Safe2Drive Blog

Traffic laws have historically been enforced by human law enforcement officers out in the field, observing violations and assigning citations. There is a push to change that by automating traffic enforcement via cameras. These high-tech systems are being implemented, and challenged, in cities throughout our country. Let’s take a look at some of this technology and the pros and cons associated with it.

How Automated Traffic Cameras Work

Red light cameras have been in use in the US since the 1980s, and most of us are familiar with them at this point. However, automated traffic cameras go far beyond just detecting who is running red lights. This technology includes:

• Speed Cameras
• School Zone Cameras
• Work Zone Cameras
• Stop Sign Cameras
• HOV Lane Cameras
• Bus Lane Cameras

Other automated traffic cameras are being developed and introduced as well. Once a violation is detected by one of these cameras, the automated system will generate a citation which is then mailed to the owner of the vehicle.

The Benefits of Automated Traffic Enforcement

There are many benefits of automated traffic enforcement. A big one is a reduced chance of biased or selective enforcement by law enforcement officers. Automated cameras apply traffic laws uniformly without assessing details about the driver. Automated traffic enforcement also frees up officers so they can focus on more critical and hands-on law enforcement tasks. Cameras are an efficient way to enforce traffic laws.

Controversies and Concerns

While the benefits are clear, there are still many controversies surrounding automated traffic enforcement. One of the biggest concerns is privacy concerns. Many people do not like the idea of being surveyed in this way. And like all technology, there is room for error, which could lead to wrongful citations. Some people think that the cameras are just a way to increase revenue by generating more citations. This is an ongoing debate in many communities.

What Drivers Need to Know

It seems clear that the future of traffic law enforcement is heading towards automation. This means that drivers need to be aware that their chances of being ticketed for traffic offenses are high. Drivers should be prepared for potential fines. If you share a car with another person, understand that the ticket will go to whoever the vehicle is registered to, and you may be responsible for someone else’s poor driving decisions.

While the debate around automated traffic enforcement is ongoing, it’s important to stay informed about the latest advancements in this technology and how it impacts you as a driver.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Traffic laws have historically been enforced by human law enforcement officers out in the field, observing violations and assigning citations. There is a push to change that by automating traffic enforcement via cameras. These high-tech systems are being implemented, and challenged, in cities throughout our country. Let’s take a look at some of this technology and the pros and cons associated with it.

Fog can make it impossible to see where you’re going. Roads you drive every day suddenly look unfamiliar, and other drivers are unpredictable. In fog, you can’t see the road ahead and may not be able to stop before hitting another vehicle, person, animal, or object. If you notice fog before heading out, consider postponing your trip until conditions clear. If you have no choice but to drive in heavy fog, here are some tips for doing so as safely as possible.

Use low beam headlights.

The first thing to do when driving in fog is to use your low beam headlights. You can also use your fog lights if you have them. You should never use your high beam headlights because high beams reflect water vapor (fog) and make it harder to see because of the glare. In general, you should turn on your low beams in daytime fog if your vision is reduced to 1,000 feet or less. Keeping your low beam headlights on has the added benefit of turning on your brake lights, making it easier for other drivers to see you.

Don’t overdrive your headlights.

In other words, do not drive so fast that you’re not able to come to a complete stop within the illuminated area ahead of you.

Pull over in a safe spot and wait it out if needed.

If fog closes in completely and your visibility is reduced to near zero, carefully pull off the road as far as possible, stop where it is safe to do so and wait until visibility returns before driving again. Once stopped, turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know you’re there. Take your foot off the brake so other drivers don’t get confused and try to follow you when they see your brake lights on.

Keep a large following distance between you and the car in front of you.

In fog, this is crucial. In normal conditions, you should leave around 2 to 4 seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. In the fog, that number should be doubled if not tripled.

Reduce your speed, but don’t stop in the street.

Reduce your speed, but do not stop in the middle of the road when entering a fog bank. The car behind you may not see you and could rear-end you. Don’t creep along; it could have the same consequence as stopping. Also, watch closely for slow-moving vehicles ahead and reduce your speed more if you see red taillights; the car may be stopped or creeping along.

Do not use cruise control in fog. You don’t know what’s ahead and you need full control of your car in order to avoid hazards. If you see headlights or taillights ahead of you, slow down even more. Use your turn signals long before making a turn, and brake earlier than you normally would when approaching a stop to warn other drivers.

Be extra alert.

Driving in fog requires heightened awareness. Scan your surroundings constantly, looking for other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and any other obstacles. Be prepared for the unexpected, as visibility can change rapidly. Pay close attention to road markings and use them as a guide when visibility is poor. Listen for sounds, too, such as horns or the sound of other vehicles, which can give you clues about what’s around you even if you can’t see it.

Avoid distractions.

Distracted driving is dangerous in any condition, but it’s extra risky in fog. Put away your phone, avoid eating or adjusting controls, and focus solely on driving. Your full attention is needed to navigate safely through fog.

Use your windshield wipers.

Fog often creates moisture on your windshield, which can further reduce visibility. Make sure your wipers are in good working condition and use them to keep your windshield clear. This simple step can make a big difference in your ability to see.

Know your route.

Familiarity with the road you’re traveling on can be helpful in foggy conditions. Knowing the curves, turns, and other features of the road can help you anticipate what’s ahead, even when you can’t see it clearly.

This winter, make sure you’re staying safe on foggy mornings by following these tips!

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Fog can make it impossible to see where you’re going. Roads you drive every day suddenly look unfamiliar, and other drivers are unpredictable. In fog, you can’t see the road ahead and may not be able to stop before hitting another vehicle, person, animal, or object. If you notice fog before heading out, consider postponing your trip until conditions clear. If you have no choice but to drive in heavy fog, here are some tips for doing so as safely as possible.

February is American Heart Month. It’s a time when we focus on keeping our hearts healthy, and that includes managing stress and anger, even behind the wheel. Road rage and frustration while driving can take a toll on our cardiovascular health. In honor of American Heart Month, we’ve gathered some practical tips to help you stay calm and collected during your commute or road trips, contributing to a healthier heart and a safer driving experience.

Here are some tips to help keep yourself in check when you’re experiencing anger toward another driver.

1. Don’t take it personally.

Sometimes other people’s behavior feels like a direct insult to us. If another driver seems mad at you for something, that’s their problem. It’s not your job to return their anger. If another driver is driving "badly," have some empathy for them. You never know what someone else is going through. Maybe they’re on their way home from a funeral. Perhaps they’re driving erratically because they’re distracted by an intense conversation with a passenger. Whatever their reasons, it’s not about you, and your only job is to keep yourself and those around you safe by driving safely yourself.

2. Check in with your body.

Emotions don’t just live in our brains. We carry emotions in our body as well. For example, when you’re upset or stressed, you might tighten your grip on the steering wheel or grind your teeth. Feeling angry can increase your blood pressure and tighten up your muscles. Do a quick metal scan, envisioning a scanner starting at the top of your head and going down to your toes. What feels tense? Relax those muscles. You’ll feel a little better once you let go of that tension.

3. Take a deep breath.

It’s hard to control intense emotions. You have to recognize what you’re feeling and decide how to respond. Taking a few deep breaths lets your brain know it needs to settle down. One way to do this is to breathe in deeply for four counts, then release your breath for eight counts. After doing this a few times, your physical self will feel calmer and more regulated, even if you’re still feeling angry in your head.

4. Take a break.

It’s important to pay close attention to the road as you drive. If relaxing your muscles and a few deep breaths don’t work right away, you may need to pull over in a safe place and park your vehicle. Let in some fresh air and continue to take deep, calming breaths. Don’t get back on the road until you’re feeling level and calm.

While everyone copes with their emotions differently (or sometimes not at all), physical things like deep breaths and releasing tension in your body are proven ways to pause your anger and prevent it from escalating to road rage. It’s not enough to just decide you won’t be angry anymore. Chances are you’ll still feel angry when certain situations arise, and that’s okay as long as you handle your anger appropriately and refuse to escalate it to a dangerous level.

Remember, a calmer driver is a safer driver, and a healthy heart contributes to a happier life. So, the next time you feel your blood pressure rising in the car, take a moment to breathe, refocus, and prioritize your health. Your heart will thank you for it.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

February is American Heart Month. It’s a time when we focus on keeping our hearts healthy, and that includes managing stress and anger, even behind the wheel. Road rage and frustration while driving can take a toll on our cardiovascular health. In honor of American Heart Month, we’ve gathered some practical tips to help you stay calm and collected during your commute or road trips, contributing to a healthier heart and a safer driving experience.

January is all about new beginnings. It’s also Teen Driving Awareness Month. For teens just starting their driving journey, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what type of driver they want to become. It’s also a good time for parents to consider how they will guide their teens throughout this journey. With that in mind, here are five ways parents can guide their teens as they become new drivers.

1. Lead by example.

Kids learn so much by just observing the habits and actions of the adults in their lives. By the time a teen is ready to take the wheel, they’ve spent years being driven around by adults and are bound to have picked up some habits along the way, for better or for worse. Make sure you’re exhibiting the behavior you’d like your teen to emulate behind the wheel. Follow traffic laws, keep your cool, and avoid distractions (especially texting). Show your teen the type of defensive driver you want them to be by being one yourself.

2. Start with the basics.

Even though your teen has been observing you drive over the years, you can’t assume they’ll know what to do when it’s time to get behind the wheel themselves. Start with the basics. Make sure they have a solid understanding of the rules of the road before giving them the keys. That means studying the driver’s manual and practicing driving maneuvers in a controlled environment (like an empty parking lot). Do not move on to more difficult scenarios until you and your teen are comfortable in the controlled environment.

3. Set clear expectations.

It’s important to be clear from the beginning what exactly you expect from your teen in regards to driving. If you have a parenting partner, discuss things like curfew, passenger restrictions, and vehicle usage together to make sure you’re on the same page before bringing it to your teen driver. Ask your teen driver what their expectations are as well. Having an open and honest conversation about driving will help everyone be on the same page and understand the rules and consequences set in place.

4. Make them practice.

Just because your teen has earned their permit or license doesn’t mean they’re experts. The more practice your teen gets, the more comfortable they’ll become. Of course, it’s vital that they’re practicing the correct things. Take them on a variety of drives in different weather conditions and times of day. If they’re used to driving only one route, one time of day, in one season, they’re not as prepared as they could be.

5. Be patient.

Easier said than done, we know, but this is so important. Driving can be very scary for new drivers, and a frustrated or unsupportive adult in the car is no help to a teen. Be patient with your teen and offer encouragement and support. Remember, you were once a new driver, too. If you find yourself losing patience, ask your teen to pull over in a safe place. It’s totally understandable if you need a minute to collect yourself, or if you’ve simply reached your limit for the day. If you’re going to have a reaction, it’s best to do so when your teen is not operating the vehicle.

By following these simple yet important steps, you can help your teen driver develop the skills and habits they need to stay safe on the road. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement go a long way. As your teen gains experience, you can continue to be a supportive presence, offering guidance and encouragement.

Is your teen ready to take a driver education course?

We offer convenient online courses for new drivers. Visit our website today to see what’s available in your state.

January is all about new beginnings. It’s also Teen Driving Awareness Month. For teens just starting their driving journey, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what type of driver they want to become. It’s also a good time for parents to consider how they will guide their teens throughout this journey. With that in mind, here are five ways parents can guide their teens as they become new drivers.