Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson
highway

SEE 12-15 seconds down road

Defensive driving techniques are important to develop, especially for younger drivers. In order to avoid last-second reactions and spot potential hazards, always look 12-15 seconds down the road.

Choose a fixed object near the road ahead and begin counting, “one thousand one, one thousand two…” until the front of your vehicle passes the object.  If you have not counted to “one-thousand twelve,” you should be looking further ahead.  By looking far enough ahead, you will be able to spot hazards early and be well prepared to react to them.

Also, use the SEE system. SEE stands for:

  • Search for potential risks like oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, or intersections, and ways to avoid or reduce those risks.
  • Evaluate alternative paths and speed for adjustments that would minimize or eliminate risks.
  • Execute the best speed, lane position and communication to reduce risk. 

Information excerpted from the Parents Supervised Driving Guide and What Every Driver Must Know


How to find a certified driver education program

The Michigan Department of State certifies driver education providers and instructors to teach driver education in Michigan. Programs are provided by both public school districts and private driving schools.

Refer to the lists below for certified Michigan driver education providers, instructors and classrooms.

Driver Education Provider List 
A listing of certified driver education providers sorted alphabetically by provider name.

Certified Driver Education Instructors 
A listing of certified driver education instructors sorted alphabetically by the last name of the instructor.

Driver Education Classrooms 
A listing of driver education classrooms sorted by county and city.


stopped

Join STOPPED

Parents: Join the Michigan Sheriffs' Association's STOPPED Program and be notified if your teen driver is pulled over for any reason.

ruth

Your vehicle weighs thousands of pounds. Don't allow distractions like tuning the radio, searching for a dropped item, eating or talking on a cell phone to cause you to lose focus. 

Don't text message, read or take notes while driving. And be sure to give demanding driving situations such as heavy traffic, winding roads or bad weather your full attention. 

Ruth Johnson
Secretary of State


otsego hs

What is your high school doing?

Students in the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) chapter at Otsego High School have started a safe driving campaign and are bringing messages to their peers that could help save lives.

Is there something you could do at your school to promote safe driving by teens?

WWMT TV-3 story


road rage

Report dangerous drivers, improve safety

Help keep the roads safe for everyone by reporting dangerous drivers. Don’t assume someone else will call it in. 

If you observe another driver operating a vehicle in a reckless or dangerous manner, get an accurate description of the vehicle and license plate number and call 911 or a telephone operator for police help. 

Erratic driving, especially between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., may be an indication the driver has been drinking or using drugs.

Get more info at ROARR site.