Tag: teen driving

Elderly Driving Safety Tips

Safe driving skills take years of practice to achieve.  As we get older it seems our skills are put to the test as certain aspects of age become an issue.  Poor vision, new medications, and slowed reflexes are just a few of those issues.  Below are tips elderly drivers can use to ensure they continue to stay safe during their commutes.

  • License renewal for elderly drivers vary by state.  The Insurance Institue for Highway Safety has a list of laws for each state regarding requirements.  It is recommended that each change in medical health should be considered when reviewing your ability to drive.
  • Glasses should always be used if prescribed.  Getting rid of old prescriptions as soon as they change is important so the old prescriptions are not accidently used.  When getting behind the wheel, proper vision may be the most important preventative measure that can be taken.
  • Take your prescribed medications and be aware of how they affect your driving ability.  Some medication heed warning of driving and using heavy machinery while under their influence.  These warnings should be seriously considered.  Plan on avoiding the roads before taking the medication for the first time so you have an opportunity to experience their affects.  And never drive after taking medication and alcohol.
  • Be extra alert before getting on the road.  Pay attention to how you are feeling about being on the freeway.  If there is any signs of discomfort, avoid the freeway and stay on the surface streets.  Your mind will send your body signals if there is any reason for concern.  Do not ignore these signals.  It will save you mental and physical stress.
  • Take a defensive driving course.  You are never too old or too young to go through a defensive driving course.  Many of these classes are available through the local Motor Vehicle Divisions in each state.  As continued research is published, new defensive driving tactics are developed and taught.
  • Admit when it’s time to hang up your keys.  The loss of independence can be scary and cause great resistance.  However, there comes a time when it is in your best interest, as well as your fellow drivers, to get out of the driver’s seat.
  • Find other resources for transportation.  There are many organizations and that offer free rides for people who have decided it’s time to give up their keys.  Most senior citizen centers have a list of these organizations and can help facilitate the transition of being a passenger.

Many people feel resistance to giving up the freedom of personal transportation.  However, many people who offer elderly transportation services do it because they enjoy having the opportunity to get to know and help people in their community.  Having the opportunity to connect with a younger person and build a relationship with then can be beneficial to all parties involved.

 

Francie LeBow, Insurance Professional

8440 Wyoming Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM  87113

Tel. 505.600.3147

flebow@farmersagent.com

Teen Driver Safety Tips

Getting your license is a major life event in our modern society.  Learning to drive gives emerging young adults freedom and independence.  With that freedom and independence comes a great deal of responsibility.  During drivers education courses, a lot of information is given in a brief period of time.  Most of this information is forgotten once the focus is put on the practical aspect of navigating an automobile.  Below is a list of basic driving tips young people can review now and later to ensure they are the safest driver possible.

  • Always wear your seat belt.   Seat belts save lives.  There is a reason this invention has become mandatory in the American Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.  Prior to the invention, more automobile accidents were fatal.  Extensive research for decades has proven the seat belt to be the most effective life saving device in the transportation world.  It’s there to save you and in most states it’s unlawful to avoid it.  So use it as a precaution.  Your life is worth the minimal effort.
  • Never text while driving.  This should not just be limited to sending text messages.  It also pertains to using the website or even a google map for directions when your attention should be on the road.  Nothing is so important that it can’t wait until you reach your destination.  If it can’t be avoided, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.  This simple act of using our phones for everything has become such second nature to us.  The truth is that act can result in the end of your life or someone else’s.  There are many new apps available to help resist the temptation of using your phone while behind the wheel by restricting its use.
  • Never drink and drive.  Unfortunately driving while under the influence is still a major issue.  Alcohol impairs judgement and response time.  Nobody should get behind the wheel while intoxicated.  Laws have become more harsh because society’s tolerance for unnecessary death is diminishing.  About fifty percent of state laws prohibit young drivers from having any alcohol in your blood.  The other states allow only .02 percent blood alcohol content. This equates to less than 1/2 shot of liquor or  half a beer.  If pulled over and caught with any alcohol in your blood, you will face DUI charges and possibly many other criminal charges as well.  No amount of alcohol is worth risking your future or a human life.
  • Follow teen driving laws in the state you are driving.  Laws can now be found online and should be reviewed before getting behind the wheel.  Teen drivers should know driving laws by state, insurance requirements and drivers license requirements.  Each state is a different and it is  the drivers duty to know and understand the laws.
  • Minimize distractions.  There’s a reason some states don’t allow teen drivers to have other young people in the car.  Distractions while driving can be harmful and possibly deadly.  When getting behind the wheel, be prepared to focus your full attention on the task of getting to your destination without incidents.   Remember that you are traveling at great speeds in a huge piece of metal that weighs thousands of pounds.  It is capable of destroying brick walls, other thousand pound metal objects, and can very easily destroy a human being.
  • Take drivers education and defensive driving courses.  Check with your Department of Motor Vehicle division to find information about basic driver education and defensive driving courses near you.  Paying a small fee for these course will help you decrease your risk of accidents and may also keep your insurance premiums low.
  • Get good grades in school. There is a link to doing well in school and safe driving.  Being a good student and a safe driver proves you’re responsible and confident in planning your future.  The similarities include paying attention to details and staying aware of what lies ahead both literally and cosmically.  Making the effort now will pay off in the future.

Francie LeBow

Insurance Professional

8440 Wyoming Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM  87113

Tel. 505.600.3147