defensive driving class Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

FOLLOWING DISTANCE

Daun Thompson — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:24:05 +0000

One of the leading causes for a multiple vehicle pileup is from tailgating. Why do people insist on following too close? Especially on the freeway, less than a car length between them and the car ahead, doing 80+ mph. Basic drivers education teaches the current formula or method to create a safe following distance (or what some also call a stopping distance). But, especially in heavy traffic, that formula goes right out the window, along with your manners and any remaining dignity. If you do go to the trouble of creating a safe following distance, another car will slip into that space, forcing you to tailgate. So, you once again you repeat the process to leave a safe distance between you and the car ahead and someone else slips into that space. Maybe that’s why people generally leave less than a car length between them and the car ahead. There’s no winning. Combine this with distractions and no clear visibility ahead and here comes your pileup and your picture on the six o’clock news.

This is why tailgating is most definitely a moving violation. With the rise of speed limits, the current following distance is now 3 seconds in dry weather. This is to be doubled to a 6 second rule in wet weather. And it is to be tripled to a 9 second rule in icy/snowy weather.

I believe that most driver education instructors teach drivers the following way. Once the car ahead of you has passed a stationary object, you should be able to count the appropriate number of seconds before your car passes the same object.

So, good luck there my friend! It may take you twice as long to get to your destination if you practice this method, but at least you will arrive (undead).

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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Insurance Rates Increased

Daun Thompson — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 07:38:03 +0000

Due to insurance companies paying out unprecedented sums and claims, you will notice that your automotive insurance rates have increased. According to industry watchdogs auto insurance for 2022 had an average increase of 9% and for 2023 the average increase is 7%. Here are some of the factors that determine your rates:

Driving record
Credit history
Make and model of your vehicle, as well as the mileage
City and state you live in
Age and gender

Accidents and traffic tickets are one of the biggest contributors for rate increases. Each year when your policy renews the insurance company will look at your driving record to see if you have had any accidents or traffic violations.

One year I had a “no fault” accident (someone hit my car in an ice storm while it was parked on the street) and my insurance company said I was high risk and dropped me. Ouch. It took a few years to get rid of that and get my rate back down. Sometimes insurance agents will help you by offering as many discounts as possible. I of course took a defensive driving course and was able to get a 10% discount for 3 years, this really helped offset the high cost.

There are so many items that affect your insurance rates. Here are some more of those items:
• Your age (under 21/25 and over 62)
• Gender (boys under 25…yikes!)
• Full coverage or bare-bones liability
• Married or single
• Own or rent your home
• Longevity/Loyalty (how long you had coverage with your last insurance company)

I remember the good old days when my full-coverage insurance rate was $61 a month. And it even included roadside assistance and towing. When I added my 16 year old daughter to my insurance plan, my insurance more than quadrupled. I thought “Thank God she’s a girl and not a boy. How much would my insurance rates have increased if she had been born a son?” And I did the math. It would have been cheaper to fly her to Sweden to get a sex change.

If you review the items above with your insurance agent, perhaps a few of those items can be addressed and may help to lower your insurance rates. Good driver discounts and good student discounts can also be addressed. Most insurance companies still give a discount for taking a state-approved defensive driving class. It just makes sense that they would prefer that you take a “refresher course” to help make you a better driver. And some reward you for doing so. The discount is typically 10% off your liability insurance for three years (but can be anywhere between 5% and 25% off). Ask your insurance agent about this and all discounts.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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Driving Safety Course Tips

taylor cox — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 06:59:26 +0000

They can only cover so much information in a driving safety course. So I have compiled a short list of driving safety course tips and techniques that may help in the long run to help prevent accidents and possibly save a life or two.

Don’t have your own car visible in your side mirrors. This is a common mistake that drivers make. You should always angle them away from you until the point where your car is no longer visible in either side mirror. This way there is no overlap between your side mirrors and the rear view mirror, and any car that is passing you on either side will remain in at least one of your side mirrors until it enters your field of vision. Professional drivers lean into their console and adjust their rear view and side mirrors at one time to cover any blind spots. If you don’t have a rear window, this is especially helpful, especially if you have a white serial killer van with no windows.

Pay attention to traffic before road signs. While road signs indicate when to yield, stop, etc. and who has the right of way, paying attention to traffic will certainly help to avoid an accident. This doesn’t mean that you should ignore stop signs or road signs, but that you shouldn’t rely on them and should always follow traffic and use your best judgement. You may be obeying the signs but there are others out there who won’t.

Always leave your headlights on. Because something lit up is always more visible (like your Uncle John at every Christmas party). Studies show that you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident by up to 32 percent by driving with your headlights on at all times. But, if you are trying to save the life of the bulbs so they last the life of the car, at least use your headlights whenever there is inclement weather and always when you are on a high-speed roadway.

Use your parking brake/emergency brake when parking, even if not parked on a hill. It’s kind of a use it or lose it deal. So, just to keep it in good working order, try to put it on whenever you park. Getting into this habit may also save property and lives. Anton Yelchin’s family has suffered as the result of him not using his emergency brake. Don’t be another statistic.

If you blow out a tire, don’t slam on the brakes. Although this may be instinctual, applying the gas slightly and gripping the wheel as not to steer against the blown tire will avoid a fishtail. Do this until you can regain control until you can take your foot off the gas and let the car slow down on its own, naturally. And then you can change your pants. You should always carry a spare pair of pants along with your spare tire. And try to steer off the road on the same side as the blown tire, not against it. Don’t make sudden corrections and don’t try to re-enter the roadway on uneven pavement.

If you pull onto the freeway shoulder, never use your hazard lights because drunk drivers are attracted to flashing lights. Just like blonds being attracted to shiny objects. Rather, you should put on your signal light as if you are planning to re-enter the freeway (even if you’re not). Because approaching vehicles will expect that you may pull out in their lane and move over a lane for their safety (which in turn is safer for you).

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OPEN CONTAINER LAW

Daun Thompson — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:00:24 +0000

What do you want for Christmas? If it’s bail money, then maybe this blog is a little too late for you. But maybe it’s not too late for everyone else. Most people don’t drink and drive anymore. And why would you, with so many inexpensive rideshare services available now. But what about the open container that was sealed when you took it to that holiday or new year’s eve party? It’s only polite to bring a bottle of something. Perhaps someone opened it and now the seal is broken. But it’s not your host’s pick of poison. Maybe they’ll ask you if you want to take it with you, since it’s apparently your favorite. Would you? And, do you know your state’s current open container law?

VINTAGE ALCOHOL LAWS IN TEXAS

When I moved to Texas in the late 1970’s, everyone in the car could possess an open container, even the driver. I thought you’d get a ticket if you didn’t drink and drive in Texas. The open container law evolved to where everyone in the car could possess an open container, except the driver. Thus, if being pulled over, the driver could just hand their drink over to a passenger. Then, later, it was okay as long as the open container wasn’t within reach of the driver. Heck, the drinking age then was 18 as well! Then it was raised to 19 for a few years, and eventually went back to 21 to purchase or drink alcohol.

CURRENT OPEN CONTAINER LAW IN TEXAS

If you do find yourself at that party and you are asked to bring that open container home with you, it is imperative that you put it in the trunk of your car (with a really long straw). If you happen to have a truck, it must be kept in the bed of the truck, preferably secured within a cooler or tool box. You may have an SUV or mini-van that does not have a trunk. Then you must keep it secured behind the last seat. I suppose, so it doesn’t roll around and break, hence, a cracked open container!

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

OPEN CONTAINER LAW – Comedy Defensive Driving

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NATIONAL DROWSY DRIVING PREVENTION WEEK

Daun Thompson — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 13:00:56 +0000

Well, dang it, Sunday was the last day of National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week and I must have slept right through it. The National Safety Council set November 3-10 as a week to remind drivers that drowsy driving is impaired driving. And, even if you survive a crash, there are some pretty stiff penalties.

COMPARING DROWSY DRIVING TO DRUNK DRIVING

We all know when we’ve had a little too much to drink and shouldn’t drive. But signs of fatigue are said to be hard to identify. And they are both just as fatal. The similarities of driving drowsy or under the influence of alcohol include a slower reaction time, inattention or decreased awareness to hazardous situations and impaired judgment. Both are said to be three times more likely to cause a crash. Driving after 20 hours without sleep is also the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 (which is the legal limit).

DETERMINING WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH

Of course it is difficult to determine the cause of a fatal crash due to drowsy driving. According to The National Sleep Foundation, there are a number of clues at the crash site that indicate this particular cause. Usually there is only one vehicle involved in the crash and the only person in the vehicle is the driver. Also, their injuries tend to be less life-threatening since they were likely asleep (completely relaxed) at the wheel when the crash occurred. Plus, no skid marks on the road (only in their undershorts).

GETTING THE POLICE INVOLVED

Of course there are tests to determine if a driver has been drinking. But there is no blood test, breath test or other objective test for drowsiness behind the wheel. This makes it difficult for police to identify drowsiness as the cause. But several states have passed laws where the police can charge a driver with criminal negligence if they injure or kill someone while driving while sleep impaired.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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STOPPING FOR A SCHOOL BUS

Daun Thompson — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 12:00:45 +0000

I have written several blogs striving to educate drivers about stopping for a school bus. This topic is a priority whenever I teach defensive driving. Since many drivers take the course online now, there are fewer students in my classroom. So. I kind of joke with them that we at Comedy Defensive Driving School are doing our part by spreading the word, 5 or so people at a time.

WRONG INFORMATION BEING BROADCAST

I had just spent a rake of time discussing this topic in my class. After class, I heard a public service announcement on the radio warning drivers to stop even if you are driving on the other side of the road, going the opposite direction. This was as I was pulling out of the parking lot. Of course, I almost wrecked the car (which would really look bad). I usually try to only do that away from a class location. I was totally taken aback at how wrong this information was. And the ad was coming from a local high school radio broadcast! Then, I realized that they are likely referring to a situation where there is only a painted line dividing direction of traffic lanes. But, would drivers listening to that announcement understand that you do not stop if your side of the road is separated by a median without a split or divide? Perhaps this ad only had a set amount of air time and they had to edit it down. But, public awareness is the key. And the rule is just not as simple as they’ve stated.

WHAT THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY SAYS

On TX DPS Website, the school bus article from fall 2019 says exactly this:

According to state law, if a school bus has alternating flashing red signals visible from the front or rear, drivers must stop before reaching the bus. Drivers can only proceed if the flashing lights are no longer activated; the driver signals you to proceed; or the bus has resumed driving. Approaching drivers do not have to stop for a school bus that is operating a visual signal if the roadway is separated by a physical barrier or an intervening space.

If a highway is divided only by a left-turning lane, the roadways are not considered separated, and drivers must stop.

HOW MISINFORMATION HAS DEVASTATING RESULTS

Three quarters of the year has passed and in the first 9 months, school bus drivers have reported more than 95,000 cars passing illegally in a single day. That would average 17 million violations across the school year.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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Hit And Run

Daun Thompson — Tue, 27 Feb 2018 05:19:11 +0000

I know a couple who live near downtown Dallas and their home is near a busy intersection. On weekends, they say there are a lot of car accidents in that intersection late at night. Sometimes when the crashes occur, it jars them from a deep sleep. They wake up, look out the window and sometimes there is only one car ripped apart in the intersection and the other car is long gone. Other times, they look out the window and both cars are gone. Leaving the scene of an accident that involves death or serious injury is considered a third-degree felony with a penalty of possible imprisonment for two to ten years. If the injury is not a serious one, the offense is still a felony that is punishable by up to one year in a county jail or up to five years in a state prison. Leaving the scene of an accident that does not result in injury, but only results in property damage is a misdemeanor with fines around $1,000 and possible jail time of up to one year.
If you are the victim of a hit and run, it’s good to know how uninsured motorist coverage works. Texans are required to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, in addition to liability insurance. Still, of course, not everyone is insured. That’s one reason for them to hit and run. Another reason is perhaps they’ve been drinking alcohol. Or they simply don’t have the financial means to pay for damage to another car. Uninsured motorist coverage is just what it sounds like, insurance to cover you in the event that you are hit by a motorist that either does not have insurance, or if you are hit by someone who leaves the scene.
Failure to render aid is a crime, as is failure to give information in an accident. That’s why you should always try to get an accurate description of the car and the license number a.s.a.p.!! Calling the police immediately will also help broaden your chances of catching your hit and run criminal.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Artist / Commedienne

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Standard Safety Features

Daun Thompson — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 16:58:36 +0000

My car is nearly 14 years old. I’ve garaged it, so it looks new (on the outside). But the inside, now that’s another story. I paid a lot of money for my car. It was brand spanking new and all of the latest safety features which, at the time was only one air bag in the steering wheel, another for the passenger side and anti-lock brakes. I think the Nissan dealership called the color “Mid-Life Crisis Yellow.” I got what I paid for, it’s been a great car. It was, what the dealership called “loaded” when I bought it and, looking back, I must have been loaded as well to have bought a car in such a crazy color. But, hey, I haven’t had a car accident in 14 years. That’s likely due to the color. Other drivers can definitely see me coming. Now, 14 years later, there is a long list of standard safety features in nearly all new cars. These features are meant to avoid collisions and save lives. Now that I am in the market for a new car to get me through the next 14 years, I’ll be checking these safety features off my list.

• L.E.D. Automotive lighting: Running lights and tail lights and sometimes headlights.
• Proximity-Based Power Folding, Illuminated Side Mirrors: Great when parking on a busy, tight street or pulling into your cramped garage. In some cars, the side mirrors have a light below them to shine light on the door lock and the ground below.
• Heated Head Lights: Great in winter to keep the snow and ice from covering your lights.
• Back Up Cameras and Surround View Cameras: Back up cameras are now standard in most new cars, while surround view cameras may be an add-on.
• Surround Sensors: Great for letting you know you’re getting too close to the curb or another object. The persistent nagging can be annoying at times, like a back-seat driver.
• Parking Assist: Parallel parking (or what I call Parallel “Chicken”), for most drivers, is the hardest maneuver.
• Keyless Entry: Not in all cars, but not only in luxury cars like it used to be.
• Airbag Sensors: Weight distribution on the passenger seats will turn airbags to “on” mode.
• In-Seat Storage: Not standard in all cars, but what a convenience this would be.
• Self-Dimming Headlights: Again, not standard in all cars.
• Heated Seats: I had these in my 1989 Volvo and man, were they great in the wintertime.
• A Full-Sized Spare Tire: Not just a doughnut tire.

Disc Brakes are also standard in all cars manufactured today. Oh, yes, and Air Conditioning. Although the above mentioned safety features may save your life, you certainly could not live without air conditioning!

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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Road Rage

Daun Thompson — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 19:10:59 +0000

Now that the holidays are over, we can get back to being our old, angry selves. How many of us have thought “Let’s just cut the phony business and stop being the nice, caring and giving individuals that we portrayed ourselves to be throughout the holiday season.” Who cares about other people’s feelings? I have feelings of my own to deal with. I noticed that the temporary “niceness” even filtered into driving courtesies until approximately January 1st. As if going back to work wasn’t a big enough let-down, drivers are back to their old cranky selves.

Road rage is the leading cause for accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 94% of all traffic accidents are caused by driver error. And, of those accidents, 33% could be linked to behaviors typically assigned to road rage, such as illegal maneuvering or misjudging the intent of another driver. I have asked students in my Comedy Defensive Driving class why everyone seems to be in a big hurry. Most, like me, say they don’t manage their time well. And I could benefit from taking my own advice, but leaving for the big commute earlier will not only save you stress, but will also save you money by not having to pay extra to use costly express lanes. Being in a big rush when others don’t seem to inevitably causes us to tailgate. There are unlimited triggers for causing road rage. Some are typical and obvious. I thought I’d compile a list of the top eight. Perhaps you can add to this list and look for these triggers in your own commute to try to be a kinder, more patient driver.

• Tailgating
• Cutting other people off
• Not signaling before changing lanes or turning
• Not yielding
• Blocking drivers from changing lanes
• Passing on the shoulder
• Talking or texting while driving
• Driving in someone’s blind spot

Sometimes being in a road rage situation is unavoidable. But your best bet is to try to pay attention and not offend other drivers. Be courteous and don’t change lanes unless you have room to. Don’t follow too close and don’t hog the passing lane (the left lane). And hand gestures warrant a good butt-whoopin’.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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Home Made Winter Car Care

Daun Thompson — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 00:04:51 +0000

Winter weather conditions up north are unbearable. With a wind chill of twenty degrees below zero, I feel like a jerk for complaining about how chilly it is here in North Texas. At this point, a Florida trip sounds like the best solution. My sister Karla lives in Sarasota and boasted that she was spending her birthday on the beach at Anna Maria Island, while my eighty year old mother is house-bound in the frigid Midwest. Now who sounds like the jerk? Of course the road conditions are the major factor, but she also has to prepare her car for winter driving, which she is totally dreading. We get a few little “freak” winter storms here in the south and are never equipped for them (they call it denial). So, what if I don’t have those things on hand when these storms roll in? I certainly don’t have a snow shovel, ice scraper, rock salt or kitty litter. So I’ve recently put together a way to make my own home made winter car care kit.

I garage my car when I’m home. But when it’s out in the elements, sitting in freezing rain and snow, I find that the inside windows fog up, while they’re frosted outside. Filling something breathable like knit socks or knit mittens with silica crystals (the blue and white kitty litter crystals) and placing them in the car will absorb moisture in the air for days. Putting them on the dashboard will automatically defog the windows. And, putting them in your spouse’s underwear drawer….never mind…

And, a major annoyance is when the car doors freeze shut. Doors ice up because moisture gets on rubber window seal. Any brand of cooking spray (like Pam, etc.) can be used to create a barrier and a lubricant. Spray it on the seam, wipe off excess with a paper towel (and not with the bottom of your shoe). And…voila!

No ice scraper? Or, if you’ve ever self-plowed snow off your windshield with a credit card while the wind is cutting you in half, put a towel over the windshield when you park. A giant beach towel is perfect. When you need to go, just remove it. It may a bit stiff, but bring a big lawn and leaf bag to put it in.

No rock salt? Use a bucket of hot water, dish soap and just a splash of rubbing alcohol. Mix it all together and you have your very own deicer fluid (or “cocktails” for when you run out of booze at a holiday party…or is that just my friends who will drink just about anything when they run out of booze?) You can then pour it on your porch and the sidewalk to your car.

Until next week…drive safe

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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