Driving Courses for Teens

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death of teenagers in this country, with 81,000 deaths attributable to accidents involving teen drivers between the years 2000 and 2009, according to SafeRoads4Teens.org. Even if your teen is a responsible driver, others on the road may not be. Preparation and training may make the difference between having an accident and avoiding one. Statistics show that defensive driving classes substantially lower accident risk.

1. Hands-On Driving

   • Experience makes the driver, and your teen will get plenty of that at many hands-on driving schools. Teen students will be placed in mock hazardous driving situations and given training by experienced personnel. The Danny McKeever driving school in Southern California offers training in vehicle dynamics and car control, as well as other critical areas. Other driving schools such as Street Survival course, Driver's Edge and New Car Control Clinic, offer experience for your teen behind the wheel of his own vehicle in such maneuvers as braking around a corner and performing figure eight patterns under wet and dry conditions. Check online for hands-on driving courses in your area.

   Simulators

   • Computer software driving simulators are available to order online and may be used with a student's home computer or with school computers to teach multiple drivers in the classroom. Different software packages are offered depending on the driving experience and skill level desired. One such software company even offers alcohol goggles to simulate the effects of driving under the influence. AAA Michigan, as of December 2010, had four simulators in use at Michigan schools to help teach teens driving skills and the effects of distracted driving.

   Internet Courses

   • Driver's ed classes in schools fill up quickly with teens anxious to get behind the wheel. As an alternative to waiting on the classroom, several online schools offer training to obtain a learner's permit. Prior to paying course fees, however, contact your local DMV to make sure the online course is acceptable.

   Insurance Company Courses

   • Insurance companies may offer a combination of online video courses and parent-supervised driver training to lower insurance rates for teen drivers. Depending on the insurance company, the course may require parent-logged time behind the wheel with question and answer sessions for your teen driver.

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How to Fix Tire Cupping

There is little that's more uncomfortable than your car shaking down the road as you drive. A big part of a comfortable ride is based on your tires' wear pattern. Tire cupping is an uneven wear pattern that looks like little dips all the way around the tread area. The cause of tire cupping can vary, but if it's not too severe it can be fixed.

Instructions :

1. Park your car on a level surface and set the emergency brake.

2. Examine your tires one by one to see which tires are cupped.

3. Push down on the vehicle fender area next to each cupped tire. If the vehicle continues to bounce up and down more than once after you release it, it is likely that shocks are the reason for the cupping.

4. Take the vehicle to the auto repair shop and have them change the shocks. Then have the shop put the cupped tires on the rear of the car until they wear smooth again. If the cupping is too severe, the tire shop may be able to use a tire-shaving machine to even them out.

5. Look for cupping on the front tires. If the cupping is on the inside or outside of the tread, mis-alignment of the front end is the likely cause. Take the vehicle to the auto repair shop and have them rotate the tires to put the best on the front and perform an alignment.

6. Ask the auto repair shop to balance the tires. Many times cupping can be caused by tires being out of balance.

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Activities to Promote Safe Driving

Traffic accidents kill young drivers and their passengers more than any other age group, partly because kids don't have the experience that older drivers have and also because kids do mindless things when they drive, sometimes due to peer pressure or just lack of awareness. Distractions such as cell phones, eating, grooming, talking, texting and fiddling with the radio can cause automobile crashes. Wearing seat belts can save lives in accidents. Driver education and practice make safe drivers. To promote safe driving at your high school or transportation business, plan safe-driving activities that call attention to these facts.

1. Pledges

   • According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), distracted-driving accidents killed 5,474 people and injured approximately 448,000 more in 2009. Encourage your employees or students to pledge that they won't drive while distracted. This means no text-messaging, talking on the phone, eating, grooming, watching videos or fiddling with maps, radios or friends while driving. You can focus your group's pledge around just one of these distractions, such as texting. Dedicate a wall or display case to your pledge, and personalize the pledges, giving urgency to those who make the pledge. When a new person takes the pledge, put her picture up in the case. Or have her sign her name to a car-shaped piece of paper and post it on a wall.

   Demolished Vehicle

   • Park a demolished vehicle in the parking lot of your business or school campus. Allow employees and students to see the dire consequences of unsafe driving behaviors such as drinking and driving, not paying attention to the road or driving at extreme speeds. To make sure drivers truly get the message about unsafe driving, invite a member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to give a speech in front of the totaled vehicle about the importance of good decision-making and safe driving practices.

   Golf Cart Driving Course

   • Create a golf-cart driving course in a parking lot or on a campus using orange cones and handmade traffic signs. Workers or students can drive through the course, ensuring they observe all the traffic signs they encounter. To make the course more difficult, call or text the driver's cell phone. Pair them with partners who talk to them nonstop. Instruct them to read a map and drive at the same time. As drivers try to concentrate on the course -- and perhaps run over a few cones -- they will realize how dangerous these types of distractions are.

   Traffic Sign Game

   • Safe drivers know the meanings of and proper responses to all traffic signs that they encounter. Test drivers' knowledge with a traffic sign game. Construct a variety of homemade traffic signs, or blow up pictures of real road signs. Include simple signs such as stop, yield, one-way, railroad crossing, deer crossing and winding road. Hold up the sign and have people yell out the answer. Or, divide the drivers into two teams: One member of a team competes against a member of the other team to see who can identify each sign first.

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How to Go Fast in the Rain

Most experts recommend driving more slowly than usual when it is raining due to decreased visibility and the increased likelihood of skidding. However, some professional racers must drive during poor weather conditions, including heavy rain. To drive quickly, and safely, during the rain you must turn and slow your car in the proper fashion. Though this process is safe on a closed course such as a race track, it is not safe on city streets or highways.

Instructions :

1. Replace your current tires with rain tires. Replace your windshield wipers with new wipers and turn them to their maximum speed.

2. Turn your headlights on, even in well-lit conditions.

3. Drive toward the center of the road. If you are driving on a four- or six-lane road, drive in the middle lane or the lane to the far right.

4.Alter your trajectory when you turn to keep your tuns at the appropriate angle. Typically, the slip angle in the rain is between 6 and 10 degrees, meaning your tire turns 6 to 10 degrees more than normal. Turn your wheel gently. If you feel the car turning toward the wrong trajectory, correct it by straightening the wheel. Do not jerk the wheel in the opposite direction.

5. Ease off the gas when your trajectory changes. This helps slow the speed and rate of your turn. Always take your foot off the gas instead of pressing on the brake, if you do not need to stop. Pressing on the brake during the rain increases the chance of your car skidding or spinning out of control.

6. Brake gently, if you must brake, and step on the brake one to three seconds earlier than usual.

7. Return your foot to the accelerator once you straighten your wheels.

8. Tap the brake after you drive past a puddle. This helps dry off your rotors.

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How to Safely Maneuver Into a Lane

When driving on the open road, you need to pay attention to other drivers, obstacles in the road, pedestrians and road workers. When maneuvering your vehicle into another lane you must take notice of the cars currently traveling in that lane, as cutting them off could prove dangerous. Following a basic set of guidelines anytime you maneuver into another lane can greatly reduce the chances of causing an accident.

1. Turn on the turn signal indicating your intent to maneuver into the lane.

2.Check ahead in the lane you in which you intend to maneuver. Make certain there are no stopped vehicles,  obstacles or pedestrians in the lane.

3.Look in the rear-view and side-view mirrors to make certain the lane is clear of other vehicles.

4.Look over your shoulder quickly, towards the lane you intend to turn into, and check the areas that your mirrors do not show. These are known as "blind spots."

5.Turn your steering wheel toward the lane you would like to maneuver into, if the lane is clear. Move into the lane quickly, but as carefully as possible. Spend a minimal amount of time between the two lanes.

6.Straighten the steering wheel and turn your turn signal off.

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Safe Driving Checklist

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the main cause of death among the five to thirty four demographic in the U.S. Apart from the emotional toll, the economic impact of crash-related deaths and injuries among drivers and their passengers was $70 billion in 2005. Accidents can be minimized by following safe driving checklists.

1. Obey the Law

   • It is the duty and responsibility of every driver to drive within speed limits and obey all traffic signals and signs. Follow safety guidelines by obeying rules such as not overtaking a stopped school bus, yielding to drivers who have the right of way,and also signaling your intentions before trying to pass or overtake any vehicle. It is against the law to drive under the influence of alcohol and fasten your seatbelt.

   Driving Preparation Tips

   • Adjust the mirrors before starting your car, even if you are only going on a short trip. Position your seat and head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries in case of any sudden abrupt application of the break. Secure loose objects in your car that may cause distractions, such as soda cans or luggage. Check your fuel level to ensure that you have enough fuel for your trip.

   Drive Safely and Defensively

   • Never tailgate and always give the car in front of you at least three seconds of space, to allow for enough time for you to react and apply the brakes in an emergency. Do not engage in road rage as this is illegal and can lead to charges of reckless driving. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to potholes, people, animals, cyclists and debris. At night, dim your headlights for those in front of you.

   Bad Weather Precautions

   • Take bad weather precautions such as using wipers, defrosters, and headlights to improve visibility. Wear sunglasses when there is a lot of glare from the sun or from the snow. Always clear the snow from the roof, hood, and windows before driving and watch out for icy patches, puddles, and sudden pockets of fog. Reduce your speed when it snows and increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you. Do not make unnecessary sudden stops, sharp turns or starts and ensure that you carry out regular maintenance when due.

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Drive Safe Training & Licensing

Step 1 – Learner’s permit

You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a learner’s permit. You must first successfully complete a theory test on traffic laws and safe driving techniques before you can be issued with a learner’s permit. This permit authorises you to learn to drive as outlined in Step 2.

Step 2 - Learning to drive / ride

This is the stage where learners gain on-road driving / riding experience to develop their vehicle control, traffic assessment and safety skills before taking the Practical Driving Assessment, or Practical Riding Assessment in the case of motorcycles. You can now begin lessons with a driving instructor. This can be a licensed driving instructor or a person who currently holds (and has held for more than four years total) the same class of licence stated on your learner’s permit.
When learning to drive / ride, L plates must be displayed at all times. Learner drivers are also restricted to a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour.

Step 3 - Practical Driving or Practical Riding Assessment

When you have developed the ability to safely control a vehicle and are at least 16 years and 6 months old, you can undertake the appropriate practical assessment. You should gain as much driving / riding experience as you can in various road conditions and environments to ensure you pass the first time and don't have to wait for another appointment.

Step 4 - Learner driver log book

When the appropriate practical assessment has been successfully completed, you will be issued with a Learner Driver Log Book and must accumulate and record a minimum of 25 hours supervised driving / riding experience in a range of conditions. Throughout this period, you are still required to drive / ride under supervision (supervisor requirements are the same as when learning to drive / ride) and must continue to display L plates.
There is also a mandatory 6 month waiting period after passing the Practical Driving Assessment before learners can progress to Step 5.

Step 5 - Hazard Perception Test

You must be at least 17 years of age and complete all the requirements in Step 4 before you can sit the Hazard Perception Test. The computer-based test displays a series of moving traffic scenes and is used to determine a learner’s ability to assess traffic situations and to make safe driving / riding decisions. You must respond to each scene by clicking a mouse to indicate when it is safe to commence a manoeuvre or when it is necessary to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of a crash. Your response is compared to the recommended response times required to pass the test. In some situations there may not be any hazards and therefore no response will be required.

Step 6 - Provisional licence

After completing all steps of the licensing process, a provisional licence will be issued. During the provisional licence period, you must display P plates. The provisional period ends when you have held the licence for 2 years. For the first 6 months of the provisional period, drivers / riders are subject to night-time driving restrictions and must display P plates (white ‘P’ on a red background). P plates with a white ‘P’ on a green background are required to be displayed for the remainder of the provisional licence period.

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Check Your Car Mirrors - Take Action Before You Hit The Road

Check your car mirrors everytime you get into your vehicle. Check your seat belts too...regular maintenance and vehicle checks can save lives. And when you are in a vehicle safety is very important.

(NewsUSA) - Checking mirrors and seat belts every time you get in you car might seem overly cautious, but driving experts say that what you do before you turn on the ignition may mean the difference between life and death.

"So many accidents can be traced back to bad decisions before you even get behind the driver's seat," said Jeff Purner, a professional driving instructor for Porsche Cars North America.

Routine maintenance is critical to your safety. For example, under-inflated tires are the primary cause of tire failures and can adversely affect you car's handling and fuel mileage. Check you tires, including your spare, at least once a month.

You should check your wiper blades monthly as well. Worn blades impact visibility and create glare on the windshield, even when they are not in use.

What you bring with you into your car could be the most critical decision of your day. Cell phones are one of the most dangerous items to use in your car. Anytime you're talking, texting or using GPS applications, you're not paying attention to the road. Purner says that using cell phones while driving, especially to text message, is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Do yourself a favor, and turn your cell phone off.

After switching off your cell phone, you should check and adjust your seat belt. The lap belt should rest low across your waist, and the shoulder strap should come over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the shoulder strap under your armpit. Before turning on the ignition, adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors. According to Purner, too many drivers set their mirrors to reflect the outside of their own car instead of the road.

"You already know where your car is; you should be concerned about where the other cars are so that you can avoid them."

When positioning your hands on the steering wheel, hold the wheel at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock. In this position, you can turn the wheel the furthest without your hands crossing over. This hold also allows for a better "feel" and faster response time.

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Conquer Your Winter Driving Fears

Conquer your winter driving fears. Black ice, snow storms, other drivers and loss of vehicle control are all valid fears, but you can conquer them by paying attention to these simple driving tips from the experts at Michelin Winter Driving Academy.



(NC)—Every year, winter driving is a source of many unpleasant surprises. For many, driving on snowy or icy roads is a cause for alarm and even a source of stress. Black ice, loss of control, other drivers, and snow storms are the four major fears identified by Canadians in a recent Michelin survey. To give you some insights into these problems and allow you to benefit from the experience of a pro, we asked Richard Spénard, professional race car driver and driving instructor, to share his know-how with you. He offers some simple, effective ways to deal with these four major driving hazards this winter.

Black Ice: Slow Down

That thin layer of transparent ice is almost invisible on the road – that's why it is indisputably the most dangerous of surfaces. So drive slowly while testing your vehicle's braking ability by tapping lightly on the brakes to check their reaction and the grip of your tires. That way, you'll be aware of the driving surface and won't be taken by surprise.

Loss Of Control: Focus On Your Destination

Should you have the misfortune to lose control of your vehicle, keep your foot on the brake until the car comes to a complete stop. Remain calm and manoeuvre your car out of the way to avoid any danger of being hit by approaching vehicles. Never get out of your car on the road or shoulder. Should a car in front of you lose control, rather than looking at that vehicle, brake while focusing on where you want to steer your car. Vision and planning are your best allies!

Other Drivers: Keep Your Distance

Although some people believe they are past masters at winter driving –beware. Nobody is safe from dangerous weather and changing road conditions. Be wary of other drivers. Drive defensively, slow down, and keep an even longer distance than usual between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you.

Snow Storms: Prepare For The Worst

Nothing beats preparing your vehicle to meet any situation. Get into the habit of checking weather conditions before setting off and delaying or moving up your departure time based on the forecast. Also prepare an emergency kit containing a blanket, flashlight, matches, toque, mittens and other articles that might be of use. Remember that it's important to prepare carefully for every trip and to remove all the snow from your vehicle to ensure maximum road visibility.

Everything You Need To Know About Winter Driving With A Single Click

For more details or tips, stop by Michelin's Winter Driving Academy. This interactive website offers educational content developed by Canadian experts for Canadian drivers to help you adopt simple, effective habits to conquer your winter driving fears. Test your knowledge at www.michelinwintercentre.com and, above all, drive safely.

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Simple Steps To Staying Safe For Women Drivers

Simple Steps To Staying Safe For Women Drivers. Read these smart safety tips and share them with your friends and your daughters. Learn how to protect yourself when you are driving alone.

(NAPSI)-If you are a woman who travels alone frequently, there are a few simple steps you can take to help ensure your safety on the road and that could potentially protect you in a dangerous situation.

• Selective Parking:

Whether it’s an outdoor parking lot or a covered garage, make sure the lot and space you are parking in are well lit. Avoid parking away from other cars and be aware of parking beside commercial vans without glass side panels, where potential attackers could be hiding. When you return to your car, quickly survey your surroundings, including under your vehicle and the backseat.

• Have Your Keys In Hand:

Before you leave the store, take the time to find your keys and have them in hand as you walk to your vehicle. Time spent rummaging in your purse when you get to your car may leave you open to a potential attack. If you’re faced with a dangerous situation, the keys in your hand can also be used as a weapon.

• Avoid Playing Good Samaritan:

While your heart might be in the right place, it’s not a good idea to stop to help someone when you are by yourself, especially in a remote area. It’s best to call 911 and let the dispatcher know the location of the person who is stranded.

• Use Your Car’s Safety and Security Features:

Familiarize yourself with the safety and security features of your car. Does your car have a GPS? Is there a feature that will alert emergency personnel if you are involved in a car accident? Automatic car starters are a good feature because they could save you critical time in a bad situation.

• Keep Your Vehicle Serviced:

A poorly maintained vehicle could cause you problems at the worst possible times. Check your tires for wear and rotate them every other oil change. Have your battery checked for corrosion and make sure there’s the appropriate amount of water in it and that it holds a charge. Check your fluids and get your oil changed. Using synthetic oil such as Royal Purple can be a great way to extend the life of your car and save money. Synthetic motor oils can usually run longer than traditional motor oils, depending on the wear and tear you put on your vehicle.

• Have A Plan If Trouble Arises:

Do you know what you would do if you were confronted by a potential abductor or carjacker? If you are approached by a person in or around your car, drop any bags, run and make a lot of noise that will draw attention to you. Try to stay in control of the situation. Whatever you do, do not go with the person to another location regardless of promises that you won’t be hurt. If you feel you’re being followed by another car, call 911 and drive to a police station or hospital.

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A Natural And Economic Solution For Safer Roads

A natural and economic solution for safer roads during the winter months. Learn how treated salt, a high performance de-icer can help keep roads in safe driving condition.

(ARA) - Life doesn't stop when dangerous winter road conditions arise. Emergency vehicles respond to citizen needs, and school buses must take children to school. So when wintery weather causes traffic problems, drivers are left to rely on local road professionals to use the best technologies available to keep them safe.

More and more North American counties and municipalities are using treated salt, a high performance de-icer available from major salt manufacturing companies like North American Salt Company (NASC).

Snow and ice removal crews find that treated salt is an economical de-icing solution that increases road safety during severe winter weather and is effective even in extreme temperatures. For example, NASC's Thawrox clears ice in temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit, extending the window for safe road management.

Drivers also may appreciate seeing clearer roads while sharing the road with fewer snow-removal vehicles. "For road crews, a product like Thawrox that works well at extreme temperatures means fewer trips out to cover the roads - saving the municipality and its residents money," says Gary VanRoboys, president of Preferred Transport, a carrier of bulk commodities in Ontario, Canada, who provided treated salt to municipal transportation departments last winter.

Treated salt can reduce application rates by as much as 25 to 40 percent. By decreasing the amount of product applied, trucks need fewer trips to clear the same amount of territory. This saves taxpayer dollars by reducing product cost, fuel usage and labor costs for local snow removal professionals.

Many road crews have adopted a liquid de-icing program, which sounds counterintuitive but actually is very effective. The liquid de-icer, when sprayed on salt during the spreading process, reduces bounce and scatter from the highway as it is applied. Treated salts contain a sticky ingredient similar to molasses that comes pre-treated on the salt and keeps the salt on the road so it doesn't blow away in high winds or bounce into the ditch. Using a treated salt instead of a de-icing liquid means that companies or governments spreading salt don't need to buy liquid application or storage equipment. They can keep using their current salt spreading equipment.

The distinctive orange, and in some locations brown, coloring of treated salt makes it easier for applicators to know how much and where the product is applied. This translates to significant savings for everyone -- especially taxpayers.

Thawrox treated salt is all natural, combining two proven de-icing compounds: sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. Both are made using solar energy and evaporation. These powerful ingredients, all naturally derived, make it tough on ice and snow, yet more gentle to the environment than harsh chemical additives used in other treated salts.

Because treated salt works in colder temperatures, it reduces, and in some cases eliminates, the need for sand applications, which can be hard on vehicles and equipment. Traditional salt treatments may require road crews to apply sand to aid with traction in slippery areas during extreme low temperatures. Sand can plug drains, cause road damage, and be costly to clean up in the spring. Eliminating this process can keep the roads in better condition and keep costs down for clean up treatments.

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New Year’s Eve and Drunk Driving

New Year's Eve and Drunk Driving...many people associate those two and rightfully so. New Year's Eve is when we celebrate a brand new year and we usually celebrate with alcohol. Make sure to designate a driver who will not drink to take everyone home from the party.


(ARA) - If you were to conduct a poll of Americans, it's likely that a vast majority would associate New Year's Eve with drunk driving. But the reality is the danger of being hit by a drunk driver or receiving a citation for DUI (driving under the influence) may actually be far greater between Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

While many Americans have become conditioned to take extra steps to avoid drinking and driving on New Year's Eve, many fail to recognize the danger that exists throughout the holiday season and the professional football season.

With office holiday parties, holiday get-togethers thrown by friends and family, and a myriad of professional sports events, the opportunities to consume alcohol seem nearly endless this time of the year. Add factors such as poor driving conditions due to winter weather, shorter daytime driving hours and other holiday season driving distractions, and you have all the ingredients of a potential tragedy on the road.

According to FindLaw.com, the nation's leading online source for legal information, drunk driving means being under the influence of any substance (alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, etc.) that impairs a person's ability to safely operate a motorized vehicle (car, motorcycle, boat, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), etc.). All 50 states and the District of Columbia have laws defining it as a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above a proscribed level, currently .08 percent in most states. On average, the BAC among fatally injured drinking drivers is .16 and the relative risk of death for drivers in single-vehicle crashes with a high BAC is 385 times that of someone with a zero BAC.

The most important thing to do before going out to a holiday party or meeting friends at a local bar to watch a pro football game is to become familiar with the consequences of drinking and driving in your state. In many states, public safety officials are actively taking a stance against drunk driving through public information campaigns and stepped-up roadside DUI checks, especially during peak times, such as the holiday season.

Here are some additional tips from FindLaw.com on how to have a safer, DUI-free holiday season:

* Select A Designated Driver.

Make sure to choose someone who promises not to drink and who will make sure that all passengers buckle up.

* Take A Cab or Public Transportation.

If you're traveling alone or with just one other person, consider taking a cab or public transportation to and from your holiday event.

* Hosting The Holiday Party.

If you host a holiday party, either at your home or at your workplace, make sure to offer your guests a cab ride to get home, if they need it. Make sure to also offer non-alcoholic beverages to your guests - as well as food to offset alcohol intake.

* Be Aware

That you can receive a DUI while operating snowmobiles and ATVs as well. Also keep in mind that alcohol consumption combined with excessive speed and the lack of safety belts dramatically increases your odds of injury during a collision on the trail.

* Put Down The Cell Phone.

Even if you've only had one glass of wine or one beer, alcohol in any quantity can impair. Avoid compounding the situation with distractions such as talking on your cell phone or texting, which takes your eyes off the road.

* If You're Pulled Over,

Remember to treat the officer with respect; otherwise, he or she could use your defiance as evidence against you in a trial. Turn your car off, put your keys on the dashboard, keep your hands on the steering wheel, in full view of the police officer and be prepared to show your driver's license and proof of auto insurance.

* Think Twice

about refusing to take a breath test or blood alcohol content test. Some states impose severe consequences if you refuse a blood or breath test, as opposed to taking one and failing.

* Behavior Matters.

Even if you do test below the legal limit of .08 (standard in many states), an officer who still believes that you have demonstrated behavior that prevents you from safely operating a motor vehicle can arrest you. If you are taken to court, the prosecution will almost always rely on the arresting officer's testimony about your behavior and operation of the vehicle. This includes swerving your car, having slurred speech and/or bloodshot eyes, a heavy odor of alcohol and your inability to walk straight.

* Hire An Attorney.

Being convicted of a DUI can have serious ramifications.

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Is Your Child Ready For A Seat Belt?

Is your child ready for a seat belt? Without a booster seat, Safe Kids Canada says a child can sustain serious internal injuries in a crash if the vehicle lap belt rides up on to the soft abdominal area rather than staying on the bony hips and thighs. More safety tips can be found online at www.safekidscanada.ca.

(NC)—When your child outgrew their forward facing car seat, did you move him or her into a booster seat? If you did, you're one of the growing numbers of Canadian families that use this important safety device, says Safe Kids Canada, the national injury prevention program of The Hospital for Sick Children. In order to be properly protected, children need to use a booster seat in the car from the time they outgrow their forward facing car seat until they are at least four feet nine inches (145 cm) tall.

Still many Canadian parents skip the booster seat stage, leaving their children vulnerable to serious injuries, or even death, in the event of a crash.

Do you think your child is ready for a seat belt? Here's how to tell:

1. Shoulders:

Does the vehicle shoulder belt lie in the middle of the shoulder and across the middle of your child's chest, without touching the neck? It's dangerous for the seat belt to touch the neck because it can be easily injured in a crash.

2. Hips:

Does the vehicle lap belt rest low on your child's hips, under the belly area? The seat belt should lie on the hip bone area, not on your child's internal organs.

3. Seated Height:

Is your child at least 25 inches (63 cm) from tailbone to top of head while sitting up straight in a chair?

4. Knees:

Do your child's knees bend comfortably over the edge of the vehicle seat without causing them to slouch forward in their seat? This helps your child stay comfortable, which prevents slouching.

If you answered “yes” to all four questions, your child is ready for a seat belt on its own.

These tips are part of the 2011 Safe Kids Week campaign, Give your kid a boost!, which runs from May 30 to June 5 and is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, with community grants supported by the Honda Canada Foundation.

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Speeding Is Dangerous And Expensive

Speeding is dangerous and expensive, make sure you pay attention to how fast your car is going. Speeding wastes gasoline since the faster the vehicle is traveling the more fuel it uses.

(NC)—Spring weather tempts even the most conscientious drivers to take their vehicles out for a joy ride on the dry, open road after months of manoeuvring their way through snow and slush. Aside from the obvious dangers of speeding, on the highway driving over the speed limit, even by 20 kilometres, costs you more at the pump while saving you very little time.

Consider these facts from Natural Resources Canada:

• Each vehicle operates most efficiently at a given speed. While this speed varies from model to model, most cars, vans and light–duty trucks are most fuel–efficient when travelling between 50 and 80 km/h. The faster a vehicle travels above 80 km/h, the more fuel it consumes. For example, a vehicle needs, 20 per cent more fuel to go 120 km/h than to go 100 km/h.

• For a typical 25 kilometre trip going 120 km/h instead of 100 km/h, you'll only save two and a half minutes but use 20 per cent more fuel. For example, if your vehicle uses 10 L/100 km while traveling at 100 km/hr that same vehicle would use 12 L/100km traveling at 120 km/hr. That means that on a 25 km trip you would use ½ L more fuel traveling at 120km/hr instead of 100km/hr and cost you about 50 cents more. If you consistently travel at 120km/hr instead of 100km/hr you're using about 2 Litres more fuel every hour and spending about 2 dollars more every hour.

Is saving a few minutes yet wasting fuel and money really worth it?

Stay safe this spring by adopting more fuel–efficient driving habits. Maintain a steady speed, accelerate gently, avoid high speeds, anticipate traffic and coast to decelerate. Your loved ones and your bank account will thank you.

Natural Resources Canada has some pretty convincing data on its website at www.vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca. You can also download some of their publications which have very helpful graphs and charts on the real cost of speeding and other uneconomical driving habits.

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How To Find The Right Car For The Teen Driver In Your Family

How to find the right car for the teen driver in your family so you know your teen is safe behind the wheel of a car.

(ARA)Your teen is beyond excited because he finally passed his driving test. You share his enthusiasm - until you suddenly realize your baby will soon take to the open road alone for the first time in his life. For a split second, concern fills your head, but you tell yourself everything will be all right.

The harsh reality is, per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why? Several factors are in play, but one of the main reasons for the increased risk is that teens are more likely than mature drivers to underestimate dangerous situations and not know how to react appropriately.

As a parent, you want to protect your child, even when you can't be there. When it comes time to find him the perfect first car, you probably want to look at options that are sensible, reliable and safe. Not surprising, your teen may prefer something that is sporty, fast and fun for driving around with friends. Finding a good compromise is important. Start by sitting down with your teen to discuss what types of vehicles you both like and what exactly attracts you to each model in particular. Once you understand each other's priorities, finding a car you both love should be simple.

When it comes to tips on buying a car for your teen, safety features are among the most important things to look for. Here are some important ones for both of you to research:

1. New car review

Whether you are buying a new model, or looking at used options, it's smart to look at reviews and see how the car rates, particularly in crashes. Consumer Reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are good places to start. Encourage your teenager to participate in the research process, especially if he has his heart set on a certain kind of vehicle. Have him gather information on the model he wants and present what he found to you. This also will help your teen to become more educated about vehicle safety in general.

2. Air bags

Car manufacturers began to make cars with airbags in the 1980s and early 1990s, but older cars may only feature airbags in front for the driver and passenger, or sometimes just the driver. Some older cars may not have an airbag at all. Having an airbag can decrease the risk of injury in a car accident. Research what types of airbags are in the car you are considering, including side impact airbags. For teens that are still learning to navigate tough road conditions, side airbags may really help to reduce injury for the driver and passengers in a major accident.

3. Stability control

Buying new cars with stability control may be a good idea. According to Edmunds.com, stability control systems use electronic sensors to monitor the driver's intended path and the actual direction the car is headed. If the system senses something is wrong, it can slow the engine power or activate braking. The system isn't perfect, but it may help a teen who finds himself in a driving situation he didn't expect. Have the seller or dealer explain how the system works so your teen understands how it will help in an accident scenario, but also what the system's limitations are.

4. New tires

Buying a car for your teen can be a difficult decision, but if you decide to purchase a used vehicle, you should inspect the tires. Good tires help grip the car to the road and will help your teen driver stay in control. Get the wheels aligned for increased safety and remind your teen to check for proper tire pressure regularly. It's also smart to discuss with your teen how different weather conditions can affect how your teen should drive. Good tires help prevent slipping and sliding in inclement weather, but they can only go so far. Make sure your teen understands to drive slower and monitor road conditions, particularly in rain, ice and snow conditions.

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Posted in: Safety Drive