Indiana motorists rank 22nd in the nation in driving knowledge, according to the 2009 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test. Results were released last May.
It was the fifth year for the survey, which polled more than 5,000 licensed drivers from all 50 states. It found that 20.1 percent of motorists would not pass a written drivers test.
Idaho and Wyoming drivers were tops in the nation with an average score of 80.6 percent on the 20-question exam. New York motorists were dead last with an average score of 70.5 percent. Scores of 70 or lower received an “F.”
GMAC said the test-takers continue to have difficulty with questions concerning yellow lights and safe following distances. It’s our experience that many local drivers don’t know when to switch on their headlamps.
It’s a habit that creates dangerous driving conditions.
Question 19 of the GMAC National Drivers Test – which you can take online at www.nationaldriverstest.com – asks, “In bad weather, you should make your car easier for others to see by:
“A. Turning on your headlights
“B. Turning on your emergency lights
“C. Turning on your parking lights
“D. Flash your high beams”
The correct answer is “A,” of course. You probably knew that. So explain to us why many area motorists don’t turn on their lights in fog, rain or snow?
Fog can occur in any month of the year, and driving through it can be hazardous. When driving in fog, rain or snow, watch for other drivers and ensure they see you.
Opinion
Hoosier drivers middle of pack
- Opinion
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Cast a vote for centers
The issue: Vote centers in Howard County.
Our view: Centers are less expensive to operate and more convenient for the average voter.
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White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
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Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
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If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
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Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
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Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
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Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
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Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
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Cast a vote for centers
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