Safe2Drive Blog

When you’re behind the wheel for a long time, drowsy driving is a serious risk. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about one in six teenage drivers admit to driving while drowsy. Also, about 17.6 percent of all fatal crashes in the U.S. involve a drowsy driver, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Because the risk is real, especially on long routes, here are seven tips to help you stay alert and safe.

1. Get a full night’s sleep before you drive.

The best way to prevent fatigue behind the wheel is to start rested. Missing even one or two hours of the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep almost doubles your crash risk.

2. Plan your breaks every two hours or about every 100 miles.

Long stretches of road can lull you into fatigue without you noticing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that drowsy-driver collisions often happen on rural highways when the driver is alone, with no signs of braking. Schedule a stop every couple of hours. Get out, stretch your legs, and take a short walk to reset your alertness.

3. Know your high-risk times and avoid them when possible.

The body’s circadian rhythm naturally dips in the late afternoon and again between midnight and 6 a.m. That means you’re more vulnerable to fatigue during those times. If your schedule allows, avoid driving during those windows, or be extra cautious if you must drive.

4. Bring a strong co-pilot or passenger for conversation.

Driving solo for long distances increases the risk of drowsy driving. A passenger who can chat, help watch the road, or trade off driving shifts adds an important layer of safety. If you’re alone, vary your seat position or crack a window for fresh air. Just remember that no quick trick replaces real, deep rest.

5. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, or medications that cause drowsiness before driving.

A large meal can make you feel sluggish. Alcohol, even in small amounts, and medications that cause drowsiness reduce alertness and slow reaction time. Experts often compare drowsy driving to driving under the influence of alcohol. Before you get behind the wheel, check any medications you’ve taken and avoid driving right after eating a heavy meal.

6. Watch for early warning signs and act quickly.

Recognizing fatigue early can make all the difference. Warning signs include frequent yawning, drifting from your lane, trouble focusing, missing road signs or exits, and heavy eyelids. If you notice any of these, stop driving immediately and rest or switch drivers.

7. Use technology and plan ahead.

Many vehicles now come with lane-departure alerts or driver-monitoring systems that can detect fatigue. These features are helpful, but they’re not a substitute for being fully alert. Plan your route in advance, know where you can stop safely, and avoid trying to push through fatigue.

Long drives can be rewarding and fun, but drowsy driving is dangerous and preventable. NHTSA estimates that about 91,000 police-reported crashes each year involve drowsy drivers. During Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, take time to plan your rest and prioritize alertness. Staying awake behind the wheel could save your life and someone else’s.

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 you’re behind the wheel for a long time, drowsy driving is a serious risk. According to the National Sleep Foundation, about one in six teenage drivers admit to driving while drowsy. Also, about 17.6 percent of all fatal crashes in the U.S. involve a drowsy driver, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Because the risk is real, especially on long routes, here are seven tips to help you stay alert and safe.

Halloween is a night filled with costumes, candy, and fun. For most, the biggest scare is a well-timed jump from a haunted house. But for drivers, the truly frightening risks are out on the roads. While we focus on trick-or-treating safety for kids, we often overlook just how hazardous this holiday can be from behind the wheel. Halloween consistently ranks as one of the deadliest nights of the year for pedestrians, and understanding the hidden dangers is the first step to preventing a tragic collision.

Let's take a look at the top risks drivers face on October 31st and discuss how you can ensure a safe night for everyone.

Risk 1: A Surge in Child Pedestrians

This one seems obvious, but its scale is often underestimated. On Halloween night, residential streets are flooded with children. They are excited, darting between houses, and often not paying attention to traffic. Their small size and unpredictable movements make them incredibly vulnerable.

Many popular costumes are dark, making children nearly invisible after dusk. A child dressed as a ninja or a dark superhero can easily blend into the night, especially on poorly lit streets. A child's primary focus is on getting to the next house for more candy. They might suddenly dart into the street from between parked cars or cross mid-block instead of at a corner.

Risk 2: Impaired Driving

While children are out collecting candy, many adults are celebrating at Halloween parties where alcohol is served. This leads to a significant increase in impaired drivers on the road later in the evening. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a significant percentage of fatal Halloween night collisions involve an impaired driver. The festive atmosphere can lead to poor decisions, with celebrants choosing to drive home after drinking.

Risk 3: Distractions Inside and Outside the Car

Your attention is pulled in a dozen different directions on Halloween. Inside your car, you might be navigating to a friend's house or managing your own costumed children in the backseat. Outside, you're contending with flashing decorations, elaborate yard displays, and crowds of people on the sidewalks. Each of these is a potential distraction that can pull your focus from the critical task of driving. A split second of inattention is all it takes to miss a child stepping into your path.

How to Be a Safe Driver on Halloween

Awareness is key, but proactive safety measures are what prevent collisions. Here is your checklist for driving safely on Halloween:

• Slow Down Significantly: This is the most important tip. Drive well below the posted speed limit in residential areas. Driving slower gives you more time to react and can dramatically reduce the severity of a collision if one does happen.
• Eliminate All Distractions: Put your phone away and out of reach. Turn down the music and focus all your attention on the road and sidewalks.
• Be Extra Vigilant at Crossings: Scan your surroundings continuously as you approach intersections, crosswalks, and driveways. Expect the unexpected. Remember that trick-or-treaters may not use designated crosswalks.
• Plan for a Sober Ride: If your Halloween plans involve alcohol, decide on your sober transportation before you leave the house. Designate a driver, use a rideshare service, or take public transit. Never get behind the wheel if you've been drinking.
• Use Your Headlights: Turn on your full headlights even before sunset to make your vehicle more visible to pedestrians.

By treating Halloween with the heightened awareness it requires, we can ensure the night's scares are limited to ghosts and goblins, not the dangers on our roads.

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.

Halloween is a night filled with costumes, candy, and fun. For most, the biggest scare is a well-timed jump from a haunted house. But for drivers, the truly frightening risks are out on the roads. While we focus on trick-or-treating safety for kids, we often overlook just how hazardous this holiday can be from behind the wheel. Halloween consistently ranks as one of the deadliest nights of the year for pedestrians, and understanding the hidden dangers is the first step to preventing a tragic collision.

The keys to the car represent a major milestone for teenagers, a tangible symbol of freedom and growing up. For parents, however, that milestone can be loaded with anxiety. It’s no secret that teen drivers are among the most vulnerable on the road. That’s why every year, the third week of October is recognized as National Teen Driver Safety Week, a critical time to focus on the challenges young drivers face. Let’s look at one of the most effective tools we have for building safer teen drivers: parent-taught driver education.

Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Inexperience is the primary culprit. Key risk factors identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) include distracted driving, speeding, driving with other teen passengers, and inconsistent seat belt use. While formal driver education courses provide a necessary foundation, it is the hours of supervised practice and ongoing coaching that truly shape a teen’s habits. This is where parent-taught courses can make a significant impact, especially in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa where this option is fully embraced.

The Hands-On Advantage of Parent-Led Instruction

Parent-taught driver education allows for a personalized and extensive approach that a standard course often cannot match. When a parent is the primary instructor, they can tailor the learning experience directly to their teen’s needs while directly addressing the most significant risks they face.

• More Time Behind the Wheel: The single greatest benefit of parent-taught driver education is the high number of practice hours. Most formal programs include only a handful of on-road hours. Parents, on the other hand, can provide dozens of hours of supervised driving in a wide variety of situations--from navigating rainy nights and busy highways to practicing in residential areas and crowded parking lots. This experience is crucial for building the instinct and judgment that keep a driver safe.
• Addressing Distractions Head-On: A parent in the passenger seat is the best defense against a teen’s phone. You can immediately correct distracted behaviors, like glancing at a notification or changing a playlist. More importantly, you can have ongoing conversations about why the car must be a no-phone zone, reinforcing a habit that needs to become automatic. Remember, you should model the behavior that you want to see in your teen, so put your own phone away and demonstrate focused driving every time.
• Controlling the Environment: The risk of a serious collision increases exponentially with each teen passenger in the car. During the crucial learning phase, parents are the gatekeepers. You control who is in the car, ensuring your teen learns without the social pressure or distraction of friends. This enforces the importance of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, which often restrict the number of passengers new drivers can have in the car with them.
• Building a Relationship of Trust: Teaching your teen to drive is more than just a series of lessons; it’s a partnership. It’s vital to have open communication. A teen who feels comfortable discussing a tricky situation or a mistake they made is more likely to learn from it. You can create a parent-teen driving agreement that clearly outlines the rules, expectations, and consequences, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Tips for Parents in the Passenger Seat

If you’re teaching your teen to drive, your role as a calm, constructive coach is vital. Here are some tips:

• Start Slow: Start in empty parking lots to master the basics of braking, turning, and acceleration before moving to quiet residential streets. Work your way up gradually to busy city streets, highways, or driving at night.
• Narrate Your Drive: When you’re driving, explain your decisions out loud. Point out potential hazards and describe how you are proactively managing the space around your vehicle. This teaches defensive driving in real-time.
• Stay Calm and Patient: The learning environment should be supportive. Overreacting to mistakes will only increase your teen’s anxiety. Use errors as opportunities for calm correction and discussion.
• Practice in Diverse Conditions: Don’t just drive on sunny days. Ensure your teen gets experience in rain, at night, and in moderate traffic to build a versatile skill set.

This National Teen Driver Safety Week, let’s recognize the pivotal role parents play. By embracing the responsibility of being a driving mentor, you are not just helping your teen pass a test. You’re instilling lifelong habits that will protect them, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.

Ready to start your journey with parent-taught driver education?

Safe2Drive offers convenient, state-approved online parent-taught driver education courses designed to equip both parents and teens for success. With the flexibility of online learning and your hands-on guidance, you can ensure your teen gets the crucial experience they need to become a safe, confident driver. Enroll in one of our parent-taught courses today and start building safer driving habits! We offer the following parent-taught driver education courses:

• Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education
• Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education
• Iowa Parent-Taught Driver Education

Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state!

The keys to the car represent a major milestone for teenagers, a tangible symbol of freedom and growing up. For parents, however, that milestone can be loaded with anxiety. It’s no secret that teen drivers are among the most vulnerable on the road. That’s why every year, the third week of October is recognized as National Teen Driver Safety Week, a critical time to focus on the challenges young drivers face. Let’s look at one of the most effective tools we have for building safer teen drivers: parent-taught driver education.

Every time we get behind the wheel, we take on a huge responsibility. We’re not just operating a machine--we’re navigating a shared space with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Among those pedestrians are some of our most vulnerable road users: those who are blind or visually impaired.

That’s why October 15th is so important. It’s White Cane Safety Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and reminding us all of the laws designed to protect pedestrians with visual impairments. But these aren’t just one-day-a-year rules. They’re everyday commitments that are crucial for keeping everyone safe.

So, what do you, as a driver, need to know? Let’s break it down.

The White Cane is a Symbol, and It’s the Law

The white cane isn’t just a mobility tool; it’s a symbol recognized by law. When you see a pedestrian using a white cane, or accompanied by a guide dog, it’s a clear signal that they have the right-of-way.

In all 50 states, traffic laws require drivers to yield to visually impaired pedestrians. While the specific language may vary slightly, the core message is the same: you must stop. It’s not a suggestion or a courtesy--it’s a legal requirement. Failing to do so can lead to fines and, more importantly, could cause a tragic and entirely preventable collision.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver

Understanding the law is the first step. Applying it is what really counts. Here are some key actions you must take when you see a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog who is attempting to cross the street:

• Come to a Complete Stop: Don’t just slow down or roll through. Bring your vehicle to a full and complete stop a safe distance away from the crosswalk or the pedestrian’s path.
• Stay Stopped: Remain stopped until the person has completely crossed the street and is safely on the sidewalk. Don’t get impatient and start creeping forward. They rely on the sound of traffic to know when it’s safe, and your engine noise can be confusing.
• Don’t Honk Your Horn: While you might think you’re being helpful, honking can be disorienting and alarming. The person may not know why you’re honking, and it can mask other important auditory cues they need to cross safely.
• Be Extra Vigilant at Intersections: Pay close attention at intersections and crosswalks. This is where most interactions between vehicles and pedestrians happen. Put down the phone, turn down your music, and scan the sidewalks as you approach. Be prepared to stop.
• Give Them Space: Never stop your vehicle in a crosswalk. This forces pedestrians to walk around your car and into a potentially dangerous lane of traffic.

White Cane Safety Day is the perfect reminder that our roads belong to everyone. For a person who is visually impaired, a simple street crossing requires a huge amount of trust that drivers are paying attention and following the rules. Let’s all commit to being the kind of alert, responsible drivers they’re counting on, not just on October 15th, but every day.

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.

Every time we get behind the wheel, we take on a huge responsibility. We’re not just operating a machine--we’re navigating a shared space with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Among those pedestrians are some of our most vulnerable road users: those who are blind or visually impaired.