Notes

Purpose: Introduce the student to some of the general responsibilities associated with driving, the meaning of a driver's license, the importance of driver education, and the impact of the automobile on society.

What It Means to You: Having a driver's license is a privilege, not a right. All California residents must have a driver's license to operate a vehicle of any kind on a public highway or parking facility.

What It Means to Others: Other drivers and pedestrians will expect that you will follow the laws and rules of the road, be courteous, and will not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise be impaired, while you are driving. If you are a minor, your parent(s) or guardian(s) are responsible for the financial consequences of your driving. If you have a driver's license, they expect that you will drive safely. Passengers in your car have put their safety in your hands, and expect that because you have a driver's license, you will drive safely.

- All drivers should know that operating a motor vehicle is a great responsibility. If not operated properly, a car can become a very dangerous thing.
- Driving is a Privilege, Not a Right. Having a driver’s license is a privilege, not a right. This privilege carries many responsibilities.
- You could be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, assault with a deadly weapon, manslaughter, or murder; penalties can be fines, jail time, and/or prison time.

It is all a matter of attitude in taking our responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers seriously. Current reports of auto accidents reveal that the drivers involved in accidents are “most likely distracted, tired or possibly drunk.”

Statistics show that numerous accidents are caused by people talking to other passengers, or “tinkering” with the radio or CD players while driving. A huge percentage is because of eating or drinking, and 25% of car accidents are caused due to using cell phones while driving.

In this respect, the law takes a serious view of the responsibility of a driver is operating a vehicle, and car collisions usually carry legal consequences in proportion to the severity of the accident.

Parties involved in car accidents may face criminal liability, civil liability, or both, especially if someone is severely injured or killed, or if one of the drivers involved was clearly grossly negligent, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired at the time the accident happened.
- If you drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, and as a result, a person is killed, you can be charged with a homicide
- The truth is that safe driving is a matter of attitude and ethics. To be a responsible driver you have to have the right ethics and attitudes about driving.
- Driving a car can be a pleasurable experience or it can turn you into a monster, a killer with no respect for life.


Remember that street racing, drunk driving, driving without a license, and even persons with no criminal record at all can be charged with vehicular homicide if a person is killed in the vehicular crash. Vehicular homicide is a crime in which a person operating a vehicle in a reckless or an unsafe (criminally negligent) manner unintentionally causes the death of at least one person.

Driving is an essential skill and activity, it encompasses all our lifestyles and daily tasks, but you need to think before, and while you are driving and act responsibly.

- On average, a pedestrian is killed in a motor vehicle crash every 1.6 hours, and one is injured about every 7.5 minutes.

Use Your Car In A Responsible Manner. Being a responsible driver does not mean only abstaining from all the above irregular activities while driving. It also means using the vehicle itself in a responsible manner.

Driving safely includes how and where you park your car. In particular, you must ensure that you park your vehicle so that it will not roll away on a hill, and that you do not impede traffic or pedestrians.

A stop sign means that you stop fully behind the limit line, crosswalk, or at the corner. Most accidents occur at intersections, resulting in millions of dollars of damage, injuries, and deaths. Choosing to stop completely could mean the difference between life and death!

- LOOK OUT FOR LARGER VEHICLES, THEY POST YOU CERTAIN RISKS
- Not all vehicles have the same stopping power.
- If he or she is tailgating you, move over to the next lane. If he or she honks at you or makes angry signs, do not make eye contact. Just move safely away. Do not speed unnecessarily.
- The golden rule of driving is to treat other drivers the way you want to be treated. You should obey traffic laws, drive responsibly and avoid taking unnecessary risks, as you would expect others to do.
- DRIVING IS 90% VISUAL: it is important for your vision to be examined regularly and that you wear any necessary glasses or contacts every time you drive.
- Do not drive if you are suffering from such conditions. Talk to your doctor for advice and guidance if you suffer from such serious illnesses.
- Driving safely includes how and where you park your car. In particular, you must ensure that you park your vehicle so that it will not roll away on a hill and that you do not impede traffic or pedestrians.

Importance of Everyday Laws :
- Traffic laws are promulgated for the safety of everyone. They are based on carefully researched information and statistics.
- A stop sign means that you must stop fully behind the limit line, crosswalk, or at the corner.
- Choosing to stop completely could mean the difference between life and death.
- the top 5 causes of accidents in the U. S. Yield means to let other drivers, pedestrians and bicycles have the right-of-way before you proceed. (Right-of-way also includes yielding to emergency vehicles and school buses.)

The roadway is Shared by All Drivers :
- Safely sharing the roadway with other drivers and pedestrians is essential for avoiding accidents.

Driver Education: Purpose
- Understand that the main purpose of driver education is to help you learn the fundamental skills, basic knowledge, and attitudes needed for greater safety both as an operator of an automobile and as a pedestrian.
- Using the knowledge, skills, and attitudes you learn in this driver’s education course can lower your chances of being involved in costly, injurious, and often deadly accidents.
- This 30 hour online Driver Education Program has been approved by DDS and follows strictly DDS' requirement for quality and content, and is in conformity with the required curriculum.