Taking the Lead: Ford Driving Skills for Life is a comprehensive community initiative that features an exciting, free interactive website DrivingSkillsForLife.com that teens can use to practice for their permit test, or just get better behind the wheel. Plus, we offer a FREE high school assembly program to area schools every month; you just need to register your school! Ford Driving Skills for Life is a global teen driving initiative with hands-on events and education to provide newly licensed, inexperienced, teenage drivers with skills to improve their driving and make good decisions behind the wheel.

ALERT: Sign your school up today for this FREE in-school or virtual assembly.

WATCH OUT FOR PEDESTRIANS/BICYCLISTS CROSSING ROAD! Pedestrian deaths were up 5% in first six months of 2022 in the U.S. (that's more than 3,400 people ... average of 19 fatalities PER DAY).

Source: Governors Highway Safety Association (2/28/23)

STUDENTS: Click here for FREE, interactive learning modules to help you practice for your permit and driver's license tests! Sign up for DrivingSkillsForLife.com/ACADEMY: Challenge yourself to become a better driver!

Online games and videos are designed to help you manage distractions, learn what to do in hazardous situations or if you lose control of your vehicle and so much more! Best of all ... it's FREE and completing the online Academy could possibly (not guaranteed - subject to your auto insurance provider criteria) result in an insurance discount depending on the insurer!

KEY SAFETY TIPS: (source: Reader's Digest 1/10/23)

~ WHAT DO YOU DO AT 4-WAY STOP SIGN?

First vehicle to arrive first has the right of way. Yield to the driver on your right.

~ STOPLIGHT JUST TURNS YELLOW

If approaching the intersection, never go through a yellow light if you are able to stop safely before the light turns red.

~ IF DEER JUMPS IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR

Keep both hands securely on the steering wheel, apply the brakes firmly and never swerve. Swerving could cause your vehicle to go into the other lane and potentially hit another car or run off the side of the road.

~ IF SUN IS BLINDING YOU

Do not slam on the brakes or swerve. Do your best to continue on your path and remain predictable to other drivers - or pull over until traffic lessens.

HAZARDS EXIST EACH SEASON THROUGHOUT THE YEAR:

• Things to keep in mind when driving on wet roads:
  
  • Check your tire pressure (including the spare) - Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of pressure for every 10-degree temperature drop
  • Check tread depth at least once a month - especially important in slippery conditions if your tires are bald
  • How to use the quarter test: Hold the quarter (head down) and stick it in the tire tread groove. Ideally part of Washington's head will be covered.
  • If Washington's entire head is showing, it may be time to start thinking about a new set of tires. Usually, a good tire will last 3½ years.
  • Remember that it is more difficult to see people, objects & street signs in the dark while raining. A waterlogged reflection can increase the likelihood of a crash.
  • Adjust your headlights. If your headlights seem too dim, ask your mechanic to make sure they are aligned properly.
  • Stick with low beams: Keep your headlights on low when driving in the fog (and rain). High beams will only cause glare.
  • Watch for leaves, rocks or other debris coming off hillsides
  • Know the LAW! No texting while driving AND Junior license drivers have time and passenger restrictions!
  • http://www.education4drivers.com/pennsylvania/drivers-license-restrictions.htm
  • Extra glare from the sun: The first 15 to 45 minutes after sunrise and before sunset can make for more difficult driving due to sun glare. The sun perfectly aligns with east/west roadways during this time. Grab a good pair of sunglasses for the daytime, keep your windshield clean and use north/south streets or streets with tree cover when possible, says the National Weather Service.
  • Replace your windshield wipers. A really clean window can help you see when there's glare.
  • Increased Rain: Leave extra space in front of your vehicle as well as all around you (leave yourself an out). Allow extra time for stopping. Make sure to remember the law that if your windshield wipers are on, you MUST have your headlights on as well. Increased FOG usually comes along with colder temps and increased rain: This can make the visibility distance dramatically shorter at times. If your vehicle has fog lights, make sure they are in working or and how to use them.
  • Proceed with caution..............Nicer weather means more activity on the roads - children playing, walkers, pets, bikers! BE ALERT!

  It is wise for teens to know the precautions that should be taken before driving in unfamiliar weather & should practice driving with a licensed driver in all types of inclement weather before attempting on their own.
  
  Source: AAA (2019). Wet Weather Driving Tips / PennDot (2019) PA Driver's Manual

PARENTS: Encourage your teen (and their friends) to log on today! Gain more confidence in your own teenager's driving skills AND knowing that their friends have a better understanding behind the wheel because they went through the Academy! It's Free and is just a little time that's worth their life!

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL HERE!

TAKING THE LEAD: FORD DRIVING SKILLS FOR LIFE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY:

MANY LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS HAVE INVITED US TO BRING THIS FREE ASSEMBLY PROGRAM TO THEIR SCHOOL

Your school could be next! Use the form above to let us know today! It's free! It's confidential!

KDKA-TV, Ford Motor Company, Neighborhood Ford Store, Governors Highway Safety Association and Allegheny County Pretrial Services are Taking the Lead to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities related to teen driving in our community. We are dedicated to saving lives. Learn as much as you can... It's FUN, INFORMATIVE and FREE!

For immediate information, please contact Laura Stephen at: Stephen@kdka.com