New Year: New You!

As Daylight Savings Time approaches, the risk of drowsy driving increases, highlighting a significant concern for road safety. The National Road Safety Foundation emphasizes the dangers of driver fatigue, likening it to the hazards of driving under the influence. With statistics revealing the prevalence of drowsy driving-related accidents and injuries, it's crucial for motorists to recognize the signs of fatigue and take proactive measures. Suggestions include pulling over for breaks, consuming caffeine responsibly, and avoiding alcohol or medications that induce drowsiness. By promoting awareness and providing practical tips, the National Road Safety Foundation aims to mitigate the risks associated with drowsy driving, ultimately striving for safer roads for all.

Taking safety precautions can help save lives With gas prices still high, riding a bike or e-bike as an alternative to driving to work can provide much needed fresh air, exercise, and save you at the pump. Before you start commuting by bicycle, know the rules and risks. Around 846 bicyclists are killed each year in crashes with motor vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Taking safety precautions, knowing what to watch out for and educating yourself on the biking rules of the road is extremely important. There are several things to keep in mind when taking a bike to work. Safe biking includes wearing the right clothing and equipment. Make sure you have these items: Helmet. A properly fitted helmet with a liner is important. Basic equipment. Make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors, a front headlight and a rear light. A rear light that flashes is preferred. A lock will keep it safe while you're away and a bell could be helpful in congested areas. Clothing. Make sure you select appropriate clothing so you can be easily seen when riding. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing to enhance visibility, particularly at dusk and into the evening hours. Never wear clothing items that can get caught in any part of the bicycle such as the spokes or chain. Always tuck and secure shoe laces and pant legs so they don't get caught in your bike chain. Repair equipment. Having an extra tire tube, a bike pump and a small bag of tools will help if a tire should blow or be damaged. Plan your bike commuting route Plan out and try your riding routes before you start to commute. Choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Look for routes with bike lines, bike paths, reliable surfaces and slow to moderate vehicle traffic. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether. Biking rules of the road Educate yourself on the rules of the road for biking and e-biking. If a crash were to occur, the unfortunate reality is that the cyclist is more likely to be injured than the motorist. Knowing and understanding the rules of the road will keep you safer. Types of bicycle crashes Left cross. A left cross accident happens when a car heading the opposite direction makes a left turn and doesn't see the cyclist. Right hook. A right hook accident is when a car driving the same direction cuts off a cyclist in a right-hand turn. Also, be sure to know what insurance coverage you have and what they cover in case of an accident. In some states, State Farm® offers a Personal Mobility Policy ( PMP ). Don't drink and bike This should go without saying, but don't bike to work if you're planning on attending happy hour or plan to consume alcohol. Alcohol increases the chance of an accident. Nearly 40% of cyclist fatalities were due to alcohol impairment. Remember, you can get stopped while riding a bike if you are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol in most states. The term vehicle can be interpreted to include the use of a bicycle or other form of transportation. Make sure you plan your day accordingly to avoid riding your bike after consuming alcohol. Bike riding reminders Here are a few key reminders: Preplan and find the safest route to work. Ride a bike that fits you so it is easy to control. Ride a bike that works well, is maintained and has properly working brakes. Always check the tire inflation before a commute. Make sure bikes have reflectors and lights. Never wear headphones, as it is a distraction and hinders your ability to hear and focus. Always lock your bike at your workplace and any place it is unattended. Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike. Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don't get caught in your bike chain. Driving reminders Commuting via bike or e-bike is increasing in popularity. When driving a vehicle, make sure you understand and know how to navigate with the bicycling community. Here are few key reminders for drivers:

“Put down the phone and pay attention”, says Debra Storm, owner of DOCO Driving School, Inc. According to a phone company survey, almost 100% of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, but half admitted to doing it anyway. It may take only a matter of seconds to glance at your phone, but, if you are driving at 60 miles an hour, your eyes were blind to the road while you drove the length of a football field. Please don’t text and drive. While we tend to focus on use of cell phones causing distracted driving, but distracted driving also includes other activities such as eating, talking to other passengers, or adjusting the radio or climate controls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) works to reduce the occurrence of all types of distracted driving and raise awareness of its dangers. The four types of distractions are Visual – looking at something other than the road. Auditory – hearing something not related to driving. Manual – manipulating something other than the steering wheel. And Cognitive – thinking about something other than driving. This risky behavior poses a danger to vehicle occupants as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. Here are some more facts from the NHSTSA ■ In 2016, there were 562 nonoccupants (pedestrians, bicyclists, and others) killed in distraction-affected crashes. ■ Nine percent of fatal crashes in 2016 were reported as distraction-affected crashes. ■ In 2016, there were 3,450 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. ■ Six percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. Nine percent of drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the fatal crashes.  DOCO Driving School encourages everyone to pay attention to driving and the road around you. Don’t drive distracted!

Our economy couldn’t run without small mom and pop businesses. They create economic growth and provide almost 70% of all new jobs in the country.That’s why every year on March 29 we acknowledge the more than 27 million small businesses in this country by celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! The holiday was established by Rick and Margie Segel in honor of their parents and the successful hat shop they opened in 1939 and grew into a 10,000 square foot, $2 million dollar clothing shop. It is a special day to appreciate the long hours, hard work and dedication it takes to run a small business. So on March 29, head to your favorite small business to say thank you! DOCO Driving School is a small Mom and Pop Business! NATIONAL MOM AND POP BUSINESS OWNERS DAY ACTIVITIES Shop local Use social media Write a “thank you” note

As a woman business owner, I would like to give a shout out to all the (other) wonderful women out there and their contributions to our country and the world. Tuesday, March 8, 2022 is International Women's Day. This is a global day recognizing and celebrating historical, cultural, and political achievements of women. In honor of that I would like tooffer 2 suggestions on how to reach out to special women in your life:

We all set New Year's resolutions for something. Loose weight? Exercise? Learn a new skill? What about being safer in the New Year? Our Defensive Driving class can help you learn about staying safe in an emergency situation, for example:

HOLIDAY HOURS: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all! 🎄🎄LAST CHANCE FOR CLASS 12/28 &29. Check our website or call us for more information. Our office will be closing Thursday 12/23 at 1:00pm for the holiday. 🎄 We will open again on Tuesday January 4th. Happy New Year!🎇

October is known for some spooky holidays. But did you know there are other not-so-spooky ones this month also? For example, we start the month with "Name Your Car Day". Email or post to our facebook page your car's name.

We have been sheltering at home for so long. Are you ready to get back to social life? I'm sure you are, but what about your car? Take time to prepare your car to hit the road following these maintenance tips: (see owner's manual for more information) 1. Check under the hood All fluid levels should be checked (oil, brake fluid, windshield washerfluid), check battery or have auto parts house test it, belts and filters should also be checked for wear. 2. Check exterior Check tires for pressure and signs of wear (don't forget to check your spare), check all lights and clean lenses. Clean windows inside and out, and check windshield wipers, replace if any signs of wear. 3. Spruce up the interior Check and clean seat belts, vacuum and clean carpets and seats, disinfect steering wheel and all controls that are frequently touched. Now both you and your car are ready to hit the road. Be Safe!