Answering common traffic school questions

Are you enrolled in traffic school and feeling a bit nervous about the expectations? If so, you are not alone. Most people experience some degree of anxiety. It is quite normal.

However, you should calm down. The goal of traffic school is to make you a safer driver. The curriculum is not set up for you to fail. Instead, quite the opposite is true. The institution wants you to comprehend the material as fully as possible. Your success is their success.

This all sounds well and good, but you also know that in the end you have to complete a certain amount of work with a passing score. Keep reading below to find out just where to turn for answers to your traffic school assignments.

Use this information to help get a passing score. Then, enjoy the safe driver record and dismissal of tickets. And, of course, do not forget the mandatory insurance discount.

I’m struggling with my online traffic school course, what should I do?

You would be surprised at how easy things can be when you use a little common sense. Just stop trying to make traffic school so difficult and all will be smooth sailing.

When things get tough, just sit back and relax. You have been a driver for some time now. The answer is probably the one that seems right to you. Use your intuition.

For example, the rules of the road exist to protect motorists and pedestrians. You already know this. So, use this knowledge to help you figure out the answers to your traffic school questions. If a choice does not help keep people safe on the road, then you can discard it.

Can I ask friends & family for help with my online traffic school?

The people around you, such as family and friends, are excellent sources of information on traffic laws. Many of them have been driving for decades and know all the rules in your state. Be sure to ask them for help when trying to complete your course.

It may be best to rely on more than one person for the answers. You will want a variety of opinions. Listen to what everyone has to say, check your course material again and then choose the best answer.

How can I use the internet as a source for answers with my traffic school online?

You should search the internet for relevant driving websites. Your state motor vehicle department will have the current rules of the road available online. Likewise, the state insurance department can provide you with information on auto insurance requirements.

Last, the state court website can explain what will happen if you break the laws while behind the wheel.

What about the instructor of the online traffic school course, can I ask them for help?

If truly stuck with nowhere to turn, then ask your instructor for help. Now, you should always be sure to have attempted to find the answer yourself first. Quite often, wayward students will skip the reading material or fail to follow instructions and then expect the instructor to bail them out.

Truly attempt the assignment before asking for the instructor to explain it to you. Doing so will make their explanation that much more comprehensible.


Traffic school success is right around the corner!

You are now prepared to complete your traffic school with flying colors. Just take things easy and you will succeed in becoming an acknowledged safe driver in your state.

Traffic School Daze vs. Real Traffic School

If you saw the Jamie Foxx Show, Season 2, Episode 10, when he goes to traffic school, you might be a bit anxious about signing up. Do not worry, the show was very much an exaggeration.
Sure the episode was extremely funny, but they got things wrong. You should relax and know that your school wants you to succeed. They will not be out to fail you as was the case for Jamie and Braxton!
Following are some of the realities of traffic school. You should be thankful things are a lot different than in the show.

You Cannot Bribe the School

When they arrive at the traffic school. Jamie tells his co-worker Braxton that they will not have to stay the entire time. He had heard from reliable sources that it is possible to pay off the school. In return, the instructor will claim the student completed the course, and the traffic infraction would be dismissed.

You better not attempt to bribe a traffic school official. They will not take the offer lightly. You may find yourself turned in to the authorities. Moreover, the state may decide to leave your traffic record as is.

In fact, the authorities may even add another violation to your record because of your unethical behavior.

The Instructor is not a DI

The instructor in this episode is a real character for sure. He obviously has watched a few too many military boot camp films. The students are told to address him as “sir!” He yells and threatens them regardless of what they do. It is the form of intimidation you expect of a drill instructor or prison guard.

Well, you can relax. Nobody will yell at you in a traffic school classroom. The instructors are there to help you pass. They will not treat you like a prison inmate.

And, if you are still a bit concerned that maybe you will get that one rogue instructor from the Jamie Foxx Show, then you can always take your class online. This means you will complete the course from the safety of your home. Nobody can yell at you via the computer screen.

You Can Ask Questions Freely

The traffic school succeeds when you succeed. They want you to be a safer driver. Thus, unlike the instructor in the show, the traffic school staff will answer your questions without personal attacks.

Nor will they get into your face in order to intimidate you. Fear is not a tactic used in the real traffic school classroom. Instead, expect to find compassionate instructors who enjoy their jobs.

No Ten-Hour Mandatory Sessions

Jamie and Braxton “belong” to the instructor for the next ten hours according to the show. Now, that is pure torture.

You will not have to endure such a long duration of traffic school at one time, unless that is your choice. Just sign up for the online version. You can start and complete sessions at your convenience. Too bad Jamie did not think of that?

No Pushups

Jamie had to do over 1000 pushups as punishment for his behavior.

Fortunately, you will never be told to perform any physical activity whatsoever. Just listen to the instructor, study your course material and it will be smooth sailing.

Nobody Goes Home Broken

Repeatedly throughout the show, the instructor tells Jamie and Braxton that he will eventually “break them” down. Supposedly, the students will get tired of the harassment and give up. For some reason that would be a plus to the television instructor.

In real traffic school, the instructors want you to enjoy all the benefits of course completion. Then, you will go on to tell others to attend the school.

They want to “make you” not “break you.”

What is a Sig Alert and How to Plan Travel Around It?

It has happened to every Southern California (SoCal) driver at one time or another. You wake up in the morning or get off from a long day at work. All you can think about is getting where you need to go. Perhaps you are even running a bit behind schedule.

Then, the worst possible thing occurs. There is a Sig Alert on the route you are taking! Too late now. You could be stuck for hours in some of the worst traffic in the nation.

Read on to find out how you can avoid this unfortunate fate by learning just what a Sig Alert is and how you can plan your route around one.

What is a Sig Alert?

Sig Alerts are traffic warnings that the authorities issue when they expect a major backup on the roads. They declare a Sig Alert situation when an incident causes two lanes or more to be unavailable for at least two hours.

Despite most SoCal freeways having multiple lanes, these debilitating Sig Alert incidents usually result in serious traffic jams. The first problem is the closed lanes. Vehicles must merge into other lanes, which stalls the flow of traffic. Second is rubbernecking. People always slow down to stare at an accident. The cumulative effect of just a few seconds of staring results in even further congestion.

History of the Sig Alert

The Sig Alert originated in the 1940s. Traffic was becoming worse as more Southern Californians began purchasing cars. Jobs in the burgeoning defense industry had put money into the pockets of many who before did not have disposable income.

Local police would notify Loyd Sigmon, a popular Los Angeles radio reporter, of bad accidents. He would then inform the public on his show. Eventually, the broadcasts became widely known as “Sig-Alerts.” The police then began sending the alerts via electronic devices to Sigmon and other journalists.

Today, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issues these warnings to both the media and public via a vast array of communication networks.

How to Avoid Traffic Congestion

Always check for ongoing Sig Alerts before leaving your home or workplace. Furthermore, keep checking while on the road. Quite often, you can make a hasty detour before getting into the proximity of a Sig Alert zone.

Where to Get Information

You are very fortunate that in this age of fast communication, the authorities have many ways to broadcast Sig Alerts. In the past, motorists had to be listening to the Loyd Sigmon Show to know what was going on.
These days, to find out about alerts, you can watch the television news. All SoCal news shows have routine traffic reports during the morning and afternoon rush hours. These stations also have websites that update as road conditions change.

The California Highway Patrol posts Sig Alerts on its website as well. If you are driving, look for warnings on the electronic message boards above the highways.

Also, local radio stations still announce Sig Alerts to keep listening to audiences informed.

Last, but certainly not least, you can download a Sig Alert notification program for your mobile device.

Avoid an Accident

The only thing worse than being trapped on a highway in Sig Alert-related traffic is being the source of the alert itself.
You can lessen your chances of causing an accident by attending traffic school. Be sure that the course is recognized by the state. You may even be able to receive a dismissal of any outstanding traffic tickets.

Weirdest Traffic Laws from Each State

Even on the Federal Highway System, the Rules of The Road vary from state to state. Here we’ve collected and commented on some of the more arcane and unusual traffic laws you may want to remember if you live in, or travel in the United States. Read up! Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and if you break the law, you may have to take traffic school to dismiss the ticket.

Alabama – It’s illegal to drive a car while blindfolded.

Alaska – No driving with a dog tethered to your car.

Arizona – It’s against the law to drive a car in reverse on a public road.

Arkansas – in Little Rock it’s against the law to honk your car horn anywhere that serves cold drinks or sandwiches after 9 p.m.

California – In Glendale, it’s illegal to jump from a car going over 65 mph.

Colorado – It’s illegal to drive a black car on a Sunday in Denver.

Connecticut – it’s illegal to hunt from a car.

Delaware – “R” rated movies shall not be shown at drive-in theaters.

Florida – It is illegal to skateboard without a license.

Georgia – There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia.

Hawaii – It’s against the law for a vehicle in motion to use its hazard lights. People might think it’s a Luau.

Idaho – it’s forbidden for Senior Citizens over the age of 88 must lose all sense of balance, them to ride a motorcycle in Idaho Falls.

Illinois – It’s illegal to drive a car without a steering wheel. And, of course, impossible.

Indiana – It’s against the law to sell cars on Sundays. Try Maine.

Iowa – No vehicle may sell ice cream in Indianola, Iowa.

Kansas – No tire screeching in Derby, Kansas.

Kentucky – It’s illegal for your pet to molest a vehicle in Fort Thomas.

Louisiana – A woman’s husband is required by law to walk in front of the car waving a flag as she drives it.

Maine – It’s illegal to buy a car on a Sunday. Better move to Indiana.

Maryland – It’s a misdemeanor to swear from a vehicle while driving through Rockville.

Massachusetts – You cannot drive with a gorilla in your backseat. In the front seat is okay with the seat belt buckled.

Michigan – It’s against the law to sit in the middle of the street and read a newspaper. But in Detroit you may lie there and be covered by one.

Minnesota – You can be charged as a public nuisance if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on the road in Minnetonka.

Mississippi – In Oxford, it’s illegal to honk your horn, even though it is an additional means of communication included in the price of your car.

Missouri – You can’t honk someone else’s car horn in University City, Missouri.

Montana – You can’t drive a herd of livestock numbering more than 10 on an interstate highway unless the herd is preceded and followed by flagmen.

Nebraska – By law, drivers on mountains should drive with caution near the right edge of the highway. Surprisingly, Bighorn Mountain rises to 4,731 feet.

Nevada – Even though it’s the desert, t’s illegal to ride a camel on the highway.

New Hampshire – It’s against the law to inhale bus fumes with the intent of inducing euphoria. If you want to kill yourself, that’s covered under a different law.

New Jersey – If you have been convicted of DUI, you can never apply for personalized license plates.

New Mexico – It may or may not be kidnapping, but it is illegal for cab drivers to reach out and pull potential customers into their taxis.

New York – It’s against the law to disrobe in your car in the beach town of Sag Harbor, Long Island.

North Carolina – In Dunn, North Carolina it’s illegal to play in traffic.

North Dakota – it’s illegal to lie down and fall asleep with your shoes on.

Ohio – It’s illegal to run out of gas in Youngstown.

Oklahoma –Cars must be tethered outside of public buildings. No guidance on to what.

Oregon – It is illegal to place a container filled with human fecal matter on the side of any highway. No containers!

Pennsylvania –Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass.

Rhode Island – One must make a loud noise before passing a car on the left. Preferably with your vehicle’s horn.

South Carolina – When approaching a four way or blind intersection in a non-horse driven vehicle you must stop 100 ft. from the intersection and discharge a firearm into the air to warn horse traffic.

South Dakota – No horses are allowed into Fountain Inn unless they are wearing pants.

Tennessee – It’s illegal to shoot game from a moving vehicle. But hitting it with your car is legal, and can be delicious.

Texas – You must have windshield wipers to register a car.

Utah – By law, birds have the right of way on all highways. Luckily, they don’t usually exercise it.

Vermont – It’s illegal for cars to backfire in Rutland.

Virginia – Radar detectors are illegal.

Washington – A motorist with criminal intentions must stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town.

West Virginia – It’s legal to eat road kill. No info on whether you can shoot it from your car.

Wisconsin – One may not camp in a wagon on any public highway.

Wyoming – If you open a gate over a road, river, stream or ditch, you’d must close it behind you.

Top 6 Hollywood Tourist Questions

Once upon a time, I used to work for the oldest and most popular tour company in Hollywood. It was your quintessential, guided, bus tour company that offered tours tailored for visitors from all over the world. They traveled through the trenches of crazy LA traffic to offer various world-famous tours such as:

1. The Movie Stars’ Homes Tour
2. The Grand Tour of Los Angeles (showcasing famous and historical Los Angeles landmarks)
3. The Movie and Television Studio Tours (such as Warner Brothers and Paramount)
4. The Theme Parks of Southern California Tour (including Disneyland and Universal Studios),
5. The “Where Movies were Shot Tour” (showing movie locations around Los Angeles)
6. Trip to Tijuana Tour for shopping,
7. The Haunted Hollywood Tour
8. The TMZ Hollywood Tour.

I worked for this Hollywood tourist company as the reservations supervisor for over five years, so I spoke to tons of tourists in my time. However, there were a few frequently-asked-questions that would indubitably pop up during the phone calls. Here are the top 6:

1. “Do we get to go into the celebrity homes?”

Who in their right mind thinks that they can just walk into people’s homes? Would you like for a tour bus full of people to just show up at your house and go into your home? The obvious answer is no. We just drive by the homes and give general information and facts about the celebrity. These people live in these homes. This is their private space. Why do you think this is okay? Just because we drive a very large, noisy bus through the neighborhood during morning and other hours doesn’t make it okay for us to drive the heard of passengers through the actual living quarters.

2. “What hours is Hollywood open?”

Hollywood is a city. I know some people may refer to it as Hollywoodland, but it is not a theme park or an attraction, you can get traffic tickets and have to go to traffic school to take care of them. It does not have any opening or closing hours. It does not get locked up at night. You can travel the streets at any hour of the day or night (although not recommended – there are a lot of crazies in Hollywood). Does your city get locked up at night?

3. “When is the best time to go on a tour to see a celebrity?”

These are people. They go out and about at all times of the day and night. This is not something that can be predicted. They are not like zoo animals that we put out on display at certain times of the day. What do you expect? Yes, make sure to go on a tour before 6:00 PM because we take all the A-list celebs off display at 8:00 PM, so they can get their beauty rest, but we let the B-list stay out later. It does not work that way.

4. “Why are there rides and shows at Universal Studios?”

We had people that actually went to Universal Studios and wondered why there were rides and shows. All they wanted was a studio tour, so I told them to go on the studio tour and find something else to do for the rest of their time until we pick them back up, but it is kind of a waste of money if that is all they want to do there. $105 spent and just doing a 1-hour tram tour is a bit crazy. Honestly, I don’t know how there are people in the world that are not aware that Universal Studios is an actual theme park or at least did a little research before going there.

5. “Can you tell me where (insert celebrity name here) lives?”

Firstly, I have no idea where anybody lives and quite frankly, I don’t really care where any of them live. That is the tour guide’s job to know, not mine. I am just here to answer your questions and make reservations. Secondly, the whole point in our business is for you to pay us to show you where they live. Why would we give this information out to you for free? Isn’t there an app for that?

6. “Can I get out during the tour at the home of a celebrity that I like?”

No, you are not allowed to get off. You cannot pay them a visit. Leave them alone. This would be called trespassing and it’s kind of illegal. Sorry.

California Facts and Weird Traffic Laws

California is a truly one-of-a-kind state. The state’s culture and makeup are different from any other state — and it’s even on a different tectonic plate than the other 47 contiguous states. The state even has some laws that make it unique. Here are some of those fun California facts and traffic laws that help make California the singular state that it is.

It’s Illegal to Jump from a Car Going 65 MPH in Glendale

In Glendale, California, it’s illegal to jump from a moving car that’s going 65 miles per hour or faster. While many other places may have laws against jumping from a moving car, Glendale’s likely the only one that makes 65 miles per hour the cutoff — jumping from a car going 64 miles per hour isn’t prohibited in the city.

Legal doesn’t mean safe. We don’t usually advise jumping from any moving car, if it can be avoided. We recommend first pressing the break and coming to a complete stop before getting out of a vehicle.

You Can’t Grow Rutabagas on Roads in Chico

If you want to start a rutabaga farm in Chico, California, don’t plan on planting anything on the road. It’s illegal to plant the vegetable in roadways. Other vegetables might be alright to plant in the road.

Spilling Margaritas on City Streets is Prohibited in Hermosa Beach

When sipping margaritas in Hermosa Beach, California, either avoid getting tipsy or stay away from the streets. Driving while intoxicated is, of course, illegal, but the city also prohibits spilling margaritas on any city street. Doing so could land you in serious legal trouble.

Sleeping on the Road Isn’t Allowed in Eureka

In Eureka, California, it’s illegal to use the road as a bed. It’s easy to see why a city wouldn’t want someone sleeping next to fast-moving traffic, but we can’t figure out why this law would even come up. Who wants to sleep on the road? There’s bound to be a more comfortable surface nearby.

The Golden Gate Bridge Spans the Channel to the Largest Landlocked Harbor

At 1.7 miles long, the Golden Gate Bridge is far from the longest bridge in the world. It’s not even the longest bridge in the San Francisco area — the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge has a total length of almost 4.5 miles.

The Golden Gate Bridge, though, goes over the opening to the world’s largest landlocked harbor — the San Francisco Bay. Unlike a lake, a landlocked harbor isn’t entirely surrounded by land. It may have a narrow channel that opens to the ocean or sea.

Highway 1 is 655.8 Miles Long

California State Route 1, which is more commonly known as Highway 1, measures 655.8 miles long. The road runs along the Pacific Coastline from Orange County up to Mendocino County and features some of the most beautiful views from any road in the country.

The California Trail was About 3,000 Miles Long

The California Trail may not be as well-known as the Oregon Trail, but it was much more traveled — especially during the Gold Rush of 1849. An estimated 80,000 people traveled the Oregon Trail, and an estimated 200,300 people took the California Trail. (Until the 1849 Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail was about 5 times more popular than the California Trail.) The trail began along the Missouri River, running with the Oregon Trail for a long distance, before it branched off to California.