Safe2Drive Blog

Summer is here, and with it comes more drivers on the road, more road trips, and lots of times, more traffic enforcement. For new drivers, especially teens, a traffic stop can feel intimidating. The flashing lights, the unexpected interruption of your drive, and the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next can all create anxiety. But the truth is, traffic stops are a normal part of driving. Staying calm, respectful, and informed will go a long way in helping you handle the situation safely and smoothly.

Whether you’ve just started driving or you’ve been on the road for a while, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind if you ever get pulled over.

1. Pull over safely and quickly.

If a police officer signals you to pull over, engage your turn signal right away and look for a safe place to stop. That could be a wide shoulder on the right side of the road, a parking lot, or a quiet side street--anywhere that keeps you and the officer out of traffic. Try not to panic or slam on the brakes. Just slow down gradually and come to a complete stop. If it’s dark, turning on your interior lights can help the officer see you clearly, which may put both of you more at ease.

2. Stay still and keep your hands visible.

Once you’ve stopped, roll down your window and place both hands on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to approach and give you instructions. Quick or unexpected movements can make the officer nervous, so keeping your hands where they can see them is important. When the officer asks for your license, proof of insurance, and registration, let them know where these items are located and ask if it’s okay to reach for them.

3. Be polite, and know your rights.

It’s always a good idea to stay calm and respectful during a traffic stop. Answer the officer’s questions honestly and clearly. If you’re not sure why you were pulled over, it’s okay to ask. You don’t have to admit guilt or offer extra information beyond what’s asked. If you’re uncomfortable with a question, you can say something like, "I would like to remain silent," or, "I’d rather not say."

Also, remember that you have rights. You can ask if you’re free to go, and in most situations, you don’t have to consent to a search of your car unless the officer has a warrant or probable cause. That said, it’s best to stay calm and not argue. If you feel your rights were violated, you can follow up later. Trying to handle it during the stop will only make things harder.

If you’re under 18, it’s okay to ask the officer if you can call your parent or guardian. Many officers understand that young drivers may be nervous and want a trusted adult involved. While the officer may not allow a call during the stop, especially right away, it’s reasonable to ask politely. If you’re issued a citation or if anything feels confusing or overwhelming, your parent can help you understand what to do next. Just remember to stay respectful, follow instructions, and save any disagreements or questions for after the stop is over.

4. Know what documents to have ready.

The officer will likely ask for your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Make sure you always know where these items are, and that they’re up to date. Fumbling around or handing over expired documents can make the stop take longer and increase your stress.

5. Breathe. It’s normal to feel nervous.

Even experienced drivers get anxious during traffic stops, so it’s completely understandable if your heart is racing. Take slow, deep breaths and remind yourself that this is a routine part of driving. You’re not in trouble just because you’ve been pulled over. Most traffic stops are resolved quickly and calmly, especially if both the driver and the officer stay respectful.

Nobody wants to be pulled over, but it happens to nearly every driver at some point. The key is to stay calm, follow directions, and treat the situation with patience and respect. By understanding what to do and how to respond, you’ll be better prepared and more confident if it ever happens to you.

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.

Summer is here, and with it comes more drivers on the road, more road trips, and lots of times, more traffic enforcement. For new drivers, especially teens, a traffic stop can feel intimidating. The flashing lights, the unexpected interruption of your drive, and the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next can all create anxiety. But the truth is, traffic stops are a normal part of driving. Staying calm, respectful, and informed will go a long way in helping you handle the situation safely and smoothly.

Summer is here, and with it comes more drivers on the road, more road trips, and lots of times, more traffic enforcement. For new drivers, especially teens, a traffic stop can feel intimidating. The flashing lights, the unexpected interruption of your drive, and the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next can all create anxiety. But the truth is, traffic stops are a normal part of driving. Staying calm, respectful, and informed will go a long way in helping you handle the situation safely and smoothly.

Whether you’ve just started driving or you’ve been on the road for a while, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind if you ever get pulled over.

1. Pull over safely and quickly.

If a police officer signals you to pull over, engage your turn signal right away and look for a safe place to stop. That could be a wide shoulder on the right side of the road, a parking lot, or a quiet side street--anywhere that keeps you and the officer out of traffic. Try not to panic or slam on the brakes. Just slow down gradually and come to a complete stop. If it’s dark, turning on your interior lights can help the officer see you clearly, which may put both of you more at ease.

2. Stay still and keep your hands visible.

Once you’ve stopped, roll down your window and place both hands on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to approach and give you instructions. Quick or unexpected movements can make the officer nervous, so keeping your hands where they can see them is important. When the officer asks for your license, proof of insurance, and registration, let them know where these items are located and ask if it’s okay to reach for them.

3. Be polite, and know your rights.

It’s always a good idea to stay calm and respectful during a traffic stop. Answer the officer’s questions honestly and clearly. If you’re not sure why you were pulled over, it’s okay to ask. You don’t have to admit guilt or offer extra information beyond what’s asked. If you’re uncomfortable with a question, you can say something like, "I would like to remain silent," or, "I’d rather not say."

Also, remember that you have rights. You can ask if you’re free to go, and in most situations, you don’t have to consent to a search of your car unless the officer has a warrant or probable cause. That said, it’s best to stay calm and not argue. If you feel your rights were violated, you can follow up later. Trying to handle it during the stop will only make things harder.

If you’re under 18, it’s okay to ask the officer if you can call your parent or guardian. Many officers understand that young drivers may be nervous and want a trusted adult involved. While the officer may not allow a call during the stop, especially right away, it’s reasonable to ask politely. If you’re issued a citation or if anything feels confusing or overwhelming, your parent can help you understand what to do next. Just remember to stay respectful, follow instructions, and save any disagreements or questions for after the stop is over.

4. Know what documents to have ready.

The officer will likely ask for your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Make sure you always know where these items are, and that they’re up to date. Fumbling around or handing over expired documents can make the stop take longer and increase your stress.

5. Breathe. It’s normal to feel nervous.

Even experienced drivers get anxious during traffic stops, so it’s completely understandable if your heart is racing. Take slow, deep breaths and remind yourself that this is a routine part of driving. You’re not in trouble just because you’ve been pulled over. Most traffic stops are resolved quickly and calmly, especially if both the driver and the officer stay respectful.

Nobody wants to be pulled over, but it happens to nearly every driver at some point. The key is to stay calm, follow directions, and treat the situation with patience and respect. By understanding what to do and how to respond, you’ll be better prepared and more confident if it ever happens to you.

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.

Summer is here, and with it comes more drivers on the road, more road trips, and lots of times, more traffic enforcement. For new drivers, especially teens, a traffic stop can feel intimidating. The flashing lights, the unexpected interruption of your drive, and the uncertainty of what’s going to happen next can all create anxiety. But the truth is, traffic stops are a normal part of driving. Staying calm, respectful, and informed will go a long way in helping you handle the situation safely and smoothly.

June is a big month for summer road trips, but it’s also peak tornado season in many parts of the U.S., especially in the South and Midwest. While it’s not super common to see a tornado while driving, it’s always good to know what to do just in case. This blog post will help you stay safe if you’re ever on the road and spot severe weather.

Watch for the Warning Signs

Tornadoes can happen fast, but there are some clues that one might be forming. Keep an eye out for:

• A dark, greenish sky
• Large, low-hanging clouds that may start to rotate
• A loud roar that sounds like a freight train
• Debris being blown around in the air

If you’re hearing tornado sirens or see a tornado warning on your phone, take it seriously and act quickly.

Where NOT to Go

One of the biggest myths out there is that hiding under an overpass is a good idea during a tornado. It’s not! Wind can actually be stronger under an overpass and turn it into a wind tunnel full of flying debris. Stay far away from overpasses.

Best Places to Seek Shelter

Your number one goal is to get to a sturdy building if possible. Gas stations, rest stops, or any solid structure can offer protection from flying debris and high winds. If there’s a building nearby, get inside and go to the lowest level, away from windows.

What If You’re On the Highway?

If you’re on a highway and can’t get to a building, don’t keep driving toward the tornado. Try to exit the highway and find shelter. If that’s not an option and the tornado is nearby, your best bet is to get low and either lie flat in a ditch or low area and cover your head, or stay buckled in your car, keep the engine running, and cover your head with something like a jacket or blanket to protect from glass and debris.

Driving in a City or Rural Area

In a city, try to pull over safely and get into the nearest sturdy building. In rural areas, if there’s no shelter nearby, a ditch is often safer than staying in your vehicle. Wherever you are, don’t take shelter under trees or bridges, and stay alert for flooding as well as high winds.

Tornadoes are scary, but knowing what to do ahead of time can help you stay calm and make smart decisions. Stay weather-aware, check the forecast before road trips, and trust your instincts--if something doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t.

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.

June is a big month for summer road trips, but it’s also peak tornado season in many parts of the U.S., especially in the South and Midwest. While it’s not super common to see a tornado while driving, it’s always good to know what to do just in case. This blog post will help you stay safe if you’re ever on the road and spot severe weather.

School’s out, the sun’s shining, and summer is in full swing. That means more people are out on two wheels--whether it’s cyclists cruising down neighborhood streets or motorcyclists heading out for a scenic ride. June is one of the busiest months for bike and motorcycle traffic, so it’s super important for young drivers to brush up on how to safely share the road. Here are some simple things you can do to stay safe and be respectful of other road users this summer.

Give Bicyclists at Least 3 Feet of Space

In many states, it’s the law to give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. This gives them room to avoid road hazards and helps prevent serious collisions. If you can’t safely give that much space, slow down and wait until you can. It’s worth the extra few seconds it takes.

Look Twice for Motorcycles

Motorcycles are smaller than cars, which makes them easy to miss, especially when you’re changing lanes or turning. Always check your mirrors and blind spots carefully. A quick glance isn’t enough! Make it a habit to really look twice before you move your vehicle.

Don’t Make Sudden Moves

Sudden lane changes or quick turns can be dangerous for everyone, but especially for people on bikes or motorcycles who don’t have the same level of protection as someone in a car. Use your turn signals early and try to be predictable so others can react safely. And remember, don’t swing your door open without checking for cyclists first!

Stay Alert in Busy Summer Spots

Summer festivals, beach towns, and city streets are magnets for both bicyclists and motorcyclists. If you’re driving in a bike-friendly area, slow down and stay extra alert. Be especially cautious at intersections and crosswalks, and give people on two wheels the right-of-way when appropriate.

Whether you’re heading to the beach or just out running errands, sharing the road is a part of safe driving. Stay aware, stay patient, and remember, everyone deserves to get where they’re going safely.

Want to learn more about safe driving?

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.

School’s out, the sun’s shining, and summer is in full swing. That means more people are out on two wheels--whether it’s cyclists cruising down neighborhood streets or motorcyclists heading out for a scenic ride. June is one of the busiest months for bike and motorcycle traffic, so it’s super important for young drivers to brush up on how to safely share the road. Here are some simple things you can do to stay safe and be respectful of other road users this summer.