Responsible Driver Plan

[Meghan Beas]

RoadSafetyBCrefers drivers to the Responsible Driver Program. We do this when we have prohibited a driver because of alcohol or drugs. Research shows responsible driving programs reduce alcohol or drug related collisions and convictions. We will send a letter to drivers we refer to the program. It will let them know about the program and the status of their licence.

If you are eligible for a reconsideration, the process to follow is in the Notice to Refer to Remedial Programs letter we sent you. If you can't find your referral letter or need more information, contact ICBC or RoadSafetyBC.

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

We're starting the New Year with a new website for scheduling Behind-the-Wheel! If you are a current student, you should have received our newsletter. You'll be requested to reset your password by entering the email address we have on file for the student.

Our state-certified driver education program teaches driving fundamentals, fosters responsible attitudes, and instills safe driving behaviors. Students utilize their knowledge and skills, along with guided practice from qualified and certified instructors and their parents, to become competent and safe drivers on our roadways.

The Chiefs, Anheuser-Busch, ARAMARK, Levy Restaurants and TEAM Coalition have teamed up to implement the Bud Light Responsible Fan Program. Fans 21 years of age or older who pledge to enjoy responsibly and have a safe ride plan will be entered into the Responsible Fan of the Game Sweepstakes and the Responsibility Has Its Rewards Sweepstakes, which includes a chance to go to the Super Bowl or the NFL Pro Bowl. Prior to the game, fans can pledge at the Bud Light Responsibility Has Its Rewards kiosk in the Ford Tailgate District. In the stadium through the end of the first quarter, Responsible Fan pledges may be made at any Fans First booth or Concierge desk on the CommunityAmerica Club Level. Fans who pledge to be a designated driver will be awarded a coupon for one free small fountain drink.

Why do you think so many of our local teens are being killed in car accidents? Do kids have too much freedom, or is driving the only way to get around this area? What do you see other kids doing behind the wheel that is putting them, and their passengers, in danger? How are you managing to be (or plan to be) a responsible driver?

Kids are blasting the music in cars, drag racing and talking to their friends while they drive. Some see driving as a video game and not as a privilege. I plan to be a responsible driver by making sure my friends are quiet so they don't distract me and not paying attention to any unimportant interruptions in the car. My friend Ally has recently received her license, and we are very careful to let her pay attention to the road and her surroundings rather than us.

Now it seems more than ever that teenagers are dying as the result of car accidents. As a teenage driver myself, it is very scary to think one of my close friends or even I could be involved in a tragic accident like the one killing two Wallkill teenagers. Some teenagers have too much confidence in themselves behind the wheel while speeding down the road, and often they put themselves and their friends in danger. When teenagers see the headlines reading "Teenager Killed in Auto Accident," most think that it wouldn't or it couldn't happen to them. All it takes is one second to lose control of a vehicle and end up in a ditch or a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle. It's imperative for parents as well as schools to get involved and help teenage drivers understand the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of wearing a seat belt while driving, because I don't think it's stressed enough. Reading the headlines that explain that another teenager died in a crash hits me every time and breaks my heart. It could be a close friend of mine or me in a fatal car crash, and it scares me. I plan to become a more responsible driver, and I hope other teenagers will become more responsible drivers as well before it's too late. My heart goes out to all the families who have lost a loved one as the result of an auto accident.

Recently, teen deaths in car accidents have been splashed across the front page at an alarming rate, which is truly devastating and disturbing. I feel sympathy for these teenagers and their families because lives are being cut short by deaths that are preventable. I've been driving since March of last year, and I've had my license since October. What I notice when I'm driving are that drivers of all ages lack the concentration necessary to keep others on the road safe. When I wait at a stoplight, I notice that about half the people who drive by are talking on their cell phones, which is supposed to be illegal in New York. However, even if a cop is nearby, I never see them enforce this law. It's disappointing because these drivers are adults, and they're the ones setting examples for younger drivers. It's the same story with other laws and driving courtesies: People who tailgate. People who don't use their blinkers when turning. People who cut you off. People who speed. People who drive while intoxicated. Teenagers make mistakes, yes, but what about adults who are still making these "mistakes" who are in their 30s or even older? In my opinion, everyone is to blame for teen driving deaths. Adults are not setting the examples they should be, and sheer teenage stupidity isn't helping, either.

I urge you, fellow teens and drivers, when you're driving to please slow down, put down your cell phone, keep your eyes on the road, don't squeeze all your friends in one car, and most importantly, follow the law. When you're driving, make it your first priority. Especially when you have another passenger in the car, you have a huge responsibility riding on your shoulders. Not only that, but you're sharing the road with hundreds of other people. If you can't handle being responsible, then don't bother getting into your car. Too many people have lost their lives because of accidents that could have been avoided. The next time you drive, just remember this: There are people out there who are counting on you to be a responsible driver. Their lives depend on it.

It is true that a lot of local teens are being killed in car accidents, but what really needs to be looked at is if it is the fault of them, the other driver or inclement weather. I don't believe teens have too much freedom; there are laws on permits and licenses to prevent them from just driving around aimlessly. Driving around is basically the only way to get around in this area. While in some towns there are sidewalks, we don't really have large developments like in Long Island. Riding your bike around is hard because, as mentioned, there are not so many sidewalks and there are many highways and busy roads in the way of things. People live farther apart from one another than in a city or the more urban areas, and we can't just walk there. However, there are some things that I see teens doing behind the wheel that endangers them. One of those, especially, is blasting their music. I like to listen to my music, but teenagers have these things so loud you can hear the bass outside even with their windows rolled up. It greatly distracts the driver, no matter what type of music it is. Another thing is that they load up all of their friends into the car; even just having one passenger who isn't a family member can distract you. Finally, I always see teens talking into their cell phone while driving, or text messaging. First of all, it's illegal in New York state to talk on a cell phone without using a special headset, because your hands are not on the wheel. Secondly, to answer a call or to text-message someone you have to look away from the road. Even if you look away for just a moment, in those precious seconds you could get into a life-changing accident. I am turning 16 in a few months, and I am planning to be a responsible driver by going to driving school and to seriously follow all of the rules of the road.

Well, I'm only 13, so I don't drive yet, and I don't know what they're doing behind the wheel. But from what I've heard, teens are trying to impress friends who are also in the car by being cool or less careful and ignorant of road signs. When I do get my license, though, I'm going to be careful and obey all the laws.

Maybe some teens have too much freedom, but driving is pretty much the only way to get around this area since most of them don't know that legs are actually to walk with and that bikes exist to ride around on to get from place to place because they have gotten too lazy.

I will be honest, I don't know what kids are doing behind the wheel that is putting them, and their passengers, in danger because I don't get in cars with them. I just think that danger attracts people and until it doesn't, there will be some who speed and get into accidents.

I believe most kids in our area are driving because there's nothing better to do, and when there is, it's mostly driving distance. A big issue most teenagers are doing, which put not only their lives at risk but also their friends', is drinking and driving. I think most teens should not be drinking, period, let alone driving. Drinking causes many health related problems for your future, and not only this but death as well as addiction. Some other reasons as for teen deaths pertaining to this issue include: drag racing, talking on cell phones, no use of seatbelts, etc. If we try and cut down on this, I truly believe there will be a dramatic change in teens involved in car accidents. In one more year, I'll be able to drive. Some things I plan to do include wearing my seatbelt as well as ensuring my friends do, driving the speed limit as told, and also not driving while being intoxicated. I hope most teens will read about this issue, take it into consideration not only for themselves, but for the sake of their peers.

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