Be Prepared for Roadside Emergencies

Having a Breakdown

AAA recently released a study highlighting the most common calls for roadside help. Unsurprisingly, that list was topped by battery failures, flat tires, and key problems.

Breaking down on the side of the road is never fun, but equipment failure in a remote location or inclement weather can be downright dangerous. Encourage your students to prepare for emergencies by carrying the proper gear. Remember: Even brand new vehicles or those that are in—seemingly—good condition can experience problems without warning!

General Emergencies

Cones, Flares, Reflectors, LED Flashing Lights

Take a tip from truckers and carry cones, flares, a reflective triangle, or LED flashing lights to warn other drivers of your presence. Oftentimes, drivers fail to give adequate space to vehicles stopped along the side of the road; don't give other motorists an excuse by failing to let them know you're there.

First Aid Kit

Whether you need it for general boo-boos (those kids just won't settle down in the back seat!) or you injure yourself working on your broken down vehicle, a good first aid kit can be handy. The Red Cross suggests that an automotive first aid kit include bandages and gauze, antibiotic ointment, non-latex gloves, and more.

Fire Extinguisher

Vehicle fires can be extremely dangerous, and the best advice is to get away from your car as fast as you can if one breaks out. For a minimal fire, though, an extinguisher can easily prevent a small flame from getting out of control.

Handy Tools

Flashlight

It seems no one ever gets a flat on a dry, warm, sunny afternoon. But even if you're weather-fortunate, you might need to see into a shaded area of the engine compartment or wheel well. Make it easy on yourself by carrying a flashlight with good batteries.

Work Gloves

Some folks wear a single glove when they pump gas, in order to keep the smell off their hand. Add its mate and you'll have a pair handy for working on your vehicle.

(Paper) Towels

A few shop towels or a roll of paper towels can be helpful to clean up messes.

Screwdriver(s) and Wrench(es)

A multi-tip screwdriver (or straight and Phillips screwdrivers) and an adjustable wrench (or a small set of wrenches) are great for quick, on-the-road fixes. A utility/pocket knife and a general purpose spray lubricant could also be useful.

Binding Elements

Make sure you have a few bungee cords and some duct tape to keep things together when they fall apart.

Spare Parts

Don't load up your vehicle with a bunch of dead weight. But a stash of a few spare bulbs/fuses or other small parts might prove invaluable if there's a problem on the road.

Tire Pressure Gauge

A properly inflated tire not only gets better gas mileage and provides better traction, but is also less likely to be punctured. A good standard gauge is the Accu-Gage 60 PSI Dial or the Accu-Gage H100X.
A fun (though potentially less accurate) alternative is this set of four tire valve stem caps from Victor that change color when tires become low on air.

Jumper Cables

Cold-climate motorists don't leave home without a good pair of jumper cables. But they can be helpful in all conditions, whether you need a jump or you're trying to provide the helpful hand that someone else needs.

Cold-Weather Items

Always remember to clear snow/ice from your vehicle's windows and lights before driving. And if your vehicle becomes stranded in a snowstorm, stay with it; most deaths occur when motorists wander away from their vehicle and get lost!

Also make sure to carry a winter survival kit that includes warm clothing/blankets, matches and candles, and high-energy foods. Beyond that, these items can help you to get out of situations where traction is poor:

Shovel

If you drive in a climate or terrain where you might get bogged down in snow or mud, a shovel can be a necessity. A durable, foldable shovel stores neatly and can get you out of tough spots when needed.

Traction Enhancers

Sand, salt, or kitty litter can help to improve traction if you get caught in snow. Traction mats (plastic troughs that you can lay down in front of your wheels to provide traction) are also good.


Few things are as frustrating as having car problems on the road and being stuck without the right tools or supplies, and these suggestions are merely a good start. Take a few minutes now to make sure you're equipped to handle whatever your vehicle can throw at you!

Refunds: Trackers & Proof of Submission

California affiliates who have students requesting a refund for the Completion Tracker or DMV Proof of Submission products should email Jennifer at the Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) offices (jennifer@trafficeducation.net) to process the refund.

When emailing, please be sure to include the name of your traffic violator school and the name and driver license number of the student requesting the refund.

Refund requests that provide all of the necessary information  will be processed within one business day—but remember that the credit may take a few days to show up on the student's online credit card statement. The invoice that you receive from TSC the following will also reflect any student billing modifications.

Now Available: Integrated Driver Ed –The Instant Student Licensing Program (ISLP)

The biggest news for the driving school industry in 25 years!!!

What Is ISLP?

ISLP is an integrated online driver education/driver training program that gets prospective young drivers into a vehicle as quickly as possible, using a unique new lesson plan that combines driver training (the "laboratory" phase of driver education, commonly referred to as "behind-the-wheel") with the online driver education program from Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc. (TSC). Rather than making students complete their driver education before they can begin driver training, ISLP gets them into the driver's seat right away!

Market research shows that teens love the integrated approach to driver training because it lets them actually drive as quickly as possible. You'll favor this methodology as well, because it not only attracts customers who are eager to get into a vehicle, but encourages kids to sign up for driver education with your school and to complete their driver training with you as well!

TSC is one of just two driver training curriculum providers to offer an integrated program in California. We designed our comprehensive program to appeal to and address the needs of today's teen motorists, ensuring customer satisfaction. Most importantly, TSC's low-cost pricing and our affiliate program's industry-leading customer service mean that it's easy and profitable to take advantage of this unbeatable opportunity.

How Does ISLP Work?

Students simply register for the ISLP integrated program online and get started right away. They'll contact your driver training school to start their behind-the-wheel instruction after they've completed the first phase of driver education. Before driving, students are issued a Student License, which allows them to drive only at the direction and under the supervision of a qualified course instructor from their school. As the program progresses, lessons alternate between online and in-vehicle phases.

ISLP is intended to be a supplemental product, and does not replace any existing driver education or driving training programs that you offer—even if those programs are purchased from another curriculum provider. TSC simply adds a link to your existing website (ISLP is designed for use as an online driver education program only), and ISLP integrates seamlessly with your existing educational programs. We'll notify you (and your students) when a driver education phase is complete and a student is eligible for the next phase of their driving training. And, as always, affiliated schools will have access to TSC's proprietary, custom-designed CA Course Provider site, an online information management tool designed to allow you to easily and efficiently maintain school records and track the progress of your students.

In addition to the online driver education program and student management tools, TSC's Instant Student License Program features the following helpful curriculum materials:

• Instant Student License Program checklist
• driver training contract
• Student License materials
• driver training lesson plan and checklist
• driving log and parent-teen contract

How Can I Offer ISLP?

Contact Chris (1-800-487-1699 or chris@trafficeducation.net) or Tara (1-800-863-2590 or tara@trafficeducation.net) for all of the details about the new Instant Student License Program!

Now Available: Integrated Driver Ed –The Instant Student Licensing Program (ISLP)

The biggest news for the driving school industry in 25 years!!!

What Is ISLP?

ISLP is an integrated online driver education/driver training program that gets prospective young drivers into a vehicle as quickly as possible, using a unique new lesson plan that combines driver training (the "laboratory" phase of driver education, commonly referred to as "behind-the-wheel") with the online driver education program from Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc. (TSC). Rather than making students complete their driver education before they can begin driver training, ISLP gets them into the driver's seat right away!

Market research shows that teens love the integrated approach to driver training because it lets them actually drive as quickly as possible. You'll favor this methodology as well, because it not only attracts customers who are eager to get into a vehicle, but encourages kids to sign up for driver education with your school and to complete their driver training with you as well!

TSC is one of just two driver training curriculum providers to offer an integrated program in California. We designed our comprehensive program to appeal to and address the needs of today's teen motorists, ensuring customer satisfaction. Most importantly, TSC's low-cost pricing and our affiliate program's industry-leading customer service mean that it's easy and profitable to take advantage of this unbeatable opportunity.

How Does ISLP Work?

Students simply register for the ISLP integrated program online and get started right away. They'll contact your driver training school to start their behind-the-wheel instruction after they've completed the first phase of driver education. Before driving, students are issued a Student License, which allows them to drive only at the direction and under the supervision of a qualified course instructor from their school. As the program progresses, lessons alternate between online and in-vehicle phases.

ISLP is intended to be a supplemental product, and does not replace any existing driver education or driving training programs that you offer—even if those programs are purchased from another curriculum provider. TSC simply adds a link to your existing website (ISLP is designed for use as an online driver education program only), and ISLP integrates seamlessly with your existing educational programs. We'll notify you (and your students) when a driver education phase is complete and a student is eligible for the next phase of their driving training. And, as always, affiliated schools will have access to TSC's proprietary, custom-designed CA Course Provider site, an online information management tool designed to allow you to easily and efficiently maintain school records and track the progress of your students.

In addition to the online driver education program and student management tools, TSC's Instant Student License Program features the following helpful curriculum materials:

• Instant Student License Program checklist
• driver training contract
• Student License materials
• driver training lesson plan and checklist
• driving log and parent-teen contract

How Can I Offer ISLP?

Contact Chris (1-800-487-1699 or chris@trafficeducation.net) or Tara (1-800-863-2590 or tara@trafficeducation.net) for all of the details about the new Instant Student License Program!

Now Available: Integrated Driver Ed –The Instant Student Licensing Program (ISLP)

The biggest news for the driving school industry in 25 years!!!

What Is ISLP?

ISLP is an integrated online driver education/driver training program that gets prospective young drivers into a vehicle as quickly as possible, using a unique new lesson plan that combines driver training (the "laboratory" phase of driver education, commonly referred to as "behind-the-wheel") with the online driver education program from Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc. (TSC). Rather than making students complete their driver education before they can begin driver training, ISLP gets them into the driver's seat right away!

Market research shows that teens love the integrated approach to driver training because it lets them actually drive as quickly as possible. You'll favor this methodology as well, because it not only attracts customers who are eager to get into a vehicle, but encourages kids to sign up for driver education with your school and to complete their driver training with you as well!

TSC is one of just two driver training curriculum providers to offer an integrated program in California. We designed our comprehensive program to appeal to and address the needs of today's teen motorists, ensuring customer satisfaction. Most importantly, TSC's low-cost pricing and our affiliate program's industry-leading customer service mean that it's easy and profitable to take advantage of this unbeatable opportunity.

How Does ISLP Work?

Students simply register for the ISLP integrated program online and get started right away. They'll contact your driver training school to start their behind-the-wheel instruction after they've completed the first phase of driver education. Before driving, students are issued a Student License, which allows them to drive only at the direction and under the supervision of a qualified course instructor from their school. As the program progresses, lessons alternate between online and in-vehicle phases.

ISLP is intended to be a supplemental product, and does not replace any existing driver education or driving training programs that you offer—even if those programs are purchased from another curriculum provider. TSC simply adds a link to your existing website (ISLP is designed for use as an online driver education program only), and ISLP integrates seamlessly with your existing educational programs. We'll notify you (and your students) when a driver education phase is complete and a student is eligible for the next phase of their driving training. And, as always, affiliated schools will have access to TSC's proprietary, custom-designed CA Course Provider site, an online information management tool designed to allow you to easily and efficiently maintain school records and track the progress of your students.

In addition to the online driver education program and student management tools, TSC's Instant Student License Program features the following helpful curriculum materials:

• Instant Student License Program checklist
• driver training contract
• Student License materials
• driver training lesson plan and checklist
• driving log and parent-teen contract

How Can I Offer ISLP?

Contact Chris (1-800-487-1699 or chris@trafficeducation.net) or Tara (1-800-863-2590 or tara@trafficeducation.net) for all of the details about the new Instant Student License Program!

Branding Your Small Business

Get your branding right and you'll score customers just by "being you." You certainly can't afford to do nothing, but small businesses can't bear the costs—time or money—of hiring a flock of consultants and ad agencies. So, how do you proceed with this critical business management task without breaking the bank or the clock? The Guardian offers A Guide to Branding Your Small Business. Check out the full post for the details, but in short…

1. Know Your Audience

Don't invest time or money developing your brand without first knowing your target audience and their needs. You must know what will resonate with your customers in order to talk to them effectively.

2. Use Your Knowledge Carefully

Know your market to carefully tailor your design and pitch, and deploy these tools consistently in your sales and marketing activities across all channels so the brand becomes easily recognizable.

3. Embrace Failure

It seems counterintuitive, but a great deal can be learned from branding failures. The marketplace is crowded and it can be difficult to know where you fit in. Each failure is a guide in the right direction.

4. Don't Think Like a Small Business

Thing big from the start. Act as if you're operating across multiple territories—you never know when that might actually happen, and you'll be prepared when it does!

5. Color and Design Matter

Visual identity, including your logo, is often a consumer's first encounter with your brand, so it must create the right impression. Unless you're a designer, avoid the DIY approach and hire a professional; services like Fiverr.com or PeoplePerHour.com can help you to find a freelance designer who suits your style and budget. And keep your identity consistent across media channels by creating a set of brand guidelines with detailed information about the color palette, fonts, and tone of voice to use.

6. Go Beyond Your Logo

Many small businesses make the mistake of confusing their brand with their logo. A logo is merely a symbol or other design adopted by an organization to identify its products, property, etc. A brand, meanwhile, is the public personification of your company, conveying everything you believe and hold dear about what you do. As the saying goes, people buy a product but they join a cause—make your brand memorable.

7. Choose Your Brand Name Carefully

Don't ruin great branding by giving your brand a bad name. A brand name must reinforce the key elements or objectives of your business. Remember: The more it communicates to your audience about your business and what it provides, the less effort you'll expend trying to explain it. (If you need some help, a recent article in Inc. talks about How to Come Up with the Best Name for Your Brand.)


These are the basics, but you can always read the original article (and its linked material) for more information. Happy branding!

Why Drivers Don't "See" Motorcyclists

It's that time of year again! The weather's getting warmer, and motorcyclists start thinking about hitting the road on their bikes. Drivers and cyclists alike need to be wary, however, as drivers often overlook cyclists when checking for traffic. There are normal, biological reasons for this failing, but it's a failing that has potentially fatal consequences.

This fascinating article from Road & Track magazine explains in detail why drivers fail to see motorcyclists on the road. It also offers tips that will help drivers to see things that are invisible to them right now—it's like having super powers that will keep everyone safer!

California Internet Curriculum Modification

In response to monitoring requirements, Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) is implementing a "silent" timer for its Internet-based traffic violator school (TVS) program. This timer is intended to prevent students from racing through the course without studying the reading material. No countdown will be displayed to students, and the functionality will be completely invisible to those who actually spend time with the course as intended. However, students who attempt to take the final exam before having spent at least one (1) hour reviewing the course material will be prevented from doing so and will be presented with a short warning message and a prompt to return to the Student Center (table of contents) to continuing studying. Once the one-hour limit has expired, students will be allowed to proceed to the final exam.

The text of the message is as follows (see screenshot below):

The purpose of this traffic safety education program is to help you to become a better, safer, defensive driver. It is expected that the material will be read thoroughly, and the course is designed so that students will need to spend at least one hour studying the material.

It appears as if you have not taken the time to thoroughly study the course reading material. Please review the instructional material and attempt the final exam once you've done so.

This timer will be implemented starting Monday, May 23, 2016. No action is required on your part. This is simply a courtesy notice to you in case students should ask about this new functionality.

Social Media Posts That Engage and Get Clicks

We've encouraged you, on many occasions, to get active on social media to promote your business. While our previous blog posts have offered valuable advice on what to post, it can be tough to know how to craft a compelling message if you're not a professional wordsmith. The following tips offer helpful suggestions on how to grab your customers' attention and get them to interact with your business more deeply:

• Use more action words. Posts filled with verbs and adverbs tend to engage readers and deliver better results than those that have a lot of nouns and adjectives. For example, the headline
       Mask Your Ticket Quickly and Easily
  is likely to get a higher click-through rate than
       Traffic School is a Good Way to Mask Your Citation
• Post more links. It may seem obvious, but…accounts that post more links get more clicks. If you want to drive more traffic to your site, at least half of your posts should include a link to your site. But don't go overboard; keep the number of posts with links to your site to under 80% of your total social media activity. If every post you put up includes your link, you'll come across as "spammy."
• Complete your profile. Inexperienced marketers neglect this simple but effective step. Be sure all of your social media profiles include a professional photo, a brief but compelling bio, and a link to your site. Accounts that provide all three of these items have more followers and more engagement than those that don't.
• Don't talk about yourself (except in your bio). A business's social media posts that are too personally self-referential may catch the interest of your family and close friends, but may not necessarily draw potential customers. Talk more about them to get them to click, share, and engage. (If you participate in some activity that your clients might find interesting, it's certainly okay to share those experiences with them. It's attention-grabbing and provides a connection. But make the post relate to your audience somehow, not just all about you.)
• Provide a clear call to action. If you want more clicks, ask for them! Don't just provide a link, explicitly tell readers how to follow up. For instance, you might change
       3 Tips for Safer Winter Driving: www.link.com
  to
       3 Tips for Safer Winter Driving? Click here to learn more: www.link.com!
  
  Further, be creative with your calls to action. Don't use "click here" all the time. Try alternatives like "Check out this new [post/product/etc.]:" or "What do you think about [some event/claim]?" to encourage a response.

Greater social media engagement and more clicks can help you to draw more customers. Make these simple tweaks to your social media activity to get the marketing results you want!

Make Sure You're Mobile-Friendly

Are you leaving money on the table because your outdated technology isn't optimized for today's consumers? Just 51% of small businesses have websites. And while four out of five consumers use a smartphone to shop, a recent survey found that over 93% of small business websites aren't compatible with mobile devices.

TSC Has You Covered

If you've taken advantage of the Web design services of Traffic Safety Consultants, Inc., (TSC) you're ready for the future! TSC provides our affiliated partners with sites—including the "front end" and the educational content presentation—that are engineered to be mobile-friendly. Our Web- and curriculum development teams deploy state-of-the-art Internet technologies to ensure that you and your students enjoy the best online experience possible.

If You're Providing Your Own Website...

Driving schools and traffic schools who have developed their own websites could be missing out if the site isn't optimized for the mobile era! Nearly half of mobile consumers won't return to a site that doesn't load properly. And Google recently began expanding their use of mobile-friendliness as a ranking signal.

If you haven't yet taken steps to ensure that your customers are having a good mobile experience, consider these points:

• Is your site easy to read on a mobile device? If your users have to pinch-to-zoom to read your content, your site isn't mobile-friendly.
• Is your site easy to navigate? Navigation should be intuitive and smooth. Thirty percent of mobile shoppers will leave a site and go to a competitor's if they have a bad experience.
• Is your site designed to be responsive? This means the code will adjust the presentation according to the screen size of the user—whether they are on a desktop, tablet, or phone.
• Does your site load quickly? As with 0-to-60 and quarter-mile runs, every second counts. Users will become frustrated—and leave for a better site—if they have to wait a long time for your pages to load.

If you don't know if your site is ready for mobile users, consider taking Google's mobile-friendly test. Google will grade your site by looking at how "Googlebot" sees your home page, and a good score means your site is ready to go!

The Bottom Line

Today's shoppers are using mobile devices to search for products and services, and the next generation of consumers is even more dependent on these technologies. Make sure your business gets found and that your site makes it easy for visitors to get what they need!