Driving IQ // Top 10 Mistakes

The top ten mistakes teen drivers make

Being distracted behind the wheel: cell phones, CDs, food, text messaging. Distracted driving contributes to 80 % of collisions
Taking too many risks: ignoring traffic signals or school zone signs, changing lanes without checking blind spots
Speeding
Crowding the car
Driving under the influence - drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications
Following too closely: At 60 mph, a typical car needs 120-140 feet to reach a full stop. Most SUVs require an extra 5-10 feet on top of that. 60 mph translates to 88 feet per second
Driving unbuckled
Not being able to handle emergencies
Driving drowsy
Choosing the wrong car and not maintaining it

Source: Cars.com and DriversEd.com

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Highway hypnosis can occur when you drive on a highway for an extended period of time, leaving you in a dulled, drowsy, trance-like state. The danger is you are unable to react as quickly as you should. Stop the car in a safe place and take a break from the road.

Hydroplaning is losing traction when you slide on a film of water. This can result in a loss of control and steering ability because your tires lose contact with the pavement. Slow down in these weather conditions, and make sure your tires are inflated properly.

Most skids are the result of driving too fast for the road conditions. The key to safe vehicle operation is slower speeds. NDDOT Rules of the Road

The Implied Consent Law states that by driving a vehicle, you have agreed to submit to chemical tests of your breath, blood, or urine to determine alcohol or drug content is asked to do so by a law enforcement officer. NDDOT Rules of the Road

For front-seat passengers, lap and shoulder belts reduce the chance of serious injury by as much as 50 percent.

Young drivers are about 1.5 times more likely to have a fatal crash after having one or two drinks and about three times more likely after three drinks.

Marijuana affects alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time, all skills required for safe driving. These effects can last up to 24 hours after smoking marijuana.

When you close your eyes for just one second at 60 mph, you will travel 88 feet.

On curvy roads, DON'T HUG THE CENTERLINE. Drive on the right side of your lane, and you'll miss the guy that's a little bit wide coming around a blind curve at you and avoid a head-on collision.

Click it quick! No more excuses. Just a quick click can save your life. Even if you're just driving around the block. No one ever got in the car thinking, "This is the day I'm going to be in a crash." NDDOT

Most deer crashes happen between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., and again in the evening from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Scan the ditches while you are driving and slow down if you notice an animal's eyes in your line of vision. NDDOT Crash Summary

Stay well back from snowplows. Sometimes they have to stop and back up. Plow drivers can't see directly behind themselves, and plows also throw sanding material. Remember, don't crowd the plow. NDDOT Rules of the Road