What to Do If You Hit an Animal in CA

Life is full of accidents. Among one of the worst feelings someone could experience is the guilt when you have hit an animal on the road. With the rush of dismay bellowing to your head, you could be so flustered by the incident that you forget how to handle the situation.

So, what should you do if you hit an animal in California?

The roads are teeming with wildlife. They might not know the California traffic school rules for animal, which is to look both ways before crossing the road. Therefore, the chances of you eventually hitting an animal is high. That’s why it’s important to know how to handle the situation when you hit a large animal that could leave destructive damage. Here’s what to do if you hit an animal in California.

Stop the car and access the damage

After hitting an animal, the first thing you should do is stop the car and assess the situation. It will also provide you with a moment to calm down from taking a life and see if you have developed a thirst for more blood. When your nerves are calm, you can now exit the vehicle to check for damages on your car.

Don’t approach the animal if it’s injured

If the animal is still alive, approaching it could be dangerous. You should always err on the side of caution in these situations. That means do not approach the animal. Unless you can confirm its condition, you could risk being injured by a very angry deer, coyote, or domestic house cat. Animals are known to lash out when they’re injured… or worse, when they’re hungry.

Shower the body with roses

As part of every traditional act of hitting an animal, you must shower the body with roses. This is to ensure that the corpse will smell nice until someone else comes by to remove it. Moreover, you will feel a little bit better about having slayed a beast with your car after dousing the body with roses. Alternatively, you could use lilies, tulips, or sunflowers. Doing so is the only way you can ensure good karma for the future.

Call the police

The best thing to do when you hit an animal is to call the police. Getting a hold of the authorities will allow them to use their expertise to assist you and the animal. They will also help move the animal if it’s obstructing the roads. When in doubt, call the police out.

Partake in a ritual burial

Partaking in the ritual of burying the animal is a great way to wrap up the horrific event. Doing so will allow the beast to enter through the gates of Valhalla and find eternal peace… and clear it from the road so others won’t have to swerve around it. You will also get in a nice workout digging a six-foot hole. Everybody wins… sort of.

Remove the corpse from the road, if it’s obstructive

When it comes to large bodies obstructing the road, you should seek to move the body. The body can become a hazard for oncoming traffic and will risk creating more accidents. This can be done by calling the local authorities and informing them about the decision. Technically, the local council is responsible for moving the body of the animal. However, if you feel so inclined to move it yourself, go ahead, weirdo.

Were You Involved in a CA Hit and Run?

Skkrrch… crash! That’s what the sound of a car wreck looks like written out. Car wrecks are bad. What makes them worse is when the other driver flees the scene of the accident. Whether you were T-boned, rear-ended, or fender bended, it’s never a fun sight when you are involved in a CA hint and run and the culprit speeds off leaving you stuck on the side of the road.

So, what do you do after a hit and run?

Your blood could be boiling, but that doesn’t mean your brain has to. Remain calm and follow our guide. Leave it to the best online traffic school CA has to offer to provide you with the information needed to turn a hit and run into a hit and file a police report. Below is what you should do when you’ve been involved in a CA hit and run.

Pull over on the side of the road

Seeing the culprit speed off is not a good feeling. But despite the rage building in your gut, chasing after them is impulsive and dangerous. The last thing you want to do is enter a high-speed car chase in a damaged vehicle. Any situation you find yourself driving recklessly is never a good situation. Even if it is chasing down the person who just bent your back bumper. Prioritize safety over all. Pulling off on the side of the road will give you the chance to assess the damage done on your car. Additionally, you will be able to remove all obstruction from the road. Being cooperative is the best way to offset a vicious hit and run.

Call the police and stay at the scene

The next step is to call the police. After you have assessed the situation, call the police to begin your police report. This will also help you track down the driver who struck your car by providing any information you may have gotten from the collision. Any police officers will help you collect all the information you need to provide proof of the accident to your insurance company. Such as a report, photos, and testimonials.

Find witnesses who saw the incident

If the accident happened in a public location, try and find a witness who will speak on your behalf. Witnesses can also help you identify the vehicle that hit your car. This will help with providing an accurate report of the accident when the police arrive. That kind Samaritan might also help you pick up your fender!

Keep a notepad and pen on you

It is imperative to keep your story straight and accurate. When it comes to dealing with law enforcement, and perhaps even the court system, your credibility to a judge and/or jury will depend heavily on your consistent ability to provide information and accurately recall the events that took place. Don’t shy away from taking details that might seem unimportant to the actual hit and run, like where you were headed, where you were coming from, traffic conditions, etc. Demonstrating a solid memory of the event will only help your case.

Make sure you’re insured and covered

In California, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without financial responsibility (typically auto insurance). While it might not affect the hit and run case, it will definitely get you into trouble, not only with the law, but financially speaking, as you might end up personally liable for damages.

CA Allowing Driverless Cars to Carry Passengers

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that request. If you’ve ever fantasized about your own personal ghost chauffeur driving you to and from work, we got huge news for you. You might be able to live out your delusion - or something close to it - because California is now allowing driverless cars to carry passengers. This means fully autonomous vehicles, without a driver. It’s like a ghost, but it’s a computer instead. This new regulation is permitting the testing of autonomous vehicles carrying passengers in California. Not everyone is pleased about the news. Some speculate about the dangers looming behind the wheel… or in it. Others are celebrating, because ride sharing companies, who opt to test the autonomous vehicles, will have to offer free rides for passengers. There’s good reason for it, too. Before you ask, no - it’s not because the autonomous cars are students enrolled in the best online traffic school California can offer, and they need to get an A on their passenger driving test. [framed_box]

The Carrying Consumer Catch

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approved programs for companies to begin test driving fully autonomous vehicles with passengers. This is a monumental step for the autonomous vehicle industry. However, this innovative opportunity still requires companies to jump through a few extra hoops. The CPUC declared, “Transportation Charter-Party Carrier (TCP) permit-holders to use test autonomous vehicles to provide passenger service, as long as the TCP permit-holder also holds an 'Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program Manufacturer's Testing Permit' issued by the DMV.” This is a fancy legal way of explaining that companies are required to hold a proper permit for testing their service. However, if companies wish to use fully autonomous cars, as in no driver present in the vehicle, they must follow alternative requirements. The fully autonomous vehicle will have to be monitored remotely to ensure the safety of the passenger. Basically, people will be riding in a giant RC car. Along with these provisions, the CPUC noted that companies cannot receive monetary compensation from passengers. All riders taking advantage of the testing service will receive free rides for being subjects in the program. Among a few companies pushing back on these provisions are Waymo, Zoox, and Lyft. The CPUC is requiring companies to separate the pilot program from the finalized service. Moreover, the free services are to incentive passengers to provide “critical feedback to the Commission and the permit holders.” This is good news for people looking for a cheap ride around town. However, some riders are concerned. If they aren’t paying with their wallets, they might end up paying with their lives. [/framed_box] Last March, an autonomous Uber car struck and killed an Arizona pedestrian. This sparked concerns and speculations surrounding the ethics of self-driving vehicles. When there’s no driver behind the wheel, some people are concerned about the safety of the vehicle and their self. In light of recent events, Uber has restricted the testing of their autonomous car fleet in Arizona. Another pressing concern is the use of data. California companies are wanting to keep the testing data private. Therefore, any information gathered, such as crash testing to passenger feedback, would be kept in the respective company's secret data safe. In hindsight, they might keep the data in a piggy bank. However, the CPUC fought to keep all collected information and data public. Companies see this as a threat as their private information will become public for competitors. The CPUC is making “collision reports, total vehicle miles traveled, miles traveled during passenger service, and the total number of rides accessible to the disability community, among other data” open to the domain. Now that companies are applying for their permits, we could see autonomous ride testers as early as January of 2019. [/framed_box]

Hardship License For California 14-Year-Olds

What is a hardship license?

In the state of California, the minimum age for teens to get their licenses is 16. However, there are times when younger teens simply need their licenses. Many states, including California, offer a solution in times of dire need. It is up to the state to determine how dire that hardship is, and if it is worthy of giving a hardship license California and restricted license to a teenager. Let’s look at some reasons the state might approve an application for a CA restricted hardship license for a teenager. While the state may not require the teen to first take online traffic school, it may be a good idea. [framed_box]

Location and Distance Between Home and School

Where you live is a big factor in whether a hardship license will be granted. In metropolitan areas with extensive public transportation, hardship licenses are less likely to be necessary. For example, if a teenager needs to get to school ten miles away in San Francisco, it’s not a big deal. They can just wake up a few minutes early and hop on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). San Francisco has mastered public transportation, so there are very few circumstances where a young teen would need to drive. Los Angeles is less proficient, but still, between the bus system and Uber, teens can pretty much find their way wherever they need to go. But in more rural areas, attending school ten miles away could be a real problem. Despite the old adage about people walking to school ten miles away, barefoot, in the snow, uphill both ways, that actually sounds a whole lot like child abuse by today’s standards. The hardship license is a much healthier alternative. This requires a signed letter from the principal, explaining that there are not any other viable transportation options to reliably get the teenager to school. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Illness

Speaking of health, one valid reason to get a teen hardship license is for health concerns. For example, there is a teenager with a need for doctor’s appointments that are only available when the teen’s parents are working. That teen may be granted a hardship license so that they can drive themselves to their appointments. Alternately, there could be a parent suffering from an illness which prevents them from driving the teen to school. That would also be a valid reason, in the eyes of the state, to obtain a hardship license. In cases where there are medical reasons to need that license, the state will require a letter from the doctor. That letter would need to describe the condition and give an estimated date when the situation may be resolved. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Work

If a teenager is working to supplement their family’s income, that’s a solid indicator the teen is responsible enough to have a hardship license. Keep in mind, this isn’t like having a summer job for some extra cash. The job would need to be necessary to the teen’s family for their financial well-being in order to qualify for a hardship license. To get the hardship license for that reason, a parent would need to send in a written statement detailing the financial need of the teenager’s job. Of course, the teen would also need to have no other options to get to work than to drive. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Do You Need To Get A Permit First?

In short, no. You do not need a permit to apply for a hardship license. But don't worry. They'll have plenty of other hoops for you to jump through. Under normal circumstances, the minimum California driver’s permit age is 15 ½ years old. Also, a permit can usually only be obtained after completing a driver’s education course. The next step would be to take and pass a permit test at the DMV. From that date, new permit holders must wait six months before becoming eligible to test for their licenses. Even if they turn 16 less than 6 months after earning their permits, they must have the permit for six months before being able to test for the license. On the other hand, if a driver reaches the age of 18 and has never had a valid license, that driver can skip the driver’s ed course and test for a permit. That permit has a little more freedom than the standard teenage permit, but there are still limitations until the full driver’s license can be earned. [/framed_box]

How to apply for a CA hardship license

Hardship licenses are meant to be granted in only the most extreme circumstances. To apply, click here.

• For information on Check Drivers License Status CA and License Renewals, click: Check Drivers License Status CA and License Renewals

• For information on California ID Cards, click: California ID Cards

• For information to Applying for a New California Driver’s License, click: Applying for a New California Driver’s License

• For information About Florida Drivers License Check, click: Florida Drivers License Check

• Learn the step-by-step process of registering your car in California with our comprehensive guide on how to register a car in California
• Learn More About, Tennessee DMV – All Things Car Related

Why Comedy Traffic School Online Is Better

I'm sorry, but you haven't provided any text to rephrase. Could you please provide the text you'd like rephrased? The truth is traffic tickets can happen to anyone. Unsafe drivers receive them more often, of course. But even great drivers can receive the occasional traffic ticket. Sometimes the laws change, and people need to review the material every so often. Luckily, the court can give you the option for comedy traffic school online. You’ll still need to pay your ticket, but traffic school keeps points off your license. That way, you won’t still be paying for that ticket through your insurance, years down the line. When the time comes to choose your traffic school, there are a lot of options out there. Let’s take a look at some reasons why comedy traffic school is superior. [framed_box]

You Laugh

Everyone who has ever been through standard traffic school will tell you the same thing. They will tell you that it is long, and it is boring. It was meant as a punishment (unless you’re taking it for insurance), and it feels like one. However, comedy traffic school seeks to change all that. It is written by professional comedians, so the content is entertaining. As an added bonus, many states allow students to take traffic school online. You don’t have to be sitting in a hot classroom for six to eight hours, bored out of your mind. Instead, you can be laughing in the comfort of your own home.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

You Learn

The simple truth is you learn more when you’re interested and entertained. The logic there is easy to understand. You absorb a lot more information when your mind isn’t constantly wandering to what you’d give up to be done with your traffic school. Your shoe collection? An arm? Your soul? There’s no need to barter such necessities. When the material is fun, you learn it better. Comedy traffic school makes the course as entertaining as possible, while still meeting state requirements. The course is broken up with comics and videos. All of that added up means students spend more brain power learning the material, and less counting the seconds on the clock.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

You Remember

Do you happen to remember the exact rules for passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway in California? Probably not, but you may remember the awesome comic you read about it. That memory can lead your brain back to the proper rules. Many scientific studies have been conducted on this issue, all of them leading back to one simple fact: laughing helps you learn. The only caveat seems to be that the comedy has to be relevant to the material, which makes sense. A classic “man walks into a bar” joke isn't likely to help anyone learn about street signs. For that to work, the author would need to come up with an appropriate, relevant punchline. In fact, humor that is not relevant to the topic is completely counter-productive. It distracts students and makes it harder for them to remember the material later. When done right, humor lowers stress, allowing students to focus on and even look forward to learning. When people laugh, the brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Many activities can release dopamine, but laughter is among the easiest, safest, and most affordable. (That's because other options include, but are not limited to, gambling or high-risk activities like skydiving). Without getting too bogged down in the science, dopamine is an important part of how the reward center in the brain works. In short, when dopamine is released into the brain, a person retains whatever information they're receiving better. All in all, science (and simple logic) agree: if you have to go to traffic school, comedy traffic school is better. [/framed_box]

Top 5 Ways of Getting Out of a Congested Parking Lot

What does a Totally 80’s Rock Concert, Dodger Baseball Game and night out at the symphony all have in common? The hour long wait you’ll have to spend in your car trying to get out of the congested parking lot afterwards. As much as you love spending time with your buddies and bonding over shared experiences, sometimes the torture of being trapped in a car with them while in a state of extreme fatigue… overrides the fun. Don’t let this happen to you! To ensure that your “good times” do not become “bad memories,” check out the list of the top 5 ways of getting out of a congested parking lot. [framed_box]

Leave The Event Early

This choice may be the least fun of the five, but the results are spectacular! This option works best when you leave during the peak moment of the event. Perhaps the game went into overtime, or the play is only in part 2 of 5 – whatever you do, try to calculate your departure to be between 35-55 minutes earlier than the rest of the crowd. This will guarantee the smoothest of sailings out of the lot.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Block The South Gate

This option does not reflect the opinions and thoughts of the IMPROV® Online Traffic School, however, it has received good ratings of those who currently belong to a fraternity or pro-league dodgeball team. What you do is block off the south gate, also known as the least conspicuous gate, with signs that say, “Not In Service.” This will deter future drivers from using the gate, and will leave a wide opening for you and your crew to make a quick and clean departure from your event since cars heading for exits will be going in the opposite direction.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Park Right Next To the Exit

Seems like an easy solution, right? This tactic usually works, especially when the exit is a walking distance of 1.3 miles or more from the venue. So as long as you and your cohorts are up for a little exercise before the sunrise, this is the option for you.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Create A Diversion

This preference is often performed by ex-detectives and bandits. If it works for them, it can work for you too! This option requires a bit of planning. You have to think about the type of crowd that travels to your specific event, then act upon their inner-most wants and desires. For example: a classic rock concert goer has a special attraction to free T-shirts; therefore, you can create a diversion by giving away free merchandise on one side of the parking lot, while your buddies hightail it to the opposite side of the lot. Be creative. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Rent A Tractor

This selection may be a bit pricey, but will do the job right. All you have to do is get behind the wheel, move the front shovel up and down a couple of times, and the cars will get out of your way! You and your friends can drive that puppy all across the lot without a sense of congestion. If you are thinking about taking the machine to the streets however, you may want to read your state’s traffic laws regarding correct speed and driver license type. [/framed_box]

Are Car Subscriptions Better Than Buying?

For many years, the only way to obtain a car has been leasing, buying, or borrowing from family members. Now there is a new market emerging that seeks to change all that. Enter car subscriptions, which are a bit like leasing, but with less commitment. Let’s take a look at these services to see if they’re all they’re cracked up to be. [framed_box]

What Is A Car Subscription?

Car subscriptions have made themselves stand out in a few different ways. The most impressive is that they bundle everything together. Leasing or buying a car means also needing to have insurance and taking care of any maintenance issues. These new car subscriptions bundle all those things together. For a monthly fee, drivers get a car and insurance. Many subscriptions also take care of the maintenance. The more expensive subscription options, such as those offered by Cadillac and Porsche, allow drivers to switch between cars. For example, subscribers can have one car to get around during the week, then switch to something else for the weekend. This can’t be done every weekend, as the most generous policy so far is 18 switches per year. Still, for those with lots of money and a love of cars, this service sounds great. The less expensive options are more like leasing a car. They still bundle insurance and maintenance (in some cases), but the cars won’t be luxury vehicles. The cars will instead be gently used, and they can only be switched if something goes wrong with them.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Car Subscriptions Reasonable Limitations

Despite how good these deals may sound, most of these services are provided by companies that need to protect themselves. That means many of these subscriptions come with understandable limitations that nonetheless may make them less appealing to potential subscribers. There are several of these that subscribers may see. Each company may use any or all of them. Some companies will impose mileage restrictions, only allowing a certain number of miles per month or year. Other companies will not allow their cars beyond the borders of the United States. Most cars are equipped with technology that allows the owners to track how and where the cars are used. People who defy the rules set by the company will probably face hefty fees, and the car will be revoked. All the companies will definitely also check a potential subscriber’s driving and credit history before handing over the keys. They want their cars back in good condition, so that means only allowing responsible drivers behind the wheel. If you got a ticket, hopefully you took some traffic school online so you can be eligible for these services. As for the credit checks, these companies do not want to have to fight for the money they’re owed. Without decent credit, these companies won’t allow the cars out of the lot.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Are Car Subscriptions Better?

Ultimately, it’s up to personal taste, but there are a few situations in which car subscriptions are truly superior. If someone needs a car for three months, this service is better than just renting a car from the airport. If a driver is swimming in cash, the luxury car subscriptions can certainly be appealing. However, for mere mortals, the cost difference isn’t that impressive. The price of the bundle is rarely less expensive than a car payment plus insurance. At least when a car payment is finished, the driver is left with a car. At the end of a subscription period, a driver is left minus thousands of dollars and with nothing to show for it. [/framed_box]

Are Driving Skills Inherited?

Back in October of 2009, a bunch of articles were published with a single divisive topic. A study had recently been completed, and the results implied that bad driving skills may be hereditary. The study sparked some debate and then faded back into obscurity, but it did present an interesting question. It’s time to take a look at it again and see if any conclusions can be drawn. [framed_box]

The 2009 Study

The original study was conducted by a group of neuroscientists from the University of California Irvine. They tested a group of 29 individuals on a virtual track designed to simulate difficult driving conditions. Of the 29 people tested, 7 had a certain gene variant. • This gene variant causes the brain to produce less of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). • This means a smaller part of the brain is stimulated during certain types of activity, such as driving. • During the test, the 7 people with the gene variant did not do as well on the simulated track as those without the gene variant. The test was repeated a few days later with similar results.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Proof?

This may cause some people to believe their genes are to blame for their bad driving habits. However, there are a few issues to address before they can really jump to that conclusion. • For one thing, this was a very small test. To really trust the results, the sample size would have to be much larger. • Secondly, the test hasn’t been repeated, or if it has, the results haven’t been reported. • If we want to be sure of results, the study should be completed again with a different sample group. • Finally, there doesn’t seem to be a reliable test available commercially to find out if people have that gene variant. It’s hard to claim a genetic predisposition to drive badly when there’s no way to be sure a person actually has that gene. In short, it might just be more cost effective to take online traffic school instead of doing a full gene mapping. ? [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Nature Versus Nurture

Despite the lack of concrete evidence from the study, there may be another way in which driving skills are passed down. Most new drivers are taught how to drive by a parent. If that parent has some bad driving habits, those can easily be passed down to the teenager. For example, imagine a man named John learned to drive in 1935. That was before turn signals were standard equipment on cars. John never got used to the turn signals once he had a car with them. Because of that, he might not have taught his son Jack in 1960. Jack then thinks turn signals are unnecessary and doesn’t teach them to his son James in 1985. Finally, James neglects teaching turn signals to his son Jimmy in 2010. Now there’s a guy driving around in 2018 without using his turn signal, all because his great-grandpa James never learned about them. That’s an extreme hypothetical example, but the point still stands. Driving skills may not be genetic, but they can definitely be passed down. Bad drivers are not going to be the best teachers for their children. All those little habits that make them dangerous on the road are what their kids will learn. On the other hand, good habits can also be passed on. Safe drivers can teach their kids all their good habits, and those lessons will stick with those new drivers for life. [/framed_box] Ultimately, we need more proof before we can be sure genetics are linked to bad driving. Driving skills may or may not be hereditary, but they can definitely be inherited.

Driving Safe with Pets in the Car

This week, we celebrate National Pet Day, so in addition to giving your furry friends some extra attention, let’s go over some practices while driving with pets that will ensure their safety as well as keeping you safe from taking traffic school. [framed_box]

Use a Harness

The first time you put a harness on your dog, your dog may object. However, if you make it a habit, your pets will quickly adjust to the new system, especially as the proper harness for your dog will fit comfortably and will still provide some room to move around. Properly securing your dogs will also help protect them in the event of an accident, much in the way your seatbelt protects you. It will also prevent your dogs from jumping into your lap while you’re driving, which would cause an immediate distraction that could endanger both you and your fur babies.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

The Window: Up or Down?

Everyone knows dogs love sticking their heads out the windows of moving cars, and they just look so cute and happy when they do. However, what your dog wants and what is best for your dog are not always the same thing. First, breathing in all that rushing air can be bad for your dog’s lungs. There is also the danger of debris kicked up by wind or other vehicles. Driving at 65 miles an hour, a tiny rock can make a crack in your windshield, which is made of glass meant to withstand the impact. Your dog is not meant to withstand that impact, so the debris of the road can be a definite health hazard. Many dogs would enjoy a compromise instead. Keep the windows down an inch or two so they’ve got the fresh air coming in, but don’t roll the windows down so far they can stick their heads out.[/framed_box] [framed_box]

Driving with Cats

The absolute best advice I’ve ever heard for driving with cats is DON’T. But if you absolutely must drive with your cat to somewhere farther than the vet’s office, you’ll want to take some precautions. Your cat probably hates the cat carrier, but it’s still the best tool to protect him or her while driving. Even if the inevitable ear-piercing meowing drives you crazy, the cat carrier is necessary to keep your feline friend in good health. If you’re driving a long distance, you should also keep a small litter box in the car and allow your cat access to it whenever you stop, which should be frequently. You’ll also want to make sure your kitty has water available. Finally, be patient with your cat when the trip is over. He or she might not like you very much for a few days. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

DON’T LEAVE YOUR ANIMALS IN A HOT CAR

This is fairly common knowledge at this point, but it still happens, so it still bears repeating. A car that is not running air conditioning and has the windows up on a hot day can be twenty degrees hotter than the outside temperature within 10 minutes. As a human, you wouldn’t want to be trapped in a small space at 120 degrees. Now imagine doing that in a fur coat. Every year, thousands of pets (and children) die in hot cars. This can even happen with the windows cracked if the day is hot enough. Several states have even taken action about this issue by enacting “Good Samaritan” laws that will allow passerby to break the windows of unattended cars with dogs inside. So keep both your dog and your car safe by taking your dog with you when you leave the car, or leaving your dog at home, where it’s cool and safe. [/framed_box]

How to Keep Your SUV Safe

SUVs are built to survive punishing roads, reckless drivers, and family road trips. Therefore, you should do everything you can to keep your SUV safe. That way it can withstand the biggest challenge: time itself! Below is a guide to keeping your sport utility vehicle as safe as possible, without locking it in your garage for the rest of eternity. [framed_box]

Be wary of road conditions

You don’t want to be caught off guard when you encounter strange and unusual road conditions. Whether it’s ice on a bridge or construction detours, always be cautious of the roads you drive on. Also, never underestimate the relentless, destructive power of a single pot hole. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Check your brakes

Brakes are - arguably - one of the most important features of an SUV. They can prevent you from driving through your garage or plunging off the side of a cliff. Routinely check your brakes and replace them if they’re bad. Knowing your SUV is safe will give your conscious a much-needed break. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Know the weather forecast

You don’t need to be a meteorologist to drive your SUV. But, it couldn’t hurt! Checking the forecast for storms, snow, acid rain, or fog, before you leave your home can mentally prepare you to drive in extreme weather conditions. The last thing you want is to be caught outside in acid rain without an umbrella! [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Keep a spare tire

Always keep a spare tire in your SUV. In the instance you blow out a tire on the road, you will always have a back-up to keep you from being stranded. Also, something you should add to your repertoire: learn how to change a tire! [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Lock your SUV

Locking your SUV is a quick and simple way to ensure its safety when parked. Just like your front door, keeping it locked-up will keep people locked-out. It’s hard to steal an SUV from the outside. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Use a turn signal

You may know this from acing your online traffic school course, but using turn signals is the best means of communication with fellow drivers. However, turn signals often are the car’s most underutilized feature. They’re the most important way two drivers can communicate - outside of giving each other the middle finger. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Don’t Rage

While driving, never let yourself fall into a fury that makes Mad Max jealous. Staying cool behind the wheel is just as important to your SUV’s safety as it is to other’s safety. It could feel cathartic to rear-end the person who just cut you off, but the ones that suffer will be your SUV and your driving record. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Know where you’re going

Always know where you’re going. You can drive the same route to work every day or map your road trip in advance with a GPS. When you know where you’re going, you will have a better idea of what to expect. This is also helpful advice for living your life. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Headlights and brake lights are important

Double check those headlights and brake lights with a friend before long road trips. Broken lights make it difficult for other drivers to see you. More importantly, it’s a reason to get pulled over by the police. Driving without lights isn’t a bright decision. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Keep an emergency kit

First aid kit, flashlight, road flares, blanket, and a gallon of water is a recommendation of what to include in your emergency kit. Being prepared for the worst is always the smart decision. Accidents are unpredictable and can happen anytime and anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared for them. [/framed_box]

What to Do When Your Car Gets Trapped

Loving your car is one thing but being buried alive as it sinks in quicksand is another. When you’re traveling on tough terrain, you can run the risk of getting your car stuck in anything. When your car gets trapped in snow, mud, or a bayou it can cause serious damage to your vehicle and your self-esteem. We’ve compiled a guide to aide you whenever you’re stuck in a sticky - or snowy - situation. Following the guide below, will help you escape any entrapment - except for quicksand. You’ll need a whip and a low hanging branch to get yourself out of quicksand. [framed_box]

Remain Calm

A trapped car can launch you into panic mode. Even more of a panic than trying to pass your online traffic school course. Keeping calm helps you make smart, rational decisions without the frenzy of being in panic mode. You want to stay cool, like the snow you might be trapped in. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Keep the Tires Straight

When you’re stuck in mud or snow, you can make your escape easier by keeping your tires straight. Twisting your wheels back and forth will cause your car to sink deeper, which will make it a challenge to become unstuck. The more you move, the worst it gets. Yes, we’re getting all our advice from watching movies about quicksand. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Clear the Exhaust Pipe of Debris

By clearing the exhaust pipe of debris, you can prevent engine fumes from filling up your car. We don’t need to tell you the repercussion of a car full of exhaust. But, it’s your death. The repercussion is your death, because there is too much carbon monoxide. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Light Your Car on Fire

If your car is trapped, one quick way to get it unstuck is lighting it on fire. The billowing smoke from your car’s raging fire should alert nearby emergency personnel, which will lead them to aid you. When they see the scorched remains of your car, they will assist with calling a tow-truck. It’s the perfect plan. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Life Hack: Use Your Floor Mats as Leverage

One quick and simple life hack tool, to help you escape the perils of being trapped in mud or snow, are the floor mats in your car. When your wheels are spinning, but you’re not going anywhere, you need more friction. Placing a floor mat under your wheels can supply enough friction to leave your trap. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Accelerate Slowly

Accelerating slowly helps you gain some much-needed traction. Your first reaction to becoming trapped is to peel your way out. However, that’s one of the worst things you can do in this situation. Calmly place your foot on the gas and let your car build up traction to escape. Bonus points if you get your friend to push the car while you do it. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Get a Chain and Big Truck

If you got a friend with a big truck, a chain, and, potentially, a red neck, then give them a call. Getting help from someone else is extremely beneficial, such as a tow truck, an emergency personnel, or your friend who just installed semi-truck wheels on their pickup. We’re not yanking your chain, but your buddy might, because they want to help you get unstuck. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Be Prepared for the Worst

Always be prepared for the worst situation possible. Keep snacks, bottled water, first aid kits, and blankets in your car in case you are ever trapped and can’t get out. Whether you’re caught in an avalanche, stuck in a bayou, or slowly sinking in a quicksand, having a preparation kit can help make the situation better. You don’t want to be stranded in a quicksand without a granola bar! [/framed_box]

Beaumont, Texas Traffic VS Houston, Texas Traffic

I'm sorry, but it seems there is no text provided for rephrasing. Could you please provide the text you need rephrased? Every Texan knows the horrendous stories of driving around Beaumont, Texas or Houston, Texas. The terrifying road conditions and gridlock traffic would leave anyone turning in their sleep. Moreover, when two cities in Texas are similar, in whatever way possible, they must duke it out to discover who’s the best. In this case, which city is the best at having the worst traffic: Beaumont, Texas or Houston, Texas? To answer this perplexing question, we have to weigh the contributions to traffic build up. Below is your guide on which city has the worst traffic conditions in Texas.

Beaumont, Texas Traffic

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Rush Hour

Rush Hour traffic is a plague on the idea of a timely arrival. For several hours in a day, the roads of Beaumont fill up with anxious drivers leaving for work or speeding home. Between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, Beaumont experiences high volumes of traffic, because, apparently, a lot of people work the ol’ 9 to 5 grind. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Traffic Accidents

Traffic Accidents can cause major congestion and worsen peak busy hours. In 2014, Beaumont experienced nearly 642 traffic accidents. It could have been less, but people didn’t enroll in their Texas online defensive driving course. With statistics like this, the biggest accident is choosing to drive in the city. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Road Conditions

Road Conditions can bring traffic to a screeching halt. Whether there’s hindering construction, or you drive over a camouflaged pothole that destroys your tires, the condition of the road contributes greatly to the flow of traffic. Beaumont receives countless complaints of the poor road conditions and not enough on the lack of Whataburgers. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Speed Traps

Speed Traps will ruin anyone's day. Getting slapped with a speeding ticket will force you to cough up hundreds of dollars. It will also make getting through traffic worse. Littered along I-10 are traps set to catch anyone exceeding the speed limit. Drive the speed limit or break your wallet’s limit. [/framed_box]

Houston, Texas Traffic

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Rush Hour

Rush Hour is expected in large cities. What isn’t expected is how much longer it lasts in Houston than it does in smaller cities, like Beaumont. From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the city of Houston experiences massive delays in traffic, because of car congestion from busy commuters. Rush hour is longer in the evening, because Houston has a great selection of Whataburgers. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Downtown Traffic

Downtown Traffic is a whole other story. When rush hour stops everywhere else, downtown traffic continues to persevere. Instead of calling it “rush hour,” in downtown Houston, they just call it “rush forever.” [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Road Conditions

Road Conditions in Houston are… not the worst. Despite the massive number of commuters, the infrastructure around Space City is in pretty good condition. However, that doesn’t account for road construction, which adds time to anyone’s commute. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Speed Traps

Speed Traps are set up around the city. Except trapping season is all year long. Specifically, police like to target highways when setting up a speed trap. This is to catch people running late for work or trying to get home in a hurry. If you have a honey butter chicken biscuit from Whataburger in your passenger seat, who wouldn’t be in a hurry. It’s hard to compare the two cities. However, when it comes to traffic, they both have a notorious reputation. The only true way to discover which city has the worst traffic is by visiting the areas. Except we’ve been checking the traffic radar for downtown Houston all day and it’s STILL considered rush hour. [/framed_box]

Which States Don’t Allow You to Pump Your Own Gas

I'm sorry, but you haven't provided the text for me to rephrase. Please provide the text that needs rephrasing, and I'll be happy to help. The subtle art of being ridiculously lazy is challenging for some people. Not for you, because you have dedicated your life to being comatose. You’re not one of those normal functioning people. That’s why you can’t be bothered to perform mundane tasks. But, there’s just some responsibilities you can’t escape - like pumping your own gas. Why can’t you live in a state where people do work for you? How can you be lazy, if you don’t have the cornerstone of all laziness? Why do YOU have to pump YOUR gas? These are questions that any logical - and lethargic - person would ask themselves. That's why we’ve compiled the most extensive list of states and cities that will pump your gas for you. These are the last remaining U.S. locations that understand your mission to be carelessly lackadaisical. [framed_box]

New Jersey

Also known as the “mecca of full service gas retailers,” New Jersey is most notably recognized for having gas station pump attendants. In 1949, congress passed a statute titled the Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, which prohibited gas retail customers from pumping their own gas. To this day, New Jersey is the lone state that maintains this law, and requires a professional to pump your car’s gasoline. When you’re caught violating this law, you could experience some pricey consequences. People who break the 1949 statute will be fined $50 to $250, and up to $500 for any proceeding offenses. If you thought gas prices were expensive, then you haven’t been caught pumping your own gas in New Jersey. There is good news for New Jersey drivers! You can save a lot of money, hundreds each year, on car insurance by taking a NJ Defensive Driving course! [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Oregon

An honorable mention should be given to the ex-lazy state of Oregon. Recently, Oregon passed a law that gives customers the right to pump their own gas. This is bad news for the state’s professionally exhausted people. If you wanted to do actual work, you wouldn’t have taken online traffic school courses, or bought that text to speech converter so you could listen instead of reading this article. Despite these challenging times, there’s an apathetic light at the end of the tunnel. The law only takes effect on counties with population less than 40,000 residents. In other words, densely populated regions of the state will still have their full-service pumps. This means Portland will become the west coast home for all lazy drivers. For the un-lazy, you can take a quick and easy OR Auto Insurance discount course. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Huntington, New York

Just like a pond of freshwater in a scathing desert wasteland, Huntington, New York is a lazy oasis in the bustling state of New York. Huntington escaped the thwarting grasps of responsibility and allows full-service gas retailers in the city. The reason why this old law is still around is a bit foggy, but we know the real reason. The city is just a proponent of putting in the least amount of effort as possible. During the 1980’s, fire safety became a major concern for the Huntington Fire Department. Pumping your own gasoline was believed to be a fire hazard. Therefore, not long after, Huntington passed a city-wide regulation that would require gas retailers to offer full-service pumps. Any driver who is caught fueling their own vehicle would experience the repercussions of heavy fine payments. It doesn't matter what NY city you live in to take advantage of the mandated 3-year savings you'll receive when completing a NY Defensive Driving Course. Check it out now. Whether you’re living in the west coast or the east coast, there’s plenty of opportunity to exert your laziness. If these states or cities aren’t nearby, then consider hiring your own personal gas station attendant, because being lazy is an often-overlooked bliss. [/framed_box]

How to Protect Your Car from Car Theft

Chances are your livelihood is your car. This might be especially true if you live in a Californian metropolitan area. Therefore, experiencing car theft could leave a devastating impact on your life. With something so precious, it makes sense to take the necessary precautions to protect your vehicle. Now that you’ve passed the best traffic school online, you may want to drive the extra mile to protect your vehicle. You can learn how to protect your car from theft by following the guide below. [framed_box]

Purchase an anti-theft system

Steering wheel locks, tire locks, kill switches, and electronic immobilizers are a few of the anti-theft systems for cars. There are hundreds of anti-theft system brands to choose from. You can even make your friends think you’re a hit-man if you tell them you have a kill switch. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Don’t leave your keys in the ignition

This sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Leaving your keys in the ignition makes stealing your car easy. You want to save time by leaving the keys in the ignition, but this method turns you into a giant target for theft. Unless your R. Kelly, keep your keys with you. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Let a bobcat live in your car

Letting a bobcat live in your car is a lesser known anti-theft protection system. Bobcats, also known as the Lynx Rufus, are members of the giant cat family. This means they’re extremely territorial. With one glance at the bobcat in the back seat, car thieves will know not to steal your car. Be sure to crack a window and leave out small rodents, as that’s their preferred diet. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Keep your car locked

We all wish we can trust others, but we can’t in today’s car theft infested world. Keeping your car doors locked is a small way to crack down on thefts. A simple barrier goes a long way when protecting your car. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Avoid leaving valuables in eyesight

Whether it’s your brand-new laptop computer or a Lou Bega album, keeping your most valuable possessions out of sight will deter thieves from breaking into your car. If someone catches a glimpse at something valuable, they could steal it… or your car. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Drive an undesirable car

Nobody wants to steal a car that looks ugly. Next time you’re purchasing a car, look for the ugliest piece of metal you can lay your eyes on. You’ll get extra protection points if the car has a vibrant green and yellow color. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Park in well-lit areas

Well-lit areas are the bane of car thieves’ existence. Most thefts happen in areas that are dimly lit to decrease chances of being seen. Always look for areas that very well lit. It’s like a spotlight for your car. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Paint “Look at me, I’m a dumb idiot!” into the side of your car

Nothing will embarrass a car thief more than driving a car that says, “Look at me, I’m a dumb idiot.” Car thieves care a lot about what other people think of them. That’s why embarrassing a thief by painting “look at me, I’m a dumb idiot” will keep anyone from stealing your car. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Don’t leave the car unattended and running

If you’re running into the store for a moment, keeping your car running while unattended is a dangerous decision. In those split moments, anyone could walk by and steal your car. Even if you have a bobcat in the back seat. [/framed_box] By following the guide above, you won’t just be a defensive driver, but a defensive car owner too.

Riding With Uber From Your Uber Driver’s Perspective

Is your car in the shop, but you need to get to work? Do you want to party into the wee hours of the morning then get home safely? Is your license suspended until you complete your online traffic school? Is owning a car just unfeasible for you right now? If the answer to any of those is yes, you’re probably already familiar with ride-sharing companies, the biggest of which is Uber. [framed_box]

Easy to Apply

For those new to this idea, or those who have just been devoted to taxis their whole lives, Uber is the company that is putting taxis out of business. Their prices are usually cheaper because the drivers are using their own cars, and in most states, just about anyone can become an Uber driver with minimal effort. In fact, when I signed up almost five years ago, I simply filled out a very quick and simple form online, with just enough details for Uber to run a background check. One week later, I was on the road making money! I only had to go through a half an hour of online training without ever talking to another human being. If you’re not comforted by how easy it is to become an Uber driver, you’re not alone. However, let me assure you, the sign-up process is the last easy thing about being an Uber driver. The hours are long, and the pay is far from guaranteed. In fact, once you factor in depreciation and all the extra gas, maintenance, and car washes, the driver is really only making pocket change. Also, because what the driver makes is a percentage of the total cost of the ride, every time Uber drops the prices for the customers, it’s a pay cut for the drivers. In other words, if your driver is grouchy, it’s not without cause. However, there are a few things riders can do to ensure a smooth ride and a happier driver. Remember, drivers must rate their riders, and your rating can affect how quickly you get picked up next time you call, so try to remain on their good side! [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Be on Time

Time is money, and your driver is not getting paid until you’re in the car. And here’s a fun fact not many people know: if you take a very short ride with Uber, your driver gets about $2.40 after Uber takes their cut. However, if you don’t show up after the driver has waited the required five minutes, your driver cancels the ride and collects the cancellation fee, which nets them a whole $4. This means that if you made your driver wait four minutes and then took a short ride with the minimum fare, your driver would have made more money had you taken another minute and they’d cancelled. If your driver is already having a bad day, they’re not going to give you a good rating at that point. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

The AUX Cord

Maybe you’re taking a longer ride and want to enjoy some music. That’s totally understandable. I highly recommend headphones. If you want it to play through the car’s speakers, you’re going to have to ask your driver to use their AUX (or auxiliary) cord. This is a question that fills drivers with a sense of overwhelming dread. At the end of the day, not everyone likes the same music. If you demand the AUX cord and then put on music your driver doesn’t like, I can guarantee you’re not getting five stars. Even though I consider my music taste to be eclectic, after three years of listening to other people’s music, I was handing out one-star ratings like candy. Eventually I tried to negotiate with the riders, politely saying something along the lines of, “Yes, I have an AUX cord, but please, for the sake of my head not exploding, I beg you to put on anything but [whatever music genre I was avoiding that day].” The riders would sometimes comply (five stars!) and sometimes put on that genre seemingly just for spite (one star!). After enough bad experiences, I’d just lie and say the cord was broken. Luckily, there’s a simple fix for this one: talk to your driver. Most of them would probably also like to have music on. There are countless genres of music out there. With a simple conversation, you and your driver are bound to find at least one genre of music that you enjoy and that doesn’t make your driver want to jump out of the moving car. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Don’t Throw Up

This one should be a no-brainer, but somehow it still happens enough that it needs to be said. Not only will you be charged a cleaning fee that can range from $50 to $200, but your driver will lose all wages for the rest of the night because their car will be out of commission until it’s cleaned. Even the most compassionate driver is still going to give a one-star rating to someone who pukes in their car. In fact, even someone who looks like they might puke is likely to earn a low rating (I’d usually give two or three stars) because of the tension the driver feels as they pray the rider can make it just a couple more blocks and out of their car before the inevitable explosion. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Tip

Apart from hurling, there’s not much bad behavior a cash tip won’t make up for. Just recently Uber has allowed tipping through the app, and it’s highly likely the driver won’t see that you tipped them until long after they’ve rated your ride. Even if you end your ride by saying, “I’ll tip you, I promise,” your Uber driver is tired and has been lied to many times. If you like to listen to a specific artist that the driver might not like, or if you’re going to be riding with friends and you don’t want one of them to badly affect your rating, carry cash. A couple bucks, maybe $5 on a long ride, will absolutely guarantee your driver remains content and will not post a story about you on one of our secret rideshare driver forums. [/framed_box] Follow these guidelines, and your driver will be happier, and your ride will be less of a chore for both of you. Check back next week to learn some things Uber will never tell you about the rating system!

How Much Do You Save with Costco Travel?

Let’s face it; we are a scam-paranoid bunch of consumers. And rightly, so. This is especially true since scammers are mastering the art of appearing like legitimate companies offering legitimate deals. Those buying a car have to walk a tightrope through the entire purchasing process, so as not to drive off the lot feeling emotionally nauseous. Such is the case with the now well-known Costco Travel Auto Program. While it has received national acclaim for being able to save you money while buying a car, many a consumer has added it to their blacklist. Let’s take a closer look at the Costco Travel Auto Program so that you can determine if it’s right for you. [framed_box]

Costco’s Mega Auto Savings Claims

Visit the Costco Travel website, and you’ll see that they make some bold claims on how their program can work in your favor. Up front, here’s what they offer: • Low, prearranged Costco member pricing • All available national manufacturer incentives • More than 3,000 hand-selected dealerships nationwide • Trained Authorized Dealer Contacts to serve you • Smooth, seamless buying experience On the outset, it sounds like a great deal. After all, who wouldn’t want low member pricing, incentives, instant access to dealerships, trained experts, and the most accessible buying experience ever? You sign up for the program. You get to choose the vehicle make and model you want. Costco refers you to a local dealer and then you experience a no-hassle purchase with all the bells and whistles. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Some Red Flags with the Savings Plan

Do some digging around on the web, however, and you’re likely to find a plethora of problems that customers have reported in either trying to understand the program or apply to a recent purchase. Some of the reports include the following: • The program doesn’t keep car sales associates from pressuring you into buying a car. • Costco’s price and the dealership bottom line price often does not line up. • The customer service is horrid, as customers complain of no-return phone calls and emails. • Costco does not control the underlying sticker price on the car. It seems that the bottom line on the bottom line is that there is a chasm far and wide between how much money Costco can save you and how much you can talk the car salesman down to before you sign the papers. [/framed_box] [framed_box]

How to Effectively and Accurately Determine Savings with Costco

So now we’re back to the original question: how much money can you save with Costco? As the adage goes, “There’s only one way to find out.”

Here’s what you do:

First, call Costco. Don’t email the company or send a message on their contact page. Pick up the phone and talk to a warm body. Tell the Trained Authorized Dealer what you are looking for and then ask him or her how much money the Auto Savings Program will save you. Do not hang up until you get an actual numerical estimate. Then call your local dealership and ask the salesman the same thing. Careful, the salesperson’s job is to convince you to visit the dealership. But stand your ground and be firm. Do not hang up until the person on the other end of the line gives you a quote. From there you can make an informed decision if Costco’s savings plan is worth it. The good news is that you can save anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 on a car by using the program. Is the Savings Plan a scam? Probably not. Will it save you money? Probably. Should you do your homework first before committing? Absolutely! [/framed_box] [framed_box]

Sign Up for Florida Online Traffic School

If you are looking for an online traffic school, then contact Improv today. We provide a wide range of courses and resources for traffic education and testing. To find out more, contact us at 800-660-8908, or you can chat live with one of our testing experts! [/framed_box]