Safe2Drive Blog

Buying a new car is a big decision. There are so many things to consider: price, features, and aesthetic among them. The most important thing to consider is safety. The safety rating system in the US helps consumers understand how well a car will protect them in the event of a collision. But, you may be wondering, how does that system work? Let’s take a look!

Who Rates Car Safety?

Here in the US, there are two main organizations that are in charge of awarding safety ratings to vehicles:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): NHTSA runs frontal, side barrier, side pole, and rollover crash tests and reports they are the only organization that rates rollover resistance in addition to other crashworthiness tests.
2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): IIHS runs moderate overlap frontal, small overlap frontal, side impact, and roof strength crash tests and evaluates how well the vehicle protects occupants in a collision, and how effective the vehicle crash avoidance and mitigation technology works.

You can usually find safety ratings on the car manufacturer’s website as well.

How Does the Vehicle Rating System Work?

These organizations use different rating systems:

1. NHTSA uses a 5-star rating system. One star is the lowest rating, and 5 stars is the highest rating.
2. IIHS uses a four-tier rating system of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.

Limitations of Vehicle Safety Rating Systems

One criticism of the current vehicle safety rating systems in the US is the lack of diversity in crash test dummies. NHTSA uses either an "average-size adult male" dummy or a "small size adult female" dummy in their tests. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggests that without a diverse range of dummies (e.g., body size, age, etc.), the safety rating isn’t necessarily accurate for everyone. The GAO recommended NHTSA address the limitations provided by the dummies, and NHTSA agreed and has stated that they are planning to address this in the future.

How to Check a Vehicle’s Safety Rating

It’s a good idea to check the safety rating from both organizations. NHTSA is a great place to start. Look for vehicles with 4-or-5-star ratings. Once you’ve found a vehicle you like with a high NHTSA safety rating, check the IIHS website to see how it ranks there. Look for vehicles with Good ratings in all categories.

When it’s time to buy your next car, keep safety at the top of your mind. The coolest-looking car out there isn’t always the safest one.

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.

Buying a new car is a big decision. There are so many things to consider: price, features, and aesthetic among them. The most important thing to consider is safety. The safety rating system in the US helps consumers understand how well a car will protect them in the event of a collision. But, you may be wondering, how does that system work? Let’s take a look!

April and May are big months for teens. Prom season, graduation season, the kick-off of summer vacation--there is so much excitement in the air! One of the perks of being an older teen is having the privilege of getting to drive yourself instead of relying on the adults in your life to drive you around. While it’s a great feeling to be independent, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes along with getting behind the wheel.

We want everyone to have a safe and healthy end of the school year and start of summer. Here are some tips for parents and teens to keep in mind this season:

1. Buckle Up!

This one’s obvious, but important. Everyone in the car needs to be buckled up safely and correctly. It’s not enough just to wear the lap belt or to rely on airbags in case of an emergency. The car should never be in motion until everyone inside of it is properly secured.

2. Plan Ahead.

Take the time to plan your route before getting on the road. Talk about what to do in the event of construction or road closures, and make a plan for how to handle emergency situations like a flat tire. Keep a close eye on the weather. If adverse weather is in the forecast, it might be best if an experienced adult did the driving instead.

3. Set Clear Expectations.

Agree on a plan for a safe ride home before going to any celebration. This could involve having a designated driver (someone who is not drinking), calling a parent or rideshare service, or arranging to stay overnight at a friend’s place. Parents should talk to their teens about the importance of not getting into a car with someone who has been drinking. Let them know they can always call you, no matter what time it is, for a safe ride home.

4. Put the Phone Down.

Never use a phone while driving (not even hands-free is distraction-free). As a parent, do not expect your teen to answer calls or texts while they are driving. Most phones have an option to auto-reply to calls or texts while in driving mode. This is a great option for worried parents who expect a text back from their teen immediately.

5. Be Prepared for Unfamiliar Locations.

If prom or graduation is being held at a new location, teens should familiarize themselves with the area beforehand. Look up directions and parking information. Parents can help by driving their teen to the venue during the day so they can get a feel for the layout and parking situation.

This time of year is full of exciting milestones for teens, and we want them to celebrate safely. By using these tips, we can all celebrate this thrilling time of year safely.

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.

April and May are big months for teens. Prom season, graduation season, the kick-off of summer vacation--there is so much excitement in the air! One of the perks of being an older teen is having the privilege of getting to drive yourself instead of relying on the adults in your life to drive you around. While it’s a great feeling to be independent, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes along with getting behind the wheel.

Each April marks National Distracted Driving Awareness month. In 2022 alone, there were 3,308 people in the US killed in collisions involving distracted drivers. These deaths are preventable.

As technology continues to advance, its impact on driver behavior has become a growing concern. While technology can often contribute to distractions behind the wheel, it also has the potential to provide solutions to avoiding distracted driving.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is often thought of as texting and driving. While that’s a big distraction, it’s not the only one drivers are susceptible to. Distracted driving is any non-driving activity that takes your eyes off the road (i.e., visual distractions), your hands off the wheel (i.e., manual distractions), and/or your mind off of the driving task (i.e., cognitive distractions). Here are some examples:

• Visual Distractions: Reading a text message, looking at your GPS, or adjusting the temperature.
• Manual Distractions: Eating, vaping, or reaching for an item in the vehicle.
• Cognitive Distractions: Daydreaming, talking on the phone, or engaging in deep conversations with passengers.

Avoiding distracted driving starts with recognizing these dangers and applying safe driving habits to protect yourself and others on the road.

Technological Distractions

There are many technological distractions that can compromise one’s driving, such as:

• Texting: Reading or sending text messages, emails, or social media updates can distract a driver visually, manually, and cognitively.
• Social Media: Scrolling through social media feeds, watching videos, or reading articles online can divert attention from the road and surrounding traffic.
• Phone Calls: Engaging in phone conversations, even when using hands-free devices, can cause cognitive distractions and take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Navigation Systems: While GPS and navigation tools can be helpful, they can also cause distractions if a driver focuses too much on the screen or attempts to adjust settings while driving.

Preventing Distracted Driving with Technology

Various apps, devices, and in-vehicle systems have been developed to limit distractions and promote safer driving behaviors. These solutions tend to focus on reducing access to distracting features while the vehicle is in motion.

Here are some examples:

• "Do Not Disturb" modes: Many smartphones and devices offer settings that automatically silence notifications and limit access to certain apps while driving.
• In-vehicle systems: Modern vehicles often feature integrated systems that allow drivers to control music, navigation, and other functions using voice commands or steering wheel controls, minimizing manual distractions.
• Device mounts and holders: Securing devices in a visible location can reduce the urge for drivers to reach for or use them while driving.

By embracing these technologies and strategies, drivers can create a safer driving environment for themselves and other roadway users.

Safe Driving Strategies

Here are a few ways you can reduce distractions behind the wheel:

• Put your phone away: Place your phone out of reach, such as in the glove compartment or a bag, to avoid the temptation of using it while driving.
• Set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" mode: Use features that silence notifications and limit access to distracting apps while driving.
• Utilize hands-free options: If you need to make a call or use GPS, opt for hands-free devices or in-vehicle systems that allow you to maintain focus on the road.
• Pull over if needed: If you must attend to a distraction, such as answering an important call or adjusting a setting, find a safe place to pull over and stop before doing so.
• Set ground rules: Encourage passengers to help maintain a distraction-free environment and avoid engaging in distracting behaviors themselves.

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of the risks associated with distracted driving and the role technology plays in both causing and preventing these distractions. By understanding the different types of distractions and adopting safe driving habits, we can work together to make our roads safer for all roadway users.

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.

Each April marks National Distracted Driving Awareness month. In 2022 alone, there were 3,308 people in the US killed in collisions involving distracted drivers. These deaths are preventable.

As electric bicycles become more popular, it’s more important than ever for drivers to understand how to safely share the road with these roadway users. Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are like traditional bicycles but are equipped with an electric motor for additional power and speed. With their growing presence on roads and bike lanes, drivers need to be aware of how to interact with them in a safe and responsible manner. Here are some tips for drivers to share the road with these innovative machines.

What is an Electric Bicycle?

E-bikes are battery-powered with an electric motor that allows riders to reach higher speeds and travel longer distances easily. In some areas, e-bikes are classified as bicycles and are allowed to use bike lanes and paths, but some regions may have additional restrictions or requirements. Most e-bikes are heavier than a traditional bike. Electric bicycles can reach speeds of up to 20 to 28 mph, depending on local regulations and the bike’s design.

Sharing the Road with Electric Bicycles

As a driver, it’s your responsibility to adapt and share the road with all roadway users, including electric bicyclists. Drivers must be extra cautious when sharing the road with e-bikes due to their higher speeds and potential for unexpected movements. Here are some additional tips:

• Pass with caution: Make sure you have plenty of room to get around them, leaving plenty of space between your car and their e-bike. Be sure to signal early so they know what you’re doing, and only pass when it’s totally safe to do so.
• Increase your following distance: Leave extra space when following an e-bike. Since e-bikes can go faster than regular bikes, they might need to stop suddenly, and you want to have enough time to react.
• Check your blind spots: It’s easy for e-bikes to get hidden from your view. So, whenever you’re about to switch lanes or make a turn, do a thorough check of your blind spots.
• Keep an eye out at intersections: Intersections can be super dangerous for electric cyclists because they could get hit by a turning car. Make sure to be extra careful when you’re coming up to an intersection and keep an eye out for e-cyclists zipping by. Remember to yield to them when you need to, and don’t turn in front of them until you know it’s totally safe to do so.

Tips for Electric Cyclists

All roadway users share the responsibility of doing everything they can to keep those around them safe. As an e-bike rider, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take steps to ensure your safety on the road. While drivers should be cautious and mindful of e-bikes, you can also do your part to help prevent collisions and keep yourself visible. Here are a few tips for safer riding:

• Make sure your e-bike has functioning lights and reflectors, and consider wearing bright clothing or a reflective vest to increase your visibility.
• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, and ride in the direction of traffic. You should make your movements as predictable as possible so drivers know what to expect.
• Avoid distractions, such as using your phone, and pay attention to the road conditions, other vehicles, and pedestrians.
• Choose bike-friendly roads and paths, and try to avoid heavy traffic or hazardous areas whenever possible.
• Wear a helmet! E-bike riders are almost twice as likely to suffer head injuries when they’re not wearing a helmet.

Sharing the road safely with electric cyclists is all about awareness and communication. As drivers, we need to understand the unique features of e-bikes and adjust our driving habits accordingly. By being mindful of their vulnerability and following the tips outlined in this post, we can help make sure that everyone gets to their destination safely.

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 electric bicycles become more popular, it’s more important than ever for drivers to understand how to safely share the road with these roadway users. Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are like traditional bicycles but are equipped with an electric motor for additional power and speed. With their growing presence on roads and bike lanes, drivers need to be aware of how to interact with them in a safe and responsible manner. Here are some tips for drivers to share the road with these innovative machines.