Safe2Drive Blog

As the school year wraps up, little ones are spending more time outdoors. In my neighborhood, you’d have a hard time making it to the end of the street without seeing a group of kids on bikes or playing basketball in their driveway. While we want kids to have a great time outdoors, we also want to make sure they’re safe, especially when it comes to navigating the road as little pedestrians. Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks to keep kiddos safe and sound outside during summer break!

1. Be a good example.

Kids are basically little sponges. They learn best by watching and imitating us, so show them the ropes of pedestrian safety. Hold hands, look both ways, and always use crosswalks.

2. Use the buddy system.

Encourage your kids to walk with a buddy or in small groups. Older siblings are a great resource as well!

3. Unplug and stay alert.

Technology can be a powerful tool for parents to keep an eye on their children’s whereabouts, and that’s great! But technology can be a big distraction. Teach kids to put away their devices and focus on their surroundings.

4. Dress smartly!

Bright or reflective clothing can help drivers see your little ones easier than if they were to wear darker clothing. It’s super important for kids (and all pedestrians, for that matter) to be visible!

5. Stop, look, and listen!

This was drilled into our heads as little kids, and it works! Emphasize the importance of making eye contact with drivers at intersections and checking for traffic from both directions before crossing the street.

Summer is a time for kids to make fun memories and enjoy the great outdoors. By teaching our little ones the importance of pedestrian safety, we can make sure that they have a fun and safe summer break.

Are you 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.

As the school year wraps up, little ones are spending more time outdoors. In my neighborhood, you’d have a hard time making it to the end of the street without seeing a group of kids on bikes or playing basketball in their driveway. While we want kids to have a great time outdoors, we also want to make sure they’re safe, especially when it comes to navigating the road as little pedestrians. Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks to keep kiddos safe and sound outside during summer break!

As we head into the warmer month of May, it’s no surprise that we see more motorcyclists on the roads. These riders embody a spirit of adventure and passion, but they also face unique challenges that we should be aware of. Because May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month, let’s go over some key tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists.

1. Give motorcyclists the full lane.

Motorcycles aren’t bicycles. Don’t try to squeeze in beside them in the lane. Treat them like any other motor vehicle and give them their own space.

2. Pass carefully.

When overtaking a motorcycle, treat it just like passing a car. Avoid passing too closely or too quickly, as this can create wind gusts for the rider, making it more difficult for them to control the motorcycle.

3. Use your turn signals!

Always use your turn signals to let those around you know what you’re about to do, and watch out for motorcyclists in oncoming traffic when turning left at intersections.

4. Keep your distance.

Give motorcyclists extra space when following behind them. This buffer zone will give them the time and space they need in order to maneuver around hazards.

5. Check your blind spots.

Before changing lanes or turning, thoroughly check your blind spots for motorcyclists. Their smaller size can make them hard to see.

6. Anticipate hazards.

Motorcyclists adjust their position within a lane to respond to upcoming traffic conditions quite often. Most collisions occur at intersections, so wait until a rider’s intentions are super clear before moving into their path.

7. Keep an eye on the weather.

Motorcyclists face increased risks in adverse weather, such as rain, wet roads, ice, and heavy wind. It’s harder for them to maneuver, so adjust your driving accordingly and give them lots of room.

8. Be careful at night.

A motorcycle’s single taillight can easily blend in with other car lights. When you see that single light, dim your headlights, just like you would for any other vehicle.

The bottom line? Stay alert and share the road! By working together and following these tips, we can make this National Motorcycle Awareness Month a success!

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.

As we head into the warmer month of May, it’s no surprise that we see more motorcyclists on the roads. These riders embody a spirit of adventure and passion, but they also face unique challenges that we should be aware of. Because May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month, let’s go over some key tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists.

Buying a new car is a big decision. There are so many things to consider: price, features, and aesthetic among them. The most important thing to consider is safety. The safety rating system in the US helps consumers understand how well a car will protect them in the event of a collision. But, you may be wondering, how does that system work? Let’s take a look!

Who Rates Car Safety?

Here in the US, there are two main organizations that are in charge of awarding safety ratings to vehicles:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA runs frontal, side barrier, side pole, and rollover crash tests and reports they are the only organization that rates rollover resistance in addition to other crashworthiness tests.
2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): IIHS runs moderate overlap frontal, small overlap frontal, side impact, and roof strength crash tests and evaluates how well the vehicle protects occupants in a collision, and how effective the vehicle crash avoidance and mitigation technology works.

You can usually find safety ratings on the car manufacturer’s website as well.

How Does the Vehicle Rating System Work?

These organizations use different rating systems:

1. NHTSA uses a 5-star rating system. One star is the lowest rating, and 5 stars is the highest rating.
2. IIHS uses a four-tier rating system of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.

Limitations of Vehicle Safety Rating Systems

One criticism of the current vehicle safety rating systems in the US is the lack of diversity in crash test dummies. NHTSA uses either an "average-size adult male" dummy or a "small size adult female" dummy in their tests. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggests that without a diverse range of dummies (e.g., body size, age, etc.), the safety rating isn’t necessarily accurate for everyone. The GAO recommended NHTSA address the limitations provided by the dummies, and NHTSA agreed and has stated that they are planning to address this in the future.

How to Check a Vehicle’s Safety Rating

It’s a good idea to check the safety rating from both organizations. NHTSA is a great place to start. Look for vehicles with 4-or-5-star ratings. Once you’ve found a vehicle you like with a high NHTSA safety rating, check the IIHS website to see how it ranks there. Look for vehicles with Good ratings in all categories.

When it’s time to buy your next car, keep safety at the top of your mind. The coolest-looking car out there isn’t always the safest one.

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.

Buying a new car is a big decision. There are so many things to consider: price, features, and aesthetic among them. The most important thing to consider is safety. The safety rating system in the US helps consumers understand how well a car will protect them in the event of a collision. But, you may be wondering, how does that system work? Let’s take a look!

April and May are big months for teens. Prom season, graduation season, the kick-off of summer vacation--there is so much excitement in the air! One of the perks of being an older teen is having the privilege of getting to drive yourself instead of relying on the adults in your life to drive you around. While it’s a great feeling to be independent, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes along with getting behind the wheel.

We want everyone to have a safe and healthy end of the school year and start of summer. Here are some tips for parents and teens to keep in mind this season:

1. Buckle Up!

This one’s obvious, but important. Everyone in the car needs to be buckled up safely and correctly. It’s not enough just to wear the lap belt or to rely on airbags in case of an emergency. The car should never be in motion until everyone inside of it is properly secured.

2. Plan Ahead.

Take the time to plan your route before getting on the road. Talk about what to do in the event of construction or road closures, and make a plan for how to handle emergency situations like a flat tire. Keep a close eye on the weather. If adverse weather is in the forecast, it might be best if an experienced adult did the driving instead.

3. Set Clear Expectations.

Agree on a plan for a safe ride home before going to any celebration. This could involve having a designated driver (someone who is not drinking), calling a parent or rideshare service, or arranging to stay overnight at a friend’s place. Parents should talk to their teens about the importance of not getting into a car with someone who has been drinking. Let them know they can always call you, no matter what time it is, for a safe ride home.

4. Put the Phone Down.

Never use a phone while driving (not even hands-free is distraction-free). As a parent, do not expect your teen to answer calls or texts while they are driving. Most phones have an option to auto-reply to calls or texts while in driving mode. This is a great option for worried parents who expect a text back from their teen immediately.

5. Be Prepared for Unfamiliar Locations.

If prom or graduation is being held at a new location, teens should familiarize themselves with the area beforehand. Look up directions and parking information. Parents can help by driving their teen to the venue during the day so they can get a feel for the layout and parking situation.

This time of year is full of exciting milestones for teens, and we want them to celebrate safely. By using these tips, we can all celebrate this thrilling time of year safely.

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.

April and May are big months for teens. Prom season, graduation season, the kick-off of summer vacation--there is so much excitement in the air! One of the perks of being an older teen is having the privilege of getting to drive yourself instead of relying on the adults in your life to drive you around. While it’s a great feeling to be independent, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes along with getting behind the wheel.