Defensive Driving Teaches Road Safety

Defensive driving can mean a matter of life and death. Nowadays, with so many drivers talking on their cell phones and texting, it's no wonder that so many lives are tragically being taken away.

In an effort to educate and enlighten individuals, instructor Bill Feeley discussed ways to remain safe while driving on the roads during the course at the Wednesday evening. 

"The motor vehicle is the number one cause of accidental deaths," Feeley said to the crowd. "Each year, 40,000 people are killed in this country in a motor vehicle accident," 

Feeley's goal was to make people aware of their surroundings while driving and be responsible for their decisions.

"The nature of this program is to get people to get away from the idea of being complacent behind the wheel," he said. "This course is overwhelmingly rich in information. We address driving under the influence of prescription drugs, sleep deprivation, road rage, texting and cell phone use while driving."

According to Feeley, safety measures while driving can prevent serious injuries and deaths. Here are several tips Feeley recommends to use for safe driving:

• Make adjustments to vehicle controls such as mirrors, seats, radios or air conditioning before starting to drive or after the car is stopped.
• Know where you are going - read maps, set GPS and check traffic conditions before driving.
• Leave an outgoing message on your cell phone that says you don't take calls while driving.
• Do not read, write notes, drink a beverage or have an intense conversation while driving.
• Do not reach down or behind the driver's seat, pick up items from the floor, open the glove compartment or clean the inside windows while driving.
• Pull over to a safe area to care for children.
• Never text message while driving.

Feeley added to avoid these unsafe driving behaviors:

• Improper speed - For every 10 mph over 50 mph, the risk of death in a traffic crash is doubled, according to Feeley.
• Violating Right of Way - Feeley said speeding and driving too fast for conditions often contribute to right of way violations.
• Driving Left of Center - Stay behind pedestrians and cyclists until there's enough room to pass safely.
• Turning Improperly.
• Passing Improperly.
• Following Too Closely.

In addition to learning about safe driving tips, drivers that completed the defensive driving course will receive a reduction on their automobile insurance premiums.

For those in attendance, it was a win win situation - they learned how to be a safer driver and will save money on car insurance. Feeley said one thing is for certain - preventing serious injuries and deaths should always be the forefront while driving, not sending a text message or making a phone call.

The next defensive driving program is Wednesday, Dec. 8 from 7 - 10 p.m. at the library. Call 516 921-7161 or visit www.syossetlibrary.org for more information.