Safe2Drive Blog

As a teen, I learned to drive in the spring and summer before getting my license in the fall. That meant that by the time winter rolled around in Northeast Ohio, I had no experience driving in the snow or on icy roads. It was only a few months after earning my license that I experienced driving on black ice by myself for the first time. I was driving home from running an errand when I felt myself lose control of my car. Even though I had been a very diligent driver’s education student, in that moment, everything I learned about black ice vanished from my head. I froze, which was better than slamming on the brakes, at least! Luckily, it was a small patch of ice and I felt my tires regain traction almost immediately. When I got home, I immediately researched what to do when you hit black ice so that I was prepared for when it happened again.

Black ice, a nearly invisible layer of frozen water on roads, is a dangerous winter driving hazard. It can be incredibly slippery, catching drivers off guard and leading to serious collisions. Understanding the science behind black ice can help you spot it and avoid it, keeping you and your passengers safe.

What is Black Ice?

Black ice forms when temperatures are near or below freezing, and moisture on the road surface freezes rapidly. Unlike snow or slush, which is easily visible, black ice is almost transparent, making it difficult to detect. It often appears as a dark, wet patch on the road, giving it the name "black ice."

How to Spot Black Ice

Black ice can be hard to see. Here are some clues to look out for:

• Dark, shiny patches on the road: Black ice can be hard to spot, but look out for patches of road that look shiny compared to the rest of the road.
• Fog or mist: Moisture in the air can condense and freeze on cold roads, especially in the early morning or late evening.
• Recent temperature drops: If the temperature has dropped below freezing after precipitation, black ice is more likely to form.
• Bridges and overpasses: These areas lose heat faster than regular roads, making them hotspots for black ice.

Tips for Driving on Black Ice

If you do encounter black ice, here’s what to do to stay safe:

• Stay calm: Panicking can make the situation worse. Remain as composed as possible.
• Avoid sudden movements: Sudden braking, accelerating, or steering can cause your vehicle to lose traction completely.
• Take your foot off the gas: Allow your car to decelerate naturally rather than braking.
• Steer gently: If your car begins to slide, steer gently in the direction of the skid to regain control.
• Keep your distance: Increase the space between you and other vehicles to allow for more reaction time.

By understanding the science of black ice and following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of collisions and stay safe on the roads this winter.

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 a teen, I learned to drive in the spring and summer before getting my license in the fall. That meant that by the time winter rolled around in Northeast Ohio, I had no experience driving in the snow or on icy roads. It was only a few months after earning my license that I experienced driving on black ice by myself for the first time. I was driving home from running an errand when I felt myself lose control of my car. Even though I had been a very diligent driver’s education student, in that moment, everything I learned about black ice vanished from my head. I froze, which was better than slamming on the brakes, at least! Luckily, it was a small patch of ice and I felt my tires regain traction almost immediately. When I got home, I immediately researched what to do when you hit black ice so that I was prepared for when it happened again.

It’s the holiday season, which means lots of families are on the road, making the trip to visit loved ones near and far. For many of us, that means packing our furry friends into the car along with the rest of the family. Taking your dog on a road trip can be super fun, but it can also be super stressful. Add other holiday stress into the mix, and things can go off the handle fast. I learned this first-hand when I decided to drive from Indiana to West Virginia with my dogs in tow for Thanksgiving. Here are some tips I’ve put together based on my own experience.

1. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their shots and have updated tags.

Make sure your pets are up-to-date on all their shots and their preventative medication. When you stop along your route for potty breaks, it’s pretty likely you’ll be stopping where other families and their pets have stopped as well. It would be pretty easy for your dog to pick up an illness on the road. By making sure they have their shots and their flea and tick prevention, you’ll have a little more peace of mind during potty breaks.

Speaking of making sure everything is updated, now is a great time to double-check your pet’s ID tags and their microchip information! If something terrible were to happen and you were separated from your dog in an unknown place, having up-to-date contact information could be the difference between reunification and the unknown. If you’re not sure how to update your dog’s microchip information, ask your vet!

2. Give your dogs a comfy and safe place to ride in the car.

Your dogs should never just have free reign of your vehicle, even if they’re super well-behaved. It’s a distraction to you as the driver. If your dog is bouncing around the vehicle, they’re way more likely to take your attention away from the driving task. Some dogs may even try to climb into your lap, or make their way to the pedals by your feet. There are many options for keeping your pup safe on the road. For my adult dog, I use a three-point safety tether that connects to my car’s LATCH system (just like a child’s car seat would) that I hook up to the back of her harness, similar to the one pictured below. This gives her plenty of space to move around while also making sure she stays on the seat where I want her.

My six-month-old puppy, on the other hand, is in his velociraptor stage and can’t be trusted to sit quietly by his big sister in the back seat. Since I was bringing his crate along anyway, I simply set it up in the back of my vehicle and made sure it wouldn’t move around by tethering it with bungee cords. He’s also prone to carsickness, so I simply put down a potty pad and a comfy blanket in the bottom of his crate, and he was perfectly happy (and safe!) during our trip. He also got to enjoy some calming treats, which for sure helped him.

3. Plan ahead for potty breaks.

The trip to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving is about six hours long. My older dog has some bladder issues, so I knew we’d be stopping several times. I took a look at my route ahead of time and made note of a few rest areas that looked like good options for us.

4. Pack the essentials.

When you’re on a road trip with dogs, packing thoughtfully can make or break your experience. In addition to food and water, you’ll want to pack any medication they take, their leash, waste bags, and something to keep them comfortable, like their favorite blanket or toy. I also made sure to bring extra towels and wipes (for unexpected messes) and a basic first-aid kit, just in case.

5. Be flexible and patient.

Even with the best preparation, traveling with dogs can come with unexpected challenges. You might encounter traffic delays, restless pups, or even a missed stop. The key is to remain calm and adaptable. During my trip, my puppy started to whine about an hour before our planned stop, so I pulled off at a safe spot a little earlier than expected and tended to him. Giving yourself a little extra time in your schedule will help alleviate a lot of stress.

Traveling with dogs during the holidays can feel like a lot to manage, but with some thoughtful preparation and patience, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By ensuring your pets are safe, comfortable, and well-cared for, you can focus on making memories with your loved ones—both human and furry. Whether it’s planning your route, packing the right gear, or simply taking time to enjoy the journey, a little effort goes a long way in turning a stressful road trip into a joyful adventure. Safe travels, and happy holidays!

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.

It’s the holiday season, which means lots of families are on the road, making the trip to visit loved ones near and far. For many of us, that means packing our furry friends into the car along with the rest of the family. Taking your dog on a road trip can be super fun, but it can also be super stressful. Add other holiday stress into the mix, and things can go off the handle fast. I learned this first-hand when I decided to drive from Indiana to West Virginia with my dogs in tow for Thanksgiving. Here are some tips I’ve put together based on my own experience.

Older Driver Safety Week is the first week of December! This week is a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of safe driving practices, no matter our age. As we age, it’s natural to experience changes in our vision, reaction time, and overall physical abilities. Luckily, with a few simple adjustments and a commitment to safe driving, older adults can continue to enjoy the freedom and convenience of driving for many years to come.

Tips for Older Drivers

1. Keep up with your vision and hearing checkups.

Vision and hearing are critical for safe driving. Schedule regular eye exams to check for cataracts, glaucoma, or other vision impairments. Similarly, ensure your hearing is sharp enough to notice sirens, horns, or other important sounds on the road. Sight and hearing tend to deteriorate slowly, and you may not notice until it’s too late.

2. Maintain physical fitness.

Simple exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and reflexes can enhance your ability to turn the wheel, check blind spots, and respond quickly in emergencies. Activities like chair yoga or light stretching can be especially helpful for older adults.

3. Be mindful of side effects from medications.

Many medications can affect alertness, reaction time, or coordination. Discuss your prescriptions with your doctor or pharmacist to understand how they might impact your driving ability.

4. Avoid driving in less favorable situations.

Stick to driving during daylight and avoid rush hour or adverse weather conditions.

5. Take a Mature Driver class.

Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course written specifically for older adults. Mature driver improvement courses provide a valuable resource for older adult drivers to maintain their mobility and safety on the road. By adapting to the changes that come along with age, these courses can help older adults remain connected, independent, and safe on the roads. Plus, older drivers can often get a discount on their car insurance by taking a Mature Driver Improvement course!

Now let’s look at some ways other drivers can share the road safely with older adults.

• Use turn signals. Use your turn signals well in advance to indicate your intentions, giving drivers plenty of time to react. Avoid making sudden lane changes without signaling, as this can startle other drivers and cause a collision.
• Minimize distractions. Focus on the road and be aware of your surroundings, especially when driving near older drivers. Their reflexes may be a little slower, and so it’s important that you’re on high alert.
• Be patient and empathetic. Remember that older drivers may be dealing with reduced reaction times or other age-related challenges. A little patience and understanding can go a long way!

By following these tips, we can all work together to create a safer roadway for everyone, regardless of age. Let’s make Older Driver Safety Week a reminder to prioritize safety on the road.

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.

Older Driver Safety Week is the first week of December! This week is a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of safe driving practices, no matter our age. As we age, it’s natural to experience changes in our vision, reaction time, and overall physical abilities. Luckily, with a few simple adjustments and a commitment to safe driving, older adults can continue to enjoy the freedom and convenience of driving for many years to come.

Is there a new driver on your holiday shopping list? When it comes to buying gifts for new drivers, practicality is key. Here’s a list of the best gifts that will not only enhance their driving experience but also give them peace of mind as they get behind the wheel.

1. Emergency Roadside Kit

A roadside emergency kit is a must-have for any driver, especially new ones. Look for kits that include essentials like jumper cables, a tire repair kit, reflective triangles, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. You could also build your own emergency kit by purchasing a basket or other container and filling it with the tools you’ve found to be most helpful on your own driving journey.

2. Dash Cam

A dash cam can provide peace of mind by recording events on the road, which is reassuring for new drivers and their parents. Look for models with high-definition video, night vision, and loop recording.

3. Phone Mount or Holder

Many states ban the use of hand-held devices while driving. And even in states that don’t, it’s just not safe to hold your phone while driving. A good quality phone mount or holder is a great gift! Choose one with a secure grip and flexible positioning.

4. Key Finder

I know I’m not the only one who’s always losing track of my keys. A key finder device (like a Tile or an AirTag) can save the day. It attaches to the keys and syncs with a smartphone, making it easy to locate them with a beep or GPS positioning. I like to use AirTags because they send an alert to my phone if I leave them behind.

5. Car Organizers

New drivers often need help keeping their cars neat and organized. Consider backseat organizers, trunk storage solutions, or visor organizers to keep items like important documents, gadgets, and personal items neat and organized.

6. Portable Car Vacuum

A portable vacuum cleaner designed for cars is handy for keeping the interior clean. Look for compact, high-powered models that can plug into the car’s power outlet or USB port.

7. All-Weather Floor Mats

As someone who lives in the Midwest and has two dogs, all-weather floor mats are a total live-saver for me, and they would be the perfect gift for any new driver! Look for mats made from heavy-duty rubber for easy cleaning and long-lasting use.

8. Bluetooth Car Adapter

There’s a good chance the new drivers in your life are younger, and perhaps driving older cars that might not be equipped with all the latest technology. This device allows new drivers to connect their phones wirelessly to the car for music and hands-free calls.

9. Gas Gift Cards

This simple, practical gift is always appreciated. It gives them a little relief at the pump, which is especially helpful for young drivers or students on a budget.

10. High-Quality Travel Mug

A spill-proof travel mug or thermos will help keep their favorite drinks hot (or cold) on the go. Look for mugs that fit snugly into a car cup holder and have a secure, easy-to-use lid.

The items on this list are meant to help make every driving experience smoother. Whether it’s a handy roadside kit or a Bluetooth car adapter for their phone, these thoughtful gifts will make a big impact.

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.

Is there a new driver on your holiday shopping list? When it comes to buying gifts for new drivers, practicality is key. Here’s a list of the best gifts that will not only enhance their driving experience but also give them peace of mind as they get behind the wheel.