Texas Defensive Driving Blog

Mobile Device Ready

When Texas defensive driving courses were first state approved in an online format, it presented a new level of convenience and flexibility for customers needing traffic ticket dismissal or an insurance discount services.  When comparing the online format to the traditional live class format, the online courses offer accessibility 24 hours by 7 days a week from anywhere with a steady internet connection.  Users can log in and out of the course as needed, rather than having to take the course on a set day or time.  Over the years since the approval of online courses, there have been other alternative delivery formats approved by the state such as DVD, cable TV, etc.  Currently, the latest technologies and advancements in Texas defensive driving courses center around mobile devices which are surging in popularity such as cellular phones and tablets.  For this reason, we are proud to announce that the state approved Texas defensive driving online course (a.k.a. driver safety course) being offered through Texasdrivesafe.com is now 100% mobile device compatible.  The list of devices that can be used to access the course includes Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad; Android devices, and Windows phones and tablets.

App or no App

Those who are familiar with the technology trends of today know the popularity of apps which can be downloaded onto their mobile devices (typically on iTunes if using a Apple device or the Android Store).  Apps can be created to do just about anything, but for websites, most apps are created to offer a more mobile friendly browsing experience.  However for the defensive driving Texas edition that we offer on our site, there is no need to pay or download an additional app.  Users can go from registration to completion on the mobile device, including watching the videos within the course, by simply using the native browser on the device itself.  For example, the Safari browser on an Apple devices.  Many other defensive driving courses claim on their websites to be mobile device friendly, but if you check carefully many of them have the stipulation that their courses only work if a device is flash enabled, which doesn’t include the vast majority of devices.  The course offered through  Texasdrivesafe.com is truly mobile friendly since it can be taken on flash enabled or non-flash enabled devices.

True Flexibility and Convenience

So whether drivers are looking to take a Texas defensive driving course from home, work, or on the go from your favorite Wi-Fi hotspot, Texasdrivesafe.com offers a truly flexible and convenient course option that can be taken on a PC, laptop, or any mobile device.  We offer 24 hour customer service, express delivery if needed, and are located in Texas so that you get your certificate as fast as possible.  We know that the process of getting a ticket can be a bit confusing, so we are here to answer any questions that someone might have.  Think of us as your traffic ticket resource.  We are here to help make your defensive driving course experience painless.

Filed under: Texas Defensive Driving by troyc
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It’s been said that a driver can drive across the entire length of a football field in the time it takes to read an incoming text message. Sadly, that’s the distance some drivers are operating their vehicles while distracted by viewing and sending messages on cellular devices.

Lawmakers and citizens both agree that the amount of damage that can be done in those 4 to 5 seconds is fatal, but not everyone agrees on how to handle it. The issue seems pressing enough to make texting while driving illegal, but putting it into play hasn’t been so easy! There are essentially 4 arguments when it comes to creating a law about the issue:

1.  Those in support of House Bill 63 believe that if a person is caught texting or viewing a cellular device while driving, they should be charged as a lawbreaker and punished accordingly.
2. Those who disagree with House Bill 63 generally agree that driving while distracted is irresponsible and believe most people already know this. But creating a new law is too drastic of a measure when the problem can be solved by education or some other means.
3. There is another argument that acknowledges the dangers of mobile device use while driving, but doesn’t support House Bill 63 because they believe a texting ban would be very tough to enforce.  Those sharing this opinion usually believe that a complete mobile device ban would be more effective than a texting ban.
4. Others acknowledge that a texting ban is hard to enforce, but support the bill because it is a step in the right direction.

Currently, Texas law bans the use of wireless devices used by underage drivers and school bus drivers only. Former House Speaker Tom Craddick is presenting a bill that would make using wireless devices to read or text while driving in Texas a criminal offense. The exceptions would include texting when a vehicle is stopped or using the device for GPS, or to dial out.

A similar bill was passed by the House and Senate in 2011, but was vetoed by Governor Rick Perry, indicating that creating a distracted driving law would be just another way for the government to micro-manage the behaviors of adults and infringe on personal freedoms. Can education through Texas defensive driving courses really do the trick?

Former Speaker Tom Craddick and those in favor of the bill now have interesting statistics to answer to. For example, a northern Virginia Trade group conducted a study that reveals that 3 of the 4 states that have implemented a similar ban accident rates have actually increased, because drivers try to hide texting, causing further distraction.

The issue has made its way back to the forefront to the House Transportation committee. Whether the law is finally passed, rejected again, or apprehensively accepted just to get the legal ball rolling on the matter, we strongly encourage you to drive safely. Texting can wait!

Filed under: driver safety texas, Texas Defensive Driving by danh
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Increases in population and construction cause more crashes

Our first goal is to make online Texas defensive driving courses both convenient and comprehensive to drivers. But we also take every opportunity to promote and encourage roadway safety. Keeping consistent with offering useful tips and vital warnings, Texas Drive Safe provides locals with up-to-date driving law changes and notification of budding hazardous zones.

Recently, the Permian Basin region in Texas has become popular ground for roadway fatalities.

The great sedimentary bowl is one of the world’s thickest deposits of rocks, oil, and natural gas production. It provides a thriving job economy and attracts thousands from across the globe. This unfortunately makes west Texas vulnerable to an increasing number of automobile collisions.

The problem is that the Permian Basin’s crash fatality rate is the highest in the Lone Star state. With more people and companies coming into the region and increased work zones, most of the crashes and fatalities can be attributed to the following.

• Speeding
• Not wearing seatbelts, and
• Not paying attention to driving surroundings

Presently, Odessa’s 12 counties are just about screaming for measures to be taken to make commuting in the area safer. Roadways are currently undergoing work in an attempt to help things, but the numbers reporting crashes and deaths aren’t exactly decreasing. The Texas Department of Transportation has also recognized the problem and has initiated a public education campaign called Be Safe, Drive Smart.

With more work trucks and equipment sharing the rural roads in the area, local government and Odessa residents are working to make geographical changes to the roadways, every driver entering the area can do their part too. Some helpful tips would include:

1. Give trucks extra space
2. Pass other cars with extra caution, and
3. Avoid distracted driving

The Permian Basin roads may not be the most suitable for the thriving region, but the fact is that stop signs are being ran, seatbelts aren’t being worn and cars are running into other cars, so hopefully the awareness campaign will have a positive impact on things.

Regardless if you are travelling in the Permian Basin where driver safety is a larger problem than in other areas of the state, you should consider using the important driver strategies provided in a state approved Texas defensive driving course to be most prepared when driving.

Filed under: Distracted Driving, driver safety texas, Texas Defensive Driving by danh
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Distracted driving and failure to wear seat belts are two major safety concerns with teenage drivers.

February marks one of the two months each year that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) raises awareness through its Click It of Ticket campaign to encourage teenage drivers to buckle up before driving.  High schools across the state will be receiving campaign awareness materials this month that will be put up in prominent areas where students are sure to see them.  This issue is extremely important since the statistics show the dangers driving presents to our least experienced teenage drivers.  For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) found that drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 are less likely to wear safety belts and that teens have a higher incidence of unbelted injuries and/or deaths resulting from automobile crashes.  Traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens across the United States, and we applaud TxDOT for their efforts to make a difference.

For most teens, simply going through the state’s driver education requirements, whether that be the standard commercial school or completing a state approved online driver education course, isn’t enough.  Parents should be constantly engaging their teens regarding their driving habits and the various dangers that are present on today’s roadways.  One of the key factors for why teens are disproportionately injured and killed in traffic crashes as compared to the general population is simply their inexperience which many times causes them to take risks they shouldn’t be taking.  It is for this reason that awareness campaigns such as Click It or Ticket are so important.  It is also the reason that many states have what is called “graduated driver licensing”, which puts restrictions on teens even after they have their license, while they gain experience.  For example, Texas has the following restrictions for drivers under the age of 18 as part of their graduated driver licensing program:

• Applicants under the age of 18 must hold a learner’s permit or a hardship license for at least six months before receiving a provisional license.
• A learner’s permit holder must have a currently licensed driver over the age of 21 accompanying them in the front seat while driving.
•  While in the provisional phase of licensing (the first six months following receipt of their license) a driver between the ages of 16 and 18 may not:
  • Have more than one passenger in their vehicle that is under 21 years of age that is not a family member, or
  • Operate their vehicle after 12 midnight and 5 AM, unless driving is necessary for employment, school or school-related activities or a medical emergency.

So between the graduated licensing program, awareness programs such as Click It or Ticket running this month in Texas to help encourage seat belt use, and hopefully the continual efforts of parents / guardians to remind teenage drivers about wearing seat belts and staying focused on the driving task, much is being done to help improve the dangerous issues facing teenage drivers. Keep up the good work TxDOT.  Keep up the good work!

Filed under: Distracted Driving, driver safety texas by troyc
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Millions of drivers get pulled over across Texas roadways.  Some choose to simply pay the ticket and others choose to take a state approved Texas defensive driving course to keep their record as clean as possible.  Online defensive driving courses have been around for many years now, yet many Texas drivers still aren’t quite sure how they work.  We thought it would extremely helpful to cover the 10 most frequently asked questions on the subject of defensive driving.

Question #1: I have never gotten a ticket before.  What do I do?

Once you have received the ticket from the Police Officer or State Trooper and you have reached a point to safely read it over, you should notice there is a court appearance date shown.  This court date refers to the day that you are required to appear in court, assuming that you plan to dispute the charge or would like to speak to the Judge about the matter.  If you acknowledge your guilt and would prefer to simply resolve the situation as quickly as possible, you can contact the court prior to your appearance date to officially notify them that you will either simply pay the fine or would like to take a Texas defensive driving course.

Question #2: How do I choose whether to pay the fine, or take defensive driving?

The answer to this question depends on the person and the risk you may or may not be willing to accept.  It is important to understand that the main difference between paying the fine and taking a defensive driving course is that the ticket WILL go on your Texas driving record when you pay the fine.  Conversely, when you successfully complete a defensive driving course, the ticket DOES NOT go on your driving record.  Many people think that taking a defensive driving course is a cheaper option than paying the fine.  This is normally true, however there is still a significant Court Fee (usually around $100-$120) even if you are taking defensive driving, plus you have the cost of the defensive driving course ($25), so the savings vary depending upon the severity of your infraction.  In addition to being a slightly less expensive option, taking defensive driving also keeps your driving record clean.  This is potentially an even larger cost saver, especially in the event that you get multiple tickets.  Texas now has something called the Driver Responsibility Program which amounts to a system whereby drivers receive surcharges from the state based upon a particular driving related conviction such as a DUI or the number of points accumulated on their driving record.  In the event that six or more points are reached, you can be surcharged by the State.  These surcharges are an additional fine above and beyond any fees that you may pay to the Court for a particular infraction.  Click here for details on the Texas points system.

I hope you find these helpful.  We will post another set of questions very soon.

Filed under: Texas Defensive Driving by troyc
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Texting While Driving Ban 2012

If you remember, during the last legislative session, a texting while driving ban law was successfully passed through both the House and Senate, but was vetoed by Governor Rick Perry.  At the time, Gov. Perry took the position that awareness about distracted driving and the possible consequences should be made through existing state of Texas approved teenage driver Ed, adult drivers Ed, and Texas defensive driving courses rather than specifically regulating it with a new law.

Enforcement Problems

While texting bans may seem like straight forward solutions to the problem, it isn’t quite that simple.  A recent article by the Atlanta Journal Constitution highlights the major challenge surrounding enforcement of texting while driving bans.  It explained that since July 1^st, 2010 when the statewide texting ban went into law in Georgia there have been fewer than 50 convictions per month across the state.  Lt. Les Wilburn, an assistant state commander in Georgia explained that troopers are required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a driver is texting while driving and not simply using their mobile device for other purposes, such as looking at contacts in preparation for making a call or using the devices GPS.  For this reason, other states such as California, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York have instituted complete mobile device bans while driving.  A full mobile device ban accomplishes the task of making enforcement much easier, but some would argue that doesn’t make the law better, it just makes it stricter.  So what do you think?  Are you in favor of texting ban or a full mobile device ban in Texas?

Insurance Industry Takes Notice

The issue of distracted driving is not only being discussed by our legislature.  Auto insurance companies are seeing the trends as well.  It was reported this week in the San Antonio Business Journal that San Antonio based insurance and investment provider USAA has hired the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to study the topic of distracted driving.  Their plan is to survey 3000 drivers to determine the thought processes and reasons why they may or may not engage in dangerous activities like using a cell phone, texting, or driving distracted behind the wheel.  The hope is that the TTI will then be able to provide well thought our recommendations on how to really impact the issue through awareness and education.

I think that you would be hard pressed to find a driver that won’t admit that driving distracted isn’t dangerous.  So why do people still do it?   The ultimate question is whether the problem can be limited by awareness and education through courses like our Texas defensive driving online course, or whether the Texas legislature will decide that a new law needs to be passed to prohibit this dangerous activity?

Filed under: Texas Defensive Driving by troyc
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Picture a person completely disregarding defensive driving in Texas. The image that most likely races to mind first is probably of someone behind the wheel while either under the influence or distracted by texting. Most drivers don’t see Mother Nature as one of the culprits we need to drive defensibly against.

However in Texas and most of the US, certain seasons bring with them periodic driving hazards. We’ve put together a few easy, yet useful tips to keep you cautious and others safe when driving in occasional adverse conditions.

Avoid Sudden Directives
The weather not only influences the environment around us, it also affects how our wheels respond to our driving commands. Automobiles require rolling traction to stop safely, gain and reduce speed, and turn. Healthy traction is jeopardized when tires and pavement are subjected to any type of moisture. When weather is inclement, we highly suggest that you refrain from making abrupt changes.

1. Avoid hard or sudden braking and changing direction.
2. Avoid sudden changes in vehicle direction or speed.

Reduce Speed
Adverse weather means extended braking distances, limited visibility, and reduced traction for drivers. Remember that speed limits do not apply when weather is hostile; the limit decreases. Exactly how much the limit should decrease depends on the circumstance:

• Wet road – reduce speed from 5-10 mph
• Snow – reduce speed to a minimum of ½ of the posted speed limit
• Ice – Try not to travel at all. If an emergency occurs, driving should be no more than a slow crawl.

The Forgotten Rule
When commuting back and forth, many drivers forget to follow a simple guideline that really works when it comes to crash avoidance and road safety. The two-second rule is a good guideline to use during good weather situations. Here is a refresher on how it works.

1. Spot an object, any object, maybe a fire hydrant or tree.
2. Notice when the vehicle in front of you passes it.
3. Allow at least 2 seconds to go by before your vehicle passes the same mark.

In inclement weather, drivers should increase the two-second rule depending on the severity of the conditions. It is suggested that the two-second following distance increase to 4 seconds in rain, 8 in snow, and 12 in ice.

Inclement weather often creates a road domino effect. Rain, snow, and ice create slippage instead of rolling traction, causing skidding, loss of directional steering, and increased stopping distances. Making a habit of following these tips will increase safe traveling; and of course, remember to use headlights when driving in fog during night and daytime hours.

Filed under: Safe Driving, Texas Defensive Driving by danh
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At the most basic of levels, the most obvious way to keep your insurance low and promote road safety is to drive the set speed limit, signal appropriately, and obey traffic signs at all times. However, even the most conscientious of drivers allow life situations and circumstances to steer them away from perfect driving every once in a while. Unnoticeably reaching over the speed limit, weaving in and out of traffic, or running a red light are common violations sure to capture the attention of state troopers and police officers.

When stopped by a police officer or trooper, one of two things will typically happen. The driver will either be let off with a warning or given a ticket that more often results in driving record points, a fine, and increased automobile insurance. It is conclusively up to the officer to cite the particular violation that occurred, reduce it to a lesser offense, or issue a warning. While there are no set of instructions guaranteed to net you a warning as a result of every traffic stop, following a few tips can increase your chances of receiving a warning instead of a ticket.

• Pull over quickly and keep your hands visible.
  Making officers follow you for a stretch shows you were driving unaware of your surroundings while an immediate safe reaction to their sirens leaves the impression that you are an attentive driver without willful intentions of breaking the law.
• Do not argue.
  A disrespectful impression will do you no good in your immediate future or possible pending court appearance. Answers should be brief and non-confrontational. Those patrolling the roads understand that mistakes happen. Since the officer has full discretion in the nature of your defense and can influence your driving record, there is no need to argue.
• Just apologize.
  State troopers and police officers have heard it all before, and insulting their intelligence with excuses is pointless. Apologizing shows you understand you put yourself, other drivers and possible pedestrians at risk by violating a traffic law.Even if you legitimately believe the citation is unjust, apologize and assure him you’ll have your car calibrated or rectify the offense as best as you can, after all you might be seeing the officer again in court if you decide to dispute the ticket, where he or she will be a participant in deciding your judgment outcome.

If after you’ve done all you can to minimize the risk of receiving more than a warning and you are still ticketed, contact us to guide you to the appropriate defensive driving course in Texas to combat your citation and improve your driving. This is the best way to keep your Texas driving record clean after receiving a traffic ticket.

With internet based courses now available, taking Texas defensive driving online has become the norm for most ticketed drivers.  Make sure that the driver safety course is state approved so that there is no risk of taking a non-sanctioned course when you turn in your certificate.

Filed under: Texas Defensive Driving, Ticket forgiveness by danh
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When a moving vehicle suddenly stops on a busy highway like the I-10 and I-45 interchange, it is hard not to panic. The Texas Interstate System is one of the largest in the country, covering over 3,233 miles. This poses a moderate chance of experiencing car troubles while traveling on a Texas roadway.

Since no two breakdowns are ever the same, advice about responding to them safely and correctly varies. Chances are you have been given conflicting guidance: Stay in the car or get out of the car, and call the police, or avoid calling the police at all cost.

The fact is that most drivers are unprepared when their vehicle gives out on them in a high traffic situation. No one knows exactly when, where, or how it will happen, but there are general guidelines that you can learn before it happens. No need to cross that bridge when you get there.

First things first. Remember to stay calm and know that help will be on the way.

• Pull to the side of the road if you can and immediately call for roadside assistance.
• If you deem it is safer to stay in the car while waiting for help, put hazard lights on and wear your seat belt.
• If you do not have a cellphone or need to get out, be aware of oncoming traffic.
• Call friends, family, AAA, or anyone until you reach a voice to let them know where you are.
• Call the police if you feel endangered or are unable to reach help. Many avoid this, but it is ok.

Remain calm and take in your surroundings, noting landmarks and signs. Roadside assistance may need your help finding your exact location. While waiting, decide where you want your vehicle to be towed to have it fixed if you can’t get it to your regular mechanic.

These tips and other helpful information can be learned by completing a defensive driving course in your local area or online.  Take a step for your safety and contact a defensive driving school (live or online) for more information.

Filed under: Defensive Driving School, Safe Driving by danh
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What did she learn from her parents about driving?

Unintended Drivers Ed

Yesterday Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. released a press release that covered some early results from a national study that they conducted by surveying 5,500 young drivers (age 16 to 18) and parents to see how a parent’s habits behind the wheel impact their teenager’s driver behavior.  The results of this study are important to help with driver education since motor vehicle crashes are still the number one cause of teenage death.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, on average, seven teens between the age of 16 and 18 die every day due to injuries resulting from vehicular crashes.  What can be done to help this problem.  According to this study, one very important way to help your teen be a safer driver is to be the model driver you want them to become.

Generally speaking, Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC) found that parents who engage in distracting behaviors more frequently have teens who engage in distracting behaviors more frequently.  Dr. Tina Sayer, a Toyota CSRC Principal Engineer and teen driving safety expert explained, “Driver Education begins the day a child’s seat is turned around to face front.  As the study shows, the actions parents take and, by extension, the expectations they set for young drivers each day are powerful factors in encouraging safe behavior behind the wheel.”  The study’s findings include: if a teen thinks his or her parent eats or drinks while driving, the teen is three times (3.4) more likely to do the same thing.  If a teen thinks his or her parents look for something in the vehicle while driving, they are four times (4.1) more likely to also look for things while driving.  If a teen thinks that his or her parent deals with passenger issues (passenger requests, concerns, or conflicts), the teen is five times (4.7) more likely to also manage passenger issues while driving.  These statistics obviously show a correlation between parent behavior and the likelyhood of that same behavior happening with their teen driver.  From a driver education and defensive driving course perspective, all drivers are taught to stay singularly focused on the driving task, but this is all the more important for teenage drivers since they are so inexperienced, and due to the increasing list of distractions that are staples in today’s teenage culture.  Examples of these include texting, social media sites, mp3 / music players, and other teenage passengers.

Distracted Driving

According to the study, more than a quarter of teens (24 percent) read or sent a text message at least once every time they drive.  More than half of teens (54 percent) say that they use a hand-held cell phone. 53 percent admit to searching for music on a portable player ( ipod, etc.). 11 percent say that they update or check social media sites (facebook, etc.) while driving.  So with all the campaigns focused on warning the teenage drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, the problem is larger than ever.  Another part of distracted driving is the other passengers for teens.  AAA has found that nearly three quarters (69 percent) of teenage drivers say that they drive with two or three passengers and no adults in their car, which doubles the posibility of being in a fatal vehicular crash.  Almost half (44 percent) of teenagers say they drive with three or more passengers, which quadruples their risk of being killed behind the wheel.

Texas Drivers Ed 

In Texas the passenger distraction is taken seriously and  is a large reason for the current graduated drivers licensing laws that are being enforced today.  For example, Texas drivers under 18 are not allowed to  have more than 1 passenger under the age of 21 that isn’t a family member and cannot driver between the hours of midnight and 5 AM for the first six months after receiving their Texas drivers license.  However, the texting and other distracted driving habits have had legislation written but currently none of them have been signed into law by the Governor.  There is a new legislative session about to begin in 2013, and I am sure new laws will be proposed to tackle the distracted driving issue.

The moral here is to be concience of your actions behind the wheel not only for your own safety but for the example that you are setting for impressionable young minds in the vehicle with you.  Be the safe driver that you want your kids to grow to be.  Also, don’t be shy about being proactive to improve your driving skills.  Don’t wait to get a ticket.  Voluntarily complete a Texas defensive driving course and refresh your driving skills.  It will make you safer and could also save you money on your auto insurance.

SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.  Click here for full news release.

Filed under: Texas Defensive Driving by troyc
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