1. Check Your Coolant Levels:

   • Ensure your vehicle’s radiator has an adequate amount of coolant, commonly known as antifreeze. This vibrant liquid helps regulate your engine’s temperature and prevents it from boiling over.

2. Inspect Your Radiator:

   • Examine your radiator for any visible damage or leaks. A well-maintained radiator effectively dissipates heat, keeping your engine running smoothly.

3. Clean the Radiator:

   • Over time, your radiator can accumulate dirt, debris, and bugs that hinder its cooling efficiency. Gently wash away these obstructions to maintain optimal airflow.

4. Examine Your Thermostat:

   • A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your engine to overheat. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge remains in the red, it might be time for a thermostat replacement.

5. Inspect Belts and Hoses:

   • Cracked, loose, or damaged belts and hoses can lead to engine overheating. Regularly inspect them to ensure they are in good condition.

6. Keep an Eye on Your Water Pump:

   • The water pump circulates coolant throughout your engine. If it fails, your engine can quickly overheat. Regular maintenance checks are essential to spot any signs of wear and tear.

7. Watch Your Temperature Gauge:

   • Stay vigilant while driving and monitor your vehicle’s temperature gauge. If it begins to creep into the red zone, pull over safely and turn off your engine to prevent further damage.

8. Properly Maintain Your AC:

   • While it might seem counterintuitive, your car’s air conditioning system can help cool the engine. Make sure your AC system is in good working condition to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

9. Don’t Push It:

   • If you know you’ll be driving in sweltering conditions, plan your trips accordingly. Avoid heavy traffic, and try to travel during cooler parts of the day.

10. Carry Emergency
    Supplies:

    • Always be prepared. Keep extra coolant, water, and emergency tools in your vehicle, just in case you find yourself in a sticky situation.

Remember, fall doesn’t mean the end of hot weather. By taking these precautions and maintaining your car properly, you can keep it from overheating during those unexpected warm autumn days.

And speaking of staying safe on the road, don’t forget to consider taking a defensive driving class. At Comedy Defensive Driving, you can conveniently complete your defensive driving course online. It’s an entertaining and informative way to enhance your driving skills and ensure you’re always ready to face the challenges of the road. Stay cool, stay safe!

The post Keep your car from overheating; Hot tips to Beat the Heat appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

1. Fun Essentials:

First and foremost, pack entertainment! Bring your favorite playlist, so you can sing along with the music as you cruise down the open road. Don’t forget audiobooks or podcasts to keep your mind engaged during those long stretches. Travel games like cards or trivia will also add laughter to your journey.

2. Snacks and Hydration:

Keep those energy levels up with a variety of snacks! Pack a mix of healthy treats and indulgent delights to satisfy every craving. Staying hydrated is crucial, so have a stash of water bottles within easy reach.

3. Comfort is Key:

Ensure a comfortable ride with travel pillows and blankets. Trust us; these will make a world of difference during those extended hours on the road.

4. Navigation Tools:

While smartphones are great, consider having a physical map as a backup. A GPS device or a reliable navigation app will be your trusty guide to avoid getting lost.

5. Safety First:

Don’t overlook safety essentials! Make sure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications. It’s better to be prepared!

6. Emergency Kit:

In case of unexpected mishaps, a roadside emergency kit is a must. Include items like a flashlight, jumper cables, reflective triangles, and a tire repair kit.

7. Stay Charged:

Keep all your gadgets charged with a car charger. Having a portable power bank will also be handy during outdoor activities.

8. Weather-Appropriate Gear:

Check the weather forecast for your route and pack accordingly. Raincoats, umbrellas, sunscreen, and hats are some of the essentials you might need.

9. Trash Bags:

Don’t let litter pile up in your car! Have some trash bags handy to maintain a clean and clutter-free environment.

Now that you’re all set with your road trip essentials, remember to drive safely and responsibly. But how do you ensure you’re a safe driver? Consider taking a defensive driving certification course!

Comedy Defensive Driving: Your Road to Safe Driving!

Comedy Defensive Driving offers a convenient online course that not only teaches you defensive driving techniques but does it with a touch of humor! It’s an engaging way to refresh your knowledge of safe driving practices and traffic rules.

Enroll in the course online and receive valuable insights that will help you stay vigilant on the road. Remember, safe driving is not just about protecting yourself but also your fellow travelers.

So, gear up with your road trip essentials, get your defensive driving certification through Comedy Defensive Driving, and embark on a journey filled with adventure, laughter, and above all, safety! Happy travels!

The post Road Trip Essentials appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

The post Summer Soirees: Celebrate Responsibly and Avoid Drinking and Driving appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

10 Strange Driving Laws

1. 1. No Driving Blindfolded.

In Alabama, it is illegal to drive while blindfolded. Despite this seemingly like common sense and an unnecessary law to most of us, this law was enacted to prevent reckless driving, but it seems strange that it had to be put into writing in the first place.

2. No Dirty Cars.

• • In Russia, it is illegal to drive a dirty car. This is because, if a car is too dirty and the license plate cannot be read, the driver can be fined. I know several people who could not afford to drive in this case.

3. No Driving with an Open Beer.

• • In Costa Rica, it is legal to drink and drive, but only if you are not over the legal limit and have an open beer in your hand. If you are over the legal limit or have a closed beer, you can be fined or even arrested.

4. No Driving with a Lion in the Passenger Seat.

• • In Kenya, it is illegal to drive with a lion in the passenger seat of your car. This law was enacted to prevent poaching, but it is still strange that it had to be written into law.

5. No Driving with a Cow on the Roof.

• • In Spain, it is illegal to drive with a cow on the roof of your car. This law was enacted to prevent animal cruelty and to ensure that drivers do not endanger themselves or others.

6. No Driving without a Shirt.

• • In Thailand, it is illegal to drive without a shirt on. This law was enacted to promote safe driving and to prevent accidents. 

7. No Driving with a Pet on Your Lap.

• • In Hawaii, it is illegal to drive with a pet on your lap. This law was enacted to prevent distractions and to ensure that drivers have full control of their vehicle.

8. No Honking Your Horn at Night.

• • In India, it is illegal to honk your horn at night. This law was enacted to prevent noise pollution and to ensure that drivers are respectful of others who are sleeping.

9. No Driving with a Red Car on Sunday.

• • In Manila, Philippines, it is illegal to drive a red car on Sundays. This law was enacted to reduce traffic congestion and to encourage people to use public transportation instead.

10. No Sleeping in Your Car.

• • In Denmark, it is illegal to sleep in your car unless you are parked in a designated camping area. This law was enacted to prevent people from camping in their cars and to ensure that they are using proper camping facilities.

Staying Safe While Driving

In conclusion, driving laws around the world vary greatly, and some can be quite strange and bizarre. Whether it’s driving with a cow on your roof or honking your horn at night, these laws are in place to promote safety and to prevent reckless driving. So the next time you hit the road, make sure you know the local driving laws to avoid any legal issues.

Remeber if you need a refresh on your defensive driving skills to check out Comedy Defensive Driving. Sign up today and get your defensive driving certification instantly and online from the comfort of your own home. Finally, stay safe and drive defensively friends.

The post Strange driving laws. The top 10 weirdest driving laws across the globe. appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

I must admit, at first I laughed out loud. Clearly in shock at the contrast of the bright white ball of man-made plastic amidst the beautiful, natural setting. And later, when recalling the image, it made me mad. Someone snapped that family photo, and left their calling card. A loaded diaper. The calling card of a trash hound!
In hind-sight, I should have taken a picture of it with my smart phone and sent the image to the Don’t Mess With Texas.org website. They could have featured it on their home page. And, yes, I do have a smart phone. I don’t know how to use it. A chimp can probably work  a smart phone, but not me. It should be against the law to own one if you don’t know how to work it. Well, at least I don’t use it while I’m driving…just because I don’t know how. I saw a guy yesterday who was talking on his smart phone, while driving in his smart car. And I was thinking that guy’s probably a smart a$$.
I didn’t take a picture. But this experience did encourage me to research the Adopt a Highway Program. Did you know this program actually started in the Lone Star State? I didn’t. In fact, the first adopted highway was in Tyler, Texas back in 1984. The Tyler Civitan Club was the first group to volunteer, adopting a two-mile stretch of Highway 69.
Within months more than 50 groups in the region had joined the program, which quickly spread nationwide. March 9 is National Adopt-A-Highway day. And we just celebrated our 25th Anniversary. Now, more than 4,500 groups across the state are keeping Texas beautiful. The program saves taxpayers money as well as keeping right of ways clear of debris. With volunteers doing the work, the state is able to use more tax dollars on highway beautification rather than on trash pickup.
It’s a free, easy way for groups to help their communities. The way the program works, you adopt a two-mile stretch of highway for a minimum of two years. You agree to pick up litter four times a year (more in high traffic areas). Adopt-a-Highway signs will be posted with your group’s name at your adopted section. Adopt-a-Highway provides your volunteers with safety vests, litter bags and safety training.
Who should adopt? Individuals, families, youth organizations, businesses, schools … oh, yes, and that lazy mother who likes to leave her kid’s loaded diapers on the side of the road. Trash hound!
Until next week…get involved…and make it pretty.
Daun Thompson

The post Happy Mothers Day, Mom … Am I Adopted? appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Should I choose Deferred Disposition for a speeding ticket?

Yes and No.  Deferred disposition can be the most expensive option for ticket dismissal, so if you don’t mind opening your wallet really wide, then this may be an option for you.  However, if the speeding ticket you received is in an area that you frequently drive then deferred disposition may be a bad idea.  This option places you on a probationary period, usually 6 months, where you will need to make sure you do not get another ticket during that time period.  Should you happen to get another ticket, be prepared to pay the court fines and watch your insurance premium go up when you renew.  Your insurance company will see the violations on your driving record.

When would I choose Deferred?  Well, if I were traveling out of town somewhere that I would never be driving again then I may take the option for deferred if the court offers it and it is not ridiculously expensive.

What is the worst option for dismissing a speeding ticket?

Well, you will only have 3 options, and the worst option is just paying the court the fine for your traffic ticket.  Why is this so bad?  Well in the state of Texas all traffic violations are reported and maintained in a database that is used by insurance companies to base your premium policy rates on.  If an insurance company sees that you have speeding tickets they will assume you are a higher risk and charge you a higher premium.

According to NerdWallet who compared rates across the country, a 35 year old driver that gets ticketed for 16 mph over the speed limit should expect a premium increase of about 25%.  A typical driver convicted of speeding, pays an average of $2,043 a year for full coverage, which is $413 more than a driver with a clean record.  If you just look at the state of Texas instead of the country the rate of premium increase appears to be closer to 10% according to Nerd Wallet.

Is defensive driving the best option for dismissing a speeding ticket?

I know you don’t want to hear this but when compared to deferred disposition for a speeding ticket, taking defensive driving is still the best option when it comes down to cost. It is the cheapest option to pay the court and the only option to keep a speeding ticket off your driving record so your insurance premium isn’t effected.

Taking a defensive driving course in Texas is relatively easy.   Just spend some time watching fun videos, get your certificate, send it to the court and you are done!!!  Get started today with Comedy Defensive Driving.

*You may also hear the term Deferred Adjudication which is used in Class B and Class C charges as a probation that results in a dismissal if completed properly.  For traffic tickets both result in dismissals of the charges if completed properly.

The post What is Deferred Disposition? appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

The danger’s of driving during the holidays

In 2019, the Department of Transportation reported that traffic fatalities averaged 102 daily throughout the year but increased to 119 per day during major holiday periods. Alcohol is a common reason for the increase in deadly crashes, with 40% of fatal accidents involving alcohol between Christmas and New Year’s.

One of the main dangers of holiday driving is the increased traffic on the roads. With people traveling to visit family and friends, and businesses getting busy with holiday shoppers, there are simply more cars on the road. This can lead to longer commute times, and a higher risk of accidents due to the increased likelihood of congestion and distractions.

Another element involved in holiday traffic safety is the potential for adverse weather conditions. Snow, ice, and rain can all make driving more difficult, especially if you’re not prepared or don’t have the necessary skills to handle these conditions safely. Check out our last blog post on driving in difficult weather conditions for some very important safety tips.

Taking an online defensive driving course

A defensive driving course can teach you how to drive in these conditions, and how to react if you do find yourself in a dangerous situation. But it’s not just about avoiding accidents. A defensive driving course can also help you save money on your car insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving course, as it shows that you’re proactive about improving your driving skills and taking safety seriously.

Comedy Defensive Driving is the only online defensive driving course written by real comedians. We want people to pay attention! That’s why we created a course that will hold peoples attention and give the best driving knowledge possible. It is easy to sign up, register and get started. The course is completely online, go at your own pace and comparable with mobile phones.

So, if you’re planning on hitting the road this holiday season, consider taking a defensive driving course online. It’s a convenient and affordable way to improve your driving skills, and can help you stay safe on the roads during the busiest time of the year!

Remember to stay safe and HAPPY HOLIDAYS

ComedyDefensiveDrving.com

The post Holiday Driving: How to Stay safe on the road this season appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

How to get New Jersey speeding ticket dismissal

You can begin the process of getting your ticket deferred right here. Comedy Defensive Driving is an online course that is state approved for New Jersey traffic ticket dismissal.

 The course itself has been made as painless as possible. The entire course is videos, taught by real comedians to keep you entertained. Start and stop the course at your own pace! Course can be taken on either a laptop, computer, tablet or from your cell phone. In other words, you can get your ticket deferred from the comfort of your couch, bed, or where ever you feel more comfortable. Once you have completed, there will be a short final exam. That’s it! Your certificate will be instantly delivered.

What are the benefits of taking an online course to defer a traffic ticket?

The biggest benefit to taking an online course to defer a ticket is not paying full price! Getting a ticket isn’t fun. Similarly, neither is paying the price for it. Taking a quick online course can help save you money.

Finally, not only will you receive point deductions, you also become eligible for an insurance discount. The standard discount on insurance rate is 10% and does not interfere with your deferred disposition. As a result, you save money on both ends!

Who can take the online course?

Online courses in New Jersey are available to reduce 2 points every 5 years. However for insurance rates, the course can be taken anytime. Check with the court where your ticket was received to learn more about your eligibility.

Speeding, running a red light/sign, driving without a license, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving while using a mobile device are several examples of traffic violations you can dismiss. Overall, most simple traffic violations will be covered.

In conclusion, the best way to save money on a traffic violation is defer points! Sign up today to get your course completed!

ComedyDefensiveDriving.com

The post New Jersey speeding ticket dismissal – Get ticket deferred online today. appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Santa Claus wasn’t the only thing hiding this festive season. If you got caught speeding over the silly season by a traffic officer, you’re not alone. More traffic on the roads than ever before means more traffic tickets.

If you’d rather be spending your hard-earned money on presents rather than paying traffic tickets, here are 3 tips for ticket dismissal in Texas, Florida, and New Jersey. 

Here are our Top 3 Tips for Getting Your Ticket Dismissed:

1) Check the Fine Print

Were all the details filled in correctly by the presiding officer? Did you see the equipment that measured your speed? Were there any eyewitnesses present that can testify to your side of events if it is in conflict with the ticketing officer? Were you ticketed fairly, in accordance with local speed limit ticketing legislation?

All of these are issues that you can raise, in the moment – and in court. It’s important to be mindful of what happens as you get ticketed, as this can work to your advantage if there is sloppy police work involved. 

2) Argue Your Case In Court

Ignorance of the law is no exception, so you can’t simply hire a lawyer and plead that you didn’t know better. Delaying your court appearance is one way of hoping that the ticketing officer is a no-show, but preparing a good defense is probably a better, more responsible way of dealing with the speeding ticket.  

Depending on how hefty your ticket is, it’s often a good idea to call a lawyer as they have the experience to advise on your chances of pleading innocent on account of extenuating circumstances. Be sure to have all the documentation from your case, and to look presentable. Having a clean driving record helps too. 

3) Take a Defensive Driving Course

Also known as traffic school, judges are more lenient on people who have broken the speed limit if they show that they are apologetic for their crime and are immediately willing to change their speeding habits. This simple choice is a win-win for all involved: society benefits from safer drivers on the road, and you get your speeding ticket squashed.

Comedy Defensive Driving offers this option to the good people of Florida,

Texas, and New Jersey because we know what it’s like to make a mistake – and then not want to have to live with it as points on your license for years to come.

We are state-certified and have been in the business for long enough to know that the way we go about helping people get their tickets dismissed is the best for all involved. Our online courses are a laugh-a-minute as we use humor as a vehicle to drive home the message of learning to drive defensively

The post 3 Tips To Help You Get Your Ticket Dismissed in Texas, New Jersey, Florida appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

What age and amount is considered underage drinking and driving?

This answer should be a given but anyone under the age of 21 is considered underage. As for the amount, it is any amount of alcohol! Even a drop! If you are underage and get pulled over, you do not get the normal 0.8 amount to be considered driving under the influence. The amount given to minors is 0.00000. If you are a minor be aware that you will be charged with a DUI with even a minimum amount of alcohol in your system.
At the same time, you may not have any amount of alcohol in your vehicle. If you are pulled over and have alcohol in your car, cops can cite you with a MIP. A MIP is a minor in possession. Minors are not allowed to be in the possession of alcohol. Talk with your friends, family, or a young person you mentor and let them know how strict these laws are. It’s not worth the ticket.

It is a real problem

Drinking and driving is a serious issue. Add in the inexperience with driving and the result is a real problem. We pulled some facts from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administrations to tell you just how bad it is:

1. About one in four teen car crashes involves an underage drinking driver.
2. Every day about 800 people are injured in a drunk-driving crash.
3. Every day in America, another 29 people die as a result of drunk-driving crashes. That’s one person every 50 minutes.

You can easily conclude that underage drinking and driving, is no laughing matter. It can be deadly. Make sure to have honest and open conversations with people about this topic, even if it’s hard. As a result, you may save a life.

What to say to young adults

Having an open and honest conversation about underage drinking and driving doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, you should make young adults feel comfortable that you are only telling them for their own safety. Let them know the dangers that can arise and the consequences that can happen from drinking and driving. Not only are they putting themselves/their friends in danger, but also anyone else on the road. They are also risking jail time! On top of jail time, they can lose their license, experience a multitude of fines, and have community service. It just isn’t worth it.
Make sure if a young adult ever does end up in that situation, they know there are other options. Offer a sober ride. Make sure that they have a ride share app on their phone. Talk about the importance of finding any way to not drink and drive! We can’t stress enough it isn’t worth it!

Comedy Defensive Driving

We hope you enjoyed this blog. Now here is a short story from a previous blog about underage drinking and driving

When I moved to Texas in 1979, everyone in the car could have an open container…even the driver. I thought you’d get a citation if you didn’t drink and drive. We’ve totally evolved since those glory days (or, as some of my friends call them, the R.I.P. days). Eventually, the law changed and only passengers could have an open container (or a road sodie, as they were called). This way, the driver could merely hand their beverage over to a passenger before the officer approached the car…brilliant. I’m sure the laws in the state that I moved here from were no better. In fact, most bars never closed. Which also means they didn’t clean up.
You needed a tetanus shot before you’d go into one of those places. And, as far as underage drinking went, the legal age to drink went from 21 down to 18. Then it went up to 19 for a while and kind of hovered there. Then it eventually went back up to 21. Somewhere in between, I recall the drinking age being around 8 (maybe that was south of the border). People from European countries say they don’t have an underage drinking problem because they don’t “glamorize” drinking like we do here in the states. And their laws are strict and swift. So, would lowering the drinking age make it less attractive to teens? MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) says not. When states had lower legal drinking ages in America, the underage drinking problem was worse. Underage drunk drivers were involved in over twice as many fatal accidents.

A few months ago, there was a rumor going around on the interweb…

(that’s what my dad calls it) that the drinking age was going to be raised to 25. It was apparently just a myth. Kind of like celebrity deaths on the internet. That has to be super creepy to the celebrities themselves. 25 years of age is apparently when the frontal lobe completely develops. Better, more rational, adult decision making comes into play after 25 (hopefully). But not everyone matures at the same pace as others.
According to MADD, more than 25,000 lives have been saved in the U.S. because of the 21 minimum legal drinking age. They claim that the law continues to prevent tragedies and therefore decreases crashes by an estimated 16% and keeps young people safer from many other risks as well (such as alcohol poisoning, and aspiration).
Even after 21, it is encouraged to take a cab or Uber if you have consumed any alcohol. In fact, MADD has teamed up with Uber to encourage this. Uber’s revolutionary app connects users with safe, reliable rides at the touch of a button. Those are rides you can count on, whenever and wherever, so that people never have to get behind the wheel drunk.
After all, the easier it is to get a safe ride, the less likely adults are to drive after drinking.
Until next week….
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Underage Drinking – Comedy Defensive Driving

The post Underage Drinking and Driving appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.