EMERGENCIES
DISTRACTED DRIVING
OVERCROWDING THE CAR
Knowing how to avoid an accident comes with driving experience. Young drivers can only learn so much in the classroom, which leaves learning maneuvers like straightening out a skid or how to apply the brakes correctly to real-world experience. Speeding and distracted driving only make things worse, as they compound the lack of experience by putting drivers at higher risk of encountering an emergency situation in the first place.
Cell phones, music, food and even text messages can pose serious distractions to drivers. In some cases, drivers will even text their backseat passengers. Drivers must use hands-free apps and devices while driving on the Island. The fines for distracted driving have increased in the last few years, and for a first offence, the fine is $500. What does hands-free mean? Hands- free means you can add a tool to your cellular phone, smart phone or other communication device to allow you to use it with one touch. You can also use the speaker option on your device. You will have to dial the number using verbal or one-touch commands. The intention is to ensure that you can safely use the communication device without distraction from driving. Be aware that driving includes time when stopped at traffic lights or during other hold-ups.
Young drivers frequently overcrowd their cars, cramming five or six into a cabin meant to seat four or five. Worse yet, the extra passengers often result in teens driving more aggressively, or passengers not using seat belts.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Teens are still driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Young drivers should have a steadfast rule to never drive under the influence - even one drink or marijuana cigarette can affect judgment or reaction time.
DRIVING DROWSY
Teens often burn both ends of the candle. Between school, part-time jobs, studying and their social lives, teens are often affected by sleep deprivation. Drowsy driving also affects an unlikely group: the so-called “good kids.” That means straight-A students or those with a full plate of extracurricular activities. Overachievers have a lot of pressure if they’re playing sports and are also preparing for an exam. If they’ve been going from 7 a.m., and now it’s midnight, and they have to get home, they don’t think, “I’m too tired to drive.”
FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY
At 90 kmph, a typical car needs between 120 and 140 feet to reach a full stop. Most SUVs require an extra five to 10 feet on top of that. Consider that 90 kmph translates to 88 feet per second, and it’s easy to see why maintaining a proper following distance is a critical step in preventing accidents. All of that changes drastically when you consider our winter road conditions. Increase the distance between you and other vehicles, and slow down. Never feel pressured to maintain the posted speed limit if you feel unsure!
RISK-TAKING
Ignoring traffic signals or school zone signs and changing lanes without checking blind spots are considered “risky behaviour.” The difference between risky behaviour and distracted driving is that risky behaviour is deliberate, while distracted driving is often the result of ignorance.
CHOOSING THE WRONG CAR
DRIVING UNBUCKLED
SPEEDING
Too often, a combination of tight budgets and high style leads teens to pass up important safety features for larger engines and flashy accessories. A teen or novice driver will opt for a cool- looking sports car, rather than a car that’s really a safer choice. Teens who have tight budgets may choose a vehicle based on affordability, rather than safety, and regular maintenance is often overlooked.
Seat belts should always remain buckled while driving. Unbuckling, even briefly, escalates risks for teen drivers. Fortunately, many cars today have seat belt reminders that flash warning lights or chime until belts are secured. Call them annoying, but they help keep occupants buckled.
Most drivers occasionally speed, but teens do so because they don’t have a good sense of how a car’s speed can affect their response time. As winter approaches, road conditions can change rapidly and with little warning, increasing the risk of highway accidents due to speed.
FALL 2019 www.pei-living.ca
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