Driving is one of those things most learn as a teenager and then never really think about again. Most people don’t realize that driving classes are not just helpful for continuing your driving knowledge, they are also applicable for many practical situations as well. Let’s look at some of the benefits of defensive driving courses, and how you could find one in your area.
The classes, in one respect, serve as a refresher for basics of city and highway driving. They will cover everything from road sign definitions and state traffic laws to safety equipment and regular maintenance. You’ll learn more concretely about your stopping and reaction distances, and other information about your car that will help make you more aware as a driver.
Beyond those basics, the instructor will talk to you about more in-depth topics, that may not be as evident to every driver. You will cover things like avoiding environmental hazards and weather developments, and how to scan your environment before and as you are driving. There will also be discussion about the impact of human factors, like encountering intoxicated drivers or those engaging in road rage or distracted driving. Even if you are an alert driver, it is still important to be prepared for others who are not paying attention.
There will be training for driving in a way that lowers the risk of accidents, known as crash prevention training. But you will also go over how to proceed if you can’t avoid the crash. You will learn about the different elements of a car accident, such as speed, mass and timing. This will help you to make the most effective decisions possible in an intense crash situation. Some courses offer crash prevention through classroom or online instruction, as well as driving courses to help train you behind the wheel.
While it varies from company to company, most insurance providers will offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course. You can find a list of approved driver education classes of all kinds on the California DMV website. For example, there is also an insurance reduction offered for completing a mature driving course. This is a class offered for people over 55 years of age, addressing challenges specific to those drivers. Some insurance companies offer fairly generous benefits for taking the courses, with reductions in price that last up to three years.
If you have a ticket or fine, the courses usually serve to reduce your fee amount. Some will actually work to clear the violation from your driving record altogether. This also means that any points that were accrued on your license by the incident will be removed. As California has some of the most expensive road penalties in the nation, it’s never a bad idea to look for a class if you do have a fee or fine. There are several courses available that can be completed in one day, and many offered online. These can all be found as recommended by the court in your specific case, or through the DMV website.
blogs
Cell Phones and Accidents on the Road
We have all done it. Even with the headsets, the hands-free devices, and the ability to connect your phone to your car, all of us have reached for the phone while driving. Whether it’s checking a quick text at a stoplight or messing around with your maps app while driving in a new place, the […]
Accidents with the Uninsured
Let’s say the worst happens and you find yourself in a serious car accident. Even if everything after the crash goes according to plan, it is a difficult and confusing process. But if you add to all this the fact that the other person is not insured, you could be left facing an absolute nightmare. […]
Common Causes of Car Accidents – and Ways to Avoid Them
Car accidents are an increasingly common source of injuries and loss of property and life. Every year, there are estimated to be over six million car accidents, in the US alone. We drive everywhere, and even short distances pose a hazard to drivers, as well as pedestrians and people on bicycles. The loss of property […]
Personal Injury Lawyers: Myths and Misconceptions
Every year, millions of people are injured across the U.S. However, most of them survive. Although you might suffer from long-term or serious injuries, the fact is, if it was because of someone else’s fault or negligence, you are entitled to compensation. Besides being compensated for your medical bills or wages, there are several myths […]
Slip and Fall Injury Facts
Slip and fall injuries are, unfortunately, quite common. They can occur anywhere – a public space, a business, or someone else’s home. The injuries can range in severity but can cause you to miss time away from work and make you incur huge medical debt. If you fell somewhere other than your own home, you […]
Slip and Fall Injuries in Arizona and California
In desert climates especially, some property managers have a tendency to not count on inclement weather when it comes to the upkeep of their properties. This means that, over time, things like rain and seismic shifts can slowly wear away at all kinds of surfaces, making them unsafe to walk on. While property managers may […]
Tips for Avoiding Slip & Fall Accidents
Slipping and falling is hilarious in the movies and on TV, but when you enter the real world, slipsand falls are some of the most dangerous causes of personal injuries one can experience outside of a vehicle accident. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and for many reasons – a simple spill, a loose […]
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in the United States
Whether due to size, or footprint of the motorcycle, or sheer stability, or a combination of these factors, motorcycles are much more likely to be involved in an accident than other automobiles. Certainly, in some cases, this is a visibility issue as well, with many drivers of other automobiles not looking in their blind spots […]
Holiday Travel Safety
As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness. For these reasons and more, […]
Stay Safe in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
In the history of cars, hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are still essentially brand-new. With new technology comes a new way to look at transportation. This includes an eye toward safety – anything new in automobiles is going to require a new understanding of how they work, what the dangers are, and how to maintain […]
contact form
