With some special adjustments and teaching it is possible for those with disabilities to navigate the roads just like able-bodied drivers. Living with a physical disability does not have to mean you are grounded. The ADA, American Disabilities Act) amended the law in 2008 so that the DMV could not deny someone a license based only on their disability. If you want more answers to your burning questions to continue to read. If you go on to enjoy this post check out our other article on Epileptic Drivers.  

Can You Drive if You Are in a Wheelchair?

Yes, thanks to many advances in technology, disabled drivers who use wheelchairs are able to drive. Wheelchairs can be customized to match the motor skills of each individual driver for handicap driving. They are tested by the department of motor vehicles in their home state and when appropriate, restrictions will be noted on their driver’s license. Disabled drivers will also need to be trained at a conventional traffic school or online traffic school. 

Can a Paralyzed Person Drive?

While the way in which they learn and tools which are needed might be different, it is still possible for a paralyzed person to drive. Things that are taken into consideration include the severity of paralysis and vehicle the person is operating.

In What States Can a Disabled Person Drive?

State DMV’s are prohibited from denying disabled drivers from securing a driver’s license. Vehicles must be equipped with proper modifications and drivers must still pass a drivers test. Drivers licenses issued in one state are also valid in all other 50 states. You should also check to see if you qualify for a disabled placard in your state. In Florida, you might be eligible for a disabled placard if you suffer from a cardiac condition, can’t walk more than 200ft without resting, as well as other qualifiers. 

How Much Does it Cost to Modify a Car for Handicapped?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), costs to modify an existing car for handicap driving range from as little as $50 for special mirrors to a few hundred dollars for special hand controls. Specially equipped vehicles with ramps and raised ceilings range from $20,000 – 80,000. You can download a PDF file from the NHTSA website that provides additional information. Some vehicles let disabled drivers actually stay in their wheelchair while driving. Other vehicles allow wheelchairs to fold up for easy storage and transportation. Other possible modifications to existing vehicles include installing wheelchair lifts, raised ceilings and special floor mounts. These modifications tend to be expensive and they must be approved by state DMV’s.

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Right Now, Drivers Still Have Their Jobs

The idea of automation taking over driving jobs isn’t a new one. There are currently automated cars being tested out by Google and other companies. While there have been accidents and problems, the technology continues to be worked on. In time, it’s possible that driverless cars could become much more common. When that happens, there will be a lot more jobs lost. There will also be the risk of an accident between these cars and those that are still piloted by drivers. If the driver is at fault, they may need to take a traffic course for ticket dismissal. But what if the automated car is at fault in the accident? It’s clear that the current laws will need to be adjusted as automation takes over more cars and trucks on the road in the future.

How Much of the Automation is Really Expected?

There are all kinds of estimates about automation and driverless cars. When these cars are much more popular, and they can do more than just move down the road safely, drivers really could see their jobs drying up and disappearing. But for now, there isn’t too much danger. There are also a lot of other types of jobs that could go away, including fast food workers, cashiers, accountants, and much more, due to the ability to automate a lot of the functions that those people currently perform. Self-checkout lines at grocery stores are one example of this.
Some estimates of how many CA workers will lose their jobs to automation in the coming years are as high as 40 percent or more, while other estimates put the number at a much more modest level of just under 10 percent. No matter which of these numbers is correct, though, or whether the answer is somewhere in the middle, it’s clear that at least some California workers are going to lose their jobs to automation. That’s unfortunate for them and for the families that they take care of, and it can make communities less stable because fewer people in them will be able to support themselves.

Those Who Drive Should Take Note of Automation

For anyone who drives on California roads, taking note of automation is very important. Whether there’s the chance that automation will take their job as a driver, or whether automation could result in an accident with a driverless car, it’s important that drivers know the laws, rules, and requirements in their state. That way, if they do end up getting a ticket, they can take an online traffic course for ticket dismissal. As more changes come through automation the laws regarding accidents with driverless cars will need to be adjusted. But those who are at fault in these accidents will still want to understand their options so they can reduce the chances of higher insurance rates, points on their license, and other types of problems such as fees and fines.

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Woah, there! Slow down. Everyone knows that you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a car and hit the rough roads. The only problem is you’re 14 years old and that’s too young… in most states.

There are a few states out there that have lower learner’s permit ages, which will allow you, a 14-year-old person, to drive on the roads.

You don’t even have to prove you’re a defensive driver by enrolling in traffic school online. You can grab that learner’s permit and go! So long as you live in that state as driver. To help you figure out if you’re eligible to drive, we’ve put together a list of which states it’s legal to drive at 14.

Where should I move to?

Every state has a different set of laws when it comes to driving ages. Living in one state could mean you’re not full licensed driver until the age of 18. Other states will make you a master driver by the age of 16. Below, you’ll find the complete list of states that give you a learner’s permit as early as 14 years of age:

● Alaska
● Arkansas
● Idaho (14 years and 6 months)
● Iowa
● Kansas
● Michigan (14 years and 9 months)
● Montana (14 years and 6 months)
● North Dakota
● South Dakota

Looking at this list, you could begin to think that the driving ages are design completely arbitrarily. The only reason these rules exist is because there was a group of older people in government who wanted to free the roads from young whippersnappers. That might be true, but there’s also other reasoning behind the age restrictions on driving.

Age Restrictions and Why They Exist

The main reason why these age restrictions exist, is because the brain is still maturing. A study published in the Journal of Safety Research showed raising the age needed to receive your driver’s license reduces the number of accidents that young teens are in. Therefore, prohibiting teenagers, under the age of 16, from receiving their learner’s permits will account for less accidents on the road.

That’s why some states have held tight to the 16 or over regulations that we’re so very familiar with. It’s not because they’re trying to oppress your 14-year-old-who-knows-everything-about-the-world voice. The DMV and government bodies are trying to decrease the number of incidents on the road.

Prepping Your Teen for Driving

To help reduce the number of accidents on the road, it’s important to be safe and know how to be prepared as a driver. You might be a 14-year old in South Dakota who just got their learner’s permit, but that doesn’t mean you’re not prone to being in accidents. Here’s a few tips on being secure while behind the wheel.

Getting sleep is dire. You want to be well rested while traveling. If not, your reaction time is diminished, your vision is impaired, and… you’re a bit cranky. Be well rested enough to drive, especially for a growing teen!

Don’t be distracted while driving. Putting the cell phone away is another important trait of a good driver. It’s easy to fall victim to checking the phone when you’re at a stoplight, in traffic, or just bored. Whether texting and driving or having a drama filled conversation on the phone doesn’t matter. Distracted driving is just another reason why 14-year-old drivers might be too immature to operate a moving vehicle.

Finally, learn from teachers, instructors, and parents. They’re here to teach you how to be a safe driver. That’s why it’s important to learn from their lessons.

• Get Started on Your Driving Journey: Applying for a New California Driver’s License (For Teens)

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If you’ve tried updating your driver’s license in the past year, you may have noticed a few signs that were promoting a new Real ID Driver’s License. This latest issued documentation has been the hottest gossip among DMVs everywhere. Aside from having a flashy title, the Real ID promises to bring some change in how people present their identification.

The only problem is the Real ID Driver’s License is a bit of a mystery to most people.

This latest identification card has people questioning what it is and how it’s important. That’s why we’re putting together everything you need to know about the new Real ID. If there’s one thing your favorite online traffic school knows, it’s everything about licenses.

The Real ID is Real Important

Getting a Real ID is not required by any means. However, the DMV strongly recommends applying for this brand-new identification card. Without a Real ID, you may be restricted from taking domestic flights in the United States.

Starting October 1, 2020, the government will require your driver’s license, permit, or ID card to be Real ID compliant. Below are a few other perks of having a Real ID card. Note, some of these are also built into owning a standard ID.

● Being licensed to drive
● Voting or being registered to vote
● Entering federal facilities
● Receiving federal benefits
● Gaining health services
● Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations
● Flying domestically in the United States

The Real ID is a new standardization of minimum security surrounding your identification. Essentially, the federal government is changing the information and details associated with identification. The amount of information is different on the card than your standard ID.

In 2005, the congress passed the Real ID Act, which (you can tell by the name) was the inception of encouraging a new identification card to citizens of the United States. The Real ID Act was passed to combat terrorism and identity theft. Issuing this new government ID will secure people’s identity on a whole new level.

How to get your Real ID Driver’s License

Getting your Real ID is as easy as spending the day at the DMV. In other words, no matter how prepared you will be, you’ll still have to experience going to the DMV. The Real ID cannot be issued over the phone or through mail.

To get your Real ID, you will be required to have the correct documentation. This includes:
● Proof of identity, such as a license, birth certificate, or passport. (Must include first, middle, and last name)
● Proof of social security card
● Proof of your date of birth
● Proof of U.S. citizenship
● Proof of New York residence (or any state that you currently live in,) such as a utility bill, bank statement, or mortgage payment
● If your name does not match the name on the identification due to a governmental approved name change, you must bring in documentation recording that process.

Once you have all these documentations gathered together, you must pay the DMV a visit. Present these documents and request a Real New York ID, to begin the process of updating that bland standard ID into something a little more exciting.

The Real ID will come with a golden star on the top right of your New York issued ID. The gold star is a clear sign that the ID is Real, but it’s also the federal government’s way of saying “good job!”

• For information About California ID Cards click:
  California ID Cards
• Learn all about the ins and outs of obtaining and renewing a California Driver’s License in our comprehensive guide.

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Teenagers are often stereotyped as being the worst drivers on the road. People will describe them as being reckless and distracted while driving, because of their rambunctious attitude and delusions of living forever. But, is there a little fact to this notion that teenagers are horrible drivers?

Let’s look at the statistics and data to find out.

We’ve done extensive research on the subject and collected the finding to show you the top California teenage driving statistics. Are teenagers really learning when they enroll in a driver education course? Let’s look at the data.

Teenager Driving Death Toll

Teenagers are still learning the mechanics of driving vehicles. That combined with their desire to impress and woo their friends can be a deadline concoction. According to the CDC, in 2015, the U.S. death toll for teens in motor accidents was roughly 235,845.

That many driving-related deaths is the equivalent to 6 fatalities a day. Between the inability to recognize hazardous situations, distracted driving, and influence from friends, driving as a teenager could be a matter of life and death.

In 2008, the amount of California teen driver fatalities was the 2nd highest in the state. Coming in about 219 total deaths, the only state higher was the amount of deaths in Texas. Those were just the vehicle drivers, too.

The California DMV reported that, when counting vehicle passengers and non-occupants, the total teenager death total was 593. This goes to show that when teenagers engage in reckless driving, they risk their life and the lives others on the road as well.

Teenager Driving Injuries

When it comes to being injured as a teenage driver, the number is even higher. Drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 only accounted for 7% of the total U.S. population. Yet, they were responsible for 11% of the total vehicle incidents and injuries in 2015. This accumulates to be roughly $10 million in damages across the country.

In California, roughly 61.4% of drivers, 16 years old, were involved in some form of motor vehicle incident. The DMV reported that the crash rate for all drivers, between the ages of 16 and 19, was 2.9 times higher than the crash rate for drivers 20 or more years older. If teenagers are doing this bad in wrecks, how are they doing with getting ticketed?

Teenager Ticket Trouble

Teenagers can be risky drivers. They have a hard time understanding the behaviors that make a great, defensive driver. This means they tend to be sporadically out of control when it comes to breaking the rules of the road.

According to the DMV, 52.7% of teenagers were ticketed for speeding violations in 2008. That means half of the drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 were fined for some form of speeding violation. The citation rate for drivers between the age of 16 and 19 were 2.1 times higher than the rest of the population.

The second highest traffic violation that teenagers committed was proper signaling and turning. Unable to communicate on the road was a hard suit for teenagers. But that’s probably because they were busy communicating with their phones.

Safe Teen Driving

These statistics shows that they can be extremely reckless. So, what does it take for teens to drive defensively on the roads? When driving it’s easy to be distracted by people, phones, and obstructions in the road. Teenagers must remember to not fall for that bottlenecking trap. Being safe behind the wheel is all about being responsible.

Patients comes with experience. As people age, they are involved in less incidents, according to the data. When it comes to driving, teenagers might need to do some growing up.

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The rules of the road are changing constantly. They make up the ever-expanding book of laws that keep people in line… or should we say “lane?” These are the basic and rudimentary topics you would cover in any California Driver’s Ed class. There’s been some construction on the ol’ road rules book, and, as of, July 1st, 2018, the updates are being implemented.

Although you might have heard the contrary, rules are not meant to be broken. When they are, there’s online traffic school. But, if you would like to steer clear of paying large fines and bad moods, then read on to learn about the latest updates. We’ve outlined everything you need to know about the newest CA traffic laws that went into effect July 1st, 2018.

The Seatbelts on the Bus Rule

Back in the day, there were seatbelts on all the school buses. However, the people who would wear them were made fun of or they were considered to be the uncool kids. Now, they scoff and laugh at their harassers who must follow the merciless laws bestowed on California citizens as they sit, securely, on the bust strapped in by seat belts.

Here’s the breakdown.

This law makes riding in public vehicles and transporting people, safer for the passengers. What this means for you, the passenger, is huge. You must wear a seat belt on a bus. It also means that parents, legal guardians, chartering parties, and children of particular ages must be properly restrained in the seat or holder.

It also means that bus drivers must inform all patrons of the newest law. If the passenger doesn’t follow the instructions, they will personally be fined – not the driver. The idea of the law is to increase the safety of passengers on the bus.

The DUI Tolerance Limit

Driving after drinking any amount of alcohol is a bad idea. Driving while impaired will cause catastrophic damage to people’s lives. It lowers your reaction time and increases the chances of you destroying property or crashing.

The DUI limit is very low, running at about .08 blood alcohol concentration. Now, the DUI is lowering the bar (the only time that’s a good thing). As of July 1st, 2018, the legal driving limit, while driving a passenger for hire, will be .04 blood alcohol concentration.

So, what exactly is a passenger for hire?

Passenger for hire describes the services from commercial drivers. Therefore, people working for Lyft and Uber are examples of commercial drivers. They can no longer operate the vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08. It’s scary to think that there are people drinking and driving you around at night – and you pay them to do it!

Private Carriers of Passengers

Among the newest laws to the Golden State are the laws regulating authority and insurance. Sacramento CBS reported, “The DMV will now issue certificates for intrastate authority and verify proof of liability insurance, while CHP will regulate compliance and the safe operation of the vehicles.” If you don’t know anything about traffic laws, this sentence might sound like we just casted a spell on you.

The law simply issues new regulations for private vehicles transporting passengers. Again, safety is important and is kept in mind when creating new laws to dictate how we operate on the road. This one is technical and convoluted; however, it allows regulators to observe compliance and safety operations of vehicles.

Saturday Service at DMV Offices

This isn’t a new law, but people will begin losing their minds when they find out that Ventura, Sacramento, and Salinas DMV offices will now be in operation on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Now, the 9 to 5’er will rejoice as they can spend their Saturday mornings standing in line at the DMV.

The post New CA Traffic Laws Effective July 1, 2018 appeared first on MyImprov.

Automobile accidents are a pain. They can be costly, time-consuming, and in some cases, can involve a lawsuit if there are others involved. But congratulations! Being a smart, law-abiding citizen, you’re insured! Which is not only a good idea, it’s also required—as it is illegal to drive without insurance (or some proof of financial responsibility) in all 50 US states. Here’s a guide of what to do the moment you’re in an accident (assuming you’re already safe and no one is injured).

If there’s another party, talk to them

It might sound crass, but be careful in your wording. If it’s not your fault, avoid terms like “I’m sorry,” or anything that could impute guilt. If it is your fault, be an upstanding citizen and take responsibility. Your insurance will likely still cover you (as long as you didn’t break their terms, ex. by drinking and driving or driving on a suspended license). Exchange identification, contact information, and insurance information. If the other party is belligerent or uncooperative, call the police to mediate the discussion and file an accident report.

If there’s another party, get a witness and keep your story straight

It always helps to have a third party able and willing to testify in the event your story is contested by the other party involved. Their recollection of the event, which hopefully matches yours, can help substantially in court. Be sure to also keep your story straight with extreme detail, as a strong memory of the incident and day will assist in your credibility and help your insurance company protect you as best they can.

Take pictures

Take as many pictures as possible of the damage to all vehicles. Not only can this help in any legal matters, it’s commonly used by insurance companies that use apps to submit damage claims!

Get a good idea of the cost of damage

This will help you evaluate if insurance is needed in the first place. In a typical insurance claim, the policy holder is required to file a claim with insurance, pay their co-pay (their minimum amount to be covered), and insurance will cover the rest of the cost in damages. However, if the accident is small enough (ex, a small dent or scratch that costs less than your co-pay), it might be cheaper to pay for the repair out of pocket rather than go through your insurance and pay your co-pay.

Talk to your insurance immediately

The way you interact with your insurance, the coverage they give you, and the time limit you must file the claim varies between insurance companies and depends on the severity of the accident. In California, if someone is killed, injured, or property damage exceeds $1,000, you must report the accident within 10 days to the DMV (filing with your insurance will typically guide you in this process).

However, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to speak to them immediately. There’s no set time limit on how long you have to file a claim, but an insurance company might decide not to cover you if you don’t act in good faith to promptly report an accident.

As stated before, some companies even use apps to file claims. Others have you speak on the phone to a specialist and send them photos, some simply have you take the vehicle in to a body shop to get an estimate first, some will send a specialist to inspect the vehicle in person. Depending on your coverage and the severity of the accident, they might also arrange towing service and get you a rental car.

Get it fixed!

Your insurance will guide you through the process of getting your vehicle repaired, which typically involves them providing you a list of repair shops in your area that are in their coverage network. As stated before, in a typical situation, you pay your insurance co-pay and the insurance company will cover the rest of the cost in damages.

The post Guide to Reporting a CA Auto Claim appeared first on MyImprov.

So, what should you do if you hit an animal in California?

The roads are teeming with wildlife. They might not know the California traffic school rules for animal, which is to look both ways before crossing the road. Therefore, the chances of you eventually hitting an animal is high. That’s why it’s important to know how to handle the situation when you hit a large animal that could leave destructive damage. Here’s what to do if you hit an animal in California.

Stop the car and access the damage

After hitting an animal, the first thing you should do is stop the car and assess the situation. It will also provide you with a moment to calm down from taking a life and see if you have developed a thirst for more blood. When your nerves are calm, you can now exit the vehicle to check for damages on your car.

Don’t approach the animal if it’s injured

If the animal is still alive, approaching it could be dangerous. You should always err on the side of caution in these situations. That means do not approach the animal. Unless you can confirm its condition, you could risk being injured by a very angry deer, coyote, or domestic house cat. Animals are known to lash out when they’re injured… or worse, when they’re hungry.

Shower the body with roses

As part of every traditional act of hitting an animal, you must shower the body with roses. This is to ensure that the corpse will smell nice until someone else comes by to remove it. Moreover, you will feel a little bit better about having slayed a beast with your car after dousing the body with roses. Alternatively, you could use lilies, tulips, or sunflowers. Doing so is the only way you can ensure good karma for the future.

Call the police

The best thing to do when you hit an animal is to call the police. Getting a hold of the authorities will allow them to use their expertise to assist you and the animal. They will also help move the animal if it’s obstructing the roads. When in doubt, call the police out.

Partake in a ritual burial

Partaking in the ritual of burying the animal is a great way to wrap up the horrific event. Doing so will allow the beast to enter through the gates of Valhalla and find eternal peace… and clear it from the road so others won’t have to swerve around it. You will also get in a nice workout digging a six-foot hole. Everybody wins… sort of.

Remove the corpse from the road, if it’s obstructive

When it comes to large bodies obstructing the road, you should seek to move the body. The body can become a hazard for oncoming traffic and will risk creating more accidents. This can be done by calling the local authorities and informing them about the decision. Technically, the local council is responsible for moving the body of the animal. However, if you feel so inclined to move it yourself, go ahead, weirdo.

The post What to Do If You Hit an Animal in CA appeared first on MyImprov.

Minor car brands are the unknowns of the car manufacturing industry, because they produce specialty cars. They may vary from purely electric-based vehicles to neoclassical eye candy. Each come with their incentives, such as tax deduction on electric vehicles or bragging rights with the aesthetics. Below are 11 minor car brands that you didn’t know existed.

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01111001 01100001 01111001! In case you can’t read binary, that’s computer talk for “yay!” The reason why we’re excited about today is because it’s Autonomous Vehicle Day. The one day every year where we celebrate our computer overlords – uhm – drivers. With the rising publicity and manufacturing of autonomous cars, this year was a great stride forward for the industry. The popularity of self-driving vehicles is at an all-time high, thanks to their consumer accessibility.

When there’s a holiday, there’s a celebration. You might not be familiar with the traditions behind Autonomous Vehicle Day, so we’re showing you the best ways to celebrate our robot chauffeurs. Here are the best ways to show your autonomous pride.

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