Safe2Drive Blog

Holiday travel always brings a spike in traffic. It also brings a wave of drivers wondering if a dashcam is worth the investment, whether for themselves or as a gift for another driver in their lives. The short answer is yes, but only if you know what you are getting into. Dashcams can help with insurance claims and give you peace of mind on the road. You just need to understand the laws, the limits, and the settings that keep you safe.

Are Dashcams Legal?

In most states, yes. The main thing to be mindful of is how and where you mount them. States with strict windshield obstruction rules require you to place the dashcam low on the windshield or tucked behind the rearview mirror. California, New York, and Minnesota all have very specific placement rules. Other states are more flexible, but every driver should check their local dashcam guidelines before hitting the road.

Interior Recording and Privacy Rules

If your dashcam records inside the cabin, privacy laws matter. A camera that captures audio can trigger consent requirements in states with two-party consent. Some states require passengers to know when they are being recorded. This becomes especially important if you use your car for rideshare or deliveries. A simple verbal notice or a posted sign can keep you on the right side of the law.

Parking Mode and Power Safety

Parking mode is a popular feature for drivers who want protection while the car is off. It can help identify hit and runs in crowded holiday parking lots. The downside is that it draws power while your engine is off. Hardwiring kits are safer than cheap plug in adapters, but you still need safeguards. Look for a kit with automatic low voltage cutoffs. This helps avoid a dead battery when starting the car later.

Night Driving Settings that Actually Help

Drivers searching for the best dashcam may think they need the most expensive camera. Image quality matters, but other settings matter even more. Look for one that allows you to enable wide dynamic range for better visibility during low light and headlight glare. Keep the resolution high, but avoid frame rates that overheat the device. If your dashcam has a dedicated night mode, test it on familiar roads before your holiday trips. A quick drive around the block can show you whether your license plate capture is clear.

Is a Dashcam Worth it in 2025?

For most drivers, yes. Insurance companies rarely offer direct discounts for owning a dashcam, but clear footage can protect you during a dispute. It can also help you document unsafe drivers, near misses, and collisions. The trick is to balance value with safety. A model that fits your state’s windshield laws, respects privacy rules, and performs well at night will give you the most reliable protection.

As holiday traffic ramps up, a good dashcam can help document what happens on the road, provide protection through reliable video evidence, and make you better prepared if a collision or other insurance claim arises.

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.

Holiday travel always brings a spike in traffic. It also brings a wave of drivers wondering if a dashcam is worth the investment, whether for themselves or as a gift for another driver in their lives. The short answer is yes, but only if you know what you are getting into. Dashcams can help with insurance claims and give you peace of mind on the road. You just need to understand the laws, the limits, and the settings that keep you safe.

When cold snaps hit hard every December, EV drivers feel the effects right away. Lower temperatures slow down battery chemistry, thicken essential fluids, and force your car to work much harder. The inevitable result is a noticeable drop in range, often right when you need it most. The good news? Adopting a few simple habits can make a dramatic difference. These data-backed tips will help you protect your EV’s winter range and keep you confident on icy roads.

Precondition the Battery Before You Leave

Preconditioning is the process of using the EV's climate control system to warm the battery to its optimal operating temperature (usually around 70 degrees) before driving. Preconditioning warms your battery to its optimal operating temperature. This essential step keeps your range steadier and dramatically improves fast-charging speeds if you plan to stop on the road. The most efficient way to do this is to schedule preconditioning while your EV is still plugged in. This draws energy directly from the grid, preventing energy loss from the main battery while giving you a warm cabin without draining your range.

Use Cabin Heat Wisely

Traditional cabin heat can be one of the biggest energy vampires for EV winter range. Start smart: rely on seat warmers and steering wheel heat first, as they use significantly less power than blasting the vents. Once the cabin is comfortable, lower the fan speed to maintain warmth with minimal power draw. Drivers in colder climates frequently report that these small, conscious adjustments can add several extra miles of usable range during a long day of errands.

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop fast. Underinflated tires create greater rolling resistance, forcing your battery to work harder to move the vehicle. A simple pressure check during a cold snap can protect a surprising amount of range. If your EV has a built-in Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), use it proactively, don’t wait for an alert. Even a small drop of two or three PSI can significantly affect efficiency.

Use Route Planners That Account for Temperature

Many modern EV route planners now include thermal considerations. These tools can intelligently suggest charging stops where your battery will already be warm enough to accept faster rates, saving you time. This is especially useful on road trips where frigid conditions can severely slow down charging sessions. If your car doesn’t include this feature, third-party apps can help. Look for planners that show expected cold-weather consumption, not just distance.

Keep Your Charging Habits Flexible

Avoid letting your battery sit at very low charge levels in cold weather. Lithium-ion cells perform best when they are kept within a moderate charge range (e.g., above 20%). Topping up more often during a cold spell helps maintain consistent EV winter range and efficiency. Slow, overnight charging is usually the most cost-effective option and helps keep the battery temperature more stable.

EVs are perfectly capable of handling winter, but they thrive on a little extra attention during a cold snap. Preconditioning, smart cabin heat management, vigilant tire pressure checks, and temperature-aware route planning all work together to protect your maximum range. Adopting these small habits can remove the stress from winter driving and ensure you get the most from your EV every single December.

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.

When cold snaps hit hard every December, EV drivers feel the effects right away. Lower temperatures slow down battery chemistry, thicken essential fluids, and force your car to work much harder. The inevitable result is a noticeable drop in range, often right when you need it most. The good news? Adopting a few simple habits can make a dramatic difference. These data-backed tips will help you protect your EV’s winter range and keep you confident on icy roads.

Frost season’s here, and so are the early morning searches for fast windshield defrosting. The urge to blast the heat is strong, especially when you’re running late. The trouble is that sudden temperature changes can seriously stress your windshield. If you want to clear ice quickly without risking cracks, you need a simple routine based on real physics. It will make your mornings easier and safer.

Warm up slowly.

The biggest mistake is blasting the heat right away. Turn on the engine and set the climate system to defrost, but don’t start on full heat. Glass expands as it warms up, and a sharp jump from freezing to maximum temperature can create dangerous stress points in the glass. Let the system warm gradually while air flows across the windshield. Once the glass feels slightly warmer, increase the heat a little at a time. You are aiming for steady warming, not instant hot air.

Use fresh air. You don’t want to use recirculation for this.

Always switch the system to fresh air intake if it isn’t set there already. Recirculated air traps the moisture from your breath, which instantly fogs the inside of the windshield. Fresh, dry winter air helps pull humidity off the glass. This simple setting makes a noticeable difference during cold snaps and speeds up the windshield clearing process.

Pick the right wipers and fluid.

Never use your wipers to scrape thick frost. That can tear the rubber blades and strain the motor. Wait until the defroster softens the ice or use an ice scraper on the exterior. For washer fluid, pick a winter blend rated for sub-freezing temperatures, such as negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer blends may freeze in the lines and can crack the reservoir. A good winter formula will also help loosen overnight grime from salt spray.

Add a hydrophobic coating for easier mornings.

A hydrophobic windshield treatment creates a slick surface that reduces ice adhesion. Frost will still form, but it bonds less tightly, which speeds up the defrost process. These coatings need reapplication every few months, but they pay off when you can clear the windshield quickly instead of fighting a thick layer of frozen haze.

Turn on the rear defroster and heated mirrors.

The rear window uses embedded heating lines that warm evenly, so you can turn the rear defroster on right away. Do the same with heated mirrors if your vehicle has them. These systems use steady, low heat, which will help prevent cracked glass.

Avoid hot water at all costs.

Never pour hot water on a frozen windshield. Even warm water can shock cold glass and cause instant cracks. Use a scraper or a de-icer spray if you want help softening the frost before the cabin warms up.

A safe and fast defrost does not require shortcuts or risky tricks. A steady warm up, the right HVAC settings, winter-ready washer fluid, and a little prep work can clear your windshield quickly without stressing the glass. Add in the rear defroster, heated mirrors, and a hydrophobic coating, and you will have a smooth, reliable morning routine that gets you on the road with clear visibility and no risk of cracking your windshield.

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.

Frost season’s here, and so are the early morning searches for fast windshield defrosting. The urge to blast the heat is strong, especially when you’re running late. The trouble is that sudden temperature changes can seriously stress your windshield. If you want to clear ice quickly without risking cracks, you need a simple routine based on real physics. It will make your mornings easier and safer.

Being stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can feel overwhelming and scary. Whether you’re driving, parked, or on foot, understanding your rights before an encounter gives you a real advantage. With recent reports of increased enforcement and historically high detention numbers, knowing your rights is more important than ever. The steps below follow guidance from the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC). Please note that this is general information, not legal advice. It’s best to consult with an immigration attorney for immigration cases.

1. Prepare a Safety Plan Ahead of Time

It’s always good to have a plan in place so that you know exactly what to do in the moment. Here are some recommendations for making your plan:

• Memorize important phone numbers in case your phone is taken.
• Give someone you trust written permission to care for your children or dependents if you’re detained.
• Keep your A-Number (if you have one) in a safe place and share it with a trusted contact.
• Make sure a family member knows how to use the online detainee locator.

Preparation can help you stay calm and organized during an encounter with ICE.

2. During the Stop: Stay Calm and Know Your Options

If you’re pulled over while driving, remember that you have rights regardless of immigration status. Here’s what to do during a traffic stop with ICE:

• Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and wait for the officer to speak.
• Ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, leave calmly and swiftly.
• Do not lie about your status or give false documents. It’s better to say nothing at all than to lie.
• If you are undocumented, you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country.

U.S. citizens and lawful residents may show proof of status if needed, but only provide what is required. Officers may ask for identification, and providing a valid driver’s license or state ID is usually enough during a traffic stop. You do not have to hand over extra documents like a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, green card, or naturalization certificate unless legally required in your specific situation. Sharing more documents than necessary can lead to unnecessary questioning. Keep your answers short and stick to what the officer actually requests. Do not offer up any additional information.

3. If Officers Claim to Be ICE: Confirm Who They Are

ICE officers sometimes present themselves differently, and each agency follows different rules.

• Ask directly whether they are ICE or local law enforcement.
• You do not have to consent to an interview.
• You do not have to let ICE search your car unless they have a valid warrant from a judge, or probable cause.

Knowing who you’re dealing with helps you respond correctly. Local police and ICE operate under different rules, and the rights you can assert depend on which agency is stopping you. ICE cannot search your vehicle without consent, a judge-signed warrant, or probable cause, while local officers may be acting under state or traffic laws. When you confirm the agency up front, you avoid guessing and you protect yourself from being pressured into answering questions or allowing a search you are not legally required to agree to.

4. Vehicle Searches, Detention, and Your Rights

If ICE tries to search your car or detain you:

• If they do not have a warrant signed by a judge, you may say you do not consent to a search. If ICE agents choose to search anyway, don’t try to block them or physically interfere. Staying calm and repeating that you do not consent to the search is enough to protect your rights.
• You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney.
• Do not sign documents you do not understand. Some forms may waive your right to appear before a judge.

You can request to speak with a lawyer before signing anything.

5. After the Encounter: Document Everything

When the encounter ends, take time to document what happened:

• Write down the date, time, location, badge numbers of ICE agents if you can, and anything said by anyone involved.
• Contact your emergency contacts and tell someone what happened immediately.
• Keep important documents in a secure place.

If you believe your rights were violated, consult an attorney or a trusted legal nonprofit. ICE agents should be held accountable in the event of a violation.

What Happens When Officers Act Outside Their Authority

As we’ve seen in the news recently, ICE agents do not always follow proper procedures, and encounters can involve pressure, intimidation, or statements that sound like legal commands but are not. They may imply that you must answer questions, allow a search, or sign paperwork on the spot. They may also show administrative ICE warrants, which are not the same as judicial warrants signed by a judge. Even if an agent behaves in a way that feels aggressive or inappropriate, your rights do not disappear. You can continue to assert your right to remain silent, your right to refuse consent to a search without a judicial warrant, and your right to speak with an attorney before signing anything. If something feels off, focus on staying calm and sticking to those rights.

If you’re pulled over by ICE, the way you respond matters. Staying as calm as possible, understanding your rights, preparing ahead of time, and limiting conversation with agents can protect you and your family. Anyone who may face immigration enforcement should speak with a qualified immigration attorney to build a personalized safety plan.

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.

Being stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can feel overwhelming and scary. Whether you’re driving, parked, or on foot, understanding your rights before an encounter gives you a real advantage. With recent reports of increased enforcement and historically high detention numbers, knowing your rights is more important than ever. The steps below follow guidance from the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC). Please note that this is general information, not legal advice. It’s best to consult with an immigration attorney for immigration cases.