Friday, April 27, 2007

Parent-taught drivers

As the publisher of an ebook on defensive driving you may think that I would be totally against parents as driving instructors, but not really. I think if the parent or guardian follows the guidelines I've listed below, then it could work out quite well.

Also, I have written an article on parents teaching their teens, full of helpful information. Just click on the link: http://www.ultimate-driver-training.com/parent_teen_instruction.html

  • Realize you will need a lot of patience
  • Be careful of harsh criticism
  • Use a book on driving instruction as a guide
  • Also use the drivers handbook provided by the DMV
  • Be aware that you have bad habits
  • Be careful not to pass these bad habits on to your teen
  • If you're not sure about something, don't guess

If you click on the following link you will be able to read about my defensive driving course which includes 3 bonus ebooks. These ebooks will help you immensely as an instructor, and your teenager will learn life- saving defensive driving techniques. The bonus ebook entitled "Pass your road test the first time" is filled with valuable information on passing a road test.


Parent-taught drivers more accident prone

By GORDON DICKSONgdickson@star-telegram.com
Parents may be their child’s first teachers, but they aren’t necessarily good driver’s ed instructors.

Teen-agers taught to drive by their parents are nearly three times more likely to be involved in serious accidents than young drivers taught by professionals, a study unveiled Thursday by the Texas Transportation Institute concludes.

Since 1997, Texas moms and dads have had the option of teaching their kids how to drive using state-approved curriculum, rather than relying upon public or private driving schools.

“What this research means is that the very popular Parent-Taught Driver Education Program may not be the wisest public policy for Texas and is not in the best interest of traffic safety,” TTI researcher Val Pezoldt said in a statement.

“This is not to say that all parents are poor driving instructors,” he said. “But the evidence suggests that without some significant modifications to the program, granting parents the sole responsibility for meeting the education and training requirements of our youngest novice drivers serves neither highway safety, parents nor, especially, young drivers well.”

The study
The institute based at Texas A&M analyzed 1.4 million driver records, conducted a mail survey of young drivers and held teen-driver focus groups. The study was conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and is online at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ (keyword “parent-taught”).

What can be done?
TTI recommends tougher parent-taught criteria, training for parents who want to teach their children to drive and road tests for all drivers under 18.
Gordon Dickson, 817-685-3816

Thursday, April 26, 2007

High car repair costs

This is a website that I came across recently, and which I found very valuable. I was often concerned about my high repair costs, but didn't quite no what to do about it. After viewing this site, I decided to purchase the ebook, thinking I could recover this cost fairly easily. I sure did; on my first major repair bill I saved about $200, and I didn't even read the book thoroughly, I just skimmed through it! Recommended. http://www.repairtrust.com

Got a traffic ticket?

If you received a traffic ticket or points, or want to save on your car insurance, here's a very good place to go. Apparently you can have your ticket dismissed in one day, and also stop points from appearing on your record. You can also learn defensive driving techniques on this site.
Got a speeding ticket? Click Here to dismiss it online at IDriveSafely.com

Satellite navigation

The following is quite an interesting article concerning satellite navigation and safety. Until I read this I never thought of satellite navigation as being a driver safety feature. As far as I know, this device is only available on the more expensive cars.

CONCORD, Mass., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Dutch research institute TNO today announced the results of research that prove the positive influence of satellite navigation devices on driving and traffic safety. The study was commissioned by Aon, Athlon Car Lease, Delta Lloyd (part of Aviva Plc) and TomTom.

Key findings:
* The use of a satellite navigation device improves the driver's behavior when driving through an unknown area to an unknown destination;
* The use of a satellite navigation system heightens alertness and reduces the stress levels of the driver;
* Drivers who do NOT have the use of a satellite navigation solution have 12% more damage claims to their vehicles;
* The use of a TomTom satellite navigation solution reduces the amount of miles driven by 16%;
* The use of a TomTom satellite navigation solution reduces travel time when driving through an unknown area to an unknown destination by 18%;

* The use of a TomTom satellite navigation solution reduces the workload (the amount of effort it takes the driver to drive) of the driver when traveling through an unknown area to an unknown destination.

Alexander Ribbink, chief operating officer for TomTom, said: "We have always designed our products with safety as a key priority. All our tests have always proven that our products act as a genuine aid to driving. This independent research now strengthens this.

TomTom owners benefit from increased awareness, a reduced workload, less stress, less time and distance traveled in getting to their destination. On top of that there are clear environmental and economic benefits. All in all, we provide drivers with the ability to keep their eyes on the road and get from A to B as safely and efficiently as possible."

Improvement of driving behavior
The research showed that when drivers use a satellite navigation solution they stop 25% less frequently and are stationary for 35% less time. Satellite navigation solutions also reduce the number of turns required to get to the destination compared to conventional navigation tools, such as paper maps or online route planners. What is also shown is that driving behavior has improved, with more than 50% fewer inappropriate actions, such as ignoring traffic signs. The driver can focus on driving rather than finding the way.

More alert and less stressed behind the wheel
The research showed that satellite navigation solutions heighten the alertness of drivers and provide them with an improved attention span, while also reducing stress. 78% of users have the feeling that they have everything under control when using a TomTom satellite navigation solution. They are more alert behind the wheel and more conscious of traffic behind them.

Less workload
The research proves that the workload of drivers is reduced when using a satellite navigation solution. The workload is 20% less when driving with a TomTom satellite navigation solution and involved less exertion. Driving while using conventional navigation tools, such as maps and digital Internet route planners, proved to present a more intense workload.

Reduction of mileage
The research proved that the amount of actual distance driven when using a TomTom satellite navigation solution is reduced by 16%. Time spent traveling is reduced by 18%. Because fewer miles are driven, fuel is saved, which is beneficial for both the car driver and the environment.

Reduction in frequency of insurance claims
The research proves that lease drivers who do NOT have satellite navigation make 12% more damage claims than those who do have satellite navigation.

About the research
There were three elements used to determine the answer to the central question "What are the effects of navigation systems on traffic safety?": a user survey; damage database analysis; and test drives. The research program was conducted in The Netherlands over a six month period and was completed in December 2006. The findings of this study show that satellite navigation solutions have a positive effect on traffic safety.

* The research methods, the justifications and results have been
summarized in a 'key findings' document that can be requested through
the contacts listed at the bottom of this press release.

In case of any discrepancy between this press release and the original English version, the English version prevails.
For more information please contact:
Karen Drake, TomTom Inc.
Telephone: 978-405-1688
Email: us.publicrelations@tomtom.com
Or
Will Safer, Hill & Knowlton
Telephone: 212-885-0490
Email: will.safer@hillandknowlton.com

About TomTom
TomTom NV is the world's largest navigation solution provider. TomTom's products are developed with an emphasis on innovation, quality, ease of use and value. TomTom's products include all-in-one navigation devices which enable customers to navigate right out of the box; these are the award-winning TomTom GO family, the TomTom ONE range and the TomTom RIDER. TomTom PLUS, is the location-based content and services offering for TomTom's navigation products easily available through TomTom HOME. TomTom also provides navigation software products which integrate with third party devices; the TomTom NAVIGATOR software for PDA's and smartphones. TomTom WORK combines industry leading communication and smart navigation technology with leading edge tracking and tracing expertise. TomTom's products are sold through a network of leading retailers in 25 countries and online. TomTom was founded in 1991 in Amsterdam and has offices in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. TomTom is listed at Euronext, Amsterdam Stock Exchange in The Netherlands. For more information, go to http://www.tomtom.com.

About TNO
TNO is a prominent, independent knowledge company whose expertise and research contributes significantly to the competitiveness of businesses and organizations, to the economy and to the quality of life as a whole. Versatility and capacity to integrate this knowledge makes TNO unique. TNO employs some 4500 professionals.

Five core areas:
* TNO Quality of Life
* TNO Defence, Security and Safety
* TNO Science and Industry
* TNO Built Environment and Geosciences
* TNO Information and Communication Technology

In the field of Traffic and Transport TNO combines expertise in vehicle engineering, broad experience of ICT applications and knowledge of driver behavior and the traffic system. All this in a social context where quality of life and pressure for space are issues. The relevant expertise and experience of some 400 TNO professionals throughout the organization enable us to provide the right kind of advice and deliver clever products that integrate elements of policy, behavior and technology.
Source: TomTom

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Staying awake while driving

by Bob Gillespie
Fatigue is probably the most underestimated traffic problem. Research shows that 10 - 20% of all serious collisions are caused from over-fatigue or falling asleep behind the wheel. These are all cases where alcohol is not a factor.

Dozing off behind the wheel is often a gradual process of which the driver is unaware. The brains' activity progressively decreases, making it difficult for the driver to make the correct decision, which is to stop and take a rest. Apparently, over 60% of all drivers have at least once fallen asleep behind the wheel.

A condition called sleep apnea is quite often the cause of drowsiness behind the wheel. Do you know how I know this? I have it myself, and I use a device called a cpap machine during sleep to deal with the problem.

If you wake up every morning feeling like you've been hit by a truck, ie very, very tired, and you have trouble staying awake in the middle of the afternoon, you may have sleep apnea.


Here's something I came across recently which I believe is quite new on the market - it's an ear piece that a driver wears that gives off a buzzing sound if the driver starts to doze off. If the drivers head slumps over, it immediately sounds the alarm.

I think it's pretty neat, but I don't know if there is a North American distributor yet. If I find out, I will post it here. Here's the European website http://www.safety-ear.com