May 15, 2012 

Texas School Bus Crash Injures Three

defensive driving, texas, my improvIn Manor, Texas, this week, three elementary school students were injured and hospitalized after their bus was struck by an oncoming car while stopped to let students board.

The driver of the school bus told police he could see the driver of the oncoming car crest a hill and try to stop when he saw the bus, but his vehicle skidded sideways as he lost control, striking the front bumper of the bus.

The driver of the car which struck the bus was also hospitalized. Police say none of the injuries appear life threatening.

A debate has raged for years about the merits of requiring seat belts on all school buses. Some argue in favor of seat belts on buses, while others say the children are just as safe without them, given the security of the large vehicle they are riding in. However, every time a vehicle collides with a bus and a student is injured it is another sign that perhaps the time has come to take another look at school bus safety.

Roger Wade with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office says the Manor ISD driver in Bus No. 58 stopped outside a driveway on Littig Road near Jones Road to pick up two students. As the students boarded the bus, Wade says the driver saw a car speeding over a hill toward the bus.

Wade says the driver of the car tried to stop but started to skid in the road. He lost control and crashed head-on into the front bumper of the bus.

Sgt. Ryan Phipps with the Manor Police Department was one of the first responders to arrive. He says one of the two students who was boarding the bus at the time had already found a seat when the car hit. The other student was still walking inside and was between the door and the driver. Phipps says the bus driver, who has not been identified, saw the car come over the hill and grabbed the student to protect them from the impact.

May 15, 2012 

Laptop + Driving = Deadly

defensive driving, my improv, arizonaPolice have determined that a head-on collision in Phoenix, Arizona this past weekend was caused when one of the drivers tried using his laptop to look up a street address, lost control and crossed the center line, right into oncoming traffic.

On person was killed in the crash and two others seriously injured.

Distracted driving, whether you are using your cell phone or just fiddling with your radio dials, is known to cause serious, often fatal, traffic crashes. Using your laptop while you are driving is no less dangerous.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, in 2011 more than 3,000 people killed as a result of distracted driving. This prompted the NTSB to suggest a nation wide ban on the use of all handheld devices would save lives. Some states have since issued their own handheld devices bans, others already had them.

But if a driver is committed to not paying attention, it seems unlikely that the threat a traffic citation is going to dissuade them.

James T. Yates, 29, died when a Kia Sedona minivan collided head-on with a Jeep driving the opposite direction, said Sgt. Trent Crump, spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department. Yates was a passenger in the minivan.

The driver of the minivan was seriously injured and was reported in critical condition, Crump said.

The driver of the Jeep, who was not wearing a seat belt, was also seriously injured, Crump said. The driver was expected to survive.

Police say that about 1:45 p.m., the driver of the minivan was driving north on Seventh Street near Northern Avenue and got distracted by trying to look up an address on a laptop computer, Crump said.

The minivan crossed over into oncoming traffic and struck the Jeep, Crump said. The airbags deployed for all three involved in the crash.

May 15, 2012 

Minnesota Struggles With Distracted Drivers

minnesota, defensive driving school, my improv,Four years before the National Transportation Safety Board released a report claiming that fatalities caused by distracted driving now outnumber the fatalities caused by drunk driving, Minnesota lawmakers recognized the threat and passed a paw banning the use of handheld devices by drivers.

Since that time, however, Minnesota police officers have struggled to enforce the law. This is because the Minnesota law allows driving to talk or dial their cell phones, but not text or send emails. In other words, a police officer either has to actually witness the driver breaking the law (by seeing him send a text) or just take the drivers word for it.

Last year, just 1,300 texting tickets were issued in Minnesota, a fraction compared to the nearly 202,000 issued for speeding and more than 30,000 for drunken driving. Police know there are more drivers violating the law but they have trouble catching them in the act because of the limitations of the law and what it bans, or doesn’t ban.

Minnesota’s texting law specifically prohibits drivers from using a “wireless communications device” to compose, read or send electronic messages — including texts, e-mails, Web pages and other similar data — while a vehicle is part of traffic, which includes being stopped at a light.

Drivers may talk on their phones, however, and dial them. The law also contains exceptions for “hands-free” communications, emergency situations and emergency vehicles.

Minnesota police have repeatedly conducted statewide distracted driving enforcement patrols, focusing on those drivers they can find who are violating the statewide ban, but they have the same trouble identifying guilty drivers during those campaigns as they do during regular hours, so the efforts are more for show than actual enforcement.

Despite the problems with the Minnesota distracted driving ban, police there say they are in favor of limiting the use of handheld devices by drivers, regards of how difficult it might be to enforce the ban.

May 11, 2012 

Arkansas State Wide Seat Belt Enforcement

defensive driving, arkansas, seat belt, click it or ticket‘Click It or Ticket’ has come to Arkansas in a big way. For the next month every police officer in the state will be focused on making certain everyone who rides in a vehicle is properly restrained. Seat belts for adults and car seats or boosters for children.

Seat belts save lives. Study after study has shown this to be true but yet some people continue to refuse to wear them. They complain because that seat belts are too restrictive, or that in the event of a vehicle accident the seat belt would prevent them from jumping clear of the wreckage (as if that might happen.) Some people who are obese complain that the seat belts are just too uncomfortable to wear.

Look folks, seat belts are not designed to be comfortable. They are not designer labeled nor are they made to accentuate your eye color. They are designed to save your life in the event of a vehicle collision and they work. But only if you wear them.

Sitting on your seat belt, tucking it under your arm or not wearing it at all will not help the seat belt do its job when it comes to saving your life. It needs to be properly fastened around and across your body if you expect it to keep you flying around the cabin like a rag doll in a runaway locomotive.

In Arkansas police are embarking on a month long campaign to remind drivers around the state that wearing a seat belt is not only safe, not only smart but also the law. That’s right. If you refuse to wear your seat belt for any reason police will find you and you will get a ticket. Nobody understands the dangers of driving without a seat belt as well as the people who are first on the scene of vehicle accidents every day. And they take their job of public safety very seriously.

May 10, 2012 

Texans Taking Tough Stance Against Distracted Driving

texas, distracted driving, my improv, defensive drivingSo far, despite mounting concern from safety experts, Texas lawmakers have been unwilling to pass legislation aimed at controlling the ability of Texans to legally text and drive or use any sort of handheld device while behind the wheel of an automobile.

This is all well and good for law makers, but Texans themselves have started taking the matter into their own hands, speaking out about the dangers of distracted driving and helping to educate all drivers about driving safely.

The first ever Texas Distracted Driving Summit was held in San Antonio and more than 2,000 people attended, included those injured in distracted driving related crashes and families of those killed in distracted driving related crashes.

Texas state lawmakers have said the matter is best left to municipalities and should not be a state wide issue. As a result, the city of Houston has some of the strictest regulations regarding the use of handheld devices by drivers. So does San Antonio.

Fortunately, those in favor of a state wide ban on distracted driving are finding their voice and speaking out against what they see as a serious threat to public safety–regardless of what their state legislators believe.

Houston personal injury lawyer Ben Bronston has seen many distracted driving cases and adamantly fights for those who have been in an accident due to distracted driving. “Governor Rick Perry vetoed House Bill 242 that would have banned cell phone use while driving in Texas, even though the legislation passed in both the House and the Senate. The Texas Distracted Driving Summit gave voice to a dangerous issue even after this legal defeat,” explains Houston auto accident attorney Ben Bronston. “Texans need to keep pushing to reform Texas distracted driving laws to protect the safety of drivers everywhere.”

During Distracted Driving Awareness month, several local, state and national organizations launched distracted driving awareness campaigns in an effort to increase awareness for motor vehicle safety and decrease auto accident fatalities. Since drivers between the ages of 16 to 20 years old lead in distracted driving fatalities among other groups, ahead of adult drivers ages 21 to 34, many campaigns target teens. This includes the “Distracted Driving Design Challenge,” by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and “Pledge to End Distracted Driving,” started by Joel Feldman, who lost his daughter to a distracted driver in 2009. Several of these organizations plan to keep adding to their safety campaigns and implementing new distracted driving campaigns throughout the year.

May 10, 2012 

Arizona Traffic Deaths Up; Nation’s Down

defensive driving, my improv, arizonaThe number of people killed in vehicle crashes in the United States declined last year, except in the areas of Arizona, California and Hawaii.

The reasons for the decline seem to have more to do with the economy than any particular focus on safe driving. This comes despite a series of calls to ban distracted driving nationwide and efforts ate increasing teenage driving awareness and safety.

The fact is, during a down economy and with gasoline prices rising, people are naturally driving less. The less they drive the fewer opportunities they have to be involved in a serious (or any kind) of vehicle crash. The fewer crashes, the fewer deaths. The math isn’t hard to calculate.

There is also something to be said for the increase safety of today’s vehicles and improvements being made to roads, intersections, bridges and highways which create a safer environment for drivers.

It is a little bit more difficult to understand why these three areas have outpaced the national average however. What forces are at work in these three states which have caused traffic fatalities to increase while nation wide traffic fatalities are down?

That is a question California traffic experts are trying to figure out:

Last year’s national decline in traffic fatalities — to 32,310 — came as motorists drove about 36 billion, or about 1.2%, fewer miles, perhaps because of high gas prices and a still-difficult economy that might have discouraged pleasure road trips.

The 2011 fatality rate is projected to decline to the lowest on record, to 1.09 fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Traffic deaths have fallen by about 26% since the 43,510 fatalities reported in 2005; highway fatalities peaked in 1972, at 54,589. In 1949, there were 30,246 fatalities, but the rate was 7.13 fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Traffic safety experts attributed the decline to a number of factors — “probably people driving less, safer vehicles, safer roads and an improvement in the safety culture across the United States,’’ Jacob Nelson, director of traffic safety advocacy for the AAA national office, said in an interview.

Jonathan Adkins of the Governors Highway Safety Assn. cited increased seat belt use, safer cars, better roads and an improved emergency medical service response effort. “Also, the economy continues to keep traffic deaths lower than normal,” he added.

May 10, 2012 

Teen Drivers With Friends: Good Or Bad?

teen drivers, distracted driving, consumer reportsDespite mounting evidence to the contrary, a new study by Consumer Reports seems to indicate that way a teenager has a friend (or friends) in the vehicle with them while they are driving, they are actually more focused on safe driving, not less.

This flies in the face of recent similar studies, including one from the American Automobile Association (Chicago) which indicates that having friends in the car with a teen driver elevates the risk of a distracted driving related crash.

As any parent with a teenager will tell you, their behavior is often difficult to decipher and downright confusing. They are erratic, unpredictable and hard to define, so why should we be surprised that two different studies tell us two completely things?

The fact is that teenagers are more prone to distractions in general. They are also more likely to use handheld devices. These two facts, coupled with the fact that many teens are just climbing behind the wheel of an automobile for the first time, are very likely (if not inevitably) going to increase the risks of distracted driving behavior for many teens (if not all.)

It is difficult, but not impossible to monitor your teen driver’s behavior without making them feel as if they are a leash. And even if you decide to use in-car mounted video surveillance, or GPS tracking technology, so what? You’re the parent, you are allowed to do whatever you think will help keep your teenage driver and their friends alive.

But you can start with some simpler fixes first and see how that works. The first thing you should do is analyze your own teen’s behavior and judge for yourself what their greatest risks are. Then sit down and discuss these risks with them. Set rules about what they can and cannot do while they are driving. Putting away the cell phone is a great start regardless of what the studies say. Also, limiting how many friends, or even which specific friends may ride with them, and where, is a close second.

The truth is, take whatever steps you think are necessary to keep your child safe. Just as you always have.

May 8, 2012 

Texas Driver’s License Requires Proof

texas, defensive driving, Starting this week, if you want a driver’s license in Texas better be prepared to prove you live there. That’s right, Texas Department of Public Services workers will now need to see your proof of residency before they will hand over your new driver’s license. That form of proof can come from a utility bill, a lease or something else, but you’ll need two of them (two proofs) to meet the new state requirements.

Not only do you need to prove you are a resident of the state, but you’ll need to show you have been a resident for the past 30 days. If you have not lived in the state for at least 30 days, but can prove you do in fact live in Texas, the state will allow you to get a license if you surrender your driver’s license from your previous state.

Critics have said the new law is aimed at controlling illegal immigration, but state officials say it is meant to protect public safety.

Under the new law DPS officials are required to ask all new applicants for a driver’s license or ID card to present two documents showing the person’s name and address to establish proof of residency in the state.

Those documents have to show a person has lived in Texas at least 30 days. Residents with less than 30 days can have that requirement waived by surrendering a valid out-of-state driver license.

Prior to the new rules, DPS officers were allowed to ask for proof of your citizenship or legal status in the country – with something like a passport or birth certificate.

May 8, 2012 

Arizona Cops Teach Traffic Safety

arizona, defensive driving, my improv traffic schoolMost of us cringe when we see the blue and white lights in our rear view mirror, letting us know a police officer would like our attention. usually that’s because we know we’ve been doing something wrong, even if we aren’t exactly sure what that THING is.

In Arizona, Buckeye Police Department has been working to do as much educating of drivers as they do citing them for traffic infractions, and as a result, fewer citations are needing to be handed out. This is good news for drivers and good news for the state as the incidence of traffic crashes seems to be declining.

There certainly is no substitute for an excellent defensive driving course, but when it comes to traffic laws, the police almost always know what they are talking about so it’s a good idea to listen to them. The Buckeye Traffic Unit has been tasked with spotting drivers who might be unaware of their poor driving skills and helping them understand both Arizona traffic law and what they might be able to do better behind the wheel.

This is a good idea for public safety and a good idea for drivers.

Officers Erick Halim and Larry Buchanan make up Buckeye’s traffic unit, which was created in September 2009 when the Police Department bought two motorcycles using grant money from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. A year later, they added an undercover Ford Mustang, which also was purchased with highway safety office grant money, to help catch aggressive drivers.

The number of traffic citations officers wrote spiked in fiscal 2010, the unit’s first year, with speeding tickets increasing from 1,351 in fiscal 2009 to 2,165. Criminal speeding — driving 20 mph over in a 45-mph zone — jumped from 9 to 27 in the same time. Similarly, citations for failing to stop at a stop sign increased from 350 to 506.

But the numbers have been on the decline since, with speeding citations dropping to 1,339 and 948 in fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012 (through March 31), respectively. Stop-sign violations fell to 403 and 295 in the same time period, while DUI arrests have dropped from 215 in fiscal 2010 to 87 in fiscal 2012.

May 8, 2012 

Nevada Licenses First Autonomous Car

defensive driving, nevada, driverless cars, nevadaIn what will surely (eventually) become a seminal moment in history, the state of Nevada this week fully licensed the first autonomous motor vehicle, allowing it to cruise all public roadways in the state including city roads and state highways. Since the car will not have a driver, the license was awarded to Google, the company which will be responsible for the vehicle.

Nevada made news late last year when it passed a law allowing for the licensing of autonomous vehicles to drive on their roadways. Google has been working on an autonomous vehicle for nearly a decade, using on-board computers, GPS navigation ad remote sensors to help it stay on the road, avoid obstacles and find its way around. This means the car can be programmed to go to a certain place, say, a movie theater, restaurant or place of work, and the car will drive itself there. In the meantime, someone will be sitting in the drivers seat in case they need to manually take control of the car, but otherwise, all passengers are free to do what they wish and leave the driving to the robot, I mean car.

Some have questioned the logic of allowing autonomous vehicles and human controlled vehicles on the roads at the same time. In the event of an inadvertent collision, who would be responsible for the damages? If two autonomous vehicles collide, who is responsible then?

Law makers, insurers and automobile manufacturers have been working together to fashion law which addresses these issues and Nevada encapsulated these suggestions into their new law which went into effect this year.

It is believed these autonomous vehicles will soon be ferrying people and cargo around the country, bringing freedom to people who might not otherwise be able to drive themselves where they need to go. In the meantime, despite the rise of autonomous vehicle, there will likely always be a reason and an option for a human beings to drive themselves if they want to.

 

 

May 5, 2012 

Missouri Cracks Down On DUI And Seatbelt Neglect

defensive driving, my improv, missouriMissouri Department of Transportation is partnering with state police and local law enforcement agencies to focus efforts on promoting and enforcing existing seat belt laws and cracking down on drivers under the influence of alcohol.

These departments began a coordinated effort today which will last through next week. Among the efforts planned are checkpoints and increased patrols focused on finding drivers or passengers not wearing their seatbelts or those under the influence of alcohol.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, last year 217 people were killed and an additional 867 seriously injured in crashes where at least one person was driving while impaired.

Failure to use seat belts can have consequences just as serious as drunk driving. According to 2010 Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics, 67.7 percent of Missouri drivers and 63.2 percent of passengers killed in automobiles, trucks, vans, and motor homes were not wearing seat belts. By contrast, 97.3 percent of drivers involved in non-injury traffic crashes were wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash.

 

According to Missouri state law:

 

  • Everyone riding in the front seat in automobiles and trucks with a licensed gross weight of less than 12,000 pounds must wear a seat belt.
  • Children from 8 through 15 must wear seat belts regardless of the type of vehicle in which they are riding or where they are seated (front or back). Like the child restraint law, this is a primary law, meaning drivers can be pulled over for noncompliance.
  • Persons less than 18 years of age operating or riding in trucks (regardless of gross weight for which licensed) must wear seat belts.
  • No person under age 18 is allowed to ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck with a licensed gross weight of less than 12,000 pounds on lettered highways, federal and state maintained highways, and within city limits. There are exemptions for agricultural purposes, special events, and parades.
  • It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure passengers under 16 are buckled up safely. Those 16 and over are responsible for themselves.
  • Children less than 4, regardless of weight, must use an appropriate child passenger restraint system.
  • Children weighing less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child.
  • Children from 4 to 7 who weigh at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds, and are less than 4-feet 9-inches tall, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system or a booster seat appropriate for that child.
  • Children who are at least 80 pounds or children taller than 4-feet 9-inches tall must be secured by a vehicle safety belt or booster seat appropriate for that child.
May 3, 2012 

Texans Take Aim At Distracted Driving

texas, distracted driving, defensive drivingLast year the Texas state legislature approved a state wide ban on texting while driving, sending a strong message to drivers that distracted driving will not be tolerated. Unfortunately Texas Governor Rick Perry vetoed the measure because he felt it would infringe on the civil liberties of adults who are free to make their decisions.

This type of thinking flies in the face of logic. If we allowed people to behave as they wish when it comes to operating a motor vehicle we wouldn’t require driving licenses, prohibit drinking and driving or require seat belts. But has stood by his veto to this day and other Texas lawmakers have supported him.

Last week at a Texas Distracted Driving Summit in San Antonio, friends and family of Texans killed in distracted driving related crashes spoke to a large group of people about the importance of finally getting a distracted driving ban passed in the state. News reporters, politicians and police were among those in attendance, and perhaps, just perhaps, some of them were swayed in their thinking.

Texting, which places protracted demands on eyes, hands and attention spans, is a qualitatively different type of driver distraction. In June 2011, according to NHTSA statistics, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the United States. That was up nearly 50 percent from a year earlier. Texting continues to grow as a medium of communication, with teens — the least capable drivers — the most likely to use it.

Last week’s Texas Distracted Driving Summit in San Antonio went beyond such statistics and trends. As Express-News staff writer Michelle Koidin Jaffee reported, a succession of surviving relatives told heartbreaking stories that put faces on the victims of distracted driving. Their message: Texans behind the wheel should put down their phones and drive safely.

Many Texas cities, including San Antonio, have ordinances against texting while driving. Last year, the Texas Legislature passed a measure with strong bipartisan support that would have established a statewide ban and sent a strong message on distracted driving. The efficacy of such laws, when enforced, has been demonstrated in NHTSA pilot programs.

May 3, 2012 

AzTA Seeks Support For Alternative Modes Of Transportation

defensive driving arizona, defensive driving,If you’ve ever been driving through Arizona you know the state boasts some of the most stunning views in the nation. Brilliant sunrises and fiery sunsets, both blazing across the serene landscape are awe inspiring, to say the least. This type of scenery makes the state attractive to folks who like to ride their bicycles.

Unfortunately, despite its stellar natural grandeur, Arizona does not embrace bicyclists the way some people would prefer. In fact, bike only lanes are few and far between and riders risk their lives as most roads do not even have a shoulder for them to ride on to avoid traffic.

The Arizona Transit Association is seeking public opinion on moves to increase the number of bike lanes and available riding areas for bicyclists around the state. This move is meant to support anyone seeking an alternative mode of transport other than an automobile.

It is also a sign that those who drive in Arizona should be aware that they are sharing the road with bicyclists who might not have wiggle room when they are passed by cars.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Program was initiated in 2003. The number of cyclists using roads, especially in Southern Arizona has grown considerably since that time. The economic downturn has affected road quality (just take highway 83 south to Parker Canyon Lake to see it in action), as well as road upkeep. Updating the plan is vitally important for everyone using Arizona’s highways.

In a state where cars are king, and downtowns lose out to urban sprawl and buses are seen as smog spewing monsters instead of the beneficial people movers that they are, the voice of Arizona’s pedestrians and cyclists needs to carry some weight. The only way that this can be accomplished is through effort. Drivers of cars need no voice in Phoenix, they already have it. So, if you care about riding or walking in this state, you have to balance out all the cars who have already had their say.

May 3, 2012 

Colorado Focusing On Stoned Drivers

Colorado, my improv, defensive driving,In 2005 Colorado legislators moved to legalize the use of marijuana for certain specific medical reasons. The so-called “medical marijuana’ law has been in place for the past several years now and the state has seen an economic boom which sustained it through the recent Great Recession.

However, police have also seen an increase in the number of  drivers they suspect of operating a motor vehicle while stoned, but without a law allowing them to test a driver’s blood level for tell-tale signs of marijuana police have been powerless to do anything about it. All of that is about to change however, if a new law continues moving through the Colorado legislature.

On an 18-17 vote, the Colorado Senate approved a measure making it easier to convict people of driving stoned on marijuana. The bill now moves to the Colorado House where it seems likely to garner enough support to pass, although the bill looked dead on arrival when it got to the Senate earlier this week.

The new law would set a limit for the amount of THC-the psycho active chemical in marijuana which makes people feel “high”- at 5 nanograms-per-milliliter of blood. This is a similar method to the setting the blood alcohol content at .08 and is similarly enforceable.

Police entrusted with the power to protect public safety, but that power only goes as far as the law allows. So far police have been powerless to address what they perceive is a real threat to driver safety on the roads in Colorado. If the proposed bill eventually becomes law police will have one more weapon in their effort to get “stoned” drivers off the road.

If the bill passes the Colorado legislature it also seems likely that it will spur other states to pursue similar laws in an effort to combat the growing marijuana problem in the United States.

May 1, 2012 

Texas Aims To Protect Bikers

texas, defensive driving, motorcyclesMay is National Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Texas Department of Public Safety is taking this as an opportunity to remind motorists to be ready to share the road.

When the weather starts to warm up people who ride motorcycles take it as a sign to get their bike out of the garage and go for a ride. Unfortunately, while they are fun, motorcycles also offer less protection than a car or truck so their riders face a greater risk of injury in the event of a crash. When you couple this with the fact some drivers fail to even notice motorcycles because of their size, it is a recipe for disaster.

Texas Department of Public safety is trying to change all that with a public service campaign aimed squarely at drivers.

The statistics regarding crashes involving motorcycles are shocking: number of motorcyclists killed annually since 2000 has more than doubled, from 196 in 2000 to 472 in 2011. The 472 motorcycle drivers and passengers who lost their lives in Texas accounted for 16 percent of traffic deaths in the state. Eighty-seven percent of motorcycle crashes result in death or injury of the motorcyclist. The number of motorcycles on Texas roadways has more than doubled in the last decade.

Hopefully the Texas Department of Public Safety can help turn the tide of motorcycle crashes.

“Motorcyclists face unique safety challenges on Texas roads because they are smaller, more difficult to see and less protected than cars and trucks,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Motorcyclists can protect themselves on the road by obeying traffic laws and wearing their helmets. Motorists can help by looking twice for motorcycles and giving them additional space.”

DPS recommends all drivers “Share the Road” and “Look Twice” for motorcycles, which are public awareness campaigns that highlight motorcycle safety. Motorists should take caution, especially at intersections and when changing lanes – the two places where serious motorcycle collisions occur. Half of all fatal motorcycle crashes in Texas occur because the car or truck driver never saw the motorcyclist.

May 1, 2012 

Arizona Expands ‘Loop 303′

defensive driving, arizona, loop 303The Arizona Department of Transportation is addressing the problem of overly congest highways, starting with an expansion of Loop 303 to six lanes.

The added roadways will improve traffic flow and help reduce commuting times by allowing room for more vehicles.

Local residents have been complaining for years about the long delays and the heavy traffic on Loop 303. This has led the ADOT to focus expansion efforts on the roadway which will (they hope) alleviate the traffic problems.

Increased roadway congestion is not just a problem when you are trying to get some place, it is also a leading cause of aggressive driving and leads to more collisions. Heavily congested roads also means that cars spend more time idling in traffic. This increases the amount of greenhouse gases they can release into the atmosphere and cuts down on their fuel efficiency.

By expanding one roadway Arizona Department of Transportation can help increase fuel economy, cut down on the number of traffic accidents and make it easier for some Arizonans to get back and forth to school, work or wherever they are going.

Details about the new Loop 303 projects from ADOT:

• Loop 303 between Thomas and Camelback roads
$31.5 million contract awarded to Ames Construction, Inc.
Length of Freeway Segment: 2 miles
Construction Start: June 2012
Scheduled Completion: Summer 2014

• Loop 303 between Glendale and Peoria avenues
$65.1 million contract awarded to Pulice Construction, Inc.
Length of Freeway Segment: 3 miles
Project includes construction of Northern Parkway interchange and a one-mile section of Northern Parkway between Loop 303 and Sarival Avenue.
Construction Start: June 2012
Scheduled Completion: Fall 2014

April 30, 2012 

New Jersey Law Targets Aggressive Driving

defensive driving, aggressive driving, new jersey driversAggressive drivers pose a threat to anyone who shares the road with them. They are the complete and utter opposite of ‘defensive drivers’ who remain on the right side of the law; stay calm behind the wheel and take their responsibility as a good, safe driver seriously. Defensive drivers don’t let frustration get the better of them when they are in a car.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed into law this week a new provision meant to curb instances of aggressive driving by providing for jail time for the aggressor any time that aggression leads to an injury. At the signing Christie told reporters: “It does not permit you to act out every one of your childish tantrums while behind the wheel of a vehicle.”

The new law states that “aggressive driving” now also encompasses motor vehicle offenses usually classified under reckless and careless driving laws, including driving more than 25 mph over the speed limit, failing to yield and following too closely. Also included in the new aggressive driving law are verbal threats, flashing headlights and insulting gestures “designed to display anger or to intimidate or threaten” a person driving lawfully.

Aggressive driving behaviors are not limited to New Jersey, however. According to a 2009 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than half of all vehicle crashes in the United States are caused by aggressive driving. New Jersey just became the 15th state to directly address the risks inherent with aggressive driving and define what is and is not aggressive driving. Pennsylvania already has an Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Program, and regularly conducts patrols aimed at finding and citing aggressive drivers.

By passing a law which well defines aggressive driving, New Jersey is taking a stance firmly on the side of defensive drivers, and sending a message loud and clear than anything less simply will not be tolerated.

April 27, 2012 

Mississippi Traffic Cam Ban Prompts Lawsuit

defensive driving, mississippiIn 2009, Mississippi legislators passed a new law designed to prohibit the use of traffic cameras anywhere within the state. Unfortunately, an Arizona-based company called American Traffic Solutions had already contracted with two Mississippi counties to install and maintain such cameras. Their contract was signed in 2008, a full year before the new ban went into place. No plan was in place to compensate companies which had signed contracts for traffic camera installation and maintenance.

Now, American Traffic Solutions is suing Mississippi saying that their property and their right to do business in the state were impinged upon by the new law. But Mississippi lawmakers are so far unrepentant.

Legislators say the new law is designed to protect the privacy rights of Mississippi citizens. They view the use of traffic cameras, which automatically record license plate number numbers of vehicles which violate intersection law, an intrusion of personal privacy and say their support of the ban is a step in the right direction toward protecting their citizens.

The company, American Traffic Solutions, says it has been damaged by the state law and seeks compensation for the loss of their property and the value of their contracts.

Whether or not the cameras were helping promote public safety is debatable according to legislators, but local law enforcement officials say traffic crashes at intersections where cameras were in place declined 60 percent when the cameras were on. Also, the communities where the cameras were located collected an additional $600,000 in traffic fines due to the cameras.

The debate over whether or not traffic cameras are “fair” seems to hinder acceptance of the facts: They increase public safety by forcing motorists to proceed safely through intersections, not run stop signs and traffic lights, and be more cautious when they get behind the wheel.

Doubtless, nobody is happy to get a traffic citation, but if the cameras work to improve public safety, what’s the issue?

April 26, 2012 

TxDOT Ramps Up Driver Awareness In Work Zones

The Texas Department of Transportation has seen more than its fair share of deadly crashes caused by drivers who refuse to slow down in construction zones, don’t pay attention to road crews or are completely oblivious to the work zone rules and regulations.

This has the TxDOT ramping up efforts to educate drivers on the dangers present on work zones, not just for the crews who are working there, but also for the drivers who are sharing the road with them.

Stiff penalties and fines are already in place for drivers who ignore safe speed limits imposed in these areas, or those who are careless and unsafe. This new effort by the TxDOT is meant to remind drivers that these penalties exist for a reason: Public safety.

April 26, 2012 

Arizona Bicyclists Wants Drivers To “Be Aware”

distracted driving, my improv, arizonaArizona boasts some of the best weather in the United States. Most days are clear, warm and sunny and offer a great opportunity to go for a bike ride. Unfortunately, all that sunshine and good weather doesn’t do much to keep bicyclists protected from drivers who are careless or just unaware they are sharing the road with bicycles.

Now, members of the ‘Not One More Cyclist Foundation’ are pushing legislators to pass distracted driving laws and get drivers to focus on being more careful behind the wheel. The group points to a number of recent car vs bicyclist accidents as yet more reminders that when drivers fail to pay attention, people get hurt.

A distracted driving law in Arizona would not only protect bicyclists, it would also protect drivers by forcing them to focus on paying attention behind the wheel, instead of texting or talking on a cell phone.

In 2008, Sterling Baer and Dara Schulenberg founded the Not One More Cyclist Foundation, which works to educate the public on cyclist safety, pushes for legislation and helps families of injured cyclists hit on Arizona roads. According to the most recent state data available, 19 bicyclists were killed on Arizona roads in 2010.

Organizers tried to draw the attention of Arizona legislators to pass a bill to protect “vulnerable users” on the road, such as bicyclists and people in wheelchairs — basically, anyone who can encounter a motor vehicle.

“If we institute a distracted-driver law, there will be more awareness in the mind of people driving behind the wheel,” Baer said.

April 26, 2012 

Maine Gets Tough On Teen Drivers And Texters

distracted driving, defensive driving, my improv, maineThis week Maine Governor Paul LePage signed into law a new measure aimed squarely at teen drivers with provisional licenses and drivers who continue to text behind the wheel.

Last December the National Transportation Safety Board released a report which showed that fatal crashes caused by distracted driving now outnumber the number caused by drunk driving. The NTSB recommended all states immediately enact complete and total bans of the use of handheld devices by all drivers.

So far 36 states have enacted some sort of ban, either partial or total on the use of handheld devices by drivers.

According to the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, since Christmas, 16 teen drivers have been killed in crashes caused by distracted driving on Maine roadways. Now Maine is doing its part to reduce the number of crashes caused by distracted driving, and sending a message to teen drivers that distracted driving simply will not be tolerated.

The new law increases the minimum fine for texting while driving, regardless of age, to between $250 and as much as $500. Up from the current fine of $100.

Fines and terms of license suspensions for violating conditions on a juvenile provisional license, such as limits on hours of driving, are increased. The duration for which repeat offenders lose their provisional licenses for violations is also increased, to a maximum of one year. Lawmakers also increased fees to get a provisional license reinstated, and required all provisional drivers whose licenses have been suspended to take a four-hour improvement course as of Jan. 1.

Two years ago Maine legislators tried to enact a similar law, taking a tough stance against distracted driving, but that measure failed to garner enough support to pass. Following the recent spate of distracted driving tragedies and the recent NTSB report, however, the new laws found overwhelming support and passed easily.

April 23, 2012 

Texas Police Aim To Curb DUI Repeats

defensive drivingLast September Texas lawmakers put in place a new law which provides stiffer penalties for drivers convicted of having a blood alcohol content twice (or more) the legal limit. It is hoped that this increased punishment will help deter repeat offenders in a state known for not cracking down hard enough on drunk drivers in the past.

Texas now used ankle monitors which detect alcohol, interlock devices which require the driver to submit to a self-administered breathalyzer test before the engine will start, and increased fines. There is also the increased likelihood even first time offenders will serve some jail time if convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Last December the National Transportation Safety Board released a report which said that traffic fatalities caused by distracted driving now outpaced the number of fatalities caused by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For the first time in decades something was worse than driving drunk so attention was shifted in that direction. But driving drunk did not suddenly become less dangerous because something else was causing more fatal crashes. In fact, drunk driving remains a deadly combination. Drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol face increased risk to themselves and others, along with the possibility of arrest, traffic citations and jail time.

Texas is hardly the only state grappling with a number of annual vehicle crashes caused by driving under the influence of alcohol. Every state has its fair share of drunk drivers and every state has consistently stepped up efforts to combat this scourge. Drunk driving fines across the nation have gone up, so has the threat of jail time, the use of interlock devices, and increased vigilance against drunk driving by police.

In Texas lawmakers and police have turned their focus to drunk driving not because distracted driving doesn’t matter to them, but because they know a problem when they see it and they have the tools to fight it head on.

April 23, 2012 

Cinco de Mayo Means Fun For Some, Work For Police

defensive driving, arizona, traffic schoolThere is nothing wrong with enjoying a few margaritas in celebration of the annual Cinco de Mayo holiday, but if you plan on driving in Arizona you better make certain you do it clean and sober.

Arizona has some of the toughest laws against driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The first arrest will result in jail time for every offender. That’s one DUI, one stint in the local jail. Not a pretty picture and certainly not the way anyone would want to spend their Cinco de Mayo holiday.

Just one DUI arrest in Arizona is a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in the county jail and up to a $2,500 fine plus an 84 percent surcharge. That’s a lot of dough just so you can have a few hours of fun with your friends.

Despite the odds being against them some folks in Arizona cannot resist drinking too much and then getting behind the wheel of their car or truck. Last 500 people in Arizona were arrested for drunk driving during Cinco de Mayo festivities. That number is in addition to the including 167 extreme DUI arrest that they made.

To counter this effect, every law enforcement agency in the state will be on high alert this May 5, watching carefully for impaired drivers, setting up DUI checkpoints and generally being cognizant that at least of the few of the drivers on the road with them will be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When it comes to fighting drunk driving, the odds are clearly in the favor of the police. Plus, as an added bonus, if you drive sober you greatly increase your chances of getting home alive.

This Cinco de Mayo, have fun, but drive safe. You’ll not only save some money you might just save a life.

April 23, 2012 

Michigan DUI Crackdown Nets 400

defensive driving, traffic schoolMichigan police, like police across the country, are decidedly anti-drunk driving. They have a zero tolerance stance and show no mercy to anyone they catch driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They simply will not allow you to endanger the lives of everyone just so you can have some fun.

Lately distracted driving has been getting all the attention, especially following the release of a report by the National Transportation Safety Board which showed there were more fatalities attributed to distracted driving crashes than those caused by DUI. But does nothing to diminish the fact that driving under the influence of alcohol is just as deadly as it has always been.

In fact, given the increased number of cars on the road today, drunk driving is even more dangerous than it has ever been before.

Which is likely what prompted Michigan police to launch a Spring offensive against drivers who might have had a few drinks before getting behind the wheel.

More than 165 agencies in 26 counties participated in the offensive which resulted in 79 drivers being charged under the state’s new “Super Drunk” legal limit of 0.17 or higher. Plus, another 300 or so arrested for having a blood alcohol content of .08 or above. Less than “Super Drunk” but still too drunk to be on the road driving.

Nicknamed, “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” the Michigan crackdown lasted from March 13 to April 2. It resulted in nearly 4,000 citations or arrests, and 8,083 traffic stops all of which centered on DUI enforcement.

Distracted driving is easy enough to counter: just don’t allow anything to take your attention away from your driving and you’ll be ok. Unfortunately when your thinking is impaired by drugs or alcohol your common sense goes out the window and you end up doing stupid things because you simply cannot stop yourself. Fortunately for everyone the police in every state are watching out for them, and for us.

April 21, 2012 

Georgia Drivers Beware The ‘Nighthawks’

defensive driving, traffic school, georgiaIf you are a defensive driver who never drives their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol you have nothing to fear from the ‘Nighthawks’.

The ‘Nighthawks’ are a new special operations unit of the Georgia State Patrol which will be focused almost exclusively on identifying those drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol and getting them off the road before the hurt themselves or someone else.

Harris Blackwood, the director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, told reporters this week that the Nighthawks program has been a successful program in Atlanta and Athens since October 2004. The newest group will be comprised of six members of the Georgia State Patrol and will hit the streets in Muscogee County immediately.

In counties where special DUI enforcement teams have hit the streets statistics show that the incidence of DUI arrests have declined by nearly 50 percent. This has emboldened police and caused them to focus efforts on specialized units tasked with just addressing the issue of driving under the influence.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, nearly 30 percent of all crashes which occur in the state have alcohol or drugs as their root cause. This makes addressing the issue of driving under the influence a critical one for police and authorities tasked with making the streets a safer place for everyone.

According to a recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board, distracted driving is now responsible for more traffic fatalities than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but that does not mean that DUI is any less dangerous than it has always been. In Georgia they are throwing down the gauntlet and focusing efforts on keeping these drunk and drugged drivers off the streets. This will no doubt result in more citations, more fines, more suspended licenses and more trips to traffic school (or jail) for some, but a whole lot safe place to drive for a lot of others.

April 19, 2012 

MADD Focuses Efforts On Texas Parents

texas, teen drivers, defensive drivingThe group Mothers Against Drunk Drivers is concerned that some Texas parents are unaware their children are likely experimenting with alcohol or are already drinking alcohol on a regular basis. In a recent press release MADD cites a new report which says that 85% of Texas parents believe their children are not interested in alcohol.

This flies in the face of conventional wisdom, as many parents of teenagers realize. In fact, it doesn’t seem to be far from what parents of my generation believed even though as a teenager I saw an abundance of “good kids” getting drunk every day after school.

The survey was conducted in conjunction with PowerTalk 21 Day, April 21, during which MADD urges parents to talk to their kids about alcohol. For many parents that is uncomfortable conversation, second only to the talk about sex education. They want to believe their children will always tell them the truth and are reticent to push the issue too hard for fear of alienating their child.

But statistics show that most, if not quite all, teenagers at least experiment with drugs or alcohol, with most starting when they are just 12 years old. For parents this presents a challenge which is not only difficult to overcome, but one which holds their child’s life in the sway. There is no way as a parent to know exactly what your teenager is doing at every minute, and efforts to over-control your teenager are doomed to failure before you start. Knowing the risks are high and the dangers if they do start drinking, especially if they have a license to drive and a car, are what is spurring many parents to sit down and have the talk they have been dreading.

Remember, vehicle fatalities remain the number one killer of American teenagers.

In Texas, MADD is trying to get parents to start talking before it’s too late.

April 19, 2012 

Arizona Lightens Up (A Little) On DUI Offenders

arizona, defensive driving, my improvArizona was one of the few states requiring first time violators of the state’s driving under the influence laws to require the installation of an interlock device for one full year after conviction. This year the state will reduce that mandatory sentence to a minimum of just six months.

Since requiring interlock devices be installed in vehicles driven by anyone convicted of driving under the influence, Arizona has reduced DUI related fatalities by more than 50 percent. In other states where the installation of interlock devices has been required of those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, similar improvements in the rate of DUI related fatalities has been reported.

In all, 15 states require interlock devices for those convicted of DUI: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New York, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Washington.

An interlock device is a piece of electronic equipment professionally installed in your vehicle which requires you to submit to and pass an automated breathalyzer test before allowing you to start the ignition. Under Arizona law offenders required to install interlock devices are required to pay installation fees (up to $300) and the monthly service charge

There is currently an effort under way, supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other anti-drunk driving forces, which would require all automobiles come equipped with an interlock device installed on the steering wheel. The system is called Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety and is being developed jointly by the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, comprised of the world’s leading auto manufacturers, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The move is meant both as an automatic deterrent against drunk drivers and a reminder to all motorists that driving under the influence is a serious issue. The House and Senate Commerce Committees unanimously approved some funding for this work as part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act during the last Congress. The measure has a smattering of support in Congress but seems unlikely to garner enough votes to pass any time soon.

April 19, 2012 

Alabama Focus On Teen Drivers

defensive driving, teen drivers, my improvA new initiative is focused squarely on teen drivers in Alabama, most at risk of having a fatal collision. In fact, Alabama has the second highest rate of teen traffic fatalities in the nation, although it has far fewer teen drivers than states like New York, California, Florida and Texas.

This frightening statistic has Alabama lawmakers and police taking a long, hard look at teen driving in their state. They are looking at ways to better enforce existing laws, and creating a public awareness campaign aimed at teaching teen drivers they face increased risk behind the wheel.

The Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians is teaming up with Allstate Insurance to offer a $25,000 to provide pediatricians that includes tools and resources to discuss safe driving habits with their teenage patients. This is meant as a direct assault on the dangers of teenage drivers, but it is not the only way to address the problem. As a result of this grant, the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians has teamed with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Alabama Safe Kids and Children’s of Alabama pediatric hospital to get their message across to teen drivers. The Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics was one of eight groups in the country to receive a safe driving grant from the Allstate Foundation.

Alabama already has a graduated driver license program for teen drivers. It also has been increasing focus on distracted driving, seat belt usage among teen drivers and the use of drugs and alcohol by teenagers. All of these things combine to increase the risk for teenagers when they take to the road.

Defensive driving is a crucial skill that every driver, regardless of experience, needs before they take to the roads. The fact that teen drivers are hitting the roads without it is likely what is causing an update in their number of traffic fatalities.

April 16, 2012 

Texas DOT Pushes “Text. Talk. Crash”

texas, defensive driving, traffic schoolIn support of Distracted Driving Awareness Month the Texas Department of Transportation has launched a new safe driving campaign called “Text. Talk. Crash.”

According to the Texas DOT, a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study showed that 54 percent of motorists said their driving was no different when talking on the phone. In 2011, more than 81,000 crashes on Texas roadways involved some sort of distracted driving, and 361 of these proved fatal.
These numbers show that 25 percent of all crashes in Texas are caused by distracted driving.

Most people think of distracted driving as something which causes them to simply take their eyes off the road. While it is true that taking your eyes off the road while driving for even a moment is enough to result in calamity, taking your BRAIN off the road is just as bad. That’s what happens when you try to use your phone or other handheld device while driving. You look away, yes, but you also lose mental focus on what you are doing which is even worse.

Texas officials have been using a series of public service announcements to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and convince drivers that what they are doing behind the wheel requires their full and complete attention. There simply is no reason to be doing anything but focusing on your driving every time you get behind the wheel.

Remember, it’s not just about defensive driving, it’s about staying alive. Be smart and take the Texas DOT advice to heart: Distracted driving kills. period.

April 16, 2012 

Arizona Trying To Redefine ‘Intersections’

defensive driving, improv traffic school, arizonaIn Arizona, if your vehicle has passed the crosswalk you still are not technically inside the intersection, which means that a red light camera will trigger if you are trying to beat it, resulting in a citation.

All of this may change, however, following an Arizona Senate Appropriations Committee vote of 8-4 Tuesday to redefine the boundaries of every intersection, essentially expanding them. Arizona HB 2557 also redefines it in the state’s traffic code. If the bill passes a full vote it would require all red light camera pavement sensors be moved farthing away from the what is now the center of the intersection.

As approved, HB 2557 says the intersection starts at any painted “stop’ line or at the first crosswalk line a vehicle would encounter going into an intersection, whichever comes first.”

Effectively, it would mean drivers will be less likely to trigger the camera if they were trying to beat the light change.

This good news for drivers who like to press their luck at intersections where the light is in the process of changing, but bad news for cities like Phoenix which have reported their red light cameras have resulted in fewer injuries and deaths related to crashes at intersections. Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs said it didn’t matter what results had been for the city of Phoenix, he was only concerned with testimony from traffic safety experts, none of whom have commented one way or the other.

Arizona Sen. Frank Antenori, R-Tucson, authored HB 2557, and has been a vocal opponent of photo enforcement of traffic violations for years. He said if passed the new law would bring Arizona in line with 38 states which also use red light cameras.

April 16, 2012 

Nevada Has A Plan To Stop Traffic Fatalities

defensive driving, my improv traffic school, nevadaFollowing a near record number of traffic fatalities for the first quarter of 2012, the Nevada Departments of Public Safety and Transportation, have started a full court press when it comes to educating the public about traffic safety.

Following a record number of traffic deaths in 2006, Nevada created the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan which aimed to cut the number of traffic related fatalities in half by 2030. Ultimately the plan calls for there to be zero traffic related fatalities in the state, but given the sharp increase in deaths seen recently, that goal is still far off. In fact, even the goal of cutting traffic fatalities by half seems a tall order.

Despite these long odds, the Nevada Departments of Public Safety and Transportation offer these public safety reminders for anyone using Nevada roadways, whether for driving, walking, biking or riding:

* Buckle Up — Nearly 50 percent of fatality crashes that Nevada law enforcement agencies investigated in the past year involved unbuckled vehicle occupants. It only takes two seconds to click your seat belt, and the life you save might be your own.

* Don’t Drive Impaired — On average, more than 50 people are arrested daily for driving under the influence in Nevada. A first DUI arrest will likely result in a 90-day loss of driving privileges, an impounded vehicle, legal fees, court costs, two days in jail and attendance at a victim impact panel, with harsher penalties for subsequent offenses.

* Be Pedestrian Safe — In the first quarter of 2012, there were 12 pedestrian deaths on Nevada roads, double the number from the same time last year. Pedestrians should always cross safely, making eye contact with drivers. Drivers should always look for and yield to pedestrians.

* Stay in Your Lane/Keep Your Eyes on the Road — Distracted and/or sleepy driving can lead motorists to unintentionally leave their lane. Put away the distractions and drive with your full attention.

* Stop on Red — In a five-year span, 467 people died in Nevada intersection crashes. Whether at a traffic signal or stop sign, always stop on red.

April 13, 2012 

Texans Go Online To Drive

texas, defensive drivingIf you live in Texas you can now do just about anything you need to do to drive safely and legally in the state without ever getting in your car and driving any where. This is good news for Texans who want to avoid standing in line at the license branch or need to do their vehicle registration or license renewal outside normal business hours.

The website Texas.gov/Driver has everything Texas drivers need to stay safe and legal on state roads. Texas residents can renew their registration, state issue identification or driver’s license; handle traffic tickets and access driving records, just to name a few things.

The Texas.gov web site offers driver’s and all citizens access to just about everything they might need in order to stay on the right side of the law when it comes to identification and driving. Plus, because the site is accessible any time day or night via the Internet, it makes life a lot easier for everyone who lives in the state.

April 13, 2012 

Arizona Teens Follow National Trend: No Driver’s License

arizona defensive drivingWhen I was a kid getting your driver’s license was a rite of passage. It meant freedom to go where you wanted, when you wanted without needing to rely on your parents or older sibling to take you someplace.

Every friend I had was counting the days until they could apply for their learner’s permit, take the driving exam and hit the open road on their own. But as times change so do the ways we live in them. This might account for the sudden surge not in new drivers, but in the number of teenagers who choose not get a driver’s license at all.

That’s right, a new study released by the Arizona Public Interest Research Group the average number of miles driven by people younger than 35 fell by almost 25 percent. Data kept by the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that since 2008, while the population of teenagers grew, the number with driver’s licenses actually got smaller.

Most of these young people are choosing to walk or ride their bikes, well into their college years. Where light rail and public transportation is available they are using that. In essence, they are eschewing getting a driver’s license because they don’t want the added expense of owning a car; facing high fuel prices at the pumps and the high costs of maintaining their automobiles.

If this trend continues into adulthood for these teens the incidence of highway congestion and vehicle crashes will naturally decline, but also, the U.S. auto industry could be facing a major problem.

April 13, 2012 

New Jersey Cell Phone Ban Not Having Desired Effect

defensive driving, new jersey, distracted drivingA recent analysis of accident data shows that although New Jersey has what is considered a tough ban on texting while driving, there are still a fair number of crashes being caused by exactly this type of distracted driving.

New Jersey passed its first ban on using a handheld cell phone while driving in 2004 as a secondary violation. That meant that drivers could only be ticketed for using their cell phone while driving if they had pulled over by police for other driving infraction.

In 2008, following a surge in crashes caused by distracted driving linked to cell phone use, state legislators made using a cell phone while driving a primary driving offense. That meant that police were given the authority to stop and cite drivers they saw actively violating the cell phone while driving ban. It was thought increased vigilance and greater authority by police would help turn the tide of crashes linked to distracted driving.

But has it?

There were nearly 3,600 crashes linked to the use of cell phones while driving in 2006. Following the first ban, then the enhanced ban in 2008, those numbers did wane slightly, but in 2010, the most recent year for which driving crash data was available, there were 3,351 crashes linked to cell phone use while driving. Only slightly better than the year in which the total ban was made a primary offense.

There seems to be little doubt that distracted driving inhibits safe driving and leads to an increased number of crashes, some of which result in injury or death. A National Transportation Safety Board report from December 2011 indicates that distracted driving results in more fatal crashes than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This alone is enough to warrant further study into not only how to force drivers to stop using their handheld devices while driving, but also wake them up to just how dangerous it is.

April 11, 2012 

Nevada Sees Sharp Rise In Traffic Deaths

nevada, defensive driving, safe drivingDespite a statewide pursuit of zero annual traffic deaths, a new report shows that Nevada saw a near 25 percent increase in the number of people killed on state roads for 2012 compared to the same period last year.

Nevada adopted a “zero fatalities” campaign after a record 432 traffic deaths in 2006. This past October they adopted a new law making it illegal to text or talk on a hand-held cellphone while driving. Despite these efforts, traffic deaths have still risen.

Just five years after their record number of traffic deaths, Nevada managed to drop the fatalities to just 246. This precipitous drop was preceded by a campaign to increase awareness of safe driving and a focus on defensive driving skills. The effort by legislators to ban the use of handheld devices and texting and driving in particular was the culmination of years worth of effort and public education.

Nevada state legislators and Nevada police departments have focused primarily on driving safety specifically to reduce the number of traffic related fatalities, yet still, the first quarter of 2012 showed that those efforts have at least a few flaws.

However, the flaws in Nevada’s plans to decrease traffic fatalities have more do with natural factors than with anything the state did or did not do. For instance, a milder than normal winter and an early spring meant more drivers were on the roads during the first quarter of 2012 than usual. This increased number of drivers means the chances of having an accident were increased, through no fault of police or state officials. Also, economic factors have forced more employees to drive further for their work (assuming they found work.) This longer commute puts more drivers on the road for longer periods of time, increasing their exposure to the inherent dangers of driving.

The year is only just beginning and it is too early to know if the upward trend in Nevada traffic fatalities will continue or subside, but knowing where they stand now you can expect that police in the state will likely redouble their efforts to remind drivers that safe driving saves lives.

April 9, 2012 

Two More States Ban Testing And Driving

defensive driving, distracted driving, west virginia, my improvIdaho and West Virginia have joined more than two dozen other states which not only actively ban texting and driving, but actively pursue drivers they see violating the new laws.

The Idaho ban on texting by all drivers goes into effect July 1, 2012. Violators will face an $85 fine.

The West Virginia law, which includes a ban on the use of all hand-held devices by drivers goes into effect July 1, 2012. Violators will get a citation for $100 on the first offense, with subsequent infractions increasing. If you get caught a second time the fine rises to $200 and if you are dumb enough to do it a third time the cost goes up to $300. Plus three points will be assessed against the driver’s license on the third and any subsequent violations.

Text messaging will be a primary offense in West Virginia, effective July 1, while driver hand-held cell phone use will be limited to secondary enforcement until July 1, 2013, when it becomes a primary offense.

It is significant that both these states chose to pass their laws during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, when national attention is (hopefully) being focused on what has become the leading threat to anyone who rides on the roads.

In December the National Transportation Safety Board released a report which showed that statistically speaking, distracted driving is responsible for more traffic fatalities that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The NTSB suggested that every state immediately pass complete bans on the use of hand-held devices by drivers. Some states already had bans in place. Some states banned texting and driving, while others forced drivers to use hands-free devices for their cell phones, or completely banned the use of any and all devices by drivers.

with the addition of Idaho and West Virginia, there are now just 13 states which continue to allow drivers to use hand held devices, even text and drive. These states are facing mounting pressure to wake up and recognize that distracted driving is a serious threat to public safety, but so far, they are still sleeping.

April 6, 2012 

ADOT Warns of Fake Web Sites

defensive driving, my improv, arizona, driversArizona Department of Transportation is cautioning drivers and web surfers that fake ADOT web sites are starting to create a serious hazard for them.

The ADOT does not maintain the Internet Super Highway, but it does monitor what transpires online and how it might impact Arizona. Their most recent warning is aimed at anyone who might want to make of the Arizona Department of Transportation web site. The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division is the only web site which can officially authorize motor vehicle services such as registration renewals, specialty license plates or a duplicate driver’s license. In fact, although some bogus web sites offer to help drivers renew their driver’s license or get a driver’s license, all of that work must be done in-person at an authorized Arizona Motor Vehicle Division office or authorized third-party site.

These ADOT warnings came about last week when it was discovered that some fake web sites had started collecting people’s driver license information, credit card information and other payments in order to complete an assortment of registration functions. Drivers who unwittingly supplied their personal information or paid for these services received nothing in return and left themselves open to further cyber attack and personal identity theft.

If you have need of driver’s license or vehicle registration services from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, be certain you are visiting the correct web site, or, do your business with them in person. Using the Internet is a great way to save some time, especially if you work during the same times that the local offices are open, but you need to take precautions. If you are unsure which site is the right it only takes a minute to call the local office and confirm you are at the right site before committing any of your personal information.

April 5, 2012 

California Distracted Drivers Targeted By Police

distracted driving, california, policeForget about texting and driving, using your cell phone and driving or even putting on make-up and driving-all of those things, plus a whole lot more, fall under the category of distracted driving, and this month California police are out in force to catch them in the act.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and police in California and across the country are making distracted drivers their focus. Last December the National Transportation Safety Board said that distracted driving accounted for more fatal crashes in the United States than deaths caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The NTSB report came with a recommendation that all states immediately enact a complete ban on the use of handheld devices by drivers. Some states reacted positively, quickly pushing legislation through which completely or partially banned the use of these devices, but that is only part of the story.

Drivers do not need to be using a cell phone or updating their Facebook status to be distracted. Anyone who has ever traveled on a U.S. highway has likely been witness to other drivers doing such strange things as putting on make-up, shaving or even reading a newspaper. All of these things count as distracted driving and police are now focusing their attention on distractions which are less obvious.

All but 15 states now have some form of distracted driving law in place and fines vary from $50 to $150. Police in these states now have the authority to stop drivers who they see are distracted, either by cell phone or some other action. Before the new laws went into effect police had to actually witness someone driving in an erratic manner before they were permitted to stop them. Now, even if the driver is driving perfectly well, if they appear to engaged in an activity other than driving, police have the power, and the justification, to stop them and issue a citation.

April 2, 2012 

Idaho Goes Digital With Insurance Proof

defensive driving school, my improv, idahoIdaho recently became the first state in the U.S. to allow drivers to present proof of insurance using their handheld electronic device, like a smartphone.

This is the first in what many believe will become a huge exodus away from paper ‘proofs’ to digital ‘proofs.’ And it make sense.

Smartphones and other electronic handheld devices are ubiquitous. And just about every company already provides electronic access to features, accounts, profile and other information. It just a small step for these companies to create and offer free apps which provide the legal documentation required.

Last week Idaho Governor Butch Otter signed SB 1319 which allows Idaho drivers to either show proof of coverage with a smartphone App or even just a PDF copy saved on their phone. For those without such devices the traditional hard copy proof of insurance card will still be accepted.

The new Idaho bill passed the Senate unanimously, and passed the house with only one “nay” vote. This is due not just to the fact the new legislation is expected to save money, both for insurance providers and the insured, but also to make it easier for drivers to prove they are insured in the event of a traffic stop or vehicle crash.

Idaho may have been the first state to allow digital proof of insurance, but other states already have pending legislation that will do much the same thing. Alabama will soon publish regulation which allows motorists to electronically display electronic proof of insurance at registration and during traffic stops starting next year. The Arizona Legislature has approved legislation which allows motorists to display proof of insurance electronically and is currently awaiting final approval from the governor and in California, legislation allowing insurers to provide proof of insurance to a mobile electronic device is currently working its way through the House.

March 30, 2012 

‘Move Over’ Effort Nets 1200 Citations

defensive driving, floridaDuring the month of February the Florida Highway Patrol focused on driver safety and enforcement of the state’s 10-year-old “Move Over” law which requires motorists to slow down and move to an outside lane when emergency vehicles are stopped along the side of the road. The FHP increased patrols and focused their efforts primarily on driver safety violations. The results were significant, but not nearly as significant as the impact they had the driving safety of everyone who was traveling on Florida highways during the month.

During the 29 days of the FHP ‘Move Over Campaign, officers focused on getting drivers to ‘Move Over’ for stopped emergency vehicles on Florida highways; handed out more than 69,000 traffic citations; made more than 600 arrests for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs; wrote almost 24,000 speeding tickets; and issued more than 1,200 citations to drivers for failing to ‘move over’ for stopped emergency vehicles.

Florida defensive drivers don’t need the highway patrol to remind them it is unsafe (and illegal) to fail to yield to emergency vehicles, especially when they are stopped along the side of the highway. You might think that slowing down and moving your vehicle a safe distance away from the stopped emergency vehicles is just common sense, but these days common sense is not so common. With so many drivers on the road, more than ever before; a multitude of new and different types of vehicles with an assortment of features and a number of young inexperienced drivers, not everyone understands the ramifications of driving in an unsafe manner.

After the February crack-down by the Florida Highway Patrol you can bet there are more than a few Floridians who now understand the error of their ways. Whether or not they will move over for stopped emergency vehicles next time they approach one, well, let’s just say it is more likely now than it was before they got a citation for not doing it.

March 28, 2012 

California Drivers Saving Their Own Lives

defensive driving, california, cell phone banA new report by the California Office of Traffic Safety states that a 2008 cell phone ban for drivers has been dramatically reducing the number of fatalities caused by drivers using their cellphones. In fact, the report shows that the number of traffic deaths in California declined by 22 percent in the past four years and the death-by-cellphone rate dropped a whopping 47 percent.

A December report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that distracted driving, specifically the use of handheld devices for texting and talking, was currently the single largest contributor of vehicle crashes in the United States, surpassing even crashes caused by driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The NHTSA used their report to add weight to their recommendation that all states pass comprehensive bans on the use of handheld devices  by drivers. This recommendation has been met with support from some states, and much resistance by law makers in other states. So far, 36 states, including California, limit the use of handheld devices by drivers, while states such as Texas and Indiana continue to have no such laws on the books.

California was one of the first states to address the issue of the drivers using handheld devices when they were behind the wheel. When lawmakers first proposed the legislation some citizens spoke out, complaining the ban was an infringement on their personal liberties. Of course, all defensive drivers know that dying behind the wheel of your car because you didn’t see what was right in front of you is the biggest infringement on your personal liberty that there is.

The base fine for being caught driving with a phone in your hand is only $20, but this has been enough of a deterrent to save numerous lives. According to the COTS, between 70 and 80 lives were saved because of the ban, and about 5,000 injuries were prevented in the first two years of the law. The COTS study only looked at crashes where the driver was using a cellphone, so it is difficult to know whether there have been even more positive effects as a result, but for now, good news is still good news.

 

March 26, 2012 

California Not Messing Around With Drunk Drivers

defensive driving, californiaHow serious are California authorities about cracking down on drunk drivers? Very serious. New legislation enacted this year is meant as a serious deterrent against anyone who even thinks about getting behind the wheel of an automobile after downing a few drinks.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, starting January 1 of 2012, judges can order a 10-year driver license revocation for any California motorist convicted of a third or subsequent DUI violation. It is possible you may qualify for reinstatement of your driving privileges after five years if you meet certain prearranged conditions, but five years without a license is still a long time.

That’s a full decade of no driving privileges, folks. How are you going to get to work? How are you going to get to the grocery store? Who will drive your kids to school or pick them up?

If you try to drive again, with a revoked license, you could end up getting another 10-year revocation, or even, in worst cases a lifetime suspension of driving privileges. Then what would you do to get around?

Defensive drivers understand the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They know the effect alcohol or drugs can have on their ability to react to hazards or even make a good judgement call about when to make a turn.

There is never a good time to get behind the wheel drunk or under the influence of drugs. You are always much better off arranging for a safe ride home before you go out at night. Using a designated driver if you are in a group is also an acceptable idea. But getting behind the wheel drunk is not.

In California, if you risk driving while under the influence of any mind-altering substance you not only risk your driving privileges, you risk your life as well.

 

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March 24, 2012 

New Jersey Passing Lane In The Spotlight

defensive driving, new jersey drivers

New Jersey State Sen. Donald Norcross is behind new legislation which would increase fines for drivers who do not keep to the right.

Yes, driving in the “passing lane” is illegal in almost every state, but drivers are not often ticket for it, and if they are the fines are quite low. This is unfortunate, because drivers who insist on driving slow in the passing lane not only frustrate other drivers, they risk causing an accident.

In places where traffic congestion is heavy these drivers cause unneeded delays and in some cases force other drivers to drive recklessly in order to get around them. It is also a known trigger for incidents of “road rage.”

That is what has led Norcross to suggest the fines for these “passing lane drivers” be increased. Under his suggested rule change minimum fines will be increased from $50 to $100 and the maximum fine from $200 to $300. This is still not as stiff as penalties for other types of driving infractions, but it might just be a wake-up call for some drivers.

Defensive drivers know that the passing lane, the left lane, is meant for drivers who are traveling faster than the flow of traffic, so they can move ahead. It is the law, yes, but it is also a matter of common courtesy. Driving in slow in the passing lane is like standing still on a staircase while other people are trying to get up and down. Do you have a right to just stand there? Yes. Does it mean you SHOULD just stand because have the right to do so? Of course not.

You might think that driving slow in the passing lane is simply a matter of having a little common sense and common courtesy, but for some New Jersey drivers that simply isn’t enough. If the new legislation passes they will have the added incentive of a rather hefty fine to deal with too.

March 21, 2012 

Georgia DUIs Still High Despite Improvements

defensive drivingGeorgia authorities, local police and the Georgia Highway Patrol, have been focusing their efforts of finding and citing those who cannot resist driving under the influence of alcohol. As a result the number of drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of something, has risen, but the number of drunk drivers itself has gradually declined.

According to Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers, the number of drunk drivers in Georgia declined by more than 10 percent in 2011 compared with 2011. MADD statistics show there were 298 DUI fatalities on Georgia roadways in 2011. A sharp decline from previous years.

There simply is no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Studies have shown that as little as one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot of alcohol is enough to significantly diminish your ability to safely operate a vehicle. Alcohol impairs your judgement, slows your reflexes and causes you to react to situations at a much slower rate than you would if you were not impaired.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only distracted driving causes more traffic fatalities than driving under the influence, and distracted drivers actually take their eyes off the road completely. That means that drunk drivers who are watching the road ahead are almost as unsafe as those who are not even watching where they are going.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol, traffic citations are likely the least of your concerns. many states are requiring first time DUI offenders to install an inter-lock device which requires the driver to self-administer and pass a breathalyzer test before the engine will start, and many more states are also suspending driving privileges for a minimum of six months.

When it comes to driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol, the best defense is to not get behind the wheel in the first place. Do yourself and everyone else on the road a favor and find a sober driver or arrange for a safe ride home.

March 19, 2012 

Florida No-Fault Insurance Getting Scrutinized

defensive drivingThe no-fault insurance policy currently in effect in Florida has, some would say, resulted in wildly over priced premiums and rampant insurance fraud. Under the law as it now stands nearly every accident, regardless of who is at fault or how severe the accident might be, results in a $10,000 payout by insurance companies.

The state enacted the personal injury protection law in 1971 to make certain that anyone hurt in a car accident would get money as soon as possible to treat their injuries and cover other costs. Every driver’s insurance company is now required to pay up to $10,000, regardless of who is at fault.

Critics claim the law is now used to play the system,providing money for unneeded medical treatment so the maximum $10,000 can be billed for care.

There is an entire cottage industry around the PIP insurance law as it now stands with acupuncturists, chiropractors and therapists of all sorts getting involved in the game. Not to mention lawyers and their fees.

The new bill just approved by the legislature states that a car accident victim must receive treatment within 14 days in an ambulance or hospital, or from a physician, osteopathic physician, chiropractic physician or dentist. No referrals from acupuncturists or massage therapists allowed. Follow-up care requires referral from a physician, osteopath, chiropractor or dentist.

The injured person can get the $10,000 medical benefit only if a physician, osteopathic physician, dentist, supervised physician’s assistant or advanced registered nurse practitioner finds that they have an emergency medical condition. If not, the PIP medical benefit is limited to $2,500.

If an injury is discovered after the 14-day window, many drivers will still be covered by health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.

Although approved by the Florida legislature the PIP reform bill still needs the signature of the governor before it becomes law. In the meantime defensive drivers can rest easy knowing the odds are still in their favor when it comes to avoiding a crash. And if they do have a crash in Florida at least they know they won’t get reamed by fraudsters.

March 16, 2012 

Some California Cities Abandoning ‘Red Light’ Cameras

defensive drivingMost drivers fear the dreaded ‘red light’ cameras, and for good reason. These seemingly ubiquitous devices record any driver who crosses through an intersection even a fraction of a second too late (after the lights change) and provide irrefutable proof of the infraction to the police automatically, resulting in a citation issued against the driver.

Many cities contract with outside firms to install and monitor these cameras, in exchange for a share of the additional revenue they generate. This has some communities hopping mad at what they see as an obvious attempt to collect more money as opposed to an honest effort to increase public safety.

In response to these complaints, by defensive drivers too, the city of Glendale, California, has decided to get rid of their ‘red light’ cameras.

Four years ago the city contracted with Redflex Traffic Systems of Australia to install red light cameras at the intersections for a share of the revenue. During the intervening years Redflex Traffic Systems collected millions in revenue, passing along the fair share to city and state officials, but Glendale say what they earned didn’t even equal their costs.

For instance, last year Redflex mailed 5857 tickets worth $2,811,360. Minus expenses and its $32,000 monthly payment to Redflex, Glendale officials say they have nothing left to show for their trouble. So, they told Redflex to cancel the program last February 24.

This is a win for drivers who see the cameras as nothing more than a revenue generator for their communities, and apparently not a very good revenue generator at that. It is also a win for privacy advocates who say the red light cameras invade their privacy and violate their civil liberties.

Regardless of what you might think of the cameras themselves the fact is that their only purpose is to catch people who run red lights and turn them in to police. But they must be able to do this for a cost which makes sense to the city. If they lose money on the proposition there is no point in continuing an unpopular program.

 

March 15, 2012 

Idaho Considers Smartphone Insurance Proof

defensive driving, idaho, insuranceIdaho is one three states considering allowing insurance companies to supply an electronic version of a driver’s proof of insurance which they could access via their smartphone.

The pending legislation is meant to make life a little easier for drivers, especially those who do not carry a wallet, or who have replaced their briefcase with a jump stick and a smartphone.

In Idaho as in every state, drivers are required to carry proof of their automobile insurance with them at all times or face serious fines and possible suspension of their driving privileges.

Many insurance companies already have a smartphone app available for companies which allows them to access details of their coverage, but state laws have not yet caught up with the new technology, so no rules exist allowing drivers to produce this information rather than their actual insurance card. It seems a small detail to most defensive drivers, but having proof you are insured is the only way an officer knows for sure what sort of coverage you have and who it is with. They can’t just take your word for it.

If the pending legislation passes it will not only allow drivers to use a smartphone app as their proof of insurance, but also require insurance companies to provide an electronic version of their insurance card for any driver who requests one. There are also movements underway to digitize all registrations and driver licensing information as a way of cutting down on paperwork and easing costs for state departments of motor vehicles.

In addition to Idaho, California and Arizona also have legislation moving forward which would allow the use of digital insurance identification. Once passed (or, if passed) drivers will have a use for their smartphone in their cars after all. But not for texting or talking-just for proving to the officer they are properly insured.

 

 

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March 13, 2012 

Georgia ‘Super Speeders’ Face Super Penalties

defensive driving, georgia, speedingIf you have what is technically referred to as a “lead foot” you might just want to avoid driving in Georgia because that state will not tolerate what it calls ‘Super Speeders.’

According to the Georgia Department of Driver services “Georgia’s ‘Super Speeder Law’ defines a Super Speeder as a driver convicted of speeding at 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or at 85 mph and above on any road or highway in the State of Georgia.” That means cruising along with the top down, the radio blaring and the speedometer just under 76-mph is enough to get you busted big time.

First, you’ll get the standard fees and fines for speeding, then you’ll get an additional $200 Super Speeder state fee, under the ‘Super Speeder Law.’ If you decide not to pay the Super Speeder fee, or don’t pay it within 120 days of your official notice you’ll also get your license suspended or your driving privileges revoked. In addition to that you’ll also have to pay a $50 reinstatement fee to get your license or driving privileges back.

That is an awful lot of punishment for the few extra seconds it might get you to your destination sooner. And, as all defensive drivers know, when you speed you reduce the amount of time you have to react or respond to your environment and greatly increase your chance of a serious crash. We know that your vehicle likely has safety belts and air bags but there is no good reason to test things–just take the manufacturers word for it that they work as intended.

When it comes to speeding there really is never a good time to do it. It won’t get you where you are going that much sooner, but it will burn more gas and greatly increase your chances of having a serious crash. And if you get caught doing it in Georgia it’s also going to cost you a whole lot of money.

 

 

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March 10, 2012 

Arizona Texting And Driving Ban Fails To Pass

defensive driving, distracted driving, arizonaThis week Arizona lawmakers were unable to pass a new bill banning texting and driving.

This is not the first time an effort to ban texting and driving in Arizona has failed to make it through the legislature. In fact, lawmakers have tried several times in the past few years to get bills written which would convince the detractors who feel the issue is not worth a statewide ban to vote in favor of it.

This time supporters of the bill felt emboldened by a National Transportation Safety Board report and recommendation this past December which presented evidence they said showed distracted driving was the leading cause of vehicle crashes in the United States. The NTSB called for all states to enact bans on texting and driving, and even a compete on the use of handheld devices by anyone operating a vehicle.

Although a total statewide ban on texting and driving failed, there is measure getting some positive attention. The Senate has approved a bill which would effectively ban anyone with a learner’s driving permit, or anyone who has had their driving license for six months or less from using any handheld device for any reason while driving.

Arizona remains one of just 15 states which have so far resisted efforts to enact statewide texting and driving bans. Despite mounting evidence showing that distracted driving, often caused by the use of handheld and even hands-free devices, is now responsible for more vehicles crashes than drugs or alcohol, some lawmakers feel these decisions are best left to municipalities rather than state legislators. As an example, Texas lawmakers have avoided a statewide ban, but cities such as Dallas and Houston have some of the strictest rules against handheld devices in the nation.

For now, Arizona state lawmakers will rely on some limitations for inexperienced drivers, defensive drivers and local municipalities to police the number of distracted drivers and hope for the best.

 

 

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

March 8, 2012 

Texas DOT Aiming For Drunk Drivers

dui, texas, defensive driving, Don’t mess with Texas, especially if you are prone to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Distracted driving might be getting a lot of attention lately, especially after the National Transportation Safety Board said it was more dangerous than driving under the influence, but drinking and driving didn’t suddenly become less dangerous. In fact, it’s just as dangerous as it ever was which is why defensive drivers know better.

Unfortunately, not everyone who gets behind the wheel of an automobile is a defensive driver. Some are just plain stupid. Which is why Texas Department of Transportation is helping to spread the word about the dangers of driving under the influence. A new mobile virtual reality program which simulates the experience of driving under the influence of alcohol has been setting up shop around the state, especially at schools and colleges where young, more inexperienced drivers, have an opportunity to climb inside and strap on the special goggles.

Called ‘Watch UR BAC’, the Texas DOT is making the program available for free to community organizations, schools and anyone else interested in helping others learn about the dangers of driving under the influence. The fact is when you’re drunk your reflexes slow, your reactions time is delayed and your brain just doesn’t work as well as it does when you aren’t sober.

With Spring Break just around the corner Texas authorities are trying to increase the awareness of driving drunk in the hopes that at least some students will take their warnings to heart and not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

If you get pulled over for Driving Under the Influence in Texas you face a mandatory 72 hours in jail (or as much as six days) and up to $2,000 in fines for your first offense. You may also get your driver’s license suspended for up to a full year and be required to attend a court ordered traffic school.

The best idea when it comes to drinking and driving is just not to do it.

 

 

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March 6, 2012 

Nevada Becomes First State To Approve Driver-less Cars

nevada, defensive driving, traffic schoolToday Nevada state legislators became the first to approve self-driving cars on their roadways.

That’s right. No drivers required.

Nevada lawmakers sought input from police, insurance carriers and automobile manufacturers before drafting legislation which would regulate these computer controlled, autonomous vehicles, but it passed with an overwhelming majority of support.

Just because we might have fleets of driverless cars on the road sooner than anyone thought possible is no reason for you to stop being a defensive driver, however. In fact, it’s likely an even better reason to drive defensively because you’ll soon be sharing the road with vehicles that simply don’t know any better.

Google, the company known for its near ubiquitous search engine, has been working on the technology to power autonomous vehicles for nearly a decade and they say the time is now to automate some transportation services. They envision a day when cars will drive themselves, thus reducing commuting times, cutting down on emissions and alleviating traffic congestion.

This also means that at least some vehicles will likely still have very real human drivers behind the wheel and that the two will need to find ways to coexist. It is a fact of life that technology is changing our world in ways which have never imagined, but it is no substitute for common sense and excellent driving skills.

So although computer driven cars will likely be joining human powered vehicles on the road sooner, rather than later, you still need to keep your driving skills sharp and your wits about you at all the time.

Remember, they might let a robot drive a car, but they will never require a robot to attend traffic school. At least, not until after they’ve been driving for a while. You, on the other hand, are free to improve your driving skills any time you feel the need.

 

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March 3, 2012 

Florida Budget Committee Approves Texting While Driving Ban

defensive driving, distracted driving, my improvIf approved, Florida Senate bill 416 will make texting, email and instant messaging while driving a secondary offense, punishable by a non-moving violation with a $30 fine for first-time offenders. Subsequent offenses within five years will be cause for a $60 fine and three points will be added to their driver’s license.

Despite a recent report by the National Transportation Safety Board saying distracted driving was the number one danger on American roadways today and calling for every state to enact a complete ban on the use of handheld devices by drivers, Florida and 14 other states have no such ban.

Some lawmakers have said that the passing of a ban on handheld devices was a duty for local municipalities and that a statewide ban was overkill. Florida is trying to bridge the gap by passing a statewide ban on the use of some handheld devices. The bill as it exists right now would allow the use of navigational devices on wireless devices and allow texting while the vehicle is stopped at traffic signals.

When it comes to texting and driving just about everyone is guilty of it at one point or another. Smartphones have become nearly ubiquitous in modern society and their use has become almost second nature to many. We carry them with us at all times and the idea that we might be unreachable seems as alien as using a landline. This does nothing to diminish the dangers of distracted driving, however. A 2009 study in Car and Driver Magazine showed that someone who is distracted needs an almost 70 additional feet to stop than someone who is paying close attention to the road ahead of them.

When it comes to defensive driving, there simply is no substitute for paying attention. Florida lawmakers seem to finally recognize this and are seeking to force drivers to keep their eyes on the road (where they belong) instead of on their smartphone.

 

 

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February 29, 2012 

Texting And Driving Ban Coming To Idaho

defensive driving, texting and driving ban, handheld devicesLawmakers in Idaho have been working feverishly to pass a new statewide ban on texting while driving, after several years of attempts which failed miserably.

This latest move comes on the heels of a report by the National Transportation Safety Board calling for every state to take steps to curb the use of handheld devices by drivers. According to the NTSB there is no more dangerous way to drive than “distracted”, eclipsing even the danger of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Already 35 states and the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. have total bans on texting and driving, with some going farther and barring the use of any handheld device by drivers.

If there is a complete and utter opposite of defensive driving it is distracted driving because your attention is clearly not on the task at hand (driving) but rather on what is in your hand, like a smartphone. Studies have shown that even the use of a hands-free device is enough of a distraction to limit your ability to drive and operate your vehicle safely. This fact has been borne out in repeated studies by groups around the world.

Idaho lawmakers are trying to make the roads a safer place by limiting the use of handheld devices. While they are not seeking a total ban on the use of all hand held devices they are seeking to limit how those devices are used. Starting with a limit on something which clearly involves taking your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel of your car, they are trying to keep drivers from hurting themselves and others.

Lawmakers are looking to allow exceptions to the law for police and other emergency workers, but otherwise all drivers would be required to obey the ban, making Idaho a much safer place to drive.

 

 

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February 28, 2012 

California Carpool Lanes For Carpoolers Only

defensive driving, california, traffic schoolIn a move sure to rankle some, the latest version of the Chevy Volt, General Motors’s gas/electric hybrid vehicle will soon be allowed to travel in the mostly traffic-free California High Occupancy Vehicle (Carpool) Lanes whether or not the driver has any passengers riding with her.

This is thanks to the new Low Emission Package version of the Chevy Volt which means it qualifies for use in the Carpool Lanes alongside other hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, which has always been clean enough to qualify.

Unlike the Prius, the Chevy Volt uses a gasoline powered engine to supply an electrical charge to the on-board batteries giving it a much larger range than almost any other hybrid vehicle on the road. However, before the Low Emission Package, the Volt’s gasoline powered engine also resulted in much higher emissions than most other hybrids.

But we’re here to talk about Carpool Lanes, not hybrid vehicles. Carpool Lanes are meant to encourage people to share rides together to help reduce traffic congestion. These lanes are limited to use only by drivers who have passengers with them. No single riders allowed. Anyone who violates this rules face stiff penalties including a minimum $381 fine.

Defensive drivers know better than to try and thwart efforts to monitor the HOV lane. California Highway Patrol reports finding and fining drivers who have used plastic dummies, blow-up dolls and pets as their “passengers.” Doing this is almost as dumb as driving with a big sign on your antenna that says, “I’m a dummy.” It’s also a perfect way to get a citation, fine and points added to your license.

So do yourself a favor and if you’re not in a carpool, don’t try to drive in the carpool lane.

A trip to an online defensive driving course will help you get the points off your license, but nothing can cure stupid.

 

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February 24, 2012 

Iowa Traffic Deaths Tracked Daily

defensive driving, traffic school, iowaIf you live or drive in Iowa and want to get an idea of just how safe (or unsafe) your travels might be, you can check in to the Iowa Department of Transportation web site and check their daily traffic fatality statistics.

Defensive drivers understand just how dangerous it is to drive and they take every precaution before they ever get behind the wheel of their automobile. Unfortunately, not everyone is a defensive driver, however, and accidents do happen.

In Iowa you can actually check the statistics for a whole range of driving facts, including a list of daily fatalities, month by month, back to 2005. You can also check the statistics for rural traffic fatalities back to 1970. In addition to traffic fatalities you can also find information on all Iowa vehicle crashes dating back to 1925. That’s a lot of information stored in one place and it’s accessible to anyone, anywhere, any time, as long as they have Internet access.

This information is important for a number of reasons. It helps traffic planners coordinate new traffic signals and new roadways; it helps city planners design new communities, and it helps state and local police experts focus on areas which might need to be altered or monitored to improve public safety. There is no way to know exactly which roads are most dangerous and during what particular times of the year if you don’t have information about past events. This information is also crucial for safe drivers.

Safe drivers know the importance of understanding exactly where they are going to be driving. What obstacles they might face, like slippery rural highways or dangerous intersections; high traffic routes or areas where people are just more likely to have an accident.

Before you set out on a road trip, or even if you just take the same route to work every day, consider visiting your department of transportation web site to see what you can learn about the dangers you might face along the way.

 

 

Image: Chuck Felix / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 23, 2012 

Delaware DMV Cuts The Wait With Live Video

defensive drivingWant to know whether or not your local Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles branch has a long line? Or want to know which brake inspection lane has the shortest wait? Before you climb into your car and go find out firsthand, consider a trip to the Delaware DMV web site and check out their live video feed.

That’s right, the Delaware DMV offers several assorted live video feeds through its web site which show you activity in license branches and vehicle inspections sites around the state. So far the cities of Wilmington, New Castle, Dover and Georgetown are covered. Visitors to the web site can tune in to Vehicle Inspections Lanes for brake and safety & emissions tests. They also provide live feed for the Drivers License and Titles & Registration waiting areas so you know whether or not your local branch is busy.

Defensive drivers understand the importance of making certain their vehicles are in excellent condition and meet all state motoring requirements. You can be the best driver in the world but if your vehicle fails on you, there is not much you can do about it. Having your vehicle properly inspected is also the best way to avoid a citation for violating a vehicle requirement. This might not add points to your license but the fines can add up quickly and it might cost you your license if you don’t get it fixed before you get stopped again.

Delaware is a relatively small state so wiring their license branches for live video feeds isn’t as difficult as it might be in a state like California or Texas, but the fact that they went the extra mile to provide this service for their residents certainly goes a long way toward recognizing the needs of the people they serve.

How many hours of your life have you spent waiting in a long line at the driver’s license office or vehicle inspection line? In Delaware, they try to keep those hours to a minimum.

 

 

Image: Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 21, 2012 

Be Advised: Vehicle Inspections Required In Texas

defensive drivingMaking a move to Texas? If you consider yourself a defensive driver then you better make certain your vehicle is in excellent working order or you won’t be able to transfer your registration. You might also receive a citation for a vehicle malfunction if your clunky automobile is spotted by police.

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles makes it very clear what you need to do to registers your vehicle in their state if you make a move there. The steps are easy enough if your vehicle is in good working order, and there is no reason to try ad put it off. It’s only a matter of time until a cop sees you have the wrong plates and decides to stop you.

For everyone who moves to Texas they have 30 days to get their vehicle registered or risk a citation. The first step is to get your vehicle inspected. There are an abundance of qualified vehicle inspection sites. You can make an appointment or just show up and take your chances on the wait. They will perform an inspection of your vehicle, checking the lights, horn and emissions; and the general quality of your vehicle. If your vehicle passes inspection you will be given a vehicle inspection sticker you can display in your windshield so everybody (especially law enforcement) know your vehicle is permitted to at least be on the roads in Texas.

Once your vehicle has passed inspection it will be time to visit your county tax office with all of the following:

* inspection certification,
* proof of liability insurance,
* the vehicle’s odometer reading if it is less than 10 years old,
* ownership document, which may be:
an original out-of-state title,
proof of registration (for non-title state),
current foreign/military ownership document, or
foreign evidence of ownership
* completed Form 130-U (if applying for registration only, without a Texas title, please attach a completed Form VTR-272), and

* and of course, the following fees:
registration fee,
title application fee of $28 or $33, depending on the county, and
new resident tax of $90 or proof of sales tax payment

It is possible there will be more fees you have to pay once you show up, so be certain you bring your check book!

 

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February 17, 2012 

Graduated License For First Time Drivers in Arizona

defensive drivingTeens who want to drive in Arizona have to learn a few things about defensive driving before the state allows them to take to the road on their own. In fact, although they can get any type of learner’s permit at 15 1/2 and have to wait until they are 18 before they are eligible for a full operators permit.

Graduated licensing programs are becoming more and more common as states look for ways to address the number of vehicle accidents caused by teen drivers. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, vehicle crashes are the number cause of death for teenagers in the United States.

Arizona addresses this problem by requiring teens to get parental permission before even making application for a learner’s permit, then requiring a slow and steady course of instruction until they turn 18. They have strict limitations imposed on their ability to drive with a learner’s permit and these limitations are gradually lifted as they get older and more qualified.

When it comes to defensive driving, Arizona wants to make certain all fully licensed drivers are well qualified before they get behind the wheel.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation the stipulations for first time teen drivers are as follows:

1. Drivers must be a minimum of 15 1/2 years old before they qualify for a graduated vehicle operators permit.

2. Once they have held the learner’s permit for six months they qualify for a graduated driver license, and successfully completed a driver’s education course. There are more with stipulations including:

*Teen cannot drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. unless,
*A parent or legal guardian who has a valid driver license is sitting in the front passenger seat, -or-
*The teen is driving to or from a sanctioned school sponsored activity, sanctioned religious activity, place of employment or family emergency.
*Teen can not drive a motor vehicle containing more than one passenger under the age of 18 on a public highway unless,
*The passengers are the teen driver’s siblings, -or- the teen driver is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with a valid driver license and occupies the front passenger seat.

 

 

Image: imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 15, 2012 

New Jersey Drivers Need To Move Over: It’s The Law

defensive driving, new jerseyIn New Jersey the left lane of a two lane road (when both lanes are going in the same direction, of course) is only for drivers who are passing. That means if you’re cruising along, minding your own business, you better be doing it in the right hand lane.

Unfortunately not all drivers know this law, or, if they do, they simply ignore it. The law is pretty clear, however, even printed in the New Jersey Driver’s Manual: The left lane is only for passing. Violators face a possible citation and fine of $100, although the law is not regularly enforced.

Why do New Jersey drivers need to keep right except when they are passing? Well, to keep traffic controlled and flowing, for one. If drivers ride side by side, and decided to do so at a minimum speed, other drivers who are moving at a faster rate cannot get by them. This impedes traffic. And the northeastern United States is known for having high levels of traffic, so anything that can help alleviate the problem is a boon to everyone.

Another good reason to leave the left lane clear is so emergency vehicles always have a clear lane to get to their destination without the need to wait for a drive to move over.

Driving in the left lane is really just a case of someone doing whatever they want just because they can. It’s rude to other drivers and not an example of common sense, defensive driving.

Last summer New Jersey state Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) introduced legislation increase the maximum penalty for violation of the “keep right” law from $100 to $300. He also suggested a portion of the fees collected be put into a fund to purchase “move over” signs for posting along roadways as a reminder to drivers who might be unaware of the law, or just forgetful. It might also provide an impetus for police to begin enforcing the law for public safety reasons.

In the meantime, if you drive in New Jersey be certain you do it in the right hand lane or risk a fine and the ire from other drivers who can’t get past you.

Image: ntwowe / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 13, 2012 

What Happens In Vegas Might Come Back To Haunt You

traffic citationsIf you happen to be vacationing in Nevada, amassing traffic citations as you enjoy the sights, sounds and shows, don’t think your worries will end once you are back home again.

In fact, Rapper, Mogul and Entrepreneur Marion “Suge” Knight learned this very valuable lesson after being stopped by police for a traffic infraction. Police discovered he had a few outstanding traffic warrants, in addition to a new charge for suspicion of marijuana possession, and he was promptly arrested.

The same is true just about any where you drive these days. Many states are also connected to a nationwide data base for traffic infractions, so once you get home your local BMV might just pass along the fines you received while you were out-of-state. In today’s digital age you simply cannot hide from your traffic citations.

Suge was spotted making an illegal turn and changing lanes without signalling on the Veags Strip last week and police immediately pulled him over. A quick check of his license showed his outstanding warrants, one for driving on a suspended license, and he was arrested on the spot. He was later released on $2,600 bail.

There is no reason to let traffic citations pile up and go unanswered. If you get busted by the police for something, even something you consider minor, make certain you find out what you owe, how you pay it, who you pay it to and when it is due. Then get it taken care of. Nothing will spoil your Las Vegas vacation quite like a night in jail and the best way to avoid this is to take care of your business in a timely fashion.

Even if you don’t end up in jail, you will end up on the wrong side of the law, with points piling up on your license and/or your license suspended. So don’t let a traffic citation follow you around forever, because eventually it will catch up with you.

Image: Nikolay / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 10, 2012 

Florida Students Teaching Students About Dangers Of Distracted Driving

distracted drivingIn Jacksonville, Florida, student injuries from texting while driving are on the rise. To counter this upward trend the Duvall County Sheriff’s Department, Duval County Public Schools and the Jacksonville-based nonprofit SELF (Service, Education, Leadership Foundation) are banding together to host the first Teen Safe Driving video contest.

The idea is to get students involved in the effort to get students to understand the risks involved with texting and driving and distracted driving in general. Since a great number of teens today watch and make their own videos for loading to YouTube and other online video sharing sites, officials hope students will get involved en masse, helping to spread the word about the dangers of texting while driving.

The contest asks teens to create a 30- to 60-second video on the dangers of distracted or impaired driving.They can employ any videography skills they already have, or feel free to learn new tricks to make their video even more slick and professional.

The video has to be submitted to SELF’s YouTube channel by midnight on March 17. A public vote will choose seven finalists between April 7-22, and a local panel of judges will select three more. The winner will finally be announced on May 23. Students may work alone or in teams. The winning student or team gets $1,500 in scholarships and a $1,000 grant for a student-focused improvement project at the public high school of their choice

The Florida students have an opportunity to win scholarship and more perhaps more importantly, save other students from injury or death as a result of distracted driving.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board distracted driving now surpasses drunk driving as the single most dangerous way to drive. Distracted driving is responsible for more fatal crashes than drunk driving; more injuries and more crashes in general.

When you consider that more students, teenagers specifically, use text messaging systems than any other group of people, it clear that they are most at risk for suffering injury or death in a crash as a result of distracted driving.

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 10, 2012 

‘High’ Drivers Are No Less Dangerous Than Drunks

defensive driving, traffic school, It is fairly common knowledge that driving under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal and dangerous, but also stupid. Unfortunately there are a fair number of people who believe that although they can’t drive drunk they can drive stoned out of their mind.

This too is illegal, dangerous and stupid. Driving under the influence of any mind altering substance is akin to surrendering your common sense, your dexterity, your ability to think clearly and your humanity.

There is no safe way to drive stoned. It might seem like just a “joint” to you, but once the marijuana enters your system you are “under the influence” of a serious narcotic that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle.

If you doubt this, there are a plethora of research studies which prove it, including a recent one from scientists at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, who report that those who use cannabis within three hours of driving are twice as likely to cause a crash than those who have not. This latest research took information from nine studies involving more than 50,000 people from around the world, all of whom had been involved in serious crashes.

The research about the ill-health effects of the use of marijuana have been decidedly mixed. Some say it is bad for you, others say it isn’t. But this research seems to present irrefutable evidence that cannabis makes you more likely to have a serious crash.

Let’s face it, how you choose to live your life and what you choose to do to let loose are up to you, but when you get behind the wheel of a 4,000 pound missile made of plastic, glass and steel, you are not just responsible for yourself any more, but for everyone who is sharing the road with you. So do yourself (and them) a favor and wait until the buzz goes away, and you come back down from your high, before you get behind the wheel.

Image: mack2happy / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 9, 2012 

Delaware Designated Driver Program Sought

defensive driving, delaware, drunk drivingA proposed designated driver program in southern Delaware is seeking corporate sponsors to help fund the fledgling non-profit group.

A Sussex County woman, Terry Rogers, is forming the Delaware chapter of “Will Be Designated Driver” in order to supplement resources available to help people who have had too much to drink find a safe and sober ride home.

Rogers, whose son and his mother were killed by a drunk driver, said she is starting the chapter in southern Delaware because there are few taxis and no public transportation in the area.

According to the Delaware State Police Annual Traffic Statistical Report, almost 40 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2010 were caused by a drunk driver. With the remoteness of southern Delaware and lack of public transportation, Rogers says the area is perfect for this type of program.

We like to have a little fun at My Improv Traffic School, but the reality is drunk driving is no laughing matter. After distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is the number one cause of traffic fatalities around the nation. In rural Delaware, where roads become slick and icy in the winter and drivers are often on desolate rural roads between towns, drunk driving is a recipe for disaster.

Rogers hopes she can have the “Will Be Designated Driver program up and running before Memorial Day weekend. She estimates she needs about $30,000 to get the program started.

The “Will Be Designated Driver” program will offer rides home to drunken drivers for just $2 per mile. For an additional $2 per mile they will have another sober designated driver drive the person’s car home as well. “Will Be Designated Drivers” is a not-for-profit group that will take the drunken person home even if they refuse to pay, just to get them off the road and keep the community safer.

Rogers told a local news affiliate that she would like to eventually roll the program out around the state, but expects that would require as many as 10 vans and up to $1 million.

Image: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 6, 2012 

AAA Offered Free ‘Tipsy Tow’ in Northern California

traffic schoolBowl Sunday is time for football fans to get together, celebrate victories and probably down a few beers. No matter who wins or who loses it’s never a good idea to celebrate or commiserate by getting behind the wheel of your car drunk.

This year AAA offered their “Tipsy Tow” problem to drivers in Northern California. Even if they are not a AAA member, anyone who was too drunk to drive could call AAA tow truck to come and tow their vehicle to their home as long as it was within a 10 mile radius.

This free service was meant to help keep California highways safe. According to the California Highway Patrol, 11 people died as a result of drunk driving crashes on Super Bowl Sunday in 2009. That’s three times the daily average for the state. Almost 500 people were arrested that same day for driving under the influence of alcohol. That means their out-of-pocket expenses shot up to almost $12,000, including points added to their license and possible jail time, not to mention the impact it has on their insurance rates.

The problem with inebriated drivers is that they have little objectivity when it comes to how much alcohol they consumed and whether or not they are capable to drive.
In fact, depending on your body weight and metabolism, just one drink might be enough to put you over the limit and make you incapable of driving safely. Alcohol has been shown to reduce your reflexes, slow down your reaction time and impair your judgement. That’s likely why drunk drivers think they’re “ok to drive” when clearly they are not.

AAA was hoping to improve the statistics for Northern California by offering this free ride home. If a bar tender or restaurant manager noticed a patron was too drunk to drive they could call AAA and arrange for a ‘Tipsy Tow’ without worrying about who was going to pay for it.

Hopefully the CHP will have some better roadway statistics to show for these efforts.

Image: Stoonn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

February 1, 2012 

Texas Drivers Pay Hefty Insurance Rates

insurance, defensive drivingTexas. Everything is bigger in Texas. Including your car insurance bill.

That’s right, once again Texas ranks near the top of the list when it comes to the amount paid for auto insurance. According to a new report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Texas finished 11th of all 50 states when it comes to insurance premiums. This is good news for insurers and bad news for drivers.

Part of the reason for the higher insurance rates in Texas as compared to some other states is the number of heavily populated urban districts. Insurance rates are determined by the amount paid out by insurance companies in claims. If claims are high then premiums need to be higher so the insurance company is not paying out more than it is taking in. This is simple math. The densely populated urban areas in Texas lead to higher traffic congestion and a larger than average number of vehicle crashes, resulting in insurance companies paying out money.

However, forewarned is forearmed. That means, in order for Texans to see lower insurance rates all they need to do is start driving a little more defensively. By decreasing the number of vehicle crashes in their state, Texans can have a direct impact on the insurance premiums they pay. In this way they control their own destiny. Anyone who knows they need a little extra help when it comes to driving, or knows someone else who does, might want to consider a quick and easy defensive driving course. Because the better drivers all Texans can be, the quicker insurance rates may start to decline.

As cars get more technologically advanced, they get more expensive and the cost of repairing them also goes up, all of which leads to higher insurance rates.

You can’t do much about the price of gas, but you can do something about your insurance premiums; Drive safe.

Image: africa / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 31, 2012 

Buckle-Up Your Pets (And Yourself!)

Believe it or not, there is currently no law on the books in California or any other state preventing drivers from operating a vehicle with their pet on their lap. That means your Doberman Pincher can sit right square between you and the steering wheel, and unless he is obviously disrupting your driving, the cops can’t do a thing about it.

defensive drivingIn an age where distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic fatalities, it seems odd that there are no laws against driving with a pet on your lap. But there aren’t. In fact, whether it’s a python, a puma or an orangutan, that animal is free to climb all around your vehicle in any manner they see fit. This is great news for pet lovers who like to their animals to accompany them wherever they go; to be more like their best friend than their pet. But it’s not very good news for anyone who might be sharing the road with them.

Unlike distracted driving, which the National Transportation Safety Board said is the leading cause of traffic fatalities, there are no statistics for the number of crashes caused by pooches in the front seat, or any seat. In fact, it’s hard to know just how many people currently ride around with their pet loose in the vehicle.

When I take my cat to the vet I always put him in a carrier because otherwise he might climb to the top of my head and try to sit there while I’m driving. This is a risk I cannot take. I have seen a number of other drivers cruising down the road with fido hanging his head out the window or even riding in their lap as they cruise down the highway at 65 mph. Doesn’t seem like the smartest thing to do to me, but who am I to judge?

Clearly I am not alone in my belief that driving with a loose animal in your vehicle is dangerous, however. A new group in California called Bark Buckle Up is petitioning legislators to create a law which requires drivers to restrain animals who are riding in a vehicle with them. Interestingly enough they are doing to protect the safety of the animal, which they say is endangered if the car stops short or swerves suddenly, not the driver or anyone else on the road.

What a strange world we live in.

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
January 27, 2012 

Don’t Drive With Your Kids In The Trunk

defensive drivingThis is not likely a lesson any sane, rational person needs to learn, but if you put children in the trunk of your car you’re likely going to get a ticket.

In England a man by the name of  Zoltan Lakatos was stopped by police when they noticed he had an abundance of people crammed into his little Audi A4.  In point of fact he had 11 people in his car, but police didn’t notice them all right away.

Three adults and two children were in the back seat, with two adults in the front. When police stopped him, they heard more noises from the back of the car and found four more children in the trunk, or ‘boot’ as they say in England.

Boot, trunk, whatever. That’s where you are supposed to put your groceries, not your children.

To make matters even worse, Zoltan was driving without insurance, so if he had an accident, not only would the other driver be paying for his own damages, the national health care system would be paying for all the injuries sustained by the 11 people in Zoltan’s car.

England is 4,000 miles away, across the Atlantic Ocean, located on an island, but it’s not a foreign planet. They have traffic safety laws there just like we do. They might drive on the wrong side of the road (from our perspective) but they do it very safely.

And they get particularly distressed when drivers put their children in the boot (trunk.)

As part of his punishment for this mishmash of offenses Zoltan was convicted of endangering his passengers and driving without insurance and fined more than $2,000. He also had his license suspended for a year.

So let this be a lesson to you, if you’re planning a trip to England any time in the near future. Put your luggage in the trunk and put your children into proper car seats, safely buckled, where they belong. Not the other way around.

 

Image: J Fry / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 26, 2012 

‘Stiffer Penalties’ For Car vs Motorcycle Crashes

motorcyclesIn Florida, a bill is moving through the Senate which would increase penalties for drivers who seriously injure a motorcyclist in a vehicle accident.

In fact, it’s called the Stiffer Penalties Bill, and it’s no joke. Florida legislators recognize that their state’s abundance of sunshine and good weather attract a large number of motorcycling enthusiasts. Mix an abundance of motorcyclists with an abundance of out-of-state drivers you get the perfect storm of serious vehicle crashes.

Florida Senate Bill 1754 increases criminal penalties for a driver who causes serious bodily injury or death to a motorcyclist. In part the bill says that causing serious bodily injury translates to a second degree misdemeanor, and includes paying a fine, incarceration, and a loss of license.

The bill does more than protect motorcyclists, however. It extends to bicyclists and pedestrians as well, making any vehicle crash that causes death to someone walking or riding any kind of bike a much more serious offense with much more severe penalties.

If the bill is approved, which seems likely given it has the support of multiple motorcycling and bicycling groups, it would go into effect on July 1 of this year.

In the meantime anyone who drives the streets in Florida should be aware that they share the roads with people who are not riding in two-ton steel and plastic vehicles with seat belts and air bags. In fact, some riders have nothing but a pair of leather pants to protect them and just because your vehicle is bigger and tougher doesn’t give you the right to run into them, crowd them, cut them off or endanger their lives.

There is plenty of room on the road ways for everyone. And if your vehicle is bigger that makes it all more important that you yield even if you have the right of way and drive with caution and care at all times.

 

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 24, 2012 

Iowa Looking To Ban Traffic Cameras

Iowa traffic camerasIowa Governor Terry Branstad said during a radio interview this week that is the Iowa legislature sends a bill banning traffic cameras to his desk, he’ll definitely sign it.

While some states have embraced traffic cameras, either cameras that track speeders or those at intersections which catch people who run red lights, as a means of creating a safer driving environment and a way of generating a little extra revenue without putting more cops on the streets, Iowa has legislators have been trying to get them removed.

Public opinion about traffic cameras in Iowa seems evenly split, although not along party lines as some issues are. Both Republican and Democratic legislators have alternately tried and failed to get measures passed which made traffic cameras illegal. Some have gone after just red light cameras, while others have targeted all forms of traffic cameras as a an infringement upon civil liberties. There is a currently a measure up for discussion which would actually write the statewide ban of traffic cameras into the Iowa state constitution, although that measure has so far failed to garner enough support for that to happen.

Branstad takes the position that if the legislature can agree on a bill, they likely have the support of their constituents behind them, meaning a majority of the people of state of Iowa feel the cameras are too intrusive, so he would therefore want to support the will of the people.

However, supporters of traffic cameras say the automated devices help control traffic, keep speeding to a minimum and make the streets a safer place without the need for more patrols. They also point to the increased revenues collected by those communities which have installed traffic cameras at key intersections or in areas where speeding has become common place. These people say the issue is not about infringing on the rights of certain drivers, but about protecting everyone who takes to the streets in their car, or even those who walk or ride bikes along road ways.

So far no bill, either for or against traffic cameras has made it passed both houses, and Branstad seems unlikely to see a bill placed before him any time soon. But both sides continue to push hard for the state to make a stand somewhere.

 

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 20, 2012 

Arizona Teen Texting Ban Getting Closer

my improvArizona lawmakers are one step closer to a ban on the use of handheld devices by drivers under the age of 18 or those with a learner’s permit.

This week the Arizona Senate Committee on Public Safety and Human Services voted unanimously to make it illegal for motorists less than 18 years of age to text or use a cellphone while driving. The full ban will last for the first six months after they receive their learner’s permit.

This is Arizona’s latest attempt to limit the use of handheld devices by drivers. Two past efforts failed miserably due to lack of public support. This is despite a report by the National Transportation Safety Board which identified the use of handheld devices as the number one cause of crashes across the United States. The NTSB also called for every state to impose an outright ban on the use of such devices by all drivers, a measure which has had only a smattering of support in states such as Indiana, Texas and Arizona.

The fact is, the average teenager in the U.S. sends more than 5,000 texts every month. If the teen has a driver’s license you can bet your bottom dollar that at least a portion of those texts are sent from behind the wheel.

There is little argument to the belief that distracted driving is the single most likely cause of traffic fatalities. In fact, statistics show that distracted driving is more dangerous and more likely to cause a fatal crash than even drunk driving. Despite these facts, many states are still debating whether or not to impose a handheld devices ban on drivers due to the incovenience it might impose on those who have a long commute and need to do some work via phone while they drive.

There is little to be said in defensive of anyone who feels texting and driving is a necessity, however. It simply makes no sense at all.

Image: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
January 18, 2012 

Not-So-Funny Driving Errors

comedy traffic schoolWe know a thing or two about funny at MyImprov Traffic School. And driving.

But there’s nothing funny about these five common, yet very dangerous driving errors. These are the things many drivers don’t even think about doing–they just happen because people get distracted, or maybe don’t even realize are actually wrong. Whatever the reason they result in more accidents more often, which can wind up costing you money, points on your license or something even more valuable, like your life.

We present them here with our usual sense of style and tongue-in-cheek humor, but we want you take them seriously.

 

1. Left Lane Is For Passing:

Time was almost every driver understood, when you are cruising on a two-lane highway, the left lane is primarily for vehicles who are passing, or traveling at a faster rate of speed than everyone else. If you were happy toddling along, you kept to the right lane where you belonged. Today, it seems everyone thinks either lane is perfectly acceptable for their vehicle whether they doing the speed limit, or 15 mph under the speed limit. The fact is, however, police can and sometimes do, ticket drivers for lulling about in what they refer to as the “passing lane” because these drivers are impeding traffic. So, if you’re not actually passing someone, stay in the right lane where it’s safer.

2. Tailgating Is Stupid And Dangerous:

We know you’re in a hurry. It’s the 21st century, everyone is in a hurry. But that doesn’t give you the right to ride on the other driver’s bumper. Not only is tailgating illegal, it’s dangerous. The driver in front of you might stop or slow suddenly. If you’re riding on his bumper there is almost no way for you to avoid a crash. And if you do hit him, it’ll be your fault.

3. High Beams Off If You Don’t Need Them:

Nothing is more annoying than when the driver coming at you has their high beams on and doesn’t lower them. There isn’t much you can do except move your eyes to the right so you’re not staring into them. But let that be a lesson to you and put on your low beams whenever there is oncoming traffic.

4. Failing To Signal Is Illegal:

Not only does signalling a lane change or a turn give the driver behind you time to react to your change in speed and direction, it’s also the law. Police can ticket you for changing lanes without signally just as quick as they can ticket you for turning without signalling. Plus, the drivers around you aren’t mind readers, so don’t expect them to just “know” which way you’re going. Give them your signal.

5. Speed Kills (It Also Maims, Hurts And Can Result In A Citation):

Excessive speed is a contributing factor in almost every crash. There are speed limits for a reason, namely because that is the maximum safe speed for the particular stretch of road you are on. If you exceed those posted limits you run the risk of a ticket and possibly a crash, so just keep your foot off the accelerator if you’re tempted or set your cruise control.

These are just a few of the most common driving errors. I’ll bet you committed at least one of them in the past week, possibly more. Do yourself a favor and try to keep these simple suggestions in mind when ever you drive, wherever you go. You’ll be that much more likely to arrive in one piece, and without a traffic ticket in your back pocket.

 

Image: scottchan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 16, 2012 

Delaware Drunk Driver Destroys House

defensive driving, defensive driving course, delaware, drunk driverIt took a Delaware drunk driver about 2 minutes to completely destroy her own car, a lamp post, mailbox, a 2012 Mercedes, a 2012 Harley Davidson and an entire home after missing a turn and going off the road.

Police say Jessica Cook, 21, lost control of her car while speeding around a curve on New Granville Road very early Monday morning. Police have also said alcohol was a factor in the crash though Cook’s blood alcohol content has not yet been released. Police say they are still investigating the crash. Cook was not injured, and neither were any occupants in the home, though the county building inspector reported the house is now unfit for habitation because of the damage it sustained.

So, my question is, how many drinks does it take to destroy a home, two cars and a motorcycle, not to mention the lamp post and mailbox?

Drunk driving is about as far from defensive driving as you can possibly get, although distracted driving is even worse when it comes to the likelihood of you having a crash. The fact is, while distracted driving is a case of you not paying attention to what you are doing, driving after having a few drinks means even if you are paying attention your coordination just isn’t up to snuff. So you are more likely to crash.

Studies have shown that just two beers is enough to not only put some people over the limit, it also severely inhibits your ability to react or even think clearly. You are not in control of your senses when you are drunk. That’s what creates an opportunity for embarrassing photos to be taken of you and posted on your friend’s Facebook page. It’s also why you are more likely to crash your car. Although you might think you are perfectly fine, because you are drunk and not thinking clearly, you are wrong about being capable of driving safe.

Being a good defensive driver starts before you ever open the car door. It starts when you realize that you might not be able to drive safely after a few drinks so you arrange for a safe and sober drive home.

 

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 13, 2012 

Texas Investing In Wrong-Way Driving Warning System

defensive driving, defensive driving courseDrivers headed the wrong way on U.S. 281 near San Antonio, Texas, are the target of a $500,000 investment by the Texas Department of Transportation. The money will help fund radar detectors and illuminated wrong-way signs at 32 exit ramps along a 15 mile stretch of the roadway.

This specific portion of U.S. 281 has the highest number of wrong-way drivers in the entire state, one of which, last year, resulted in a crash which killed a San Antonio Police Officer. In nearly all cases the wrong way drivers are found to be driving while intoxicated.

Once the new system is installed, the radar detectors will pick up on drivers who are heading in the wrong direction and sound an alarm at the Department of Transportation TransGuide office who will then alert the San Antonio Police Department.

Defensive driving skills come in very handy no matter what state you are driving in, but when something truly unexpected happens, like a driver heading straight at you on a busy one-way highway, you simply might not be able to react fast enough.

In addition to Brown, six other people lost their lives in wrong way crashes last. This prompted both the latest investment in wrong-way driving detectors along U.S. 281 and a general crack down on drunk driving in the San Antonio region. Since last May the Texas Department of Transportation has been using its messaging system to alert all drivers in the area to be alert and aware of an increase in wrong-way drivers in the area.

Last year more than 500 wrong-way drivers were reported in the San Antonio area alone. If this new wrong-way driver detection works as well as is hoped, the Texas Department of Transportation will install another detection system along Interstate 35, between U.S. 90 and I-37, another area with a higher than usual number of drivers headed in the wrong direction.

No matter where you drive it is best to be a good defensive driver; keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road because you just never know what might be coming down the road in your direction.

 

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 12, 2012 

Georgia Troopers Emphasize Motorcycle Safety

defenisve driving course, defensive driving, georgia, motorcyclesA crash this week involving a local news producer has Georgia State Patrol officials reminding motorists they are sharing the road with all sorts of vehicles.

WALB News 10 operations manager Bill Gilbride was riding his motorcycle south on US 19 when the driver of Chevy Tahoe unexpectedly turned in front of him. Georgia State Troopers are still investigating, but they expect charges will be filed against the Tahoe driver for failure to yield the right of the way. In the meantime, Gilbride is undergoing surgery at a local hospital where his condition his listed as critical.

Defensive driving is not just for people who drive cars, you know. Whatever kind of vehicle you use on the road you need to be aware of what is happening all around you. Not everyone is a safe driver and sometimes they are downright unsafe. Drivers cut off over drivers, run red lights, speed, drive erratically and do all sorts of things in their cars, truck and SUV’s that can create a safety hazard for themselves, their passengers and other drivers, especially motorcyclists.

Drivers need to be totally aware of their surroundings; know who they are sharing the road with at any given time and what those other drivers might be doing. You can’t anticipate everything that is going to happen, but you sure can mitigate the risks you run when you get behind the wheel (or the handlebars.)

Georgia is home to thousands of motorcyclists. Because the weather in the state is mild most of the year you can find hundreds of these riders out on the roads just about any day of the year. Motorcyclist must receive special instruction before they are issued a motorcyclists license, and many are known for being safe riders; responsible defensive drivers. Unfortunately, because they have so little protection, not much except a helmet and maybe a pair of leather pants, there is the great likelihood they will sustain serous injury in the event of a crash.

 

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 11, 2012 

Florida Lawmakers Eyeing PIP Fraud Law

defensive driving course, defensive driving, florida drivingPersonal Injury Protection insurance is big business in Florida, where some drivers pay hundreds of dollars more each year in premiums to stay covered.

You can be the most expert defensive driver in the world, but sometimes, accidents happen. That’s why you have insurance. Unfortunately, not everyone has insurance, which means hospitals, clinics, homeowners and others, don’t get reimbursed for the damages caused by someone else’s negligence. This has led some Florida lawmakers to look at ways of defending against fraud which might lead to a decrease in insurance premiums, especially where PIP insurance is concerned.

In 1972 Florida introduced PIP insurance to provide benefits for anyone injured in an automobile accident no matter whose fault it was. The law guarantees that a driver’s insurance company will pay up to $10,000 to cover medical bills and lost wages in the event of an accident.

Unfortunately, PIP also opens the doors for fraud. A recent investigation in Dade County showed rampant fraud at some clinics who claimed they had treated accident victims without insurance, but who could not produce records of those patients. In fact, Florida is now the #1 state for staged accidents, where nobody actually gets hurt, but lots of people collect money anyway. This fraud has forced insurance companies to raise premiums to compensate for losses. Some estimates show that the increased premiums costs Florida drivers an extra billion dollars or more every year.

The proposed legislation will close a loophole that exists for smaller clinics (where some say the majority of fraud takes place) and set up a fee schedule for reimbursements. It is also intended to bring the existing bill payment system into the 21st century, thereby reducing costs and speeding payments. The new law also gives hospitals the first priority when it comes to PIP claims, mainly because they are usually the care provider when someone is involved in an accident.

So, if you’re living and driving in Florida make certain you have your PIP, and consider a defensive driving course. The safer you drive, the less it’s gonna cost you.

 

Image: Bill Longshaw / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 10, 2012 

Nevada Driving Deaths Continue Downward Trend

defensive driving, defensive driving courseFor the last five years the number of drivers killed on Nevada roadways has fallen. This is great news for defensive drivers, who have therefore increased their chances of making it home safely.

The state had an all-time high of traffic related deaths in 2006 of 432. In 2011 just 243 driving-related deaths were reported, down from 257 in 2010.

The continued downward slide in traffic-related deaths is all part of a series of programs initiated in 2006 by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety. Among the areas they focused their efforts on to curb what had been an upward trend in traffic deaths was increased enforcement of existing traffic laws; installation of center line “rumble strips” which alert drivers if they cross it; road safety audits and more flashing yellow lights; and the new handheld device law which took effect this year.

All of these changes came about as part of the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan. This plan calls for a more than 60 percent reduction in highway traffic deaths by 2015, and eventually a zero annual death toll from driving.

That’s one heck of a defensive driving campaign, but so far, their efforts have been successful. Five straight years of decline in traffic-related fatalities seems to indicate that the state is on the right track when it comes to highway safety.

Increased education of drivers has also been a part of their plan, but most drivers don’t need a defensive driving course to understand what is safe, responsible driving and what is a flagrant disregard for the law and the safety and security of others. Although, judging by the number of citations already handed out to enforce their new ban on handheld devices for drivers, at least a few people need a reminder just how dangerous distracted driving can be.

In case you forgot, here’s yours: Distracted driving is WORSE than driving under the influence of alcohol. Do yourself and everyone who shares the road with you a favor, and don’t do it. Besides, it’s against the law to do it in Nevada anyway.

 

Image: Paul Martin Eldridge / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 10, 2012 

Car Service And Repair Blues

defensive driving, defensive driving course,If you are like MOST vehicle owners, you realize that you do have to change your vehicle fluids, rotate your tires, and according to the law, keep your car in good enough mechanical shape that it would not break down on a highway or city street (you CAN be cited breaking down….doesn’t happen frequently, but you should understand the law). AND…now and then….something happens and we have to take the vehicle in for repairs. HOPEFULLY, you are still covered by your warranty (and in a future blog, I will talk about EXTENDED WARRANTIES), but if you are not….and you are coming out of pocket with this, you do NOT have to be a gearhead, or even have the slightest knowledge of how your vehicle works, to make sure that you do not get ripped off by your dealer service, or gas station, or AA(honk honk)MCO or Gus, the corner mechanic.

First of all, when we go to a restaurant, MOST of us actually look at the check, and make sure that we were not overcharged. Why do you not do this after your vehicle repair? Well….It actually happened to Mr. Traffic YESTERDAY (1/5/12) that I had to take my truck into Ford for brakes. Now, understand that I am educated as to how a vehicle works, and have changed my oil, etc etc. religiously since I bought it in 2005. It looks like it just came off the showroom floor. But, FINALLY, my vehicle needed some brake service. It was about time, and I wanted Ford to do it as I also needed to replace a couple of bulbs in my dash that burned out, and they need to take the whole dash off to do this!!!

Long story longer, a few hours later, I arrived back at the Ford Dealer here in Hollywood, and they gave me the bill and I gasped. It was much higher than the estimate, and I went over the invoice to see why. They do NOT break down the work….just summarize the work done…..parts/labor and that’s it. I went to the service writer and said….”I NEED A BREAKDOWN OF EACH ITEM DONE”….and he looked a little dismayed, but said he will be right back. When he came back, the bill had been DOUBLE CHARGED for one set of brake shoes, and I pointed it out to him, to which he said….”Well..THAT’S not right!!…I’ll be right back….” And they took it off the invoice, saving me $200. Was this a mere human error? HELL NO. They were ripping me off and I caught them….as I have at Pep Boys, and other “reputable” dealers. YOU MUST take the time to get whoever is repairing your vehicle to explain it to YOUR satisfaction….otherwise, you will be way the poorer for it. HONEST VEHICLE REPAIR PERSON are NOT words that usually travel together in the same sentence, and it is a sad reality of our economically challenged world. So….YOU be smart……you do NOT have to be CLICK & CLACK (from NPR)….you just have to be tenacious. Otherwise, you may rip up HUNDREDS!

 

Defensive driving is all about knowing your limits and taking good care of your vehicle. Trust us, we know defensive driving when we see it.

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 6, 2012 

Your Company Needs A Distracted Driving Policy

defensive driving course, defensive driving, georgia defensive drivingGiven a recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board that the use of handheld devices by drivers should be banned nationwide, now might be a good time for your company to investigate it’s policy about employees using handheld devices when they are driving, especially if you have employees who are driving as a part of their job duties.

At least one Georgia attorney is recommending all companies adopt a policy which strictly forbids the use of handheld devices by employees who drive, to avoid liability in the event of a vehicle crash caused by distracted driving.

Studies have shown that distracted driving, which is what you are doing if you try to text, chat or argue with your boss on the phone while you’re cruising down the highway, is even more dangerous than driving under the influence. Your brain simply cannot focus on two things at once, especially when one of those things is safely operating your vehicle.

Georgia defensive driving, like everywhere, is based on paying close attention to what is happening around you, not on the text message you are trying to send to a co-worker.

We don’t profess to be experts in the law. We are defensive driving experts. Our expertise and experience tell us, if you’re employees are using their cell phones while driving it definitely increases their risk for having a distracted driving crash. Plain and simple. Statistics don’t lie and statistics tell us that distracted drivers have more crashes. Period.

Georgia is a nice state. Plenty of sunshine, beaches, parks and lots of nice folks. We can understand why you want to make it your home and do your business there. But as a business owner you have an obligation to keep your employees and anyone they might come in contact with, safe from an unintended crash. Nobody plans to have a vehicle accident, that’s why they are called “accidents.” But you can increase (or decrease) the likelihood of having an accident the moment you think about reaching for your smartphone.

 

Image: jannoon028 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 5, 2012 

Humor Is Good For Your Driving

comedy defensive driving, comedy traffic schoolLaughter is the best medicine. Make certain you get a daily dose especially if you spend a lot of time on the road.

One of the biggest hazards facing drivers today comes not from outside their vehicle, but inside their own minds. With so many more cars on the road than ever before; more working hours, more stress and less time available for relaxing with friends and family, drivers are understandably often frustrated behind the wheel. This mix of frustration and a 5,000 pound missile made of plastic, steel and glass is a deadly combination.

Fortunately, a comedy defensive driving course can help.

Laughter is the very best medicine for relieving stress and pain. It is the fastest way to feel better, faster even than any pill or shot you might get from your family physician because it starts from within and works its way out, instead of having to travel the long way around.

Unlike prescription medicine, laughter is something that is easy to come by. You don’t have to visit your doctor to get a dose of humor and start feeling better right away.

If you must attend an online traffic school because you racked up too many points on your license from all the frustrated driving you have been doing lately, why not choose a course that will give you a chuckle. As you laugh your way through the course, carefully clicking along, you are likely yo also learn a few things about defensive driving you didn’t know. Defensive driving courses are great for staying current with the new traffic laws which might have recently been enacted in your state and brushing up on your driving skills in general.

If you have a long daily commute, or even a long road trip planned, check your oil, check your tire pressure; make sure you bring a map, some good company and a big dose of good humor with you.

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 5, 2012 

Arizona Police Crackdown On DUI

defensive driving, defensive driving courseArizona police went into anti-drunk driving over-drive for the holidays and it saw some big results.

Beginning on Nov. 24 of last year, the Arizona Holiday DUI Task Force conducted more than 55,000 traffic stops in their search for drivers who had a few drinks before getting behind the wheel. As a result more than 3,200 drivers were found to be drunk behind the wheel and were arrested.

This is good news for Arizona defensive drivers who know better than to drink and drive, and bad news for the ones who don’t. In Arizona first time drunk drivers will pay hefty fines including the costs for installing and maintaining an interlock device on their automobile. The interlock device requires the driver to self-administer a breathalyzer test before the engine will start. The devices cost a couple hundred dollars and have a monthly maintenance fee of almost $100. First-time drunk drivers are required to use the devices for a minimum of six months.

On New Year’s Eve alone officers from 70 different departments around the state participated in a statewide crackdown on drunk drivers resulting in dozens of drunk driving arrests. The state also spent more than $1 million on six new DUI-processing vehicles for use out in the field. In the DUI-processing vehicles, drivers suspected of being under the influence can take a breathalyzer test, provide a blood sample or receive an examination from a DUI-expert. All of this extra effort is meant to show that Arizona definitely has a zero-tolerance plan for combating drunk driving.

In 2010 Arizona had 581 drunk-driving related accidents with 33 fatalities as a result. Their DUI enforcement procedures in that same year result in the arrest of more than 18,000 drivers who were under the influence of alcohol behind the wheel.

No doubt the officers who participated in the 2011 Arizona Holiday DUI Task Force were thinking about this number as they were on patrol, many hoping they could at least bring the number down by one for this year.

Results of the 2011 Arizona Holiday DUI Task Force will not be calculated for at least a few more weeks. No matter what they are defensive drivers can rest easy knowing every time they get behind they are fully in control of their faculties, as they should be.

Image: xedos4 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 3, 2012 

Iowa Road Deaths Lowest In 10 Years

defensive driving, defensive driving course, iowaIowans had more to celebrate than a Happy New Year this past weekend. The state posted the fewest number of drivers killed as a result of a traffic crashes in 2011 than in the last 10 years.

That is quite an accomplishment for a state with plenty open roads where people who have a hankering to put the pedal to the metal can do so just about anywhere (except Boise, of course). Iowa is not known as an unsafe state to drive in, despite the desolate roads and open highways, but to see traffic fatalities drop to their lowest levels in a decade is quite an accomplishment no matter how you slice it.

Authorities credit the strict decline to an increased awareness and emphasis on defensive driving; heightened enforcement of drunk driving laws and safer vehicles, all of which work together to create a safer driving environment for people cruising through Iowa.

In 2011 just 356 people died on Iowa highways. In 2009 Iowa had 373 traffic fatalities which was the lowest level in 64 years, when there were far fewer cars on the road than there are today. In 2010 that number rose to 390, but then dropped even lower last year.

Defensive driving has certainly helped make Iowa roads a safer place to be, but the increased emphasis on anti-drunk driving efforts by state and local police goes a long way to keeping drivers and passengers safe. Studies have repeatedly shown that after distracted driving, drunk driving is the most dangerous threat facing drivers today. When a driver is drunk their reflexes are slowed, their decision making and judgement skills are impaired; they are more likely to take risks behind the wheel and being more likely miss important environmental factors like slick roads, heavy traffic or even stop signs.

So, congratulations Iowa, for proving that attention to little details, like keeping drunk drivers off the road, can go a long way toward making your state (and every state) a better place to live.

Image: Chuck Felix / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 2, 2012 

California Commercial Drivers Welcome New Year And New Cell Phone Ban

california traffic school, defensive drivingThis year commercial drivers in California will be forced t put down their handheld devices so they can better concentrate on their driving.

This is good news for anyone who already practices defensive driving.

The new law went into effect January 1, 2012, and is expected to impact nearly 4 million commercial drivers in the state, preventing them from texting or using their cell phone while driving. This includes bus and truck drivers as well as cabbies and other commercial vehicle operators.

This new law comes on the heels of a recommendation by the National transportation Safety Board last month calling for every state to ban drivers from using any and all handheld devices. According to the NTSB, distracted driving brought about by the increased use of handheld devices by drivers, either texting or talking, is the single most dangerous mistake made on highways around the country.The NTSB is suggesting states ban the use of handheld devices by all drivers except emergency workers, during an emergency.

Already several states and cities have similar bans, some more or less severe.

Another new safe driving related law in California that begins this year requires children be secured in a car seat until they are either 8-years-old or taller than 4 feet 9 inches tall. This is an increase of two years in age and a minimum weight of 60 pounds under the previous laws. Drivers who ignore this new law face a fine of at least $475 per offense, though it is unclear to us why any driver would violate the law and risk the life of a child just as a matter of convenience.

Distracted driving has been a contributing cause of fatal traffic accidents in almost all cases, and the number has been growing as the use of cell phones and other portable handheld communication devices have been increasing. The ultimate effect on the handheld devices ban will take time to track, but in places where a ban has already been enacted, the rate of distracted driving crashes has shown a marked decline.

California traffic school is a great place to learn about the severe consequences of distracted driving, including the loss of your license or even your life or freedom. But why wait until it’s too late? Put down the phone and drive, and increase your chance of getting to your destination safe and sound.

 

Photo compliments of FreeFoto.com

December 30, 2011 

Cell Phone Ban Coming To Nevada

nevada defensive driving, defensive driving, defensive driving courseNevada drivers will welcome the New Year on Sunday, and a new law which says drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. The new law is to help reduce the number of crashes attributed to distracted driving.

In case you didn’t know it, distracted driving is the exact opposite of defensive driving. It means that instead of paying attention to yourself and your surroundings, you’re simply not paying attention to anything at all.

The new law in Nevada is a strict interpretation of the cell phone ban. It provides severe penalties for drivers who continue to use their cell phones either to make a call or send and receive text messages. Nevada legislators approved the new law this past year and it takes effect with the new year. Their passage of the new law preceded a recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board which said sates should ban the use of all handheld devices by drivers. This recommendation was welcomed by many states, 35 of which already have strict laws against the use of cell phones or text messaging by drivers. But some legislators, such as those in Texas, have resisted a statewide ban, saying they support local measures instead.

The new ban on handheld phones and testing for drivers is statute SB 140. Anyone who breaks the law is subject to a $50 fine on their first offense, a $100 fine for their second offense and a $250 fine for each additional offense. If you cause a crash because you were texting and driving or chatting on your cell phone while driving, and you hurt or kill somebody else, you could face between 1 and 6 years in prison and an additional $2,000-$5,000 fine.

You can always turn to a defensive driving course to help you get the points off your license, but the fines and fees can really pile up. The best advice is that you turn your cell phone off before you get into your vehicle. Don’t take the chance that you might be tempted to answer it or “make a quick call” while driving. It just isn’t worth the risk.

Photo compliments of FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

December 30, 2011 

Delaware Taking Tough Stance Against Holiday DUI

defensive driving course, defensive drivingAlready this holiday season Delaware has had two deaths attributed to drinking and driving, but the Office of Highway Safety is hoping to make them the only ones.

This year, the OHS has five DUI checkpoints planned for the state, focusing on what they anticipate will be the heaviest traveled areas for New Year’s Eve party revelers in an effort to stop drunk drivers from getting too far. Anyone who is spotted trying to evade a DUI checkpoint will be stopped automatically and could face additional charges for evasion, plus DUI charges (which likely why they tried to evade the checkpoint in the first place.)

You can take a defensive driving course online to get the points off your license when you get a traffic citation, but unfortunately it won’t fix stupid, which is what you must be if you get behind the wheel when you’re anything but sober.

This past Christmas weekend, the OHS arrested 20 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. That’s up slightly from last year when they took 19 people into custody for DUI, and still too high for such a small sate. Last year the state saw 23 people arrested over the New Year’s weekend because of drunk driving, and they hope to curtail that number with the multiple DUI checkpoints and 90 additional “saturation patrols” will be conducted. That means Delaware police will be out in force to make certain everyone enjoys their holiday and gets home safe.

Delaware, being as it is nestled between Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, is often just a crossing point for interstate travel. But out-of-state drivers are not immune to state laws against driving drunk. They aren’t impervious to personal injury as a result of it, either, nor are they blessed with ability to avoid hurting other people as a result of their own stupidity.

Defensive driving is no accident. Drivers need to be aware of their own limitations and the limitations of the person who might be driving next to them. If you’ve had a few drinks, or you plan on having a few drinks, arrange for a safe and sober drive home on your own. It will save you the time and expense of getting a ride to the local jail from the OHS.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 28, 2011 

Georgia Using App To Prevent Drunk Driving

georgia defensive driving, defensive driving, defensive driving course

While many states consider mobile technology a bane to safe driving, Georgia officials have taken a decidedly different approach. This week Georgia state officials rolled out a new smartphone app called “Drive Safer Georgia” to help drunk drivers find alternate rides home in the event you have had too much to drink.

Defensive driving is all about being responsible. In Georgia, as in most states, the penalties for getting behind the wheel after drinking are severe. You could face thousands of dollars in fines, jail time and a multitude of points added to your license. If you get behind the wheel after drinking anyway, and kill someone, no defensive driving course in the world can fix that.

Georgia officials are hoping that by creating and distributing the free mobile app they will encourage drivers to find a way home other than driving after their New Years celebrations. the new app provides a list of sober and safe alternatives for drunk drivers, right in their area. Of course the effectiveness of the app will be dictated by its use, and it’s hard to know how many drunk people will have the thoughtfulness of checking their app rather than just driving home. Instead it is hoped they will know where they will be drinking in advance and use the app to find a way home before they absolutely need it.

This is a great use of mobile technology to fight a problem that has become all too common, despite best efforts at getting it under control. After the holiday Georgia officials will have a better idea of its effectiveness, and it is possible their success will inspire similar programs in other states.

Photo compliments of Freefoto.com

December 27, 2011 

Things Are Looking Up For Texas Drivers

defensive driving, defensive driving course

 

According to a new report by the Texas Department of Transportation fewer Texans than ever before are getting behind the wheel after downing a few beers.
That’s right, drinking and driving is on the decline in Texas and the Texas Department of Transportation is taking advantage of this decline to build more momentum toward even further declines.

To this end the TxDOT is pulling out nearly all the stops in its latest holiday PR campaign blitz. They are using a mix of traditional marketing techniques, social media marketing and some decidedly gorilla marketing efforts to get their message across to drivers around state.

After distracted driving, drinking and driving is the most dangerous mix on the roads today. Drivers who consume just a few beers, or a few glasses of wine or a few shots are in danger of suffering delayed reaction time, impaired judgement or a decrease in dexterity. It’s also enough to put them over the limit when it comes to blood alcohol content which will earn them a citation, possible jail time and a suspended license.

Even a defensive driving course can’t help you if you’ve died in a horrible car crash because you were driving drunk.
There simply is no excuse for drinking and driving. Getting behind the wheel of a 4,000 pound metal missile after you’ve had a few drinks is tantamount to putting a bullet into a revolve, giving the chamber a spin, pointing the gun at your grandmom and pulling the trigger. Nobody wants to take a chance like that.
Last year there were 3,024 fatalities on Texas roads and highways. Of there, there were more than 1,100 alcohol related crashes, making alcohol a factor in more than 35% of the traffic fatalities in the state.

This holiday season TxDOT is sending a clear message, delivered by one of Santa’s reindeer: “Don’t drive if you’re tipsy, buzzed or Blitzen. Call a cab or get a sober ride home.”

Defensive driving sounds like good advice to me. Follow it.

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 27, 2011 

Texas Cops Rewarding Safe Drivers

defensive driving, defensiving course

 

Not much compares to the sinking feeling you get when the red and blue lights flash in your rear view mirror and you know you’ve been speeding. You try be polite, and bite your tongue, and don’t say or do anything that will make the experience any worse than it has to be. But you know you’re going to get a ticket, and that’s just a bummer.

Texas law enforcement is trying to change all that by pulling over safe drivers and handing them a gift card for those who practice good defensive driving whether they learned their skills in a defensive driving course or on their own through trial and error (though the former is easier.)

That’s right–instead of just handing out speeding tickets, the cops in Texas are handing out presents to drivers they catch who are doing the right things behind the wheel. Instead of setting up speed-traps the Texas police have been setting up “safety observation zones” where they can observe drivers who are taking the right precautions. It might be a school zone, where busy mom’s and dad’s often forget to securely buckle up a child before speeding away. Or it might be a busy intersection where drivers often get distracted and speed through caution lights or yield signs.

In Texas right now, anyplace where there is an opportunity to catch a driver doing something right, there is likely a police officer waiting to reward them for it. All the drivers need to do is drive defensively; be safe behind the wheel and set a good example for others to follow, and they have a chance at being rewarded.
With a program like this in place maybe the sight of red and blue lights in your rear view mirror won’t make you cringe in terror, but cross your fingers that you’ll be rewarded for being an excellent defensive driver.

Image: Dundee Photographics / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 27, 2011 

Texas Frowns At Proposed Cell-Phone Ban

defensive driving, defensive driving course

 

Just days after a recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board that all states pass a comprehensive cell-phone texting ban for drivers, some Texas lawmakers say it is not likely to be enacted in Texas.

Anyone who is defensive driving in Texas doesn’t need a ban to know distracted driving is unsafe.
According to a recent story in the Houston Chronicle the odds of such a bill passing the Texas legislature are slim, if not completely non-existent. Just this past summer Texas governor Rick Perry vetoed a bill which would have imposed restrictions on texting while driving. Perry has made it clear these restrictions should be enacted only at the local level, and not be subject to statewide or nationwide bans.
The Texas Department of Transportation recently reported that cellphone use was a factor in more than 3,400 accidents last year, with more than 40 fatalities reported as a result. That is a near five percent increase since their last report in 2006.
Despite lawmakers resistance to a statewide ban on texting and driving, or any type of distracted driving, defensive drivers understand the risk. This means drivers are bearing the brunt of responsibility for their actions behind the wheel in Texas. It is not a license to continue to operate your vehicle in an unsafe manner in Texas. In fact, several major Texas cities have already taken steps to curb cell phone and texting use by drivers. It’s just a statewide ban which seems unlikely in Texas.
Texas citizens take pride in the fact they “Remember the Alamo”, hopefully they can also remember to hang up the phone. If you still have your doubts, consider a defensive driving course.

Image: akeeris / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 27, 2011 

Arizona Relaxing DUI Punishment For First-Time Offenders

defensive driving, defensive driving course

 

A new law in Arizona will lessen the penalty for those convicted the first time of a drunken driving offense. This news doesn’t mean a thing for anyone who has experience defensive driving. They know better.

Starting Sunday drivers who have been convicted of a first time drunken driving offense will have an interlock device added to their vehicle for just six months, instead of the 12-months they have been receiving.

An interlock device requires the driver to self-administer a breathalyzer test before the ignition will start. If the driver tests postives for alcohol, they aren’t going any where.

Even with this latest change Arizona is still one of the toughest states when it comes to drunk drivers. It is one of only 15 states that requires first time offenders to install any type of interlock device.

Arizona first passed a law requiring drunk drivers to install interlock devices in 2001 and in 20o7 expanded the law to first-time offenders.

These devices are bought and paid for by the driver, who also pay the $80 monthly maintenance fee. Since the requirement was added to first time offenders the drunk driving rate has decreased significantly, from almost 400 in 2006 to half that number in 2010.

A Defensive driving course teaches the importance of being clean and sober any time you get behind the wheel, but that’s a lesson some people cannot understand.

Image: Liz Noffsinger / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 22, 2011 

Florida Legislators Oppose Further Driver Safety Rules

defensive driving, defensive driving course

Despite having just passed a new ban on texting and driving, some Florida legislators say they are adamantly opposed to any further driving restrictions for fear of over-burdening drivers.

Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said he was against anything which would further restrict personal freedoms:

“We have to be careful,” he said. “In the good intention name of trying to keep people from getting hurt, it is easy to overly constrain individual freedoms that have differentiated our country.”

This is odd, especially when you consider that texting and driving, or any type of distracted driving has been repeatedly proven to be a leading cause of traffic crashes, especially those involving fatalities.

Anyone who has successfully completed an online defensive driving course, or attended and completed traffic school either to keep points from accumulating on their license or to keep their insurance premiums low (or both), knows the dangers of distracted driving.

You simply cannot expect to be able to pay attention to two things at once, especially when one of those things is controlling the 4,000 pound missile you are controlling at speeds of 55 miles-per-hour or more. One mis-guess; one glance away from the road ahead of you to the small digital screen that holds the wonderful message of “C U L8tr!” is all it takes for you to slam head-on into the rear of the vehicle that suddenly slowed down in front of you.

In Florida they suffer from an abundance of beautiful clear days, full of sunshine. It can be deceptively calm, leading some drivers to relax and stop worrying about where they are going or how they are going to get there.

Defensive driving, however, means never taking your eyes off the road until you get where you are going. Safely.

December 21, 2011 

DHSMV Warns Customers Not To Pay A Fee To Visit Their Site

defensive driving, defensive driving course

Floridians, consider yourselves warned: Someone is using a scam website to trick people into paying to visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles web site.

It seems someone has paid a fee to search engines so that when someone searches for information on the DHSMV website, the scam website is at the top of the list. When the searcher clicks on the scam site it asks them for personal information; name, contact information and a credit card number. Then the site charges their credit card before connecting them with the FREE DHSMV website.

That’s right: The scammers are charging people to access a free web site.

The Florida Highway Patrol released a statement this week which advised anyone trying to visit the DWSMV web site not to fall for the phishing scam.

“To say the websites are misleading is an understatement,” said DHSMV Executive Director Julie Jones. “They provide small disclaimers that state they are not affiliated with the Department and then proceed to charge customers anywhere from $25 to $50. It is an unbelievable racket.”

The scam websites to have a small disclaimer on their site which advises visitors they are not affiliated with the DHSMV, the Florida state government, nor any governmental agency of any kind, so the sites are not actually breaking the law. But even with the disclaimer it seems likely at least some innocent web surfers are going to fall for their ruse and fork over their hard earned cash to visit an otherwise free web site. It might be technically legal but it sure sounds like a scam to us.

“The Department wants to arm our customers with information about these illusive websites so they are not duped into paying unnecessary fees of any kind,” Jones added. “The websites are legal, but unethical.”

It is always free to visit the My Improv Traffic School website  so you can learn more about our online defensive driving course. You have to pay for the course, but visiting the web site is always free.

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 20, 2011 

Florida Highway Patrol Warning Holiday Drivers

defensive driving, defensive driving course

 

The Florida Highway Patrol wants you to enjoy yourself this holiday season, but warn drivers they won’t be handing out gifts to anyone who gets behind the wheel after drinking.

Florida has one of the toughest policies in the nation when it comes to dealing with anyone who drinks and drives. You could say they have zero tolerance for drunk drivers, but then again, so does every police officer in the nation. And so does anyone who is defensive driving.

In fact, this year there is a nationwide effort to keep drunk drivers off the street called Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

According to a recent study of traffic statistics by the Florida Department of Highway Safety from 2010, more than 35 percent of the traffic deaths which occurred on Florida highways during the holidays last year were alcohol-related. This has prompted a major crackdown on drunk driving in the Sunshine state.

Everyone wants to enjoy the Christmas and New Year holiday festivities, but not everyone is going to be able to drive home when they are done having fun. You don’t even need to be drunk to get in trouble with the law or drive in an unsafe manner. Florida law says that a blood alcohol content of .08 percent is enough for you to be cited. That’s just three drinks for someone weighing 140 pounds or less. Three beers, three glasses of wine, three shots–it’s all the same when it comes to your BAC. And don’t bother trying to hide it with a breath mint, a couple pieces of chewing gum or even a penny. That’s not going to work when it comes to a breathalyzer test.

Anyone who has successfully completed a defensive driving course understands just how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel drunk, or even slightly inebriated. Distracted driving is dangerous and you’re definitely distracted if you’ve had a few drinks before trying to drive home.

It’s a simple thing to have a happy holiday and get home safe. It starts by not drinking and driving.

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December 20, 2011 

The Times, They Are-A-Changin’!

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On December 13, 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)….you know, the guys who have to investigate every plane crash, train wreck, 60 car pileup on the highways, came out with a position that was a long time in coming. They will suggest to the congress and administration, that the use of a CELL PHONE while a vehicle is in motion in the United States, should be BANNED except for emergencies, or if it is built into the vehicle (like Ford Sync for example). It is already against the law in many states to TEXT while you drive, and for instance, in California, you can get a $300 ticket for having it in your hand even at a red light. So far, in most places, it is not a “Point” moving violation that would require traffic school, but many counties (Orange County in CA) ARE sending their violators of this offense to traffic school.

The use of a cell phone has already been BANNED while driving in :
Spain, Chile, Brazil, Israel, Jordan, Portugal, France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Singapore, Australia, the UK, and other places around the globe. The United States just does not keep up with safety issues.

As Mr. Traffic, I am usually for the government staying out of our lives (tell me what they actually do well), but in this case, I am TOTALLY for this new ban. People who talk on a cell phone now (after 10 years of studies) kill as many people as DRUNK DRIVERS…..Texting is TWICE as lethal. And the exemption for “built-in” is insane as there is no difference in the risk for HANDS FREE. IT IS WHERE YOUR HEAD IS….NOT WHERE YOUR HANDS ARE.

The University of Utah did a huge study to show the effects of driver distraction this way, end the results were dire. The brain simply cannot multi-task this way safely….we THINK we can and that it is OTHERS who can’t, but it is not true. If you would not drive drunk….WHY would you TEXT????

So, I would urge all who read this to NOT use their cell phones while you drive, (and if you HAVE to for any reason, at least do it legally hands free/Bluetooth so you don’t end up in our defensive driving school)…and NEVER NEVER NEVER Text while driving. Don’t temp Fate….that text can wait!!!

 

Kenny Morse
“Mr. Traffic”
Improv Traffic School

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December 16, 2011 

Florida Moving To Halt Distracted Driving

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Up until now Florida has lagged behind other states when it comes to fighting against distracted driving. They have so far been reluctant to even make texting and driving a crime, much less more general distracted driving offenses.

Defensive driving is an important skill to have, especially if you’re on vacation.

Last week, when the National Transportation Safety Board released its findings about distracted driving and called for a nationwide ban on any and all cell-phone or handheld device use while driving, Florida legislators groaned. The Florida Senate just approved a bill banning texting and driving, but they have done little else to fight distracted driving.

This is not good news for the Sunshine State, which sees tens of millions of visitors every year, many of who travel there by car. Florida is also one of the most popular states with a population which continues to grow by leaps and bounds, even during the recent recession. Distracted driving is no less of a problem in Florida than it is any where else, but forcing people to put down their handheld devices to concentrate on driving, in a state where public transportation is practically non-existent, is like asking everyone to take a pay cut, or at least a productivity cut.

More than one-quarter of all adults have admitted to texting and driving. Certainly none of these people completed the Florida Online Traffic School or they would understand just haw dangerous distracted driving is and would never do it. Distracted driving is the most dangerous type of driving, second only to driving with a blindfold on.

Now that the NTSB has weighed in on the scourge of distracted driving, and suggested that all states ban any sort of handheld device from a driver’s hands, it seems likely Florida will finally come around to the idea that keeping people safe on their roadways will be good for them and keep them at the top of the list for favorite vacation destinations.

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December 15, 2011 

Traffic Fatalities Drop In The Sunshine State

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Florida is known as the land of sun and surf. Thanks to efforts by the state to make the roads a safer place it is now known as the state with the most significant drop in traffic fatalities this past year (down 115) after California (down 375.)

Unfortunately, though traffic fatalities as a whole were down in 2010, the number of pedestrians hit by cars has markedly risen. The number of pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle rose nearly 20 percent, and the number killed after being struck rose five percent.

This improvement has come only after a concerted effort by lawmakers and law enforcement officers to force people to pay closer attention when they get behind the wheel of their automobile. Defensive driving is on the rise in the Sunshine State because the penalties for not doing so (besides dying in a horrible car crash) are enormous.

Even during the recession Florida remained the top travel destination in the world, hosting more than 70 million visitors a year, many of which traveled there by car, either for a week or a weekend getaway. This means the roads are often congested, especially in urban areas like Miami and Orlando, and drivers are often confused about where they are and where they going.

A defensive driving course is not simply a good idea in Florida, i might just save your life.

Defensive driving is one of those skills you have and hope you never have to rely upon to make it home alive. You get behind the wheel of your car and cruise to your destination confident you know and follow all the rules of the road, therefore increasing the chances of avoiding a crash. It is your best defense against all those other drivers who are texting, talking, fiddling with the radio, driving at excessive speed and generally not paying attention when they get behind the wheel.

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December 14, 2011 

Florida Turns A Blind-Eye To The Dangers Of Distracted Driving

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Don’t Blink In The Sunshine State

This week the National Transportation Safety Board called for a nationwide ban on the use of any handheld electronic devices by drivers on any of the country’s roadways. Distracted driving, they say, is the most dangerous threat facing drivers today. It’s worse than driving under the influence because it is so common. Despite a multitude of public service ads meant to enlighten them to its dangers, many people think nothing of getting behind the wheel of a car with their cell phone in their hand.

Florida has some of the most lax laws against distracted driving in the nation. In fact, they don’t have any laws pertaining to the use of cells phones or text messaging devices by drivers, which practically declares open season on defensive drivers, already on alert against distracted drivers.

Defensive driving experts understand the importance of focusing their attention where it belongs: On the road ahead, and NOT on their cell phone.

Whoever is calling you will call you back. Whatever your girlfriend just texted you can wait until you get someplace to read it. There is no message worth your life, the lives of the passengers in your car or the life of the driver you crash into because you aren’t paying attention.

Anyone who has finished a defensive driving course walked away with a new appreciation for just how dangerous distracted driving is. They saw the numbers, did the math, heard the stories and learned the lessons of paying strict attention to the road ahead of them and the situation around them, instead of worrying about some fifteen second phone call that was probably the wrong number or at least could have waited until they got home.

Traffic school can help make you a safe, defensive driver, and keep points from accumulating on your license, but it won’t protect you from distracted drivers

Let’s say it’s the boss on the phone. He’s calling you and calling you because he needs to know where that report is you were supposed to finish before you left work. If you die in a crash while you’re on the phone with him just think how guilty he’ll feel. Especially since you left that report on his desk just as he asked.

Before you set out on a road trip to Florida pack your sunscreen and pay close attention to the driver heading right for you. You might see him, but he might be so busy texting his mommy that he won’t see you until it’s too late.

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December 14, 2011 

Traffic Spy-Cams Will Getcha If You Don’t Watch Out

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Best Way To Avoid A Ticket: Drive Safely

Safe drivers are usually not the first to complain about the many new traffic control devices being installed on America’s roadways. From traffic light cameras which snap license plate pictures of driver’s who run red lights to speed cameras designed to catch speeders without the need for a police officer to sit by the side of the road all day, these automatically ticketing devices are becoming more and more common.

Just ask the folks of Palm Coast, Florida, who contend with red-light cameras at 10 intersections around the city.

Despite complaints from those who say the new technology is infringing on their civil rights and rights to privacy, courts around the country are overwhelmingly supporting them. Even when state law does not specifically allow them local ordinances are good enough; city officials who want a traffic camera at a local intersection have only to vote it in and it’s done. Police love them because it helps them monitor an area without spending manpower to do it. Drivers hate them for obvious reasons.

There is no worse feeling (ok, there ARE probably worse feelings but for our purposes here they don’t count) than getting a citation in the mail with a photo of your license plate running a red light or speeding through a school zone.

You know who are NOT complaining about the increase in automatic traffic control devices? Defensive driving experts. Anyone who has ever attended a defensive driving course knows just how important it is to maintain a safe speed, follow all traffic laws and be good, defensive drivers. There is no substitute for being a safe driver. Cars don’t drive themselves, so we are responsible for our own actions every time we get behind the wheel. If a red-light camera catches you running a signal don’t blame the technology. If you want to know who is really at fault, take a good hard look in the mirror.

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December 14, 2011 

Milwaukee County Serious About Safe Driving

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Sheriff’s Office Focuses On Dangerous Drivers

What’s the opposite of a dangerous driver? A defensive driver. A defensive driver understands the importance of following the rules of the road, obeying traffic signals and paying close attention to the road in front of them and what is going on all around them. A dangerous driver just jumps behind the wheel of their car, stomps on the accelerator and maybe says a prayer for any other drivers sharing the road with them that day.

There is no trick to defensive driving. Anyone who has successfully finished a defensive driving course understands just how damage a 4,000 pound projectile can do if the driver behind the wheel isn’t careful. Members of the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department also know how dangerous some drivers can be. This past Thanksgiving holiday deputies saw a 100 percent increase in traffic incidents from the year before, prompting the sheriff to increase his department’s presence on the local roadways.

This increased response is meant to turn the tide in Milwaukee County when it comes to dangerous drivers on the roadways. They hope that more deputies on the road will remind drivers to be safe on the roadways, especially during the holidays.

Among the most dangerous types of drivers, Milwaukee County sheriff David Clarke says, are distracted drivers. Drivers who think they can text while they get behind the wheel risk not only their own lives, he said, but the lives of everyone who shares the road with them. Drivers who have successfully completed a defensive driving course, or completed an online defensive driving course, know they need to devote their full attention to the skill of driving if they want to avoid an accident.

If you’re driving through Milwaukee County this holiday season don’t be surprised if you see more than a few deputies handing out tickets to dangerous drivers. But if you’re a defensive driver you can cruise on through–safely.

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December 12, 2011 

Florida To Ban Distracted Driving

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The Florida Legislature is taking aim at drivers who allow themselves to be distracted by texting, cell phones or even ubiquitous GPS devices. Senate Bill 416 is specifically worded so that whatever device you use, no matter its function, if it is distracting you from the act of driving, it is prohibited. The wording of the bill addresses anyone who is “manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols or other text in a wireless communication device.”

That pretty much covers everything.

If Senate Bill 416 passes, which seems all but assured, Florida will become the 36th state to ban texting and distracted driving. The penalties could be as much as a $30 fine and a minimum of 3 points on your license. If your distracted driving leads to an accident the penalties are even higher-up to 6 points added on your license.

Defensive driving experts know the importance of maintaining their focus where it belongs: on the road ahead and not on a digital device, chatting with your significant other; checking e-mail or the latest sports scores. There really is no excuse for distracted driving. As defensive drivers know, taking your eyes off the road even for a second is all you need for a crash to happen.

A defensive driving course can help you keep the points from adding up on your license. It can also help you understand just how dangerous it is to do anything behind the wheel–including lighting a cigarette, fiddling with the radio or even opening a candy bar. But not even traffic school can restore lives lost due to distracted driving.

More crashes are caused by drivers lack of attention than anything else. Anything that can wake drivers up to this fact is bound to have a positive impact on making the roadways safer for everyone.

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