Teen Driver Safety Reminder

Did you know that teen drivers are 2.5x more likely to engage in risky behavior with just one teen passenger? 📈

With multiple passengers, that risk jumps to 3x, and the chance of a fatal crash increases with more teenagers in the car.

TrafficSchool.com and Drivers Ed Direct are teaming up to spread the word:
✔️ Limit passengers for a safer drive
✔️ Stay focused on the road—minimize distractions
✔️ Drive responsibly to protect yourself and others


Smart choices behind the wheel can save lives. Let’s keep the roads safe for everyone! 🚗🙌

Know the Dangers of Speeding

Today’s Three Seconds: The Impact on Stopping Distance

Speeding can dangerously increase the time it takes to stop your vehicle, putting you and others at risk. Even just a slight increase in speed can make all the difference in stopping distance, especially in residential or construction zones.

Here’s why:

  • Faster speeds = longer stopping distance
  • A greater impact in an emergency stop
  • Increased risk for collisions

Always drive at the speed limit and adjust your speed for road conditions, especially in areas with higher risks like neighborhoods and construction zones. Your safety is in your hands—drive responsibly!

Holiday Shopping?

Parking Can Be a Breeze with the Right Tips!

Doing some last-minute holiday shopping? Here are some tips to keep things easy and stress-free:

  • Plan Ahead: Visit during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late evenings.
  • Park Further Away: The closer to the store, the more crowded it is! Don’t mind a short walk to avoid frustration.
  • Stay Calm: Be mindful of other drivers and avoid unnecessary parking spot battles. Patience and respect for others go a long way.
  • Be Aware: Always stay alert for pedestrians, especially in busy parking lots.

Thanksgiving Road Safety Reminder

In 2022, 326 lives were lost in traffic crashes over Thanksgiving weekend, and 43% of those fatalities involved unbuckled passengers.

💡 Key Facts:

  • 47% of nighttime fatalities were unbuckled.
  • 38% of daytime fatalities were unbuckled.

Seat belts save lives. This Thanksgiving, let’s all commit to buckling up and driving safely. TrafficSchool.com reminds you: Safety starts with a seat belt.

Drive Smart: Safe Gaps Save Lives

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Keep a Safe Distance 🚗 . . . 🚗

Safe driving isn’t just about speed—maintaining a safe space between vehicles allows for better reaction times and reduces the risk of collisions. In perfect conditions, aim for a following distance of 3 seconds, but be sure to increase that gap during poor weather or when driving a heavier vehicle. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference in keeping you safe! 🚙💡

Drive smart, stay safe, and look out for everyone on the road.

Is Your Child Safe in Their Car Seat? 👶

Child safety is always a top priority for parents and guardians. Ensuring your child’s car seat is the right fit and properly installed can make a huge difference in their safety during every trip. This short video on car seat safety has helpful tips to ensure your child is secure:

Still need help? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers free inspections and guides to ensure proper installation.

Let’s keep them safe on the road. 🚗👶

Driving Through Construction Zones: Safety First!

Navigating construction zones can be challenging, but with the following tips, you can ensure a safe journey:

Slow Down 

As you approach and drive through construction areas, make sure to reduce your speed. Begin slowing down as soon as you see warning signs, even if the construction isn’t visible yet.

Follow Signs and Signals 

Pay close attention to posted signs, flaggers, and electronic message boards. It’s important to obey instructions from construction workers and flaggers—they’re there to keep everyone safe.

Watch for Workers and Equipment 

Be vigilant for workers and construction vehicles that might enter your lane. Keeping your eyes on the road and avoiding distractions is key to staying safe.

Be Prepared for Sudden Stops 

Stay alert for traffic that may slow down or stop unexpectedly. Maintaining a safe following distance allows you to react in time to sudden stops.

Merge Early 

If you see a lane closure ahead, merge as soon as possible. Early merging helps prevent last-minute lane changes, which can lead to collisions. 

By following these guidelines, you’ll contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone in and around construction zones. Stay safe out there!

A Personal Reminder: The Importance of Road Safety for Bicyclists and Drivers

I wanted to share an important message about road safety, especially when it comes to bicyclists and bike lanes. This topic hits close to home for me. A few years ago, I was knocked off my bike when someone unexpectedly opened their car door right in front of me. It was a scary experience, and it reminded me how crucial it is for all of us to stay alert and respect each other on the road.

Let’s all commit to driving safely and respecting all road users. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. Follow the Rules: Bicyclists follow the same road rules as motorists. Treat them as you would any other vehicle.

2. Be Cautious and Give Space: Cover your brake pedal when near cyclists and give at least 3 ft. of space when passing.

3. Respect Bike Lanes: Only drive in bike lanes within 200 ft. of making a right turn or driveway entrance. Know the markings: Bike lanes are four or more feet from the curb and marked by a solid white line with the words “BIKE LANE”.

4. Check for Cyclists: Parking is permitted in bike lanes unless a ‘No Parking’ sign is posted. Before opening your door, check mirrors and over your shoulder for passing vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Your extra caution can prevent accidents and keep our roads safer for everyone. Stay safe out there!

N.O.T.S. – The High Score Nobody Wants

Hey there, California drivers! Have you heard about the Negligent Operator Treatment System, or N.O.T.S.? It’s a serious system designed to keep our roads safe by tracking your driving record. It’s not a game, but you’ll still want to know how not to lose. Let’s dive in!

Think of N.O.T.S. like a game of golf—the fewer points you have, the better you’re doing. But unlike golf, where high points won’t cause you to lose your golf cart privileges, high points in real cars lead to losing-your-license trouble!

Every time you mess up on the road, you get points. Here are some examples:

One-point violations (stay on your record for 3 years):

  • 🚦 Unsafe lane change
  • 🛑 Failing to stop at a stop sign
  • 🚗 Simple speeding
  • 🚧 Causing a minor accident

Two-point violations (stick around for 7 years, 10 if it’s DUI):

  • 🚨 Hit and run
  • 🍻 DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
  • 🏎️ Speeding over 100 mph or engaging in a speed contest
  • 💣 Conviction of reckless driving

Not a Love Letter

When you’re on the verge of losing your license, you’ll get a computer-generated “Notice of Intent to Suspend” warning letter from the DMV. It’s a wake-up call from the state that you need to start driving like a pro. Back to the golfing analogy: One more point on your scorecard and you’ll be walking (or taking a bus) to the next hole.

The Magic Numbers You Want to Avoid

Here’s where the suspense kicks in. How many points until your license is suspended?

  • 4 points in 12 months
  • 6 points in 24 months
  • 8 points in 36 months

What’s the grand prize for getting one of these high scores? A six-month suspension and a year of probation for your driver’s license.

Why So Harsh?

Because the more points you have, the more likely you are to be a reckless driver. While being a little undisciplined on a golf course may land you in a sand trap, being irresponsible on the road can land you six feet under.

Final Words of Wisdom

Drive safe, stay alert, and keep those points off your record. Remember, the road is a shared space, and keeping it safe is everyone’s responsibility.

Quiz Time!

Think you’ve got this down? Let’s see!

Q1: How many points in 12 months will suspend your driving privilege?
A. 4 points
B. 6 points
C. 8 points

Q2: How many points is a simple speeding ticket worth?
A. 1 point
B. 2 points
C. No points if you complete traffic school

Drop your answers in the comments! 🚦🚗


Please share this blog with your friends and test their knowledge too. Anyone needing to get that speeding ticket point hidden from their driving record? Head over to TrafficSchool.com – we’ve got you covered! Stay safe out there!

Grandma’s Guide to Road Rage Resilience

Navigating the tumultuous tangle of traffic can sometimes feel like venturing into a chaotic jungle. Amidst the angry honks and not-so-nice gestures, it’s important to keep a level head. While you can’t control the actions of others, you do have the ultimate superpower: the ability to keep your cool!

Picture this: a driver cuts you off without so much as a blinker. Instead of letting your blood boil, take a beat to breathe. Accepting that other drivers often make mistakes, sometimes unintentionally, can help break the cycle of road rage. By expecting the unexpected, you regain control of the steering wheel and your emotions.

So next time that ill-mannered motorist steals your right of way, pause your impulse to “get them back” – instead, do what my grandma taught me, “Channel your inner Zen and count to 10.” After a few deep breaths, your boiling blood will return to a gentle simmer, and life will be good again… and, most importantly, you’ll be home safely instead of sorry.