So you think you can drive?

So you think you can drive? Driving is fun for some people, but a challenge for others. Either way it involves obeying rules and regulations that are set in place by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Obeying STOP signs is as important as traffic lights.  When you are driving, even when you have the green light, be prepared to yield the right of way to prevent an accident.  At times you must use good judgment whenever you see an object, a person or an animal crossing the street.  Stop and let them cross before you proceed to drive.
 
Did you know that there are two different types of stop signs?
It is very important to obey the "Stop" sign.  Make sure it's clear before you proceed stop, look and listen.  "Stop" means that you must come to a complete "Stop!"  This topic is taught in the pre-license 5-hour certificate course, so pay attention when the instructor is teaching this very important topic.  For further explanations, ask your driving instructor to show you the two different types of stop signs.  In case you have not noticed, one type says “STOP” and the other says, "STOP All Way" which is usually posted at 4-way intercessions with the words “All Way” posted on a small sign below the “STOP” sign.  Each crosswalk has a stop sign posted and written on the pavements at each crosswalk.

It's the law and there are consequences for not obeying this important traffic rule.  Make it a habit to obey this rule all the time.  Doing so will save you money and a trip to see the judge at the traffic violation bureau.

I was a passenger in a friend's car on a Friday evening when most drivers are going wild!  I noticed my friend did not stop, look and listened before he proceeded.  He had what we called a heavy foot.  He was driving fast and where there was a stop sign, he crept through the crosswalk.  I pointed out that he should slow down and come to a complete stop where stop signs were posted.  It turned out to be a big misunderstanding between us.  He felt I was picking on his style of driving and completely took my suggestions out of content.  His driving was so dangerous, so I asked him to drop-me-off at the next intercession and I will find my way home somehow.  It was not safe and he was not willing to listen to any suggestions I made at that time.  The unfortunate thing happened.  I am sorry to report, a couple of weeks later, this same friend ended up in a very bad car accident.  I heard he did not stop for a stop sign and another driver who had the right of way was going across the intersection and because my friend did not stop to look first, it was too late when he finally noticed the other car speeding across the intersection, my friend swerved his car to the right and hit a pole and turn his wheel to the left and smacked into two other parked vehicles on the side.

The brand new 2009 Toyota Camry that he was driving was totaled, but thank God he survived!  If he had learned this very important lesson that I'm driving home to you, he would still have the car today.  Oh, I forgot to mention he was driving a borrowed car!  My Dad used to tell me and my 3 siblings, "A word to the wise is sufficient."  When it comes to obeying stop signs, trust me I've paid my dues, so take it from me.  Don't insist on learning from your own mistakes, but be wise and learn from other people's mistakes.

Stop, look and listen, before you proceed.  Are you driving to destiny?  Then get ready to pass the road test easily and confidently.  Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.