The Science (and Duct Tape) behind DD Research
Friday, May 20th, 2011
We quote a lot of facts and statistics. If you were to trace some of those stats back, you’d find Joel Cooper, a distracted driving researcher.
Posts Tagged ‘expanded’
What is your sleep debt?
Monday, May 16th, 2011
Juggling extra study time can be stressful and can also really bankrupt your sleep account. Here’s how to keep your account in balance.
Worldwide effort to make roads safer now underway
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
The Decade of Action for Road Safety — the United Nations plan to reduce the number of road traffic fatalities around the world by 2020 — begins May 11, 2011. Each day, 3,500 people are killed by traffic fatalities worldwide, amounting to 1.3 million deaths each year.
Driving barefoot and other myths
Friday, May 6th, 2011
My son asked me the other day if it is illegal to drive barefoot. I also remember my daughter asking the same question when she was learning to drive. It made me wonder what other random questions teens have and the urban myths and legends floating about. I set out to do a little research and here are some answers to questions you may (or may not) be curious about.
Do you know the rules of the road when it comes to bicycles?
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
May is National Bike Safety Month. As summer approaches and gas prices continue to rise, we will see many more bikes on the road along with riders of all ages. Do you know the rules of the road when it comes to bicycles?
Mayans may make predictions, but we need facts
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
There are many predictions, a.k.a. guesses, in life, aren’t there? But, sometimes the facts tell a different story. Driving, for instance. (You knew it was coming, right?) If you are a teen, you have some very harsh facts to face every time you get into a car and, unfortunately, the odds are not in your favor.
The main fact working against you is your inexperience. Driving is a skill. Think of yourself as an apprentice in a job you will be doing the rest of your life. Your inexperience along with the major dangers make your odds even worse.
Distraction awareness – not an oxymoron
Monday, April 18th, 2011
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Sort of funny isn’t it? “Distraction awareness” – an oxymoron, like “expect the unexpected” and “almost exactly.” But, sometimes we do need reminders to the distractions that take our focus from being safe. I received an email from a co-worker who was at an entertainment complex. You know those places that have miniature golf, batting cages, games and other fun stuff. This one had a go-kart track and while waiting in line he was watching the racers zoom around the curvy track. He then noticed a teen, about 14 or so, slow down dramatically on a curve.
Your best protection is your seat belt
Monday, April 11th, 2011
You’re a great driver, right? You feel like you’re in control and wrecks only happen with other drivers who aren’t as great behind the wheel as you are. Don’t most drivers feel this way? We are all a bit egotistical when it comes to how we drive.
So let’s say it’s true. You are always safe, obey every traffic law, are never distracted and never place yourself or others at risk. That’s great, but the fact is, every time you get into a vehicle, you are at risk, whether driving across a parking lot or on a long road trip. Things happen which you have no control over and your last defense is a seat belt, which is why it is so important. Here are some facts for you to know.
Happy Work Zone Awareness Week!
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
This week is Work Zone Awareness Week. Maybe it’s not as big as Spring Break or Prom, but it is important! As the weather warms, we’ll see more work crews on the roads – repairing, expanding, repaving and many other construction projects. Construction is never a welcome sight, especially when lanes are blocked and you get stuck in traffic, but before you start honking your horn and tailgating the car in front of you, think about those people on the side of the road and the dangers you face in a work zone – sharp drop offs, large equipment, materials on the roadway, chemical and many others.
Talent shines in the 2011 Driving the Message Contest
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
I was thrilled to be asked to help judge the Driving the Message Contest along with some other communication professionals and teens. I knew the bar was set high and couldn’t wait to see the entries. I was not disappointed. I grew up on a typewriter; computers were not in my schools until I transferred to a larger high school – Katy High School in Katy, Texas (go Tigers!).
High Gas Prices Got You Down?
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
Some predictions have gas prices heading to $5.00 a gallon, which would easily beat the record of $4.00 from 2008. If you haven’t started thinking about how the prices effect your driving, you probably soon will. Texas Transportation Institute Researcher, Joe Zietsman, says most people don’t realize the money they can save just by changing the way they drive. “TTI studies and others show that at least 10 percent of your gas bill can be eliminated just by what we call ‘eco-driving.’ ”
It’s Spring Break time!
Monday, March 14th, 2011
This spring break may mean many things for you—road trip with friends, lazy days at the beach, or just a needed vacation from school. Whatever the holiday may bring for you, Teens in the Driver Seat wants to make sure you use extra care since you can expect a lot more drivers on the road.
Follow these safety tips when getting ready for your break:
Georgia Survey Shows Low Awareness of Driving Dangers
Monday, March 7th, 2011
This week, Teens in the Driver Seat® will be in Conyers, Georgia to release and discuss a new study completed by the Texas Transportation Institute. The findings illustrate how much they know about driving risk factors and how often they engage in risky driving behavior. Results suggest that Rockdale students are generally more aware of driving dangers, especially with respect to cell phone use while driving, a problem which has received increased attention in recent years. Researchers conducted a similar survey at Duluth High School in 2007.
TDS Fest is this weekend!
Monday, February 28th, 2011
TDS Fest is this weekend and you’re invited! Come by Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas on Saturday, March 5 between 3 pm and 8 pm as we celebrate the accomplishment of driving down the fatality rate in Texas while remembering those who have lost their lives in this epidemic. There will be lots of activities including a balloon launch, memorial walk, a dance, which 106.1 KISS FM’s Junior will DJ, and lots of fun and educational activities.