Drive Smart, Austin: Summer Roads and Safe Habits with ABC Driving School
As the Minnesota summer unfolds, bringing with it more opportunities for outdoor adventures, road trips, and leisurely bike rides, our Austin roads become even more vibrant. It's a fantastic time of year, but it also brings a renewed focus on safe driving. The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight ABC Driving, a local business with a commitment to developing safe drivers with better knowledge, consistent habits, and responsible attitudes.
In a recent conversation with the team at ABC Driving, we delved into crucial aspects of modern driving, shedding light on challenges and offering insights that can benefit every driver in Austin, from seasoned professionals to new learners.
The Pervasive Threat of Distracted Driving
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by ABC Driving is the escalating issue of distracted driving. With Minnesota being a hands-free state, it's easy to assume cell phone use while driving is under control. However, the reality is far more complex. As ABC Driving pointed out, "It’s concerning to see people's eyes looking down while they are driving. When two distracted drivers encounter each other, that is an even bigger concern."
It's true, distracted driving is something we all know is dangerous, but it's often one of those things that you can get away with more often than not. A quick peek at your phone to change songs, or maybe to tap the button for voice-to-text, seems so harmless in the moment, and most of the time, nothing immediate happens. This habit of getting away with these little moments of distraction can unfortunately lure us into a false sense of security. Distracted driving is extremely dangerous, and you'll only wish you hadn't been distracted after something truly terrible occurs. That's why I think this blog serves as a great reminder to focus on being truly present while driving. Most of the time when you're driving here in Austin, you'll arrive at your destination in 10 minutes max. The odds of there being a notification on your phone so incredibly important that it can't wait 10 minutes are remarkably low. Talking with ABC Driving helped remind me to take distracted driving seriously, and to really evaluate my own habits with my phone while on the roadway.
This "eyes down" phenomenon isn't limited to drivers. We often see distracted pedestrians glued to their phones or with earbuds in, creating a dangerous dynamic where neither party is fully aware of their surroundings. The challenge lies in the invisible nature of this distraction – you can't always tell when someone's focus is elsewhere.
For Austin businesses with employees on the road, this is a critical takeaway. Encouraging hands-free practices and promoting overall situational awareness can significantly reduce risk.
Sharing the Road: Bicyclists and the Three-Foot Rule (and More!)
As our community embraces more active transportation, especially during these beautiful summer months, sharing the road safely with bicyclists becomes increasingly important. ABC Driving emphasized a key Minnesota law: when passing a bicycle, drivers must maintain a minimum of three feet of clearance. However, they strongly recommend providing five feet whenever possible. This extra space isn't just a courtesy; it's a vital safety buffer that can prevent serious accidents.
I've been biking a lot recently, and sometimes my route takes me down country roads. When someone passes me with only three feet of space, it may be legal, but I have to tell you, it feels so scary. On windy days this is especially true. Sometimes a strong gust of wind can push my bike towards the center of the road, and I always appreciate that extra space. It really makes a difference for our safety out there.
Mastering Your Emotions Behind the Wheel
Perhaps one of the most profound insights from our conversation came from Alecia at ABC Driving: "When you get in the car, check your emotions at the door." This isn't just about managing anger or road rage. It encompasses all heightened emotional states – sadness, stress, and even excitement.
Alecia shared a sobering anecdote of two people tragically not making it to their own wedding, and although it is not certain what caused the incidents, over excitement may have played a role. She illustrated it further by saying, "Remember as a kid, when your mom would be upset with you, only to answer the phone moments later, suddenly all chipper and bright? That jarring shift, though confusing then, is actually a sign of maturity. That same kind of emotional regulation is incredibly important to practice when you get behind the wheel." This highlights the importance of emotional regulation for all drivers.
Beyond emotional self-awareness, ABC Driving also stressed the importance of zeroing in on proper signage and ignoring "visual noise" – distractions like other drivers' actions or excessive advertisements. The goal is to focus solely on the necessary information for safe navigation.
Awareness: The Ultimate Driving Tool
Ultimately, the key theme woven throughout our conversation with ABC Driving was awareness. Awareness of your surroundings, awareness of other road users (including those on two wheels or two feet!), and perhaps most critically, awareness of your own state of mind before and during your drive. This summer, let's all recommit to being more aware behind the wheel.
ABC Driving is an invaluable resource for our Austin community, providing essential education that goes beyond just the mechanics of driving. They instill a deeper understanding of responsible attitudes and consistent habits, making our roads safer for everyone.
To learn more about ABC Driving's programs and how they can help you or your employees become safer drivers, visit their website by clicking here. Let's work together to make Austin's roads the safest they can be!
