tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:36:15 +0000Driving InstructorsDriving StudentsDriver's EdDriver's EducationautomobilescarsAttitudeCollisionsDrivingParentscontrolCrashesautomotivebrakingCalmAngerAttentionEmotionSupervisionemergency situationsspacevisbilityFearSpeed LimitTop 10 Driving Mistakessafetysafety devicesBrakesCommentary DrivingDriveCamLeft TurnsMaturityTop 10 Causes of Accidental DeathYellingacceleratingBackingLane ChoicePedestriansRight TurnsSeat BeltsVolvoauto-partsbicyclistsblind spotsdriversemergency brakeengine overheatingfollowing distancerestrictionsroad debrissnowteentractionLife As Seen Through The Eyes Of A Driving Instructorhttp://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Thomas)Blogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-2981952042257219042Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:21:00 +00002007-06-17T16:46:32.992-04:00Here are examples of some of the verbal exchanges I have with my students almost daily:Exchange #1“You forgot to buckle your seat belt.”“Sorry, my bad!”Exchange # 2“Did you check your blind spot before making that lane change?”“Oops! Forgot!”“Good thing I was checking.”Exchange #3“You really ought to shift to park before attempting to exit the car.”“Oh, Oh!I see kids neglect small, easily http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/06/take-time-to-do-things-correctly.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-6571106284889881781Fri, 25 May 2007 17:23:00 +00002007-05-25T13:37:06.426-04:00driversrestrictionsteenThree states are currently enacting laws to restrict teen drivers and save them from themselves.The Illinois House unanimously approved a bill Wednesday that puts new restrictions on teen drivers, including: A longer learner's permit stage (up to nine months from three); increased curfews for night-time driving (with some exceptions); harsher penalties for having too many passengers (who aren't http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/more-restrictions-on-teen-drivers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-866139594312079844Wed, 23 May 2007 18:24:00 +00002007-05-23T14:24:12.009-04:00http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/volvo-jr-driving-school-legoland_23.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-8655398086402353916Tue, 22 May 2007 23:16:00 +00002007-05-23T12:09:26.140-04:00That's right. Get them started early. It's never too soon to learn the rules of the road.Three years ago this month, Lego and Volvo partnered to offer children the opportunity to drive electric-powered vehicles made to look like LEGO bricks with Volvo vehicle cues within the controlled environment of the drive course. The rules of the road are emphasized, as well as good safety habits such as http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/volvo-jr-driving-school-legoland_22.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-6879848168152024031Thu, 17 May 2007 17:37:00 +00002007-05-21T16:58:26.236-04:00automotiveBackingBrakescontrolDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsvisbilityListen to the Oldies stations and you'll hear Neil Sedaka complain about this all the time. Oh, I'm sorry. He sings about breaking up. Well they're both difficult, but once you get the hang of backing up, you can scratch that off your worry list.Actually, reversing is not tough, however reversing in a straight line often frustrates most beginners and their parents.Why? Well maybe because the http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/backing-up-is-hard-to-do.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-6819620345133898086Tue, 15 May 2007 17:33:00 +00002007-05-16T15:22:16.182-04:00AngerAttentionAttitudeautomotivebrakingDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsFearI hate using my instructor's brake.I hate it because when I was 15 years old my driving instructor absolutely loved to use his. He used his brake the same way a dog-handler uses a choke chain. I'd be driving along and out of the blue the car wouldn't respond to me anymore. When that happened I'd think I was not pressing on the gas pedal correctly, so I'd press harder and rev the engine a bit morehttp://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-to-avoid-surprises-on-road.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-8018183255796163150Fri, 11 May 2007 20:28:00 +00002007-05-11T17:36:09.238-04:00AttentionautomobilesautomotivebrakingCollisionsemergency situationsroad debrisHouston's ABC 13 Eyewitness News reported yesterday on the death of a motorcyclist:"A piece of debris on the East Loop played a role in a fatal accident Wednesday night. A motorcyclist drove over a large wooden board, sending his bike into the air and causing the rider to hit the guard-rail. He died at the scene. "Wherever you drive you will find debris on the road posing a hazard to you and http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/what-do-you-do-whenroad-debris-is-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-832953692062446480Thu, 10 May 2007 18:13:00 +00002007-05-16T15:23:37.058-04:00automotiveCollisionsDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving Studentssafety devicesWhen did motor vehicle accidents and traffic safety become part of our culture? Who crashed the first car? Who became the first fatality? Who first thought of stop signs?I don't think anyone can give a definitive answer to all these questions. The first recorded crash has been credited to Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot who drove his steam-powered "Fardier" against a wall in 1770. He survived the http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/moment-in-automotive-history.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-410288564492643490Wed, 09 May 2007 17:31:00 +00002007-05-10T13:44:10.405-04:00acceleratingautomotivebrakingcontrolDriver's EdDriver's EducationDrivingDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsLeft TurnsRight TurnsSupervision"Knowledge is gained by learning; trust by doubt; skill by practice; and love by love." ~ Thomas S. SzaszHow does a parent go about teaching a brand new, inexperienced driver how to make proper turns?Here are the step by step instructions:#1 - Get behind the wheel to show and explain the proper steps for turning corners. Tell your student when and where to start turning and how to straighten the http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/teaching-your-teen-to-drive-objective-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-6301059367568676127Tue, 08 May 2007 16:59:00 +00002007-05-10T13:44:55.856-04:00AttentionAttitudeautomotiveCollisionsDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsPedestriansTop 10 Causes of Accidental DeathTop 10 Driving MistakesYesterday afternoon I posted my account of a spaced out driving student. Last night Chicago's ABC7 ran a feature on distracted pedestrians. Coincidence? Or are we just both impressed by a problem of epic proportions?ABC7 noted in its report Tuned Out, that 4500 people were struck by vehicles in Chicago last year. Police say there is no telling how many of them were using iPods, Blackberrys or http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/drivers-arent-only-ones-who-are-tuned.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-2827879582844076371Mon, 07 May 2007 17:40:00 +00002007-05-07T14:38:40.505-04:00AttentionAttitudeautomobilesDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsTop 10 Driving MistakesRecently, I've been working with an eighteen year old student. Here in Illinois she is considered an adult and therefore no longer needs to take formal instruction to qualify for a driver's license.Nevertheless, she hired me to instruct her as she had already failed the state's road test twice and wanted to figure out what she was doing wrong.I asked her why she had not passed the road tests, andhttp://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/1-driver-error.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-2241718425345281599Fri, 04 May 2007 16:38:00 +00002007-05-04T13:50:41.307-04:00automobilesCrashesDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving Studentsemergency situationsTop 10 Causes of Accidental DeathTop 10 Driving MistakesNo fancy prose today. We'll merely look at lists. Perhaps this light reading will cause you to do some heavy thinking.List #1 - The Top Ten Causes of Accidental Death in America (In Reverse Order)10. Machinery - Deaths per year: 3509. Medical & Surgical Complications and Misadventures - Deaths per year: 5008. Poisoning by gases - Deaths per year: 7007. Firearms - Deaths per year: 1,5006. http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/lists.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-7076726919430266452Wed, 02 May 2007 18:32:00 +00002007-05-02T15:37:15.576-04:00Dear Mr. Driving Instructor,Thanks for the advice you gave me concerning John-Boy. It really helped. Can you help me with his twin brother?Jim-Bob can turn left very nicely, but when it comes to right turns just look out!! He takes 'em wide and we end up crossing the yellow line just like John-Boy did when he turned left. How deadly are those head on collisions supposed to be anyhow?How do I get http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/help-my-teens-are-taking-killer-turns.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-3777601403633012194Tue, 01 May 2007 18:18:00 +00002007-05-02T14:28:06.445-04:00automobilescarsDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving Studentsemergency situationssafetyBelieve it or not there are those that don't think that driving is risky enough. They want to spice up the experience by throwing objects from overpasses onto unsuspecting drivers and their passengers. We've been hearing about this more often. Just Google "Objects Thrown from Overpass Hit Cars" and you'll get a slew of headlines - here are a few:Rocks Thrown From Overpass Hit Cars on Beltway - http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/05/what-do-you-do-ifobjects-are-thrown.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-8064178761385424764Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:45:00 +00002007-05-01T15:25:08.491-04:00Driver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsLeft TurnsDear Mr. Driving Instructor:I'm having all kinds of trouble getting my son John-Boy to take left turns correctly.John-Boy has trouble staying out of the oncoming lane when he makes left turns. He always ends up straddling the yellow line and then has to slide back to the right. We've almost had a few head on collisions. Driving with John-Boy makes my hair stand on end! I really dread those left http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/help-my-teens-are-making-killer-turns.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-2268693056570029327Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:34:00 +00002007-04-26T15:52:12.520-04:00Driver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving Studentsemergency situationsengine overheating"We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment." ~ Jim RohnIt's vacation time and you're on the road. You're visiting your sister Anna in beautiful Chicago. It's mid-morning on the third day of your visit and you're both on the Kennedy Expressway enroute to enjoy a Cub's game in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.It's a beautiful day forhttp://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/what-do-you-do-whenyour-engine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-4959375023359363826Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:24:00 +00002007-04-19T21:00:32.862-04:00"The devil is in the details" ~ German ProverbYou always hear that it's the little things that count. Yes, I know. It's so cliche, but it's so absolutely true. The little things we all take for granted do such a big job of keeping us happy, comfortable and safe - until they malfunction.That turn signal lever seems so insignificant to many drivers. Some don't even bother to use it. Those that do http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/invention-that-can-save-lives.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-9024017839958525071Wed, 18 Apr 2007 17:03:00 +00002007-04-18T14:05:07.354-04:00How far back do you think those drivers ed movies go? 1960's? 1950's?Here's one I found produced back in 1935. Guess what? Maybe Great Grandpa didn't have to deal with as much traffic as we have now, but he had to deal with many of the issues we face today.Yep, folks in "olden times" still took turns and curves too fast. They drove when drowsy. They even experienced road rage.I especially enjoyedhttp://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/one-old-drivers-ed-movie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-7851722638810768978Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:58:00 +00002007-04-19T21:04:54.085-04:00automobilesDriveCamDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving Studentssafetysafety devicesSupervision"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom" ~ Sandra CareyOnce your teen has that license it's important to keep tabs on her driving. I mentioned how one father remedied his children's poor driving behavior. James Winfield put his foot down, established rules and guidelines, and monitored his teens' driving both in person and with GPS. He got some good results.I also noted that Drivecam looked like a http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/another-way-to-monitor-your-teen-driver.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-9045178362230121397Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:05:00 +00002007-04-16T15:05:04.796-04:00These young ladies are having a great time just cruise'n around. I wonder what prompts the "photo-op" Just hope they're doing it at a red light. http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/do-you-think-this-driver-is-really-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-6275139852945961893Sat, 14 Apr 2007 20:25:00 +00002007-04-16T15:11:21.740-04:00automobilescarsDriver's EdDriving Instructorssafetysafety devicesU.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Announces A Substantial Life Saving Technology For All New Passenger VehiclesIn a move that could ultimately save up to 10,000 lives each year on U.S. roadways, the nation's top transportation official today announced plans to make new crash prevention technology standard equipment on every new passenger vehicle sold in America by 2012. U.S. http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/stability-control-standard-by-2012.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-5043240784664762785Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:33:00 +00002007-04-13T16:22:07.354-04:00automobilesbrakingCalmcontrolDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsParentsspaceYelling"Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends." Shirley MacLaine"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper." ~ Robert FrostDoes it make you nervous when Mom's right foot presses on that imaginary brake pedal on the passenger side of the car?Maybe you're tired of hearing your parents scream: "STOP! BRAKE!! BRAKE HARDER!!!"Well I have the secret that http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/hey-kids-secret-to-making-your-parents.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-8306043753679014391Wed, 11 Apr 2007 19:03:00 +00002007-04-11T16:19:38.967-04:00automobilesDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving Studentssnowvisbility"Idleness is sweet, and its consequences are cruel" ~ John Quincy AdamsGlobal Warming indeed! Is that why we had snow in Cleveland on Sunday and snow in Chicago today?Anyway, the Global Warming has really snarled traffic here in Chicagoland. Seems everyone has forgotten how to drive in it. The snow is that wet, heavy kind that can give you a heart attack if you try to shovel it off your driveway http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/i-dont-care-if-its-april-you-still-have.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-8867406766416723521Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:35:00 +00002007-04-10T14:38:51.352-04:00automobilesbrakingcarsDriver's EdDriving InstructorsDriving StudentsFear"The wise man avoids evil by anticipating it." ~ Publius Syrus (Roman Author, 1st Century B.C.)The answer to that question is:It depends...It depends on the vehicle you're driving. Is it equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or the old disc and drum brake combo.The ABS does the brake pumping for you. It monitors each wheel's speed and keeps them rotating very rapidly, changing the http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/should-you-teach-your-kid-to-pump-brake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7386353495199613678.post-5351627209449191935Mon, 09 Apr 2007 18:15:00 +00002007-04-09T19:48:56.510-04:00AngerAttitudeDriver's EdDriver's EducationDriving InstructorsDriving Students"Patience is passion tamed." ~ Lyman AbbottEvery now and then I get compliments such as:"You must be a very brave to take people you don't even know out on these roads and teach them to drive. That's so dangerous. I'd never do that!""How can you be so calm? You just steered him back on course and told him how to do it right - just like nothing ever happened! He almost killed us!""You're so http://sweeney-drivingthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/random-musings-of-driving-instructor.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Thomas)0