Graduation Road Trips Are Exciting—But Safety Should Ride Shotgun With A Defensive Driving Course Online.
Graduation season is here! Caps are flying, yearbooks are getting scribbled on, and across Georgia and the nation, high school grads are packing up for one last hurrah: the iconic graduation road trip. But before you hit the road, here are a few tips from I Day Or II Nights Defensive Driving & DUI, the trusted defensive driving course online provider, on how to have a fun but safe graduation road trip.
DID YOU KNOW?…
According To The American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 80% Of High School Graduates Plan A Road Trip With Friends After Graduation, Making It A Rite Of Passage For Many.
Before the playlists are queued and the snacks packed, there’s one essential thing every new grad needs to take along—defensive driving skills. Whether cruising down I-75 or taking scenic backroads through rural Georgia, defensive driving can make the difference between a memory-making adventure and a roadside mishap.
So grads (and parents), buckle up—here are six defensive driving tips every graduate should know before hitting the road.
1. Fatigue is the Silent Danger on Long Drives
Graduates often underestimate how exhausting road trips can be. Driving with a lack of sleep can be extremely dangerous; in fact just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Studies show that going 20+ hours without sleep affects your driving like a blood alcohol level of 0.08%—the legal limit.
Tip: Rotate drivers every 2-3 hours, avoid overnight drives, and plan rest stops—even if you “feel fine.”
2. Stay Alert on Unfamiliar Highways
Highways can be overwhelming for new drivers, especially when navigating exit ramps, aggressive drivers, or fast-paced traffic in unfamiliar cities.
Tip: Always check blind spots before merging or changing lanes, follow the “3-second rule” for safe following distance, and use your GPS’s voice guidance so your eyes stay on the road, not the screen.
3. Respect the Weather Forecast
From sudden Southern thunderstorms to foggy mountain passes, weather conditions can change fast. Many grads haven’t driven much in inclement weather, especially at highway speeds.
Tip: Slow down in rain, avoid cruise control on wet roads, and increase following distance. If visibility drops, pull off at the next safe location. A little caution now means arriving alive later.
4. Don’t Let Rural Roads Fool You
Georgia is full of scenic routes—but rural roads come with their own risks: sharp curves, wildlife crossings, narrow lanes, and fewer streetlights.
Tip: Reduce speed when approaching unfamiliar curves, watch for signs like “Deer Crossing,” and keep your brights off when approaching another vehicle at night.
5. Expect the Unexpected from Other Drivers
Defensive driving is all about anticipating hazards. Assume not everyone around you is focused, or even sober. Watch for sudden lane changes, tailgating, or red-light runners.
Tip: Stay calm, avoid confrontation, and don’t try to “teach someone a lesson” on the road. Your job is to protect yourself and your passengers, not prove a point.
6. Use the “What If?” Rule
Before each drive, ask yourself: “What if someone runs that red light?” or “What if that truck doesn’t stop in time?” These mental scenarios help you stay sharp.
Tip: Practice thinking ahead while driving—it helps you build a natural habit of scanning and reacting to potential risks before they become emergencies.
Graduating? Make Sure Your Driving Skills Are Too With An Online Defensive Driving Course Before You Hit The Road
Parents: A road trip might be the first time your teen is driving unsupervised over long distances. Graduates: Think of defensive driving as leveling up your independence.
Before you pack the car, take the smart step—enroll in a certified, court-approved online defensive driving course from I Day Or II Nights Defensive Driving & DUI.
It’s fast, flexible, and designed to help you stay safe, confident, and road-trip ready.
Make safety the first stop on your post-grad journey.
Enroll Today or Call Us at 404-680-9936