Do you wonder whether it is legal to wait in the middle of a signalized intersection to turn left? Are you familiar with the four-second rule for following distance? When can you make a left turn at a red light?
My name is Stephen Boyles, and I had a wonderful meeting with Branden from Newsberg to discuss safe driving skills. We have decided to publish an article every other month addressing these questions and many others. I am a certified volunteer instructor for AARP safe driving courses and have taught them for several years. We teach that safe driving is a complex skill — part of which involves understanding and obeying traffic laws, among many other driving habits.
I will address a new topic in each article. We would also welcome your feedback on suggested topics. I will frequently reference the 2026–2027 Oregon Driver Manual, which can be viewed or downloaded from the DMV website. Printed copies are also available at the local DMV office and the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, while supplies last.
The goal of this column is to help all of us in Newberg become safer drivers. We all know that being involved in a crash is serious in many ways — people can be injured or killed, and children are around us constantly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) attributes roughly 94% of all motor vehicle crashes to preventable human error. The word “accident” implies a crash was not preventable, which is why you will see me use the word “crash” instead.
I look forward to sharing information that can help you on the road.
Steve Boyles is an AARP-certified driving instructor who offers classes both online and in person. In-person classes are held monthly in Newberg and McMinnville. To register, contact the Chehalem Senior Center at (503) 537-9404 or the McMinnville Senior Center at (503) 435-0407. Classes cost $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
