Safe2Drive Blog

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.

I recently moved back to my home state, which means I get to spend more time with my nieces, who are seven and four years old. When I proposed they spend one weekend with me every month, we were all very excited! I set up a place for them to sleep and play in my office, bought their favorite snacks, and started researching what type of car seats they needed. One of the biggest factors in car seat safety is making sure they are installed correctly, and I decided to make it easier on myself and their mom by installing car seats in my car for them, rather than having to shuffle things around. Once I found two seats that were perfect for their sizes, I started watching videos on how to install them correctly in my car. It took some trial and error, but after a lot of research, the seats were just right and ready for my nieces!

It’s Child Passenger Safety Week, which makes this the perfect time for all of us to freshen up on car seat installation. Mistakes are pretty common, as I found out first-hand. The good news is that most of the common mistakes are easy to fix!

Here are 10 of the most common car seat installation mistakes to avoid:

1. Loose installation. The seat shouldn’t wiggle more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back when tested at the belt path. A snug fit keeps it secure in a collision.
2. Harness straps too loose. If you can pinch extra strap material at the shoulder, it’s not tight enough. Harnesses should fit snugly against the child.
3. Chest clip too low. The chest clip belongs at armpit level, not on the belly or neck. Correct placement helps spread crash forces over stronger parts of the body.
4. Wrong harness slot. For rear-facing seats, straps should come from at or below the shoulders. For forward-facing seats, they should come from at or above the shoulders.
5. Skipping the top tether. Forward-facing seats should always use the top tether in addition to the seat belt or lower anchors. This reduces forward movement in a crash.
6. Using add-ons not approved by the manufacturer. Extra padding, strap covers, or aftermarket accessories might seem helpful but can interfere with the seat’s performance in a collision.
7. Using a secondhand or expired seat. If a seat has been in a collision, is expired, or is missing parts, it should not be used. Always check the labels for dates and recall information.
8. Moving to the next stage too soon. Children are often transitioned out of rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, or boosters earlier than they should be. Following height and weight limits is key.
9. Placing the seat in the wrong spot. The safest position is usually the back seat, ideally in the center if the seat fits properly there. Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag.
10. Skipping regular checks. Even if you’ve installed a car seat before, it’s easy to make small mistakes. Having a certified car seat technician check your installation can give you peace of mind.

When I finished installing my nieces’ seats, it was such a relief knowing that they were secure and ready to go. It took some effort to get it right, but the peace of mind was worth every minute. Now when they climb into my car, I know we can focus on the fun weekend ahead.

Child Passenger Safety Week is a reminder that car seats are complex and must be installed correctly. As kids grow and vehicles change, adjustments are often needed. A few extra minutes spent on installation now can make every trip safer.

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.

I recently moved back to my home state, which means I get to spend more time with my nieces, who are seven and four years old. When I proposed they spend one weekend with me every month, we were all very excited! I set up a place for them to sleep and play in my office, bought their favorite snacks, and started researching what type of car seats they needed. One of the biggest factors in car seat safety is making sure they are installed correctly, and I decided to make it easier on myself and their mom by installing car seats in my car for them, rather than having to shuffle things around. Once I found two seats that were perfect for their sizes, I started watching videos on how to install them correctly in my car. It took some trial and error, but after a lot of research, the seats were just right and ready for my nieces!