Our oldest grandchild turns 16 today. She already has a car. Instead of having to save up to buy one, her Nana and Papa have given her our well-used 2005 Hyundai Sonata. It even has CarPlay, which goes well beyond an AM/FM radio with cassette player. I think the car came with that!
She’s also had driving lessons. Two kinds. First, the “official” driving lessons that come from driving schools, and the unofficial kind that come from your parents on some private roads or empty parking lots. Or maybe a farm tractor. These driving lessons can start as early as, well, no one should probably admit.
Here are driving tips from various sources to help Ashley (and you) be a smart and better driver.
Drive defensively.
I recall my dad telling me this long before I saw an ad campaign for it. It has stayed with me. Always anticipate bad moves by other drivers.
The brake is your friend.
Okay. This one is mine. I helped teach all three of my children to drive. From the very beginning, I wanted them to understand that a car can get away from you in turns, on bad roads, or with any kind of malfunction. Keep the car under control with good brakes.
Speed kills.
At least a few times a week, I drive past a memorial site where a young man (teenager) flipped his BMW after passing someone at high speed. He never made it home. As for the interstate, I’ve always liked this one: “Angels who guard you when you drive, usually retire at 65.”
Black ice is a close second.
Black ice is a close second.
All weather related issues raise the complexity of driving. Slow down. But the unseen problem of black ice is among the worst. No matter how capable the vehicle or how good the tires, black ice can spill you.
Texting while driving will also do you in.
Enough said. Overhead expressway signs remind drivers of this often.
Multi-tasking of any kind rapidly increases risk.
I admit to eating on trips as I’m driving. Or maybe checking an email at a stop light. I know better. So should you. The price of losing focus can be steep.
Seat belts save lives. As do air bags.
In my lifetime, we once either rode or drove cars that lacked one or both! Statistics prove we are the losers who fail to properly strap in.
Driving under the influence of anything is bad form.
Texting while driving will also do you in.
Enough said. Overhead expressway signs remind drivers of this often.
Multi-tasking of any kind rapidly increases risk.
I admit to eating on trips as I’m driving. Or maybe checking an email at a stop light. I know better. So should you. The price of losing focus can be steep.
Seat belts save lives. As do air bags.
In my lifetime, we once either rode or drove cars that lacked one or both! Statistics prove we are the losers who fail to properly strap in.
Driving under the influence of anything is bad form.
That includes the influence of your friends. We’re mostly discussing mind altering substances here. Anything that weakens your response time. Distracting friends, conversations, or antics fall into this category.
Pay those insurance bills!
This one can cost you a drivers license! I violated this once as a very young guy. My excuse was not having the money. A minor accident convinced me never to do this again.
Keep up with the fluids.
Pay those insurance bills!
This one can cost you a drivers license! I violated this once as a very young guy. My excuse was not having the money. A minor accident convinced me never to do this again.
Keep up with the fluids.
Change your oil. Refill the wiper fluid, etc. I was told years ago that NOTHING keeps your car running young more than getting the oil changed regularly (every 3-7 thousand miles, depending on the vehicle.) It’s the cheapest insurance for engine maintenance.
Know how to change a tire. ...Or have roadside assistance.
Actually, even WITH roadside assistance you best know how to change a tire! Not all locations allow for mobile phone service. Plus, others may need your help!
Inexperience is no excuse for an accident.
Drivers training only gets you so far. You need experience behind the wheel. The more ways you can carefully work through challenging situations in practice the better. Never blame inexperience for being unprepared.
The Bible says, “However, be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you don't forget the things which you have seen with your own eyes. Don't let them fade from your memory as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9 (GWT)
Whether it’s driving or a myriad of other life lessons, that’s a great reminder.
Know how to change a tire. ...Or have roadside assistance.
Actually, even WITH roadside assistance you best know how to change a tire! Not all locations allow for mobile phone service. Plus, others may need your help!
Inexperience is no excuse for an accident.
Drivers training only gets you so far. You need experience behind the wheel. The more ways you can carefully work through challenging situations in practice the better. Never blame inexperience for being unprepared.
The Bible says, “However, be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you don't forget the things which you have seen with your own eyes. Don't let them fade from your memory as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9 (GWT)
Whether it’s driving or a myriad of other life lessons, that’s a great reminder.
That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.
You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?
For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com
Articles of interest:
https://www.cbac.com/media-center/blog/2014/april/8-driving-safety-tips-for-teen-and-first-time-dr/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.