IN THE DRIVER’S SEATLearning to drive, buying a car, hitting the road – it’s exciting! Americans invented automobiles, and for over 100 years we havecontinued our love affair with cars and the freedom they offer us. With that freedom comes responsibility, because once you getbehind the wheel, you are in charge.The goal of this booklet is for you to learn as much as you can so that you can stay safe and enjoy the new benefits and opportunitiesthat owning and driving a car brings. We’ve focused on the basics of car safety, how to finance, purchase and insure a car, and somebehaviors to watch out for when you are on the road. We also offer plenty of websites and resources for you to do your ownresearch. Let’s hit the road!

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Introduction:

“I’ve Heard It All Before” ..................................................................p. 3

Part I: You Are In Charge

Getting Started ....................................................................................p. 4

There’s More to Do ............................................................................p. 5

Gentleman (and Ladies), Start Your Engines, Please ............p. 6

Good to Go - Or Are You? ................................................................p. 7-9

It’s a Sign of the Times ......................................................................p. 10-11

More Helpful Information................................................................p. 12

Car Clinic: Special Invitation............................................................p. 13

Part II: Think About It

Numbers Don’t Lie..............................................................................p. 14

Sobering Thoughts ............................................................................p. 15

Road Rage..............................................................................................p. 16

Part III: Do Your Homework

It’s What You Know That Counts ..................................................p. 17-18

Buying a Used Car? Proceed With Caution! ..............................p. 19

Financing Your Car ............................................................................p. 20

Be Sure To Insure ................................................................................p. 21

Understanding Your Insurance Policy ........................................p. 22-23

Additional Activities & Websites ..................................................p. 23

Credits:Written by: Bari Laakmann, Riverside Elementary

Edited by: Lynn Baden, Sun-SentinelDesigned by: Austin Humberson, Sun-Sentinel

Graphics: Courtesy Sun-Sentinel

Safe Driving, Now That You Are In Charge

INTRODUCTION: “I’VE HEARD IT ALL BEFORE”

Question: How many times have you heard the phrase“drive defensively” or “watch out for the other guy”?Or what about these: “fasten your seatbelt;”“keep you eyes on the road;” “don’t drink and drive;”“pedestrians have the right of way;” “keep both handson the wheel;” “drive 55 and arrive alive;”“friends don’t let friends drive drunk;” etc., etc.

You probably think to yourself, “I’ve heard it all before.Why do I need to hear it over and over?”

Answer: The reason is simple: too many teenage drivers don’t payattention to these common sense recommendations.Read these statistics:

• Teenage drivers are involved in a police-reported crash every92 minutes – almost four times that of any other age group.

• Fatal crashes for 16-year-old drivers occur more often when thereare other teens in the car – the more passengers, the higher the risk!

• Your death rate from a car crash is 9 times that of drivers in their 30s,40s, and 50s.

• 14% of all motor vehicle deaths are teenage drivers, and 53%of the time these accidents occur on weekends.

• A passenger is in these vehicles 45% of the time. More than 1/3 of these accidents are speed related!

• Drowsiness and lack of experience with night driving play a majorrole in teen automobile accidents. Many teenagers don’t start theirsocial evenings until the later night hours.

• The largest group involved in single vehicle crashes is teens,and although you make up only 7% of the licensed drivers,you suffer 14% of the fatalities and 20% of all reported accidents!

This does not imply that all teens are careless or poor drivers. It doesprove that many of you are not practicing safe driving techniques orbuilding responsible driving habits.

Within these pages we are going to share some valuable information toguide you toward becoming a safe, responsible driver who is going toturn those statistics around!

3

The fact is that most teen drivers are not experienced.You simply haven’t been behind the wheel long enough.

Like any other skill, learning to drive well takes time and practice.Technical ability, good judgment and experience

are all required to become a good driver.

Another major factor in teenage accidents is drivingwhile impaired or under the influence of alcohol.

In 2003, 17,013 people in the United States died in alcohol-relatedmotor vehicle crashes; 25% of them were between the ages of 15 – 20!

Don’t become another statistic.

3

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGE

First step: Safety Check!

• Turn on the lights and walk around your vehicle to make surethey are all working.

• Look for fluid leaks – radiator fluid has a sneaky habit ofleaking out when you least expect it!

• Check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated – youdon’t want to ruin your wheels by driving on a flat tire. (Note:this practice also saves on gas; properly inflated tires can saveup to 20% on fuel use).

• Check your blinkers to make sure they are working.

• Only after doing your safety check on the outside of yourvehicle should you get in.

4

You are now ready to head out to your car.Before you even put the key in the ignition

you prepare for the journey.

As a driver, you are the pilot of your vehicle! No self-respecting pilotwould ever take to the air without notifying someone of his anticipatedroute, approximate travel time, and a way to contact someone in anemergency. Why wouldn’t you do the same? It’s more dangerous todrive a car than fly an airplane, making it even more important for youto insure that someone knows your travel plans. If you change yourplans along the way, inform your contact. This information can be veryuseful in the event of an emergency.

GETTING STARTED . . .

4

ACTIVITY: Speaking Out

1. You are going to Tallahassee to speak before a special session ofthe Florida legislature regarding Florida’s status as a no-fault state.Divide into two groups. One group will defend the no-fault policyand the other will try to convince the legislators to change the policy.(Make sure you have an alternative to no-fault ready to present inits stead.)

2. Debate whether Florida should continue as a no-fault state. Besure to research thoroughly to support your side of the argumentwith facts

21

There are three types of automobile insurance: required, optional, andinsurance that covers the extras. Where you live and the type of car youdrive (new vs. used; financed vs. paid-in-full; size, model, etc.) and the

laws in your state establish the guidelines.

Required Coverage

Two types of insurance that are required in most states are liabilityinsurance and medical insurance.

Liability insurance protects you, the driver, against the cost of damagesand/or injury you cause to other person/persons in an auto accident. It isseparated into two policies – bodily injury and property damage. Theformer protects you if you cause injury to someone; the latter protects youfrom the cost of any damages you cause to any physical property.

The medical portion covers immediate treatment of injuries caused in anauto accident. It doesn’t matter who is at fault; you, your family membersand other passengers in your car are covered. PIP or personal injuryprotection insurance covers lost wages, funeral expenses and treatment forpain and injury. It is usually required in “no fault” states.

Another type of insurance that is usually required in “no fault” states isunderinsured and/or uninsured motorist insurance. The former pays thedifference if the cost of treatment for your injuries is greater than the otherdriver’s maximum coverage. In the event the other driver has no liabilityinsurance (which happens all too frequently), your uninsured motoristpolicy will cover your expenses.

Optional Coverage

The first optional coverage is called collision insurance. It pays fordamages to your vehicle when the accident is your fault. If your car isleased or financed you will most likely be required to carry collision as wellas a gap policy. A gap policy will cover the difference between the fairmarket value of the car and the amount you still owe the bank ordealership.

The cost of your collision policy will depend on your deductible. Thedeductible is the amount you pay out of your pocket before the insurancekicks in. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the insurance.

Comprehensive insurance is the partner of collision insurance. It coversdamages caused by vandalism, or inclement weather phenomena such ashurricanes, floods, theft, or fire. Comprehensive insurance also has adeductible, so you must be sure to read the policy carefully to see exactlywhat is covered.

Insurance to Cover Extras

The third type of insurance covers the extras. Examples includetowing, emergency roadside assistance, auto glass repair orreplacement, and daily rental coverage. You’ll need collision andcomprehensive to qualify for this type of coverage. These policies arenot required in any states, but they offer peace of mind andconvenience to the driver.

ACTIVITY: No-Fault Insurance

Using cars.com or other sources, find out exactly what “no-fault”insurance means. Write an advertisement explaining this to teenagedrivers in Florida.

PART III: DO YOUR HOMEWORKBE SURE TO INSURE . . .

21

(LA.A.1.4; LA.AB.2.4; LA.C.3.4; LA.D.2.4)

(LA.A.1.4; LA.A.2.4; LA.B.2.4; LA.D.2.4)

Car insurance policies can be very confusing and full of “legalese”.The secret is realizing policies are broken into five parts, and once

you understand what the parts are, you can be confidentthat you are paying for exactly what you ordered.

3. Definitions

After you struggle through section two you come to the definitionsportion. This is where all the insurance jargon is explained in orderto eliminate the chance of a misunderstanding between you and yourinsurance company.

1. Declarations

The declarations portion is usually the first part of your policy. Thisis the part that is specific to you. It contains:

• The year, make, and model of your car

• The vehicle identification number (VIN). This is like your car’sfingerprints – unique to each and every car

• The name of the insured

• The effective dates of the policy

• The coverage types and limits of the policy

• Your premium (policy’s cost)

The declarations section may also include information regarding theuse of the vehicle – for business or personal use – and whether yourcar is financed, and who holds the lien and title to the car.

2. Insuring Agreement

The second section is your insuring agreement. This section spellsout exactly what the insurance company will do for you in exchangefor your premium payment.

This section covers the details and extent of each coverage and whois covered under each provision. Be prepared! – this section is longand complicated, but it is the most important section of your policy.

22

4. Exclusions

Now that you know who and what are covered, you come to the exclusionssection. As the title suggests, the things that are not covered by your policyare spelled out here. This is basically a disclaimer freeing your insurancecompany from the responsibility of paying for certain claims. One exampleof an exclusion would be if damage or injury were caused intentionally. Besure you understand this section because you don’t want the false securityof thinking you are covered for something when you are not.

5. Conditions

The last section of your policy becomes very important if you are involvedin an accident. The conditions portion lists your responsibilities and dutiesin the event that you have to file a claim. It includes information on how tocontact your insurance company, obtain a police report, and file a claim.You will also find how to cancel your policy if you choose to do so.

There Are Ways to Save

Fact: Teen drivers are very high risks. You have more accidents morefrequently than most drivers. As a result, your insurance policies areextremely costly. Some may go up by as much as 350%! However, thereare ways to lower your insurance premiums.

• Safety pays: Make a conscious effort to drive safely. One little ticket orminor fender bender can cause your policy’s cost to skyrocket! Example:a 16-year old boy in Mesa, Arizona, with a blemish-free driving record,eligible for all discounts, pays $2,520 on a 6-month policy. One ticketand that jumps to $2,752, and to $3,963 after a ticket and one accident.

• Get good grades: By maintaining a “B” average or better you can save upto 25% on your insurance - a big savings.

• Online driving programs: check out State Farm’s “Steer Clear”computer tutorial or Allstate’s “Teen Smart” program. Completing theseprograms may save up to 15%.

• Don’t drive a lot? If possible, ask your parents to list you on their policyas an “occasional driver.”

• Shop for insurance: Check out several companies to see which will giveyou the best deal on your insurance policy and premium.

• Car type does matter; one of the best ways to keep your insurance ratesless traumatic is to shop for the “right” car! For example, a used car may not be a better bargain, because you may receive special discounts for safety features on newer models.

PART III: DO YOUR HOMEWORKUNDERSTANDING YOUR INSURANCE POLICY . . .

22

ACTIVITY: Consider the Alternatives

1. Contact your parents’ insurance company to inquire about the cost ofinsurance if you were added to their policy for each of the followingscenarios:

• You are added as an extra driver in their car

• You purchase a new car (provide make and model)

• You purchase a used car (provide make and model)

2. Investigate with your parents’ company and several other companieswhat the cost would be if you purchase your own independent policy.

3. Write a speech to present to a teenage audience recommending howthey should best insure their cars.

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WEBSITES

Safe Driving:Teen Driving (Created by a Teen for Teens)www.teendriving.comTeen Safe Driving (Online Video of Teens Behind the Wheel)http://www.geico.com/auto/safety/autoSafetyLib.htmI Promise Program – Teen Safe Driving Contracthttp://www.ipromiseprogram.com/Teen Driving Contractshttp://www.drivehomesafe.com/teencontract/teendriving_contract.htmlFlorida Teen Driver Informationhttp://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/ddl/teendriv.htmlState-by-State Driving Rules for Teenagershttp://golocalnet.com/drivingage/State-by-State Provisions for Teenage Drivershttp://info.insure.com/auto/teenstates.htmlNational Center for Injury Prevention and Control www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/teenmvh.htmInsurance Institute for Highway Safetywww.iihs.org/brochures/pdf/beginning_drivers.pdfDriving Safetyhttp://www.drvoyageur.com/drsafely.html Safe Operation of Vehicleswww.tell-my-mom.com/SafeTips.htmNational Safety Council –Family Guide to Teen Driver Safetyhttp://www.nsc.org/issues/teendriving/guide.htmAmerican Academy of Pediatrics – The Teenage Driverhttp://www.aap.org/advocacy/teendriving.htm

Statistics:Statistics About Teens and Motor Vehicle Accidentshttp://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1674/mainpageS1674P0.htmlNational Safety Council – Handling a Variety of Driving Situationshttp://www.nsc.org/library/facts.htm

Buying a Car:Car Buyinghttp://www.edmunds.com/Cars For Teen Drivershttp://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/ratings/cars-for-teen-drivers-505.htmWays to Save on Energy, Including Gasolinewww.useenergywisely.orgFree Safety Reports for 2005 Vehicleswww.autoinfo.org

Insurance Information:Auto Insurance Centerhttp://www.insurance.com/Article.aspx/Insuring_Teenage_Drivers/artid/120Rating Cars For Insurance Purposeswww.statefarm.com/insuranc/auto/newteen.htmInsurance Information Institutewww.iii.org/individuals.auto/b/teenage

ACTIVITY: Investigating Insurance

1. Chose a car you would like to own from the CARS section of the Sun-Sentinel, from cars.com or other resource.

2. Next, contact a lending institution to research exactly how the interestrate on a car loan is figured and how it affects the cost of the car you havechosen. Investigate whether the make and model of the car and whether itis new or used affects the interest rate on the loan.

3. Finally, contact several lending institutions to determine what interestrates each is currently offering to finance the purchase of your car.Determine how much it would cost you in interest on the loan to financeyour car for the full life of the loan. Add that cost to the original purchase.

• Is it too easy for teens to get a driver’s license?• What is a provisional license? A graduated driver’s license?

Do you agree with these policies?• Male vs. female drivers – Is there a difference?

Why or why not?• Are teen drivers more aggressive than other age groups?• The psychology of road rage – What causes it?

Why is it happening?

• Banning cell phones while driving.Is it fair?

• Why do pedestrians have the right of way?• Are all accidents avoidable? • Make a complete list of driver distractions• Should teens who want a driver’s license have to take a formal

driving course?• Compare and contrast driving rules in some other countries

MORE RESEARCH AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS . . .

23

(LA.A.1.4; LA.A.2.4; LA.B.2.4; LA.C.3.4; MA.A.3.4)

(LA.B.2.4; LA.C.3.4; LA.B.1.4; LA.D.2.4)

Pre-Start-up Check:

• Adjust all of your mirrors – it’s amazing how little effort it takesto knock them off balance.

• Adjust your seat – make sure your legs can comfortably access the gasand brake pedals (as well as the clutch, if you have one) and you are asafe distance from the steering wheel. You do not want to be sitting ontop of your steering wheel in case your air bag deploys.

• Fasten your seatbelt (it’s the law)!

• Turn on your headlights (if your car does not do so automatically).This simple action makes your vehicle visible for almost four timesthe distance – even during the daytime!

• Lock all doors – this keeps your passengers inside safe and secureand keeps those outside who might want to be inside, OUT!

We know; that key is just itching to get into that ignition– now you’re ready!

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGETHERE’S MORE TO DO . . .

Think you are ready to go? Think again! We’ve got a fewmore details to attend to – the key word is patience! You

want to have everything as near to perfect as you canbefore leaving the driveway.

55Keep your passengers safe – make sure everyone’s

buckled up. It’s the law!

6

And guess what? You are still checking things out! At this point you areprobably thinking, “In the movies, on TV, even when my parents drive,they just get in and go. So what’s with all these directions?!” Believe it ornot, after awhile all these steps become second nature - well-ingrainedhabits that will keep you safe.

You are now ready to go,fully prepared to begin your safe journey.

So. . .

• Check your mirrors to be sure your take-off route is clear.

• Signal to exit a curbside parking space before you enter the roadway.

• Make sure there are no stray pedestrians when backing out of parkingspaces. People in shopping center parking lots are notorious for walkingwithout looking. You must be extra cautious and back up slowlyand carefully.

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGEGENTLEMEN (AND LADIES), START YOUR ENGINES, PLEASE . . .

6

This familiar phrase from the racing world is not an invitation to theDaytona 500, nor is it encouraging you to speed; it’s simply your next

logical step. Turning the key in the ignition to start the engine is anecessity if you want your vehicle to move.

7

Keep Your Head "in the Game"

While your vehicle is moving you need to keep your eyes moving.You must be aware of what is happening on the sides of the road andbehind you by checking your mirrors every 6-8 seconds! (You don'thave to count - it will become a good habit!) It only takes an instantfor a squirrel, a ball, or a child to run in front of your car, so youmust keep your eyes focused. This is called "active" driving, similarto having your head in the game when playing sports.

Don't Assume Anything

Drive defensively! Expect other drivers to make mistakes. Do notassume another vehicle will stop for a stop sign or a red light, and donot count on pedestrians to respect your right of way. Also, makesure you never, ever stop on railroad tracks. Wait behind the tracksuntil the vehicles in front of you leave enough room for you to betotally clear of the tracks. Do not count on the crossing signals toalways give sufficient warning, and don't let impatient drivers behindyou egg you on. Remember, as the driver, you are in charge and thatimplies responsibility. You are responsible for your safety and that ofyour passengers.

Stop Means "Full Stop"

When you come to a stop sign be sure to make a complete stop. Youshould feel your car rock backward as you come to a standstill. If apolice officer happens to be patrolling your particular stop signhe/she will watch to make sure you don't come to a rolling stop(slowing down, but not stopping) - a sure passage to "ticketsville."Before proceeding, remember to look left, right, straight ahead, thenleft again.

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGEGOOD TO GO – OR ARE YOU?

7

How many of you are thinking, "Whew! I'm on the road, I knowwhere I'm going; piece of cake?" Not so fast. When driving thereare certain rules you need to follow. Your main goal is to travel

without interruptions of any kind (accidents, tickets, unpleasantsituations) and to arrive safely at your destination.

You don’t want to see this in your rearview mirror.

Give Yourself Room

Do not tailgate! Do your best to leave a 4-second space between yourvehicle and the one in front of you. How do you know what fourseconds is? When the person ahead of you passes an inanimateobject such as a tree or a telephone pole, start counting to four beforeyou pass the same object. If it takes you less than four seconds to passthe same object, slow down a bit. You are too close to the vehicleahead of you. At night or in bad weather, double the distancebecause of poor stopping conditions. Ditto if a large trailer truck is infront of or behind you. If you are too close to the truck and have tohit the brakes suddenly to slow down, you want a lot of roombetween you and that big truck. They cannot stop quickly.

Again, do not let other drivers force you into doing somethingdangerous - if somebody is riding on your tail, move over and lethim/her pass. Take charge of the situation by remaining calm andclear-headed.

8

Seconds to Safety

A safety measure at traffic signals costs you only a few seconds,but could last you a lifetime! When you are stopped at a light andit turns green, before you start into the intersection, look bothways and make sure that all cross traffic has come to a completestop. You may be aware of the rules of the road, and you maypractice the rules of the road, but not everybody does. Be patient.

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGEGOOD TO GO – OR ARE YOU?

8

Activity: A New Invention

When Henry Ford invented the "horseless carriage" (Model T Ford)no one believed that cars would ever replace horses. But they did,and America hasn't been the same since. Now it's your turn. Design atraffic signal that would assure people will stop when they aresupposed to, or design one that won't allow your car to move into anintersection until it is safe. Follow the scientific method to developyour signal, research specific professionals who build traffic signals,and send him/her your proposal.

SC.H.1.4; SC.H.3.4; LA.A.1.4; LA.A.2.4; LA.B.1.4; LA.B.2.4; LA.D.2.4

Cell Phones, Food, and Cars Don't Mix

Save your phone conversations for when your car is idle, or pull offthe road to talk. Your concentration needs to be on your driving,and chatting on the phone is distracting. Statistics show that yourchance for an accident increases by 400% when you are driving andchatting (even with a hands-free headset). Eleven states have alreadyoutlawed driving and talking on the phone. Florida is considering alaw for teens to put a stop to the practice because of a rise inaccidents. It's one more hazard you don't need. Use your phone inthe car for emergencies only.

Same goes for eating or drinking in your car while driving, or puttingon make-up, or reading a map. These are all distractions that causeaccidents. The simple solution is to pull over first.

ACTIVITY: Six Scenarios

Create a poster, montage, collage, song, poem, video,or multimedia presentation on any of the following topics:

• Never Argue with a Big Rig (driving near tractor trailers or other big vehicles)

• Fatal Distractions (what can happen when your attention

is diverted)

• When the Light Changes (driving at dusk and at night)

• The Best Offense is a Good Defense (defensive driving techniques)

• Arrive Alive (long-distance driving tips)

• Bright Lights/Big City (city driving)

Support your choice with information you have found in theSun-Sentinel, on Sun-Sentinel.com or other resources

to provide facts and statistics to assure accuracy.

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGEGOOD TO GO – OR ARE YOU?

99

(LA.A.2.4; LA.A.1.4; LA.B.2.4; LA.B.1.4)

Once on the road you encounter a new world full of rulesand regulations. As important as it is to keep your eyes on

the drivers all around you, you must also be aware ofand obey all the traffic signs and signals.

The good news is there is an organized system of signs. The fourmajor categories are: regulation, warning, destination, and service.

Regulations Signs

Regulation signs are usually rectangular-shaped, white signs withblack letters or symbols. On occasion they may also use red letters orsymbols. Their job is to regulate – rate of speed, turns, etc.

Warning Signs

Yellow, usually diamond-shaped signs with black letters and/orsymbols are your warning signs. They warn you about things tocome or the conditions ahead you want to be looking for.

Destination Signs

While riding on the Turnpike, I-95, or other roads you will noticemany green signs with white lettering. These are your destinationsigns. They inform you of directions and distances to assortedlocations. If you are on a long trip these can come in handy whenplanning rest and pit stops.

Service Signs

There are times you need to know where the nearest hospital islocated or where the next rest area is on a long journey. Look for theblue signs with the white lettering. These are your service signs.

10

ACTIVITY: Name that Sign

1. Determine what each of the below traffic signs are telling you.

2. Think about any traffic signs that you would like to see created for otherdriving conditions. Using the right shapes and colors you have learnedabout, design your own road signs to match the situation.(For example, design a sign to show that talking on cell phones whiledriving is prohibited.)

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGEIT’S A SIGN OF THE TIMES . . .

10(LA.B.2.4)

There are three signs that stand on their own:

• An octagon means “stop”. Most stop signs are red with white lettering,but yellow ones have been know to appear once in awhile. If you see theoctagonal shape, make sure you come to a full stop.

• The yield sign is yellow and black, and it is always an upside downtriangle. It is warning you to slow down as you approach anintersection and to stop if there are vehicles coming because theyhave the right of way.

• Railroad crossing signs are also unique entities. They are yellow withblack letters and a big black “X”. Slow down and look both ways beforecrossing the tracks to make absolutely sure there is no train coming –sometimes the signals and/or gates are not working properly.Never, ever stop on railroad tracks. Stop before them to makesure you can clear them before crossing over!

11

PART I: YOU ARE IN CHARGEIT’S A SIGN OF THE TIMES . . .

11

One-Of-A-Kind Signs - Stop, Yield, Railroad Crossings

MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION . . .

Consider these:

FACT: Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in people age13-19! They account for approximately one-third of all fatalities inthis age group.

FACT: People ages 16-19 have the highest traffic-related fatality rateof any age group.

FACT: In 2001, teenagers made up 10% of the population of theUnited States and were involved in 13% of motor vehicle deaths.

FACT: Traffic accidents are the leading cause of disability and spinalcord injuries among teenagers.

FACT: The younger the driver, the higher the risk. More teenfatalities occur when a 16-year-old is driving than when a person ofany other age is at the wheel.

What are the reasons for these disturbing statistics?Why are teen drivers an endangered species?

FACTOR 1: As much as you hate to hear it, there is no substitutefor experience. Think back to the first time you got behind the wheel.Now, think back to the first time you drove the car solo. As a teendriver you are experiencing many firsts, which gradually add to yourexperience behind the wheel. But it takes time to develop drivingsavvy and to know how and when to react to different situations, sobe patient.

ASK YOURSELF: “How much experience do I actually havebehind the wheel of a car?” Have I driven in really bad weather? HaveI ever been tailgated? Have I ever had someone honk and gottennervous? Have I ever been cut off? What did you do? Be honestabout the level of your experience behind the wheel.

FACTOR 2: You often believe you are invincible. Once behind the wheelyou can feel as though you rule the road – you fear nothing – the streetbelongs to you.

ASK YOURSELF: “Is it realistic to think that nothing can happen to mewhile I’m driving?” “Is it reasonable, given the statistics on teen-agedrivers, that my friends and I won’t get hurt in a car at some point?”

FACTOR 3: Too often teens are goaded into racing – having to proveyourself to appease your friends. Peer pressure, speed, the desire toimpress, and inexperience are a really bad mix.

ASK YOURSELF: “Have I ever given into peer pressure?” “Have I putmyself or my friends in danger by driving recklessly?” “Have I everexceeded the speed limit?”

FACTOR 4: According to the NHSTA, approximately 41% of teens whodie in passenger vehicle crashes are not wearing their seatbelts. This is onelaw that has proven itself over and over to save lives. It’s a no-brainer.Insist that all passengers wear a seat belt, front and back seat.Remember: you are in charge; you are responsible. Don’t move the caruntil all seat belts are fastened.

14

ACTIVITY: Multimedia Presentation

Statistics show that teenage drivers are involved in more vehicularaccidents than any other group of drivers. Research road conditions andsituations that might contribute to these accidents. Develop a multimediapresentation to educate youthful drivers on proper driving techniques.

PART II: THINK ABOUT IT

NUMBERS DON’T LIE . . .

14

Statistics are numbers that apply to somebody else – right? The definitive answer is “no!” If statistics are in large enough

increments they begin to include you and your peers.

(LA.A.1.4; LA.A.2.4; LA.B.2.4; LA.D.2.4)

15

It does not take much alcohol at all to put you over the legal limit fordriving. Law enforcement officials use the blood alcohol content (BAC) todetermine alcohol impairment. For an adult the “magic” number is .08,but for a teenager it is .02 (Remember- the legal age for consuming alcoholin Florida is 21). If you are thinking, “So, what does this have to do withme?” read these statistics:

• Approximately 20% of 8th graders, 35% of 10th graders, and 48% of 12thgraders report having consumed alcohol.

• About 12% of 8th graders, 22% of 10th graders, and 28% of 12th gradersreport binge drinking (five or more drinks on a single occasion).

• Almost 40% of high school seniors perceive no great risk in consumingfour to five drinks nearly every day.

• Every other minute a person is seriously injured in an alcohol-relatedaccident. Each year nearly 16,000 people are killed because ofthese accidents.

You risk a fine, possible jail time, and a criminal record if you drink anddrive. This can hamper your chances for getting into college or qualifyingfor a job. You have a long future ahead of you so ask yourself, “is it worthit?” before taking that drink. And by the way, the same applies to drug use,legal or illegal. Even over-the-counter medications can impair your abilityto keep yourself safe while driving. When in doubt, DO NOT GET INTHE CAR!

ACTIVITY: Community Programs

Contact MADD (Mother’s Against Drunk Driving) and/or SADD(Students Against Drunk Driving) and develop a step-by-step plan to starta chapter at your school. Create a multimedia presentation to present toyour peers and parents at a school assembly demonstrating the value ofthese programs.

PART II: THINK ABOUT ITSOBERING THOUGHTS . . .

15

“Don’t drink and drive!” -- an admonition you have heard over and overagain. If you have been drinking alcoholic beverages or the driver of yourtransport has been partying too heartily – DO NOT GET IN THE CAR –

Period. Unless you have a designated driver who has agreed to stay sober,hand your keys to your host and spend the night. If your driver has beendrinking and will not relinquish the car keys, no matter what, DO NOT

GET IN THE CAR. Find another way home or spend the night.

(LA.D.2.4; LA.C.3.4; LA.B.2.4)

Road rage – the bane of modern-day driving. More and more people are in a hurry to get where they are going, more angry drivers are behind thewheel, and more poor drivers are out there testing your patience. Do not allow yourself to get caught up in this dangerous behavior. Too many thingscan go wrong. Below are some tips to prevent you from becoming a victim of road rage.

Part 1 – Don’t Instigate

• When you merge into traffic make sure you have plenty of room.Use your turn signal to show your intentions. Don’t deliberatelycut off another driver.

• The left lane is the passing lane. Even if you are doing the correctspeed limit in the left lane, move to the right if someone wants topass you – let the other driver go!

• Leave a four-second space between you and the car in front of you.Tailgating is a particularly dangerous activity and should be savedfor the parking lot at a football game, not on the road.

• Keep your hands on the steering wheel, no matter how angry orfrustrated you become. Nothing enrages another driver more thanobscene gestures.

• Be cautious, be courteous, be magnanimous! It is much easier,kinder, and safer to “give in” to the other guy - let her have theparking space, let him merge in front of you. Smile and wave -practice the “be my guest” philosophy!

Part 2 – Don’t Retaliate

• It takes two parties to have a fight! If you encounter an angry oraggressive driver, ignore him. Don’t honk your horn.

• Give angry drivers plenty of room. You may have accidentally angered adriver who is looking for a fight. Steer clear; let them go ahead.

• Keep your eyes on the road, on the traffic signals – anywhere but makingeye contact with an angry driver. Making eye contact can cause an iratemoment to escalate into a personal duel. Don’t go there!

• We spoke previously about using cell phones for emergency purposes.If you feel an angry driver is following you (even if you’ve doneeverything to avoid a confrontation) use your cell phone to call 911.If you don’t have a cell phone, drive to a place with lots of people aroundand then call 911.

• NNeevveerr,, eevveerr pull over or get out of the car when you are involved with anangry driver. Assume the person is out of control, may possess adangerous weapon, and is not thinking rationally.

It is unfortunate, but road rage is prevalent on our roads and highways.You cannot control another driver’s behavior, but you can control yourreaction to it. Remember, you are the one in charge, so do everything youcan to stay safe

16

ACTIVITY: Public Service Campaign

1. Look through the advertisements in the Sun-Sentinel or onSun-Sentinel.com. Notice the words and images that are used toconvince the reader to act on something or to make a purchase.

2. Develop a public service campaign to educate teenage drivers about thedangers of road rage and how to avoid unnecessary and often dangeroussituations. You can create a video, poster, or advertisement to run in thepaper or online. The goal is to make your product as convincingas possible.

PART II: THINK ABOUT ITROAD RAGE . . .

16 (LA.A.1.4; LA.A.2.4; LA.B.2.4; LA.C.3.4; LA.D.2.4)

17

Armed with this thought in mind, when you go shopping for a car you will surely find the right vehicle for you. You must do your homework!There is a difference in what to look for in a new car and what to look for in a used car. Both have their pros and cons.

Buying a New Car

Check crash test scores and vehicle safetyrecords

Check for up-to-date safety features(airbags, antilock brakes, frame)

Go armed with a ballpark figure of cost

Get pre-approval on your loan, and thencompare it to what the dealer has to offer

Make sure your co-signer is there to signpapers (if needed)

Research extended warranties, coverage,and how to keep the warranty valid

Buying a Used Car

Check the glove box for the owner’s manual

Research the current market value of the car

Check the odometer (should average 12,000miles per year)

Have the car inspected by a mechanic youtrust (very important!)

Look for extra wear on the seats, gas andbrake pedals, seat belts, etc.

Don’t buy a car that has been in an accident,has bubbles in the paint or rust, or is in need

of minor repairs

Note: By buying a well-maintained usedcar, you can decrease cost of insurance, due

to no requirement for collision orcomprehensive (if paid in full).

New and Used CarPurchase

Research the car type and model

Get vehicle maintenance historyreport (Consumer Reports)

Check out insurance rates onyour make and model

Test drive the car – on localroads and on the highway

Check the seatbelts

Check the size and reliability ofthe vehicle

Make sure the car has a spare tire

Be persistent with thesalesperson, but not rude

PART III: DO YOUR HOMEWORK

IT’S WHAT YOU KNOW THAT COUNTS . . .

17

You probably don’t want to hear this, but keep in mind that the bestcar for a teenage driver is bigger and slower with a multitude of safetyfeatures. The temptation to speed and show off is decreased, andyour car does not become a police magnet.

Something else you may not like to hear: the experts agree - SUVsare the least recommended vehicles for teen drivers. SUVs tend toprovide a false sense of power and security; however, they roll oververy easily - doubling the danger if you are in an accident. Statisticsshow that a disproportionate number of accidents involving teenagedrivers involve only one vehicle.

ACTIVITY: New vs. Used

1. Select a car from the new car ads in the CARS section of theSun-Sentinel or on the Internet at cars.com. Then find an oldermodel of the same car. Call several automobile insurance companiesto see what it would cost to insure both vehicles. Make a chartcomparing new vs. used rates. Present your findings to the class.

2. Develop an advertising campaign convincing teenage drivers topurchase either a new or used car based on the information gatheredfrom the previous activity. Make sure you include specific factssupporting your choice.

18

PART III: DO YOUR HOMEWORKIT’S WHAT YOU KNOW THAT COUNTS . . .

18

(LA.A.2.4; LA.B.2.4; LA.C.3.4; LA.B.1.4; LA.D.2.4)

Many times your first car is a used car. You’ve worked jobs afterschool and on weekends to save money, and you’re ready to buy.Proceed with caution! Besides some of the suggestions on thecomparison chart (page 17) there are more specific detailsto check out.

• Inspect the condition of the tires. If they are worn unevenly ordown to their wear indicators, or if they are cracked or aging, youmay try to negotiate with the seller.

• Make sure the brakes are in A-one condition to do exactly whatthey are supposed to do – stop the car! Listen for squealing orgrinding sounds, determine if you have disc or drum brakes,and make sure your brakes are inspected, and if necessary,repaired correctly.

• Look at the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracking oraging, and also check out the cooling system. Check underneath thecar to assure that there is no green or pink fluid on the ground. Testdrive the car hard to make sure it does not overheat. You do notwant a car with a faulty cooling system.

• Test all the seatbelts to make sure they attach and retract correctly.If you have automatic seatbelts, make sure they connect when youturn on the car.

• When you take the car to your trusted mechanic make sure hechecks the engine and transmission (including the fluid) and teststhe battery to see if it needs to be replaced.

A major word of caution: check, double check, and check again theVIN (vehicle identification number) on any used car you areplanning to purchase. After Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilmathere is concern that many of the cars that were underwater will becleaned up, made presentable, sold to used car dealers and then tothe public. There are search sites on the web where you caninvestigate a car’s history through its VIN before you bring it home!

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PART III: DO YOUR HOMEWORKBUYING A USED CAR? – PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

19

Other Costs to Think About

Financing is just one part of your auto budget. You also have toconsider your variable expenses.

The first expense is your insurance. Policies are usually written forsix months and then reevaluated. Even with a good driving record,rates tend to go up continuously. Be prepared or shop around if youare not pleased with the increase.

How many times have you heard the ploy:

“Zero dollars down, 0% financing?”

What you don’t hear and what you cannot see are the conditionswritten in the fine, microscopic print of a financing contract.

You must investigate financing – borrowing money that you payback over a specified number of years. The longer the life of the loan,the lower the monthly payment, but the more you will pay for the carbecause of the interest rate.

You must shop around for the right financing. Some of the sourcesyou can check are banks, credit unions, and auto dealers. Compareto see who will offer the best deal. Also, check to see if your parentswill co-sign (in many cases this will be a necessity, since you may nothave a qualifying credit rating yet).

Another path might be negotiating a loan with a relative. Just be surethat no matter what the source of your financing, that you make yourpayments on time. You do not want to be hit with late fees, plus youdo not want any black marks on your brand-new credit record.

Other expenses biting into your budget include maintenance,gasoline (which is getting increasingly more expensive), oil changesevery three months or 3,000 miles, general repairs, replacing tires,and servicing your brakes.

If your budget does not work in the beginning, perhaps you canwork out an arrangement to share the family car for a time, allowingyou to put money away until you can comfortably afford yourown vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Get Ready to Buy

a. Divide the class into teams. Have each team select a new car they wouldlike to purchase using the CARS section of the Sun-Sentinel, cars.com orother resources. Each team member will then research information on thefollowing topics: cost comparison, safety features, insurance, reliabilityrating, gas mileage, warranty (one topic per student). The team willcompile the information they find and present a detailed graph of theirresults to the class.

b. Working in teams, have students research the advantages anddisadvantages (cost of insurance, safety records, gas mileage, etc.) ofpurchasing the following types of vehicles: sports car, compact car,mid-size sedan, SUV, pick-up truck, full-size car. Using the informationobtained, have students share their information and rate the vehicles frommost practical to least practical.

c. Based on the outcome of the above activity, have students design anadvertising campaign convincing teenage drivers to purchase the vehiclethat is most practical.

ACTIVITY: The Other Costs of Owning a Car

1. Develop a schedule of your daily routines for an average week. Estimateabout how many miles per day you travel.

2. Next, research facts on a new car of your choice. What is themanufacturer’s estimate on miles per gallon for both city and highwaydriving, how much are the car payments, the insurance payments, etc.?Based on your findings and your schedule determine how much it wouldcost to run your car for one day, one week, one month, and one year.Graph your results.

20

PART III: DO YOUR HOMEWORKFINANCING YOUR CAR . . .

You’ve found your car, but nobody is going to wavea magic wand and place the keys in your hand for free!

You will likely have to consider financing.No problem, you think!

20 (LA.B.2.4; MA.B.1.4; LA.A.2.4; MA.B.1.4; MA.B.3.4; MA.D.2.4)

(LA.A.1.4; LA.A.2.4; LA.B.2.4; MA.E.1.4; MA.D.2.4; LA.C.3.4; LA.D.2.4)