Adams School Of Driving

Dangerous Driving Distractions to Avoid

Life can be hectic, but the road is not the place to multi-task. It's not just teens with little to no training that succumb to the temptation of texting or chatting while driving. Don't become an object lesson of the dangers of distracted driving: avoid these dangerous driving distractions.

Cell Phones

At any point, as many as 10% of drivers are using their cell phone while on the road. Talking or texting lowers driving performance and increases driver distraction. Nearly 1/5th of all distracted driving fatalities are attributed to cell phone use.

Eating and drinking

Eating and drinking doesn't just involve chewing and swallowing. You are also unwrapping food, opening and applying condiment packets, and holding your food while you eat it. Anything that takes one of your hands off the wheel or your eyes off of the road is a dangerous distraction.

Rowdy friends, children, or pets

Car trips can be exciting, but take steps to ensure that you're driving isn't being impacted by your passengers. Instruct your friends to avoid loud arguments, conversations, and horseplay. Make sure your children are securely buckled in and have activities to keep them occupied. Ensure that any pets are secured in a kennel, pet harness, or pet carrier while in the vehicle.

Adjusting the radio or portable music devices

Make sure that the volume is adjusted to the level you want while the car is stopped and the radio is tuned to the station you want to listen to. If you’re using an iPod or other portable music player, put together a playlist for the road to avoid searching for music.

Grooming

Applying makeup, shaving, or combing your hair puts your eyes on your mirror and takes your hands off the wheel. Do your grooming before leaving your house.

Whether you need a teen driving certification, a refresher course, snow and ice lessons, a defensive driving program, or one-on-one private lessons, Adams School of Driving will steer you in the right direction. Contact Adams School of Driving at (847) 965-6565.

How Do You Check Your Tires?

Do you know how to check your tires? Are you driving on tires that need replacing? Watch the video below to learn the best ways to check your tires!

Another way to promote safe driving habits is to enroll your child in teen driving school. Contact the professionals at Adams School of Driving for all of your driving lessons, driver’s training, driving school, or driving tests. Enroll online today or call us at (847) 965-6565!

Here are some additional links from around the Web that relate to our recent blog topics.

Want to learn more about driving instruction and driving tips? Check out these resources for more information.

• NPR’s Car Talk gurus offer some amusing and helpful insights into teen driving.

• Most first-time drivers learn on an automatic transmission. If you are interested in learning how to drive a manual transmission, read this WikiHow article.  

• One of the greatest dangers of driving is distraction. Teens are particularly at risk.

• If your teenager learned how to drive in spring, summer, or fall, there’s one thing he or she didn’t learn—driving in the snow requires a totally new set of skills.

• A common problem for first time drivers is leaving the lights on, only to return to a dead battery. Learn how to jump-start your car here. 

Adams School of Driving can teach your teen everything he or she needs to know about driving. For more information, visit our website or call (847) 965-6565.

What All Drivers Should Have in Their Vehicles

First-time drivers who have just passed their driving tests might feel ready to take on anything. But in addition to your license and registration, there are several items you should have with you in your car at all times.

A First Aid Kit

If you have an accident, you may need immediate medical attention. A first aid kit should be in every car.  It’s not enough to have the first aid kit—make sure you know how to use it, and are familiar with basic first aid procedures.

A Wool Blanket

If your car breaks down in a deserted area and you are unable to find assistance or a tow, you may find yourself stuck for several hours or even overnight. It’s important to keep a blanket with you in the car to prevent hypothermia if you’re stranded.

Water

Your body needs water, and if your car breaks down and you can’t find help, it’s extremely important to stay hydrated and alert. Keep enough water in your car for several days, just in case.

Your Car’s Owners Manual

This is an indispensible resource for making car repairs. You may have finished driving school and passed your driving test, but each car is different, and having the manual available will ensure that you make the proper repairs.

Maintenance Tools            

In the event of a flat tire or any other problem, you should have all the tools you need to make the fix. Keep a jack, a tire iron, wrenches and screwdrivers with you at all times.

Other Emergency Supplies

It’s a good idea to keep some general emergency supplies with you, like road flares, jumper cables, fuses, and flashlights. Some people carry a camera for insurance purposes in case of an accident.

At Adams School of Driving, we focus on safe and defensive driving, but life is full of unknowns. It’s important to be prepared when you’re out on the road. For more information, visit our website or call (847) 965-6565.

How Your Teen Can Benefit from Private Driving Lessons

Is your teen itching to get behind the wheel? If you’re like a lot of parents, then you might be a bit nervous about handing over the keys. You want to be sure that your child gets the best driving lessons before he or she drives away. The best way for your teen to learn how to drive safely is through focused, private lessons from a teen driving school.

• You Decide the Schedule

Private lessons can be arranged to fit the student’s schedule. When studying with a group, the schedule can’t be modified. Modern teens lead busy lives, and it’s important that their driving lessons accommodate their schedules.

• Private Lessons are More Focused

Everyone knows that teens are very susceptible to peer pressure and group influence. Private driving lessons allow them to relax and focus on learning how to drive, away from the stress or distraction from a group of peers.

• Teens Get More One-On-One Time

Private driving lessons offer your teen extended personal instruction. This gives them ample opportunity to ask questions, and also gives the instructor time to address subtle points that could use improvement.

• The Lesson is More Realistic

In a large group, driving lessons feel like just that, lessons. But private lessons are closer to a natural driving situation. Your teen will gain more authentic experience from this kind of training.

If you want to register your teen for private driving lessons, contact Adams School of Driving today. Not only can you tailor the schedule to your own convenience, but we also include free pick-up and drop-off at school, home, or work. You teen will develop the skills and confidence required to pass the driving test and be a safe driver. Visit our website or call (847) 965-6565.