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!!!

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!!!

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!!!

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!!!