How To Do A 3-Point Turn

Learn how to complete a 3-point turn in this great instructional video. While classically known as a 3-point turn due to the physical maneuvering of the car, there are many steps to consider to complete this type of turn safely.

Get more essential tips at http//:www.blog.americansafetycouncil.com.

Enjoy!

Essential Safe Driving Tips for Teens

Teen Driving Safety

Did you know that crashes are the leading cause of teen death in Florida, as well as across the country? Did you also know teen drivers are far more likely to be involved in a crash than older drivers? This means, believe it or not, that your parents really are better drivers than you are. You should listen to their advice about driving, follow any rules they give you, and take to the roads with extreme caution.

However, you don’t need to drive fearfully –you just need to be aware of the steps that must be taken to ensure that your time on the roads is as safe as possible, both for yourself and also for others. If you've completed your drug and alcohol test, and learner's permit exam, those alone can help you understand the precautions to take when driving. Here are a few more great safety tips.

Before you even start the engine, there are a number of things that you can do to prepare to drive. One thing you should make sure to do is maintain your car in a good, working condition. Ensure that your tires have the right amount of air in them and that they are in good condition. Also make sure that your windshield is clean and that your car has enough gas in it. Although these may seem like simple steps, you would be surprised how many people quickly overlook these crucial steps when in a hurry. But making the correct preparations and keeping your car in good, clean condition can actually help prevent accidents.

Another step to take before driving is to always fasten your seatbelt. Although you may not think wearing a seatbelt is cool, wearing one can actually save your life in the event of a crash. Also, make sure your headrest is set to a height so that it is behind your head - not your neck - which will help to minimize whiplash if you are involved in a crash. And if you are thinking: “I’m a good driver. I will never be in a crash,” then you have forgotten a major factor in the driving environment: other drivers. A good driver is one who is prepared for anything that may happen on the roads.

Once you decide that your vehicle is safe to operate, and you are safely secured inside your vehicle, you are ready to go! You should remember, however, that many dangers exist while the car is in motion. The following is a list of things to do - or not do - while operating a motor vehicle:

§ Obey all traffic lights and stop signs – come to a complete stop, and never run red lights

§ Even when a light is green, make sure the intersection is clear before proceeding

§ Obey the speed limit – speeding is a main cause of teen driving accidents

§ Don’t talk on your phone, send or read text messages, eat, or any similar activity while driving

§ Don’t play with your radio, CD player, or iPod while driving

§ Make sure that your music is played at a reasonable level so you don’t miss hearing a horn or siren

§ Watch out for others sharing the roadway (pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, etc.)

§ Stay alert of all traffic, road, and weather conditions – if it isn’t safe to drive, don’t!

§ Never - under any circumstances - drive if your body, mind or judgement has been compromised

Although driving can be a fun experience, driving can very quickly become the opposite of fun if you aren’t careful. So be aware of the dangers of driving, and also avoid all distractions while driving. Only so much of driving is under your control, which means you must always be on the lookout for potential dangers. Fortunately, teen driving accidents are preventable, so you should always be sure to do your part and be safe on the roads.

What You Will Learn In Your Drug & Alcohol Class

All first time drivers under the age of 18 in the state of Florida are all required to take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course, also known as TLSAE, D.A.T.A, Drug and Alcohol or Permit Course.

The reason for this course is simple - minors need to be aware of the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body and mind. Not only to make safe decisions for a healthy lifestyle, but to understand how it coressponds to the huge responsibility of getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Anything that can affect your ability to drive, should be understood.

So what will you learn about? Here are some example topics in the drug and alcohol class:

• Alcohol Absorption
• Blood Alcohol Concentration
• Marijuana
• Stimulants
• Hallucinogens
• Impaired Judgment and Muscle Coordination
• Decreased Heart Rate and Vision
• Slowed Reaction Time and Drowsiness
• Long-Term Effects on The Body
• Stimulants
• Narcotics
• Hallucinogens
• Antihistamines
• Pain Relievers
• Warning Labels
• Stress
• Dealing with Stress
• Fatigue
• Appropriate Attitude
• Consequences of Distracted Driving
• The Cost of Addiction
• Alcohol Related Crashes
• Costs to Society
• Alcohol Related Crashes
• Economic Costs
• Personal Costs
• Cost of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in The Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• The Risk to Sober Drivers from Drunk Drivers
• How Impaired Driver Action Affect Others
• Family Impact
• Physical Damage
• Emotional Damage

Preventing Drinking and Driving

• Physical Deterioration
• Effects on Family
• Effect of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse on the Driver of a Motor Vehicle
• Effects of Alcohol and Other Drugs

• Alcohol and Other Drug Absorption
• Drugs Do Not Affect All Users the Same Way
• Levels of Response
• Reduces Your Ability to Safely Operate a Motor Vehicle
• Common Misconceptions Resources

Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse on the Motor Skills and Vision of the Driver of a Motor Vehicle

Major Traffic Laws of Florida

Graduated Licensing and Insurance Requirements

• Drivers at Least 15 Years of Age
• Drivers Under 17 Years of Age
• Florida License Requirements
• School Attendance Requirement
• Required Forms of Identification
• Insurance Requirements
• Minimum Insurance Coverage
• If You Do Not Have the Minimum Insurance
• Alcohol Related Driving Laws

Safety Equipment

Basic-Driving Laws

Remember, the drug and alcohol permit course is to educate the first time driver on the effects drugs and alcohol can have on lifestyle, judgement and society, as well as the basics of motor vehcile operation. Even if you are not requried to complete the course, it is a great resource for drivers of any age.

Basic Florida Traffic Laws & Highway Safety

Before heading out on the road, there are some basic traffic rules and safety tips you need to learn. Although these do not cover all Florida laws, it's a good starter guide for the inexperienced driver.

Train Crossing - What do I do?
When you stop for the train, stop at least 15 feet from the track, this gives you a safe distance from the potential overhang of any of the freight cars hitting your car and dragging it after the train.

School Bus Stops
Here's a question that even experienced drivers still ask: When do I stop for a school bus? Well, for one, if the school bus has stopped on the road, you need to stop if you are traveling in the same direction as the school bus. If you are traveling in the opposite direction on the other side of a divided highway with an unpaved space of at least five feet or a raised median or a physical barrier you do not need to stop. In all other circumstances, you must stop. Remember that on a road with a center turn lane you would have to stop for a loading or unloading school bus traveling in the opposite direction.

Emergency Vehicles Approaching!
When an emergency vehicle sounding a siren approaches you, having at least one lighted red/white or blue/white lamp that is visible; a driver must yield the right of way. The driver must immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the nearest edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection and remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Keep a foot on the brake so the brake light lets the emergency vehicle driver know you have stopped. Use extreme caution around an emergency situation and follow the directions given by a police officer. Do not approach within 500 feet behind a fire engine vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren.

Road Work Ahead
Drivers must be alert to the changes to the roadway during construction or maintenance. Soft shoulders of the roadway should be avoided. These areas are marked when the pavement does not extend beyond the paved area. These areas can be comprised of dirt, grass, gravel or other materials. Additionally, the driver should be aware of areas where the pavement is in bad condition.

Children at Play
When you are driving through a school zone, playground or parks, a driver should be extremely cautious and reduce speed significantly. Posted speed limits around schools (15 mph or as posted) should be followed. 
What's the Speed Limit?
Drivers should be aware that speed limits apply when no visible or noticeable posts are around. In business or residential districts the speed limit is 30 mph unless otherwise posted. If no signs are posted on either the rural interstate limited access highway or the four-lane highway divided by a median strip, the default speed limit is 55 mph.

Distance Between You and the Car In Front of You
To determine if you are following at a safe distance, pick a landmark (a tree, sign, reflector etc.). As soon as the rear of the car you are following passes the landmark you have chosen, count: One thousand and one, one thousand and two. If the front of your vehicle has reached the landmark before you finish counting, you are too close. Back off and try the count until you have enough distance. This is called the two-second rule.

What is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving simply means being prepared for the worst and always being alert.

Driver Distractions
While driving, we are subject to many distractions, both inside and outside the motor vehicle. These distractions can reduce the driver's concentration on the driving task. Inside your vehicle, devices such as cell phones and stereos can interfere with driving. As of late the use of cell phones, especially texting, has led to many serious crashes. Don't text and drive.

Speeding is Dangerous
Whenever you double your speed, it takes about four times as much distance to stop and your vehicle will have four times the destructive power if it crashes. High speeds increase stopping distance greatly.
Who has the right of way? The law gives the right of way to no one. It only says who must yield (give up) the right of way. Every driver, motorcyclist, moped rider, bicyclist and pedestrian must do every thing possible to avoid a crash.

The Risk of IntersectionsIntersections are the scenes of some of the most devastating accidents. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when approaching and proceeding through intersections. Conflicting highways, vehicles making left and right turns and opposing signals all increase the collision potential at an intersection. A driver approaching a blind intersection shall do so with extreme caution and reduced speed. The driver shall yield the right of way whenever it is not safe or prudent for their vehicle to proceed through the intersection. The driver reaching the intersection at the same time as another vehicle shall yield the right of way to the vehicle traveling on a continuing highway.

Here are some resources for online driver education:
Traffic School - Can help lower your car insurance!
Driver Ed - Basic driver ed online for first time drivers.
DATA Course - TLSAE requirement to get your learner's permit

Getting Your Florida Driver's License

Ready to get your first license? A Florida learner's permit, or restricted license, is a license issued to drivers at least 15 years of age of have met the minimum requirements of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Those requirements include passing a written, hearing and vision exam, as well as completing a traffic law and substance abuse education course and a permit exam. Both which can be done online.

Here are the requirements in more detail:

• You must be at least 15 years old,
• Pass vision, road signs and road rules test,
• Have the signature of one parent or guardian on the consent form if you are under 18,
• Complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course like this one or have completed a Department of Education driver education course,
• Have two forms of identification,
• Have a social security number and
• Must be in compliance with school attendance (no more than 15 unexcused days absent from school in any 90-day period).

When you go to the driver license office you will need two forms of identification. There are two types of identification: primary and secondary identification. You must have one of the primary identifications and one of the secondary identifications. Primary identification are things like a United States birth certificate or a valid United States passport. Secondary identification would include things like a military or military dependent identification card, selective service registration card (draft card), marriage certificate or a Florida voter registration card. These are just examples.

 

One last thing to note is insurance!You are required in Florida to have minimum auto insurance coverage at all times while driving.

 

Don't get too stressed, most of that should have been settled by your parents or guardian. However, remember once you start driving it's a huge responsibility, so be careful, stay safe and enjoy your first privilege to drive!