ey Concepts:
Safety on the Road
Auto Safety
Main Idea: Paying attention and following the rules of the road are the keys to safe driving.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 20.Young drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash as the rest ofthe population. This is why vehicular safety-obeying the rules of the road and exercising common sense and good judgment while driving-is such an important issue for teens.
The most important rule ofdriving safety is: Pay attention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 80 percent of car crashes happen when a driver is distracted. The driver may be talking on a cell phone, drowsy, or lost in thought. Reduce distractions when you drive by positioning the seat and mirrors and fastening your safety belt before starting the engine. Adjust the radio and temperature controls before moving.
Here are some examples of things you need to pay attention to when you’re in the driver’s seat:
Other drivers. Be aware of the cars around you and how they’re moving. Make sure other drivers can see you by switching on your headlights at night and in bad weather.
Road conditions. Reduce your speed if the road is icy or wet, if heavy snow or rain is limiting your vision, if a lane narrows, if there are sharp curves ahead, or if there is construction or heavy traffic.
Your physical state. Drowsiness can impair your reaction time and your judgment. If you feel tired, try to wake yourself up by stopping for a snack or exercise. If you’re still drowsy, pull over at the nearest safe well-lit area and call home. ‘
Your emotional state. Being angry or upset can affect your driving. Ask someone else to drive, or if you’re alone, pull over to a safe spot until you calm down.
Passengers riding with teen drivers are responsible for reducing the risk of accidents too. Avoid distracting the driver so they can pay attention to the road. Passengers are also responsible for their own safety. Avoid getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver. Ask the person for the keys, and if he or she refuses, call a parent or other trusted adult for help.
Teen Drivers
Young drivers may be more likely to get into an accident because they lack the experience and skills needed to drive safely. They are more likely to underestimate the hazards of the road. They may also take more risks such as speeding, running red lights, or driving after using alcohol or drugs.
To protect inexperienced drivers and others on the road, many states have graduated driver’s licensing programs. Graduated licensing is a system that gradually increases driving privileges over time. Many programs have three stages: learner, provisional, and full driver’s license. Each stage has a different set of driving restrictions.
Avoiding Road Rage
You’re driving along when another driver suddenly swerves into your lane without signaling, forcing you to slam on your brakes. Some drivers respond to this type ofsituation with road rage. This means responding to a driving incident with violence. Examples of road rage behaviors can include
honking, shouting, gesturing, or flashing lights.
chasing or tailgating another vehicle.
cutting off another car or forcing it off the road.
deliberately hitting or bumping another car.
If you see these kinds of behaviors, stay a safe distance away. Ifyou’re threatened, lock your doors and drive to the nearest police station. Never try to retaliate, or the conflict could turn deadly.
Being a Responsible Driver
Unfortunately, you can’t always trust other drivers to drive safely. To protect yourself, you need to drive defensively.Defensive driving means being aware ofpotential hazards on the road and taking action to avoid them.
When you drive defensively, you stay alert and take responsibility for your behavior. You also watch out for potential dangers. A car that is weaving, crossing the center line, making wide turns, or braking without warning may have an impaired driver. If you spot such a vehicle, keep your distance, or pull over and notify the police.
Sharing the Road
Main Idea: Everyone on the road shares a responsibility to follow traffic laws.
You share the road with other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and people on skates, scooters, or small motor vehicles. When you’re driving, watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. When you’re on foot, on a bike, or skating, be aware of vehicles and follow the rules of the road.
Pedestrian Safety
Always use the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. This will make it easier for cars to see you. It also makes it easier for you to see them, and get out of the way if a driver comes too close. Before you cross a street, look left, then right, then left again. Cross only at marked crosswalks, or at a corner. Make sure the cars have seen you and stopped before you step into the street.
Small Motor Vehicle Safety
Small motor vehicles include motorcycles, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles. Motorcycles and mopeds are motor vehicles, just like cars, and are subject to the same traffic laws. Motorcyclists must have a special license in addition to their driver’s license.
According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists and passengers are 35 times more likely to die in a crash than automobile drivers and passengers. Head injuries cause the most deaths in motorcycle accidents. In 20 states, all motorcyclists and passengers must wear protective helmets. In another 27 states, motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.
Helmets should meet the standards set by the U.S. Depart- ment ofTransportation (DOT). Wearing sturdy clothing that covers the arms and legs also provides some protection. Passengers should avoid riding with a motorcyclist who is impaired by drug or alcohol use.
Another type of small vehicle is the all-terrain vehicle (ATV). ATVs have either three or four wheels. These off-road vehicles are used for recreation, as well as for work on farms and ranches. It’s important to take safety precautions when operating ATVs. About 46 percent of all injuries and deaths from ATV use occur among children and teens under age 16.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to ban ATVs with three wheels. The CPSC is also proposing other rules for safe ATV use. Those proposals include licensing ATV users, restricting people under age 16 from using ATVs, and requiring all ATV users to complete safety classes. To operate ATVs safely, keep these guidelines in mind:
Only one person should ride on an ATV at a time.
Avoid using attachments that will reduce the stability and braking of the ATV.
Wear appropriate gear when riding an ATV. In addition to a DOT-approved helmet, you should wear eye protec- tion, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover your ankles.
Avoid taking an ATV out on paved roads.
Avoid ATV drivers who have been using alcohol or drugs.
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