Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

What to do during a traffic stop

At some point during your time behind the wheel, you may be stopped by a police officer. Do you know what to do if you get pulled over? The following points can help make a traffic stop safer and less stressful.

• First, when you notice emergency lights flashing behind you, pull over to the right side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Keep calm and try to remain still. Stay in your vehicle, open the driver’s side window and keep your hands in sight on the steering wheel.
  
  
• When the officer asks, provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. At this point in the traffic stop, the officer should tell you why you were stopped. If he or she doesn’t, it’s okay to inquire about the reason for the stop once you have provided your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. When addressing the officer, speak with the same level of respect you expect from him or her.
  
  
• If the officer issues you a citation, don’t argue the reason for it during the traffic stop. The best and most appropriate place to dispute a citation is in court.
  
  
• When the officer tells you it’s okay to leave, make sure your seat belt is buckled and that it’s safe to enter the roadway before pulling out. As you get back on the road, follow all traffic laws, including using your turn signal. The officer will likely remain on the side of the road, with lights activated, until you have safely re-entered traffic.
  
  
• If you feel the officer acted inappropriately or didn’t treat you fairly, it’s okay to follow up with a phone call to his or her supervisor.

Information excerpted from the Michigan State Police What to Expect During a Traffic Stop web page. (MSP photo)

Heed the Steer It, Clear It Law

Each day in Michigan, there are more than 660 vehicle crashes that do not involve injuries or fatalities. If you are involved in a crash and there are no serious injuries or fatalities, Michigan law requires you to move your car off the roadway if the vehicle can be driven and it is safe to do so.

Pull over to a safe area such as the shoulder or median.  Failure to obey safe quick clearance laws could result in a ticket. The Steer It, Clear It Law helps keep individuals involved in a crash and first responders safe, and cuts down on traffic congestion that can cause backups and delays.

If someone you know has been drinking or using drugs, do not let them drive. Find a designated driver, call a taxi, or insist that the person use public transportation. Never ride with anyone who has been drinking or using drugs. If necessary, take away a person's car keys and offer them a place to sleep. Be sure drivers are completely sober before they get behind the wheel. Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Tech can help deter distracted driving

According to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, more than half of drivers admitted to distracted driving, putting themselves and others at risk.

While technology in many forms serves as a distraction, voice command systems and safe driving apps can also help drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

WILX TV-10 story 

Tech resources

Teaching tip for parents

Studies show that the risk of a crash diminishes with experience. The more time you spend driving with your teen, the less likely it is they'll crash when they begin driving alone. 

Driving in a variety of circumstances is equally important. Make sure your teen gets exposure to a variety of roadways, and in different conditions as well: at night; in rain, fog and snow; and in heavy and light traffic.

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

Increase your
following distance

Be more careful and increase your following distance at night, during bad weather conditions, rush hour, during maneuvers such as lane changes, and when approaching intersections.