In my spare time, I am a runner. Fitness is the part of my life that keeps me sane. I hAd the good fortune of spending 10 days in Maui to complete the Maui Oceanfront Marathon. Coming back was tough, 3 new feet of snow on my car that was in an outdoor longterm parking lot. Yay.
So, I apologize for the radio silence. We will get back to your regularly scheduled blog posts.
I want to spend a second pointing out some winter driving tips to coincide with the continued forecast of snow. For new drivers, this may be your first winter with your license. For our experienced drivers, I can almost guarantee this is your first winter driving in this much snow.
1. Note the snow banks at every intersection. If you cannot see, you cannot go. Common sens, right? You would hope. But I have witnessed 7 close calls where people pulled out, hoping no one was coming. Creep out into intersections and do not commit until you know it is clear.
2. Ice and snow is still flying off trucks and vans, especially on the highway. Increase your following distance and make sure you are visually scanning.
3. Speaking of visually scanning, notice that the lane sizes are shrinking. In urban environments, cars are parking literally in traffic. You have to be on the lookout for oncoming traffic pulling into your lane. Also, people making a left often cannot give you enough room to pass. Wait! Dont try to get creative.
The real thesis here is that we all need slow down, and increase our patience levels... A lot!
Until soon...aloha.
BD
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Some Notes on Snow
Any experienced driver that has spent some time in the Northeast can tell you the basics of snow driving. Slower speeds, longer stopping distances, be ready to use the horn, very little braking, increased following distances, and if at all possible, just stay home. Today's storm (25" in Watertown, and at this blog writing at 12:30pm, it is still spitting snow) presents us with the opportunity to talk about the LONG term effects of the snow storm.
Today, this storm is all over the news. It is on the front of everyone's mind, and thus, MOST people are following the guidelines of New England Snow Driving.
Tangent. I say MOST because during Friday's snow storm, I was traveling on Route 8 South at 15 MPH, mostly because I couldn't see as snow was falling at 2"/hour. I drive a Greep Grand Cherokee Limited, 4WD with a V8. I was being PASSED, not once, but 3 times, by cars that had no business being on the road at all, let alone at 50+ MPH during a blizzard. These people, Need All-Star.
Back on track. Tomorrow and into the weekend, our short memories will start to forget about Snow Day Wednesday. However, it will be just as important to watch our speeds and most importantly, INCREASED FOLLOWING DISTANCE. Buses, 18 Wheelers, Large trucks, conversion vans, commercial vehicles, and Ford Excursions are very hard to clean off completely in even a small snow storm. As these vehicles stay parked today and tomorrow, the snow will settle onto the roofs. Until you are directly behind the truck on I-84 and the wind blows just right, sending a sheet of 2' of snow directly into your car.
Into this weekend, keep your following distance GREATLY EXTENDED. There is no safe way to avoid a sheet of flying snow and ice at highway speeds if you are only 3 seconds behind a truck. Following the law? Yes. Safe? Not really. Doubling this following distance will give you the time you need to See the problem, Identify the solution, Prepare to move, Decide where to go, and Execute! Be weary of the people you are sharing the road with days and weeks after the snow storm and you will keep your car, your passengers, and yourself safe.
Enjoy the snow day! Until Soon...
BD
Today, this storm is all over the news. It is on the front of everyone's mind, and thus, MOST people are following the guidelines of New England Snow Driving.
Tangent. I say MOST because during Friday's snow storm, I was traveling on Route 8 South at 15 MPH, mostly because I couldn't see as snow was falling at 2"/hour. I drive a Greep Grand Cherokee Limited, 4WD with a V8. I was being PASSED, not once, but 3 times, by cars that had no business being on the road at all, let alone at 50+ MPH during a blizzard. These people, Need All-Star.
Back on track. Tomorrow and into the weekend, our short memories will start to forget about Snow Day Wednesday. However, it will be just as important to watch our speeds and most importantly, INCREASED FOLLOWING DISTANCE. Buses, 18 Wheelers, Large trucks, conversion vans, commercial vehicles, and Ford Excursions are very hard to clean off completely in even a small snow storm. As these vehicles stay parked today and tomorrow, the snow will settle onto the roofs. Until you are directly behind the truck on I-84 and the wind blows just right, sending a sheet of 2' of snow directly into your car.
Into this weekend, keep your following distance GREATLY EXTENDED. There is no safe way to avoid a sheet of flying snow and ice at highway speeds if you are only 3 seconds behind a truck. Following the law? Yes. Safe? Not really. Doubling this following distance will give you the time you need to See the problem, Identify the solution, Prepare to move, Decide where to go, and Execute! Be weary of the people you are sharing the road with days and weeks after the snow storm and you will keep your car, your passengers, and yourself safe.
Enjoy the snow day! Until Soon...
BD
Friday, January 7, 2011
Waiting For Your License
Last month, the CT DMV released a report showing a 62% drop in teen driving fatalities since the new teen driving laws were put into place in August of 2008. What the report fails to mention is the drop in numbers of teens going to get their license.
I remember, quite clearly, the day I turned 16. I was in line at the DMV in Waterbury an hour before they opened, studying to pass my permit test. And I was not alone. It seemed it was just the way things went...at 16, you got your Driver's License.
Today, this is not the case. Between the deteriorating economic conditions, fearful teens not wanting to be a part of the statistics, and the new teen driving laws, we are finding less and less 16 year old students in our classes and more and more 18 and 19 year old students in our 8 hour programs.
The Graduated Licensing program that Connecticut instituted in 2008 focused heavily on teen drivers, almost completely ignoring the adult driving population. One of the unintended consequences of these laws was the influx of teen drivers now just waiting until they turn 18. They think "I can't drive with my friends, I have to be home before 11pm, I'd rather just wait." Here is the problem...Good driving doesn't come with age. Good driving comes with experience. We need to make mistakes and correct them once in order to prevent them from happening again. This is what the Graduated Licensing Laws aim to do; give students the opportunity to get on the roads in the safest conditions possible and gain privileges as they gain experience. As soon as someone turns 18, these requirements go away. An 8 hour safe driving course and a passed DMV exam means a driving lesson. I speak to many 18 and 19 year old students whose license test is their first time behind the wheel...EVER! We are sharing the roads these people, whose experience and knowledge is quite obviously, limited.
If you are a teenager, or a parent of a teenager, don't wait. Get your license now. Even if you don't buy your own car, even if you still need mom to pick you up if the movie gets out at 11:30pm, at least you will start gaining the experience you need to be safe. Teen driving fatalities are down 62%, but in the next 2-3 years, you will see the statistic for driving fatalities for 18-21 year olds grow. All waiting does is move the graph. YOU NEED EXPERIENCE!
Until Soon...
BD
I remember, quite clearly, the day I turned 16. I was in line at the DMV in Waterbury an hour before they opened, studying to pass my permit test. And I was not alone. It seemed it was just the way things went...at 16, you got your Driver's License.
Today, this is not the case. Between the deteriorating economic conditions, fearful teens not wanting to be a part of the statistics, and the new teen driving laws, we are finding less and less 16 year old students in our classes and more and more 18 and 19 year old students in our 8 hour programs.
The Graduated Licensing program that Connecticut instituted in 2008 focused heavily on teen drivers, almost completely ignoring the adult driving population. One of the unintended consequences of these laws was the influx of teen drivers now just waiting until they turn 18. They think "I can't drive with my friends, I have to be home before 11pm, I'd rather just wait." Here is the problem...Good driving doesn't come with age. Good driving comes with experience. We need to make mistakes and correct them once in order to prevent them from happening again. This is what the Graduated Licensing Laws aim to do; give students the opportunity to get on the roads in the safest conditions possible and gain privileges as they gain experience. As soon as someone turns 18, these requirements go away. An 8 hour safe driving course and a passed DMV exam means a driving lesson. I speak to many 18 and 19 year old students whose license test is their first time behind the wheel...EVER! We are sharing the roads these people, whose experience and knowledge is quite obviously, limited.
If you are a teenager, or a parent of a teenager, don't wait. Get your license now. Even if you don't buy your own car, even if you still need mom to pick you up if the movie gets out at 11:30pm, at least you will start gaining the experience you need to be safe. Teen driving fatalities are down 62%, but in the next 2-3 years, you will see the statistic for driving fatalities for 18-21 year olds grow. All waiting does is move the graph. YOU NEED EXPERIENCE!
Until Soon...
BD
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Holiday Wishes
In the midst of holiday mayhem, we wanted to put up a quick post to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, Joyful Holiday Season, filled with people you love. And of course, because our business is Safe Driving, remind you to drive slow, put down the phone, and always have a designated driver. We are looking forward to sharing what promises to be a great 2011 with all of you!
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.
Until Soon...
BD
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.
Until Soon...
BD
Monday, December 20, 2010
Permit Testing: Navigating the DMV on Test Day
It is no secret, the DMV is a disaster. This is not a Connecticut exclusive. I have yet to hear anyone from anywhere say "Man, I went to the DMV today. What a delight!" Now, imagine a world where you have to go to the DMV every single day (or at least, on the days they're open). Every day. DMV. That is our life!
There is no easy way to write a "how to guide" for permitting. Each DMV Branch has their own schedule for testing and their own method of handling the customers that come through the door. In some cases, the branch offices have different rules depending on the day of the week you come in. Make sure you call ahead to make sure that a.) the DMV is open and b.) that they are offering license tests
While we offer services to handle the permitting for you (COUGH shameless plug it is only $125 COUGH) you can definitely handle the permit testing on your own. The DMV provides This Guide to help make sure you have everything you need to schedule and take your test.
The Learner's Permit test consists of 3 parts:
1.) Proper Identification and Proof of Address
2.) Vision Test
3.) Knowledge Test
**This is written for US Citizens whose permanent residence is in Connecticut. If you are from another state or country, please call our office and we will direct you appropriately**
PROPER ID
When going for your permit, you will need to have 2 forms of identification. A US Passport or Birth Certificate satisfy one form. A Social Security Card or High School Transcript will satisfy the second. However, if you bring a US Passport AND a Birth Certificate, it will not satisfy both forms. Additionally, your Birth Certificate or Social Security card MUST be originals (no photo copies) and CANNOT be laminated. The DMV will turn you away if your ID is photo copied or laminated, it has to be an original.
You will also be required to show proof of address. This means 2 pieces of mail addressed to the applicant at the address that the applicant is going to have on their license. NO PO BOXES! The mail has to come to the physical address and it must be postmarked within 90 days of the day you go for the permit. Don't get mail? No problem! Call us and we'll send you to letters. (magazine subscriptions are fine as long as the bar code and post mark are on them).
VISION TEST
All applicants will have to pass a vision test. If you wear contacts or glasses, MAKE SURE YOU BRING THEM! If you fail the vision test, you will not be given a permit and will have to start from scratch.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
All applicants will take a 25 question knowledge test. This isn't an easy test anymore! In the past, the permit test was "What do you do at a stop sign?" The 25 questions they use now are a true test of your knowledge of safety and driving laws. Be sure to study! We have a practice test. Take it a few times, as the questions change every time. These questions are directly from the actual permit test and will definitely help you prepare.
We have a number of resources in our office to further help you prepare for all aspects of test day. Please call and tell us you need help! We'll be happy to provide it.
Until Soon...
BD
There is no easy way to write a "how to guide" for permitting. Each DMV Branch has their own schedule for testing and their own method of handling the customers that come through the door. In some cases, the branch offices have different rules depending on the day of the week you come in. Make sure you call ahead to make sure that a.) the DMV is open and b.) that they are offering license tests
While we offer services to handle the permitting for you (COUGH shameless plug it is only $125 COUGH) you can definitely handle the permit testing on your own. The DMV provides This Guide to help make sure you have everything you need to schedule and take your test.
The Learner's Permit test consists of 3 parts:
1.) Proper Identification and Proof of Address
2.) Vision Test
3.) Knowledge Test
**This is written for US Citizens whose permanent residence is in Connecticut. If you are from another state or country, please call our office and we will direct you appropriately**
PROPER ID
When going for your permit, you will need to have 2 forms of identification. A US Passport or Birth Certificate satisfy one form. A Social Security Card or High School Transcript will satisfy the second. However, if you bring a US Passport AND a Birth Certificate, it will not satisfy both forms. Additionally, your Birth Certificate or Social Security card MUST be originals (no photo copies) and CANNOT be laminated. The DMV will turn you away if your ID is photo copied or laminated, it has to be an original.
You will also be required to show proof of address. This means 2 pieces of mail addressed to the applicant at the address that the applicant is going to have on their license. NO PO BOXES! The mail has to come to the physical address and it must be postmarked within 90 days of the day you go for the permit. Don't get mail? No problem! Call us and we'll send you to letters. (magazine subscriptions are fine as long as the bar code and post mark are on them).
VISION TEST
All applicants will have to pass a vision test. If you wear contacts or glasses, MAKE SURE YOU BRING THEM! If you fail the vision test, you will not be given a permit and will have to start from scratch.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
All applicants will take a 25 question knowledge test. This isn't an easy test anymore! In the past, the permit test was "What do you do at a stop sign?" The 25 questions they use now are a true test of your knowledge of safety and driving laws. Be sure to study! We have a practice test. Take it a few times, as the questions change every time. These questions are directly from the actual permit test and will definitely help you prepare.
We have a number of resources in our office to further help you prepare for all aspects of test day. Please call and tell us you need help! We'll be happy to provide it.
Until Soon...
BD
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Tragedy in Griswold
To begin, our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire community of Griswold Connecticut, especially the friends and families of the teens whose lives ended to early. It is the mission of everyone in traffic safety to stop this exact thing from happening. When it does happen, we always have to pause and ask What Can We Do Better?
Here is what we know about the accident. 5 teenagers were in the 2007 Nissan Altima owned by a licensed 16 year old girl. After school, said 16 year old let her boyfriend, also aged 16 but with only a learner's permit, drive. The driver judged a corner wrong, lost control of the car and struck a tree head on. 4 of the 5 teens were killed instantly. The fifth passenger is in critical condition.
And now the finger pointing begins. It's the government's fault. We need more legislation. The irony of this call for government action is that the day before the accident, the DMV released this report on the success of the 2008 New Teen Driving Laws, claiming that the laws are responsible for the lowest teen fatality rate in years. So the laws we have are working.
Some say that it is the parent's fault, but how did this mother know that her daughter would allow her unlicensed boyfriend to drive? Her daughter had her license and thus had earned the right to drive. Then is it the school's fault? Should school administrators be responsible for enforcing the passenger restrictions in Teen Driving Laws? My friend Tim Hollister, who lost his son in a speed related traffic accident 4 years ago, suggests this isn't a bad idea in this Blog Post. I tend to agree with Tim. A high school principal or security supervisor at the exit of the high school parking lot will go along way in at least making teens think twice. Make it a part of the privilege of having your car at school. Want to park here? Follow the rules. Break the rules? Take the bus.
But then, if a student does sneak through with passengers, and does get in an accident, is the school liable? Every attorney in America just cringed.
What about the driving school? Were these student's not educated on the laws? Did they not know the risks? Truth be told, there are some really poor Driver's Ed operations in this state. But I will say this: I have never heard of a school messing up the laws. The importance of these laws and the safety they endorse is not lost on even the dumbest people in this business. So then more! More Driver's Ed! Gary Kneppler has been in this business for over 40 years and his opinion is often respected among his peers and media professionals. In this article run by the Connecticut Post, Mr. Kneppler says that more driver's ed is the answer! Legislate more driver's ed and the kids will be safer. I also tend to agree with Gary. Understand that in Europe, it costs close to $10,000 (USD equivalent) to educate a new teen driver before the government will even consider licensing. However, culturally in America, driving is considered a right. We have parents that complain that they have to pay for the $125 Safe Driving Course Requirement. The jump from $125 to $10,000 is more substantial than anyone is willing to swallow.
The thesis of this longer than I wanted it to be blog post is that there is not an answer to this question. No matter how many laws we write, no matter how great we may be at parenting, no matter how much effort a school administrator puts into enforcing rules, no matter how much driver's education a teen receives, there will always be accidents. Now is not the time to point fingers. Now is not the time to search for answers. Now is the time to recognize that four lives were lost far too soon, and countless others have been ruined, possibly forever. Give the people closest to these teens time to cope and remember their children and their friends properly. For those of us that are fortunate enough to spend this holiday season with all of those that are closest to us, be grateful for each other and the time that you have together.
With Condolences to the Community of Griswold, Until Soon,
BD
Here is what we know about the accident. 5 teenagers were in the 2007 Nissan Altima owned by a licensed 16 year old girl. After school, said 16 year old let her boyfriend, also aged 16 but with only a learner's permit, drive. The driver judged a corner wrong, lost control of the car and struck a tree head on. 4 of the 5 teens were killed instantly. The fifth passenger is in critical condition.
And now the finger pointing begins. It's the government's fault. We need more legislation. The irony of this call for government action is that the day before the accident, the DMV released this report on the success of the 2008 New Teen Driving Laws, claiming that the laws are responsible for the lowest teen fatality rate in years. So the laws we have are working.
Some say that it is the parent's fault, but how did this mother know that her daughter would allow her unlicensed boyfriend to drive? Her daughter had her license and thus had earned the right to drive. Then is it the school's fault? Should school administrators be responsible for enforcing the passenger restrictions in Teen Driving Laws? My friend Tim Hollister, who lost his son in a speed related traffic accident 4 years ago, suggests this isn't a bad idea in this Blog Post. I tend to agree with Tim. A high school principal or security supervisor at the exit of the high school parking lot will go along way in at least making teens think twice. Make it a part of the privilege of having your car at school. Want to park here? Follow the rules. Break the rules? Take the bus.
But then, if a student does sneak through with passengers, and does get in an accident, is the school liable? Every attorney in America just cringed.
What about the driving school? Were these student's not educated on the laws? Did they not know the risks? Truth be told, there are some really poor Driver's Ed operations in this state. But I will say this: I have never heard of a school messing up the laws. The importance of these laws and the safety they endorse is not lost on even the dumbest people in this business. So then more! More Driver's Ed! Gary Kneppler has been in this business for over 40 years and his opinion is often respected among his peers and media professionals. In this article run by the Connecticut Post, Mr. Kneppler says that more driver's ed is the answer! Legislate more driver's ed and the kids will be safer. I also tend to agree with Gary. Understand that in Europe, it costs close to $10,000 (USD equivalent) to educate a new teen driver before the government will even consider licensing. However, culturally in America, driving is considered a right. We have parents that complain that they have to pay for the $125 Safe Driving Course Requirement. The jump from $125 to $10,000 is more substantial than anyone is willing to swallow.
The thesis of this longer than I wanted it to be blog post is that there is not an answer to this question. No matter how many laws we write, no matter how great we may be at parenting, no matter how much effort a school administrator puts into enforcing rules, no matter how much driver's education a teen receives, there will always be accidents. Now is not the time to point fingers. Now is not the time to search for answers. Now is the time to recognize that four lives were lost far too soon, and countless others have been ruined, possibly forever. Give the people closest to these teens time to cope and remember their children and their friends properly. For those of us that are fortunate enough to spend this holiday season with all of those that are closest to us, be grateful for each other and the time that you have together.
With Condolences to the Community of Griswold, Until Soon,
BD
Monday, December 13, 2010
One Parent's Perspective
Licensing your teen can be a frightening experience. In your eyes, your 16 year old son or daughter is still a child. It can be unnerving to visualize them behind the wheel of a car and driving off. Independence…you’ve spent a lifetime preparing them for it - teaching them to be responsible, confident and to make good choices. Now you must have the confidence in your parenting to allow them to take that next step towards becoming an adult.
We can pass along our knowledge, our advice and our support. It is up to our child as to how they will apply what we have taught them to their daily lives. Driving is one of the greatest responsibilities that they will undertake in life. You want them prepared. You want them confident. You want them safe. Not just capable of getting from point A to point B, but truly prepared for the many situations they may encounter behind the wheel. Defensive driving is vital to staying safe on today’s roads. With all the distractions that are put before us in this age of modern technology, we must focus on teaching our kids to be safe in every aspect of driving. From being responsible behind the wheel to being a responsible passenger. From learning how to react to learning when not to react. Every decision when behind the wheel is a critical decision.
Having two children already licensed, doesn’t make it any easier to take that step with the third. It is perhaps even more difficult. With the first came the excitement of their independence. The second was my son, and driving came naturally to him. My youngest however, will always be my baby no matter how old she is or by how many inches she towers over me. 16 seems so young to me now. I’ve spent her lifetime preparing her for independence, it is time that I trust her to use what I have taught to make good choices, take responsibility and stay safe.
Before I put her behind the wheel, I want her prepared. I have already passed along my skills and knowledge, but I want more for her. I want her to be exposed to every scenario, those I may have touched upon with her as well as those that never even entered my mind. Many things have changed since I began to drive 30 years ago. I want her aware of them all. One day, when she encounters a difficult situation where a split second decision needs to be made, I want her to make the right choice. Whether it is how to react on a busy highway or whether or not to get into the car with a friend whom she knows has been drinking. If you’ve heard something discussed – there is a very good chance you will keep that information in the back of your mind – and one day when you need it – you will recall it. Decisions, choices, the right ones can never be over emphasized or taught too much.
When deciding where to send your child for one of the most important skills that they will use for a lifetime make that choice with great care and consideration. Don’t send them to the cheapest place, or the most convenient place. Talk to friends, family, and their peers and find out how to get them the best driver’s education. Send them to a school that you have confidence in. A school that is dedicated to quality education. It is an education they will use for life. And one day, their lives may depend upon it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)