Defensive Driving Course (DDC):
A state-approved program designed to improve driving skills, reduce traffic violations, and earn insurance premium discounts.
Point Reduction:
The process of removing up to 4 points from a driver's record after successfully completing a defensive driving course.
Defensive Driving Certificate:
A document issued upon successful completion of a DDC, which serves as proof of course completion for insurance companies. NYS DMV (New York State Department of Motor Vehicles): The government agency responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration in New York.
New York Traffic Violations:
Infractions of traffic laws, which may result in points on a driver's record and higher insurance rates.
Traffic Ticket:
A citation issued by law enforcement for a traffic violation, typically accompanied by fines and potential points.
Speeding Ticket:
A common traffic violation involving driving above the posted speed limit.
Point System:
A system used by the NYS DMV to assign points to a driver's record for various traffic violations.
Defensive Driving Techniques:
Strategies and skills taught in a DDC to help drivers avoid accidents and drive more safely.
Collision Avoidance:
Defensive driving techniques that help drivers prevent accidents by reacting to potential hazards.
Right of Way:
The legal right to proceed first at an intersection or when merging onto a roadway.
Safe Following Distance:
Maintaining a sufficient space between vehicles to allow for safe stopping in emergencies.
Yield:
Giving the right of way to other drivers or pedestrians when required by traffic rules.
Three-Second Rule:
A guideline for maintaining a safe following distance by keeping at least three seconds of space between your vehicle and the one ahead. DWI (Driving While Intoxicated): Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a serious offense.
Distracted Driving:
Engaging in activities that divert attention from driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or eating.
Speed Limits:
Maximum allowable speeds posted on roadways, which must be obeyed by drivers.
Defensive Driving Online Course:
A web-based version of the defensive driving course, offering convenience and flexibility for participants.
Insurance Premium:
The amount of money paid by a policyholder to an insurance company for coverage.
Premium Discount:
A reduction in insurance premiums provided to drivers who complete a defensive driving course.
Insurance Provider:
The company that offers auto insurance policies to individuals and businesses.
Policyholder:
The individual or entity that holds an insurance policy and is covered by it.
Underwriting:
The process by which an insurance company assesses risks and determines policy pricing.
Deductible:
The amount of money a policyholder must pay out of pocket before their insurance coverage begins.
Coverage Limits:
The maximum amount an insurance policy will pay out for specific types of claims.
No-Fault Insurance:
A type of auto insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses and certain other damages regardless of fault in an accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage:
Insurance that protects policyholders if they are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Liability Insurance:
Coverage that pays for damages and injuries to others if the policyholder is at fault in an accident.
Comprehensive Coverage:
Insurance that covers damage to a policyholder's vehicle caused by factors other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.