July 2006

The High Road

Safe Teen Driver's E-Newsletter

From Bruce
A personal message from Bruce Murakami, founder and president of Safe Teen Driver

Greetings, Friends!

It’s hard to believe the year is half over, and while many businesses and organizations seem to pause a little bit during the summer, Safe Teen Driver has been busy!

Just last month, I had the privilege of working with Toyota on what has to be one of the nation’s best programs for teen drivers, Toyota’s Driving Expectations. Ironically, the program isn’t just for teens—it’s for parents, too. And I think this unique twist contributes to the success of the program. Let me share a little bit with you.

First of all, parents must attend with their teen driver, all of whom were between the ages of 15-17—that key age range where statistics point to a high rate of vehicular deaths. When the parents and teens entered, they all came to an orientation tent. Now, mind you, this was not your average tent. It was spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. During orientation, the kids barely took notice of their parents, and the parents listened attentively to the speaker, paying little or no attention to their teenager. At the conclusion of orientation, the kids were sent to one area to drive brand new cars, and parents were sent elsewhere for a presentation.

This is why I think the program really works. Parents were ushered into a tent and talked to about their driving habits! And all the while, they’re listening to the screeching of tires and other noises from their kids driving. Meanwhile, the kids were being challenged with all sorts of real life situations. They were startled by having to answer a surprise cell phone call in the middle of driving an obstacle course. Then they were asked to try to drink some water while having to stop short. There were driving through areas that were suddenly wet and very challenging.

At the end of the program, all kids and parents come together again in the orientation tent. Only this time, the kids are talking to the parents, and the parents are listening and communicating with them. It was great!

If you and your teen have the opportunity to participate in Toyota Driving Expectations, the event is free, so do it. It will be well worth your time.

Now take some time and enjoy the rest of our newsletter.

Bruce

 

FAST FACTS

Roadside Memorials: Distraction or Safety Reminder?

Many people don’t realize this, but the state of Florida currently regulates roadside memorials. That’s not to say that there aren’t literally thousands of handmade memorials dotting streets and highways. But it does mean that our state and municipal leaders realize that there are safety issues as well as sensitivity issues involved with handmade memorials. Bruce Murakami recently conducted some non-scientific research to get a feel for what people thought about roadside memorials. The results were surprising. Read results.

Driving Information, Safety Tips

Saving Lives With GPS Technology

It’s late. It’s bedtime. You’ve brushed your teeth and washed your face. But you can’t even think of going to sleep because your 16-year-old is out with the car, and it’s an hour past curfew. “Where is he,” you think to yourself. “I don’t dare call his friends’ house; it’s too late.” Another hour passes; the anxiety clogs your throat, tightens your body. You pick up the phone, ready to call his friends, the police, the hospital. At that moment, your teen strolls in and tells you that the car just wouldn’t start. Read more.

From the Cell Block

Hi, my name is Cortney Sanders. I am writing this to stress upon young teen drivers how one decision cannot only change your life, but more importantly, the lives of others.

It was June 25, 2000, and I was 18 years old at the time. A mutual acquaintance had a get-together at his home. He was older than the rest of us, which allowed him to purchase alcohol. I was never a big drinker; therefore, you should really take into consideration what I am about to tell you. Read more.

Road Maps

A special section dedicated to helping all those who’ve suffered any kind of loss. Here you’ll find peace, solace, and support to help you move forward with your life. We’ll offer tips, advice, information, and inspiration from Bruce and experts on grief, loss, and the healing process.

On Giving

Giving brings happiness at every stage of its expression. We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous, we experience joy in the actual act of giving something, and we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given.

- Buddha

Healing Tip

Give a Little.

Remember the famous bumper sticker, the one that says, “Practice random acts of kindness.” On the surface, it’s easy to dismiss those bumper stickers. After all, what can a little bit of kindness do, especially when you’re grieving?

Well, I’ll tell you something. A little act of kindness can be enough to make it through a day. And when you’re grieving, you feel somewhat like a recovering addict because you have to take one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time. So every little opportunity that presents a way to lift your spirits, even if it’s only for a few minutes, can be very healing.

I don’t know why, but when you do something nice for someone else, even when you feel your absolute worst, a little spark ignites inside, and a feeling of life opens up. There’s something magical about it, and it can turn things around. When I was in my worst state of grief, I really wasn’t able to think in terms of doing something for someone else. I wish I had been able to. I wish I had had someone to gently ease me into to doing just a little something for someone else. I honestly believe it would accelerated my healing.

Give it a try. If you have children or grandchildren, start with them. Why? Because to a parent or grandparent, there is nothing more beautiful or life affirming than the smile of a child. Also, if you’re grieving, there’s a good chance that the child is too or that he or she senses your pain and doesn’t know how to respond. A simple act of kindness can create joy and a sense of renewed comfort in the child and also go a long way to strengthening your relationship.

If you don’t have a child, find someone else whose smile adds beauty to your day. Or consider a little volunteer work where you can give to someone who needs it. Then do something for them, something nice. You’ll be surprised at how good you feel when they feel good.

My best always,
Bruce

Afterthoughts
“As I give, I get."

Mary McLeod Bethune

Small Ways to Give

Here are a few ways you can give to someone else.