Spring 2021 is a lot different than Spring 2020; people are easing back into normal activity.
Normal activity means more activity on the roadways. Newly licensed drivers are hitting the road. Walkers, joggers, and bikers are exercising on the road. School busses are back in circulation.
With the influx of traffic after a pandemic-induced hiatus, it is important to review safe driving tips with all members of the family regardless of whether they are newly licensed or seasoned drivers.
Here are a few to consider:
- Do Not Tail Cars
This is called tailgating, and it does not refer to the pregame parties before football games. Tailgating means a driver is following the car in front of him too closely. Tailing cars too closely limits a driver’s ability to react appropriately if the car decides to make a sudden turn, lane shift, or stop abruptly. Drivers cannot assume that fellow drivers will allow proper time for these maneuvers or even use turn signals appropriately so proper distance between vehicles is necessary.
- Do Not Speed
Speeding provides a false sense of security; drivers believe they are getting to their destinations quicker than if they traveled the posted speed limits. It is debatable whether they really are, but speeding can be costly for other reasons. Exceeding posted speed limits gives the driver inadequate time to react if he needs to brake, swerve, or slow down for pedestrians or other cars. Speeding also can lead to speeding tickets issued by police which cost time and money.
- Keep Cellphones Out of Sight
Cell phones are wonderfully convenient in most circumstances, but they can be an enormous distraction while driving. Texting, scrolling social media, and looking at emails are all dangerous activities behind the wheel because they take the driver’s vision and attention off the road. Newer cars do have blue-tooth capability which helps with making calls in a hands-free manner, but cellphones in general can distract drivers from their surroundings.
- Stop for School Bus Red Blinking Lights
When the school bus has its flashing red lights on, it means the driver needs to stop. Do not try to drive around or by the lights. Normally, a stop sign pops out of the side to accompany the lights. Yes, it can take a long time for kids to get on and off the bus, but drivers simply need to wait patiently.
- Stop for Railroad Crossing Red Lights
As with the school bus, drivers sometimes believe they have time to scurry past the red lights of a railroad crossing. This is never a good idea. It is not worth the risk of putting a vehicle in the path of a moving train.
All of these are common sense reminders. Remembering and implementing them could save lives. Too many times, split-second driving mistakes cause catastrophic and traumatic injuries. Be mindful, careful, and safe.
From all of us at Keystone-Deibler, Straub & Troutman Insurance we hope you remain safe and healthy as we hop into Spring of 2021 and, as always, we are here and ready to assist residents of E-ville, Halifax, Millersburg, Line Mountain, Upper Dauphin, and the surrounding area with all their home and car insurance needs.
