Safe driving starts before someone gets behind the wheel of any motorized vehicle. Drivers can reduce their chances of a collision by insuring their car is adequately prepared, refraining from aggressive driving, and reducing distractions behind the wheel. It is important to never drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that may inhibit your reaction time. It’s important that all drivers take responsibility and make choices that keep everyone safe on the road.
As a general rule, if you’re unable to devote your full attention to driving because of another activity, it’s a distraction and shouldn’t be done while driving. Be sure to take care of things before your trip; if you need to stop, find a safe location to do; driving requires your full attention to keep yourself and others safe and most distractions are avoidable.
Senior Citizen Drivers
Older drivers may experience some additional challenges when it comes to operative a vehicle safely. As people age, their joints may become stiff, their reflexes may slow, they may lose eyesight or hearing, and certain medical conditions such as dementia may affect their memory and decision-making skills. If you are an aging driver, or a concerned family member of an older driver, be sure to look for signs that may show an increased risk to safe driving.
- Multiple crashes, “near misses”, or new dents in a vehicle
- Increased frequency in traffic tickets
- Comments from neighbors or friends about driving
- Anxiety about driving at night
- Complaints about the speed, lane changes, or actions of other drivers
- Recommendations from a doctor to change driving habits or quit entirely
Older Drivers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/older-drivers#concerns
If you are concerned about a family member, please feel free to contact the Post Falls Police Department to discuss potential options and next steps regarding driving privileges.
Teenage Drivers
There are few things more exciting to a teen than the freedom and enjoyment that comes with owning a car and the ability to drive; teenage drivers may have a unique set of risks associated with driving. Teenage drivers are still building skills and need to do so while trying to minimize their risk. Cell phones and vehicle passengers may create easier distractions for teens, while night time driving may be more difficult. Parents and guardians play a critical role in teen driver safety going over these 8 tips may prove to be invaluable
- Keep your cell phone off
- Don’t text
- Turn on your headlights
- Obey the speed limit
- Minimize distractions
- Drive solo
- Practice defensive driving
- Choose a safe car
Safe Driving Tips for Teenage Drivers. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dmv.org/insurance/safe-driving-tips-for-teenage-drivers.php.