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The post Turning Tragedy into Action: Kelly’s Crusade for Safer Roads appeared first on DriveTeam, Inc..

You’ve finished your driver education classes and have spent many hours practicing behind the wheel. But as the day of your driving test approaches, you may still become nervous. After all, it is common to fail on the first try. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Taking a little extra time to properly prepare can help ensure you pass your exam with flying colors.

Tips to become a Confident, Licensed Driver 

Preparing for your driving test should start with taking Drive Team’s Teen Performance Based Driver Education Program (PBDE). This full program provides comprehensive training for teens both off and on the roads, ensuring that they are learning the skills they need to be responsible drivers. Once you’ve completed all four levels of the program, you’ll feel confident and ready to take that driving test.

As your exam day approaches, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind to improve your experience:

1. Study up on the latest traffic rules. The written test requires you to be knowledgeable about all the latest rules of the road. However, knowing these rules wills will also help you ace the driving portion, too! The more you study the rules, the more they’ll become second nature and you won’t be required to think about them in a split-second situation.
2. Practice driving as much as you can. Prior to scheduling your driving test, get in as much practice as possible with an experienced driver who isn’t afraid to give you feedback. Listen to the criticism with an open mind so you know what areas you should work on before testing day. Get driving time in on the back roads or in an empty parking to ensure you know how to properly brake, back up and maneuver in tight spots.
3. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle. If you’ve been using your mom’s SUV to practice driving, be sure to use that same vehicle to take your driving test. You’ll be most comfortable in the car you’re used to driving. Review all the basic controls in the car, like the turn signal and headlights, and adjust the seat for your comfort.
4. Check and adjust your mirrors. The rearview and sideview mirrors are there for a reason – to help you see traffic behind you and make smart decisions when you’re backing up and changing lanes, two essential parts of your driving test. Your examiner will be looking to see if you are checking those mirrors often.
5. Watch your speed. When you’re out on the road taking the test, you’ll most likely drive through several different types of neighborhoods and streets to test your ability to adjust. It’s vital that you pay attention to your speed – and the speed limit signs. Streets can change quickly from 35 mph to 25 mph and back again, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re adjusting your speed accordingly and staying within the designated speed limit.
6. Be aware of other drivers. This tip is just as important after you receive your license as it is during your exam. Although you may be a safe, confident driver, that doesn’t go for everyone else on the road. Always be aware of other drivers around you; check your blind spots and try to watch the road both in front of you and behind you, especially when it’s time to brake.
7. Get a good night’s sleep. Don’t underestimate the importance of this tip, because being tired can lead to feeling nervous and distracted, which can affect your performance. The night before your driving test, avoid partying and staying up late. Get some rest.
8. Try to relax. Taking your driving test can certainly be a nerve-wracking experience, but if you’ve completed the proper training and practiced often, you shouldn’t have any problem passing, so try not to obsess over it.

Drive Team offers some of the best teen driving classes to help you feel confident and in control of your vehicle the day of your driving test and as your begin your travels as a new licensed driver. Contact us today to get started.

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Teens are new, excited drivers, ready to get out and hit the open road with their friends. They’ve reached a new level of independence, and if you’ve been shuttling your children from activity to activity, you might be ready to hand over the keys and bask in some of your own newfound free time! However, before your teen gets behind the wheel, it’s important to establish some ground rules and help them create a good foundation for safe driving.  

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among 15 to 20 year olds in the United States. Two out of three of those deaths are teens who were simply passengers in a car driven by one of their peers. This is why it’s so critical to set the standard for safe driving early on. Teaching your teen safe driving habits isn’t just good parenting; it can actually save the life of your child and others on the road.   

Help Your Teen Practice the Right Way 

Start out by having your teen drive slowly in a safe area, like an empty parking lot or quiet residential street, before allowing them to get out on the busier roads. Let them start and stop, back up, and make turns to get a feel for how the car handles. Practice these skills one at a time so they can build up confidence. Keep initial lessons short, about twenty minutes. This will help ease the frustration you both feel when inevitable mistakes are made! As they improve, lengthen the practice sessions to an hour, and drive at different times of the day and in different types of weather if possible.   

Some tips for instructing your teen driver: 

• Put a “Student Driver” sign in your back window to alert other drivers to have patience and hopefully give your teen some extra space and consideration. 
• Stay calm. Driving lessons can be frustrating for teen and parent. Expect your child to make mistakes. Use the opportunity to correct them without yelling or berating them. 
• When serious mistakes are made, pull off the road and talk calmly about what was done wrong and make sure the teen knows how the maneuver should’ve been done.  
• Be aware of some of the common problems new drivers encounter, like drifting in the lanes, following cars too closely, not checking blind spots, and watching for pedestrians and parked vehicles. If they forget some of these protocols, be sure to gently but firmly remind them.  
• Set a good example! Teens will be influenced over the course of their lifetimes by observing how their parents drive. When your teen is in the car and you are driving, it’s important to drive safely and adhere to traffic rules so that they model their own driving habits after yours. Also – always buckle up and insist that they do the same. 

Probably the most important thing to remember when teaching your teen how to drive is to keep the communication ongoing and non-judgmental. Of course, if they are doing or about to do something that endangers yourselves or others, then you may need to be forceful and loud to get their immediate attention and avert a crash or injury. But in general, if your child is not endangering anyone, then raising your voice over their mistakes will likely only make your teen more nervous, which can further impair their ability to drive with confidence.  

Set Some Ground Rules 

As you embark on this experience together, sit down and have a talk about your expectations and set some ground rules:     

Limit the number of passengers allowed in the car: Teens often want to ride around town together, and those that can drive are often eager to act as chauffeur for friends who can’t, but be aware that passengers can be a major distraction, especially for teens. Until your child has more experience driving, limit the number of friends allowed in the car at any one time.   

Limit night driving: Driving at night can present more risks for all drivers, but especially to teens. In fact, the number of fatal crashes for teens at night is almost double those that occur during daytime hours. Talk to your teen about having a “car curfew”, especially during the first few months of solo driving.   

Have a serious talk about driving under the influence: Even though teens can’t buy or possess alcohol legally, the NHTSA states that one-fourth of teen deaths from car crashes were due to the driver being under the influence. Make sure that your teen knows that if they or the driver they are with have been drinking, they should call you or another trusted adult for a ride, and will not be punished for doing so.  

Make the consequences for breaking the rules very clear: Set the rules for driving early and explain what the consequences will be if they are broken. Many parents even have their teens sign a contract to remind them that driving is a privilege that can easily be revoked.   

DriveTeam offers comprehensive training programs for teen drivers. Our Teen Driving Programs will teach those new to the road the skills they need to be safe drivers for life. Contact us for more information.  

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However, the freedom of summer can bring dangerous situations to young drivers. It seems like summer should be a relatively safe season to drive since there are no icy, snowy conditions to contend with. But longer days, later nights, and less daily responsibilities mixed with less experience on the road and distracted driving are a deadly combination.

Teens also tend to drive more often during the summer and have more passengers in the car traveling together. The extra opportunities and distractions increase the risk of an accident by around 44%. According to the website We Save Lives, the teen fatality crash rate spikes in summer by 26% compared with other months of the year, with an average of 260 teens killed every month.

Due to these sobering statistics, AAA has coined the days between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the 100 Deadliest Days on the Road to bring awareness to the dangers of the season.

Preparing Your Teen to Drive Safely in Summer

For the first few years after they become licensed, your teen still needs your advice, reminders and support. Studies have shown that when parents set driving rules and consistently enforce them, it results in significantly less risky behavior during a teen’s first few years behind the wheel.

Modeling good driving habits and reinforcing for your teen how to stay safe on the road this summer benefits not only your son or daughter, but also all the other drivers on the road.

As the summer gets into full swing, give your teen a refresher on safe driving habits and set some important ground rules. Examples include:

• Educating your teen about distracted driving. Make sure your teen understands the dangers of distracted driving. Set rules regarding leaving their cell phone in the glove box while driving, no eating in the car and set a limit on how many passengers are allowed in the vehicle at any time.
• Creating a “safe driving agreement.” AAA offers an example of what this type of document should include. For instance, the agreement should specifically spell out your driving rules and the consequences if any of these rules should be broken. Wearing seatbelts, following speed limits, avoiding unnecessary trips, as well as absolutely restricting any sort of impaired driving should be key items in the safe driving agreement.
• Emphasize that you’re available to pick them up without judgement. Let your teen know that if he or she is not in a fit condition to drive or if they are in a position where they would be riding as a passenger with a driver who is intoxicated, that calling you should always be their first choice. Make sure they understand that their safety is far more important than any inconvenience to you.
• Set a good example. Remember, teens watch and learn driving behaviors by watching their parents. If your teen sees you talking on your cell phone, driving erratically or speeding, don’t expect them to do as you say and not as you do. If you don’t take safe driving rules seriously, neither will they.

Driving is a privilege any time of year, and teens should be encouraged to be cautious every time they they get behind the wheel. Throughout the 100 Deadliest Days, continue to communicate and reinforce the rules you set in place the day your teen passed their driving exam. Additionally, make sure to lead by example as you practice the same safe driving tips you’re encouraging your teen to follow.

A premier driving school like DriveTeam promotes safe teen driving throughout the year. Our teen driving classes ensure everyone stays as safe as possible behind the wheel. Contact us today for more information.

The post Why Summer is the Deadliest Driving Season and How to Stay Safe appeared first on DriveTeam, Inc..

In an attempt to reduce the number of fatal teen crashes that occur every year, Ohio utilizes a three-stage licensing process to ease teen drivers into becoming safe, knowledgeable and responsible drivers.  These stages include getting a learner’s permit, then after formal instruction and practice, a teen driver can test for a probationary license, followed by a full license at age 16.

Getting a Learner’s Permit

The first step toward getting an Ohio driver’s license is to apply for a temporary restriction permit identification card (TIPIC), aka “temps” or a “learner’s permit.” Teens under 16 years old are allowed to drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat.

When your son or daughter is 15 ½ years old, you can head to your local BMV office and simply provide proof of residency, identity and age. Your teen will also need to pass the vision test and a written exam. The written exam will consist of twenty questions broken into two sections: motor vehicle regulations and traffic signs. At least fifteen correct answers are required to pass, so make sure they’ve studied up!

Once they’ve got that permit, they should use this time to practice and study as much as possible, so that they will be prepared to pass the licensing tests with flying colors. We recommend the following steps to ensure that your teen is using their “temps” effectively:

Sign them up for teen driving classes as soon as possible.

In the state of Ohio, your teen will need to pass a written exam and will also need a minimum of eight hours of driving with a certified instructor before they can apply for a license. This formal instruction will ground them in the rules of the road, proper technique and good safety habits from day one.

Practice, practice, practice.

New drivers need a lot of experience behind the wheel to become a safe and responsible driver. If your teen is under 18 years old, aside from learning with a certified instructor, they will need to complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed adult, including ten hours at night. Don’t be limited to the minimum of 50 hours of practice – the more driving time they get, the more confident and relaxed they’ll feel on the day of their driving test. Be sure to have them drive at different times of day and in different types of weather to see how they’ll react to any situation, like rush hour traffic congestion or wet, slippery roads.

Instill good habits right away.

The safety checks, protocols and techniques your teen uses during this time are formative and lasting. Make it a point to have them review and repeat the right kind of habits to stay safe; like eliminating distractions, being vigilant and observant of everything around them, checking mirrors, being aware of blind spots and all the other safety practices they have been taught in class. Make these habits so ingrained that they will become second nature to your teen for the rest of their driving career.

Draw up a driving contract.

Before your teen gets out on the road for the first time, sit down and discuss the rules. They should know that driving is a privilege, and there are guidelines they need to follow in order to retain their right to drive. Define the rules regarding alcohol and cell phone use, filling the gas tank, speeding, and so on. Together, draw up a plan or contract that highlights these rules, and spells out the consequences if that contract is broken, so your teen knows the expectations up front.

Ready to get started? Contact DriveTeam and enroll in our comprehensive teen driving classes. Our instructors will get your teen prepared for both the written portions and the behind-the-wheel portions of their driving test. They will learn all the rules of the road, as well as Ohio traffic laws and common highway warnings.

New teen drivers receive the most thorough training possible if they enroll in our Performance Based Driver Education Program (PBDE). DriveTeam’s four-level, state-licensed program far exceeds Ohio’s minimum requirements for driver education. Students advance through each level of this 46-hour program at their own pace. They are required to demonstrate proficiency at each level before progressing to the next.

We look forward to getting your new teen driver on the road safely!

The post Making the Most of a Learner’s Permit appeared first on DriveTeam, Inc..

Why are Teens at a Higher Risk of Motor Vehicle Crashes?

It’s important for parents to understand the key risk factors their teens could face every time they get behind the wheel. This will help you set some guidelines for driving even before they get their license, so they are better prepared to become safe, confident drivers.

Some of the most common teen driving risk factors include:

• Cell phone usage: 12% of teen motor vehicle crashes involved cell phones in the moment leading up to the incident.
• Other passengers: Other teens in the car can be highly distracting to the driver, often because they’re being loud and rowdy or blasting music.
• Various forms of distracted driving: Eating, putting on make-up, or adjusting the stereo are all forms of distracted driving that teens can be prone to.
• Inexperience: Teens simply lack the real-life experience that more experienced drivers have, making them more susceptible to driving errors that cause a crash.
• Impaired driving: The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that 15% of motor vehicle crashes involved impaired young drivers aged 16-20.
• Risky behaviors: Teen drivers are also simply more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding, reckless driving and not wearing seatbelts.

Teen Driving Laws in Ohio

Ohio utilizes a multi-stage licensing process to ease teen drivers into becoming safe, knowledgeable and responsible drivers. This three-stage process was created in an attempt to reduce the number of fatal teen crashes that occur every year.

Here’s a brief rundown of the steps involved in becoming a licensed driver in the state of Ohio, and the laws that help protect teen drivers:

1. Temporary Restriction Permit: Also known as getting your “temps,” teens who are 15 and a half years old may apply for a temporary restriction permit identification card (TIPIC). This means teens under 16 years old are allowed to drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat. These TIPIC holders must have a minimum of 24 hours of classroom learning, eight hours of behind the wheel instruction in driver training and 50 hours of practice driving with a parent or legal guardian before moving on to the next step
2. Probationary License: When teens turn 16 and have had their TIPIC for at least six months, they can take the driving test at the local BMV. When they pass, they’ll receive their probationary license which allows them to drive without a parent or guardian. This probationary license comes with some restrictions for the first 12 months. 16-year-old drivers may not drive with more than one non-family passenger unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Additionally, teens are not allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m., unless they are traveling with a parent or guardian or in an emergency. When they turn 17, they may have no more passengers than the number of seatbelts available in the vehicle. Should a driver under the age of 17 be convicted of a moving violation within the first six months of having their probationary license, the teen will only be allowed to drive with a parent or guardian for the next six months or until they turn 17, whichever happens first.
3. Full License: Upon turning 18 years old, the teen becomes eligible for a full license. The passenger and nighttime driving restrictions are lifted at this time.

Comprehensive Teen Driving Education from DriveTeam

Ohio’s teen driving laws for becoming a licensed driver are designed to help your teen become a confident, safe driver – and DriveTeam is here to help, too! This is how we prepare our students to be successful behind the wheel — a four-level, state-licensed program that far exceeds Ohio’s minimum requirements for driver education. Contact us today for more information.

The post How We Can Keep Ohio Teen Drivers Safe appeared first on DriveTeam, Inc..

However, as a parent, you’re probably feeling far more nerves than excitement. And, sadly, you have good reason to be concerned. In fact, according to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of teen fatalities in the United States. Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.

While it’s true that the technology in our vehicles has advanced to allow for safer driving, the number of distractions is also on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one in three teens who text admit they have sent text messages while driving.

The good news is there are measures parents can take to ensure their teens become responsible, safe drivers. First, choose a reputable teen driving school. You’ll also want to take an active role in their training and set very clear guidelines for their driving privileges with a parent-teen driving contract.

5 Ways Parents Can Set a Good Example for Teen Drivers

Also, remember that actions speak louder than words, and one step that is often overlooked when it comes to teen driver training is simply setting a good example. Here are a few tips parents should keep in mind when driving with their teens:

1. Avoid distractions. Whether you’re picking your teen up from school or soccer practice, make sure you keep your eyes on the road – just like you expect them to do when they’re driving. If teens see their parents checking their phones, texting at a stoplight or fiddling with the navigation system, they will think these actions are just a normal part of driving.
2. Follow standard safety procedures. Every time you get in the car with your teen, fasten your seatbelt, check your mirrors and seat position and put your cell phone away in a purse or glovebox. This helps instill a basic safety routine in your teen. While you may stress the importance of safe driving habits like buckling up and following the speed limit, if your teen sees you doing otherwise, they may not think you’re very serious about it.
3. Keep your cool. Road rage is a leading cause of accidents in the United States. There’s no doubt that driving can be stressful, especially after a long day of work when you’re sitting in a traffic jam. Drivers who don’t pay attention, cut you off or run through red lights are a danger to everyone, but getting angry and venting your frustration through yelling or gestures won’t solve anything. And, remember that your teen is watching your actions. Take a deep breath, remain calm and do your best to get to your destination safely.
4. Get practice time in regularly. Practice makes perfect, and your teen needs ample time in real life experiences behind the wheel to become a confident driver. Take them out on the highway so they get a chance to merge into traffic and in and out of lanes, allow them to drive when dusk is settling in, and let them experience driving in inclement weather like a rainstorm, all with your guidance. Getting a driver’s license is a lot of responsibility, and it’s important for your teen to realize they need all the training they can get.
5. Keep vehicles well-maintained. Make sure your teen has a basic understanding of the care and maintenance involved with driving. After all, a well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle. Additionally, this will help them understand the costs involved with owning a car so they can be prepared.

Drive Team is a premier driving school, offering teen driving classes to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible behind the wheel. Contact us today for more information.

The post Teen Driver Training Tips for Parents – Leading by Example appeared first on DriveTeam, Inc..

Parents have good reason to worry, unfortunately. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, new drivers are eight times more likely to crash or have a close call in the first three months after getting a license. And, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals young people ages 16 to 19 are more at risk for motor vehicle crashes than any other age group. Teens have a tendency to think they are invincible, leading to dangerous situations on the road. This is why it’s so imperative to ensure your teen is a well-rounded, well-informed driver who understands how to stay safe with their newly-found freedom.

What to Look for in a Driving School

Studies show that high-quality teen driving classes combined with proper parental supervision during practice can be the key to preventing car crashes in newly-licensed drivers. There are a few different options available for teen driver training, such as attending driving school through their high school, via online driver’s education courses, or through private driver training programs. Regardless of the method, in Ohio, new drivers are required to complete 24 hours of classroom education and eight hours of behind-the-wheel training.

Each option has advantages and disadvantages. As you begin researching driver’s education programs for your teen, keep the following in mind:

• Basic training is a must. The school should offer basic training such as traffic laws, operating a vehicle and emergency situations as well as help teens develop safe driving habits and skills for a lifetime. Additionally, the school should utilize up-to-date vehicles in the hands-on driving courses.
• The driving instructors are true professionals. Make sure the instructors are committed to helping your teen become a safe, confident driver. In other words, if it appears as though the instructor just took the job to earn extra cash, you should steer clear. If you’re not confident in the instruction, move on to the next option.
• Extra attention is key. Some schools offer education above and beyond state minimum requirements to ensure that teens are as safe as possible on the road, including spending extra time with teens who may need extra training in some areas.
• The level of parental involvement. There’s no doubt that the way teens learn to drive today is vastly different from when you completed your driver’s education courses. Today, parents take a far more active role in the training process, so it’s important to make sure the driving school you choose sends regular updates. This will help you reinforce their training as you take them out for practice.
• Get feedback from others. Have conversations with other parents or licensed teen drivers to talk about their driver education experiences. Are the confident the basic course offered through the high school was sufficient, or did the teen fail their driving test a few times? Feedback can help you learn what might be the best option for your own teen.

Drive Team offers comprehensive training programs for teen drivers. Our Performance Based Driver Education (P.B.D.E) is a four-level, state-licensed program that far exceeds Ohio’s minimum requirements for driver education. You’ll feel confident knowing your teen has learned the skills they need to be safe drivers for life. Contact us for more information.

The post How to Choose the Right Driving School for Your Teen appeared first on DriveTeam, Inc..

Winter Driving: DriveTeam’s Winter Skills Clinic

Channel Channel 19 News (WOIO) recently featured DriveTeam’s Winter Skills Clinic providing some quick winter driving tips for their viewers

“Driving’s a diminishing skill,” Salyer said. He added, “if we’re not operating the vehicle properly or if we think we can operate it just the same on these types of conditions, just as a nice sunny day is usually when we get into trouble and that’s when we see the elevation in crashes occur.”

Click here to continue for their entire story.

The post Cleveland Channel 19 News Features DriveTeam’s Winter Skills Clinic appeared first on DriveTeam, Inc..

This initiative of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) was created to help to reduce the number of crashes, and ultimately, deaths and injuries due to unsafe driving behaviors involving large trucks, buses and passenger vehicles.

Some of the types of unsafe driving behaviors that enforcement personnel will be looking out for during Operation Safe Driver Week are distracted driving in any form, texting, speeding, following too closely, improper lane change, rolling stops through traffic lights and stop signs, not wearing a seatbelt, etc.

Every driver can easily prepare for Operation Safe Driver Week by being conscious of the following safe driving habits while behind the wheel:

• Follow all traffic laws.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Obey posted speed limits.
• Do not use your cell phone.
• Do not drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Practice safe driving habits at all times.

Here are a few additional ways commercial drivers can prepare for Operation Safe Driver Week:

• Monitor your hours of service documentation for violations.
• Track the expiration of your drivers’ medical cards.
• Train drivers how to respond to typical questions about their logs, trips, cargo, insurance, registration, license and their vehicle.
• Pre and Post-trip inspections of the vehicle.

Operation Safe Driver Week is sponsored by CVSA, in partnership with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and with support from industry and transportation safety organizations. The program aims to help improve the behavior of all drivers operating in an unsafe manner – either in or around commercial motor vehicles – through educational and traffic enforcement strategies to address individuals exhibiting high-risk driving behaviors.

Being prepared for Operation Safe Driver Week is simple: practice safe driving habits and follow all motor vehicle laws. And continue to do so all year long every time you are on the road.

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