As you’ll likely know by now, U Got Brains is holding a statewide competition between nineteen “champion” schools in New Jersey, with each school creating a campaign to promote safe driving. And funnily enough, teens in the schools are beginning to actually take notice.
For some, it’s just a question of asking another friend—“wait what’s up with all the sudden flyers?” and for others, it’s the gift of a free shirt or bracelet from a campaign organizer; but gradually, the students in the schools are starting to realize that this is a big deal— and it’s actually happening at their school.
Adults can come in and teach students about safe driving all they want. Some speeches are funny or witty, while others can be eloquent, touching, or powerful. But no matter how wonderful their speeches are, many students just don’t listen. Maybe they’ll listen for the period, maybe they’ll listen for a few days—but eventually, the majority will go back to the far easier methods of texting out quick replies, foregoing the annoying seat belt, and taking that illegal drink at parties.
However, imagine the concepts of driving in full control becoming the new trend. Of students hitting friends over the heads (not literally! …well, depending on how close the friend is) for driving idiotically, friends telling friends “I love you but I’d really rather not risk my life on your skills at looking at the road and at your phone at the same time”, upperclassmen creating precedents that the underclassmen won’t dare to break in the future—essentially, keeping smart in and stupid out.
We can do this, and the U Got Brains competition is one step towards this goal, this hope. If teenagers become the ones to spread the word and tell each other exactly how stupid stupid is, then they stand the chance of actually being heard and even listened to by peers. We as teens have adopted plenty of strange ideas in the past—so why not adopt a life-saving one, this time, instead?
> Find out what the UGotBrains Champion School Project is and see who is participating
There are almost 400,000 people who are licensed to drive motorcycles in the State of New Jersey and 5.5 million people who can legally drive cars. Add those two numbers together and you have the makings for some very busy roadways.
And as the days get warmer, more motorcycle riders will no doubt be out on the roadways. I know it is sometimes difficult for motorists to see motorcyclists, but simple precautions can be taken to avoid any mishaps. Before switching lanes, remember to double check your side and rearview mirrors to ensure that everything is clear. And before making a turn at an intersection, give an extra look to each side just to make sure nothing is coming your way.
There’s no denying motorcycle riders are more vulnerable in their vehicle of choice than those who drive cars or trucks. It’s simply the design of the machinery. But that’s where the difference stops because people who ride motorcycles are no different than you and me. They are our fathers, our mothers, our sons and our daughters.
May is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and I would like to remind all motorists who travel our roadways to be alert to the nearly 160,000 motorcycles that are registered in New Jersey. So this month, and every day, let’s all safely share the road with motorcycles.
For more information about sharing the road with motorcycles and about the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission’s Motorcycle Safety Education Program, please visit our website at njridesafe.org.
Raymond P. Martinez, Chief Administrator, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:
• Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Your car’s filters need regular inspection and replacement, too.
• Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted.
• Check the brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
• Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.
• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
• Schedule a tuneup that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
• Check your vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.
• Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie-rod ends and other related components.
• Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.
• Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.
To help you drive smart and save money, visit www.carcare.org and check out the free digital Car Care Guide.
Rich White
Executive Director
Car Care Council
Bethesda, Md.
Barrel Bob used courtesy of the Missouri Dept. of Transportation. www.modot.org
The spring and summer of 2011 will bring road and bridge construction back to our highways.
Buckle Up! – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives.
Stay Alert! – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
Follow Signs! – They’ll guide you through work zones safely.
Expect the Unexpected! – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
Pay Attention! – Turn the radio down and don’t use your cellular phone.
Be Patient! – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
Don’t Speed!– Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
Don’t Drink and Drive! – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
Be Nice! – Merge as directed, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone
