The automobile. Developed by Carl Benz in 1885, it is one of the greatest inventions ever made. An innovation to society, but also a danger to society. Getting people to places quickly, but putting people in the hospital more often. According to the World Health Organization, 1.9 million people die every year, with over 40,000+ people dying in the United States, in car crashes. This is the leading cause of death for children and young adults from the ages of 5-29. In 2022 alone, there were 130,042 car crashes, with 774 fatalities and 29,451 injured. These crashes and fatalities are all too many. They are all preventable, starting with understanding the basic rules of the road and understanding the responsibility of being a driver behind the wheel of a car.
Living in a city like Louisville is a lot easier than living in a traffic-heavy city like Atlanta or outside of Washington, D.C., but Louisville still has its challenges. As such, there are some basic things one needs to know:
- There are 3 Interstates that run through the city: I-64, I-65, and I-71. Odd numbered interstates run north and south, while even numbered interstates run east and west.
- There are also 2 Interstates that go around the city: I-264 (the Watterson Expressway) and I-265 (the Gene Snyder).
- Rush hour peaks at 5:30.
- Main downtown streets include Main, Market, Jefferson and Broadway.
- Main streets throughout the city include Shelbyville, Grinstead, Bardstown, Dixie Hwy, Poplar Level, Breckenridge, Taylorsville, Cane Run, Fern Valley, Hurstbourne Pkwy and Brownsboro.
- Because there are a lot of two-lane roads that eventually merge into one and because there are so many ramps to get on the interstate in such a short period of time, know what a zipper merge is.
There are definitely some more things I have left off of this list, but let’s cut to the chase: driving as a teenager is certainly daunting at first, but with a lot of experience and the required number of practice hours one has to drive before taking their road test (60 hours minimum, with 10 hours at night), driving becomes easier and more comfortable. That’s not to say it won’t be hard, however, especially as a teenager. As such, from teenage driver to teenage driver, here are my top tips for driving.
1. Drive sober
“Drive sober or get pulled over.” The billboard signs can’t say it enough. It is not smart nor safe to get into a car when intoxicated. Variations in a persons’ blood alcohol content (BAC) can result in different effects on driving. From vision loss to the inability to maintain lane position, deterioration of reaction time to difficulty steering, drunk driving is a serious issue. All casualties resulting from drunk driving are preventable. In 2022 alone, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. It is estimated that 37 people in the United States die because of drunk driving every day, which is one person every 39 minutes.
2. “Safety is no accident”
These four words are forever engraved in my mind. My dad is a civil planner; infrastructure, highways, and buildings are what he does. He also grew up driving in the Washington metropolitan area. So take it from me, who takes it from him, be safe while driving. Put a seatbelt on when getting in a car and make sure others do too. Also, adjust the seat to make sure there is a notebook paper’s worth of distance (about 10 inches) between one’s chest and the middle of the steering wheel. If the seat were any closer and the airbag were to ever go off, the impact of the airbag would be too great on the driver. Adjust the side mirrors and top mirror as well. A person needs to be able to see cars and everything going on around them. Use turn signals, too! It never hurts to put on a turn signal even if in a designated turn lane.
3. No distractions
When a person gets into their car, the number one distraction that they have with them is their phone. Whether it be texting, calling, scrolling through social media, or doing something else, technology can be very distracting. However, a driver should always have their eyes facing straight ahead and ready to act. Additional distractions include other electronic devices, eating or drinking, the built-in navigation and even the radio. Don’t be the person who gets honked or yelled at for not paying attention when the light turns green, or the person on the highway scrolling through their phone while everybody passes them in both the left and right lanes. Life is more important than responding to a text.
4. Be aware at all times (defensive driving)
Just because a person puts their phone down or away doesn’t mean they are in the clear of anything happening whatsoever. They need to check their mirrors every 5-8 seconds. They should also keep a minimum 3-second gap between the car in front. In general, one needs to be aware of the cars around them at all times. It’s almost as if a person has to predict what’s ahead of them while in the act of driving. Every possible thing that a person could think of could happen, so it never hurts to have a plan for what to do in case it should happen. For example, if a person that is turning left instead proceeds to do a U-turn, don’t turn right immediately. Instead, wait for them to pass and then proceed to turn.
5. Expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything
A person shouldn’t have to be on alert at all times, but society has come to the point where that is just the way it is. A person cannot rely on other people to be safe and responsible drivers. They just can’t. Similar to tip number four, tip number five of expecting the unexpected is similar to defensive driving. However, the key here is “awareness” versus “expect.” Just because a person is aware doesn’t mean they know what might come next. Whether it be through distractions, not paying attention or not enough driving experience, in general, be composed at all times.
6. Follow speed limits
People may not like speed limits, but they are there for everyone’s safety. By following the speed limits, a person eliminates the risk of getting pulled over and having to pay a fine. Speeding tickets can range from $20 to $100. Kentucky also uses a Point System to identify people that may be negligent drivers. In terms of speeding, points can range from 0-3. While that may not sound like a lot, if a driver under 18 accumulates seven points or more, “the Transportation Cabinet conducts a hearing concerning the driver’s privileges to operate a motor vehicle.” Same thing applies to a driver over 18 accumulating 12 points or more. Further consequences can result in a suspended license and probation. While a lot of us have a lead foot, it is important to slow down and be especially cautious and aware in certain areas/zones of cities, like on busy intersections and near schools or parks.
7. Know what signs and pavement markings mean
Hopefully, the graphic may have provided some instances of road signs that are unfamiliar or unrecognizable to some of you. Paying attention and actually looking at these, using context clues is better than simply ignoring them. Know and recognize a school zone or a pedestrian walkway. Look for a two-way left turn arrow on the pavement. Always be on the lookout, especially on the highway, because signs and pavement markings are your best friend.
8. Vehicle maintenance
While a person is in control of their car, the car also has more control than people might think. Sometimes, a car will offer a warning if the tire pressure is low. If it doesn’t, it is still important to take a look once in a while. Similarly, other times, headlights may go out or cars can break down completely without any warning. As such, treat it like a person. Keep it clean and neat. Go to the car wash. Get gas as needed. Nobody wants to pay a lot of money to buy a new car because their current one “broke down on them.” For reference, there is a sticker on the inside of the drivers side door called the Safety Compliance Certification Label, which provides a driver all the information they need to know about their vehicle.
9. Lane position
Wrong lane position of other drivers is the number one thing that increases my road rage. Don’t be the person who at the last second has to get over to exit off the highway or into a turn lane. Breaking or cutting into a new lane suddenly can be dangerous as drivers around them might not have a quick enough reaction time. If you find that your exit or turn is approaching, ease into the other lane earlier. Know what road you are on, how many lanes there are and what each lane is for, whether it be to turn right or left or proceed straight ahead. A lot of people do not know this, but you can actually turn left from a one-way street to another one-way street. The time people have wasted waiting for the light to turn green to turn left is astounding, especially since I am waiting right behind them. There are many one-way streets within the vicinity of Manual, like 2nd St and 3rd St. Both student and parent drivers could save a lot of time by having an understanding of this rule. Also, understanding the purposes of the two lanes for the roundabout connecting E. Brandeis St and Floyd St would save a lot of time, too. When it comes to a roundabout, a driver should never fully brake, simply yield. If one sees a gap, they should take it. Another thing to understand is the four-way stop at the intersection of E. Lee and S. Floyd Streets.
10. Plan your route
If a person is already five minutes late to something, they are not gonna make up for that missed time by speeding no matter the time of the day. Louisville is an extensive city, with a lot of interconnectedness and traffic lights. As such, map out your route and actually think about what the best way to go somewhere is and plan enough time to get there safely
Hopefully, these need to-knows and tips provide some sort of insight and make driving just a tad easier for teenage drivers. My final tip is to take the Ford Driving Skills for Life class day course if you are still hesitant about driving or just need more experience in general. I have taken it, and I highly recommend it to others. Student drivers get the chance to drive Ford Mustangs and SUVs, learning techniques and maneuvers, from managing wide turns to utilizing the anti-lock braking system, understanding how a drunk driver can be impaired and much more.
Finally, know that driving is a privilege and that owning a car is very much a luxury. Be mindful of why you are behind the wheel and how you proceed to drive. And, most importantly, stay aware and stay safe.
