HANCOCK COUNTY — Now that most schools are back in session, young drivers with little experience will be on the road. Local officials are asking motorists to be extra careful on county and city roads as many routes have little room for even the slightest error.
Greenfield Police Department Deputy Chief Chuck McMichael believes the biggest issue new drivers face is distractions.
“The fewer distractions — the safer the driver,” McMichael said. “This goes for everyone, but especially a new driver.”
Officials note the main contributing factors of teen driving crashes are distracted driving and speeding. The graduated driving license enforced in Indiana prohibits a new driver from having passengers in their vehicle for the first six months of getting their license.
“There are a few exceptions, but (it) is very restrictive,” McMichael said. “There are also prohibited hours for a new driver. These laws are an important part of keeping teens safe behind the wheel, but parents have the most influence.”
McMichael noted parents should always be aware of the impact their behaviors have on their children. If a parent is a safe driver and model that behavior, their kids are more likely to be safe drivers.
“Just because a teen gets their license, parents should still ride with their teen drivers from time to time to check in with their driving,” McMichael said. “Do you notice behaviors that you didn’t see when they were learning to drive that need to be corrected? Take the time to ensure they are driving safely.”
Prosecutor Brent Eaton also released some suggestions for all area drivers, imploring parent drivers to talk with their young teen drivers who are hitting area roads for the first time during school hours.
“Parents and community members must respect the law and follow this crucial guidance to promote a safe learning environment for our kids,” Eaton said. “When we all do our part, we keep our kids, families and fellow community members out of harm’s way.”
Eaton said all drivers, young and old alike, need to do their part in creating a safe community and should keep in mind specific guidelines which include things like stopping for school buses.
Drivers are required by law to stop for school buses, no matter which direction cars approach from. Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
“Courts can also suspend the driver’s license of someone who fails to stop for a school bus,” Eaton said.
Drivers and families should also be safe at the school bus stop. That means having parents and caregivers accompany children to the bus stop. Children should maintain a safe distance from the road while waiting on the bus and not approach the bus until it comes to a complete stop. Parents should also be wary of any unusual individuals or behavior around bus stops and teach kids to not engage with strangers. If an adult should notice a safety concern, report it to the school and local authorities immediately.
Officials say all drivers need to watch out for walkers and should be cautious of increased pedestrian traffic while driving, especially around schools. Community members should always remain vigilant of their surroundings on the road and near sidewalks or crosswalks. Similarly, students who walk to school should be cautious of drivers, making use of both sidewalks and crosswalks. Walkers should face traffic if no sidewalk is available and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
Officials say the most common hazardous driving habit is speeding. Drivers should be cognizant of reduced speed limits in school zones and residential areas.
“By following the law and slowing down speed, drivers can improve the safety of pedestrians as well as the safety of young drivers on the road,” Eaton said.
Officials note seat belts are the most effective way to prevent injury or death in a car crash, so drivers should take the extra second to buckle up before backing out. When transporting children to and from school, drivers must ensure all passengers are buckled in a seat belt or secured in a car seat. Parents should also encourage students who ride a bus equipped with seat belts to buckle up on every ride.
The evidence is clear that distracted driving is dangerous, and seat belts save lives. Officials with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced recently the addition of the “Buckle Up Phone Down” logo on its fleet of Hoosier Helper Safety Service Patrol vehicles to increase awareness of the initiative.
The “Buckle Up Phone Down” tackles two of the most impactful actions drivers and passengers can take – wearing a seat belt and putting the phone down when behind the wheel.
“Changing driver behavior is crucial to improving safety on Indiana roadways, said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. “I urge both drivers and passengers to make safe, smart decisions each and every time they get into a vehicle. I also thank our Hoosier Helpers for the assistance they provide to motorists in need and the work they do to clear incidents and keep traffic moving.”
Indiana ranks high in seat belt use at 93 percent, as reported in NHTSA’s 2021 National Occupant Protection Use Survey, but those who don’t buckle up are putting their lives at risk. While only seven percent of vehicle occupants are unbelted, they account for nearly half of all fatalities on Indiana roadways.
Indiana enacted its Hands-Free Law in 2020, which prohibits drivers from holding mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, in their hands while driving to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on Hoosier roadways. However, talking or texting while driving is only one of many types of distracted driving that leads to crashes.
Cell phone use, which includes talking, texting, taking photos and recording videos is extremely dangerous, officials say. Other things drivers young and old should avoid is eating or drinking. Even talking to passengers should be avoided by a new driver. Grooming — applying makeup, brushing hair, and flossing — should never be done by a driver.
Officials say it’s best for drivers, including young drivers, to simply focus on the road and avoid using a navigation system (GPS), watching videos or changing music connected devices, CDs, radio, etc.
