Young drivers from Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks counties pick up driving tips during 4th annual Teen Safe Driving ROADeo
WEST WHITELAND — There is never too much information for young drivers.
Teens from Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester counties picked up tips on how to drive safely Thursday at the township building.
The 4th annual “Teen Safe Driving ROADeo” was hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Chester County Highway Safety Project, Delaware County Transportation Management Association, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety.
This free event, open to all students, combined education, interaction and fun — while delivering many possibly life-saving messages.
Stephanie Carter motored down from Levittown with her twin sons, who attend Neshaminy High School.
“At this age, they see driving as freedom, they don’t necessarily think about all the little details involved,” Carter said.
Chloe Hally attends Chichester High School in Delaware County.
“Safe driving is super important,” Hally said. “Learning the rules of driving is valuable. I’ll remember them for the rest of my life.”
The dangers of underage drinking, vaping and marijuana use, conduct in work zones, a fun game of Family Feud, a blind spot demonstration and information about service stations were all addressed.
Even seasoned drivers could have picked up some tips from Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Kelly MacIntyre, of the Office of Community Engagement, when she led a mock traffic stop.
The teens learned that it can be a little bit scary to be pulled over.
The young drivers were taught to pull over to the right so they wouldn’t need to deal with faster-moving vehicles on a divided highway when reentering the roadway.
They were also told that they might not always be the motorist being pulled over.
When stopped by police at night, the red and blue lights might conceal an officer. The students were told to not be startled, the officer would show up. If you question whether it’s a real officer, call 911.
Keep the license, registration and proof of insurance at hand, with the paperwork easier to access from a plastic bag or envelope. Always carry paper copies. Officers are sometimes endangered when searching for information on a cell.
MacIntyre showed how she always leaves a fingerprint with DNA on the rear of a car in case the forensic unit is called in. To confirm contact, the officer might ask the driver to open all the windows.
The young drivers were taught to wear their seatbelt when stopped and many nervous drivers forget to put the car into park when a stop is made.
Watch how an officer never walks between cars and how the police cruiser’s front wheels are turned toward the road.
A driver might be asked to throw keys out of the window to make sure that the vehicle is shut off.
With safety in mind, no one should leave the vehicle and an officer will let occupants know that they are being audio and visually recorded.
Don’t argue with the officer on the side of the road; there will be plenty of time for that with a judge.
MacIntyre talked about a motorist who recently fully stopped in the left lane of Route 422 and noted how dangerous that might be.
The students were also told to notify their insurance company when changing companies since changes are not tracked by police and PennDOT. Otherwise, insurance could be considered expired.
Tell police when carrying a firearm. An officer will take a gun back to their car, and remove the bullets and then return it.
Teresa Rychlak of the Pennsylvania Injury Prevention Project led a fun and informative game of Traffic Safety Family Feud. Richard Dawson would have been proud.
The teens were asked about the top driving distractions. The phone, others in the car, alcohol and drugs, and external distractions led the list.
The young drivers then listed the top aggressive driving behaviors.
Swerving or weaving, careless passing, tailgating, speeding, running red lights and making illegal U-Turns were contributing factors.
Causes of crashes include intoxication, other drivers, distracted driving, weather conditions and speeding.
David Jones is with Chester County PennDOT and talked about conduct in work zones.
When a road changes to one lane for both directions, he said that besides the person you first see, another person is usually flagging at the other end of the roadway. Six tapering cones and orange signs warn motorists of a change.
Respect the workers.
“Everybody wants to get home at the end of the day,” Jones said about workers again visiting with their animals and family. “You don’t want to run anybody over.”
Jones said that he has witnessed distracted drivers sipping on a cup of coffee and driving with their knees while eating a bowl of cereal.
Ashlynn Ray earned her license and attends Cheltenham High School in Montgomery County.
“Driving in work zones is important, to keep people not even in your car safe,” Ray said.
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