The Safe Driver

Things drivers do that make you go… hmmm

Raising kids has taught me a lot. When my kids were very young they would often do or say things that made me laugh, made me cry and above all, made me think. Relating this to driving, which is something I always tend to do, there are things I see from drivers that make me laugh, make me cry (almost) and especially make me go…hmmm.

It’s no secret drivers get confused or distracted while driving. The latest “Pokémon Go” craze not only has kids walking around the streets with their eyes glued to their phones, but it’s transferring to drivers too. Recently, after 3 o’clock in the morning, a driver was pulled over by police because they were driving erratically. When the officer approached the driver, they were playing Pokémon Go. Seriously? Here’s the article http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pokemon-go-vaughan-1.3713306 This just makes you want to say… hmmm.

Reading is very good thing to do (especially these articles). Having a place to put your books can seem troubling at times, but leaving them on the back window ledge of your vehicle, as this driver did isn’t the place. Kind of makes you go hmmm. Those items, which are not secured, can become projectiles if the driver suddenly stops or has to make a quick turn. Those items can easily fly off the ledge and into the head of passengers. If you like to read and find time sitting in your parked vehicle, keep the books secured…such as in the trunk.

Keeping your passengers relaxed as you drive is a good thing. It’s important they have confidence in your abilities as a driver. However, I seem to see more front seat passengers place their feet up on the dashboard as the vehicle travels along the road. Any idea what type of injuries the passenger could receive if an airbag went off? Take a look at this and tell me if it’s okay to do this; http://www.littlethings.com/feet-on-dashboard-car-crash/ Kind of makes you want to go…hmmm.

Then there was the passenger who left their food on the roof of the vehicle. Hmmm. It was in a take-out container. They were driving behind me so at the red light I quickly got out of my vehicle and told them they left their food on the roof. A little embarrassed, but none-the-less the passenger got out and removed their food. No one really likes tossing their lunch, right? Hmmm.

These are just a few things that made me go…hmmm. I know life keeps us busy and we lose focus from time to time, but driving safely deserves our focus. You owe it to yourself, your family…and to your passengers to stay focused and be a safe driver.