Driving Risks and Safety Tips for the Holidays

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With the holiday season in full swing, it is important to review the most important safety tips for driving during this time of year. Whether you are just graduating from new driving training or have years of experience, there are risks on the road during the holidays. To help you have a safe and festive holiday season, here are the five best safety tips for holiday driving.

  1. Schedule extra time for driving. Drivers engage in riskier behaviors when they are in a hurry. If you are going to an appointment or have some sort of schedule to keep, schedule in extra time to get there. If you hit heavy traffic or experience bad weather, it is important that you feel calm and drive safely. Having extra time scheduled means you can calm down and focus on driving safely without the added stress of being late.
  2. Plan around weather. If you are planning to take a road trip or just going somewhere out of town, plan your driving schedule around the weather. A 30-minute trip can turn into a 60-minute trip in bad weather. To save yourself time and risk, go before the storm comes or wait until it calms down and the roads are cleared. If you do get stuck in bad weather, remember to slow down and watch for black ice.
  3. Never drive drunk. Holiday parties are well known for having good food and plenty of drinks. If you plan to drink, plan to have someone else drive home. Creating a plan with another person on who will be the designated driver or arranging for a ride home in advance ensures that you will not be tempted to drive yourself home. Too often people drink and then think they are capable of driving when they actually aren’t, creating a dangerous situation for themselves and others on the road.
  4. Avoid distractions. Heavier traffic, slippery roads, and people in a hurry all combine into some dangerous situations. Commit to yourself that you will avoid being distracted while driving. Put your phone away, limit conversations, don’t eat or apply makeup, and just focus on the road. Drivers who are focused and avoid distractions are the safest drivers on the road.
  5. Drive defensively. During the holidays, more drivers are on the road than normal. Everyone is rushing around doing holiday shopping, going to parties, and visiting family. Keep your eyes on traffic and drivers who may pull in front of you. Always keep space open around your vehicle so you can have time to change lanes if someone suddenly cuts you off, brakes, or slides on ice. These are all great defensive driving techniques.

When you apply these five safety tips, you are more likely to have a safer driving experience any time of year. Have a safe holiday season!

Driving Safely at Night

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Safe driving in the nighttime hours is an important skill for all drivers to acquire. For people who commute to work and school, there are a lot of hours in the dark driving from mid-fall to mid-spring. While dark driving conditions are more dangerous than during the daytime, it can be done with extra skills and training. 

The Risks of Driving in the Dark

As mentioned before, the most dangerous part of driving in the dark is the reduced visibility of the road. From hazards on and around the road to seeing pedestrians better, everything is harder to see in the dark. Headlights cannot light up all your surroundings, especially in undeveloped areas where there are less cars and more animals. Human eyes have a harder time seeing too, giving a driver limited depth perception, less peripheral vision, and an inability to recognize colors.

Nighttime Driving Tips

Even though vision is limited in the dark, there are some basic adjustments to behaviors and the vehicle to make sure you are maximizing your site to stay safer.

Be sure to stay focused on the road and put away distractions like your phone. Other distractions may include eating messy foods or focusing too much on conversations with passengers in the car.

Avoiding Drowsy Driving

One obstacle of driving in the dark is fighting the instinct to feel sleepier in dark conditions. The brain is already pre-programmed to feel sleepier at night. The glare of oncoming headlights compound the problem because it causes the eyes to become more tired.

Staying awake and alert at the wheel is vital to staying safe. Driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving under the influence of a substance. When a person is tired, their thinking and ability to react slow down and it is harder to focus, very similarly to driving while drunk.

If you notice yourself feeling drowsy, here are some ideas you can use to stay awake and alert:

The most common ways drivers stay awake is drinking caffeine, eating crunchy snacks, turning the music up loud and singing along, or having a conversation with a passenger. Each of these can keep a driver awake but be careful not to let any of these strategies distract your attention from the road.

Driving at night is an important skill to develop for all drivers, which is why most states require driver’s education courses to teach it. With practice and safe practices, drivers do not have to be intimidated by driving in the dark. Instead, just make some small adjustments to your behaviors and vehicle to stay safe.

Things to Check Before You Drive

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Cars are excellent at getting people around until something goes wrong. Keeping on top of maintenance is a hassle for some people, but it is well worth the effort to keep a vehicle running smoothly. Monthly maintenance is important, but it is especially vital before going on a long drive or road trip. Here are some things you should be checking for a smooth driving experience.

Fluid Levels

There are a lot of fluids that are essential to driving. Each should be checked regularly, such as:

Each has a different role in the car. The oil helps keep the engine well lubricated and running in top condition. Coolant helps the engine to not overheat on long drives. Windshield wiper fluid is not always considered a vital fluid, but keeping the windshield clean is essential to seeing clearly. If you are driving around in the rain or snow, it is especially important because the mud and dirty snow can get kicked up by other cars on the road and dirty the windshield. During the summer, bugs are everywhere and can eventually clutter up your line of vision too.

To check the fluids, pull out the dip sticks, look in the container, or have a professional do a maintenance check that they are all at appropriate levels. Also be sure to check around the areas and under the engine to make sure there are no leaks.

Car Parts

Mechanics will look over specific car parts when doing a routine maintenance check. Before a long drive, you should also check these areas like:

Having a safe car is dependent on these areas being in good working order. To check the wheel tread, you will need to stick a penny in with Lincoln’s head going in first. If you can still see the President’s head still, the tread is too low and you need to get new tires. It is also a good idea to get the balance on the wheels checked to prevent problems with the axles.

Belts are in the engine and power systems in the car. If one were to break, the car would need to be fixed immediately, disrupting any driving plans. To make sure they are in good working order, check for any fraying or wear. If they are old or damaged, they need to be replaced. The same is true for brake pads; if they show wear, they need to be replaced to effectively stop the car.

With the help of a friend, checking the lights is easy. Have someone stand in front and behind the car while testing the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights. If any are out, changing the lightbulbs is very easy and inexpensive.

While checking your car over, double check that your windshield wipers work well. The blades should clear the entire windshield when you spray the washing fluid. If they miss spots or haven’t been replaced in a few years, change them for new blades.

Spare Parts

Always keep spare parts in the car, but especially when you have a long drive through less populated areas. That way, if an emergency happens on the road, you are prepared and don’t have to depend on cell service, tow trucks, and nearby service shops. This would include:

With these basics in your car, you can fix the car yourself or have everything on hand if someone pulls over to help.

Be Prepared

Whether you’re new on the road after completing Driving school, or you’re a seasoned driver, it’s important to stay on top of these things. Being a responsible car owner means being prepared and taking care of your car. Stay on top of the vehicle’s maintenance and it will work better over the lifetime of the car. When heading on a road trip, have it checked over for extra protection.

Top Driving Challenges and How to Navigate Them

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Driving is a responsibility that comes with learning skills before licensing. No matter how much an adult or teen driving school tries to prepare student drivers, there are still some situations that are challenging. Situations such as driving in bad weather, through heavy traffic, around large trucks, and even dealing with aggressive drivers can seem overwhelming and intense in the moment. Here are some basic reminders to help you sharpen your skills when it comes to these common driving challenges.

Bad Weather

Depending on where you live, there are different versions of “bad weather”. For some it is snowy blizzards, others deal with black ice, heavy rains, fog, and dust storms. No matter where you live and what weather you deal with, driving in bad weather has some common advice.

Navigating Around Large Trucks

Large trucks have a bigger blind spot than any other sized car. Even with their extended mirrors, drivers struggle to cars that are driving alongside, behind, and in front of them. Be mindful of these limitations and respect their need for you to stay out of the way whenever possible. Also, be kind and let them merge into your lane if they are signaling to move over. Trying to race past or getting right in front of a truck is never a good idea and can end badly for you.

Heavy Traffic

Driving in heavy traffic is never pleasant. Driving in heavy traffic when you need to get over to an exit, there is construction, or you are in a hurry can make it worse. There are some basics to remember when navigating through heavy traffic.

Aggressive Drivers

Everyone makes mistakes while driving. Try to keep a level head and not get too angry over someone making a mistake. Instead of slamming on the gas and racing around them, control your temper. They most likely did not do it on purpose and getting angry and hostile on the road is dangerous.

If you have made a mistake and another driver is acting aggressively toward you, do your best to ignore them. Do not engage in reckless behavior and put yourselves and everyone around you in danger. If they are being persistent and you are feeling threatened, call the police. Too often these situations will escalate, and it is important that you stay safe.

Focus on the Road

When all else fails, focus on the road and remember the basic skills you learned in your driving lessons. There are many situations you cannot plan for or perfectly remember what you are supposed to do. In those cases, the best thing you can do is be calm and trust your training and instincts.

Road Trip Safety

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Memorial Day starts the most popular season for taking road trips. Whether you are traveling to see National Parks, historical sites, or visiting friends and family this summer, we want you to get there safe. There are some basic safety tips you can use every road trip to ensure you have a fun, safe time.

Be Prepared

Before you start off on your journey, make sure you have some basic preparations. The best place to start is with your vehicle and making sure everything is ready for a long car trip and functioning properly. Some things to check are:

Another area of preparation should include emergency items for changing a spare tire like a spare tire and the necessary tools. Extra blankets, water bottles, and a little cash on hand are all good things to keep in your trunk. It is also a good idea to make sure you have your driver’s license.

Communicate Your Plans

An important way to stay safe is to make sure someone knows your travel plans. If you ever get into car crash, have car troubles, or get lost, someone will know how to find you. If possible, check in regularly too since many people do not get cellphone coverage their whole trip. This helps narrow down the possible places you could be if something happens. While making random stops is an exciting part of road trips, it is still possible while having a general map drawn up. Mapping out your route before leaving also helps avoid problems like road closures, construction, and toll roads. Keeping an extra charger with you to keep your phones charged and GPS running.

Do Not Drive Drowsy

Getting enough rest for a road trip is vital to staying awake and alert while driving. Drowsy driving is dangerous, claiming 795 lives in 2017. Too often, drivers want to push through their fatigue and get to their location. When tired, brains have impaired cognition and performance, similar to being drunk. 

Most drivers have their own tips and tricks for staying awake while driving, but here are some ideas.

If none of these are working, pull off the road to a safe place and take a nap. 

Watch for Changes

When driving on unfamiliar roads, it is important to be extra watchful. Roads are generally the same, but there are small differences between states. Some examples are changing speed limits, interchanges, and road hazards. Having unexpected changes in roads or directions can increase your chances of getting into a crash. While drivers should always pay close attention to the road, it is especially important to be vigilant in an unknown area.

Small Steps Make a Big Difference

If you are getting ready to go on a road trip, these tips will help keep you safe. Road trips are a great way to vacation on your way to a vacation. It is important to make every trip memorable for the right reasons. Whether you are a new driver or an experienced driver, the amount of preparation put into the trip will help ensure you have a great trip.

Driving Tips to Improve Your Gas Mileage

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Driving a car is convenient but can also be expensive. If you commute to work, drive around town constantly, or just like to take a lot of adventures in your car, the gas bills can build up quickly. An important piece of information for many car buyers is the gas mileage the vehicle gets on the freeway and around town. Having a vehicle that gets good gas mileage is important, but a lot of that is determined in the way it is driven. Here are some tips to improve the gas mileage of your car.

  1. Ease into starting. One of the most basic ways that mileage is improved is by slowly pushing on the gas when moving. Slamming on the gas when a light turns green or speeding while backing out of a parking space wastes gas, decreasing your gas mileage potential. Instead, slowly accelerate. 
  2. Braking suddenly. Just like speeding up burns up gas quickly, braking is a big waste of gas too. When a car is powered with gas just before braking quickly, it is wasted. Instead, slow down gradually and let the vehicle naturally decelerate before braking.
  3. Drive the speed limit. The faster a vehicle goes, the more drag it creates. Many freeways have been given speed limits that keep vehicles within the limit of optimum gas mileage. While each vehicle is going to have its own optimal driving speed, gas mileage in general begins to rapidly decrease after 50 mph.
  4. Choose routes without a lot of stop and go requirements. Constantly stopping and going in the vehicle will use up more gas than if the road is open. Some routes that may take away gas mileage potential include a lot of intersections, toll roads, and even construction routes. Plan routes using proper inputs on your GPS to help determine the best way to go.
  5. Use the right fuel. Car manufacturers test their vehicles to determine gas mileage with the most premium level of fuel. It helps improve the performance of the system and give more mileage potential. The best way to know what the ideal gasoline is for your car is to look it up in the owner’s manual that comes with the vehicle.
  6. Keep tires properly inflated. Each tire has a correct pressure that is recommended by the manufacturer. When there is not enough air in the tire, it increases the resistance on the ground, slowing the car down. Having enough contact with the ground and a good tread on the tires will help the vehicle roll more easily, giving the entire vehicle better gas mileage and extending the life of the tires.
  7. Do not idle. Whenever the vehicle is fully on, the engine is using up gasoline whether it is moving or not. Sitting with the car idling for long periods of time can use a lot of gas that does not contribute to gas mileage. Decrease idling time by turning off the vehicle while waiting when possible and avoid areas where there are traffic jams.
  8. Use Cruise Control. Whenever you are driving a long stretch of road, use the cruise control in the vehicle. It reduces the need for accelerating and braking too much and keeps your car running efficiently.

Using less gasoline is great for the earth but it is also great for your wallet. Saving a few dollars here and there on gas adds up quickly. Being mindful of small actions and taking care of a vehicle also leads to safer driving habits. When a driver understands these, they are more likely to be a responsible driver.

The Top 3 Most Dangerous Highways in America

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Highways are some of the most common roads in the country, going through and between states. A research and analysis organization called Value Penguin took data from all the highways in America between 2010 and 2016 and determined which are the most dangerous. The three factors they considered in their rankings were fatalities per crash, the percentage of fatal non-vehicle crashes, and fatal crashes per vehicle miles traveled per capita. From there, they found that these three highways were the most dangerous in America.

  1. US-93 Arizona. Between the specified years, there were only 70 fatal crashes with 90 fatalities. While this may seem low, compared to other highways, remember that there are more two other determining factors than just the number of fatalities. While the road is a popular route between Phoenix and Las Vegas, the most dangerous section was in Mohave County, Arizona.
  2. SR-9 Oklahoma. The second-largest highway in the state, it stretches for 348 miles going east and west across Oklahoma. There were 50 crashes with 60 fatalities during the years examined and the most dangerous section was in Cleveland County, Oklahoma.
  3. US-160 Colorado. This highway starts in New Mexico and ends near the Kansas state border. It is known for the steep roads and multiple switchbacks, including a dangerous portion called Wolf Creek Pass. The most dangerous part is through La Plata County. There were 80 fatal crashes with 99 fatalities in these years.

Driving Safely

There are many driving tips that can help keep drivers safe on highways. Many of these go back to driving school basics, but reviewing them can help remind drivers that the most simple tips are often the best. Here are the best ways to stay safe on any highway.

The most important tip of all is to make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. Sometimes there are circumstances you cannot control. Other vehicles might crash into you, there could be a slippery patch of road, or there is a problem with the car. If everyone is wearing their seatbelts, the likelihood of the crash being fatal decreases.

If you are interested in having teen drivers training courses that cover these safety tips and more, look at our programs. A great education can help provide a solid foundation for years of driving.

3 Ways to Safely Manage Tech While Driving

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Safety features for technology use is becoming a big focus for car makers. Distracted driving has become such a problem that safety features include lane drifting alerts, sonar alarms, and automatic braking systems to help avoid crashes. It does not take long for something bad to happen if you get distracted and take your eyes off the road.

The most frequently mentioned distraction while driving is technology. Even though most drivers know they should not check a text while driving, many still rationalize it’s only for a second. Unfortunately, that is all it takes to crash.

Here are three ways you can manage technology safely to be a responsible driver.

  1. Program before you go. One of the most common reasons drivers give for needing to use their phones while driving is for the GPS or maps. One of the best tactics for driving safely while using a maps app is to program the address into the app before driving. Do not wait to plug in the address until you are already on the road. Take the time to review the route and know what to expect. Having a general idea on the directions helps relieve some stress and can help you plan accordingly. Setting the app to vocalize directions can also help keep your attention on the road.
  2. Change your settings. Two great settings for driving are voice controls and “Do Not Disturb”. The voice controls are used for the phone. Many cars are equipped to have your phone sync in. With a press of a button on the steering wheel or saying a certain phrase out loud, you can ask your phone to call people or read your text messages to you.
    The other setting called “Do Not Disturb” allows your phone to still receive messages, phone calls, and alerts, but keeps them silent while turned on. Some phones can even send a message that you are driving and will get back to them once you arrive at your location. These controls can help keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
  3. Commit to never text while driving. It is easy to become comfortable while driving and multi-tasking helps people feel productive. Recommit to not texting while driving. Commit to staying focused on the road. Promise yourself that you will pull off the road if you need to send or read a text. If you have a passenger, ask them to remind you if you reach for your phone or have them respond to a text for you if it is important. The consequences for being distracted while driving are not worth it.

Even though technology takes a lot of criticism for distracting driving, it also can help solve the problem. There is no question that technology has improved life and can improve safety too when used correctly. The responsibility for using technology wisely falls with each individual person. Whether you are a new driver or experienced one, when it comes to managing technology on the road safely, make the right choice to stay focused.

What You Should Know to Avoid Intersection Crashes

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Driving has many risks involved, but not all risks are created equal. Did you know that about 50% of crashes happen in an intersection, making it one of the most dangerous places to drive? Yet, so many drivers pass through intersections all the time and don’t ever have a second thought about it. When people know better, they tend to do better. Here are some ways you can stay safe in intersections.

Be Watchful

The biggest fault in most crashes is that people are not watching their surroundings well enough. In fact, 44.1% of intersection crashes are caused from inadequate surveillance of surroundings. If the intersection is run by road signs, like a two-way stop, four-way stop, or yield sign, it is important that every driver stops completely and looks each direction. Sometimes taking the same route every day or being in a hurry leads to drivers to become reckless and rush through.

At intersections where there is a light, drivers still need to be watching their surroundings. Pedestrians in the cross walk, people on bicycles or motorcycles, other drivers making a turn, or another driver slowing or stopping ahead of you can cause a crash. Approaching an intersection while watching in all directions is a great start to staying safe.

Avoid Speeding Through

In busy intersections of all varieties, views can be obstructed by other cars, trees, and buildings. This limits your ability to see pedestrians in the cross walk and people trying to turn. Even in an intersection with great visibility, you can’t always anticipate another driver’s moves correctly. Sometimes cars will take chances by turning without enough space or changing lanes abruptly. It just isn’t possible to always watch and plan for dangers. For these reasons, it is imperative to not speed through intersections. The faster the speed, the less time there is to react. 

Another part of speeding through intersections comes when there is a light turning red. Once the light has turned yellow, all vehicles are expected to clear the intersection. Since there are many intersections where a driver if waiting for traffic to stop before turning, it is extra dangerous to speed through. Instead, slow down and stop when the traffic light is yellow. On the other hand, when a light first turns green, slowly pull into the intersection. Other cars may still be clearing the intersection or even running a red light.

Use Correct Signaling

While anticipating another driver’s moves is a big part of driving safely, it is still important to let others know your intentions by using your signals. If you are planning on changing lanes, use your signal. If you are turning at an intersection, use your signal. If you are turning where there is a turn lane, move into the correct lane while signaling and keep it on until your turn is complete. When first turning on your signal, make sure you aren’t doing it too early, confusing and frustrating other drivers. Also don’t signal at the last minute or else drivers can’t plan for your actions. Remember that it isn’t smart (or legal) to change lanes in the middle of an intersection. 

Use Extra Caution

These tips are a great way to stay safe in intersections. While there will still be factors out of your control, knowing how to approach and drive through intersections can help keep you safer. Sharing your knowledge with a new driver or as a passenger can help spread safe practices too.

The Top 3 Reasons of Advanced Driver Training

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Driver’s education is an important part of learning to drive safely. There are different styles of training programs available, but many people are choosing to take advanced driver training courses. While regular driving classes work to educate and teach the laws, advanced driver training classes go above and beyond by preparing drivers to be proactive with great driving techniques. These classes are great for several reasons, but here are the top three reasons you should consider taking an advanced driver training course.

Reason #1: Save Money

When new drivers take an advanced driver training class, some insurance companies will offer a lower monthly payment. Because drivers are learning more safety skills, they are generally more prepared to drive in regular traffic. There are even some insurance companies that offer this lower rate to adults when they take an adult driving class. It really speaks to the quality of these classes.

Another way drivers can save money through these classes is in paying less for car repairs. When drivers are navigating the roads more safely and anticipating the moves other drivers will make in traffic, they generally have less car accidents. Less car crashes means less money spent in repairing car body damage, traffic tickets, and increasing insurance premiums. 

Reason #2: Safety

For new teenage drivers, safety is a big concern for parents. Having their children prepared to drive safely is something all parents want for their children. Concern for safety on the roads is not limited to parents though; spouses, children, and friends all want their loved ones protected too. Learning to drive defensively in an advanced driver’s training class can give drivers the skills needed to stay safe.

Another reason that safety is higher from these training courses is because it decreases the amount of errors made on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has said that more than 90% of car crashes are caused from basic driver errors. This means human behavior and performance is the key factor in these crashes. By shining a light on these errors and teaching how to correct them, these mistakes can decrease. Couple that with teaching how to anticipate crashes or potentially dangerous situations and drivers stay safer on the road.

Reason #3: More Confidence Behind the Wheel

The key to confidence is knowledge. When drivers of any age are confident behind the wheel, they will drive safely. Paying attention to the small details of driving is something that takes a regular driving course to an extraordinary course. Investing time and education into a skill as basic as driving helps drivers be more prepared for a variety of situations on the road.

While many commercials say that having the best technology in the car is what makes a driver safest, that just isn’t true. The biggest difference in driving skills comes from having a thorough education with advanced driving instruction. These classes provide opportunities for students to practice responding to situations that require split-second decisions and maneuvering, keeping them and everyone else on the road safer.

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