Be a defensive driver!

Memorial Day is the beginning of the 100 deadliest days for drivers. You can improve your chances of staying safe behind the wheel by driving defensively. Follow these defensive driving tips from The Parent’s Supervised Driving Guide.

• In order to avoid last-second reactions and spot potential hazards, look 12-15 seconds down the road.
• Use the SEE System: 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.
• Use commentary driving: As you drive, describe your thoughts and actions to your parent or other passengers to help use the SEE system.
• Use the three-second rule to maintain proper following distance: Start counting when the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of you passes an object. Count “one thousand ONE, one thousand TWO, one thousand THREE.” Your front bumper should not pass that same object before you’ve reached “three.” Practice the three-second rule aloud to check whether your following distance is appropriate.
• Remember that rear-end collisions are the most common type of crash, and that increasing your following distance is the single best thing you can do to minimize the risk of a crash.

Do you know about the flashing yellow arrow?

Left-turn signals nationwide are changing to include flashing yellow-arrows. Here’s an explanation of the phases of a left-turn signal. Red Arrow: Stop and wait until the signal changes. Flashing Yellow Arrow: Proceed with your left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Remember, when you have a flashing yellow, oncoming traffic has a green light. Green Arrow: Proceed with your left turn. Oncoming traffic must stop, however you should always proceed with caution. Steady Yellow Arrow: The left-turn signal is about to turn red; prepare to stop. If you are already in the intersection, complete your left turn after making sure no oncoming traffic or pedestrians are present. For more information, please visit Michigan.gov/flashingyellowarrow

Drivers of all ages need to be concerned with traffic laws, courtesy and safety. Always remember that safe driving is affected by your driving attitude and your ability to control your stress and anger. Do not let an aggressive driver's behavior provoke you to the point where you feel compelled to react in kind. Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Teaching tip for parents

At the start of each driving session with your teen, leave your problems behind and make an effort to stay focused.

Don't bring up touchy subjects such as grades, boyfriends / girlfriends or anything else that might distract either of you from the task at hand.

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

Slow down for workers

When going through a designated work area, pay attention to the posted speed limits. For most construction, maintenance or surveying activities, the speed limit is 45 mph unless posted differently.

Construction workers have the authority to direct traffic in work zones and their directions should be followed even if they conflict with an existing traffic control device. 

Motorists causing injury or death to any person in a work zone are subject to fines of up to $7,500 and imprisonment of up to 15 years. 

(Photo by MDOT Photography Unit)