Uncategorized – Page 5 – Traffic School Online

Getting a Florida driver’s license can be quite an involved process. One needs a permit before getting a license, but how do I get my Florida driving permit?

In this article, we will briefly summarize the process to get a Florida driver’s permit, followed by your Florida driver’s license.

The path to obtaining your Florida license is most easily broken down into 4 steps.

Step 1 – The TLSAE:

The first step is to complete a Florida-approved Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Awareness Education (TLSAE) course. Florida requires all persons wishing to obtain a Florida driver’s license to attend a TLSAE course, regardless of age or previous driving status issued in another state. Indeed, even those with a driver’s license in a different state must take a TLSAE course if they want a Florida driver’s license. Fortunately, the TLSAE is a brief course, with an average completion time of just 4 hours, that can easily be taken online at your convenience.

Step 2 – The Permit Test:

So, you’ve completed the TLSAE course, what’s next? Think of acquiring the permit as a 2-part process. The first step is the TLSAE course, and the second step is to take what’s known as a Class-E Knowledge Exam. There are many approved locations that offer the knowledge exam, but it is most commonly taken at the DMV or Florida tax-collectors office. Here is a complete list of DMV-approved in-person testing sites. Although some of the curricula from the TLSAE (such as road signs and regulations) will be present on the knowledge exam, passing both the TLSAE and the Class-E Knowledge Exam are requirements to get a Florida driving permit.

Step 3 – Practice Makes Perfect:

Now that you have your provisional driving permit, you can practice driving until you are confident in your ability to pass a driving test. As an important and sometimes overlooked step, be sure that you have auto insurance coverage while you practice driving, as insurance is mandatory before getting a Florida driver’s license.

Step 4 – Behind The Wheel

Now that you have passed the TLSAE, the Class-E exam, and have practiced driving; you should know road signs, road rules, and regulations that you will need to pass the behind-the-wheel test proctored at the DMV. Completing the behind-the-wheel test means you can get your Florida-issued Class-E driver’s license.

Still have more questions? Need some clarification? You can contact our online support team. Alternatively, here are some frequently asked questions explored in more detail below.

Q – What if I already have a license in another state?

A- The state of Florida still requires all would-be Florida-licensed drivers to pass both the TLSAE course and the Class-E Knowledge Exam. For more details about the TLSAE course, feel free to contact us at 866-836-8952.

Q – What if I’m over 18 years old? Do I still need to take this test?

A- Regardless of the age of the applicant, The TLSAE, Class-E Knowledge Exam, and behind-the-wheel tests are all required.

Q – What if I want to do the whole thing online?

A-While some schools offer both the TLSAE and Class-E Knowledge Exam as a bundle, they tend to be more expensive than simply taking the TLSAE online and then taking the Class-E Knowledge Exam at your local DMV branch or tax-collectors office. Presently, we only offer the TLSAE course.

Q – How do I get my “S-Number”?

A- The s-number is the unique identifying number issued to a student after completing the Class-E Knowledge Exam.

Q – Where can I get additional information about driver education programs or additional study materials?

A – You can obtain information about our TLSAE program by contacting us at OnlineDriversEd.com, and you can acquire additional study resources from the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles.

In Arizona the distinction between Traffic Survival School and online traffic schools becomes vital. Whether you’re searching for the best online traffic school or the lowest-priced option, knowing which course best serves your needs is crucial. Let’s delve into the differences.

1. What is Traffic Survival School?

Traffic Survival School (TSS) in Arizona focuses on enhancing drivers’ habits and deepening their understanding of state road laws and regulations. This course is uniquely tailored to the reasons a driver was directed to attend, reflecting their driving behavior. Important to note, that TSS can only be taken in person, providing a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience.

For more information on TSS and available resources, visit the AZ MVD website or their dedicated resources page.

2. Traffic Survival School vs. Online Defensive Driving Course

Avoid mixing up Traffic Survival School with the standard Defensive Driving Course, especially when considering online options. Here’s how they differ:

Purpose: While Traffic Survival School refines driving habits and improves knowledge of road rules, the Defensive Driving Course, like ours, is designed primarily for dismissing traffic citations.

Eligibility for the Defensive Driving Course: A driver qualifies for the Defensive Driving Course if they haven’t taken it for another citation issued within the 12 months preceding their current citation. Here’s the full list of eligible violations.

Format: TSS is strictly an in-person course, while many defensive driving courses, especially the best online traffic schools, offer online formats. If you’re interested in the lowest priced and most convenient option for ticket dismissal, our Arizona Defensive Driving Course might be just what you need.

3. Why the Distinction Matters

Knowing the difference between these courses ensures you make informed decisions. While we pride ourselves on offering the best online traffic school experience with our Defensive Driving Course, it’s crucial to know when Traffic Survival School might be more appropriate.

The Road Ahead

Road safety is a shared responsibility. If you’re uncertain about which course to opt for or have further questions, the AZ MVD contact page is a great place to start. Remember, whether you’re dismissing a citation or refining your driving skills, the proper knowledge ensures safer roads for all.

Seeking the best and lowest-priced online Defensive Driving Course in Arizona? Look no further. Enroll with us today and drive with confidence!

Navigating Michigan Traffic Tickets and Your Options

What steps should you take when you receive a ticket in Michigan? How can you challenge this ticket? What exactly is a BDIC course, and why is the Secretary of State sending me correspondence regarding it? These are all pertinent questions. In this article, we’ll explore several alternatives to safeguard your Michigan driving record and assist you in saving money.

When you get a Michigan traffic ticket, you might think, “I’ll just pay this off and be done with it.” However, that might not be the wisest decision, as the ticket is likely to resurface and cause problems later. Most Michigan traffic tickets come with one or more demerit points, which will almost inevitably be reported and visible to your auto insurance provider. Consequently, your insurance company will raise your premiums, and your record will maintain these demerit(s) for years to come—unless you take action!

Below are three options that could help preserve your driving record, counter Michigan traffic tickets, and ultimately save you money in the long run.

1- Consult a Judge: Court-Approved Ticket Dismissal

Depending on the specifics of your citation and the local regulations in your county, your infraction may be eligible for Court-Approved Ticket Dismissal. Reach out to the court listed on your ticket and request permission to attend a Driver Improvement course. If granted, this would dismiss the violation through the court and save money on your auto insurance.

Once authorized, you’ll have a limited time to complete the course and submit a certificate of completion to the court. After the certificate is returned to the court, the points for that violation are kept off your record and will no longer be visible to your insurance company!

2- The BDIC: A Unique, One-Time Opportunity for Michigan Drivers

Suppose you received a Michigan traffic ticket and couldn’t get it dismissed through the court. In that case, you might be getting a BDIC notice from the state. You might be wondering, “What is this letter from the Michigan Secretary of State?” or “What is a BDIC course?”

Well, if you were ticketed on or after December 10th, 2010, you might be eligible for the Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) program offered by the state. The BDIC is a demerit point forgiveness initiative that the State of Michigan permits its residents to attend once (and only once) to prevent points from a traffic violation from appearing on their records. This a genuine one-time opportunity!

You qualify for the BDIC—Basic Driver Improvement Course if:

You have a valid Michigan, non-commercial license with two or fewer points on your record,
The violation was not in a Commercial Motor Vehicle,
The violation was not a criminal offense,
The Michigan traffic ticket you received brought about the BDIC letter from the state.

3- Elective Driver Improvement: Save on Insurance Premiums

Did you know that some insurance policies have a hidden clause stating that you can get a yearlong discount by taking a straightforward online driver improvement course?

Inquire with your auto insurance provider if your policy allows for “Elective Driver Improvement” in exchange for an insurance discount. Many policyholders have this provision waiting to be applied for a nice little discount.

If you’re eligible, you can quickly enroll in a driver improvement course on our Michigan page to obtain that insurance discount and start saving money today.

We hope this information has been helpful, provided you with details on mitigating the effects of Michigan traffic tickets, and answered the question, “What is a BDIC?” If you have additional questions about the online BDIC—basic driver improvement course, feel free to contact us.

Easy and proactive steps to real world savings, insurance discounts, and professional driver improvement.

In recent years, rideshare and delivery services, such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and GrubHub, have become increasingly popular for their customers and as a second career. If you are a driver or plan to become one of these drivers, then we’ve got 5 easy tips to help you save money every month!

5 – It’s All About the Benjamins: Getting Insurance Discounts

Any driver is required to have auto insurance, but were you aware that your personal auto insurance policy does not necessarily shield you from liability for accidents and traffic tickets that occur whilst you are driving professionally! For this reason, many Uber drivers choose to acquire “rideshare” insurance, but those policies can get really expensive. That’s why, if you plan to work for a delivery or rideshare service, you should ask your auto insurance provider if the policy you have allows for a “Voluntary Driver improvement course” in exchange for an insurance discount. Many policyholders have that stipulation already in their policy just waiting to be applied for a nice little discount. If you are eligible, you can easily enroll in a driver improvement course to get that insurance discount and save money today.

4 – If I Could Turn Back Time: Fixing Your Driving Record

Maybe you want to be a driver, but you have an existing ticket on your record. Some states actually allow you to take a “points credit” course to retroactively remove the demerit points on your record that may be there due to past tickets. Plus, removing these points will very frequently improve and lower your current insurance premiums. Some states that offer points credit courses are Alaska, Nevada, New Jersey, and Virginia. For more details, contact trafficschoolonline-dev.plume.co.uk/ or call 800 800 3579.

3 – Stand By Your Plan: Make A Plan To Reduce Daily Expenses

Make A Plan To Reduce Daily Expenses Knowing when and where to drive will help you increase the fare potential during your shifts. Familiarizing yourself with the area you will be driving in will also reduce unnecessary driving and fuel expenditure between locations you may need to utilize during your shift, such as public restrooms and gas stations. Additionally, your plan should include affordable meal prep; put simply, that means you can prepare yourself a weeks worth of sandwiches in advance, for about the cost of a single fast food combo-meal. So save money by bringing snacks with you during your shift, and avoid excess spending on fast food.

2 – Papa’s got a brand-new bag: Special Discounts For Mature Drivers

Special Discounts For Mature Drivers It may not surprise you to learn that most frequent rideshare users are under the age of 30, you may be surprised to learn that, according to a poll conducted in 2017, 54% of Uber drivers are over the age of 50, with almost 25% over 60. It also may surprise you to learn that many insurance companies offer specific auto insurance discounts to senior drivers who pass a “mature driver improvement course”. So, if you are 55+ and looking for a way to reduce your insurance costs, a Mature Driver Course may just be for you.

1 – She Works Hard For The Money: Proactively Protecting Your License

As a professional driver you will be on the road more than the average driver, so your odds of being pulled over for a minor moving violation is substantially higher than that of the average motorist. Non-Criminal traffic tickets, such as rolling through a stop sign, or minor speeding infractions are the number 1 reason for car insurance to go up. Fortunately, most states have a way to prevent a traffic ticket from being seen by your auto insurance company. So if you get a ticket while driving, it’s best to be proactive and contact a traffic school ASAP, before your insurance company has a chance to ding you for it.

We hope this guide to traffic tickets, auto insurance discounts, and professional driver tips to save money has been helpful; so, if you have any other questions about driver improvement courses for insurance discounts, feel free to contact us.

How can talking on my cell phone raise my car insurance rate?

Everyone has a cell phone, and we all make mistakes, but did you know that getting a ticket for using your cell phone or texting while driving can raise your car insurance rates for years? Fortunately, there may be something you can do about it! Every state is different, but some states allow for specific classes that can keep the violation invisible to insurance companies, apply insurance discounts, or otherwise make a serious financial impact on the costs accrued due to that cell phone ticket. Below are 3 easy examples, listed by state, of what you can do when you get a cellphone ticket.

In the case of Arizona, a cellphone ticket (Violation Code 28-914) can be mitigated with a Defensive Driving School (DDS), thus preventing your insurance from going up by as much as 30%. Click HERE for more details.

In Oregon, a standard cellphone ticket for a first-time offense (ORS 811.507) can carry a $1,000 fine! Yikes. Did you know that the court can suspend that cost if you take a state-approved Distracted Driving Avoidance course?

For California, cell phone tickets are fairly unforgiving (Vehicle Code Sections 23123 and 23123.5 CVC). While the base fine for a first-time cell phone ticket is $20, with 2nd offenses increasing to $50, when you factor in the other processing fees and fine assessments, you’re looking at up to $250, and that is before the insurance company sees it. Although there is no California class to prevent this outright, senior drivers (aged 55+) may be able to attend a Mature Driver class to reduce that financial impact by applying for an insurance discount. Read our California page for more details on the CA Mature Driver course.

What if my car insurance company has already seen the cell phone ticket on my record? Insurance companies calculate some of the biggest factors when determining your rates as the presence of previous tickets and demerit points, such as distracted driving, texting while driving, or just plain speeding tickets. But did you know that some states have a way to add safe driving points or remove demerit points from your record? You only need a few hours and a standard-issued driver’s license. – Nevada grants Nevada drivers a 3-point credit for taking a simple 5-hour class. – Virginia offers a class for a 5-point credit to your record! – New Jersey permits a 2-point credit. – Alaska allows you to add 2 safe driving points or reduce 2 demerit points.

Not all cell phone tickets for talking or texting while driving carry demerit points, but they will still appear on your driving record and can be seen by your auto insurance provider. With that in mind, you may have a secret weapon that not everyone knows about. Some insurance companies allow voluntary driver improvement programs that can grant you insurance discounts, even if you have previous tickets on your record. So be sure to contact your insurance company; if approved, enrollment is just a simple phone call away 800-800-3579. We hope this has given you the tools to obtain safe driving points, fight back against the results of cellphone tickets, and counter the rising insurance costs associated with them.

What if my car insurance company has already seen the cell phone ticket on my record?

Insurance companies calculate some of the biggest factors when determining your rates as the presence of previous tickets and demerit points, such asdistracted driving, texting while driving, or just plain speeding tickets. But did you know that some states have a way to add safe driving points or removedemerit points from your record? You only need a few hours and a standard-issued driver’s license.

Nevada grants Nevada drivers a 3-point credit for taking a simple 5-hour class.
Virginia offers a class for a 5-point credit to your record!
New Jersey permits a 2-point credit.
Alaska allows you to add 2 safe driving points or reduce 2 demerit points.

You’re familiar with the driving laws in your state. You stop at stop signs, don’t speed, and don’t run red lights. As long as you’re following those critical rules, you aren’t going to end up with an expensive ticket, right? Unfortunately, those aren’t the only reasons you can end up getting a ticket–and knowing these unusual reasons for a ticket can help you avoid trouble in the future.

1. You didn’t check distracted driving laws for unfamiliar states.

Some states allow you to use your cell phone while you’re driving as long as you aren’t texting or operating an app. Others don’t even allow you to talk on the phone when you’re behind the wheel of the car. Many states are also currently taking steps to improve their distracted driving laws, so it’s important that you remain aware of the laws and their changes throughout your state.

2. You’re suspected of driving under the influence.

You’ve been on the road for too long, and as a result, you’re starting to waver in your driving. Perhaps you’ve drifted off the road or almost missed a stop sign. If an officer suspects you of driving under the influence, they may go ahead and pull you over–but if they can’t prove it, they’ll write you a ticket for a smaller infraction. This could include not wearing your seat belt or failing to use a turn signal to change lanes–little things that can have a big impact.

3. You’re driving too slowly.

You know that driving too fast is a problem. Have you taken the time to check out your state’s slow driver rules? Driving too slowly can be just as bad for traffic as driving too fast–and it can cause accidents! If you’re driving too slowly, an officer may pull you over. In some states, this isn’t just a matter of making sure you’re okay. It can also be grounds to issue a ticket.

4. Leaving the scene of an accident.

Did you observe or participate in an accident and go speeding away again? No matter how busy you are, it’s not okay to leave the scene of the accident, especially if you were one of the cars involved in the crash. Make sure that if you were involved in accident, you stop and wait for the authorities if necessary. This will allow you to avoid even more expense in addition to the accident.

5. You’re not aware of common rules of the road.

Does your state require you to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks? What’s the legal restriction on passing distance for bikes–whether they’re in bike lanes or on the road? Pay attention to pedestrians and bikes when you’re driving, and make sure you’re familiar with the state’s rules. These little things can lead to serious fines.

6. You’re driving without a license.

Sure, if you do everything right, it’s unlikely that you’ll get pulled over unless you’re going through a checkpoint. Driving without a license, however, is still grounds for a ticket–and if you do get pulled over, it can carry a heavy fine and other consequences. If your license has been suspended, stay out from behind the wheel of your car.

Little mistakes on the road can add up fast, especially if you have a habit of not paying attention to the rules of the road in your state. The best way to avoid receiving a ticket is to regularly recheck the rules of the road in your state. You don’t have to be able to pass a driver’s test all over again, but it does pay to stay familiar with those rules in order to avoid costly tickets.

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May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month so we’ll be highlighting some articles this month to help you, and other drivers, stay safe when you hit the open road.

Motorcycle riders are quick to share the appeal of the ride. From feeling the air against one’s body to spending less time looking for parking spots, there are myriad reasons bikers become just that. One incentive that cannot be denied? The “cool” factor that comes with being able to offer a ride to a passenger.

To those hesitant to hop on, motorcyclists are quick to point out that they are, in many measurable ways, safer drivers than car drivers. Indeed they enjoy a better field of vision, more maneuverability and a lower rate of distracted driving. Even more encouraging? A 2003 National Highway Safety Administration study showed that in 80% of accidents between motorcycles and cars, motorcycles either were not at fault or shared less fault than the involved car. Unfortunately drivers of motorcycles suffer a disproportionately high rate of injury and death when involved in an accident than drivers of other vehicles, especially when taking in to account the fact that they are safer drivers overall. In fact, in 2013 “motorcyclists were five times more likely to be injured and 26 times more likely to be killed in a wreck than car-drivers.” In light of these statistics would-be passengers may be justified in being wary of coming along for a ride. Likewise, motorcycle drivers themselves are wise to exercise caution when taking on a passenger, which puts a driver in a position of potential liability in the event of a collision. So when should you allow a passenger on your motorcycle? Here are five requirements to meet before turning the key to increase the odds that everyone will arrive at the destination safe and sound.

1. Gain Experience As A Driver

Carrying a passenger on the back of a motorcycle changes multiple aspects of the way the vehicle operates. It can not simply be equated with operating the bike while carrying a suitcase or other heavy cargo. For this reason, wait until you have gained experience as a driver in order to better be able to handle the new way your motorcycle will feel with the new addition of a passenger.

2. Take A Safety Course

Before making the decision to carry a passenger on your bike, complete a motorcycle safety course. After successfully taking such a course, ease in to the new experience by first carrying passengers only in low-traffic areas before riding on a busy street with the precious new cargo.

3. Check State Licensing Requirements

A motorcycle instruction permit typically does not permit its carrier to have passengers. While most states do allow a person with a full motorcycle license to carry passengers do check the DMV regulations for your state to be sure that you will be in compliance prior to carrying a passenger. These regulations are available in the motorcycle operator manual or by contacting the nearest DMV office.

4. Have The Right Equipment

No matter how experienced the driver, some motorcycles are simply not equipped to carry any passengers. Before offering anyone a ride, check to be sure that your seat is big enough to carry two as well as that your bike has the extra foot pegs a passenger will need. Just as important? Have an extra helmet available for your passenger, one that properly fits him or her. The owner’s manual for any motorcycle should provide information about the bike’s weight limits as well as whether there are any suspension and/or tire pressure adjustments that you should make to the vehicle before inviting an additional person on board. In some cases your state may have additional requirements that a motorcycle must meet in order to legally carry passengers. These may include requirements for passenger footrests and/or separate passenger seating. Check to be sure that your bike meets these requirements before accepting a passenger.

5. Brief Your Passenger

While most of the information that will help keep you and your passenger safe is largely relative to the bike’s operator, there are safety rules any passenger should also be briefed on prior to hopping on board. Even if your passenger claims to be an experienced rider, always take the time to be sure that he or she:

Understands that feet must be kept on the footrests at all times
Knows to keep legs away from the mufflers, which get very hot
Is wearing a helmet and any other required protective gear and understands that all must be kept on for the duration of the ride
Knows not to turn or make any other sudden moves, as unexpected movement can hamper your ability to control the motorcycle safely
Understands the importance of holding on to your waist or the motorcycle’s passenger handholds
Knows to brace with his or her hands against the tank when braking to keep from pushing you over the bars if he or she is heavy

Carrying a passenger on your motorcycle can be a fun rewarding experience if you take the time to do all that you can to keep both of you safe. In addition to the above tips, be sure to heed any recommendations made by a traffic school or defensive driving teacher as well as by your state’s DMV.

There’s nothing quite like getting a traffic ticket to ruin your day. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, “the most common reason for contact with the police is being a driver in a traffic stop.” Most people think that fighting a traffic ticket is a hopeless job. Only five percent of drivers who get traffic tickets contest them. People who do challenge their traffic citations usually lose because they’re unprepared and nervous. If you’ve recently received a traffic ticket, here’s what you need to do and consider.

Tips for Contesting a Traffic Ticket

Review your ticket. Check all details of your ticket immediately after it’s issued to you. If you find wrong or missing information, there may be grounds for dismissal of your ticket.
Know your state traffic laws. Going over the speed limit in safe conditions is legal in a few states. If you received a speeding ticket in one of those states, you may have grounds for a ticket dismissal.
If the offense is of a subjective matter, sometimes you can challenge what an officer said he or she saw. In other words, was the officer in a good spot to get an accurate view of what occurred? If not, point out facts that can prove to the officer that he or she didn’t see what actually happened.
Determine if your actions have any legal justification or were necessary to prevent danger. Let’s say your ticket is for an illegal lane change. If you made an illegal lane switch to prevent hitting an animal or object, your ticket may get dismissed.

Going to Court

If you go to court, be sure you have photos that can support your case. These may include photos of stop signs or intersections. A good example is a photo of a hidden stop sign.

Use clear diagrams that show the location of your car and the officer’s vehicle. Make sure to include relative objects such as traffic signals or intersections. If possible, have witnesses who saw what happened and can testify on your behalf.

Considerations and Warnings

Consider if you have enough time to devote to fighting your ticket. If it is only a minor traffic infraction and fine, it may be better to just pay the fine. If you do decide to fight your ticket, expect to spend several hours in preparation. You will also spend at least half a day devoted to traveling to and from court, as well as disputing your case. You’ll also need to make sure you dress in proper attire so that you make a positive impression.
If you decide to fight your ticket, don’t use excuses that can immediately defeat you. Don’t say that you didn’t know the speed limit or that you were talking on your phone and didn’t notice the stop sign.

The Option of Attending a Traffic School

In many states, if you choose to fight your ticket you may waive your right to take traffic school. Usually, once you go to court it is then up to the judge to decide whether you are eligible for traffic school.

Traffic school could prove to be a good solution for your traffic ticket. In most cases, drivers get a reduced fine when they attend traffic school. It will also allow you to keep the ticket from having a negative effect on your driving record.

Defensive driving is a trait that is hard to teach to many drivers. Frustration at the behaviors of other drivers or simply wanting to move faster is often an innate aspect of a driver’s personality. However, there are simple ways that you can tone down your aggressiveness and learn how to become a safer, more defensive driver.

Assessing Your Driving Aggressiveness

Sometimes, it’s hard to know whether or not you’re truly an aggressive driver or if you just have a few aggressive driving tendencies. Take the following quiz to assess your aggressiveness. And be honest with each question:

Do you yell at other drivers for driving slowly or for passing you?
Are rude gestures a regular occurrence when another driver misbehaves?
Do you tailgate slow drivers instead of giving them a safe braking distance?
When you see a yellow light do you slow down or hit the gas?
Do you honk your horn when someone is slow to respond to a green light?
Have you ever passed multiple cars in two-lane driving, narrowly missing an accident?
Has your behavior ever caused an accident?

If you answered “yes” to even a few of these questions, you are likely an aggressive driver. Now that you understand that, you can work at eliminating these problematic and dangerous behaviors.

Building Focus and Alertness

Many aggressive driving traits occur because someone isn’t carefully paying attention to the road. As a result, they are surprised when driving conditions change, get afraid, and fly into a “flight or fight” mode, where everyone is an enemy.

Cultivating a sense of focus and alertness not only eliminates those dangerous “fight” moments, but also gives you time to relax in a safe and defensive manner.

As a result, cutting back on driving distraction is a necessity. Eliminate these behaviors to increase your driving focus and alertness:

Talking on the phone
Texting
Changing CDs or radio stations
Reading billboards
Doing makeup or adjusting your mirrors
Looking at passengers

Don’t Consider Other Drivers the “Enemy”

Driving is not a race: you’re not competing with anyone, but yourself. Aggressive drivers treat other cars like “the enemy,” a problematic behavior that endangers everyone’s life. This is particularly true of cyclists: they especially require defensive driving!

Remember: other drivers are just people like you. They are trying to get somewhere safely so they can continue to live their lives. So if someone is passing you (after riding your bumper for 20 miles), just let them go. And if it looks like they’re going to try to cut you off, slow down and let them in the lane.

Are those behaviors infuriating? Absolutely! But that person is not your enemy: they’re probably someone with little patience who is in a big hurry. They’re an aggressive driver, like you.

Don’t compete with them. Just drive defensively: this will help balance out those behaviors and make the road safer for everyone.

Never Rely on the Good Behavior of Other Drivers

Aggressive drivers are often aggressive people used to getting their way. But what happens if you run into another aggressive driver that won’t let you merge? Or who is willing to run a red light just to get an extra 30 seconds closer to home? What happens then?

Accidents happen. That’s why you can never rely on the good (defensive) behaviors of other drivers. However, if you yourself drive defensively, you can at least rely on yourself to prevent accidents.

Does this mean you might get home a little slower? Probably. But it also means you’ll get home.

Remember: becoming a defensive driver is not only safe for you, it’s safer for everybody on the road. And the only way you can become a defensive driver is by committing to these actions and working towards implementing them every time you drive.

Approximately 10 million car accidents occur each year according to the United States Census Bureau. Check out this interactive traffic safety map from NHSTA to see specific stats for your state.

Unfortunately, even the best drivers may wind up in an accident due to the fault of another driver. So it is wise for all drivers to know what steps they should take after a car accident. Consider the following key steps that shouldn’t get overlooked.

Go to a Safe Location

After you have been in an accident your immediate response will likely be to want to get out of the car. But, you need to think clearly about where you are getting out of the vehicle. Make sure you find a safe location away from heavy traffic. In some cases this may mean you need to drive a short distance and pull into a parking lot. If you are on a bridge it may be best to drive off the bridge before pulling over assuming your car is still driveable for this distance.

A car accident is overwhelming and it is easy to become focused on what happened and who is at fault. Staying safe is a priority though, so don’t overlook your surroundings. Be sure you are out of the way of traffic while you are communicating with the other driver about the incident.

Check for Injuries

Before talking to the other driver about what happened, be sure to ask if anyone has any injuries. This includes checking your own body for injuries. Call for an ambulance immediately if either driver or any passengers are in need of medical help. Wait at the scene of the accident at least until the first responders have arrived.

Remember that sometimes injuries aren’t clear right away. If you find you have neck or back pain later on be sure to seek medical attention.

Consider the Police

Consider calling the police to file a police report. They will interview both drivers and any witnesses and provide you a report that details all the information. Many drivers find this helpful because hours after the accident they may not remember the specifics of what happened. The police may also provide citations at the scene of the accident if someone has broken the traffic law.

Communicate Carefully

When you communicate with the other driver be careful what you say. Avoid apologizing at this point. You do not want to take responsibility for the accident until you have had a chance to understand the circumstances. You don’t want to make it sound like you are taking responsibility if you weren’t responsible. Sometimes people want to say they are sorry to make the other party feel better, but you should avoid this line of discussion.

Take Notes and Information

Be sure to get the necessary information from the other driver. This includes the make and model of their car, their insurance information, and their license plate number. It is especially important for you to record this information if you will not be obtaining a police report.

Also take notes about the car accident. Write down what you think happened and how it happened. Draw a picture of the roadway and any turns either vehicle was taking before the accident. Include details about the weather conditions and traffic level. This all will be helpful hours or days later when you are trying to remember what exactly happened.

Photograph the Scene

Photos are even better than notes for recording information about the accident. Take photos of the area where the accident occurred and of the damage on both vehicles. If you have injuries that will not need immediate treatment, such as bruises, take photos of those as well.

It’s important to take the appropriate steps after a car accident, should you find yourself in one. This will ensure you remain safe and that you have the information you will need to provide to your insurance company and the insurance company of the other driver.

◉ The Road to the Road: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Florida Driver’s License