Blog posts of '2022' 'May'

Reasons why you are more likely to get into an accident close to home

Data collected by the NHTSA, (National Highway Transportation Safety Board) continues to show that most accidents take place within a few miles of driver’s homes. Understanding the reasons why can assist drivers to take proactive steps to reduce these risks and get home safely.

One logical reason that accidents take place close to home is that most of our driving is done near our home. The grocery store, school drop-offs, doctor’s appointments, etc. are routinely selected in part by their proximity to our residence.

Since we are most familiar with areas near our home it is possible to let our guard down.  The safe driving practice would be to not allow our guard to drop due to overconfidence. Remaining vigilant at all times while driving is essential in reducing driving risks.

Another common factor in vehicular accidents is driver fatigue.  A study done by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) stated that 37% of adults get less sleep than they should.  A fact that speaks volumes of the potential for driving while tired.  A tired driver can have increased risks similar to one who has been drinking. If we are exhausted on our way home from work or perhaps from a long drive, we can easily miss identifying certain risks in time. Getting sufficient rest along with a healthful diet or even allowing a more rested passenger to drive will help to get home safely.

At NHSA, we are committed to helping all drivers to be safe drivers. Our online driver’s education classes and basic driver safety courses will help you to be fully prepared for driving safely.  See what driving classes are available in your state!

The importance of tire safety

According to a report from the NHTSA, over 600 motor vehicle deaths in 2019 can be directly blamed on the tires of vehicles involved.  It is also noteworthy that driving your vehicle with badly worn tires puts you at three times the risk of having an accident as opposed to vehicles with tires that have sufficient tread depth.  Understanding important facts about your tires will help to keep you safe while driving.

Tread depth

Having sufficient tread depth is essential for safe driving, particularly in the rain or snow.  The tire tread will wear down over time so it is important to understand at what point they must be replaced.  Tread that wears down to 2/32 of an inch depth is considered unsafe to drive with.  The easiest way to measure this is by doing the “penny test.”  Place a penny with Lincoln’s head pointing into the tire.  If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then you are at 2/32 of an inch and the tires need to be replaced.

Tire condition

Tires are designed to last about 5 years and up to 50,000 miles or more.  This doesn’t mean that they can’t wear out sooner.  Regularly inspecting your tires will help you to immediately recognize signs of unusual wear or even damage.  This is even more important if you live in an area where you consistently drive in hotter temperatures.  Driving on roads for an extended time in hot temperatures can break down the materials of the tire.  California drivers and Texas drivers are more likely to face such conditions.  State legislatures have even passed stricter tire requirements in these states to reduce unnecessary risks.

Tire Maintenance

Minor issues left unchecked can reduce the life of your tires.  It is a safe driving practice to check your tire pressure once a month to prevent over or underinflation, both of which can cause faster tire wear.  Make sure your tires are properly balanced and aligned.  Rotating your tires every 5000 to 8000 miles is a standard recommendation from tire manufacturers.

At NHSA, we are committed to providing all drivers with what they need to be safe and well informed.  We offer online driver's education courses for teen drivers getting their permit, or basic driver safety courses for those looking to save on auto insurance and feel more prepared to be a safe, defensive driver.

4 Important tips to drive safely in the rain

The weather can easily change our plans.  Sometimes we have no choice but to continue with certain obligations even though driving in the rain brings greater risks.  The following tips will help new drivers and experienced drivers to employ safe driving practices while driving in the rain.

1     Have good visibility

Rain can limit our visibility.  Be proactive to maximize visibility by doing the following:

• Keep your windshield clean
• Make sure wipers are in good condition
• Make sure the defogger works
• Keep headlights properly focused
• Don’t use your high-beams

2     Don’t drive too fast

It can take longer to stop when the road is wet.  Even light rain can bring oils up to the surface creating a greater risk of skidding.  Driving at a safe speed will give you greater reaction time and stopping time.

3     Keep a safe distance from other vehicles

It is generally accepted that 3 or 4 seconds is a safe following distance in ideal driving conditions.  It is safest to double that distance in the rain.  In addition, make sure you try to keep from driving directly next to another vehicle on roads with multiple lanes.  If one of you drives into a large puddle it can pull one car towards the other and lead to an accident.

4     Avoid hard braking

Tips 2 and 3 can help to reduce the likelihood of the need to brake hard.  However, there is always the possibility of an abrupt event occurring where you will need to stop quickly.  Applying the brakes gently and then gradually more firmly will help avoid skidding or hydroplaning. 

At NHSA, we want to help all drivers to be safe drivers.  Check out our online driver’s ed classes and basic driver safety courses to see how we can help you as well!

How to talk to your teen about safe driving

Teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are at the highest risk for automobile accidents.  For that reason, parents do well to address these risks before their child gets behind the wheel to best prepare them to be safe drivers.  The following reminders will assist in having a productive discussion with them.

Your example speaks louder than your words.

Teen drivers are at a higher risk for a variety of reasons.  They are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding, texting, or talking on their device while driving or not wearing a seatbelt.  Parents who avoid such risky driving behaviors themselves have already set a good pattern that their teens have observed for years. 

Keep the atmosphere calm and relaxed 

Parents can easily run into challenges while communicating with their teenage children if children feel they are being scolded.  Rather than simply stating a list of do’s and don’ts, involve them in the conversation.  Many times asking a question rather than making a statement can help to discern how they feel about something.  Note some possible questions that can address real concerns and allow your teen to express themself.

Why do you think teen drivers are at greater risk than all other ages?

How can you avoid risky driving behavior?

How can you help your friends drive safely?

Set boundaries and communicate consequences

Established rules and boundaries that encourage safe driving can save lives.  Communicating the consequences that they may face if they break some of your established boundaries will help to avoid the risk taken from becoming a pattern of risky driving.

Our goal at NHSA is to assist all drivers to be safe drivers.  Please take note of our parent-taught driver education courses or our practice test for the learner’s permit available in your state!