Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson
motorcycles

Remember to share the road with motorcycles

Motorists should keep a sharp eye out for motorcyclists when driving. While their smaller size make these two- and three-wheeled vehicles economical to operate, it also makes it difficult to judge their speed and distance, putting them at an increased risk of being hit. 

Watch for motorcyclists

  • Eighty percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death for the motorcyclist.
  • Intersections are the No. 1 spot for crashes with motorcyclists. Always look twice before proceeding.
  • Left turns are a "danger zone." Look for approaching motorcyclists when turning.
  • Look twice when changing lanes. Double check your blind spots and signal before changing lanes.
  • Be extra careful at all times. A motorcycle is less visible due to its smaller size and single headlight.

Don't follow a motorcyclist too closely

  • Keep at least 3 to 4 seconds of time between you and a motorcyclist.
  • A motorcycle stops quicker than a car or truck. Tailgating a motorcyclist is dangerous and illegal.
  • Traffic, weather and road conditions may force motorcyclists to react quickly.
  • Road debris that doesn't affect you can topple a motorcycle. Gravel, oil, trash and other hazards can pose a special danger to motorcyclists.

Share the road

  • Treat motorcyclists with the same respect and courtesy you afford to other motorists.
  • Motorcyclists have the same rights as any other driver on the road and are legally entitled to a full lane.
  • When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as a motorcycle, think of it as a person.

If an oncoming vehicle is in your lane...

If you should ever be driving and encounter an oncoming vehicle in your lane, take these steps:

headlights
  • If there is time, tap the horn to warn the other driver.
  • Brake hard, but do not lock the wheels if your vehicle does not have antilock brakes.
  • Look for an escape route on the right edge of the road.
  • Try not to go to the left since the other driver may see you and return to his or her proper lane. 
  • Try an emergency stop in your lane only if there is enough room and you cannot pull off the road.
  • If you cannot stop before hitting another vehicle, try to steer around it. Do not turn more than needed to avoid a crash.
ruth photo

While driving, make focusing on the task your priority. A momentary distraction can lead to a crash. Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind on driving.

Avoid using mobile phones, texting devices, navigation systems and other electronic gadgets. Do not take notes, read or look up phone numbers. And take a break if you find yourself "lost in thought" or tired.

We want you to have a long, safe driving career!


NHTSA video

On April 30, help stop distracted driving

In 2013, distracted driving took the lives of 3,154 people. That’s more than 3,000 people who lost their lives because someone chose to text while driving, or do their makeup behind the wheel, or focus on food instead of the road. 

Distracted driving takes lives every day because of a choice – a choice to do something other than drive. At any given moment in the U.S., there are 660,000 people using cell phones or manipulating other electronic devices while driving. (Watch video)

You can help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. On Thursday, April 30, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is hosting a Tweet-up on distracted driving. Starting at 8 a.m. EDT and running all day, the NHTSA is sharing facts on the dangers of distracted driving, as well as tips and resources on how to make the roads safer. Please join when you are able to do so and invite your followers to participate for an all-day social media blitz using the hash tag #justdrive

(Article by NHTSA)


family contract

Get it in writing!

Have your teen take action by agreeing to a parent-teen safe driving contract about wearing safety belts, not speeding, not driving after drinking, and not using a cell phone behind the wheel.

Excerpted from The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide, a helpful resource for families with young drivers.