How to Protect Your Car from Car Theft
Chances are your livelihood is your car. This might be especially true if you live in a Californian metropolitan area. Therefore, experiencing car theft could leave a devastating impact on your life. With something so precious, it makes sense to take the necessary precautions to protect your vehicle.
Now that you’ve passed the best traffic school online, you may want to drive the extra mile to protect your vehicle. You can learn how to protect your car from theft by following the guide below.
Purchase an anti-theft system
Steering wheel locks, tire locks, kill switches, and electronic immobilizers are a few of the anti-theft systems for cars. There are hundreds of anti-theft system brands to choose from. You can even make your friends think you’re a hit-man if you tell them you have a kill switch.
Don’t leave your keys in the ignition
This sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Leaving your keys in the ignition makes stealing your car easy. You want to save time by leaving the keys in the ignition, but this method turns you into a giant target for theft. Unless your R. Kelly, keep your keys with you.
Let a bobcat live in your car
Letting a bobcat live in your car is a lesser known anti-theft protection system. Bobcats, also known as the Lynx Rufus, are members of the giant cat family. This means they’re extremely territorial. With one glance at the bobcat in the back seat, car thieves will know not to steal your car. Be sure to crack a window and leave out small rodents, as that’s their preferred diet.
Keep your car locked
We all wish we can trust others, but we can’t in today’s car theft infested world. Keeping your car doors locked is a small way to crack down on thefts. A simple barrier goes a long way when protecting your car.
Avoid leaving valuables in eyesight
Whether it’s your brand-new laptop computer or a Lou Bega album, keeping your most valuable possessions out of sight will deter thieves from breaking into your car. If someone catches a glimpse at something valuable, they could steal it… or your car.
Drive an undesirable car
Nobody wants to steal a car that looks ugly. Next time you’re purchasing a car, look for the ugliest piece of metal you can lay your eyes on. You’ll get extra protection points if the car has a vibrant green and yellow color.
Park in well-lit areas
Well-lit areas are the bane of car thieves’ existence. Most thefts happen in areas that are dimly lit to decrease chances of being seen. Always look for areas that very well lit. It’s like a spotlight for your car.
Paint “Look at me, I’m a dumb idiot!” into the side of your car
Nothing will embarrass a car thief more than driving a car that says, “Look at me, I’m a dumb idiot.” Car thieves care a lot about what other people think of them. That’s why embarrassing a thief by painting “look at me, I’m a dumb idiot” will keep anyone from stealing your car.
Don’t leave the car unattended and running
If you’re running into the store for a moment, keeping your car running while unattended is a dangerous decision. In those split moments, anyone could walk by and steal your car. Even if you have a bobcat in the back seat.
By following the guide above, you won’t just be a defensive driver, but a defensive car owner too.
Riding With Uber From Your Uber Driver’s Perspective
Is your car in the shop, but you need to get to work? Do you want to party into the wee hours of the morning then get home safely? Is your license suspended until you complete your
online traffic school? Is owning a car just unfeasible for you right now? If the answer to any of those is yes, you’re probably already familiar with ride-sharing companies, the biggest of which is Uber.
Easy to Apply
For those new to this idea, or those who have just been devoted to taxis their whole lives, Uber is the company that is putting taxis out of business. Their prices are usually cheaper because the drivers are using their own cars, and in most states, just about anyone can become an Uber driver with minimal effort. In fact, when I signed up almost five years ago, I simply filled out a very quick and simple form online, with just enough details for Uber to run a background check. One week later, I was on the road making money! I only had to go through a half an hour of online training without ever talking to another human being.
If you’re not comforted by how easy it is to become an Uber driver, you’re not alone. However, let me assure you, the sign-up process is the last easy thing about being an Uber driver. The hours are long, and the pay is far from guaranteed. In fact, once you factor in depreciation and all the extra gas, maintenance, and car washes, the driver is really only making pocket change. Also, because what the driver makes is a percentage of the total cost of the ride, every time Uber drops the prices for the customers, it’s a pay cut for the drivers. In other words, if your driver is grouchy, it’s not without cause.
However, there are a few things riders can do to ensure a smooth ride and a happier driver. Remember, drivers must rate their riders, and your rating can affect how quickly you get picked up next time you call, so try to remain on their good side!
Be on Time
Time is money, and your driver is not getting paid until you’re in the car. And here’s a fun fact not many people know: if you take a very short ride with Uber, your driver gets about $2.40 after Uber takes their cut. However, if you don’t show up after the driver has waited the required five minutes, your driver cancels the ride and collects the cancellation fee, which nets them a whole $4.
This means that if you made your driver wait four minutes and then took a short ride with the minimum fare, your driver would have made more money had you taken another minute and they’d cancelled. If your driver is already having a bad day, they’re not going to give you a good rating at that point.
The AUX Cord
Maybe you’re taking a longer ride and want to enjoy some music. That’s totally understandable. I highly recommend headphones. If you want it to play through the car’s speakers, you’re going to have to ask your driver to use their AUX (or auxiliary) cord. This is a question that fills drivers with a sense of overwhelming dread. At the end of the day, not everyone likes the same music. If you demand the AUX cord and then put on music your driver doesn’t like, I can guarantee you’re not getting five stars.
Even though I consider my music taste to be eclectic, after three years of listening to other people’s music, I was handing out one-star ratings like candy. Eventually I tried to negotiate with the riders, politely saying something along the lines of, “Yes, I have an AUX cord, but please, for the sake of my head not exploding, I beg you to put on anything but [whatever music genre I was avoiding that day].” The riders would sometimes comply (five stars!) and sometimes put on that genre seemingly just for spite (one star!). After enough bad experiences, I’d just lie and say the cord was broken.
Luckily, there’s a simple fix for this one: talk to your driver. Most of them would probably also like to have music on. There are countless genres of music out there. With a simple conversation, you and your driver are bound to find at least one genre of music that you enjoy and that doesn’t make your driver want to jump out of the moving car.
Don’t Throw Up
This one should be a no-brainer, but somehow it still happens enough that it needs to be said. Not only will you be charged a cleaning fee that can range from $50 to $200, but your driver will lose all wages for the rest of the night because their car will be out of commission until it’s cleaned. Even the most compassionate driver is still going to give a one-star rating to someone who pukes in their car. In fact, even someone who looks like they might puke is likely to earn a low rating (I’d usually give two or three stars) because of the tension the driver feels as they pray the rider can make it just a couple more blocks and out of their car before the inevitable explosion.
Tip
Apart from hurling, there’s not much bad behavior a cash tip won’t make up for. Just recently Uber has allowed tipping through the app, and it’s highly likely the driver won’t see that you tipped them until long after they’ve rated your ride. Even if you end your ride by saying, “I’ll tip you, I promise,” your Uber driver is tired and has been lied to many times.
If you like to listen to a specific artist that the driver might not like, or if you’re going to be riding with friends and you don’t want one of them to badly affect your rating, carry cash. A couple bucks, maybe $5 on a long ride, will absolutely guarantee your driver remains content and will not post a story about you on one of our secret rideshare driver forums.
Follow these guidelines, and your driver will be happier, and your ride will be less of a chore for both of you. Check back next week to learn some things Uber will never tell you about the rating system!
How Much Do You Save with Costco Travel?
Let’s face it; we are a scam-paranoid bunch of consumers. And rightly, so. This is especially true since scammers are mastering the art of appearing like legitimate companies offering legitimate deals. Those buying a car have to walk a tightrope through the entire purchasing process, so as not to drive off the lot feeling emotionally nauseous. Such is the case with the now well-known Costco Travel Auto Program.
While it has received national acclaim for being able to save you money while buying a car, many a consumer has added it to their blacklist. Let’s take a closer look at the Costco Travel Auto Program so that you can determine if it’s right for you.
Costco’s Mega Auto Savings Claims
Visit the Costco Travel website, and you’ll see that they make some bold claims on how their program can work in your favor. Up front, here’s what they offer:
• Low, prearranged Costco member pricing
• All available national manufacturer incentives
• More than 3,000 hand-selected dealerships nationwide
• Trained Authorized Dealer Contacts to serve you
• Smooth, seamless buying experience
On the outset, it sounds like a great deal. After all, who wouldn’t want low member pricing, incentives, instant access to dealerships, trained experts, and the most accessible buying experience ever? You sign up for the program. You get to choose the vehicle make and model you want. Costco refers you to a local dealer and then you experience a no-hassle purchase with all the bells and whistles.
Some Red Flags with the Savings Plan
Do some digging around on the web, however, and you’re likely to find a plethora of problems that customers have reported in either trying to understand the program or apply to a recent purchase. Some of the reports include the following:
• The program doesn’t keep car sales associates from pressuring you into buying a car.
• Costco’s price and the dealership bottom line price often does not line up.
• The customer service is horrid, as customers complain of no-return phone calls and emails.
• Costco does not control the underlying sticker price on the car.
It seems that the bottom line on the bottom line is that there is a chasm far and wide between how much money Costco can save you and how much you can talk the car salesman down to before you sign the papers.
How to Effectively and Accurately Determine Savings with Costco
So now we’re back to the original question: how much money can you save with Costco? As the adage goes, “There’s only one way to find out.”
Here’s what you do:
First, call Costco. Don’t email the company or send a message on their contact page. Pick up the phone and talk to a warm body. Tell the Trained Authorized Dealer what you are looking for and then ask him or her how much money the Auto Savings Program will save you. Do not hang up until you get an actual numerical estimate. Then call your local dealership and ask the salesman the same thing.
Careful, the salesperson’s job is to convince you to visit the dealership. But stand your ground and be firm. Do not hang up until the person on the other end of the line gives you a quote. From there you can make an informed decision if Costco’s savings plan is worth it. The good news is that you can save anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 on a car by using the program.
Is the Savings Plan a scam? Probably not. Will it save you money? Probably. Should you do your homework first before committing? Absolutely!
Sign Up for Florida Online Traffic School
If you are looking for an online traffic school, then contact Improv today. We provide a wide range of courses and resources for traffic education and testing. To find out more, contact us at 800-660-8908, or you can chat live with one of our testing experts!
The Volkswagen Bus and California
Volkswagen published big news for fans of microbuses and the film Little Miss Sunshine. The 1970’s VW Bus is getting a modernized makeover for its return to the roads. Set to be released in 2022, the Volkswagen Bus I.D. Buzz is an electric microbus that will be a popular choice for road trippers across the country. It’ll definitely be the number one pick if you’re living in a coming of age road trip movie.
However, if you’re going to be a proud owner of your very own Volkswagen I.D. Buzz, you better know how to show it off. Nothing will be more heartbreaking than buying a microbus just to watch it collect dust in your driveway. You gotta hit the road! But, not just any road – the Californian road!
Here are fun things to do when you’re driving your Volkswagen Bus in California:
PCH Road Trip
The Pacific Coast Highway is a staple of any road trip in California. Driving along the coastline during sunset, playing your favorite music, and a montage of your friends laughing isn’t the opening scene to a luxury car commercial. It’s just what happens when you’re driving along one of the most beautiful highways in the country.
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
One great thing about driving the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz is its fuel economy. When you’re traveling to far away destinations, like the Golden Gate Bridge, you won’t drop an erroneous amount of money on gas. You can say, an electric microbus is the golden gate to the future of innovative automotive experiences.
Surfing at the Beach
With all the rooftop space that comes with the Buzz, you can pack up all your gnarly surfboards and visit the beach. Malibu, Huntington, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara have some of the best beaches in California. Be sure to “hang ten” and add these hot spot destinations to your beach journey across the Golden State. That’s how you use “hang ten,” right?
Cruise Control
The least popular and not recommended thing to do with your Buzz is to receive a traffic ticket. To avoid getting a speeding ticket you can use the wagon’s cruise control feature. You can also make sure you are going the speed limit when you see a police officer in any of the mirrors. Either option will help you not get a ticket. You do not want to get a traffic ticket during your drive and come back home to see a spike in your annual insurance rate. If you do a get a ticket, do not stress, you can take traffic school online to dismiss the ticket and avoid getting points on your record.
Camping at Big Sur
The minibus can seat up to 8-people or it can collapse the seats to give you space for luggage. Such as camping gear for your next trip to Big Sur. Being one of the popular locations in California to camp, Big Sur is a great way to celebrate the spacious benefits and fuel economy of your I.D. Buzz. When you roll up to the camp grounds in your fancy future bus, people will call it a Big Sur-prise.
The hype behind Volkswagen’s latest vehicle concept is growing. Within the next four to five years, you’ll be a witnessing a modern resurgence of these classic relics. So, get in on the hype and be on the lookout of purchasing your own I.D. Buzz.
Remember, if you receive a traffic ticket when you’re driving the latest and greatest microbus, you don’t have to break the bank paying it off – especially since you just bought the new car. If you enroll in online traffic school, you can prevent your annual insurance rate from increasing.
How to Decrease Your Auto Insurance Costs
Owning an automobile can be expensive. There’s the cost of the car itself, gas, registration, maintenance and repairs, and, of course, auto insurance premiums. Noting that, it’s only natural for vehicle owners to try to save money on their total vehicle ownership if possible, and one of the biggest consistent costs is auto insurance.
Though auto insurance rates vary based on state, driving experience and the owner’s driving record, generally consumers should plan to set aside anywhere from $800 to $1,000 per year to insure their car. The good news is that there are several ways to decrease auto insurance costs; from taking a defensive driving course online to bundling your auto package with other coverages. Here are some tips to help shave dollars off your insurance premiums:
Take a Defensive Driving Course
Doing this is beneficial, even if you don’t want to shave points off your license. That’s because it shows insurance companies that you’re being proactive about your driving safety, something that many look at favorably and award discounts for. Of course, if you have points on your license, taking a defensive driving course online can help reduce them in some states. In many cases, passing a certified course can take points off your license, thereby reducing rates or preventing rates from increasing further. Here are a few courses that guarantee an auto discount for you:
California Mature Driver Course
Your CA Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those age 50-55 years or older (depending on insurance company), who present proof of completion of the mature driver improvement course approved by the California DMV:California Mature Driver Course
Florida Mature Driver Course
Your FL Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those age 50-55 years or older (depending on insurance company), who present proof of completion of the mature driver improvement course approved by the Florida DHSMV:Florida Mature Driver Course
New York Defensive Driver Course
Your NY Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those who present proof of completion of a defensive driving course approved by the New York DMV:New York Defensive Driving Course
Delaware Basic Driving Course
Your DE Insurer is required to provide an auto discount to those who present proof of completion of a 6-hour basic driving course or 3-hour refresher course approved by the Delaware DMV:Delaware Basic Driving Course
Auto Insurance Discount Course
Most auto insurance companies in other states provide an auto discount to those who present proof of completion of a defensive driving course. Check with yours first to confirm!
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Shop Around
If you think you’re paying too much for auto insurance, it never hurts to shop around a little bit. Go to other insurance companies, tell them what you’re paying now and that you’re looking for a company that can beat that price. Insurance companies are running a business, and part of business is gaining new clients. Companies are likely going to be more than willing to try to earn your business, and if you have more entities that you can insure with them, they’ll likely sweeten the quote that they give you even more.
Own Your Car
Leasing has its benefits, but when it comes to saving money on auto insurance, that’s not one of them. That’s largely because when you lease, you’re required to keep certain amounts of coverages and there’s no wiggle room around it. If you own your car, you can likely save money by reducing coverage to legal minimums. Sure, you may have to pay some money out of pocket if you are ever in an accident and the limits don’t fully cover the damage, but for most people, this is a risk that they’re willing to take to save money on insurance premiums.
Bundle Packages
Have a home? A boat? Other vehicles? When you insure multiple entities with one insurance company, you’re likely to receive a discount. Think of it as an appreciation discount, as for insuring multiple entities with the company you get rewarded for your business and your trust with the respective insurance company. The more you can bundle, the more you’re likely to save.
Ask Your Insurance Agent
Here’s one that not many drivers think to pursue: Simply just call up your current insurance agent and see if there’s anything that you can do to receive some sort of reduced or discounted premium. Often, something as simple as just parking your vehicle in the garage – where it’s more guarded from Mother Nature and potential theft – can yield a savings. Adding certain modern-day safety features to your vehicle can help as well. Driving less miles per year may be able to help. Your agent can also tell you if taking the defensive driving course online can net a discounted rate.
Planning School Field Trips to the Kennedy Space Center
The best way to win the approval of hundreds of school children is by planning an all-day field trip. Cutting class, riding on a bus for hours, and visiting somewhere interactive was always a great way to spend a school day. But, the best part about any field trip was that sweet, sweet gift shop.
Florida field trip planners have a great opportunity to educate today’s youth about the mysteries of the cosmos and mankind’s innovations to explore it. The Kennedy Space Center is a fantastic trip to take children of all ages. There are exhibits and tours designated for students at specific grade levels, so finding the perfect tour to meet their needs will be simple.
The pressure is on at school. Those students are hard critics. You’ve been trying to win their approval since day one, so here’s your chance. Before the semester ends, you can become the most popular person in school. We’re showing you how to plan a school field trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
When to Make a Reservation
Planning a trip to the Kennedy Space Center isn’t rocket science. The best way to schedule your field trip is by making a phone reservation at least one week in advance before your arrival. The Space Center doesn’t take walk-ups. Nothing is more awkward than being denied at the KSC entrance when you have hundreds of kids with you. What will Cory, the really cool 3rd grader think of you then!?
Getting a Bus Driver
You don’t expect to drive the entire 3rd grade class to the Kennedy Space Center in your hatchback, do you? Sure, you made straight A’s in your Drivers Ed class, but you need a special license to drive that many children. Hiring the services of a school bus driver will be the best way to transport any large number of students.
Chaperone Policy
We know you want to win the approval of all the school children, but you can’t be the sole chaperone of this trip. The Kennedy Space Center has a strict chaperone policy. From their website, “One chaperone for every five students in kindergarten through grade 5” and “One chaperone for every 10 students in grade 6 through 12.” Before the trip, make sure you have plenty of volunteers to help chaperone the students. You could always put Cory, the really cool 3rd grader, in your group.
Your Meal Plan
There are plenty of cafes throughout the Kennedy Space Center. But, if you want to really impress your students, you’d get them lunch with a real-life astronaut. One of the dining options at the KSC is “Lunch with an Astronaut,” where an astronaut will give a short lecture followed by a Q&A session over dessert.
Shopping and Souvenirs
The real reason everyone loves field trips is because of the shopping and souvenirs. What better way to prove you’ve been to the Kennedy Space Center is there than purchasing a really cool souvenir? Located throughout the Space Center, shopping spots and souvenir stands will help your students leave with nostalgic memorabilia they’ll use once and never pick up again.
For all other information on what to do during your visit at the Kennedy Space Center, visit their website at: https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/. You’ll find downloadable guides, lists of exhibits, and contact information to make the most of your field trip.
Let’s just hope you win the approval of Cory, the really cool 3rd grader, with this trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
Will California Bullet Train Travel Be Worthwhile?
They were first seen in farmers markets. Next, they were asking for signatures outside big-box stores. Finally, the young idealists successfully rallied the people behind the idea of the California High-Speed Rail, also known as the California Bullet Train, a massive project that would allow passengers to ride between Los Angeles Union Station and San Francisco’s Transbay Transit Center in a mere 2 hours and 40 minutes. They also plan to build extra tracks going down through Anaheim, all the way to San Diego in the south, and an alternate track running to Sacramento in the north. For many, this sounds like a dream come true. However, it might be time to admit that the project may only work in theory.
How Off-Track Has This Gone?
Earlier this year, it was announced that the cost of building 119 miles of track in the Central Valley has already surged beyond the original estimate of $6 billion. It is now $10.6 billion, and the project has barely begun, despite construction being approved by California’s Governor Jerry Brown in 2012. These cost estimates are just for the Central Valley. The current conservative estimates of the total cost of the project are now at $98 billion, more than double what the voters approved in Proposition 1A back in 2008.
Possibly worst of all, the project won’t be completed until 2029, when those young idealists will be in or near their forties, and Jerry Brown, the governor who made this all possible, will be at least retired and might even, by then, be riding the great train tracks in the sky. With the astounding speed new technology develops these days, the California High-Speed Rail might even be obsolete before they’re done building it.
How Will the Train Be Worth This Hassle?
Let’s take a step back from all the insane statistics of failure. What do we want from a California bullet train, in the beautiful, hypothetical future where the undertaking is successful? Is there any one thing, aside from the massive convenience of the quick travel time, that will make riders choose a train over an even shorter flight? Many airlines have been offering cheap in-state flights for years, so how can the California High-Speed Rail compete?
One option is to give the passengers room to breathe. While those who stand to profit from the train may want to pack riders in like sardines, much like the coach section on most commercial flights, the ability to stretch their legs out could certainly sway even devoted members of Frequent Flyer’s programs. However, there may be a rush to recoup all the money spent on the project. Those at the top might think the easiest way to do this would be to cram as many seats as possible onto the train, then charge as much as they think people will pay for them. If they do this, the whole endeavor could fail, wasting billions of taxpayer dollars and two decades of planning and hard work. Very few people will choose a longer travel time if both cost and comfort are comparable to the less time-consuming option.
As an alternative, to both boost income and attract riders, the California High-Speed Rail needs to have Wi-Fi, or whatever new internet connectivity may be available in 2029. They can charge a usage fee, just like most airlines do. This way, people can while away the commute on their phones, playing their games, reading their emails, or even completing their traffic school online. Many people hate flying, for a variety of reasons. If they are given a traveling option that is almost as fast as flying but more comfortable and just as secure, they will be happy to pay an extra five or ten bucks for the Wi-Fi. This will allow the project to remain financially feasible, and all the critics will have to admit the trials and tribulations were worth it in the end. Ultimately, California will remain a leader in new and innovative technology.
What do the Oscar Winners Drive?
If you happened to be watching T.V. last Sunday, you may have caught one of the most popular events of the year. The 2018 Oscars reeled in last year’s most noteworthy films for one night of celebration. Now that everyone can stop guessing who will win which Oscar, the real guessing can begin. What do the Oscar winners drive?
Most people think the Oscars end when celebrities win their awards. Unsuspecting to them, that’s when real speculation begins. We know who won the Oscars, but what we don’t know is what the Oscar winners drive! You know that Myimprov.com is obsessed with cars. Our version of the Oscars is when we discover what car people drive.
Frances McDormand
Best Actress Oscar winner, Frances McDormand, clearly drives a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Her acting career is built just like the car she drives, classy and durable. If her powerful performance in Three Billboards was of any indication, McDormand would drive the car equivalent of a giant box.
Gary Oldman
Known for his roles in True Romance and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, you may have seen Gary Oldman in his most recent film, The Darkest Hour, reprising his Oscar winning role for Best Actor. Therefore, he would drive a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The idea of Gary Oldman driving a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan might seem preposterous. But, Gary Oldman only drives the latest and greatest minivans.
Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro deserved his title of Oscar winner for Best Director. He directed the film The Shape of Water, which told the captivating love story between a woman and sea creature. That’s why we speculate Guillermo del Toro drives a 2018 Honda CRV. With spacious room, compact design, and 28 miles per gallon in the city, there’s no reason why Guillermo del Toro wouldn’t drive a red 2018 Honda CRV.
Jordan Peele
One of the most praised films of 2017 was Jordan Peele’s original screenplay, Get Out. That’s why he won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay last Sunday. Coincidentally, his victory and nominations solidified our theory that he drives a Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo Van. He might need a lot of room to fit his Oscar trophy, so that’s why we would assume Jordan Peele drives a van used to ship large boxes.
Allison Janney
Oscar winner of Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film I, Tonya, Allison Janney is an inspiration to many. That’s why we believe Allison Janney would drive the most inspiring car of all, the 2018 Toyota Camry. With a combined 34 miles per gallon, front wheel drive, and compact – yet spacious – room, the Toyota Camry is the #2nd most popular sedan, but the most inspirational sedan.
Sam Rockwell
Sam Rockwell won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Three Billboards. With a performance like none other in his category, Rockwell would obviously drive a car like none other: the Honda Fit. The Fit is a hatchback that is roomy and versatile to meet the needs of the driver – just like Sam Rockwell.
One thing that makes these Oscar winners stand-out among other celebrity drivers is they all completed the best defensive driving courses online NY has to offer. They know that getting a traffic citation could end their acting career and their good driver career. But, they won’t sweat when paying their car insurance. The reason being, taking a defensive driving course keeps your annual insurance rate from increasing when you receive a traffic citation.
For us, choosing the next Oscar winner is challenging. The real joy in finding out who wins an Oscar is speculating the car they drive.
What’s Better: Ride Cabin or Driving?
You may be familiar with the revolutionary mode of transportation that recently sprung up in California. Ride cabin is a unique travel experience where passengers rent out private pods known as “cabins” while they ride between Los Angeles and San Francisco in a giant mega bus. What sounds like a perfect setting for a Black Mirror episode is a convenient way to travel between metropolitan areas.
But, is it better than driving?
As always, we ask the hard-hitting questions that plague everyone’s mind. Especially when it comes to futuristic modes of transportation. We’re weighing the pros and the cons of whether it’s better to drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco or to sleep travel in a Cabin.
Driving Between Los Angeles and San Francisco
Pros:
When you’re driving, you can take your time. You can cruise and enjoy the environmental beauty by taking the PCH or take I-5. Driving your own car allows you take as much freedom as you want between your destinations. You can even take a pit stop to make conversation with the crazy mountain cannibals.
You also won’t need to worry about luggage room. At least, you’ll have more room to fit your clothes, necessities, kitchen sink, or other important travel goods. You will even have the option to pick up a hitchhiker along the way.
Finally, you’ll be able to rock out to your own playlist. It’s nearly a 7-hour trip between the cities, so you have plenty of time to practice your singing, air drums, or choreographic seat dancing during your exhausting drive.
Cons:
It’s a 7-hour trip. Did you read that correctly? 7-hours. Do you want to drive for 7-hours? That’s only one way! You’ll have to make that drive again when you’re returning.
You’re driving roughly 800 miles round trip. That’s road trip worthy preparation before you even start driving. Not to mention the wear and tear your car will accumulate during the 14-hour drive. There’s also the chance for bumping into reckless drivers, natural disasters, and other incidents that could occur while driving.
You’ll also have to fork up a bunch of money for gas, food, and other necessities along the way. If you get ticketed for violating a traffic law, you’ll be looking for “traffic schools near me” quicker than a Cabin bus en route to San Francisco, to dismiss the ticket and avoid points going on your record.
Taking a Cabin Btwn. Los Angeles and San Francisco
Pros:
7-hours is the perfect amount of sleep you need every night. Coincidentally, it’s also the amount of time it takes a Cabin bus to travel between Los Angeles and San Francisco. While everyone else is driving through the night, you can have a full night’s rest on the bus in your private sleeping cabin.
With the large amount of accommodations Cabin offers, you’ll be able to read, work, stream shows or movies, and just about anything else instead of driving. You can even bust out the air drums while listening to your favorite song.
Cabin is moving a hotel. Therefore, you’ll get the hospitality benefits of staying in a hotel while also getting the transportation benefits of a bus. You’ll have access to restrooms, you’ll get evening and morning refreshments, Wi-Fi access, USB plug ins, lounge areas, and luxury bedding.
Cons:
The only major con we can think of is interacting with people. But, the Cabin staff are exceptionally patient and kind. Paying money is always a con, but it’s nowhere near the price you’ll be paying for an 800-mile journey. One major con is not seeing all your crazy mountain friends, who only come out at night to hunt their human prey.
When taking a trip between cities, choose the means of transportation that is the best investment for your money and health. If you do end up driving, just remember that enrolling in a traffic school can prevent your annual insurance rates from increasing when, or if, you get a traffic violation. Also, don’t forget to bring raw meat for the crazy mountain cannibals!
Florida Tourist Traffic Traps
For tourist and speeders, traffic traps are the bane of highway travels. Lurking in the shadows, highway patrol waits for their unsuspecting victim to speed through their trap. But, the victims aren’t so much victims as they are perpetrators for violating the traffic laws. Once they get a ticket, they usually opt to take online FL traffic school to dismiss the ticket.
However, some highway patrol takes it too far. One example of excessive speeding traps is the scheme that occurred in Waldo, Florida. An investigation began in the tiny village after 7 police officers wrote 12,000 speeding tickets in one year.
Speeding is always bad, but speeding traps are worst. The investigation led to the disbandment of the entire Waldo police force. Florida has the reputation of excessive speeding traps throughout the state, so we’re listing some of the top traffic traps for Florida tourist.
Lawtey
Like Waldo, this small shanty town is notorious for its high rate of speed traps. Be on the lookout for signs that quickly reduce speeds, school zones, and how fast you’re going through the town. When driving through this town, remember you can’t spell Lawtey without “Law” – as in, follow it.
Miami
One of the biggest cities in Florida, Miami has countless reports of speeding traps. Most reports note turnpikes, streets throughout the city, and occasionally on the highways. When visiting this town, remember you can catch some sun, beach fun, and some traffic tickets.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg has its fair share of traffic traps. When passing through the city, watch out for school zones and speed limit signs that fluctuate quickly. The police are relentless with issuing tickets. Instead of calling it St. Petersburg, it should be called St. Speedersburg.
Tampa
You can find yourself falling into a traffic trap whenever you take an exit in Tampa. Drive the speed limit, or a few below, when you leave a highway. Police like to pull over unsuspecting speeders who are adjusting their speed.
Lady Lake
In this small town, reduce speed signs are littered throughout the area. This makes the land ripe for ticketing. You’ll pass through this town when you’re taking US 441.
Sarasota
When you’re visiting Sarasota, be sure to check out the Big Cat Habitat or the Marine Laboratory, because you’ll need to do something happy after accumulating all your traffic tickets. Sarasota has an abundance of traffic traps. Be wary of traveling through this city; especially around bridges and school zones.
Gulf Breeze
When you’re vacationing to Destin (everyone loves Destin) watch out for speeding traps around Gulf Breeze on US 98. This area is known for the traffic traps set to catch you unsuspectingly. Which, everyone will be caught unsuspectingly, because the only thing people will be thinking about is their awesome vacation in Destin.
Orlando
Orland has one of the densest and unforgiving traffic traps in the state. Disney World can’t supply enough magic and wonder to make these traffic traps vanish. Some police officers like to catch tourist, who are unfamiliar with the area, when they least expect it: right outside Mickey Mouse’s Kingdom. That’s how Disney World works, right? Don’t fall victim to the tourist traffic traps around Orlando.
When you slip up and exceed the speed limit, you’ll be slapped with an expensive traffic ticket. Getting a traffic violation will result in a higher annual car insurance rate. But, there’s a solution to this problem.
Enrolling in an online traffic school and passing your Florida driving test will keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing when you, unfairly, get ticketed. So, enroll in one of our online traffic school course to get started taking your test.
What is in the State of California Visitor’s Guide
What better way is there to celebrate finishing your online traffic school than taking a trip to the West Coast? California is one of the biggest states in the entire country and the California Visitor’s Guide covers a lot of ground. The state stretches across an area of 163,696 square miles and has limitless opportunities for adventures. Yet, I still never seem to have any plans on Friday nights.
You won’t ever have a problem finding something to do in California. The sheer amount of attractions, eateries, parks, and tourist destinations will keep you occupied during your entire stay. With that said, we’ve compiled a list of California musts during your vacation.
Redwood National Park
They’re really big trees! Who doesn’t love really big trees? If you want to get lost in the outdoors, this is really good way to do it. The Redwood National Park is home to the largest trees in the world. If you can’t get lost here, you should consider a career in navigation.
Golden Gate Bridge
You can wonder at this modern World Wonder. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with the rest of the country by a mile-long suspension bridge. It’s also a national icon.
Disneyland
Located in Anaheim, California, this theme park is a must if you’re a Walt Disney fan. Disneyland is where you can finally embrace your inner princess by putting a pair of mouse ears on your head.
Death Valley
If you’re ready to leave this cruel, cruel world, then consider stopping by Death Valley. The name speaks for itself. Death Valley is a desert in Eastern California. Fun fact: It’s one the hottest places in the world with temperatures hitting 134 °F.
Hollywood Tours
Taking a tour through Hollywood is a great way to spot some celebrities, see your favorite film locations, or get heckled by a homeless man. Los Angeles has hundreds of alternative tours that you can partake in as well. Such as celebrity mansion tours, nature tours, and ghost tours – but you might get heckled by a homeless ghost man.
Yosemite National Park
Arguably one of the most recognized parks in the country, Yosemite has just about everything you’re looking for in a National Park outing. From granite cliffs to black bears rummaging through picnic baskets, Yosemite is a must for the outdoor adventurer.
Alcatraz Prison Island
If you’re wanting to escape your office prison for an actual prison, then stop by Alcatraz, the prison on an island. Rumored to be haunted by the inmates of the past, Alcatraz is a fun tourist destination despite its reputation.
Whale Watching in San Diego
San Diego is home to beautiful marine life. One of them happens to be whales. You can visit California’s southern city and check out all the whales who are visiting San Diego too.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is considered to be one the premier wine regions of the world. The selection of premium wines won’t have you whining! That’s some cheesy word play with your wine idea.
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
You can always roll down the windows, play some tunes, and coast up the PCH during sunset. It can be your personal movie moment. Driving up the PCH will take you 10 hours.
Visit the Zoos
California has a unique and interesting zoo in every metropolitan city. Even an abandoned zoo in Los Angeles. A fun idea for the entire family can be visiting one of the many zoos in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Sacramento!
Lake Tahoe
When all else fails, you can post up on Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, you won’t have any issue finding isolation. You can tune out all the noise by basking in California’s natural beauty.
Roadkill TV Show vs Reality
Roadkill is an automotive restoration television show that transforms trashed up beaters into modified road demons. What we love most about this show is creating something so beautiful out of nothing. Coincidentally, it’s the perfect metaphor we see in our students who enroll in our traffic school online.
The projects seen on the show vary from downright challenging to goofy and absurdly fun. But, don’t you think it’s odd that every project ends on a positive note? It seems almost suspicious. That’s why we’ve done some investigative journalism to pull back the curtains on this popular T.V show. We’re diving deep to discover what really happens to the cars on Roadkill.
The Ranchero
This 1968 Ford Ranchero restoration was a very familiar project for fans of the show. This car’s “notable achievement” was its long journey from Alaska to Los Angeles. But, if you ask us – they might as well call it the 1968 Ford Mentiroso (Spanish for liar.)
But, after doing some research and questioning, we concluded that David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan did, in fact, conduct heavy restoration to the original vehicle. That’s not stopping us from diving deeper!
Big Pen
Do you really expect us to believe that they took a broken down 1950 GMC Pick-Up Truck and drove it off the lot, where it sat for 30 years? Likely story, Roadkill. Instead of calling the show Roadkill, they should rename it to Road Fibbers, because that’s all they do to the viewers.
However, again, after a careful examination of the research, we discovered they were able to the beater running. Something still smells off, so the sting story continues!
The General Mayhem
Here is a prime example of what really happens on Roadkill. Freiburger and Finnegan just so happened to be sitting on a ‘68 Dodge Charger, which, was essentially, three pieces of scrap metal attached to wheels. Then, they somehow put a transmission in from a literal motorhome. Supposedly they created it over 6 months – the perfect amount of time to get a brand-new car delivered.
Editor note: after rereading the notes taken during several credible interviews, we have concluded this car was actually restored on the show.
The Blasphemi
Come on, really? Do they honestly think viewers will believe the hosts brought the bare body of a ‘55 Chevy Bel Air Sedan to a shop and had it restored with a 530ci Mopar Performance Hemi? That idea is – ahem – blasphemy!
Seriously? They did that? That’s so cool! I mean – the search continues to find the real answers.
The Rotsun
Finally – the truth you’ve all been waiting for! They were given a 1971 Datsun 240Z that was rustier than your little league throwing arm. It was a valiant attempt, but after doing some hard-hitting research we discovered what really happened. After they successfully rebuilt the car to near perfect operating condition, the engine gave out when the hosts drove back from Arizona “after filming.”
There you have it. Nearly all the cars they built on Roadkill continue to work. You can clearly see this is another example of Hollywood Reality TV elites us feeding us fabricated lies.
If you’re ever conducting your own car restoration, and get a ticket for violating a traffic law, you should enroll in traffic school online. It’s the easier way to keep your insurance rate from skyrocketing for being a reckless driver. But, you’ll never be as reckless as the hosts from Roadkill.
Jay Leno’s Garage
You may recognize the title Jay Leno’s Garage as the popularized television show starring ex-Tonight Show host Jay Leno. Known as a car fanatic, Mr. Leno has a prime collection of automobiles, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles. This show is all about cars and the car enthusiast.
However, there’s an issue.
As you know, the staff here at Myimprov.com love cars – really anything that has to do with driving. We would’ve loved to indulge in this type of CNBC sophisticated programming. It’s a funny host in a garage full of cars.
But there was something missing.
The show didn’t go deep enough. That’s why I took it upon myself to discover what cars ACTUALLY exist in Jay Leno’s Garage. After hours of meticulous planning, I devised the perfect covert operation to get the full scoop of Mr. Leno’s garage. Here are my findings:
1970 Mazda Cosmo
The idea was simple. I arrived at his house dressed as a representative from Mr. Leno’s “Yacht of the Month Club” membership program. I had to scope out his home to discover “the perfect place to drop off his monthly Yacht.”
It worked.
Bingo-bango, I found myself inside of his basement garage. Beholden at the sight of a limited edition 1970 Mazda Cosmo. Sleek in design, pure white like the Mr. Leno’s molar teeth, and – most importantly – fast. I took it for a spin in his underground racing track that he purchased with the residual checks from The Tonight Show.
Audi R8 Spyder
After my joy ride in the Cosmo, I made an appearance upstairs to maintain the charade of me representing the Yacht Club Committee. “It will be any moment now, Mr. Leno,” I told him. He nodded his head begrudgingly.
“Just place it in my 20-mile purchased territory of the Pacific Ocean with the other 20 yachts,” he mumbled as I went back downstairs to his garage. I ignored him. There were cars to explore.
The Audi R8 Spyder caught my eye. It’s known to be among the fastest cars in the world. The desire to sit behind its wheel caused me to salivate. The car was red like fury, compact like a bullet, and worth more than I could fathom. Therefore, I took it for a drive.
Blastolene Special
My fun came to a braking halt. Mr. Leno had wandered downstairs with his sailor’s hat and uniform ready to sail on his monthly yacht. The jig was up. He had to stop me, so he did the only thing he could think of in the moment.
He hopped in his Blastolene Special and raced after me. I was awestruck by the beauty of the industrial magnificence that was the Special. Equipped with a supercharged engine, this behemoth of muscle shot towards me at lightning speeds. I didn’t know what would happen if Mr. Leno caught me, but I wasn’t about to find out.
1930 Bentley G400
As I was being chased by a very upset Jay Leno, my car enthusiast eye caught a glimpse of a 1930’s Bentley G400. I jumped inside to escape his wrath. Starting the car ignited the WWII plane engine, which was placed inside, and pulsed 700-horsepower through the veins of Bentley’s inner workings.
I escaped Jay by blasting through his garage at lightning speeds. The adrenaline was pumping through my veins, but something was off — again. The lights of a traffic officer lit up in my rear-view mirror when I pulled onto the 405 North. I was going 20 miles over the speed limit and became a reckless driver.
The officer handed me a ticket for exceeding the speed limit, which will directly affect my annual insurance rates. So, now feels like a good time to let you know something important. When you enroll in traffic school, you can lower your annual insurance rates. This happens when insurance companies know you’re a safe driver.
I never saw Jay Leno after that night. But, a piece of me wonders if I should return his Bentley…
CA Highways and Freeways: What to Expect
Highways and Freeways are the backbone of the United States’ infrastructure. Between the toll roads and the rest stops you find the American dream in the form of 3-lane paved concrete road. When you’re traveling in California, it’s nearly impossible to get around without cruising the countryside on one of these famous interstate CA highways.
So, what exactly should you expect during your cross-state road trip?
You may find your share of potholes, detours, crazed mountain folk, and road construction when you’re driving up the PCH or navigating through the desert. So, we’re giving you a road map to what to expect from California’s highways and freeways.
I-5
Interstate-5 is a heavily used north to south highway that stretches across the entire state of California. This freeway directly and indirectly connects every major metropolitan city in the Golden State. Despite being filled with traffic when passing around cities, I-5 is known for its scenic views of central California. Just be sure to watch out for crazed mountain folk! Just kidding – but we’re sure they’re out there.
I-8
Running along Mexico’s border, you’ll see your fair share of sand and dirt. But, that doesn’t stop this interstate from being a breathtaking experience! This freeway is often used for travelers coming or going from San Diego.
On this route, you can pass through the historic town of Yuma on your way to Arizona. Although, the only historical fact about Yuma I know is seeing the film 3:10 to Yuma. You will also pass by the Instagram worthy sand dunes and beautiful sunsets through this desert filled freeway.
I-10
If you’re beach bound coming from Arizona, I-10 is the route for you. You can stay on this highway all the way from Phoenix to Santa Monica. You’ll be so close to the coast, you could practically drive straight onto the beach. Most of this trip is through the desert between the two bordering states, so you can expect flat lands, dried up cacti, and bumpy roads.
If you’re making the drive at night, you can pull over on a side road and look up at the milky way. There’s hardly ever cloud coverage, so you can have a perfect view of the galaxy at night. You don’t need fancy scenery when you have the stars!
I-80
Also known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower highway, I-80’s stretch will get you from San Francisco across the country to New Jersey. You can gain access to this historic highway by entering through the bay area. This concrete path will take you through the countryside of Northern California and well-known landmarks, such as The Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada.
But, be on the lookout for speed limit signs! I-80 has a reduced speed of 65 MPH. Unlike the usual 70 MPH throughout rural California.
“The 101” or “101”
Arguably the most popular highway in all of California. The 101 is among the longest highways in the state. It’ll take you from Oregon to Los Angeles. Along this route, you can expect to find historic landmarks, California staples, the serene countryside beauty, tourist destinations, highway patrol, and even the Golden Gate Bridge.
If you had to sum up all of California into a stretch of road, it’ll be the 101. You can also see the Pacific Ocean along most of this drive, because it runs near the coast.
When you’re cruising through the countryside on a highway or freeway, remember not to speed. We know the temptation can be there. We’ve been down the PCH during sunset. If you ARE slapped with a speeding ticket, remember to enroll in an online traffic school California. Doing so can wipe away the speeding ticket’s points from your driving record, you won’t have to suffer from increased insurance rates, and you can prove to yourself that you are a safe driver. Safe enough for some insurance rate deductions!
The Best Time to Drive in California
The tormented know this feeling all too well. You’re jammed in the middle of rows and aisles of cars on a highway you’ve never driven on in California. You had a 1:00PM meeting with the beach, but at this rate, you’ll be lucky to make it there before sundown because of the drive in California. You’ve heard about the monstrous traffic there, but you pushed it away as folklore trying to scare away tourism. Yet, you find yourself stuck in one of the worst traffic jams in the entire country.
Nothing is worse than the helpless feeling you have when you’re imprisoned in a sea of cars. Let’s hope you packed some snacks and used the restroom before you left, because you’ll be stuck on the 101 for another few hours. There’s a light at the end of this traffic jam. Your favorite online traffic school is here to help. We’re listing the best times to use the roads in California.
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Los Angeles
LA has some of the worst traffic in the world. It’s common that a person, leaving from work, can face upwards to 2 hours of traffic on their commute home. That’s horrifying. Unfortunately, it’s life of the Angelino – who owns a car.
Whether you’re driving through Los Angeles or you’re planning on living there, know how to plan around rush hour – or rush 3-hours. The worst times to drive are between 7:00 AM-10:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM. During these hours, traffic will become more like a nose during the allergy season – it’ll reach max congestion. We joke, but really. Don’t go on the roads between those hours.
San Francisco
San Francisco’s traffic is similar to Los Angeles’ traffic, except everyone wakes up and leaves for work earlier. If you’re navigating the roads through the bay area, be on the lookout of early morning rushers and late afternoon/early evening sleepy commuters. 7:00 AM-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM tend to be work and home commute rush.
Of course, it tends to be smooth sailing – sorry smooth cruising – when you’re passing through on the weekend. Between Saturday and Sunday, traffic dies down while the rest of San Francisco gets their beauty sleep.
San Diego
Just like most of California, there’s no avoiding the traffic. But, you do have the option of congested traffic or super congested traffic! With that said, if you want to drive through that simple, easy going regular traffic, then try avoiding the dreadful 7:30 AM-10:00 AM and 3:30 PM-6:30 PM.
If you’re visiting San Diego, one of the best options is to travel by foot. It has a vibrant downtown life full of culture, farmers’ markets, and eateries that are all within walking distance.
California State
California is great for vacationing. Especially the Pacific Coast Highway which stretches from north to south along the western coast. So, if you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway to the golden state, you should know the busiest times in the year to get around.
Tourism traffic reaches its high point during the summer season. Visiting the state during Spring, Fall, and Winter will give you plenty of time to visit empty beaches, tourist destinations, and smooth cruises along the coast. Of course, if you want vacant roads, plan to drive on the highways during the holidays. Los Angeles during Thanksgiving looks like a post-apocalyptic waste, except there’s no mayhem and destruction – just no cars on the road.
Remember the best way to drive is by being a defensive driver. Enrolling into a California defensive driving course online with Myimprov.com is will teach you the tools necessary to drive safely. Of course, when you’re stuck in traffic, the only thing to remember is to not yell at the cars around you.
2018 Texas Traffic Laws
As is the case with most states in the union, Texas is always updating its driving and Texas traffic laws as technology, trends and other factors require it to. For 2018, there are a few notable new laws that have taken effect. We’ll also examine one big notable law that took effect in 2017 that is certainly worth reinforcing when it comes to their significance. Here’s a look:
Faster Vehicle Sales?
When a vehicle is sold, it’s standard for this ownership to be transferred from seller to buyer. A new bill, S.B. 1062, aims to speed up bill sales by further streamlining odometer readings. Prior to the bill taking effect, the only way to meet the odometer reading requirement for a sale was to do it on a secure form. Why? Because it prevented any tampering from occurring. After it was done this way, the form then had to be mailed, which could potentially delay the vehicle ownership transfer process by a few days.
Now, it’s no longer a requirement to file the odometer reading this way. Per the bill, electronic forms are the only thing that’s needed today, making for faster transfers. It’s also worth noting that electronic readings may also now be submitted in the case of filing an insurance claim. Sometimes, the waiting is the hardest part – this makes the wait times much more manageable.
No Texting and Driving
Though this involves a law that went into effect in 2017, it’s worth repeating. Texas has joined many other states in the union and has made texting and driving illegal thanks to H.B. 62, which went into effect on September 1, 2017. The statewide ban can result in a misdemeanor offense for those who violate it while operating a vehicle.
According to the law, first-time violators may be fined about $100, with fines doubling for repeat offenders. For context, Texas speeding ticket cost for going one to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit carries a base fine of $97, while speeding 20 miles per hour or more carries a base fine of $200. (We should also note that if you have tickets and points on your license and are interested in getting your insurance premiums decreased, taking courses at a TX traffic school can help.)
In 2015, almost 3,500 died from an accident involving a distracted driver nationwide. What’s more is that nearly 400,000 people were injured because of distracted driving. It’s these facts that are leading many states to take such matters very seriously, and Texas is now no exception. To date, 47 U.S. states ban texting while driving, as does Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
New Weight Limits on Milk Hauling
S.B. 1383 likely doesn’t apply to most Texans, but it’s certainly worth noting when it comes to new driving laws for this year. Specifically, the law has increased the weight limits on the amount of milk that can be hauled in a truck. Prior to 2018, that limit was 80,000 pounds. Now, it’s 90,000 pounds. According to the bill’s sponsor, the last time the milk transportation limits were updated was in 1995, so this was evidently due for a review.
Per the bill, drivers must have a permit to do so. The permit costs $1,200. Again, this won’t apply to the majority of Texas drivers, but we’re guessing that the increased weight limit is welcomed by drivers and grocery stores. For reference, a gallon of milk weighs about 8.6 pounds. That means trucks will be able to carry an additional 1,162.7 gallons with their load.
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