I drive my 15 year old son Eric to high school everyday, and because he is beginning to think about getting his license, I often have a running commentary on how those around us are driving. I am wanting him to think about driving defensively. To think about staying out of trouble instead of driving how you want and hoping the other guy drives the way he is supposed to.
I have observed that a lot of people are in a big hurry and because of this they drive hoping they can find an opening to squeeze into and are not courteous to others. I have pointed out to Eric several occassions where an accident should of happened but did not because the other driver was paying attention and was able to avoid a collision.
One morning it happened and right behind us. A high school student in a nice older pickup decided to make a u-turn in the space between us and the car following behind but it apparently did not occur to him that cars might be coming in the right lane. He swung through right in front of a car in the right lane, and was t-boned. It did not appear anyone was hurt but there were 2 car loads of kids who were late for school.
Another common thing we see is drivers trying to squeek through on a yellow light or not stopping at a crosswalk with a crossing guard and kids in the middle of the street. The world has always been a dangerous place but it seems it is more so now.
Another part of this is the cars we drive today are so easy to drive fast. With anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control, radial tires, and all-wheel drive we can zip around and avoid many accidents. When I was a teenager cars did not stop quickly, if you were going 65mph on the freeway there was a lot of wind noise and rattles, and the only distraction you had in the car, unless your girl friend was with you, was which side of the 8-track you wanted to listen to.
Being in the insurance business, I see how much traffic citations cost as well as how they effect your insurance rates. And if you have an accident, you almost never come out even with all the headaches they add to your life. So I encourage you to not be in a hurry when you drive nor to drive where the other guy has to be looking out for you. In the long run your life will have fewer problems and you will get to spend more of your money on the things you really want.
I have observed that a lot of people are in a big hurry and because of this they drive hoping they can find an opening to squeeze into and are not courteous to others. I have pointed out to Eric several occassions where an accident should of happened but did not because the other driver was paying attention and was able to avoid a collision.
One morning it happened and right behind us. A high school student in a nice older pickup decided to make a u-turn in the space between us and the car following behind but it apparently did not occur to him that cars might be coming in the right lane. He swung through right in front of a car in the right lane, and was t-boned. It did not appear anyone was hurt but there were 2 car loads of kids who were late for school.
Another common thing we see is drivers trying to squeek through on a yellow light or not stopping at a crosswalk with a crossing guard and kids in the middle of the street. The world has always been a dangerous place but it seems it is more so now.
Another part of this is the cars we drive today are so easy to drive fast. With anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control, radial tires, and all-wheel drive we can zip around and avoid many accidents. When I was a teenager cars did not stop quickly, if you were going 65mph on the freeway there was a lot of wind noise and rattles, and the only distraction you had in the car, unless your girl friend was with you, was which side of the 8-track you wanted to listen to.
Being in the insurance business, I see how much traffic citations cost as well as how they effect your insurance rates. And if you have an accident, you almost never come out even with all the headaches they add to your life. So I encourage you to not be in a hurry when you drive nor to drive where the other guy has to be looking out for you. In the long run your life will have fewer problems and you will get to spend more of your money on the things you really want.
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