 The top four contributors to fatal crashes on Minnesota roads include speed, distractions, impaired driving, and failing to buckle up. But those are not the only reasons why people get into crashes, and some here in Bemidji are looking to learn how to avoid them. It's been a while since some of these people have been back to driving school. The Driver Improvement Program gives some incentive for those 55 and up attending the course. Take an eight hour class, and then every three years take a refresher class. Then every year they will get 10% off in their car insurance. Some like Jerry Coslucher come back each year. One thing he picked up this time around was how to position your hands at the bottom of the wheel. By nine and three and ten and four. Oh, she positioned her hands and fingers, you know. I position them to take the weight off my arms. Another thing to keep in mind, be mindful of how things change as you age. For Elizabeth Bergeron, this means her eyesight. I don't really like to drive at night. I prefer just to do my things during the daytime. But it might be to her advantage. The most dangerous time to drive is at dusk. The class also helps remind the drivers about rules and regulations that seem to be constantly changing. We don't have a way in Minnesota for people to get the new law changes. Laws regarding cell phone usage are being updated as quickly as the technology itself. Driving school instructor Russ Bly says that phones can be a big distraction for teens. It's hard to get them to set that down. But that's also a problem for the adult population. In just five minutes on Paul Bunyan Drive, Lakewood News spotted a few people making calls. Not illegal, but still distracting. One woman approaching a work zone didn't appear to be making a call. If you remember, why do crashes happen? Simple mistakes, drive or air. Dawn Bly says we need to get more deliberate with our driving. Take time to think about the task at hand. I think we can also bring down some of those crashes and some of those fatalities on Minnesota Roadways. More information on how to sign up for the courses can be found on our website at lptv.org backflash news. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakewood News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.