The message was simple: Always expect the unexpected.

That’s what Master Trooper C.R. Bridges told senior citizens gathered at the Kirkwood Adams Community Center during the annual Jo Story Center Spring Lunch today.

An 18-year law enforcement veteran, 15 have been with the state Highway Patrol. In those years he has seen every scenario imaginable. “Things are not always as they seem,” he said, telling the seniors, “This group here is my favorite to talk to. You have all the experience. A lot of you can teach this class to me.”

In the last 15 years, there have been 650,000 people killed on American highways, he said, equating to 115 people a day. There have been 13 teens killed in three states within the last three days, he said.

The first thing to know, Bridges said, is to know your vehicle, even if you have to drive a relative’s car. “Be familiar with the controls, make adjustments while sitting in the driveway.”

Rose Massey, supervisor of the Jo Story Center, presents a certificate to Bridges.

Even if it’s your own vehicle, get out and look before driving. He related a story about an electrical crew doing work at a house. After completion of the job, the driver of the truck was compelled to check the vehicle before leaving. He found a child had gotten stuck between the fender and wheel well. “What’s wrong with getting out and looking around the car?”

He reminded his audience to reduce speed when driving in bad weather — rain, snow, sleet and fog.

Giving enough distance to the vehicle ahead of you is crucial. “Reaction time is slower than the action.”

Everyone, he said, is a speed estimator, trying to gage when it’s OK to turn into traffic. Your depth perception, however, is deceiving. “Check your rearview mirrors. On multilane highways keep right except to pass.”

Covering the no-zone, Bridges said, “If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.”

He said, however, don’t rely on mirrors alone. Turn your head to check traffic to either side of you.

On roads like Interstate 95, never try to back up if you miss your exit. He related a story that occurred in Benson where a woman with her daughter backed and was struck by a tractor-trailer. They both died. Always go to the next exit and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

Tools like 5-1-1 and *HP work well. 5-1-1 gives weather and road conditions while *HP takes you directly to communications in Raleigh.

Bridges said he has seen everything from children standing up in the backseat to a couple holding a road map across the dash. “Be aware of other drivers.”

Texting is deadly. “When the average person receives a text they look at the phone for 4.6 seconds. Driving at 55 miles per hour you’ve traveled a football field (in that time).”

If you respond to the text, that’s another 9 second and travelling at 70 miles per hour you have crossed four football fields in that time. “What did we do before?” Bridges asked. “We did all right.”

Eating while driving can be just as deadly, he said.

Overcorrecting is a routine problem troopers see. “It’s OK to drive on the shoulder of the road. Just let your foot off the gas.”

The important thing is to recognize your personal limitations. “Wear your seatbelts — everybody … always expect the unexpected.”