5 Tips for teenagers after passing the driving exam in Florida

Are you a teenager and just passed the driving exam? Well, congratulations for passing and getting ready your new license! However, driving is a big responsibility, and especially for teenagers who are just starting out, it could be deceiving, because they think they really know how to drive just for passing the driving exam. Here are 5 tips to help you stay safe on the road:

1. Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes, especially among young drivers. Keep your phone out of reach (yes, you know it, but admit it, you do it), avoid eating or drinking while driving (many times is not considered that dangerous), and focus on the road (sounds very obvious, but it is a forgotten very often).

2. Follow Traffic Rules: Obey traffic signals, speed limits, and other rules of the road. Don't take risks, it is always worthy to get a few minutes late than late with a ticket or even worse, not arriving at all because of a crash.

3. Wear Your Seatbelt: Buckle up every time you get in the car, and make sure your passengers do the same. In Florida, many people get tickets because they don’t know that any person under the age of 18 inside the car (in the front or rear seat) not wearing the seatbelt is against the law. Seatbelts save lives and reduce the risk of serious injury in a crash.

4. Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of your surroundings, check behind every time you brake and anticipate other never trust other drivers. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially large trucks and buses.

5. Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Did you know that a DUI will be in your record for 75 years? Did you know that some DUI cases have cost the driver almost $9K? Drinking and driving is a serious offense, and it puts yourself and others at risk. Don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking, and never ride with someone who has.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, drivers ages 16-19 have the highest crash rate of any age group in Florida. In 2019, there were 37,150 crashes involving drivers in this age group, resulting in 144 fatalities and 23,724 injuries. The first year of driving is particularly risky, with young drivers being 3 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers over age 20.

It's also important to note that there are legal consequences for breaking traffic laws and/or causing a crash. Speeding, running a red light, and other traffic violations can result in fines, points on your license, and even license suspension or revocation. If you are at fault in a crash, you could be held liable for damages and injuries

If you ever said or thought this line: “that’s not gonna happen to me”, my friend, you are more vulnerable than many out there driving with the same experience you have. Don’t be part of the statistics!!!

Coping With Impairment The Morning After - Tips & Advice to Know the Unkown

From hangovers to sleep deprivation, being impaired the morning after can have a significant impact on your wellbeing and driving abilities. Learn more about waking up feeling groggy and how to better cope with the effects the morning after of a night out.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, one that we all know can result in accidents, injuries, and even death. Being responsible drivers is a decision, we all know the dangers of driving while impaired and would never dream of getting behind the wheel after a night of heavy drinking or drug use. However, what many people fail to realize is that they can still be impaired the morning after, even if they feel completely sober, yes, you read it correctly, you can “feel ok” when not . In this post, we'll explore some of the reasons why drivers can still be impaired the morning after and what steps you can take to ensure that you're always driving safely.

Processing alcohol and/or drugs in our body: The human body processes alcohol and drugs differently depending on various factors, including weight, gender, metabolism, and the type and amount of substance consumed. When you consume alcohol or drugs, they enter your bloodstream and affect your brain and body in various ways. Alcohol, for instance, is a depressant that slows down your central nervous system and impairs your coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, can also have similar effects and impair your ability to drive safely.

Although the effects of alcohol and drugs can vary depending on the individual, it's important to note that they can stay in your system for hours or even days after consumption. Even if you feel completely sober the next morning, there may still be enough alcohol or drugs in your bloodstream to impair your driving ability. In fact, studies have shown that impairment can last up to 18 hours after heavy drinking and up to 24 hours after marijuana use.

Knowing the unknown: So, how can you tell if you're still impaired the morning after? The truth is, you can't. There's no reliable way to measure your level of impairment or predict how alcohol or drugs will affect your driving ability. That's why it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid driving altogether if you've consumed alcohol or drugs in the past 24 hours. Instead, consider taking public transportation, calling a taxi or ride-sharing service, or asking a sober friend or family member to give you a ride.

If you must drive, however, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk of impairment. First and foremost, make sure you get a good night's sleep and wait at least eight hours after your last drink or drug use before driving. This will give your body enough time to process and eliminate the substances from your system. It's also important to drink plenty of water and eat a healthy breakfast to help your body recover from the effects of alcohol or drugs.

Better safe than sorry attitude: In addition to taking these precautions, it's important to be aware of the signs of impairment and react accordingly. If you feel even slightly impaired or notice any of the following symptoms, pull over immediately and wait until you're fully alert and sober before continuing to drive: blurred or double vision, difficulty concentrating, dizziness or lightheadedness, poor coordination, slow reaction time, and slurred speech.

Even if you feel completely sober the morning after, there may still be enough alcohol or drugs in your system to impair your driving ability. By being aware of the risks and taking precautions to minimize your impairment, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. It is never worth the risk.

How to drive in road construction zones

Driving in a road work zone is a task that requires extra attention and caution. It is important to be aware of the potential hazards and dangers that can arise when driving in these areas; with traffic slowing to a crawl and workers on the side of the road, it can be difficult to navigate your way through without putting yourself and others in danger.

However, with proper preparation and knowledge, you can safely drive through a road work zone without incident. By understanding the rules of the road, being aware of your surroundings, and following safety guidelines, you can make sure that everyone stays safe while driving in a construction zone. It is also essential to pay attention to signs and warnings that are posted along the road. By following these simple steps, you can make sure that you are driving safely through a road work zone.

• Always obey the speed limit posted for the area: Obeying speed limit in road work zones is essential for ensuring the safety of workers and other drivers. Adhering to the speed limit reduces the risk of accidents, as well as providing a smoother ride for all involved. It also ensures that the job can be completed quickly and efficiently, so that road users can get back to their daily lives faster. Furthermore, obeying speed limits in road work zones helps to reduce traffic congestion and pollution levels by reducing the amount of time spent idling in traffic. All of these factors combine to make obeying speed limits in road work zones an important part of driving safely and responsibly on our roads. Driving over the speed limit can result in serious consequences such as fines, points on a driver’s license, or even an accident that could cause injury or death.

• Pay close attention to any warning signs: When you're driving through a road work zone, it's important to pay close attention to the warning signs, this will help you anticipate any sudden changes in traffic flow or lane closures due to road work taking place. Road work zones can be hazardous and unpredictable, so it's important to stay alert and take all necessary precautions. Warning signs can include lane closures, speed limits, detours, construction equipment, and workers in the area. By following the instructions on these warning signs and being aware of your surroundings in a road work zone, you can help ensure your safety as well as the safety of those around you. 

• keep your eyes open for any road construction workers: Road construction workers are essential to keeping our roads safe and in good condition. It is important that we be aware of their presence when driving on the roads and take extra care to ensure their safety. Road construction workers may be working on the side of the road, walking around with equipment, or operating heavy machinery. Therefore, it is important to keep your eyes open for the road construction workers whenever you are driving. By being mindful of their presence, we can help keep them safe and ensure that our roads stay in good condition for years to come.

• Expect the unexpected: Road construction zones are often unpredictable and can cause unexpected delays for drivers. With the help of advanced technology, such as GPS tracking, road construction crews can create more efficient routes and minimize the impact on drivers. However, there are still some surprises that you may encounter when driving through a road construction zone. From lane closures to detours, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected when driving through a construction zone. By being aware of the potential risks and taking necessary precautions, you can help ensure your safety and avoid unnecessary delays.

Finally, always remain alert while driving through a road, your safety and road workers is the final and worthy goal that can be achieved if we are intentional about safety!!!

Ways to show love this Valentine's Day!!!

Valentine's Day is a special occasion that celebrates love. But it's also important to remember to show your love in the safest way possible.

By being intentional, you can ensure that you and your love one are safe on the roads while still having a romantic time together. The goal is to enjoy a day without any worries or stress, remember, Valentine’s Day can also be a day of danger if you don’t practice safe driving. With the increased number of people on the road, there is an increased risk for accidents.

Also, with the help of modern technologies, it is now easier than ever to stay safe on the roads and ensure that your loved ones are safe from any potential harm. From advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to intelligent navigation systems, there are a variety of ways to stay safe while driving during Valentine’s Day.

Here some tips for practicing safe driving on Valentine’s Day.

• Avoid distractions

• Obey traffic laws

• Wear your seatbelt

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Keep your eyes moving

• Use hands free technology

• Don’t drink and drive

• Plan for a taxi or any other mean of transportation, if you’re going to drink

This is our wish, you can make sure that you and your loved one have a Valentine's Day party safely and pleasantly!!!

Exploring the risk of texting and driving

Texting while driving is a serious problem that has been on the rise in recent years. It can be incredibly dangerous and even deadly, as it puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk of serious injury and/or death.

Texting while driving is not only illegal in many states, but it also increases the chance of an accident by 23 times, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It takes a driver’s attention away from the road and leads to slower reaction time which can have catastrophic consequences.

It is important to understand the risks associated with texting on the road so that we can make better decisions when behind the wheel. We must be aware of how our actions can affect ourselves and those around us if we choose to text while driving.

The dangers of texting on the road are too great to ignore and should not be taken lightly. Drivers who choose to text while driving put themselves and others in harm’s way and should be held accountable for their actions.

Here some consequences

• It’s against the law and expensive: in many states is illegal, and most likely the driver failing to obey will end up with a ticket and a fine. The fine for texting and driving is meant to be a deterrent for those who are considering engaging in this dangerous behavior, as well as a punishment for those who are caught doing so. Hopefully this will encourage more people to put their phones away while behind the wheel and focus on the task of driving safely.

• Increase of insurance premiums: car insurance companies have started to increase their premiums for drivers who text while driving. This is done in an effort to discourage this risky behavior, as well as to protect both the driver and other motorists on the road. The increase in car insurance premiums for texting and driving is an important step in reducing the number of accidents caused by distracted drivers. By making it more expensive for drivers who engage in this dangerous behavior, insurance companies are sending a clear message that texting and driving is unacceptable. Furthermore, these increased premiums also provide additional financial protection should an accident occur due to distracted driving.

• The hassle of getting your car crashed: Getting your car crashed can be a very stressful experience. It can be especially irritating if you know the crash was caused by your own negligence. From dealing with costly repairs (money), insurance claims and arranging for alternative transportation, the hassle of getting your car crashed is enough to make anyone’s head spin to stop texting behind the wheel.

Taking proactive decisions before we get behind the wheel, can and it will save us a lot of headaches, money and inconveniences, besides arriving to our destination safe and sound. Think twice before texting behind the wheel next time you are tempted!!!

Airbags: history at 200 mph

What is a Car Airbag and How Has the Technology Advanced Over Time?

Car airbags have been around since the early 1970s and have gone through a series of advancements in technology. An airbag is a safety device that inflates rapidly "(200mph/320kph)” in the event of a car accident to protect the occupants from injury. The speed at which an airbag deploys is crucial for its effectiveness, and this speed has been improved over time with advances in technology. we will look a bit at the history of car airbags and how they have evolved over time, as well as discuss a bit of the latest developments in speed reaction technology.

The Mechanics Behind Speed Reaction Technology and How it Works

Speed reaction technology is a revolutionary new way to make driving safer. It uses a combination of crash sensors and an electronic control unit (ECU) to detect a potential crash and respond quickly with appropriate measures. By detecting the speed of the vehicle, the ECU can calculate the amount of time it would take for the car to slow down or stop in order to avoid a collision. The system then applies brakes, adjusts steering, and even activates airbags if necessary in order to reduce the impact of an accident. This technology has been proven to be effective in reducing fatalities due to car crashes by up to 40%.

How Car Airbags Have Evolved from Early Designs to Modern Day Technology

Car airbags have come a long way since their early designs. They were first introduced in the early 1970s and since then have been continuously evolving to provide better protection for drivers and passengers in the event of an accident.

Today, car airbags are equipped with a range of modern safety features that help reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident. From multiple-stage deployment systems to sensors that detect occupant size and weight, car airbag technology has advanced significantly over the years.

Understanding the Differences Between Traditional and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Traditional driver assistance systems are designed to reduce the workload of the driver and help them maintain control of the vehicle. They can be used to assist with tasks such as cruise control, lane keeping, and collision avoidance. On the other hand, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to take over some of the more complex tasks that a human driver would normally perform. ADAS technologies are becoming increasingly popular and can have a major impact on safety by reducing accidents due to human error. .Automatic braking systems use information from a variety of sensors to detect when an imminent collision is likely. If the system determines that such a collision will occur, it will apply the brakes in a timely manner to prevent its occurrence. This is considered an advanced driver assistance system because it enables drivers to focus on driving rather than monitoring for cues about potential crashes.

How Automakers are Impacting Road Safety with Improved Technologies & Regulations

Automakers have been making significant strides in improving road safety with the introduction of improved technologies and regulations. Automotive safety regulations are being implemented to ensure that vehicles meet certain standards for performance, reliability, and safety. In addition, car safety technologies such as lane-departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring systems, and adaptive cruise control are being developed to help prevent accidents. Automakers are also investing in research and development to create autonomous vehicles that can sense their environment and react accordingly. All of these advancements are helping to make roads safer for drivers around the world. Many car manufactures have implemented a comprehensive safety strategy, which includes near-term and long-term goals. In the short term, they are focused on addressing design challenges and changing driver behavior. In the longer term, they are investing in advanced vehicle technologies – including autonomous vehicles – to build a safer future for all drivers.

Keeping Senior Drivers Safe on the Road

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Senior Drivers

As we age, our driving skills and abilities can become impaired. This can be a challenge for senior drivers, who may face increased risks of being involved in an accident due to their age. Therefore, it is important to understand the challenges faced by senior drivers and how to ensure their safety while on the road.

Senior drivers face a variety of unique challenges such as deteriorating vision and reflexes, physical limitations due to age-related ailments, and difficulty adapting to newer technologies in cars. Additionally, they may also struggle with adjusting to changes in traffic laws or regulations that they are not familiar with. To ensure their safety on the roads, it is important for senior drivers to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to address them accordingly.

Techniques to Improve Driving Safety for Senior Drivers

As people age, their driving skills can become impaired. This can be a major safety concern for senior drivers, as they are more likely to be involved in an accident than younger drivers. Fortunately, there are a number of techniques that can help improve the safety of elderly drivers on the road. These include aging and driving assessments, senior driver license renewal programs, and tips for safe driving. By implementing these techniques, seniors can stay safe while still enjoying the freedom of being able to drive independently.

Supportive Technologies to Help Seniors Stay Safe on the Road

As the population of seniors continues to grow, so does the need for supportive technologies that can help them stay safe on the road. With elderly car technology, ai driver monitoring systems, and senior citizen road safety software, seniors can stay safe and independent while driving.

These technologies are designed to monitor driver behavior and alert family members if something is amiss. They also provide helpful reminders to keep seniors aware of their surroundings and ensure they are following all safety protocols. By providing these extra layers of support, elderly drivers can gain peace of mind knowing that they have an extra layer of protection while on the road.

How Family Members Can Help Support Senior Driver Safety

It is important for family members to provide support and guidance to senior drivers in order to ensure their safety on the road.

With an increased risk of accidents due to a decrease in physical and cognitive abilities, it is essential that family members remain vigilant in helping senior drivers stay safe behind the wheel. Through proactive conversations and education initiatives, family members can help create a safer driving environment for their elderly loved ones.

With the help of family members, senior drivers can receive assistance in preparing for a safe journey by following elderly driving safety tips. Family members can also provide emotional support by providing a sense of security and assurance that they will not be left alone while behind the wheel. Additionally, family members can create an elderly driver support system by offering rides when needed or helping with car maintenance tasks.

How You Can Make a Difference in Promoting Senior Driver Safety

Senior driver safety is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in order to ensure the safety of our elderly citizens on the roads. With the growing number of senior drivers, it is important for us to come together and promote senior driver safety programs and create awareness campaigns about elderly road safety. We can make a difference by educating ourselves about the risks associated with senior driving, advocating for better policies, and supporting initiatives that promote safe driving for seniors. By doing so, we can help create an environment where our elderly citizens feel safe on the roads and have access to resources that enable them to drive safely!

Important Things New Drivers Should Always Remember

Lessons for a New Driver

It's not easy to be a new driver. The learning curve is steep, and the rules of the road are complicated. But with these 7 lessons, you'll be driving like a pro in no time!

1. Be Careful When You're Driving

Driving is one of the most dangerous activities that people do on a daily basis. It is estimated that there are over 30,000 deaths in the United States every year from car accidents.

a) Be careful when you're driving:

- Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at all times.

- Don't drive when you feel tired or sleepy.

- Keep your vehicle in good working order so it will be safer to drive.

b) Driving safety tips for new drivers:

- Practice driving with an experienced driver before going out on your own.

- Always buckle up, no matter where you are sitting in the car or what you're doing at the time of impact.

2. Fighting Against Peer Pressure when Driving

This is difficult but very important thing to do, especially true when there are other people in the car with you. Giving into peer pressure can pave the way for disaster and result in fatal consequences.

The negative effects of peer pressure are felt both mentally and physically. Peer pressure can lead to binge drinking, drugs and violence, as well as encouraging risky behaviors such as driving while intoxicated and others.

Peer pressure is a huge factor that affects new drivers. The statistics show that approximately 66% of teenagers say that it's okay for new drivers to give into peer pressure. However, the pressure can be managed by taking a step back and evaluating whether the behavior is appropriate and safe. Parents should talk to their teenagers about how it's okay for them to say no when feeling pressured and that they have control over their decisions.

3. Real Deal Starts when You are Driving Alone

Going out on your own to drive can be a big challenge. We recommend you work with a driving instructor first and set clear goals for yourself. The one scary thing is that there's no one to tell you what to do, but the thrill of being independent will push you through. Sometimes we need to be taught how not to do something first before we're ready.

Start taking your lessons now and do your best, but remember to keep distractions at bay. The best way to learn how to drive is to practice, practice, practice! But it's also important not to let distractions get in the way of your success.

Whether you’ve been learning for a long time or have just begun, the most important aspect is to keep practicing.

4. Don't Forget to Take a Break!

It is important that we take breaks while driving to avoid accidents. How often should you take a break while driving? It is recommended that you take a break every two hours of driving or every 50 miles.

It is important to be aware of how our bodies are feeling when driving. Fatigue and stress can change how we respond to the road. If you notice that your reaction time is more pronounced or that you are feeling more stressed then it may be time for a break.

5. Practice Safe Driving Habits

It is important to practice safe driving habits at all times. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe while driving.

- Don't text and drive

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things a person can do while behind the wheel. It's incredibly difficult to multi-task and text, plus the driver's attention is being pulled away from the road. This is something that shouldn't be done when driving.

- Wear your seatbelt at all times when driving.

From a statistic of one out of three people not wearing their seatbelt, to one out of two, it is important that you always wear your seatbelt when driving. For example, if a person is sitting in the backseat they may want to wear their seatbelt because airbags are not meant to protect backseat passengers.

- Keep your distance from other drivers, especially in heavy traffic.

In heavy traffic, it is easy to get frustrated and hooked up with another driver, but that can lead to disaster. If you are stuck in a long line of cars, maintain your distance from other drivers so if one of those drivers does something stupid or dangerous, you will have time to react.

6. Practice Defensive Driving Even If You're Not in an Emergency

Defensive driving is a term that refers to a driver's methods of minimizing the risk of an accident.

It is important to note that this practice is not only applicable in emergency situations. It can be applied in every driving scenario.

It is a key component to the safety of the driver, their passengers, and other drivers on the road. Defensive driving practice can save lives, both of people in your vehicle as well as others on the road.

Drivers practicing defensive driving take into account all of the other drivers on the road and, in order to stay safe while driving, one must practice safe driving by avoiding risky behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or harsh braking and turning, paying attention and being observant of the environment around you; maintaining control over your vehicle; recognizing dangerous situations that might require quick maneuvers; and staying within your comfort to mention some of them.

Hoping many more miles full of smiles, drive safe ‘cause the next post will be good too.

Educated drivers = safer roads

We’ve been teaching people how to drive for almost 25 years now, during this time we’ve seen a lot of technological changes in vehicles. Innovations like keyless entry, rearview cameras, satellite radio, sensor operated windshield wipers and others are just a few examples of what I’m talking about.

But today’s pace of technological evolution in the automotive industry goes far beyond those relatively simple innovations and is accelerating rapidly. Vehicles today are smarter, safer and more productive than ever – provided that drivers are aware of new technology and understand how to get the most out of it.

Vehicle manufacturers will fight to get you inside their products offering everything possible out of the combination between comfort and technology, readiness for communication, safety and others to be ahead of competitors.

But here’s the question: Do drivers know about everything available there and understand how to get the maximum use out of it?

I have no doubt most drivers don’t know all about these features and understand the benefits they offer; the reason is simple, many people don’t read the operator’s manual. Even worse, many people go to the dealers to ask questions about different features on their new vehicles and representatives at the dealer don’t know how to use them either.

This is why I think that the problem is lack of education, in many levels. It takes time to produce such innovations and to be incorporated to vehicles, but everything could b just a waist of money if we pay for a vehicle with X number of features that we’ll never use because we don’t know how to use them.

It’s a tough nut to crack knowing all aspects and systems in your vehicle,  but it’s worth the effort. There’s no question new vehicle systems can make you safer, more productive and better rested. More importantly, many of these systems are proven winners when it comes to saving time and crashes – and nothing affects the bottom line as dramatically as having what it takes to be safer on the road.

Proper education about your vehicle as well as defensive driving techniques will be able to get you on the road for the years to come easily and safe. See you out there folks!!!

Mover Over Law in Florida, have you heard about it?

Our topic today will be the Florida Move Over Law, we decide to write about it because the large number of people admitting not knowing anything or never heard about it. However, the lack of knowledge has had very sad and costly consequences in Florida and through the USA in general.

At JMP Driving School, the following is covered when we teach about the Move Over Law:

Definition of Emergency Vehicle: an authorized vehicle to provide medical services, rescue services or enforce law to maintain order, usually they are equipped with lights and sirens as required by law to be visible from far.

The Move Over Law in Florida has two different aspects to be explain:

1-      When an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind: let’s explore the scenarios for this aspect:

a)       we should move over (when we can safely do so) to provide sufficient room/space for them to pass, or

b)      If we are driving in a one lane road, we should pull over as soon as it is safe to the side of the road and don’t move until they pass.

(Here we refer to any police car, ambulance, fire truck or any fire rescue vehicle.)

2-      When an emergency vehicle is stopped ahead of us: there are different scenarios and here the info we need to know

a)       we should move over a lane (whenever possible) allowing an empty lane between our vehicle and the emergency one, or

b)      If we can’t mover over or we are driving in a two-lane road, we should slow down to drive 20 mph less than posted speed limit, or

c)       If the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, we should drive at 5 mph.

(Here we refer to any police car, ambulance, fire truck, fire rescue vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles/trucks or garbage trucks.)

Failure to obey this law, is a moving violation punishable with fine, fees and points on our driving record, as disclosed on Florida Statutes Chapter 316.126.

High beams & what we need to know about them

Every vehicle comes with 2 sets of front white lights. The lights to be used normally are named headlights or low-beams; however, there is another set of lights which are brighter and can provide longer distance visibility, these lights are name “high beams”. Our post today is dedicated to these high beams lights, because it is important to know when to use them and when NOT to use them.

Firstly, we just want to explain that the main purpose of these lights is to provide you longer range of visibility in dark areas, also to flash them to safely warn others about your presence. The law in Florida (state where conduct our operations) clearly defines the use of these lights, and details can be found at the Florida Statutes Chapter 316.238(1).

It mainly confirms that we should not use the high beams within 500 feet of any vehicle approaching in the opposite direction, to prevent the direct glare to the other driver. Also, we should not use them within 300 feet when we follow another vehicle, to prevent the possible reflection in their rear view mirror(s).

Now, there is a very important fact to consider when we want/need to use the high beams driving at night or in dark areas, car nowadays are coming equipped with powerful LED lights, which are brighter than former halogen lights. Having brighter lights means that distance to potentially blind or upset other drivers is longer, leaving the 500 feet (for oncoming traffic) or 300 feet (when we follow others) pretty much outdated.

At JMP Driving School, we teach our students the law concerning the use of the high beams and distance the law also stipulates, but considering the disparity between car with halogen lights and newer ones with LED lights, we always suggest to prevent the use of the high beams when another vehicle is in front (despite the distance) to prevent any glare in other drivers (and possible dangerous scenario).

Normal headlights (AKA low beams) are bright enough in newer cars, that using the high beams is barely needed. After all, the better the other driver can see, the less chances to end up in a collision with us, (we can call that Win-Win scenario). On the other hand, nobody in front of your car? turn them ON and enjoy them.

Q. Is using the high beams in traffic illegal.

A. YES, it is. Any driver found using the high beams within the established legal distance, is a noncriminal traffic infraction, which is punishable as a moving violation as provided in Florida Statutes Chapter 318.

Final note: the picture below shows you the power of new LED lights activated in high beams mode, just imagine this amount of brightness in other drivers eyes.

This picture shows the glare caused by stock high beams lights activated in a 2018 Toyota Corolla (equipped with LED lights).

Car safety equals to Road safety

Driving is without doubt a very nice experience for many us (unless we’re stuck in traffic). However, it is always enjoyable when safety is involved every second we’re behind the wheel, which is something commonly overlooked for many drivers, thinking the way how to get from point a to point b without taking proper care of car maintenance, it’s at this point when the enjoyable experience of driving can become a nightmare.

Nowadays, it’s very easy to keep a track of your car maintenance using many of the available apps using the key words “car maintenance tracker”. Many of them come with awesome reminder feature based on mileage or time (depending when service is supposed to be performed). Reading the owner’s manual is always important, not only to be better informed about your maintenance schedule but you will be surprised of many features you will enjoy in your car (unless you read the manual). Ultimately, you can always keep in the glove compartment a paper with notes about of service and repairs performed to your vehicle.

Learning how to detect signs of wear and tear in your vehicle parts will not only save you problems and headaches, but a lot of money on “unexpected” repairs.

Easy things to check in your car:

- Fluid level: oil, washer fluid, power steering, brake and coolant.
- Firmness on your brake pedal (if your brake fluid is low, you may need to replace the brake pads and/or brake shoes, don’t simply add fluid. Have your car inspected to know if it’s the time for new pads and/or shoes)
- Light bulbs: have someone outside the car to see if any light is not working properly, while you’re turning on and off all different lights and signals from inside. Replace the bad ones as soon as possible, remember others won’t know your intentions if the lights aren’t working. (Also, you can get a ticket for this reasons)
- Make sure the horn is working properly
- Tire pressure: it’s very easy to learn and do (check the sticker on the door frame on the driver side of your vehicle to know the proper tire pressure). Don’t forget the spare tire, it will be you savior in the bad hour (check its pressure inflated once a month)
- Have a First Aid Kit in the trunk; update and replenish as necessary

Last but not least, DON’T FORGET TO BUCKLE UP !!!

Be careful when someone else moves loose cargo

We’ve seen many times and for sure you too, not only on city streets but on highways; people driving all over the places with loose cargo in the back of their pickup trucks, trunks or even worse on the top of a sedan with some ropes.

This “very common” event has caused many accidents and some fatalities in our roads. Purely negligence, makes our roads insecure and the lives of many in risk, just for the ignorant pride of a few thinking they can defy the forces of physics when they need to move stuffs from one place to another. Most of the loose cargo you could see will be furniture, household items, tires, appliances, mattresses, surfboards, bicycles, woods, etc. just to mention some of them.

The bad consequences of transporting loose cargo could happen to you and anyone out there, when inexperienced individuals often over-pack and neglect to secure cargo properly, and after a few minutes exposed to the forces of winds generated by the movement of the vehicle, the load becomes unstable, producing serious, costly and potential fatal results.

Once untied from the vehicle, any of these objects can become a projectile to other vehicles behind and a potential menace to its surroundings. Something is clear, this object in “motion” can go in any direction without control, and if we are lucky, it will stop on the grass on the side of the highway or another “safe place”.

In other cases, you will see the weight distribution is not even, making the vehicle transporting the load to roll easily. Excess weight is another common mistake, this can cause stress in the brake system, making it vulnerable and insufficient if an emergency situation arise.

It doesn’t matter how safely you can prepare your trip, the actions and decisions of others could always turn things around. So, if you see something similar on the road, just keep yourself as far as possible from that vehicle (never behind) and whenever possible, overtake it minimizing the time you need to be next to it. Leave yourself a way out, in the event that something flies out the vehicle and may cause a reaction in the drivers around you.

It’s simple, never be behind (if needed, do it as far as possible).  Stay safe!!!

Driving instructions are not for everybody

The driving training industry has been gradually losing its quality over the last 10-15 years, in many ways because law makers are not overseeing how the industry is facilitating under-qualified people to this very important job, also because driving schools in many cases are using 20-30 years old materials and teaching techniques.

Most parents decide and choose the driving school for their teens based on one factor only (the price of the lessons), while the quality of them or years in business seems to be not important. Therefore, most of the driving schools out there are simply offering the minimum instruction needed just to pass the driving test, essentially helping people to get an operator license when they are not ready to safely operate a vehicle, through this very insufficient “quick fix” method.

The sad statistically result of combining poor authorities supervision, low quality instructions aiming to pass the driving test only and parents concern more about getting the cheapest option instead of the best driving school are the deadly stories for sure you have heard.

Average 3500 teens die every year in USA while another teenager was behind the wheel, the crash rate per mile driven for 16-19 years old is sadly four times higher than crashes where the driver was 20 years old or older.

The driving exam can be passed with very basic legal knowledge of driving and very basic skills to control the vehicle. The average time of this exam is less than 20 minutes, making the overall standard low causing our roads highly unsafe.

Sadly we need to admit, the low passing rate in previous years has led to the exclusion of very important maneuvers and unwillingness to implement real changes to the current system, knowing that implementing higher standards to pass the test will translate in a direct decrease of customer in our license offices, and this revenue has clouded the consideration of public safety in general.

Despite vehicles to be equipped with systems like ABS, traction control system, dynamic cruise control, lane departure sensors, blind spot sensors and others, almost 50K people die in USA every year and 5 million get hurt in crashes.

Next time you (or someone you know) is going to use a driving school, keep this in mind, you can help lower these numbers and be a part of safer roads for everybody. Take care.

Fighting with traffic signs and why

It is very common to see new drivers (and sadly many drivers with years behind the wheel) showing clear issues to scan the road properly. The reason is because they experience what is called “tunnel vision”, therefore, no matter how clear traffic signs can be posted these drivers tend to look straight down into oblivion. When teaching how to drive we often ask our students the meaning of the last sign we went through and it is normal for them to turn the question into a guessing game.

Florida Statutes 316.183(2) says that “the maximum speed limits for all vehicles must be 30 miles per hour in business or residence districts” mostly because there is one lane moving on each direction and there is no physical divider or median in such areas. Repeating the same question over and over again, help new drivers to create the habit to keep their eyes moving and scanning at all times.

Without forcing the habit to scan the road side to side continuously, most of the new drivers can be easily confused when they face areas with variable speeds, especially in driving in areas where they are not familiar.

We believe some speed limit signs are wrong in some areas, for example, where the road is open and wide with a median (which is a clear difference when it is compared to any residential area) having a 30 mph sign where it could easily be 40 mph.

In these places the local authorities should make the road continuously higher than 30 mph, and avoid putting variable speed limits for such short distances. Surely, that is making some drivers entering a potential accident zone. It would be nice that our signs are put in place by road engineers and getting some advice from driver education institutions.

There are some really good signs preparing you to reduce speed and these are signs alerting you of a 30 mph to be reduced to 25 or 20 mph. They prepare you to slow down and their are eye-catching with the yellow background color.

The solar powered speed warning signs are becoming more common in metropolitan areas in the USA, they are very effective indeed because of the flashing mode feature to show your speed, and this can just make you ease off the gas if you have just brushed over the limit by mistake.

Until everything is designed better, keep your eyes moving constantly. Better safe than sorry.