The Important Driving Statistics You Should Know About

Some people think that they don’t really need to hear about the recent driving statistics when it comes to driving in general. What they seem to mis...

 

Some people think that they don’t really need to hear about the recent driving statistics when it comes to driving in general. What they seem to miss out on is the fact that these statistics can give accurate data regarding road accidents and mishaps. These unfortunate circumstances then determine the life expectancy of drivers worldwide. This is where these figures come in handy. Here are the driving statistics that you should know about.

Back in 2004, driving statistics show that car collisions are responsible for 1.2 million deaths all over the world. This is just 2.2% of the overall death counts that year. Although this is quite a small percentage, the 1.2 million is already a large number of people. To think that car collisions are avoidable at certain times, this just makes this number unreasonable and outlandish.

This is why in 2004; road accidents became the leading cause of death among children between the ages of 10 to 19. It has been reported that in that year alone, car collisions were able to take the lives of 260, 000 children worldwide. If these statistics can show one thing, it’s the fact that the innocent passengers are gravely at risk.

On the other hand, 50 million people, 10 million of which are children, were reported to have incurred injuries due to car collisions. Although it is more than the number of deaths, this driving statistics does not make road collisions any better.

The driving statistics are not just limited to cars or trucks. In 2005, 271, 017 people got killed because of motorcycle accidents in Great Britain alone.

The most alarming thing about these driving statistics is that it predicts horrible figures in the coming years. Driving statistics experts say that by the year 2020, road accidents will be the leading cause of deaths all over the world. It will make AIDS/STD look like a normal flu when it comes to fatality.

Knowing the recent driving statistics is very important. Not only can it tell the future of car users, it can also tell the things that drivers and passengers should avoid.

Road Safety 101: How to Properly Learn Driving

 

Although road accidents are rampant in Hollywood today, don’t ever think that they are cool. Keep in mind that it is very important to learn driving the right way in order to avoid these mishaps. Although actual driving can be a little tough especially for rookies, that should not stop you from learning how to drive properly. Here are some tips to help you learn driving quickly and effectively.

Get a lot of on-hand experience. You should learn driving by the gesture of your hands and feet, the lecture of someone that you think is a good driver. Make sure that once you want to learn driving, you already have a car that you can use for practice. Learn driving as much as you can.

Don’t expect to learn driving within one day. You should take your pace and make sure that before you take that driver’s test, you are well prepared with all the right knowledge. If you think that you need more time to learn driving, then allot more time to learn it. Don’t push yourself too hard or else you will end up not knowing what to do at the day of the driver’s test and eventually fail.

Choose the right person that you would want to learn driving from wisely. Choose the one that will always put safety first before looking cool. Try to get someone who has years and years of experience when it comes to driving. You might have lots of fun if you learn driving through your best friend. However, you might end up not knowing a single thing about road safety. When it comes to driving instructors, choose the one that has the best reputation in your area.

The key is to learn driving by heart. You should remember that driving instincts don’t kick in as early as you want them to. Also, the only way for them to kick in is for you to drive as much as you can. Also, keep in mind that even if your older siblings or your parents were able to learn driving by heart immediately, it does not mean that you will to.

Road Safety 101: Driving Violations

 

If you want to stay out of jail because of cars, then you should not just stop at not thinking of stealing one. You should also be aware of the different driving violations that you can incur at any given time. Here are some of the most common driving violations that you should be aware of and you should be on the look out for.

Parking violations – They might be the most minor type of driving violations, but they are actually quite common. You won’t go to jail for these offenses however, if you do not pay the fee, you will definitely get some jail time for not paying.

Moving – Not following road signs and swerving should never be brushed to the side. You should remember that road signs are there to save you. This is why should always read them before deciding to turn to a corner or making a u-turn. Always be on the look out for them and always read them without taking your eyes off the road completely of course.

Driving over the speed limit – Going over the speed limit is very common in all states and countries. However, always remember that the only person that can avoid this driving violation is you. Be responsible enough to look at your speedometer at all times. This violation can lead to serious charges and even to an arrest and jail time.

These driving violations might look minor. However, if these violations turn into something that can harm you or someone else, then you are in big trouble. This is why you should always be on the look out for all driving violations no matter how many years of driving you have on your hands.

Although these driving violations should not be taken lightly, Driving under the influence of either alcohol or inappropriate drugs definitely takes the cake for the worst driving violations. You are not just putting your life at risk; you are also putting the lives of innocent people on the streets in big jeopardy. Once you have ingested any amount of alcohol or any kind and amount of drug that may cause you not to think straight, just don’t drive.

Road Safety 101: Driving Laws

 

If you want to avoid traffic violations, tickets and possible jail time, you have one other option other than not driving at all. That is none other than being aware of the driving laws that are currently in effect. Although driving laws differ from state to state, each law has a bottom line which is applicable in all states. Here is a quick overview of the driving laws that you should always keep in mind especially if you’re on the road.

Receiving a traffic violation ticket is not necessarily a bad thing. If you accept the ticket and agree to go to traffic school or take online traffic courses, then your traffic violation won’t reflect on your driving record. Insurance companies and banks will not be able to see them. However, always remember that one course in traffic school can only cover one traffic violation so don’t get any ideas.

Although going to traffic school will make your driving record clean, you are not completely off the hook. The Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV keeps track of all your traffic violations. One thing that is consistent about driving laws is that the DMV is going to be the one to assess your violation points. However, the violation points that you will receive will depend on the type of your license.

The DMV is not the only one that has the power to suspend your driving license if you break certain driving laws. In certain cases, a presiding court judge can also suspend your license or in some cases, revoke it completely, if you don’t follow driving laws.

Going over the speed limit will always be considered speeding no matter where you are. Different roads have different speed limits which is why you should always be on the look out for signs that tell the speed limit.

If you don’t stop at a red light, that will always be a violation as well.

Another thing worth remembering about driving laws is that zero tolerance applies to any drug and alcohol related traffic violations. Aside from that, this policy also applies to those who refuse to take chemical tests.

Intense Driving Courses: What Are They?

 

If you’re thinking of learning how to drive, then by now you would have already heard the term intense driving courses. And if you already heard a thing or two about this term, then you’re probably on your way to enroll in these courses. However, before deciding, it will definitely do you no harm to read first about intense driving courses. Here are some of the things that you should know.

Intense driving courses are short driving classes that you can take before your driver’s test. Not unlike other driving courses, these classes are very short. There are certain driving schools who offer one to two weeks of intense driving courses. For five days week, you will be learning how to drive for around three to five hours a day. The schedule, the number of hours per day, the number of days a week and the length of the entire intense driving course totally depends on the driving school.

This is definitely a good idea for those people who need to learn how to drive immediately. Aside from saving you from all the effort, you will also get to save a lot of time. However, intense driving courses also have cons. One of the biggest cons is that if you cannot keep up with the pace of the lessons, then you have to make an adjustment because they certainly won’t adjust for you.

This is why if you’re thinking of enrolling in one, think of these things first. The first thing to think about is whether you are a fast learner or not. These classes can be as long as two weeks or as short as a number of days. Don’t put anybody’s life at risk by enrolling in a driving class that you wouldn’t be able to keep up with.

Make sure that the school that you are going to enroll in is reputable. Also, it is best to make sure that you are only going to have one tutor all throughout your class and you are his or her only student. These intense driving courses need focus and concentration both from the student and the driving instructor.

Driving Theory

 

Driving is an important skill that must be taken seriously since thousands of motorists accidents happen all around the world. In 2004 alone, the World Health organization reported that no less than a million people died from road accidents and this involved children between the ages of 10-19 years old. This record shows that most young motorists need to strengthen their driving theory since it is the key to creating safer roads. Safety is a primary concern in driving that is why it is necessary to pass a driving exam in order to get a license. The driving exam is composed of a theory test and a practical test. The driving theory test measures the driver’s basic concepts in recognizing road signs and other internationally recognized traffic signs. The theory test is usually composed of two parts: a) Multiple-choice test b) Hazard perception test. Sound knowledge of driving theory equips the examinee in passing a significant portion of the test. In the hazard perception test, the driver would be watching video clips of potential situations that could be hazardous for both drivers and pedestrians. Hazardous instances in driving could be in the form of unexpected crossing of pedestrians (such as children running in the streets), parked cars, vehicles moving in awkward manner or direction, and other instances of such. The main objective of this part of the exam is to test the driver’s potential to determine possible hazards while driving. The key to passing this test is a good understanding of driving theory applied to actual situations.

While common sense or good intuition can enhance driving situations, observing rules and respecting road signs contribute more to road safety. Driving theory emphasizes the importance of no overtaking in certain roads since this pose higher risk for most drivers. Usually, drivers overtake without observing the rules such as not looking far ahead if there is an incoming vehicle on the opposite lane. Worse, many drivers stay too close to the vehicle they intend to overtake resulting to diminished visibility in the opposite lane. This careless acts result to head-on collisions leading to fatalities. The driving theories may seem simple but they are basic and crucial in driving safely. For this reason, one must pass the driving theory test before taking the practical test. If a driver cannot recall basic guidelines in driving, he might as well be better off the road.

Driving Terms That You Should Know

 

If you’re new to driving, it’s very easy to get confused will all the new driving terms that you have to learn. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced driver, getting certain driving terms mixed up is also very likely to happen. However, for both problems, there is only one solution, know the driving terms that are most commonly used. Here are some of them.

Aggressive Driving – is the driving term used to give name to one or more traffic offenses.
Angle Parking – an angled parking space designed to accommodate more cars.
Blind Spots – certain places such as roads or zones that is not visible to the driver in the rear view mirror or side mirrors.
Carpool Lanes – these are the lanes that are reserved for public vehicles such as buses and cars that have two or more passengers.
Double Parking – an illegal and improper way of parking your car in which you are blocking the way of others cars that are properly parked thus making them stuck.
Emergency Flasher – also called hazard lights, these lights are turned on whenever the driver is in need of help or are in any sort of emergency.
Emission Testing – this type of testing is done in certified stations in order to test the fumes that your car is emitting.
Over steering – this driving term is used whenever you steer your steering wheel too fast or too much.
Parallel Parking – this is the type of parking style where in you have to park between two cars next to a curb.
Perpendicular Parking – this type of parking on the other hand required cars to be parked beside each other.
School Zone – this driving term does not simply refer to zones near schools. In these zones, the speed limit is only 15-25mph.
Tailgating – this driving term means driving too close to a car. This can cause an accident which is why you should avoid tailgaters at all cost. Let them pass you by or change lanes.

There are lots of driving terms that are currently being used. Although they change from time to time, always remember that you always have to be aware of these changes.

Driving Techniques: What You Should and Should Not Practice

 

It is simply not enough that you know how to start a car before you take it out on a busy road. You should also be aware of the driving techniques that you should and should not do. This is because if you don’t use the right driving techniques to look cool, you’ll definitely get busted. And, if you use the wrong driving techniques unknowingly, it can still send you to jail and your car to the pound.

The best driving techniques that you can learn are the defensive driving techniques. These driving techniques are guaranteed to keep your car scratch-less for a very long time and extend your life span for many, many years.

Defensive driving techniques are all about putting your safety first. Always remember that you should prioritize your safety instead of your ego and pride. Remember that car collisions are only cool on TV shows and movies but will never be cool in real life especially if you’re involved.

One of the essences of these techniques is to always assume the worst. When driving, always remember to think of the worst thing that can happen before you cut in front of this car or if you drive a little faster than what is necessary. Don’t rely on luck.

Another important essence of this driving technique is to never space out. Always have presence of mind when driving. Even if there are no cars around or even if there are no people on the streets that could cross to the other side at any time, always stay alert. If you’re starting to feel sleepy, turn on the radio and sing your heart out. If you are starting to feel sleepier and sleepier, stop the car at an appropriate place and take a quick nap before going back to the road.

One of the best defensive driving techniques that you can learn is not to dive too fast or even too slow. Driving too slow can also cause road accidents. It can also be the cause of road rage so make sure that you are driving at the appropriate speed at all times.

Driving Instructors

 

Learning how to drive is one of the basic skills that young people would want to acquire all over the world. There are many driving schools offering lessons that would hopefully make a driver pass the required test needed in acquiring a driver’s license. Nevertheless, one factor that contributes in passing the test is having a good driving instructor. What are driving instructors? For one, they are definitely a notch higher than ordinary drivers since they need to undergo rigorous training, testing, and accreditation. In the United Kingdom, they are often referred to as Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). An ADI must pass several levels of testing before he can be fully registered according to the standards by the Driving Standards Agency. No individual can charge for services of teaching driving in UK unless he is an ADI, violating this law can end up being prosecuted by the law. At first, individuals planning to become driving instructors should be at least 21 years of age but this must include experience in driving a vehicle for at least three years. Technically, one can be apply for ADI when he/she is at least 24 years old.

Experience is important since driving styles would be evaluated during the exam. On top of this, driving instructors must have also passed a qualification exam that includes theory test and practical application; however, it must be kept in mind that the tests are much more difficult than the usual driver’s test. A would be ADI would need to pass the theory test first before undergoing two practical tests within a year after passing the theory examination. The good news about such training is that the government does provide free tuition to those who are interested. This makes people want to become driving instructors since there are a lot of job opportunities for ADI. Drivers working as chauffeur in most private organizations or rich families are compensated well. Another advantage of becoming a driving instructor is that one possesses a good background record well-sought by employers. Usually, a person who wants to be an accredited driving instructor must not have any criminal records no matter how petty they maybe. So if one is an accredited driving instructor, then he has a clean background. For further inquiries about this career, contact the government agency in charge of regulating drivers. Each country has its own regulations in accrediting driving instructors.

Defensive driving course

 

Driving is a necessary skill that must be acquired since almost every home has a car. In cases of emergency, driving skills are important since the driver himself may be sick requiring you to take the driver’s seat instead. However, driving is not enough since many people experience accidents on the road due to careless driving resulting to physical injury, loss of limbs or even death. It is then important as driver to enroll in a defensive driving course which is often offered by driving schools or even universities. It must be emphasized that defensive driving courses are not the usual beginner’s driving lessons. For one to be able to take this driving course, he/she must pass the basic requirements such as having a license. While some people enroll in this course to get an insurance discount others want to have their ticket dismissed. Usually a defensive driving course is attuned to existing driving laws mandated by the state. This means that a person with a commercial driver’s license is not eligible for dismissing tickets even if they have attended this defensive driving course. Everyone who has a driving license is welcome to enroll in this course. In fact, modules are even offered in Spanish so that more people can attend the training. Classroom training is of a defensive driving course is very beneficial since students and instructors can highly interact. For those who are constrained by either time or location, there are also online instructional defensive driving courses as well modules on CD or DVD format.

As mentioned before, a defensive driving course is not just for beginners; in fact, it is highly advisable to people who are experienced in driving. The course is more intensive and covers no less than 30 hours of class time to ensure that topics such as driving in hazardous weather conditions are covered. Learning by doing is usually the theme of a defensive driving course since students must watch around 7 hours of video on how to drive defensively. Later, the participants would show the knowledge gained by applying it in their driving demonstration. The practice driving is around 7 hours also which translates to enhanced driving skills in certain conditions. Indeed, enrolling in a defensive driving course would not only make people better drivers but safer motorists.