driving Archives

August 17, 2007

Youngest gets driver license

After more than 5,500 miles of behind-the-wheel experience in all kinds of weather, on all kinds of roads including the Beltway and the most dangerous intersections and interchanges she will use and encounter in DC, my youngest got her license.

I require at least 5,000 miles of driving with me, and it took her slightly more than 1 year to get enough miles and for me to feel as comfortable as a father will ever feel when a child gets their driver license for me to say, "You're as ready as you're going to be."

Next week, I'll send her to get the oil changed and the car washed. The week after that, to get the tires rotated and then an alignment.... And she will now drive to soccer practice, a double edged sword as I'll miss the time chatting.

Drive safe: buckle your seat belt, lock the doors, adjust the mirrors, put the cell phone away, and always observe the 2 second rule. God speed.

See Teenager Driving Contract.

Posted at 11:07 PM   ·  Comments (0)   ·  TrackBack (0)   ·  Categories: driving

January 31, 2006

teen driving - rules and a humorous driving contract

When your children need to learn to drive, you should put as much time and energy ... and patience .. into that as in teaching thme how to ride a bike or swim ...

After watching my oldest learn how not to drive (and me not teaching him very well), my younger children must drive a minimum of 5,000 miles with me in the passenger seat ... on all kinds of roads ... in all kinds of traffic ... in all kinds of weather ... and through the worst intersections they will be using when they have their license ...

our humorous - yet serious - teenager driving contract here ...

Rules that will keep your teen driver safer

  • The 2-second rule is an easy way to stay a safe stopping distance behind the car in front of you, at all speeds. Choose any landmark, such as a sign on the side of the road, a bridge, or a shadow across the road. When the car in front of you passes the landmark, begin counting "one thousand one, one thousand two." Your car should not pass the landmark before finishing the complete count, i.e., two seconds. This rule works at all speeds. Increase the count for slippery conditions. Maintain the 2-seconds even in rush hour traffic, as tailgating increases your sense of anxiety. Make the 2-second a habit - over time, you will not have to count as following this rule will become automatic.

  • Stop light rule: After coming to a complete stop at a light or stop sign, you should be able to see the rear tires of the car in front of you touching the pavement. If you can't, you have increased your risk of injury as your car slams into the car in front of you in the event you are rear ended at the stop.

  • Inside the car and body parts rule: Keep your ego, voice, music and all body parts inside the car. Do not yell or point body parts or any object at other drivers.

  • Tailgate rule: If you follow the 2-second rule, you won't tailgate. If another driver is tailgating you, pull into the right lane. If the driver continues to tailgate and follow you, drive to an open business and alert the police.

  • Equipment rule: Adjust your seat belt, seat and mirrors, and put on your seat belt BEFORE starting the car. Use your seat belt and turn signals at all times - make using these tools a habit. Do not use a cell phone while driving, and do not take your eyes off the road to fiddle with the radio or sound system in the car while the car is moving.


More Resources

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Posted at 07:57 AM   ·  Comments (0)   ·  TrackBack (0)   ·  Categories: Children , driving