Safe2Drive Blog

September is National Courtesy Month, and if there’s one place where courtesy is key, it’s behind the wheel. Driving is a shared experience, and our actions on the road directly impact the safety and well-being of others. Let’s take a look at some ways to stay courteous on the road this month!

1. Yield

Yielding is a crucial aspect of road etiquette and safety. You must be patient and allow other drivers and roadway users to proceed ahead of you when necessary.

2. Signal Appropriately

Clear communication is essential on the road. Signaling your intentions helps other drivers anticipate your movements and avoid collisions. Here are some signaling tips:

• Signal well in advance: Indicate your turns or lane changes early to give other drivers time to react.
• Signal consistently: Use your turn signals consistently and accurately to avoid confusion.
• Cancel your signal: Turn off your signal once you have completed your maneuver.

3. Don’t Tailgate

Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a common cause of collisions. It’s also pretty annoying, which can cause other drivers to react aggressively. Maintaining a safe following distance allows you to react in time if the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or changes lanes.

4. Avoid Distractions

Distracted driving is a major safety hazard. Avoid any activities that could take your attention away from the road, such as:

5. Share the Road with Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right to use the road safely, just like drivers. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to share the road with pedestrians and yield to them at crosswalks. Be super alert in areas with lots of pedestrian activity, like school zones and parking lots.

National Courtesy Month is an opportunity to reflect on our driving habits and make a commitment to safer and more considerate driving. We hope these tips inspire you to make safe and courteous choices on the road!

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.

September is National Courtesy Month, and if there’s one place where courtesy is key, it’s behind the wheel. Driving is a shared experience, and our actions on the road directly impact the safety and well-being of others. Let’s take a look at some ways to stay courteous on the road this month!

Getting your license is a big step on the road to independence. It can be fun and exciting to earn your driver’s license as a teen, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest is staying focused and avoiding distractions. In 2022, there were over 200 people killed in traffic collisions involving a distracted teen driver. Those deaths were avoidable. Here’s a list of tips to help keep you focused and safe from distractions.

1. Put your phone away.

This first tip is the most obvious, yet something many people don’t bother to do. Even a quick glance at a notification will take your eyes off the road for too long. Use the "Do Not Disturb" feature or a driving mode app to block incoming alerts while you’re behind the wheel.

Many states are very strict when it comes to teen drivers and cell phone use. Keep in mind that even hands-free cell phone use can be distracting and, in many cases, illegal. It’s best to keep your phone out of reach and only use it when you’re stopped and the car is in park.

2. Prepare your music before you start driving.

Music can make driving more enjoyable, but searching for songs while driving is risky. Before you start your trip, create a playlist or choose an album to listen to so you won’t need to touch your phone while driving. Lots of streaming platforms even have an AI option where it’ll serve up music it thinks you’re in the mood for based on what you normally listen to. It’s a great option for drivers!

3. Set expectations for your passengers.

Driving with friends or siblings can be fun, but it can also lead to distractions. It’s important to set rules to keep everyone focused on the road. Make it clear that you need to concentrate on driving and that they should keep noise and activities to a minimum.

4. Snack with care.

Eating while driving can be distracting, especially if the food is messy or requires two hands. Choose simple, easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars or apple slices if you need to eat on the go, and always prepare them before driving.

5. Plan your route ahead of time.

Getting lost or trying to figure out directions while driving can be stressful and distracting. Before you start driving, take a moment to look up your route. If you’re using your phone as a GPS, make sure you set that up before you start driving. If you need to change your route along the way, pull over in a safe place first, or ask a passenger to take care of it for you.

Driving safely and responsibly is non-negotiable. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you stay focused on the road and protect yourself and others.

Want to learn more about driving?

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.

Getting your license is a big step on the road to independence. It can be fun and exciting to earn your driver’s license as a teen, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest is staying focused and avoiding distractions. In 2022, there were over 200 people killed in traffic collisions involving a distracted teen driver. Those deaths were avoidable. Here’s a list of tips to help keep you focused and safe from distractions.

As summer is wrapping up, many people are getting ready for the new school year. Even if you’re not heading to school yourself or sending your own little one off, the return of the school year affects all drivers because of the traffic regulations placed around schools. Now is a great time to talk about school zone laws and why they matter.

Let’s start with the basics. What is a school zone, anyway? A school zone is an area around a school where school zone laws are enacted. School zone laws are traffic laws that protect children walking around schools on school days. A lower speed limit is enforced during specific hours, which you can usually find on a sign posted in the school zone. Some school zone signs have flashing lights indicating when the reduced speed limit is enforced.

Children are unpredictable. They have a hard time judging a car’s speed and distance, and they have a narrower field of vision than adults. Small kids even have a hard time understanding which direction a sound is coming from, so even if you honk at them, they may not understand what that means or that it’s intended for them.

Here are some tips for driving in school zones:

• Never assume that a child can see you. Even if they can, they might not be paying attention.
• Never assume an adult will grab a child in time.
• Drive cautiously in school zones, and be ready to maneuver for the safety of children.
• Avoid distractions. In many states, distracted driving penalties are increased in school zones.
• Be patient. Allow extra time for your commute if you’re going to be in a school zone during drop-off or pick-up time.
• Find an alternate route if possible.

If you’re in charge of a little one this school year, make sure you talk to them about school zone safety as well! Here are some tips for keeping kids safe in school zones:

• Plan a safe walking route and practice the route with your child.
• Emphasize the importance of looking both ways before crossing, using sidewalks, and avoiding distractions like phones.
• Talk to your child about potential dangers and create a plan for what to do if they feel unsafe.
• Accompany young children to and from school, especially during the first few weeks.
• Demonstrate safe pedestrian behavior yourself by crossing streets correctly and obeying traffic laws.

By understanding and obeying school zone laws, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving children. Remember, children are unpredictable and often unaware of the dangers posed by traffic. It’s up to us as drivers and caretakers to create a safe environment for them.

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 summer is wrapping up, many people are getting ready for the new school year. Even if you’re not heading to school yourself or sending your own little one off, the return of the school year affects all drivers because of the traffic regulations placed around schools. Now is a great time to talk about school zone laws and why they matter.

You’ve probably heard stories about stolen vehicles in the news lately. It turns out that people had been sharing tips and tricks for breaking into vehicles on social media, causing a spike in vehicle theft. While car manufacturers are working to make their vehicles more difficult to steal, there are some things you can do yourself to help protect your property from thieves.

Always lock your vehicle.

Always lock your vehicle, even if you’re just stepping away for a few minutes. This simple yet effective habit can deter opportunistic thieves. Keep your windows and sunroof closed.

Choose a well-lit place to park.

Park your vehicle in well-lit, busy areas with good visibility. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in locations where they could be easily seen.

Utilize anti-theft technology.

There are lots of anti-theft devices on the market these days: steering wheel locks, ignition kill switches, tire locks, or GPS tracking systems are a few helpful options. Many newer vehicles come with advanced security features that you can use as well.

Hide your valuables.

Avoid leaving valuables like laptops, smartphones, or purses in plain sight. These items can attract potential thieves. Keep valuables in the trunk, glove box, or center console, or take them with you when you leave the vehicle. Keep in mind that even if something isn’t worth that much to you, a potential thief may assume it’s worth more and attempt to steal it.

Keep your keys in a safe spot.

Do not leave your keys in the ignition or anywhere they may be visible, even if you’re just stepping away for a second. Keep them in a secure location, preferably on your person.

Cars cost a lot of money, and many of us rely on our vehicles every day to get us around. That’s why it’s so important to protect your vehicle from potential theft. By following these tips, you can keep your car safe and your mind at ease.

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.

You’ve probably heard stories about stolen vehicles in the news lately. It turns out that people had been sharing tips and tricks for breaking into vehicles on social media, causing a spike in vehicle theft. While car manufacturers are working to make their vehicles more difficult to steal, there are some things you can do yourself to help protect your property from thieves.