Young Driver Defensive Driving Courses Help Change Attitudes
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death and injury and the cost of a single accident could easily exceed $1.4 million. Drivers ages 16 to 19 remain a major player in these wrecks as they are three times more likely than drivers 20 and older to be in a fatal crash. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for these teens. Signing your young adult up to take a Defensive Driving Course can help reduce teen driver collisions, and minimize the risk of roadway injuries and fatalities for all travelers sharing the road with them.
Alive at 25 Program Helps Young Drivers
Most driver training programs will focus on laws and road and vehicle handling, but some young driver courses will also focus on behavior, judgment and decision making. We suggest reviewing a program like the National Safety Council’s Alive at 25 defensive driving course for young adults. The four-hour interactive course is modular and split between 60-minute sessions (five-minute breaks in between) instructing drivers about the attitudes of personal responsibility and respectful decision making to ensure they are capable of making safe and legal driving decisions. The online course features provide:
- an interactive approach using balanced levels of information and learner-centered application activities
- appropriate media that reflect the participant needs and learning styles
- a variety of learning methods and media, such as realistic scenarios to enhance learning
- emphasis on knowledge and skills transfer
- integrated review and application of previously learned concepts
There are currently two Alive at 25 Training Centers in Michigan. We like the Alive at 25 Defensive Driving program because it focuses on crash prevention as well. Young drivers will learn crucial techniques such as:
- Avoiding distractions
- Being aware of reaction distance
- Employing the two-second rule for following distances
- Being aware of environment hazards
- Knowing your vehicle’s stopping distance
- Passing and necessary clear distance
- Properly handling railroad crossings
- Right of way
- Scanning the roadway and adapting to surroundings
- Sharing the road
- Speed adjustments
- Vehicle emergencies
Michigan already has a graduated licensing system to help young drivers identify high risk driving situations and learn how to become a responsible motorist. The two-step system focuses on increasing adult supervision and extending the educational requirements of the novice driver. Even with the program, Michigan residents under age 18 are still responsible for 6.7 percent of serious car crashes. Preparing your teen driver and educating them beyond regular, early-on drivers’ education courses can help save lives.
Have You Been Injured In a Crash?
Irresponsible drivers are often the cause of otherwise avoidable accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver or reckless driver, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses.
Call The Lee Steinberg Law Firm today for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced Michigan auto accident attorneys: 1-800-LEE-FREE.
