Internet Infrastructure Maintenance

Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) has been informed by our Web server hosting provider that Internet service to their facility will be disrupted due to scheduled maintenance. The expected downtime will occur on Wednesday, February 17, from midnight to 6:00 a.m. (PT), though service may not be out for that entire duration.

This schedule maintenance will leave all of TSC's Web-based programs and services unavailable during that time. Internet-based students will not be able to access traffic school reading material or tests during that time, and your online traffic school administrative tools will likewise be inaccessible. No changes are being made directly to TSC's hardware or software systems, and full functionality should return immediately once Internet access to the facility is restored.

TSC's IT team is working to present a notification banner that will display for students of our Internet-based programs warning them of the system downtime. This banner will display to students accessing Internet-based programs for a few days prior to the event.

No action is required on your part. TSC is simply informing you as a courtesy and so you can offer an explanation in the unlikely event that a student should affected.

Help Your Car to See in the Winter

Hazardous Conditions: Winter Driving

Driving in winter weather is challenging. Traction can be limited, and snowy conditions reduce all drivers' ability to see. Drivers should remove snow and ice from their windows and lights before departing, and it's helpful to see that the windshield wipers (including the washer fluid) and defroster are well maintained. They should also kick snow from their footwear (so their foot doesn't slip off of the pedals while driving) and activate the low beam headlights.

With today's high-tech vehicles, however, it's important not just to ensure your own visibility. These days, the car can do some of the driving, and it's critical that the vehicle be able to "see" as well. An increasing number of vehicles are equipped with driver's aids such as  lane departure warning systems, crash avoidance systems, adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, and more. These systems use cameras, sensors, radar, and ultrasound (or some combination thereof) to do what they do, and a thick coat of ice, snow, and/or grime can significantly hamper their effectiveness.

When discussing hazardous driving conditions with students, remind them:

Keep Your Car Clean So It Can "See"

In addition to all windows and lamp lenses, don't forget to clear obstructions from the following sensors (if your vehicle is so-equipped):

• lane departure camera system
• adaptive cruise control radar window
• blind spot monitor cameras/sensors
• 360° view side cameras
• rearview camera
• ultrasonic parking assist sensors

Common Locations of Sensors

Some of these sensors are less sensitive to being blocked by ice or snow. The radar window and the bumper-mounted ultrasonic sensors should be more tolerant of obstructions, though their effectiveness can be impaired by ice or snow or dirt, so you may as well get them clear if you can. Other systems, like lane departure and some forms of adaptive cruise control and emergency brake assist are camera-dependent, and those cameras are just like your eyes—they can't see through snow and ice. If you don't clean these sensors well, not only will they not work, but they may drive you crazy with false alerts.

A little extra effort before you slide behind the wheel can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your safety systems. Help them to help you, and stay safe when driving in winter weather.

Guerilla Marketing Techniques for 2016

It's rare for smaller businesses to have a large marketing budget. Marketing remains a critical part of an overall business strategy, however. Without making people aware of your business, you won't make sales. It's that simple!

Put gorilla guerilla marketing techniques
to good use and boost your business!

To successfully tackle marketing on a small scale, creativity is the key. This means guerilla marketing tactics that are often unconventional and outside-of-the-box. The term guerilla marketing was first coined by Jay Conrad Levinson who wrote a book by the same name. His book instructed businesses to capture the attention and imagination of their audiences using unusual tactics such as street promotions, giveaways, games, and contests.

Interestingly, taking a guerilla marketing approach actually has some distinct advantages. Not only is it typically very cost-effective, it also means using strategies and tactics that are often impossible for larger businesses to pull off. Smaller often translates into being more nimble when it comes to marketing, and this can be a distinct advantage.

Check out the guerilla marketing tips below to get your business swingin':

• Social Media: Social media connect billions of people around the world through a series of status updates, tweets, and other rich media. And in the business world, it's a powerful tool for attracting prospects and upping your customer service game. If you haven't jumped on this bandwagon, it's definitely time to do so.
• First, get on Facebook. Invite your friends and family to like the page and then use those numbers as leverage to gain some credibility with outsiders.
• Then, join Twitter and follow, follow, follow. Use the search feature to find people within your niche and tweet at them, making pleasant but relevant conversation.
• Once you have these outlets, push as much rich media out as you can, whether it's photos of where you work, videos of a typical day on the job, or witty tweets and status updates. On a related note…
• Produce a Viral Video: Social media success can be taken to a whole new level with the addition of video. A video on YouTube can go viral in a matter of days if it's compelling enough. This is an incredibly powerful form of marketing that can literally create a valuable minute of fame for your business. With something moving, funny, undeniably interesting, a video shared on YouTube can travel to Twitter and Facebook like wildfire. This form of guerilla marketing for small businesses isn't for everyone, but if you have a great idea, it's worth giving it a shot.
• Start a Friendly Fight: A friendly fight is when you and another company battle it out through the use of social networking and/or other media by having the public vote on who has the better product(s) or service(s). This won't harm your business; however, it would help people to cast their vote judiciously.
• Create "Billboard" Opportunities: Why not slap your logo on a shirt or hat for your friends, family, and employees to wear? Of course, you should be wearing your garb, too. Shirts and caps are inexpensive and can generate buzz in the grocery store, on the street, or at an industry function or trade show. Take this concept a step further, and consider magnetic signs or bumper stickers for your vehicle or even a total promotional wrap. The more people who see your information, the better!
• Postering Still Works: Postering has been around for a while now, but it's picked up steam again, thanks to a lot of clever posters. A good way to implement this strategy is to have a question on your poster that just about everyone in your target audience will understand. Then, you either need to make them laugh or want to take the time to get the "help" they need by calling the number or going to the web address that is printed on the poster.

Want some more ideas? Check out these real-world examples of great guerilla marketing!

With a little luck, these guerilla marketing techniques just might deliver results to pound your chest over!

New Michigan Law for 2015

Michigan's Driver Responsibility Fee Program will officially end in October 2019 under a new law that gradually steps down Driver Responsibility Fees over the next few years.

Only the Driver Responsibility Fees for points or citations issued on or after October 1, 2015, will be reduced, and the amount of the rate reduction will depend upon the year in which the qualifying ticket was issued or points were accumulated.

For complete information, visit the Department of State (DoS) web page for Driver Responsibility, and especially this publication (PDF) from the DoS.

Winter Driving Tips

Driving in severe weather can be physically and emotionally trying as well as dangerous. If the conditions are too treacherous, it's far better to postpone the trip, if possible. Motor vehicles can easily handle less severe wintry conditions, however, as long as drivers slow down and proceed with caution.

Remind your students of these tips for handling winter weather driving:

General Tips for Winter Driving

The following tips are good general advice for handling winter driving conditions. In fact, some of them are good advice year-round!

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage, where carbon monoxide and other dangerous exhaust gasses can accumulate. (In fact…modern engine control computers allow vehicles to run amazingly well even when cold, and idling a vehicle for 20 minutes accomplishes very little beyond converting fuel into pollution. A short warm-up of 30 seconds or so may be a good idea; perhaps even a minute or two if it's really cold.)
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet roads, snow, ice, sand).
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle!
• Avoid driving while you're tired. Stay generally well rested before operating a motor vehicle and, if fatigue sets in while you're on the road, pull over in a safe place and take a break (even a nap) before resuming travel.

Tips for Winter Road Trips

Remind students who are planning long-distance trips in winter weather:

• Check weather reports prior to a long-distance trip or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination, and estimated time of arrival.
• Make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected at a reliable repair facility.
• Pack a smartphone, blankets, gloves, hats, food, water, and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times.
• If you become snowbound, stay with your vehicle! It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don't overexert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe remains clear of snow, ice, and mud. A blocked exhaust system could cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the passenger compartment when the engine is running.

Tips for Driving in the Snow

If a vehicle must be operated on snowy or icy roads:

• Drive slowly. Give yourself time to maneuver on slippery surfaces.
• Accelerate and decelerate smoothly and gently. Don't accelerate aggressively, and take time to slow down/stop for traffic controls and road hazards.
• Increase your following distance, beyond the normal three-second spacing, to up to eight or even ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes.
• Always apply firm, steady pressure when stopping a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes.
• If you're vehicle lacks anti-lock brakes, the best way to stop is threshold braking: Keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply pressure on the brake pedal just shy of the point where the wheels lock up.
• Don't try to power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. Traction limitations could make it very difficult—if not impossible—to get the vehicle rolling (uphill) again.
• Stay home. If you don't really have to go out…don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can!

Build Brand Loyalty Through Social Media

With the rise of the Internet and social media marketing, younger generations are exposed to brands at even earlier ages. This makes it important to reach potential customers as early as possible—especially in the case of businesses that provide goods or services to younger consumers (like driving schools!). The good news is that these younger prospects tend to be heavy Internet users, and social media marketing can be free or relatively low-cost. In this space, creativity and simply taking action can often win the day.

It can be hard for newcomers to social media to know where to start, however. Check out this excellent article for easy suggestions: 5 Ways to Build Brand Loyalty Through Social Media!

New Florida Office Location

Preparations are underway.
We'll be in the new office soon!

Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) is moving its Florida office location!

We're not asking for help packing or setting up, but we did want to make sure that you know where you could find us. While phone, fax, email, and all other means of communication will remain unchanged, we will be changing our physical/mailing address. Effective October 15, 2015, our new address will be:

3260 North Highway 17-92
Unit 112
Longwood, Florida 32750

Practice Makes Perfect—and Profits!

The California online driver education curriculum from Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) includes a valuable Practice Permit Test component that can help young drivers to pass the written exam portion of the permitting process. Students are offered one complimentary test of fifteen questions and have the opportunity to purchase four more unique practice tests, so they can study up for their written exam.

A Great Upsell Opportunity!

An examination of the applicant's understanding of driving laws and traffic signs and signals is a required part of the driver licensing process. Because the stakes are high and the regulations many, applicants are naturally nervous about this milestone in their lives. But research shows that the opportunity for examinees to take a practice or mock version of an exam before they take the real thing has huge benefits in terms of performance! The Practice Permit Test service not only reinforces students' traffic safety knowledge and enhances their overall experience with their driver education, but it can boost their satisfaction with your program—increasing the likelihood that they'll refer their friends to your school.

Further, offering the Practice Permit Test program to your students is a quick and effortless way to earn a few extra dollars. The program is offered and administrated entirely online, and requires no work on your part. So, make sure you're mentioning this great opportunity to your students when they register for your driver ed course—for your benefit and for theirs!

Form OL 767 Translated to Spanish

Form OL 767 is now available in a
translated Spanish version.

Traffic violator schools (TVSs) are required to have students complete a Traffic Violator Course Evaluation (Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) form OL 767)—with at least their name and the school information—as a condition for successful completion of the program. The DMV released their official form upon taking over regulation of the industry in September 2011, but the form was available only in the English language. Since that time, there has been considerable discussion about how to handle the evaluation requirement for courses presented in a non-English language. Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) offered to translate the form into Spanish and the DMV has finally consented and approved our translation.

An electronic version of the Spanish evaluation has been implemented for Internet-based TVS students, similar to what has always been presented with the English course delivery. This functionality has gone live for Internet students and no further action is required on your part for this modality.

A paper-based version of the form has been uploaded to the CA Course Provider Administration website and is available for download (PDF format). Licensees of TSC's Spanish classroom- and booklet-based TVS curricula should begin using this document immediately, as regulators will be looking for the translated form during monitoring/audits. Be sure, also, to communicate to any classroom instructors in your employ that they must now distribute the translated Spanish version of form OL 767, and ensure that they have a supply sufficient to furnish a blank form to each student.

As a reminder: Students who complete a TVS course in the classroom and booklet modalities must return these forms to the school, and an evaluation from each student must be submitted with your quarterly reports to the DMV. Internet-based students' evaluations are stored electronically and must be printed (or burned to disc) for inclusion with your quarterly reports.

If you have any questions about this policy update, please contact your TSC representatives.

Change in CA Classroom Instruction Procedures

At the request of regulatory authorities, Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) is issuing the following update to its California classroom traffic violator school (TVS) curriculum in the English language:

Schools that have licensed TSC's English classroom TVS curriculum prior to this point were issued a DVD that included a Warm-Up Video at the start, which was to be shown prior to the start of class (while students were entering the classroom and getting comfortable). Effective immediately, the Warm-Up Video is no longer an official part of the approved curriculum and is not to be shown prior to TVS classes delivered by your school. You will not be issued a new DVD at this time, as all other material on the disc that you have remains unchanged. Simply skip the Warm-Up Video presentation prior to class and then conduct class as you normally would.

Please inform all of the instructors working for your school of this change to the curriculum. Instructors and schools are responsible for this curriculum change effective immediately.

If you have any questions about this curriculum change, please feel free to contact your TSC representatives.