These Driving Tips Could Save Your Life

Kristen Cooper

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

      Do you ever worry about being involved in a collision? There are endless challenges for those driving on the open road. Wrecks, weather and wildlife all affect traffic tremendously and can cause major havoc if thrown out of normal cadence. That is why it is incredibly important to be the best driver—and passenger—you can be.

Attention is Key:

     I have been an active driver for almost four years. Thankfully I’ve never been involved in a collision. I’ve always been more than careful and attentive while behind the wheel. My car and life are precious, so I act accordingly! Here in the United States, we are provided with the resources to develop and practice our driving skills in schools, so there is no excuse for such recklessness or ignorance. First and foremost, to drive is to have privilege. This privilege can risk not only your well-being but your peers’ well-being as well.

      Yearly, motor vehicle accidents take the lives of countless loved ones all over the United States. In an article titled “Avoiding Fender Benders Driving Expertly: Top 5 Defensive Driving Tips for New Drivers by Beginners Drivers Guide” it is blatantly stated that the number one “...cause of death for young people between the ages 15 and 20 is motor vehicle crashes.” This is baffling to me because it is avoidable. To see the entire article, visit https://kasroyal.com/avoiding-fender-benders-expertly-top-5-defensive-driving-tips/


Sobriety is Important:

     The first step to an efficient and safe trip is to confirm that the vehicles operator is completely sober. It is more than imperative to be completely aware. While intoxicated one’s senses are impaired greatly, and fuzzy focus can allow much room for error and in turn will cause turmoil quickly.

      At the young age of 15, most individuals are taken to their local DMV, tested and given their learners permit. A learner’s permit allows those in possession to drive accompanied with a licensed driver. It is important to use each ample opportunity to practice the ways and rules of the road. We learn best while we’re young, and there is no time like the present! Seize every opportunity to practice! To learn about impaired driving statistics, visit https://www.bactrack.com/blogs/expert-center/35040645-dui-statistics


Keep it Legal:

     The second step to becoming an acceptable driver is attaining your driver’s license! This assures by your state’s requirements that you are capable of commuting while others are as well. To explore driver’s license qualifications visit the following website: https://www.tn.gov/safety/driverservices/online.html


Don’t Lose Your Focus:

     Keep your attention on the road! This is where it belongs! If your center tends to drift to different objects and other people on the road, you should work hard on keeping your eyes on what is in front of you as well as your immediate surroundings. The best way to stay focused is to minimize as many distractions as possible.

     
     One way that most prefer to do this is by playing their favorite CD’s or playlists as they cruise. Since the listener is more than likely pleased with the music, he or she will devote most attention to it. This promotes focus and motivation. Adjusting the volume on your various electronic devices to silent is always a good idea. No one can deny our undying addictions and dedication to our hand-held distractions! For some additional tips on focusing, visit https://www.inc.com/lolly-daskal/10-smart-tips-to-prevent-distractions-and-sharpen-your-focus.html


Get Comfortable:

     Another great way to guarantee secure passage is to make yourself as comfortable driving as you safely and legally can. If an adjustment to reach the pedals is necessary, be sure to make it. Grab a seat cushion from your local Walmart or Auto Zone if the one in your driver’s seat is worn out! Find an appropriate length from the steering wheel. You are less likely to grow agitated driving while your body is relaxed. For more ways to relax while driving, visit https://www.wikihow.com/Relax-when-Driving


Watch Others:

     There are going to be many other cars sharing the marked pavement with you! Traffic is always an absolute nightmare, but it is inevitable. Though you will know your street signs, they may not. While you remember to use your signals and precaution, they may not. Though you practiced with your parents, they may not have shared the same circumstances! Therefore, you must watch your mirrors and surroundings constantly, intently and defensively. Act quickly and proactively. You must learn how other drivers regularly react to the vehicles around them.

      If you are capable, predict potential wrecks inwardly and take every measure possible to avoid them. Always have your hands at the ready position to make any short-notice/commanding adjustments to the wheel. For direction on how to pay more attention visit https://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Maximum-Attention-While-Driving

Be Accustomed with Your Car:

      Know your car’s size better than the back of your hand. Most fender benders and minor wrecks are all attributed to misjudged spacing. Find your mirrors and use them as often as you need them. 

Safe Travels:

      Random and uncontrollable occurrences happen daily. Though destiny is out of our hands, we should do what we can to prevent disaster. Keep in mind it is your responsibility to defend your life and the lives of others around you. Be considerate and smart, and remain attentive always. Each of these tips can and will improve your driving. Follow them and keep commuting with ease! To see Nashville Police driving tips, visit the following website: https://www.nashville.gov/Police-Department/Support-Services/Special-Operations/Traffic-Operations/Traffic-Safety.aspx

MTSU Football Preparing For 2014 Season

By Nick Fisch

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s football team held its "Blue and White Spring Game" at 12:50 p.m. on April 19, 2014 at the Dean A. Hayes Stadium located on 1568 Greenland Drive.

            The Blue Team, which was the offense, beat the White Team, which was the defense, 27-0. The final score had the Blue Team winning the game, but the White team actually dominated the whole game. The White Team managed to rack up a total of seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions.

            Redshirt freshman cornerback Shon Akins, who is number 37, was a serious presence on the field by forcing two interceptions, and redshirt senior cornerback Chris Sharpe, who is number 27, had one interception as well as one forced fumble. Redshirt junior defensive end Alexandro Antoine, who is number 17, and redshirt senior linebacker Leighton Gasque, who is number 40, had two sacks each.

            The Blue Team still managed to score some points on the ball hawking defense of the MTSU Blue Raiders. In the first quarter, the Blue Team started off with a three-point lead when redshirt sophomore kicker Cody Clark, who is number 89, made a 29-yard field goal.

             In the second quarter, redshirt sophomore quarterback Austin Grammar, who is number two, connected with redshirt sophomore wide receiver Terry Pettis, who is number 84, for a 49-yard touchdown. The extra point from Cody Clark was good, making the score 10-0 at the half, with the Blue team leading.

            Redshirt freshman fullback Jordan Willis, who is number 43, scored the first points of the second half with a 1-yard touchdown run. The extra point by sophomore kicker Canon Rooker, who is number 15, was good. The third quarter touchdown led up to Canon Rooker kicking a 24-yard field goal.

             In the fourth quarter, redshirt sophomore running back Chukwadi Echetebu, who is number 30, ran 8 yards straight to the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point by Cody Clark was good, making that the last points of the 2014 "Blue and White Spring Game."

            The MTSU defense, who gave up 26.2 points and was ranked 60th in all of Division I football for points allowed in 2013, looked very good in the spring. They created many turnovers, managed to get in the back field, gang tackled, created big hits, and most of all played as a team.

            The MTSU offense did not look all that great, which is ironic because their offense ranked 69th in all of Division I football for total points, 31st in total rushing yards, and 85th in total passing yards in 2013. The reason the offense could have been struggling was due to the fact their 2013 captain quarterback, Logan Kilgore, graduated.

             Battling for the starting quarterback position are freshman Brent Stockstill, who is number 12; redshirt freshman A.J. Erdely; who is number 11; redshirt junior Nolan Genovese; who is number 7; and redshirt sophomore Austin Grammer, who is number 2.

            Unfortunately, all four quarterbacks struggled throughout the spring game, which really caused the offense to play out of sync. There is still a lot of time for all four to get better before the 2014 season kickoff, including summer conditioning, practice and fall practice.

            The MTSU running game was one bright spot for the offense of the Blue Raiders. The MTSU rushing attack gained a total of 242 yards and two touchdowns during the spring game. Number 35 Tony Rowland, who is a redshirt freshman, rushed for 114 yards on 23 carries. Number 43 Jordan Willis, who is a redshirt freshman, and number 30 Chukwadi Echetebu, who is a redshirt sophomore, each had one touchdown to lead the Blue Raiders rushing attack.

            Senior wide receiver Marcus Henry, who is number 19, was the leading wide receiver for the MTSU Blue Raiders in 2013, grabbing 38 catches for 549 yards and three touchdowns. Henry formally played for Northwest Mississippi Community College in Courtland, Miss., making him one of the 15 junior college transfers on the MTSU roster.

            “Community College is harder than people think, and they have a lot of good athletes," Henry said. "Community College helps a lot of D-1 athletes to improve on their grades. It really had me prepared a lot for MTSU.”

             Henry is coming into the 2014 season with the mindset of just winning and high expectations for the team, as well as himself.

            “We want to win the conference championship and to go undefeated,” Henry said. “Every time I catch the ball, I am trying to score.”

            Henry has a lot of reasons to have high expectations. MTSU Blue Raiders football finished the 2013 season with a record of 8-4, making it to the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, where they fell to Navy, 24-6. MTSU football still had a successful 2013 season considering the fact that was the first season MTSU had to play in Conference USA since it made the switch from the Sun Belt Conference.

            MTSU starts the 2014 season at home on Aug. 30 against Savannah State. MTSU's first conference game of the 2014 season will be home against Southern Mississippi.

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