In recent years, driving, which has long been a standard way of life, has been the source of many national campaigns. Why? In great part because the new generation of driver is much more distracted than those who came before him and in greater need of driver education. While the leaps taken in technology have undoubtedly made our lives easier and more entertaining, there are also risks that come with such dependence on mobile devices. Furthermore, a generation that is constantly on the move – for work and for fun – is more prone to climb behind the wheel in unsafe conditions. That does not refer only to intoxication, but also to extreme fatigue.
While none of these driving behaviors are ever safe, overall driving risk can be mitigated by teaching proper driving techniques. Unfortunately, teens are not the only ones facing busy schedules, sleepless nights, and many hours logged in travel. Their parents are just as likely to be running at this fast pace, as they attempt to compete in an ever-changing business world. That leaves little time for driver education, increasing the need for a more formal education.
Driving is a difficult task, though we may not always recall that. After driving for years, the task can feel as natural as walking, but that is not the case for those just climbing behind the wheel. There is a lot that must be accomplished from the driver’s seat, which is an important fact to recall as you take to the St. Petersburg roads with a teen driver behind the wheel. Above and beyond the obvious physical demands of judging space, speed, and distance, while reacting to all three, there is also a large social aspect.
Teaching the basics of steering, braking, turning, etc., there is also the need for education regarding driving etiquette. Who goes first when two cars are stopped at Saint Petersburg intersections? When is it appropriate to change lanes to accommodate merging traffic or fast approaching vehicles? These are just two of the many questions that can be answered in drivers’ education courses. Additionally, these classes help reinforce the importance of putting the phone down, of being fully awake behind the wheel, and always avoiding the use of any substance that could alter a person’s driving ability.
Florida mandates that all new drivers spend some time in the classroom. Before a license will be issued, a driver must clock time in some sort of drivers’ education course. Often those offered at Florida school districts will suffice, but that is not always the case, and this fact should be checked with the school board. For those who do not have the luxury of such a program within the school, there are Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Courses. These courses are becoming increasingly handy for students, with much of the written education taking place online.
It is important to recall that drivers’ education courses are meant to supplement regular driving practice with a parent or other trusted adult. They cannot fully replace such efforts. A driver operating under a learner’s license is not legally permitted to apply for an operator’s license until he or she has clocked 50 hours behind the wheel alongside an adult 21 years or older.
These steps toward properly educating the future drivers of this country can also help prevent future roadside accidents. Remember, a personal injury attorney can help you collect the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and repair bills, but this only applies if someone else was at fault in the accident. Furthermore, even the best lawyers cannot heal permanent injuries or bring a loved one back to life. Isn’t it worth investing your time into properly educating your teen?