· While you should always be aware of your surroundings, keep an especially keen eye around dusk and dawn. These are the periods of time when deer crossings occur most often. It can also be more difficult to see at dusk or dawn, since it is neither completely light or dark outside.
· One of the best ways to avoid deer collisions is to drive at a safe speed, especially in areas with deer warning signs. These signs are strategically placed in areas known to be frequented by wildlife. Follow the speed limit and you’ll give yourself enough time to react should a deer or any other animal cross your path.
· Whenever possible, use your high-beams when driving in areas with wildlife. Not only will they provide the light necessarily to see the road, but they can also help illuminate a deer’s eyes from afar, giving you proper warning. Flashing your lights at other drivers can alert them to a deer’s presence, but do so with caution, so not to distract them.
· If you do come across a dear, firmly apply your brakes, but try not to slam on them or swerve into another lane. While deer collisions are extremely dangerous, drivers losing control of their car to avoid them can be just as deadly.
· You could consider investing in one of the “deer whistle” products. These whistles emit ultra-sonic noise when driving over a specific speed and they are supposedly only audible to animals. Unfortunately, studies have shown them to be largely ineffective at minimizing accidents.
· Should you see a deer getting ready to cross the road or one that is already in the middle of it, loudly honk your vehicle’s horn. This will scare most deer and they’ll quickly make their way back into the woods. It also helps alert other drivers nearby to the situation.
· Finally, always keep an eye on the vehicles in front of you. Be prepared to stop suddenly, as there’s no telling when a herd may decide to cross, forcing the drivers in front of you to slam on their brakes.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monitor Your Teen's Driving
Automobile accidents are easily the leading cause of death for teenagers across America, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For both genders, drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 have the highest average annual crash and traffic violation rates of any other age group. NHTSA data also show that unaccompanied 16- and 17-year-olds crash nine times more often than adults.
Research indicates that young novice drivers tend to underestimate the crash risk in hazardous situations. Teen drivers also tend to take more risks while driving, partly due to their overconfidence in their driving abilities. One way for parents to reduce their teen's chances of being involved in an auto accident is to use technology to monitor their driving characteristics and provide appropriate feedback.
A number of "black box" products are now available on the marketplace to facilitate monitoring drivers. These small devices (often the size of a pager and starting at around $280) can be simply installed into the auto your teen drives by plugging them into the Vehicle Data Link Connector (on 1996 and new vehicles). They can detect and record your teen's speed, aggressive driving such as "jack-rabbit" takeoffs, failure to wear a seat belt, unsafe backing techniques, driving locations, monthly mileage, and driving times. Thus, if your teen's curfew is at midnight and they get home at 1:00 a.m., you will know it.
With some of these products, you can simply pop the memory card out of the "black box" and plug it into your PC to display the reports and graphs. You can then review the results with your teenager, providing a great educational opportunity based on solid, technology-driven evidence. Research indicates that this type of monitoring and coaching pays off big dividends in the form of safer teen driving. Numerous companies offer these products in the marketplace, with some of the more sophisticated ones costing upwards of $1,000. A few insurers offer discounts for families who utilize these devices.
Copyright 2010
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
Research indicates that young novice drivers tend to underestimate the crash risk in hazardous situations. Teen drivers also tend to take more risks while driving, partly due to their overconfidence in their driving abilities. One way for parents to reduce their teen's chances of being involved in an auto accident is to use technology to monitor their driving characteristics and provide appropriate feedback.
A number of "black box" products are now available on the marketplace to facilitate monitoring drivers. These small devices (often the size of a pager and starting at around $280) can be simply installed into the auto your teen drives by plugging them into the Vehicle Data Link Connector (on 1996 and new vehicles). They can detect and record your teen's speed, aggressive driving such as "jack-rabbit" takeoffs, failure to wear a seat belt, unsafe backing techniques, driving locations, monthly mileage, and driving times. Thus, if your teen's curfew is at midnight and they get home at 1:00 a.m., you will know it.
With some of these products, you can simply pop the memory card out of the "black box" and plug it into your PC to display the reports and graphs. You can then review the results with your teenager, providing a great educational opportunity based on solid, technology-driven evidence. Research indicates that this type of monitoring and coaching pays off big dividends in the form of safer teen driving. Numerous companies offer these products in the marketplace, with some of the more sophisticated ones costing upwards of $1,000. A few insurers offer discounts for families who utilize these devices.
Copyright 2010
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
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