NORWICH – From the eyes of a law enforcement officer, safe driving often rides in tandem with good character. It’s a combination not everybody strives for, but it’s a crucial mix for everyone who risks their life each day on the road.
Tuesday, New York state Trooper Jamison Tefft told a classroom full of driver’s education students at Norwich High School to be humble in the driver’s seat, especially when crossing paths with law enforcement.
“The only thing you can control is yourself,” said Tefft, who is stationed at the Norwich barracks. “Be polite, be courteous, and be honest.”
Tefft believes the most important assets any driver can possess are an understanding of the direct effect their actions have on others, and the importance of being conscientious of each on-coming situation behind the wheel.
“It’s mainly for their safety and our own,” said Tefft. “They are new drivers, and they are trying to learn the proper way ... this (driver’s education) exposes them more to driving and the rules and regulations. It’s more in depth and hands on.”
Driver’s ed instructor Dale Johnson said this was the third and final presentation offered during the summer course, and that it’s an intangible benefit for new drivers to gain as much experience possible before being out on their own.
“Some new drivers just have no clue how to be stopped by a police officer,” said Johnson. “Kids don’t have the background with automobiles like they did in the past. Some of the time they’ve scared their parents so bad they won’t go back out with them.”
Before a student can graduate, New York State Driver and Traffic Safety Education curriculum states that each participant must undergo at least 24 hours of classroom instruction, six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and 18 hours observation, for a total of 48 hours.
Tefft gave students some inside insight about lessons they may not learn this summer in the classroom, or at home. He offered up stories specific to his experience as a state trooper, and outlined what not to do based on past humorous, and not-so-humorous examples. Some of the more serious subjects he touched on were motor vehicle accidents, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated – each as separate and connected incidents.
“There are a lot of people drinking and driving,” Tefft said, providing local and national statistics regarding the high number of arrests, accidents, and fatalities associated with the violation. “The road is really a dangerous place.”
Tefft reiterated to the students that his job isn’t to “pick on” anyone, but to keep the roads safe for everyone, including those in violation of traffic laws, a statement backed up by instructor John Mason.
“What we can control is what we have at our disposal,” said Mason. “Law enforcement is using their best judgment to make sure everybody is following the rules.”