Tag Archives: Driving Safety

Feb 26 2025

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! 🚗🙌

Jan 31 2025

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!

Sep 23 2024

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. 🚗👶

Jun 7 2024

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!

What is the N.O.T.S. System?

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!

How Do You Score Points?

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!

Apr 30 2024

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.

Oct 30 2023

Buckle Up for Safety: Your Lifesaver on the Road


Let’s talk about seatbelts – your trusty sidekicks on the road. Think of them as your personal bodyguards inside your car, ready to swoop in and shield you in those ‘uh-oh’ moments when you hit the brakes hard or, heaven forbid, collide with something. Remember, strapping in isn’t just about following the law; it’s a vital safety step that can save lives and reduce injuries in case you ever find yourself in a car collision. So, make it a habit to buckle up before you start your journey, and ensure everyone in the vehicle does the same.

Now, speaking of journeys, with the holidays just around the corner, we all know it’s the season for increased traffic and, unfortunately, more collisions too. Factors like alcohol consumption and fatigue can heighten the risk during this time. So, as you hit the road, be the responsible road warrior and keep that seatbelt snug – it’s your best defense out there!

Apr 28 2023

Bumpy Road



California has received an abundance of rain this year. While the rain does wonders for the environment, it does the opposite for our roads. You might notice more potholes in the roads once heavy rain is over. That’s because water goes into the pavement cracks that are formed by constant travel of vehicles. The water under the road can either freeze and expand, or in warmer temps, can make the soil soft and flexible. The changes in the soil under the road, combined with heavy traffic, cause the road surface to crack and break apart.

Potholes can be dangerous for drivers, as they can cause accidents and severe damage to your vehicle. If you happen to see one in the road ahead, switch lanes if it is safe to do so. If you can’t change lanes, then try to go around it within your lane to avoid hitting it, or safely decrease your speed and drive over the pothole cautiously.

Mar 31 2023

Distracted Driving Is No April Fools’ Joke

Did you know that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month? It was started as a way to raise awareness of how dangerous distracted driving can be, with the hopes of putting an end to preventable injuries and deaths on roadways. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), in 2020, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 drivers in America. When behind the wheel always remember to keep both hands on the wheel, your focus on the road, and do not use your cellphone while operating your vehicle. This is especially important for the younger drivers. EndDD.org states that, “The fatal crash rate for teens is 3 times greater than for drivers age 20 and over.” Do your part in keeping the roads safe this year and help bring those statistics down!

*This traffic safety topic is covered in our 8-hour California Traffic School course for traffic tickets. If you need traffic school to keep a moving violation hidden on your driving record, sign up today at https://www.trafficschool.com/california/california-traffic-school/?source=blog_03312023

Feb 28 2023

Spring Wake Up

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

Today’s Three Seconds: Increased Animal Activity

3 Second Stop

Soon the days will start to get sunnier and warmer from winter ending and hibernating animals will start to wake up. Animals waking up from hibernation will now be out on the roads foraging for food. As drivers, we are aware of the necessity to share the road with cyclist and motorcyclist, but what happens when an unexpected animal shows up on the road? We need to always be prepared for this possibility to avoid potential collisions that can lead to car damage and animal deaths. Make sure to always follow speed limits on highways and keep your speed low in residential areas where unpredictable pets and children could be playing outside. Driving at a responsible speed will help you stay in control of your vehicle. You will also have more time to react to your surroundings and avoid possible collisions.