Safe2Drive Blog

The keys to the car represent a major milestone for teenagers, a tangible symbol of freedom and growing up. For parents, however, that milestone can be loaded with anxiety. It’s no secret that teen drivers are among the most vulnerable on the road. That’s why every year, the third week of October is recognized as National Teen Driver Safety Week, a critical time to focus on the challenges young drivers face. Let’s look at one of the most effective tools we have for building safer teen drivers: parent-taught driver education.

Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Inexperience is the primary culprit. Key risk factors identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) include distracted driving, speeding, driving with other teen passengers, and inconsistent seat belt use. While formal driver education courses provide a necessary foundation, it is the hours of supervised practice and ongoing coaching that truly shape a teen’s habits. This is where parent-taught courses can make a significant impact, especially in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa where this option is fully embraced.

The Hands-On Advantage of Parent-Led Instruction

Parent-taught driver education allows for a personalized and extensive approach that a standard course often cannot match. When a parent is the primary instructor, they can tailor the learning experience directly to their teen’s needs while directly addressing the most significant risks they face.

• More Time Behind the Wheel: The single greatest benefit of parent-taught driver education is the high number of practice hours. Most formal programs include only a handful of on-road hours. Parents, on the other hand, can provide dozens of hours of supervised driving in a wide variety of situations--from navigating rainy nights and busy highways to practicing in residential areas and crowded parking lots. This experience is crucial for building the instinct and judgment that keep a driver safe.
• Addressing Distractions Head-On: A parent in the passenger seat is the best defense against a teen’s phone. You can immediately correct distracted behaviors, like glancing at a notification or changing a playlist. More importantly, you can have ongoing conversations about why the car must be a no-phone zone, reinforcing a habit that needs to become automatic. Remember, you should model the behavior that you want to see in your teen, so put your own phone away and demonstrate focused driving every time.
• Controlling the Environment: The risk of a serious collision increases exponentially with each teen passenger in the car. During the crucial learning phase, parents are the gatekeepers. You control who is in the car, ensuring your teen learns without the social pressure or distraction of friends. This enforces the importance of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, which often restrict the number of passengers new drivers can have in the car with them.
• Building a Relationship of Trust: Teaching your teen to drive is more than just a series of lessons; it’s a partnership. It’s vital to have open communication. A teen who feels comfortable discussing a tricky situation or a mistake they made is more likely to learn from it. You can create a parent-teen driving agreement that clearly outlines the rules, expectations, and consequences, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Tips for Parents in the Passenger Seat

If you’re teaching your teen to drive, your role as a calm, constructive coach is vital. Here are some tips:

• Start Slow: Start in empty parking lots to master the basics of braking, turning, and acceleration before moving to quiet residential streets. Work your way up gradually to busy city streets, highways, or driving at night.
• Narrate Your Drive: When you’re driving, explain your decisions out loud. Point out potential hazards and describe how you are proactively managing the space around your vehicle. This teaches defensive driving in real-time.
• Stay Calm and Patient: The learning environment should be supportive. Overreacting to mistakes will only increase your teen’s anxiety. Use errors as opportunities for calm correction and discussion.
• Practice in Diverse Conditions: Don’t just drive on sunny days. Ensure your teen gets experience in rain, at night, and in moderate traffic to build a versatile skill set.

This National Teen Driver Safety Week, let’s recognize the pivotal role parents play. By embracing the responsibility of being a driving mentor, you are not just helping your teen pass a test. You’re instilling lifelong habits that will protect them, their passengers, and everyone else on the road.

Ready to start your journey with parent-taught driver education?

Safe2Drive offers convenient, state-approved online parent-taught driver education courses designed to equip both parents and teens for success. With the flexibility of online learning and your hands-on guidance, you can ensure your teen gets the crucial experience they need to become a safe, confident driver. Enroll in one of our parent-taught courses today and start building safer driving habits! We offer the following parent-taught driver education courses:

• Oklahoma Parent-Taught Driver Education
• Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education
• Iowa Parent-Taught Driver Education

Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state!

The keys to the car represent a major milestone for teenagers, a tangible symbol of freedom and growing up. For parents, however, that milestone can be loaded with anxiety. It’s no secret that teen drivers are among the most vulnerable on the road. That’s why every year, the third week of October is recognized as National Teen Driver Safety Week, a critical time to focus on the challenges young drivers face. Let’s look at one of the most effective tools we have for building safer teen drivers: parent-taught driver education.

Every time we get behind the wheel, we take on a huge responsibility. We’re not just operating a machine--we’re navigating a shared space with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Among those pedestrians are some of our most vulnerable road users: those who are blind or visually impaired.

That’s why October 15th is so important. It’s White Cane Safety Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and reminding us all of the laws designed to protect pedestrians with visual impairments. But these aren’t just one-day-a-year rules. They’re everyday commitments that are crucial for keeping everyone safe.

So, what do you, as a driver, need to know? Let’s break it down.

The White Cane is a Symbol, and It’s the Law

The white cane isn’t just a mobility tool; it’s a symbol recognized by law. When you see a pedestrian using a white cane, or accompanied by a guide dog, it’s a clear signal that they have the right-of-way.

In all 50 states, traffic laws require drivers to yield to visually impaired pedestrians. While the specific language may vary slightly, the core message is the same: you must stop. It’s not a suggestion or a courtesy--it’s a legal requirement. Failing to do so can lead to fines and, more importantly, could cause a tragic and entirely preventable collision.

Your Responsibilities as a Driver

Understanding the law is the first step. Applying it is what really counts. Here are some key actions you must take when you see a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog who is attempting to cross the street:

• Come to a Complete Stop: Don’t just slow down or roll through. Bring your vehicle to a full and complete stop a safe distance away from the crosswalk or the pedestrian’s path.
• Stay Stopped: Remain stopped until the person has completely crossed the street and is safely on the sidewalk. Don’t get impatient and start creeping forward. They rely on the sound of traffic to know when it’s safe, and your engine noise can be confusing.
• Don’t Honk Your Horn: While you might think you’re being helpful, honking can be disorienting and alarming. The person may not know why you’re honking, and it can mask other important auditory cues they need to cross safely.
• Be Extra Vigilant at Intersections: Pay close attention at intersections and crosswalks. This is where most interactions between vehicles and pedestrians happen. Put down the phone, turn down your music, and scan the sidewalks as you approach. Be prepared to stop.
• Give Them Space: Never stop your vehicle in a crosswalk. This forces pedestrians to walk around your car and into a potentially dangerous lane of traffic.

White Cane Safety Day is the perfect reminder that our roads belong to everyone. For a person who is visually impaired, a simple street crossing requires a huge amount of trust that drivers are paying attention and following the rules. Let’s all commit to being the kind of alert, responsible drivers they’re counting on, not just on October 15th, but every day.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Every time we get behind the wheel, we take on a huge responsibility. We’re not just operating a machine--we’re navigating a shared space with other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Among those pedestrians are some of our most vulnerable road users: those who are blind or visually impaired.

Autumn is a beautiful season filled with crisp air and changing colors. But as the scenery changes, so do the driving conditions. Sudden weather shifts can introduce new hazards to the road that every driver should be aware of. Are you prepared to handle the unique challenges of fall driving? Keep reading to find out how to stay safe!

You might be surprised to learn that a pile of wet leaves on the road can be just as dangerous as a patch of ice. When leaves get wet, they pack down and create a slick, slippery surface. This layer of leaves can prevent your tires from making proper contact with the pavement, significantly reducing your traction.

This loss of grip can make it difficult to steer or brake effectively. In fact, driving over wet leaves is very similar to hydroplaning on water or skidding on an icy road. On top of that, leaves can hide lane lines, potholes, and other potential dangers from your view.

To drive safely over leaves, reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Be sure to increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react and stop if needed.

Fog’s another common hazard during the fall months, especially in the early morning. It can drastically reduce your visibility, making it hard to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or changes in the road ahead. Your most important tool for driving in fog is your headlights.

Make sure you use your low-beam headlights. It might seem like your high beams would work better, but the bright light will actually reflect off the water particles in the fog, making it even harder to see. Slow down, use the white line on the right side of the road as a guide, and never tailgate. Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This way, you have plenty of time to stop if needed.

Fall weather can be unpredictable. A sunny afternoon can quickly turn into a rainy evening, and a clear night can lead to a frosty morning. These shifts require you to be alert and prepared for changing road conditions.

Make sure your vehicle is ready for the season. Check that your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread, ensure your windshield wipers are in good working order, and always clear any frost from your windows before you start driving.

This fall, enjoy the scenery but remember to adjust your driving for the season. Slowing down and staying alert are the best ways to keep yourself safe on the road!

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

Autumn is a beautiful season filled with crisp air and changing colors. But as the scenery changes, so do the driving conditions. Sudden weather shifts can introduce new hazards to the road that every driver should be aware of. Are you prepared to handle the unique challenges of fall driving? Keep reading to find out how to stay safe!

As of July 1, 2025, a significant new traffic law has taken effect in Minnesota, legalizing motorcycle lane filtering under specific conditions. This change allows motorcyclists to move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. While this practice is common in other parts of the world and several U.S. states, it is new to many Minnesota drivers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the new law, its rules, and the responsibilities of every road user to ensure safety for all.

What is Lane Filtering and Why is it Legal?

Lane filtering is the act of a motorcyclist moving between lanes of traffic that are either stopped or traveling at a slow speed. It’s important to distinguish this from "lane splitting," which typically refers to riding between lanes at higher speeds in freely moving traffic—a practice that remains illegal in Minnesota.

The primary motivations for legalizing lane filtering are safety and efficiency. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic. Lane filtering allows them to move out of this high-risk position. Additionally, air-cooled motorcycle engines can overheat when idling for extended periods. Filtering helps keep riders and their bikes moving. For all drivers, this practice can help ease overall traffic congestion by reducing the space occupied by motorcycles in a queue.

The Specific Rules for Lane Filtering in Minnesota

The law is not a free-for-all; it includes strict speed parameters to ensure the practice is done as safely as possible. The speed differential between the motorcycle and surrounding traffic is the most critical factor.

To legally lane filter, motorcyclists must follow two key rules:

• Traffic Speed: The surrounding traffic must be stopped or moving at 25 mph or less. Filtering is strictly prohibited when traffic is flowing at speeds greater than 25 mph.
• Motorcycle Speed: The filtering motorcycle cannot travel more than 15 mph faster than the adjacent traffic.

For example, if traffic is moving at 10 mph, a motorcyclist can filter at a maximum speed of 25 mph. If traffic is completely stopped, a motorcyclist can filter at a speed of up to 15 mph. These limits are designed to give both the rider and other drivers adequate time to see each other and react.

How Car and Truck Drivers Should Behave Around Filtering Riders

The introduction of this law requires heightened awareness from drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Since you can now expect to see a motorcycle between lanes, adjusting your driving habits is essential.

• Expect Motorcyclists to Lane Filter and Stay Alert : The single most important thing you can do is to anticipate that motorcycles may be filtering in slow traffic. Check your mirrors and blind spots frequently. Avoid distractions like your phone, especially when traffic slows down.
• Maintain a Consistent Lane Position : Keep your vehicle centered in your lane. Avoid weaving or hugging one side of the lane, as this can unexpectedly close the gap a motorcyclist is using. Predictability is key to safety.
• Check Blind Spots Before Any Move : Before changing lanes, turning, or even opening your car door in traffic, perform a physical head check (shoulder check) in addition to using your mirrors. A motorcycle can enter your blind spot quickly.
• Use Your Turn Signals Early : Signal your intention to change lanes well in advance. This gives a filtering motorcyclist crucial information about your next move so they can adjust accordingly.
• Stay Calm and Share the Road : Do not intentionally block a motorcyclist or display aggressive behavior. Lane filtering is now a legal traffic maneuver. Creating a safe and predictable environment is a shared responsibility.

Safety Tips for Filtering Motorcyclists

While riders now have the right to filter, they also have the primary responsibility for doing it safely.

• Be Vigilant : Always assume other drivers do not see you. Scan ahead for signs of lane changes, such as turn signals, wheels turning, or drivers checking their mirrors.
• Control Your Speed : Adhere strictly to the speed limits defined in the law. Traveling at a low speed differential is your greatest safety advantage.
• Avoid Lingering : Do not stay in a vehicle’s blind spot for an extended period. Position yourself where the driver is most likely to see you in their mirrors.
• Choose Your Path Wisely : Be extra cautious when filtering next to large commercial trucks, which have significant blind spots. Also, watch for cars that may suddenly change lanes without signaling.
• Use Your Headlights : Keep your headlights on to increase your visibility, even during the day.

By working together and understanding these new rules of the road, both motorcyclists and other drivers can ensure that the introduction of lane filtering in Minnesota leads to safer and more efficient travel for everyone.

Interested in learning more about traffic safety?

Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?

Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.

As of July 1, 2025, a significant new traffic law has taken effect in Minnesota, legalizing motorcycle lane filtering under specific conditions. This change allows motorcyclists to move between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. While this practice is common in other parts of the world and several U.S. states, it is new to many Minnesota drivers. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the new law, its rules, and the responsibilities of every road user to ensure safety for all.