Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson
intersection

Be careful at intersections

Crashes at intersections result in more traffic fatalities and serious injuries than on any other portion of the road. Being alert and cautious at intersections will help keep you safe.

As you approach an intersection, check for oncoming and cross traffic, other highway users, signals, signs and pavement markings, the condition of the roadway and areas of limited visibility.

  • Be alert for vehicles and pedestrians that may disregard a traffic signal or other traffic control device and proceed through an intersection without stopping or yielding the right-of-way. Anytime you are not sure what other drivers are going to do, be safe and let them go first.
  • Keep alert and look twice for smaller vehicles approaching an intersection, such as motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds. Because of their size, it may be difficult to judge their speed and distance. Protect these riders by being courteous and allowing them to clear the intersection safely.
  • Be especially cautious if you cannot see the road or traffic clearly when approaching or stopped at an intersection because of trees, buildings, piles of snow or other obstructions. Edge forward slowly until you can see past whatever is blocking your view. Once the intersection is clear or traffic signals indicate you may proceed, continue driving with care.
  • When entering an intersection at sunrise or sunset, use extra care as other drivers may have difficulty seeing you. If you are having trouble seeing because of the sunlight glare, keep your eyes on the edge of the road ahead. Be sure to utilize this maneuver if approaching vehicles in an intersection do not dim their headlights.
  • Make sure to be extra cautious when turning at intersections. If you have entered an intersection (past the solid white stop line) when the signal light changes, complete your turn as soon as traffic clears. Do not try to back up in an effort to avoid blocking the intersection.
  • Be alert for “hidden vehicles” when crossing multiple lanes. Traffic may be hidden by larger vehicles that are traveling in the same direction.

Report impaired drivers

drinking driving logo

It is possible to recognize drivers who may have been drinking or using other drugs. They may:

  • Weave within their lane.
  • Wander from one lane to another.
  • Run off the pavement.
  • Stop too quickly or slowly.
  • Drive too quickly or slowly.
  • Go through stop signs or other signals.
  • Drive on the wrong side of the road.

These signs do not always mean that the driver has been drinking or using drugs, but they do require your full attention. If you observe a dangerous situation, do not become personally involved. Get an accurate description of the vehicle and license plate number. Call 911 or a telephone operator for police help.

When you see someone you suspect of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, put as much distance as possible between yourself and that driver. Think twice about passing him or her. Let the driver pass you, especially when he or she is approaching rapidly. The driver's actions may be uncertain. Stay alert. It is possible that the same driver may be met further down the road.

ruth

Michigan keeps a driving record for every driver. Drivers with unsatisfactory records may be required to attend a driver re-examination, face possible loss of their license, and pay reinstatement fees. Safe drivers benefit by having a reduced risk of traffic crashes and serious injury, as well as lower insurance rates. Driving safely in Michigan matters.

Ruth Johnson
Secretary of State


driver on phone

Distracted driver
almost causes tragedy

A driver distracted by his phone narrowly missed plowing into a school crossing guard --and possibly schoolchildren-- in Ottawa County recently.

Read and remember this story from WZZM TV-13.


teen driver

Teaching tip for parents

After becoming proficient in basic driving skills, teens can become overconfident and begin to drive faster, follow other cars more closely, brake abruptly, etc.

Gently and continuously remind your teen to stay three seconds back from other cars in normal conditions and always drive with caution.

Information excerpted from the Parent's Supervised Driving Guide, a helpful resource for families with young drivers


angry driver

Keep your cool

Watch out for aggressive drivers. These drivers run stop signs and red lights, speed, tailgate, weave their vehicles in and out of traffic, pass on the right, and may make improper hand gestures.

They sometimes yell at you, honk their horns or flash their headlights. Essentially, they disregard their own safety and that of others. Report them to police if they are endangering you or others but don't return their aggressiveness.

Always remember safe driving is affected by your driving attitude and your ability to control your stress and anger.


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