BobbyMike
Member
Registered: Dec 1999
Location: "Children are a gift from God, they are a reward"
Posts: 1049 |
As an older "experienced" driver I have to speak out a bit.
I agree that it's tragic that so many young people in our country maim themselves in our country at the wheel. Speeding is the least of the problems. Lack of experience and underage drinking seem to be the biggest problem around here. Parents need to take note, it's your responsibility to insure your kids are prepared to handle the responsibility of driving.
I like to drive fast, but I don't drive irresponsibly (I know my limits and am very careful to pay attention to the weather and road conditions. I'm 39 years old and have never had a speed related accident (actually I've only had one car accident when I was 20- fell asleep at the wheel and flipped my jeep on a highway going 55). I have never hit a deer or other animal (and not many people in Upstate NY can say that!).
Most highways rated for 55/65 mph are safely driven at up to 90 mph- by attentive, experienced drivers.
More accidents occur at or below the posted speed limits. The vast majority are preventable. Driver education in this country is pitiful. The things people believe are acceptable to do while driving are amazing. I don't want to single out cell phone users 'cause I regularly see people shave, read, argue, put on makeup, brush their teeth, and comb their hair, dogs in their laps, etc. - a lot of people are doing everything but what they should be doing, which is driving.
It does scare me though when someone in a PT Cruiser or a minivan (not particularly good choices for high speed travel) pass me by when I'm driving 65-75 mph.
People need to follow some simple rules.
Don't go faster than you, or your vehicle, can handle.
Stay out of the left lane unless you're passing traffic.
Don't pass on the right.
Pay attention to what is happening all around you, not just the car right in front of you.
Look in your rear view mirrors once every 5 seconds, at least.
It's easier to merge into freeway traffic if you are going the minimum speed for that road when you exit the on ramp.
Keep both hands on the wheel unless you're shifting, etc. - it's easier to respond to surprises when you do that.
Don't rest your right hand on your shifter or lay it over the back of a seat. (see above)
Slow down in inclement weather - even if you have front wheel drive, 4wd, or all wheel drive (traction control, etc.) you can still slide out of control.
Don't get competitive with other drivers - The parents or kids you kill may not be yours.
Don't drive when your not 100%, tired drivers are just as bad as stoned or drunk drivers.
If you miss your exit don't try to make it, go to the next one, your exit will still be there when you get there.
Check your tire pressure regularly.
Don't cut in front of tractor trailers.
WEAR YOUR SEATBELT- NONE OF THE OTHER SAFETY SYSTEMS CAN PROTECT YOU WITHOUT YOU TAKING THAT STEP!!!!
And finally don't let your monkey out of it's cage while you're in transit.
__________________
"I am a debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish."
|
04-24-2002 01:35 AM
Email This Page to Someone! |
Receive updates to this thread
]