Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety, said “Missouri Remembers is not only a way to honor those people, but also reminds others of the importance of driving sober during this holiday season and every day of the year”. A special tree with “Missouri Remembers” ornaments was put up in the capitol rotunda by the safe roads coalition. The ornaments were put for anyone who wanted them. The testimonials are to remind the people of all the losses. Phaedra Marriot-Olsen, a victim of a drunk driving accident, said, “Besides the numerous many physical injuries that I had, the emotional nightmares were the ones that were hard to forget”. The Highway Patrol Col., Ron Replogl

Teen Driving Fatalities Going Down

Now, parents will have some reason to celebrate as a recent report shows that over the past few years, the number of teenage drivers in fatal accidents fell more than one third. Even though car accidents still hold the number one cause of death for teenagers with 8 deaths occurring on an average day on American roads. This drop in the accident chart can be credited to the parents. Parents are encouraging their teens to practice safety in their driving. Every parent must influence the habit of safe driving within their children. Some the practical steps that they can easily implement are: 1.Extend the supervised driving periods of their teens beyond the legal age to assess the skills and reactions fully. 2.Explain and reinforce the rules of the road clearly. 3.Create parent-teen agreements to hold teen drivers accountable to expectations. Car crashes are four times higher in teens than their elders and the likelihood of accidents are more when teens are behind the wheel. Parents can inf

Defensive Driving- Make the Right Adjustments This Winter

The very first signs of heavy snow caused many Ontario drivers to slide,slip and slam into ditches or other motorists. However, tire dealers, defensive driving trainers and law enforcement officials are saying that, “there is really no legitimate reason why winter should bring motoring bedlam.” In other words, these professionals are now saying that,there are in fact, certain tried and tested ways, that in turn can prevent drivers from becoming part of the accident statistic. Gurdip Atwal,the owner of a defensive driving training center in Guelph and Cambridge said that,“The major problem with drivers in general is they don’t adjust to driving conditions”. He further went go to state that,“They think they are still driving in the summer. Those habits are hard to change quickly, and that is a major contributing factor in collisions whenever there is a first snow.” Whereas,the owner of the National Defensive Driver Training in Guelph, Terry Reid, said that,“I believe there were over 200

Senior Citizens to Use Seatbelts and Take up Safety Driving Classes

According to Alan Smith, the Bedford County Area Agency on Aging Director, it is a tremendous privilege for senior citizens to be able to drive. “Older people have repeatedly said it would be devastating, it would be terrible to lose their driving license”, he added just before the National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week started. Allen D. Beihler, PennDOT Secretary, believes that it is important to strike the right balance between road safety and the mobility of older drivers, especially since 16 per cent of the state drivers are over the age of 65. “Driving is a privilege; however, the loss of that privilege can be devastating for an older driver who is not prepared to accept the change”, Beihler said. The senior drivers are encouraged to wear seatbelts. Also, new safety driving courses have been initiated especially for senior drivers. Elderly drivers are encouraged to take up these driving classes which also offer a five per cent reduction on insurance premiums. Almost 22 per ce

Phone's Signal in Cars - To Be or Not To Be Blocked

Every year 500,000 people get injured and 5,500 get killed due to road accidents relating from use of cell phones while driving. Now, with this alarming statistic, the idea to block cell phone signals or radio frequency inside the vehicle has been raised. This seems a practical solution after the effort of spreading the awareness of the danger of using cell phones while driving has failed to work. If this continues, the technology, which automatically disables the device inside a vehicle can become mandatory. This technology already exists and it can be modified to be mounted in a vehicle. Using cell phones while driving puts a driver’s life at great risk as well that of others. This proposal to block may be faced with lots of criticism from many people but if you think deeply it seems practical enough, especially when it aims to save lives. However, the application of this technology can have very high costs and the impact would make the vehicles cost more by the automakers. And, if t

MADD Encourages Wearing Seat Belts to Avoid Accidents

When her young brother, Marvin Terry, was killed in a car crash in September 1990, Donna Carter's life took a new turn. Terry died in an accident involving drugs and alcohol. Since that unfortunate tragedy, Carter has been helping save lives with Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “I don't want to go through that again and if I can help another family from having to go through that, that's what I'm out here doing”, she says. Terry was 26 when he was killed in the deadly car accident. He was a passenger in the vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt. According to the South Carolina Department of safety, two people died on the Highways during the Thanksgiving weekend. This is, by far, the lowest number of highway deaths during that holiday weekend recorded since 1964. Sonny Collins, the South Carolina Patrol Lance Cpl., believes that one of the major reasons for the decrease in the number of deaths on highways is that now more people are making use of the seat belts provided.

Aggressive Driving & Texting on the Rise

People in Texas believe that the roadways are less safe than before, even though statistics show that deaths have reduced. Today, the laws have become more stringent and more attention is being paid to the enforcement of solutions, yet meaningful safety measures entirely depend on the changing attitudes. So, why do drivers feel less safe even when the vehicle safety and road conditions have been greatly improved? Half of them feel threatened by aggressive driving and the other half believe texting is the main culprit. 80% of people on the road feel that texting while on the wheel and using mobile phones have become a bigger problem and now they favor laws banning these practices. While 40% of them feel speeding is the worst problem they face. Now, even when laws have become strict and penalties for breaking the traffic rules can be over the head, then why do drivers still risk their lives by texting? Aggressive driving is also another thing people have to watch out for, especially at t

Defensive Driving is now Being Called Intelligent Driving

Defensive driving can also be defined as intelligent driving. However, it also involves a lot of consideration and patience, for other road users. It involves being constantly alert and this in turn can save thousands of lives. There is no doubt that, without patience a driver is simply headed towards a whole lot of trouble and major disasters. An auto mechanic who operates in Cassia Park, St Andrew, Mr. David Jones said, "Once the basics are learned, the way is clear for safer, more satisfying driving." He also went on to say that defensive driving, “also means obeying the traffic signals and ensuring the vehicle you are driving is in good working condition.” Furthermore, an intelligent driver also ensures that she or he: 1.Is well rested and relaxed before starting assigned driving tasks. 2.Does not take any drugs or alcohol that could make her/him drowsy before taking the steering. 3.Watches out for pedestrians and other road users. 4.Plans a journey thoroughly, before emb