The Cars

Common sense must be a requirement for obtaining a driver’s license in addition to driving & written tests. We often forget that we are in control of a land missile as we mindlessly text & check emails while doing 80 MPH in a 2-ton machine.

The four major factors found in most automobile accidents are: Speeding, Distractions, DUI, and seat belts violations.

I. Speeding:

We have all done it many times. You probably have done it today. What? You asked. It’s speeding. I’ll break it down for you: slow down and live…or speed and play Russian Roulette with your car.

Getting somewhere 5 minutes earlier worth your life and the lives of others? Stop…Think & Slow down.

2. Chemicals:

“Driving is probably the most complex psycho-motor task undertaken by ordinary individuals on a routine basis.” So why not add some drugs or alcohol into the mix!!? Most of us have a thousand things on our mind while we drive as it is. Adding artificial distractions and delays into your mind and body is not only the most dangerous thing a driver can do, but also one-third of the cause of all traffic accidents. You sold a house, had a bad day, got a raise… and want a drink then you need to have a designated driver. That way we can all celebrate tomorrow.

We all know drugs kill but do you know that drugs alone accounted for 18% of all car crashes? I’m talking about prescriptions, over-the-counter, and of course, illegal drugs. Again, please use your common sense — don’t take drugs if you have to drive.

III. Seat Belts

Want a 44% chance of better survival in an automobile accident? Wear your seat belt. It’s only common sense.

Distractions:

There are six huge distractions that we all face at times when we are driving: the radio, holding something in our hands (beverage), the phone, hands free or not, other passengers and the control panel of the vehicle and smoking. Yes, the radio, not only listening to music but the news you listen to can cause you lose focus of the most important task at hand. Drinking while driving is also very distracting and dangerous. Not only an alcoholic drink, but that latte or energy drink that you spill or burn your lip on can lead to a lot more problems than a trip to the cleaners. The phone… hands free, texting, emailing, taking pictures, checking scores… All of these awesome things our phones can do can also cause us to take our eyes off of the road. Other passengers are very distracting; many states require new drivers to limit the number of passengers they can travel with. This is not only for the sake of the passenger, but because they are a huge distraction. The kids yelling in the back of the car and parent looking back trying to mediate can lead to a fender bender if the driver isn’t looking ahead. The control panel of your vehicle can also be a huge issue if you are looking down trying to adjust the air conditioning and then look up and you have swerved into the wrong lane… Adjust the controls before you leave park. Smoking… It is done all of the time. What happens when you drop your lighter or lit cigarette in the car… How about just don’t smoke!

Thomas Nguyen has been a traffic school owner since 2003, the same year his son was born. Ever since the birth of his son Tyler, Thomas has been a big advocate on driving safely using plain old common sense. His company, Too Lazy For Traffic School.com currently serves traffic violators in California with several other states on the way.

Learn more about traffic school online. Stop by Thomas Nguyen’s site where you can find out all about internet traffic school and what it can do for you.