Taking the Lead: Ford Driving Skills for Life is a comprehensive community initiative that features an exciting, free interactive website DrivingSkillsForLife.com that teens can use to practice for their permit test, or just get better behind the wheel. Plus, we offer a FREE high school assembly program to area schools every month; you just need to register your school! Ford Driving Skills for Life is a global teen driving initiative with hands-on events and education to provide newly licensed, inexperienced, teenage drivers with skills to improve their driving and make good decisions behind the wheel.

ALERT: Sign your school up today for this FREE in-school or virtual assembly.

WATCH OUT FOR PEDESTRIANS/BICYCLISTS CROSSING ROAD!

For walkers, dangerous driving is still a problem. Drivers in the United States struck and killed an estimated 3,373 walkers in the first six months of 2023, for an average of 18 deaths every day. Source: Forbes (Mar '24)

Another study reveals that drunk driving deaths had increased from 18% in just two years (10,196 in 2019 to 13,384 in 2021). GHSA will release its pedestrian fatality data for the first half of 2023 later this month.

DID YOU KNOW... The rise of electric cars should also introduce different regulations, considering this type of vehicle is typically much heavier than its ICE counterparts, which could cause more serious injuries when colliding with pedestrians. The near-silent operation can also make pedestrians unaware of oncoming EVs. Source: CarBuzz (2/23/24)

STUDENTS: Click here for FREE, interactive learning modules to help you practice for your permit and driver's license tests! Sign up for DrivingSkillsForLife.com/ACADEMY: Challenge yourself to become a better driver!

Online games and videos are designed to help you manage distractions, learn what to do in hazardous situations or if you lose control of your vehicle and so much more! Best of all ... it's FREE and completing the online Academy could possibly (not guaranteed - subject to your auto insurance provider criteria) result in an insurance discount depending on the insurer!

KEY SAFETY TIPS: (source: Reader's Digest 1/10/23)

~ WHAT DO YOU DO AT 4-WAY STOP SIGN?

First vehicle to arrive first has the right of way. Yield to the driver on your right.

~ STOPLIGHT JUST TURNS YELLOW

If approaching the intersection, never go through a yellow light if you are able to stop safely before the light turns red.

~ IF DEER JUMPS IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR

Keep both hands securely on the steering wheel, apply the brakes firmly and never swerve. Swerving could cause your vehicle to go into the other lane and potentially hit another car or run off the side of the road.

~ IF SUN IS BLINDING YOU

Do not slam on the brakes or swerve. Do your best to continue on your path and remain predictable to other drivers - or pull over until traffic lessens.

HAZARDS EXIST EACH SEASON THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:

• Things to keep in mind when driving in the fall:
  
  • Wet Roads cause slick conditions! Reduce and manage your speed according to weather conditions!
    DID YOU KNOW ... wet pavement contributes to nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes each year!
  • Reduce and manage your speed according to weather conditions.
  • Check your tire pressure (including the spare) - Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of pressure for every 10-degree temperature drop
  • Check tread depth at least once a month - especially important in slippery conditions if your tires are bald
  • How to use the quarter test: Hold the quarter (head down) and stick it in the tire tread groove. Ideally part of Washington's head will be covered.
  • If Washington's entire head is showing, it may be time to start thinking about a new set of tires. Usually, a good tire will last 3½ years.
  • Remember that it is more difficult to see people, objects & street signs in the dark while raining. A waterlogged reflection can increase the likelihood of a crash.
  • Adjust your headlights. If your headlights seem too dim, ask your mechanic to make sure they are aligned properly.
  • Stick with low beams: Keep your headlights on low when driving in the fog (and rain). High beams will only cause glare.
  • Watch for leaves, rocks or other debris coming off hillsides, not to mention animals on the road.
  • Avoid Cruise Control: Most newer cars feature cruise control. This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car's speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged.
  • Slow Down and Leave Room: Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car's chance of hydroplaning when the tires rise up on a film of water. With as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. Drivers should reduce their speed no matter how old the tires are. To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, drivers should slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of them. Also, it's important to allow ample stopping distance between cars by increasing the following distance of the vehicle in front of them and beginning to slow down to stop for intersections, turns and other traffic early. Source: AAA (2024)
  • Never drive through flooded road conditions.
  • Know the LAW! No texting while driving AND Junior license drivers have time and passenger restrictions!
  • http://www.education4drivers.com/pennsylvania/drivers-license-restrictions.htm
  • Extra glare from the sun: The first 15 to 45 minutes after sunrise and before sunset can make for more difficult driving due to sun glare. The sun perfectly aligns with east/west roadways during this time. Grab a good pair of sunglasses for the daytime, keep your windshield clean and use north/south streets or streets with tree cover when possible, says the National Weather Service.
  • Replace your windshield wipers regularly. A really clean window can help you see when there's glare.
  • Proceed with caution ... watch for deer, sudden stops by other vehicles, potholes and challenging weather conditions. BE ALERT!

  It is wise for teens to know the precautions that should be taken before driving in unfamiliar weather & should practice driving with a licensed driver in all types of inclement weather before attempting on their own.
  
  Source: Wet Weather Driving Tips / PennDot (2019) PA Driver's Manual

PARENTS: Encourage your teen (and their friends) to log on today! Gain more confidence in your own teenager's driving skills AND knowing that their friends have a better understanding behind the wheel because they went through the Academy! It's Free and is just a little time that's worth their life!

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL HERE!

TAKING THE LEAD: FORD DRIVING SKILLS FOR LIFE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY:

MANY LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE INVITED US TO BRING THIS FREE ASSEMBLY PROGRAM TO THEIR SCHOOL

Your school could be next! Use the form above to let us know today! It's free! It's confidential!

KDKA-TV, Ford Motor Company, Neighborhood Ford Store, Governors Highway Safety Association and Allegheny County Pretrial Services are Taking the Lead to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities related to teen driving in our community. We are dedicated to saving lives. Learn as much as you can... It's FUN, INFORMATIVE and FREE!

For immediate information, please contact Laura Stephen at: Stephen@kdka.com