Scenario

On Thin Ice

Leaving work, Miranda noticed that the rain had turned into a steady sleet. Driving home, as she pressed on the brake at a stop sign, the rear of her car started to slide towards the vehicles parked along the road.

Panicking, she slammed her foot on the brake and turned the wheel the other direction, causing her car to ram into the side of a BMW.

How should have Miranda handled her vehicle to avoid the accident?

Stop and ask yourself:

If your vehicle starts to slide or skid, will you be prepared to make that split-second decision to turn in the correct direction and apply your brakes appropriately?

Drinking and Driving

Noticing that his designated driver was downing the beers, Luke decided to quit drinking so he could drive everyone home safely. Two hours later, Luke was confident that he was sober and climbed into the driver’s seat.

On the way home, the car in front of him slowed down to turn into a driveway. Luke was unable to react quickly enough and slammed into the back of the turning car.

Instead of driving home, what should have Luke done?

Stop and ask yourself:

How much alcohol is "too much" when it comes to drinking and driving?

Texting While Driving

Normally Samantha didn’t text when driving, but this one was from Blake, the guy she met last weekend. Texting back, she didn’t notice her car drift to the left side of the road. Looking up, she saw a vehicle in the other lane heading directly toward her.

Was the text really that important?

Stop and ask yourself:

How often do you and your friends text or call on your cell phones while driving?

What should you do with your phone when you drive?

Deer in the Headlights

Driving home from the movies one evening, Amber was carefully watching the road and checking her surroundings while her friends chatted in the background. Despite her precautions, a deer suddenly popped out in front of her car.

Wanting to avoid hitting it, she quickly steered right. Although she missed the deer, the vehicle headed right into the ditch.

When an animal runs out in front of your vehicle, how should you react?

Stop and ask yourself:

If you are involved in an accident, do you know what needs to be done next? Who do you call? How do you handle any injuries?

Too Close for Comfort

Basketball practice had lasted longer than usual, and Jon was anxious to get home to study for his chem test tomorrow. Frustrated that the pickup in front of him was going a leisurely 45 mph, Jon rode right up on its tail, hoping to prod the driver into going faster.

Instead, the backlights came on as the driver prepared to turn onto the next road. Jon was unable to slow down in time and crashed into the back of the pickup.

How much distance should you allow between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you?

Stop and ask yourself:

How often do you drive when you are in a hurry, frustrated, or upset? How does it affect your driving performance?

Next Section