Numbers Speak for Themselves

The report states that “88% of young millennials engaged in at least one risky behavior behind the wheel in the past 30 days…” These risky behaviors include texting while driving, running red lights, and speeding. This generation is highly connected digitally, resulting in more distracted drivers. In this era of “smart technology,” in-car infotainment systems allow drivers to use connected devices while driving. Several other dangerous driving behaviors also factor into this study.

Survey Findings

The survey of 2,511 drivers from August 25 – September 6 reported the following findings:

• Traffic deaths increased by 7% to 35,092 in 2015. This is the largest single-year increase in nearly 50 years.
• Millennials acknowledged sending texts or emails while driving.
• Nearly half of Millennials admitted to running red lights when they could have stopped safely.
• Almost 12% of Millennials thought it was acceptable to drive 10 mph over the posted speed limit in a school zone.
• 2.5% of drivers admitted driving within an hour of using alcohol or marijuana.

David Yang, AAA Foundation’s executive director, says, “Alarmingly, Millennial Drivers ages 19 to 24 believe their dangerous behavior is acceptable.” He continues, “It’s critical these drivers understand the potentially deadly consequences of engaging in these behaviors. They must change their behavior and attitudes to reverse the growing number of fatalities on U.S. roads.” This report serves as a shock to some but a warning to all to practice safer driving habits.

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Everyone knows about bad driving habits: texting while driving, driving drowsy, etc. But, what are some good driving habits that can keep you out of the repair shop? After hearing thousands of auto collision stories, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 good driving habits to prevent accidents.

1. Avoid cell phone use.

This is an obvious one. Studies suggest that using a cell phone while driving, not just texting and driving, can quadruple your risk of being involved in a crash. Working in an auto repair shop, we believe this statistic to be true. It’s also been stated that using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving with a .08 blood alcohol level.

2. Adjust your car mirrors.

Easy enough! We were all taught to do this during driver’s ed, but we shrugged it off. Yeah, yeah adjust my mirrors, okay. But eliminating blind spots is extremely important for safe driving. Check out the link to discover the most accurate way to adjust your mirrors.

3. Avoid driving in a hot car.

This tip sounds a bit strange, but you can get very distracted driving in a hot car. The discomfort causes frustration. You’re uncomfortable. You’re hot. You may even be a little sleepy from the heat. It adds up. To avoid this scenario, simply roll your windows down all the way when you get into your hot, parked car. We would even go as far as opening and closing your car door a few times to get some circulation going. When parking under the scorching sun, the inside of your vehicle can get up to 172 degrees.

4. Keep your keychain light.

Too much weight on your ignition can be a problem. The ignition switch maintains an electrical circuit. If your keys are excessively heavy, it can break the circuit. This means that your car can actually shut off while you’re driving!

5. Avoid eating and drinking.

A light snack and a sip of your drink at a stoplight is ok. However, trying to eat a full meal on the go can be incredibly distracting. If you’re starving, you shouldn’t be driving anyway. This can be a major distraction in itself. If you need to eat, pull over and scarf it down. If you’re eating while driving, and drop some food or spill a drink, you’ll inevitably take your eyes off the road.

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Auto collisions are around us every day. We travel the road, sometimes across cities, to commute to work, shop and play. And everyday there’s an auto collision or two on the route that you frequently take. You think to yourself, “Thank goodness, that wasn’t me,” as you pass by. But the truth is, it could’ve been you. No one wants to think about getting in an auto accident, or the aftermath of dealing with it. You may need medical attention, you have to talk to the police and call your insurance company. It can turn into a huge headache that everyone wants to avoid. Here are some ways that you can.

1. Limit distractions.
A majority of auto collisions happen due to distracted driving. Avoid any activities that may take your eyes off of the road including using your cell phone or fiddling with the radio. Wait until you are parked. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

2. Don’t drive while drowsy.
It’s been proven that driving while tired or drowsy is the equivalent of driving while intoxicated. If you need to drive a long distance, take frequent breaks. And if you feel that you’re too tired to drive safely, stop driving and take a nap.

3. Anticipate turn signal use.
Don’t wait until the last second to signal. Other drivers will not have time to react to a last minute blinker. When changing lanes or getting off at an exit, turn on your signal early. This will give other drivers enough time to anticipate your next move.

4. Don’t get road rage.
Driving in traffic can get extremely frustrating. But, getting angry will only inhibit your driving skills. When you’re in traffic with aggressive drivers, take a breather. It’s not worth retaliating.

5. Avoid driving at night.
Visibility is extremely impaired at night. If you can avoid it, stay at home. There are also more drowsy and drunk drivers on the road at night.

Even with these tips, you can’t always avoid an auto collision. But, the best thing you can do is be a conscientious driver. And hope that if you’re doing your part, that others are, too.

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Hampton Roads is full of traffic. Most people commute for work. Driving through each city poses different challenges due to traffic and constant construction. It can be overwhelming at times. Before hitting the streets, consider these driving tips to keep you safe out there.

1. The best thing you can do before getting out on the road is familiarizing yourself with directions. Limit the amount of times you need to glance at your GPS. Driving on the highway especially can leave you vulnerable to sudden stops. Driving through the city increases your chance of having to avoid pedestrian traffic.

2. Look out for one-way streets. There’s nothing worse than driving through an unfamiliar area and realizing that you’re on the wrong side of the road! Cities are full of one-way streets. Be mindful of them to avoid making a sudden last minute swerve.

3. Research driving laws. Surprisingly, not all traffic laws are posted on street signs. It’s best to look these up to ensure that you’re not making an illegal right turn at a red light.

4. Look at for bicyclists. They are commuters, too and they have the right of way. Be sure to yield to them in traffic and look out for bikers when making turns and changing lanes.

5. Sharpen your parallel parking skills. Finding parking in the city can be challenging. Sometimes, your best option is to parallel park. It can be intimidating parking with traffic piling up behind you. Brushing up on your skills can make parking in the city much easier.

6. Keep change in your car. Most tolls are done by taking a picture of your license plate and billing you, but you never know when you might need change for a toll or parking meter.

Ultimately, the best driving tip we can offer is to remain calm and patient in traffic. Take your time. It’s the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

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