Why Safeway?

With all of the important decisions you need to make in a lifetime, one of the most important is tackling the issue of teaching your child to drive. With Safeway we can assist with this seemingly daunting task. The Safeway Driving School is licensed by the PA Department of Education and we hold current teaching certificates.

With nearly 40 years of public education between us, we will assist in every way possible to not only make your child a confident driver, but also a responsible driver. We realize that the occupants in the vehicle are not just children; they are also your children. With this in mind we will make every effort to keep your child out of harm’s way, yet capable to make that correct split second decision if the situation may arise.

With The Safeway Driving School we will make every effort to schedule your child at the most convenient time. We will also pick up and drop off at home, school, or work. With completion of our 30 hour online course, and 6 hours of practical driving you may be eligible for a 10% to 20% discount in your auto insurance (make sure to check with your provider) and you can get your senior license at 17 and 1/2 instead of 18.

The Safeway lessons include but may not be limited to:

• Anticipate what other drivers may do in various situations

• Stressing the both the "Smith System" and the I.P.D.E theories:

Smith System

1. Aim High in Steering

Look 15 seconds into your future. (Don’t just look at the vehicle in front of you)

2. Get the Big Picture

Look for Hazards. (Other Motorists, Pedestrians, Vehicle doors opening)

3. Keep Your Eyes Moving

Don’t stare. (Use your peripheral vision)(Stop the fixed habit stare)

4. Leave Yourself an Out

Monitor the space cushion around you and your bike.

5. Make sure They See You

Use your signals- (Directionals, 4-Way Flashers, Head Lights, Brake Lights, Horn, Hand Signals) Make Eye Contact

I.P.D.E.

I=Identify, P=Predict, D=Decide, E-Execute

1. Identify all other roadway users, cars, trucks, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals, parked vehicles,

intersections, potential roadway hazards

2. Predict what they might do, will it impeded your intended path of travel

3. Decide your course of action, anticipate instead of reacting

4. Execute your decision remembering you can always alter your path

Emphasize to student the importance of predicting what the other driver might do. Tell the student to assume that the person driving the other vehicle is going to do something they should not do.

(Example: lane change in front of you with little or no space, pulling out in front of you, changing lanes or turning without signaling.) Tell the students by anticipating and predicting what other drivers will do they will be better prepared to react quicker to the situation

Stress defensive driving, which is a combination of scanning ahead, checking mirrors, using peripheral vision, checking blind spots and being fully aware of their surroundings. Understand and evaluate your options instantly when a critical incident happens

• Drive safely in bad weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog (when conditions permit in a safe procedure)

• Control your emotions for safety

• React to changing traffic signals

• Learn what to watch out for from the front, back and sides

• Keep a safe following distance

• Negotiate turns, lane changes, merging and curves safely

• Handle city traffic and highway traffic flawlessly

• Safely pass a slow-moving vehicle

• Keeping alert for distracted drivers

• Safe parallel parking and parking in lots

• Much more!