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Driving Safety - For Teen Drivers & Parents

by The Social Diary Safety Educator Columnist Monica Zech
Column #13, May 30th, 2006

When it comes to safety, "traffic safety" is the subject I'm most passionate about.
It's all about safety when it comes to surviving our roadways. The death and injuries I see almost on a weekly basis, and some personal experiences, motivates me to continue my research and lectures on issue of driving safety.

Since the first of the year we've been seeing multiple deaths in crashes around the county. On a recent Saturday night three young men were killed, 19 to 21 years of age, near the Del Dios Highway...they apparently just left a party where alcohol and other drugs were being used. I've been out and about talking to young people, and adults, about the dangers on our roadways - but I can't reach everyone. As long as the drug "alcohol" is around the problems will continue. In case you didn't know "alcohol" is considered the number one drug problem in society. It's a major factor in driving, fights, crimes, rapes, pregnancies, transmitted diseases etc...but as long as we put our head in the sand and feel we need it to celebrate or have a good time - and also think - "It's not going to happen to me" - it will continue to be a problem. These deaths and injures will also continue keep our emergency crews and trauma rooms busy. So what can we do?

The Automobile Club, Cars.com, and yours truly, have put together some
tips on staying safe:

Staying Safe -
With the freedom to drive comes a host of accompanying
responsibilities. Perhaps most importantly, young drivers and their
parents should talk about driving safely and avoiding situations that
could push inexperienced drivers into making a deadly mistake.

Following these three simple safety tips could save a lot of headaches,
maybe even a life.

Buckle up: Seat belt use is lower among younger drivers. Even in
vehicles equipped with airbags, which are required by law on all recent
models, you aren't adequately protected unless your seat belt is
fastened. The rule holds true for passengers, even those in the rear
seat.

Distance yourself: Drivers should maintain a safe distance - at least
10 to 12 inches - from the steering wheel to prevent an injury by an inflating
airbag in a collision. (Airbags deploy at 180-200 mph)

Have A Cell Phone? A portable phone can provide peace of mind as a
young driver takes off on that first unsupervised drive. Bear in mind
that an inexperienced driver may find a ringing phone to be a
distraction when behind the wheel, especially at night, so keep calls to
a minimum. Make it a practice to take out your cell phone when getting
in your vehicle and place it in an easy to reach area. But if your
phone is in a hard reach area, like the bottom of your purse or backpack
- "LET VOICEMAIL handle it"...we've had several crashes in which people
were reaching for cell phones and loss control of the vehicle or drove
through a red light - killing the motorists they hit.

Driving Restrictions: A driver's license gives a young driver a sense
of freedom and even invincibility. That's why parents have to enforce
rules that keep their teen safe. Here are some restrictions to
consider.

Nighttime: In general, younger drivers need curfews. But with or
without a curfew, parents should consider prohibiting unsupervised
late-night driving. Teen outings late at night tend to be recreational
and pose a greater risk to the driver and passengers.

Alcohol: Whatever your family rules are on alcohol consumption, one
rule is inviolate: Don't drive after drinking any alcohol. Period. Parents - be a parent not a friend. Educate your children on the laws - no alcohol until age 21! It's ridiculous when parents hold "keg" parties for their teens for birthdays and graduations. You're not only risking a hefty fine - you may be contributing to their future injury or death. We see it over and over again.

Chauffeuring: Parents should place limits on the ferrying of friends.
Younger drivers already are at risk because of their inexperience,
immaturity and impulsiveness. Passengers can cause distractions and
create peer pressure to engage in risky behavior behind the wheel.

Driver and Vehicle Preparation
Most driver's education classes, including those offered through public
schools and independent agencies, provide instruction in defensive
driving, including accident-avoidance maneuvers. Even experienced
drivers with exceptional skills know they're often at the mercy of other
drivers, and their best protection is to develop a good set of defensive
driving techniques.

Most teenage drivers elect to take a driver's education program from
their local school. For first-time drivers not enrolled in school, there
are independent programs. Search the internet or your local phone book
for programs in your area.

Crashes Happen!
Sooner or later, most drivers are involved in a crash, and teens
are four times more likely than other drivers to be involved in one,
according to AAA. But research also shows parents are a direct role
model for their children when it comes to driving - my question: "Are
you, or were you a good role model???" You're not a good role model if you're driving aggressively, such as; driving above a posted speed limit, tailgating, rolling through stop signs and rushing yellow lights and running the red light by 1 second or more.

Role Model - Alcohol:
The biggest mistake we make is educating our children "NOT" to drink,
until their 21 - and never to drink and drive. If we come home from a
party and it's obvious both parents have been drinking, we're sending the message
it's okay to drink and drive. Best rule of thumb - no amount of alcohol is safe when it comes to driving.

Here are some key points of what to do if you're involved in an
accident:

a. Move out of traffic
b. Exchange telephone numbers
c. Exchange policy numbers
d. Summon emergency help
e. Don't move injured people

Minor collisions typically don't require the presence of a police
officer, unless they involve personal injury or serious damage to one or
more vehicles. Both parties should exchange telephone numbers and
insurance policy information, even if they're in a state with no-fault
insurance regulations. Please be sure you have uninsured motorists
protection. The last figure I heard was that 40% of the driving public doesn't
have insurance...and they cause a high percentage of our collisions. (I
raised my coverage for uninsured motorist coverage after hearing that statement.)

In a more serious collision, the local police and, if necessary,
emergency medical help should be summoned immediately. Don't move
injured people until qualified medical help arrives (unfortunately, this
is a liability issue as well as a health issue). When possible, move
away from the flow of traffic to avoid additional injuries. Again -
don't move them unless the car catches fire...otherwise wait for
emergency personnel.

Unhappy With High Gasoline Prices? - An very easy way to save on fuel AND save lives - STOP driving aggressively - slow down and follow the traffic laws made for our safety. You burn off more fuel at higher speeds and you increase the wear and tear of your vehicle, especially tire wear.

To Recap - Be safe - Be Alert - Buckle-Up and Slow Down - these are words to "live" by. If you'd like a hard hitting - eye opening talk on driving safety please contact me at (619) 441-1615. Visit my website for additional safety information at www.elcajonfire.com or www.monicazech.com

Safety Checklist
Check off the items below to make sure you are ready for emergencies.

a. A flat-tire fixer, such as a patching kit or aerosol tire sealant
b. A flashlight
c. A mini tool kit with a hammer and screwdriver
d. A reflective triangle
e. A portable phone
f. Extra washer fluid
g. A pair of jumper cables
h. Snack foods and drinking water
i. A medical kit with basic first-aid items, such as antiseptic and
bandage strips
j. An empty fuel can (Never carry spare fuel onboard; always keep
your fuel tank at least half-full, especially if traveling at night or
in unfamiliar territory.)
k. In cold climates: blankets, boots, gloves, a hat, snow shovel and
snowbrush

* Monica Zech is the Public Information Officer and Safety Educator for the City of El Cajon and for El Cajon Police and Fire Departments. For safety tips please visit El Cajon Fire.com In community work, Zech is the President on the board for the Trauma Research Education Foundation-TREF and a board member with Communities Against Substance Abuse-CASA. In March, Monica received the County's 2005 Individual Health Champion Award for her safety lectures in the community and throughout the county. Email mzech@ci.el-cajon.ca.us and visit Zech's Web Site ,or Monica Zech at (619) 441-1737.

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