Safe2Drive Blog

National Passenger Safety Week, observed from January 19 to 26, is a vital campaign dedicated to a side of road safety that is often overlooked: the person in the "co-pilot" seat. While we often focus on the person behind the wheel, the reality is that passengers play a significant role in the safety of every trip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving remains a primary cause of collisions, and a passenger’s behavior can either be a dangerous distraction or a life-saving asset.

A passenger’s influence begins the moment they enter the vehicle. An active, safety-conscious passenger can act as a second set of eyes, identifying hazards that a driver might miss. On the other hand, a disruptive passenger can be just as dangerous as to the driver as texting is. By understanding their role, passengers can empower drivers to stay focused on the road ahead.

Being a proactive passenger means more than just sitting quietly; it means actively participating in the safety of the journey. Here are some ways passengers can help prevent crashes and ensure a safe arrival for everyone:

• Act as the "Navigator." One of the most helpful things a passenger can do is take charge of the GPS and music. By handling the technology, you allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road--eliminating two major sources of manual and visual distraction.
• Speak up when necessary. If the driver is speeding, tailgating, or glancing at their phone, do not be afraid to say something. A polite but firm reminder to "watch out" or "slow down" can snap a driver’s focus back to the task at hand. Your life is in their hands, and you have a right to feel safe.
• Help scan for hazards. Especially during long trips or in heavy traffic, two pairs of eyes are better than one. Passengers can assist by spotting road debris, identifying upcoming traffic jams, or checking blind spots when the driver is attempting to merge.
• Avoid being a distraction. Keep the volume of your voice at a reasonable level and avoid showing the driver things on your phone or in a book. If the driver seems stressed or is navigating a difficult intersection, pause the conversation until they are back in a steady flow of traffic.
• Keep an eye on the driver’s condition (especially on long trips). If you notice the driver is becoming drowsy, aggressive, or is showing signs of impairment, offer to take over the driving or suggest pulling over for a break. Preventing a fatigued driver from staying behind the wheel is one of the most effective ways to avoid a catastrophic event.

The Power of the Passenger

The goal of National Passenger Safety Week is to shift the culture of "being a passenger" from a passive role to an active one. We often talk about defensive driving instincts, but "defensive passenger" instincts are just as crucial. When you choose to buckle up, stay alert, and support your driver, you aren’t just a passive rider--you’re a vital part of the vehicle’s safety system. By working together, we can significantly reduce the number of collisions on our roadways.

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.

National Passenger Safety Week, observed from January 19 to 26, is a vital campaign dedicated to a side of road safety that is often overlooked: the person in the "co-pilot" seat. While we often focus on the person behind the wheel, the reality is that passengers play a significant role in the safety of every trip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving remains a primary cause of collisions, and a passenger’s behavior can either be a dangerous distraction or a life-saving asset.

Getting your first driver license is an exciting milestone, but in the Lone Star State, the process involves several specific steps depending on your age. Texas utilizes a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for teens to ensure new motorists gain experience in a controlled manner before they are given full driving privileges. Whether you’re a teenager eager to get on the road, or an adult starting for the first time, understanding the requirements from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the best way to ensure a smooth application process and avoid multiple trips to the driver license office.

Navigating the application process can feel overwhelming, but it essentially boils down to education, documentation, and testing. Here is a detailed checklist of how to get a first-time driver license in Texas:

• Complete a Driver Education Course. If you are between the ages of 15 and 24, you are required by law to complete a state-approved driver education course. For teenagers, one of the most popular options is Parent-Taught Driver Education (PTDE). This allows a parent or guardian to act as the instructor, providing a comfortable learning environment. Alternatively, students can choose the Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) course. This is an "Instructor-Led" online option where the 32-hour classroom portion is delivered entirely online. Adults (18-24) must complete a shorter 6-hour adult driver education course, which covers essential Texas traffic laws and road safety.
• Apply for a Learner License. For those under 18, you must hold a learner license for at least six months, or until you turn 18, before you can apply for your provisional license. This phase is critical, as it allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience. This "behind-the-wheel" time is where you develop the instincts necessary to handle Texas highways safely.
• Finish the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Program. Every new driver in Texas, regardless of age, must watch a free distracted driving video provided by the DPS. Teens watch a 2-hour video (Impact Texas Teen Drivers), while adults watch a 1-hour version (Impact Texas Adult Drivers). This must be completed after your drivers ed course but before your driving test. Note: The certificate you receive is only valid for 90 days, so time this carefully with your scheduled driving appointment.
• Gather Your Documents. When you head to the DPS, you’ll need a stack of original paperwork. This includes proof of U.S. Citizenship (or Lawful Presence), your Social Security number, and two documents proving Texas residency (like a utility bill or bank statement). If you’re under 18, you also need a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form from your school to prove you are attending classes and making progress toward graduation.
• Pass the Required Tests. To earn your license, you must prove your competency through a vision exam, a written knowledge test (which is often included in your drivers ed course), and the final behind-the-wheel driving skills test. You can schedule the driving test at a DPS location or through a third-party provider that is state-authorized.

Texas DPS Approval

Before you can walk out with your license, you must receive Texas DPS approval. This involves a formal in-person appointment where an agent will meticulously verify your original documents--remember, photocopies are not accepted! During this visit, they will take your thumbprints and capture your official license photo. If you chose the parent-taught route, the agent will also verify your PTDE program guide and logs. Once the agent confirms that you’ve met all legal requirements and passed your exams, you will receive a temporary paper permit. Your official license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks, officially marking the start of your journey as a licensed Texas driver.

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.

Getting your first driver license is an exciting milestone, but in the Lone Star State, the process involves several specific steps depending on your age. Texas utilizes a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for teens to ensure new motorists gain experience in a controlled manner before they are given full driving privileges. Whether you’re a teenager eager to get on the road, or an adult starting for the first time, understanding the requirements from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the best way to ensure a smooth application process and avoid multiple trips to the driver license office.

January marks Teen Driving Awareness Month, a crucial time for families to focus on the safety of their newest motorists. For many teens, getting a license is a rite of passage, but it also comes with significant responsibility. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the US. However, by practicing the right habits, these risks can be significantly reduced.

Developing safe habits early is the best way to ensure a lifetime of safe driving. Here are several teen driving safety tips for new drivers to keep in mind every time you get behind the wheel:

• Put the phone away. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents among teenagers. Even a quick text can take your eyes off the road for five seconds--enough time to cover the length of a football field at 55 mph.
• Limit your passengers. The risk of a fatal crash increases with every additional passenger in a teen’s car. Focus on the road, not the conversation.
• Follow the speed limit. Speeding reduces your ability to steer around hazards or stop in time to avoid a collision. Always adjust your speed for weather conditions, such as slowing down in the rain or snow.
• Never drive impaired. This includes alcohol, drugs, and even extreme drowsiness. If you aren’t 100% alert, you shouldn’t be driving.
• Always wear your seat belt. It is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a collision. Ensure every passenger buckles up before you put the car in gear.

Teen driving safety is a team effort between parents and their children. By staying informed and practicing defensive driving, we can make the roads safer 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.

January marks Teen Driving Awareness Month, a crucial time for families to focus on the safety of their newest motorists. For many teens, getting a license is a rite of passage, but it also comes with significant responsibility. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the US. However, by practicing the right habits, these risks can be significantly reduced.

Winter driving is tough enough without losing the safety features you’ve come to count on. Snow, salt, slush, and road grime can interfere with cameras and radar, and that means features like lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring may shut off when you need them most. These systems depend on clean lenses, accurate calibration, and warm electronics to work correctly.

Start with a simple cleaning routine.

Most ADAS problems in winter start with a dirty sensor. Salt and slush can block front cameras and radar units in minutes. A quick wipe with a clean microfiber cloth can restore a surprising amount of function. For radar units behind a bumper cover, warm water helps remove packed snow. Avoid scraping these surfaces since scratches can distort the signal.

Give the sensors time to warm up.

Just like engines and batteries, sensors operate best once they reach a stable temperature. Cold soaked cameras can fog up behind the windshield. Radar units behind plastic panels may need a few minutes of driving to clear ice buildup. If lane keeping or AEB stays offline for the first few minutes of a winter trip, this is usually normal. Once visibility and temperature stabilizes, the system usually comes on back up on its own.

After a windshield replacement, get calibration checked.

Any ADAS equipped vehicle that receives a new windshield may need recalibration. Even small changes in camera angle can affect lane detection. If your model requires a specific alignment procedure, skipping it can leave features unreliable until a shop completes a windshield calibration. Many glass shops can handle this, but some vehicles need dealership-level equipment. If lane keeping seems inconsistent after new glass, schedule a check.

Understand the basic types of recalibration.

There are two main methods for doing this. Static calibration uses targets placed around the vehicle in a shop setting. Dynamic calibration happens on the road while the vehicle follows clear lane lines at a steady speed. Some vehicles require both. This is not a DIY job for most people, but knowing the process helps you ask the right questions if you ever experience repeated warnings or poor performance.

Know what the warning lights mean.

Your car will usually alert you when a camera or radar cannot see well. Common warnings include blocked sensor messages, lane keep unavailable alerts, or temporary AEB shutdowns. These do not mean the system is broken. They mean conditions are too poor for accurate detection. If the warning stays on after cleaning and warm-up time, it may be a sign of damaged wiring, misalignment, or the need for recalibration.

ADAS features are powerful tools, but winter weather tends to push them to their limit. A simple cleaning routine, a few minutes of sensor warm up, and awareness after a windshield replacement can keep your systems trustworthy. Understanding warning messages helps you respond quickly and keeps your safety features ready for whatever winter roads throw your way.

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.

Winter driving is tough enough without losing the safety features you’ve come to count on. Snow, salt, slush, and road grime can interfere with cameras and radar, and that means features like lane keeping, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring may shut off when you need them most. These systems depend on clean lenses, accurate calibration, and warm electronics to work correctly.