When it Comes to Driving, There’s No Such Thing as Too Safe
For many drivers, their formal driving education stopped as soon as they completed their initial driving school class as a teen, unless they get a ticket and must attend another class. While these initial driving classes do teach enough basics to pass a state driving exam, sometimes extra instruction is required to help drivers feel completely safe behind the wheel. Most driving classes don’t teach young drivers how to handle driving on an icy bridge or what to do if there is debris in the road. Although these may be uncommon occurrences, having practice before encountering these obstacles in real life can sometimes be lifesaving. Whether you or your teen is needing some more practice, or needs to complete a driving course to dismiss a ticket, most states have a state approved driving safety course for these purposes.
These classes remind drivers why it’s important to stay safe on the road, as well as offer tips for driving defensively on the road. Drivers may learn to anticipate the actions of other drivers, so they can stay out of harm’s way. Since driving is seen as a normal part of life, some young drivers may take the privilege for granted. In reality, driving is a major responsibility and requires extreme alertness to safely perform. Some young drivers take driving so lightly that they will take unnecessary risks just for the thrill or to impress their friends. One such risk is the new fad known as the “Bird Box Challenge”, where teens will drive as far as they can blindfolded. This not only puts their life in danger, but the lives of everyone on the road. Not to mention the potential damage they can cause wrecking their car into other objects.
After such reckless actions, these drivers are usually issued tickets. Some include hefty fines, while others may offer a defensive driving course as a method of payment or as a way to erase the points against the driver’s record. While the classes may not always be at the most convenient times, there are online options that may be available to drivers depending on the state in which they reside. Some classes even come with the added perk of a discount on car insurance upon completion of the class. Even people who aren’t required to take the class due to a driving incident, may find it’s a great way to save money in the long run.
If a driver is required to take a course for a driving infraction, they will want to make sure the class they choose qualifies under the state guidelines. Not all classes meet these requirements, so it’s important to double-check before wasting time and money at a class that won’t count. The local DMV may have a list of approved traffic courses available, or you can look online for a similar list. If you aren’t sure about a class, it’s best to call the DMV and ask.
