Tag: new driver

You’ve been honked at…

I was driving with Stuart doing exactly the speed limit in our drivers ed car with the big yellow sign on the roof, when someone behind us felt the need to honk at us. We were driving completely correctly, and honestly the speed limit is there for everyone, not just us. So, we have officially decided it is kind of a badge of honor to be honked at in the drivers ed car, as crazy as that sounds. We refuse to be made to feel like we are doing something wrong by driving correctly. So, Autumn, my class doodler took up the task of making me some amazing angry goose drawings that I had made into stickers. So now, if we get honked at for no apparent reason, my student gets a goose sticker on their folder. Gabe got the first one today for not pulling up to block an intersection even though the light was green. He stayed behind the barrier line, which was the correct thing to do, much to the dismay of the driver behind us. He got the first sticker!

Super Cool Bicycle People

Continuing our bicycle theme. Another fun moment from Main St. Texting while driving is illegal. Bicycles on the road are supposed to follow all the same rules as cars. They are supposed to stop at stop signs, signal their intention to turn, and I assume NOT text. Also, giant prolonged wheelies while swerving all over a busy road might not be my first choice, but to each their own.

Super Cool Bicycle People https://spark.adobe.com/video/vUc3RJlPvO4ro

DMV advice – lane changes

The DMV has let us know in the driver’s ed community about a few things we, as new drivers, could be doing better. One of the biggest issues they are seeing when new drivers are coming in for their tests, is lane changes. They wanted us to let you know that head checks are critical. They really want to see students with their heads on a swivel, looking all the way over that shoulder before they move. Please feel free to check out my earlier post on head checks to see how to do them properly. Just checking mirrors is not enough.

I recently had a student who went for her test, and in all her nerves, had a hard time with a lane change. She went through all her steps perfectly, checking her mirror, signally correctly, and doing a good head check all while maintaining her lane position and speed control. The problem was that she was so focused on the steps, she wasn’t processing what she was seeing during those steps. There was a car quite close in the lane she wanted to move into, and while thinking about the mechanics of those steps, she didn’t realize he was right there. When she started to move over, there was a loud honk from off her left shoulder. Make sure you are not just going through the motions, but really seeing what you need to .

We talked about how to fix this problem, and one of things we decided, was that if she was checking her rear view mirror regularly, then when it came time to go through her lane change steps, she wouldn’t have to be so nervous about someone being in her blind spot, She would already have a sense of whether or not there was a gap there. So, not waiting until the last minute to start checking her surroundings made her feel much more prepared when a lane change came up. We both felt that this was a good take-away both for her test and real-life driving. She passed the second time with flying colors and a lot more confidence.

Dog Cart

Look how cute this amazing dog is! The cart is empty, but I’m picturing it full of bright flowers, or lots of puppies. They got to the crosswalk and the owner stopped the dog, took out the leash and helped across the road, but this lovely dog was just calmly walking down the sidewalk next to the owner, looking happy as can be. Love Main St.

A mother’s love

A friend just posted a link to this blog and I have to share.

https://carriecariello.com/2019/01/07/it-could-be-my-son/?fbclid=IwAR1l9PPaAaXpbGBSk-7rK92yop1X38C_WMMeNO0Y3EHLGn4LdovQcP3GIsA

I’m moved to tears. As a mother, as a driver’s ed teacher, I cannot say how often I feel this exact same way about both my kiddo and each of my students.

The time of most danger is in the first year that new drivers have their licenses. It takes 5 years experience for a new driver to become average. I use that statistic a lot because it has such weight for me. Not five weeks, or months, five years. There is no way to get through those first five years other than to just get out there and keep driving. So we hold our breath as parents and teacher, and have faith. We trust that we have given them as much information as possible to help them make good choices with statistics, stories, movies, classroom instruction, and best practices demonstrated and tried. We trust that they have a good head on their shoulders to help them creative problem-solve. We trust they have quick reflexes that will help them. We trust that the pedestrians and drivers around them will make good choices that keep them out of harms way. We trust that they will have luck on their side and be able to learn from their mistakes, that are bound to happen, and make it through. Those of us who pray, pray.

Do everything you can to help them. Be a good role model, and show them how you can drive safely. Put the phone down, slow down, and don’t complain too much about people around you who make mistakes, it just makes them paranoid. Be a support, and point out what you are doing when, and why even before they can drive, so they can start to learn even before they have the stress of maneuvering a vehicle. Check up on them and let them know you are doing so. Hold them accountable for transgressions, so they understand the real consequences for mistakes.

Be kind, patient and courteous as a driver. Stay safe, and help these new drivers stay safe as well.