Driving Safety Tips – Florida Traffic School

Parents often say having a driver’s license is a privilege, not a right. This saying is true for teenagers, but also true for adults. Although you might have years of experience on the roads, if you are prone to violations, misdemeanors, and infractions, you can lose your license.

There are many common mistakes you can make, and some are more dangerous than others. If you find yourself prone to actions like speeding, running red lights, texting while driving, or driving aggressively, then you need to correct your behavior before it’s too late.

This is where Florida traffic school comes in. Traffic school is a physical or online classroom where you can take courses designed to keep you up to date with the rules of the road. Besides being a good crash course on laws you might have forgotten, traffic school can also help you avoid getting high fines and points on your license if you have been caught with a moving violation.

Our Florida improvement courses have put together some of the top driving safety tips to help you while on the road. Try to follow these to improve your safety, and consider enrolling in traffic school if you would like to learn more.

1.      Avoid Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, and also one of the most difficult behaviors to avoid. When you speed, you endanger yourself and others by reducing how quickly you can respond to external stimuli and events. Any accidents are also more likely to be lethal, and violations can quickly become felonies.

If you struggle not to speed, consider placing your car in cruise control to maintain the proper velocity. You should also practice mindfulness and be aware of how fast you are going at all times.

2.      Don’t Drive Impaired

Just like speeding, driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a leading cause of traffic accidents and automotive deaths in the United States. When you are under the influence, your brain chemistry changes. You are no longer able to accurately judge your environment or your reflexes, which makes you prone to mistakes and accidents.

Remember that being under the influence can also include taking your own prescription meds which have side effects like drowsiness. Always have a designated driver available to avoid accidents.

3.      Mind Your Bumper

Road rage and tailgating are common issues on the road. You need to be aware of where you are driving and how close you are to other vehicles. In general, experts recommend you follow the 2-second rule. In this rule, you must remain at least 2 seconds away from the vehicle in front of you. These seconds provide the time you need to be able to stop if the person in front of you hits their brakes.

Minding your bumper can stop many cases of rear-ending other drivers.

4.      Avoid Distractions

Everyone thinks they’re a great driver, but almost everyone is guilty of having distractions in their vehicle. Distracted driving is when you are behind the wheel but are paying attention to something else or trying to perform another activity while driving.

Some of the most common behaviors of distracted driving are eating, texting, talking on the phone, talking to passengers, trying to groom yourself (makeup, brushing hair, etc.), and smoking.

5.      Reduce Your Aggression

One of the worst things you can do is drive aggressively. Although driving can be rage-inducing, you need to mind your own business, stay in your lane, and not behave aggressively towards other vehicles by cutting people off, brake checking, and tailgating.

If you have these behaviors, consider taking Florida traffic school online to reduce your chances of being in an accident or losing your license.