(Hopefully) Helpful Hints to New Drivers

Since my granddaughter is now enrolled in Driver's Ed, and her brother isn't that far behind her, I have gathered my thoughts to provide these hints.  I have NO idea if they will ever see this, but it won't be because I didn't try!  Robin, Ryan, some of this will be a repeat of what you've already been taught, but every one of these hints comes from personal experience that wasn't always fun!

1.  When you leave the car, roll up the windows.  Even if you think you will only be away from the vehicle for a few moments on a beautiful day, roll up the windows.  Make it automatic.

2.  When you step out of the vehicle, stop and ask yourself:  Are the lights off?  Do I have the keys?  Do not proceed until you can answer "yes" to both questions.

3.  Leave nothing in the car that is valuable.  Not even small change.  Computers and cell phones and/or cameras need to go with you when you leave the vehicle.  No exceptions.

4.  Never, ever, deliberately run over something in the road that looks harmless, if you can help it.  I can list example after example of when that cost a bunch of money in flat tires, undercarriage damage, and other ugly stuff.

5. If you take the only family car out on an errand, consider what will happen if you do something stupid like lock your keys in the car.  How will the family get to you for rescue?

6.  Whenever you leave a vehicle, make certain that all non-automatic lights are OFF.  If you leave a door open, the lights on, or an inside light on, the battery will drain to the point of not being able to be restarted the next day.  Some cars have "dummy" circuits that shut them out automatically, but not all.  Make sure you know before you get stuck in BFE with a car that won't start!

7.  If the "check engine" light comes on, alert the parents.  If the "check engine" light comes on and FLASHES, pull over and call the parents for help.

8.  Never leave the car so low on fuel that people can't run errands the next day.  If the needle is close to bottom, tell somebody if you don't have the funds to gas up.  And don't attempt to go anywhere if there isn't enough gas to get you there and back.

9.  However tempting it may be, put the cell phone down.  You can address texts and calls when you get where you are going.  Funerals are quite expensive and ruin people's lives forever.

10.  A motor vehicle is a guided missile.  Driving one without parents may seem like freedom for awhile, but driving maturely is a HUGE responsibility.

11.  Do NOT get into a vehicle with an impaired person at the wheel.  Get out and call your parents to pick you up.  It may be embarrassing for a moment, but your parents will be much happier knowing that you are safe than if you had one moment of stupid that proved fatal.

12.  Understand that driving is a privilege and not a right.  If you break the laws of your state or your home, you mess up your own independence.  This is serious stuff.

13.  Whether you are changing a tire or loosening a screw, remember "righty, tighty; lefty, loosey".

14.  Until you are 18, your parents are responsible for what you do or don't do.  Don't get stupid enough to risk all they have done for you.

15.  If you get pulled over for any reason but feel uncomfortable about it, continue to drive to a well-lighted, safe location before pulling over.  If you have an operative phone, record your experience.  Do NOT allow anyone to take you anywhere unless you have broken the law and the arresting entity can tell you about it.

God bless you as you learn!
Grandma