Entries Tagged as Driving Tips
Pedestrian Safety
March 05, 2015 · No Comments
With the ice and snow that plagued our region this morning, we are not likely thinking that spring is right around the corner. That said, very soon, the warming days will begin bringing everyone out from their winter hibernation. This is why our Sixty Seconds of SafetyTM Message for March is focused on pedestrian safety. Of course, pedestrians should always be mindful of vehicles when near or crossing roadways, but we cannot always assume that this will be the case. The increased pedestrian fatalities seen starting in 2010 supported the idea of "distracted walking" becoming a growing problem. The good news is that these figures showed a decline in 2013 (for the first time in years), but this does not change the fact that we must be more vigilant.
We want to remind drivers of these important considerations when it comes to pedestrians:
- Always slow down when in pedestrian-dense areas. A driver is often unable to see all pedestrians, particularly children, so it is important to slow down when near groups of people.
- Always anticipate the unexpected when near pedestrians, especially children. Anticipation can make all the difference between a tragedy and a controlled situation when encountering someone darting into the street or a child chasing a ball.
- Always assume there is an imaginary crosswalk at intersections, even if none is marked. Many people treat intersections as virtual crosswalks and will simply step into an intersection, expecting traffic to stop...so be vigilant and make the safe assumption that this might happen.
- Always try to make eye contact when dealing with pedestrians.While you may see the pedestrian, the pedestrian may not see you. Making eye contact is one way to communicate and share intentions.
So as the days grow longer and cherry blossoms begin to bloom, be very vigilant of pedestrians entering the roadway, taking a proactive approach to minimize the risks involved!
Learning Fundamental Driving Skills From Athletic Participation
July 02, 2012 · 1 Comment
Happy Fourth of July! Whether you will be staying near your home or heading out of town for the holiday, we at I Drive Smart hope you have a relaxing break from work and a healthy amount of fun with family and friends. We also hope everyone is safe and recovering well from the terential storms we had a few nights ago. Hopefully, as power gets restored around the area, life can start to get back to normal. I'd like to take a little time to salute one of our own at IDS. Krista Kennedy, a Montgomery County police officer and one of our "superstar" instructors, was recently featured in an article about Title IX in The Gazette.
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Keeping Up-To-Date On Traffic Laws With I Drive Smart
June 06, 2012 · 3 Comments
A wise man once wrote that "no one can complete an education, for of necessity education is a continuing process". We see this proverb in action every day of our lives. Our best teachers are those that never seem to stop learning, and our doctors are required to attend continuing education classes throughout their careers. Likewise, we at I Drive Smart believe that driver education is not a one-time event. Instead, we hope that our students will work throughout their lives to become safer and more responsible drivers, and our instructors strive to instill that attitude in our students. One of the most important pieces to successfully continuing your driver education is to keep up-to-date on often-changing traffic laws.
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Keeping Teens Safe at Graduation: Tips for Seniors at Beach Week
May 19, 2012 · No Comments
Graduation season is an exciting time for all those receiving their diplomas and their families. However, given teenagers’ excitement about graduation and the newfound freedom of summer after high school, it is also one of the riskiest times for teen drivers. In this post, we offer some helpful strategies to ensure that your child can have both a safe and fun trip to Beach Week or Senior Week.
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Getting a permit means putting in the hours
July 14, 2011 · No Comments
In our previous blog entry, we talked about how driving for teens offers freedom, but that responsibility comes with it too.
Teens in New York State, and in several other states across the country, are now faced with the requirement of completing 50 hours of supervised driving, up from the previous 18 required (with 15 of those hours mandated to occur after sunset).
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The 100 Deadliest Days for Drivers
June 30, 2011 · 1 Comment
During the carefree summer months, it’s not surprising to find many teens hanging by the pool, shopping at the mall or catching the latest blockbuster. However, these carefree summer months aren’t without its dangers, as they have actually been nicknamed "the 100 deadliest days for drivers."
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Adolescent Development and Driving
February 11, 2011 · 1 Comment
In the last two decades, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has provided insights never before available into brain functioning. Scientists now know that the decision-making portion of a teenager’s brain is not mature and that the impulse control portion of the brain does not physically mature until about the age of 25.
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Coach Your Teenager to Assess and Manage Driving Risks
February 09, 2011 · 2 Comments
When taking your teenager out for a practice drive, you will want to coach your child to assess and manage driving risks. The following are some tips you can use as a guideline
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Tips on Coaching Your Teenager's Driving in Virginia
February 02, 2011 · No Comments
Follow the Virginia Department of Education’s required 45-hour Teen/Parent Driving Guide and enjoy your time together and have fun. This can be a great bonding opportunity for you and your teen, just be sure to focus on the driving task and leave your family issues at home. Make sure you clear your own schedule and mark your calendar for consistent practice driving times to set aside with your teen. Try to designate and pre-determine a place to practice to establish a comfortable routine. While driving, let your teenager know you care about his or her safety while practicing and stay calm, rational, upbeat and engaged during the practice drive.
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Parent Guide - Coaching Your Teenager's Driving
January 24, 2011 · 2 Comments
As the parent of a teenager learning to drive, you are likely to be concerned about the welfare and safety of your child. The following are two major steps to take in teaching your child to drive.
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