Statistically, the everyday motor vehicle is the number-one cause of death among people aged 15-30 in the United States. More deaths occur as a result of unsafe driving than from any other cause. However, other countries experience half this number of crash-related deaths with the same number of vehicles on the road! Therefore, we know that many of these deaths could be avoided. In this course, we emphasize a collision-prevention approach that is effective in reducing the number of injuries and fatalities due to unsafe driving.
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Driving safely requires that you obey the laws as stated because they establish an agreement among all drivers that results in predictable traffic flow and procedures. When you know what other drivers will do and vice versa, the likelihood of collisions is reduced. You may personally object to some laws, but keep in mind that all laws are basically a compromise. So if you find yourself unwilling to follow a law, realize that we need to have agreements in place if we are to drive at all.
By way of example, let’s look at Stop and Yield signs as basic examples of traffic laws.
Preview Why Stop Completely at a Stop Sign?
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One compelling reason to stop completely at a stop sign (or red light) is the guarantee that you won’t get a traffic ticket. But that is not the main reason why you should stop at stop signs! The primary reason is to avoid hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle. That's why you stop behind the limit line, or at a crosswalk, or where stops are required when no limit line or crosswalks are present.
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In 2011, the California Highway Patrol reported that children under the age of 15 accounted for 16.4% of pedestrian victims and 13.7% of bicycle victims.
Preview What Does "Yield" Really Mean?
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When asked to yield, you're expected to allow other vehicles to move ahead of yours—in other words, to give those vehicles the right of way. Yielding is often required where streets cross or merge. As you approach a Yield sign, slow down and look at the oncoming traffic flow ahead and behind you. If the location and speed of other vehicles makes it safe to join their lane, then continue into it. Otherwise, slow down and come to a complete stop if needed. Only proceed when your entry won't interrupt the flow of traffic.
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Preview How to Share the Roadway with All Drivers
We all share the roads with other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, road workers, and so on. Each person has his or her own needs and limitations. A truck, for instance, takes longer to accelerate and brake than does a car. A loaded tractor-trailer, for example, requires between 20 and 40 percent greater stopping distance than a car. The way for us all to share the roadway is to be aware of others, understand their needs, and apply the Golden Rule: Treat others the same way you would wish them to treat you.
Preview Courtesy Brings Order Out of Chaos
Common courtesy is one way of following the Golden Rule. That means you should let people in front of you when they want to pull into heavy traffic or into your lane. It means you should use your indicator lights to signal your intent, or your horn, or emergency flashers to signal your presence or the presence of a hazard ahead.