If you’ve gotten a ticket after a Florida traffic stop, the accuracy of the speed-measuring device probably matters even more than whatever the officer says. A missing or sloppy calibration record can throw real doubt on a radar or laser reading—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to challenge a ticket in court.

Let’s dig into how Florida’s calibration rules, required testing logs, and what counts as admissible records can make or break the state’s speed evidence. I’ll walk through what you should actually look for in maintenance paperwork, when you can demand to see those documents, and how these records have tipped cases before.

Want help figuring out if the calibration evidence holds up? A local attorney who’s handled traffic and personal injury cases can review the paperwork and talk strategy; it might be worth reaching out to a Florida injury law firm for a case assessment.

Radar Gun Calibration Standards and Legal Requirements

This part covers what the law expects, the technical routines, how often testing is supposed to happen, and what training really matters when it comes to radar evidence in Florida courts. It’s about the records and steps officers and agencies need to defend—or attack—a speed reading.

Florida Statutes and Departmental Guidelines

Florida agencies using radar devices have to stick to Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) rules and their own policies, which usually just echo state standards. DHSMV and its Rule 15B series lay out what devices are approved, what features they need, and what records agencies must cough up if someone challenges a ticket.

If you end up in court, judges expect to see calibration certificates, maintenance logs, and proof that the officer actually knows how to use the radar. If the agency can’t produce up-to-date paperwork—especially the device’s model approval and latest calibration certificate—it opens the door to doubt about the reading. Local policies sometimes add extra steps, like requiring officers to do shift-start tests and jot down self-test results.

Radar Gun Calibration Procedures

Calibration usually means using a controlled reference—something the radar should read as a known speed. Certified shops do bench or field checks with tuning forks for microwave Doppler radars, or they’ll verify moving-mode readings against a car with a calibrated speedometer. Technicians have to check the stationary radar, the moving radar (both in the same and opposite directions), antenna alignment, and run any internal frequency checks.

They also need to inspect tuning forks for cracks or dings and store them so they don’t get ruined by humidity or a drop. Even radars with fancy self-tests or memory logs still need outside calibration by a certified tech. If the radar has audio Doppler or warning tones, those get checked too—plus, they make sure no banned features (like automatic speed lock) are switched on.

Calibration Schedules and Testing Intervals

Florida’s guidelines—and what most departments actually do—call for at least a certified calibration every six months, sometimes once a year. The international recommendations many agencies follow say officers should test devices at the start and end of each shift, with an independent calibration from an accredited place every six to twelve months.

Records need to show the dates, who did the test or the lab’s credentials, and the results for each radar mode. Judges check whether the device was tested within the right window before your ticket, and whether the tuning forks or speedometer used for testing were themselves legit. If certificates are missing or expired, that’s often enough to get radar evidence thrown out.

Role of Officer Training and Certification

State rules and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission set out who can actually run radar for traffic enforcement. Departments have to make sure every operator—full-time, part-time, auxiliary, or traffic infraction enforcement officer—finishes the approved radar training and keeps up with any refreshers.

Officers are supposed to run and document self-tests during their shifts, make their own visual speed estimates to back up the radar, and note environmental stuff like weather, traffic, and big vehicles nearby. Courts look for the officer’s training certificates, daily test logs, or device memory, and whether they followed the rules about disabling audio alarms or speed locks that aren’t allowed.

Radar Gun Calibration Records and Evidence in Florida Courts

Calibration paperwork tells you if a speed device was tested, kept up, and found accurate before it was used. Courts usually treat these documents as the main proof when a speeding ticket is all about radar readings.

Importance of Calibration Documentation

Calibration certificates and annual test reports show a device met the mark when it was checked. A certificate will have the device’s serial number, date, tolerance results, who tested it, and a link to a recognized standard. These details matter because they tie a specific radar gun to an official test.

Self-test logs that the ticketing officer keeps show the pre- and post-shift checks. Courts accept both internal logs and outside certificates as evidence; if entries are missing or incomplete, the prosecution’s case gets shakier.

Accessing and Challenging Calibration Records

If you’re fighting a ticket, you or your lawyer can ask for calibration records during discovery or demand them at a required hearing. The stuff you want includes calibration certificates, self-test logs, maintenance notes, and anything that connects the device to your ticket’s date.

Challenges usually focus on holes in the paperwork, mismatched serial numbers, or test intervals that don’t line up with the agency’s rules. Common moves include comparing the records to what the manufacturer recommends and flagging unsigned or altered entries. If the agency drags its feet, you can file a motion to force it to produce the documents.

Impact of Missing or Outdated Records on Speeding Cases

If calibration records are missing, courts might start questioning whether the radar evidence is reliable enough to support a speeding ticket. No annual calibration test, or blank self-test logs, can be enough to raise doubt—especially for high-speed allegations where the stakes are bigger.

Old certificates—ones with test dates past the allowed window—raise the risk that the radar’s accuracy drifted. Defense lawyers often argue that without a valid calibration certificate tied to the device that clocked you, the state just hasn’t proved its case.

Defending Against Radar Evidence in Court

When it comes to fighting radar evidence, a traffic ticket attorney will usually dig into calibration records, hunting for weak spots—maybe the chain of custody wasn’t airtight, maybe someone skipped a test, or the maintenance was overdue. Sometimes they’ll even drag the calibration tech into court, ask for a live demo of the device right there, or push to have the radar evidence tossed out if it doesn’t meet legal requirements. It’s not always a straightforward process, honestly.

On the practical side, defenses can get creative—questioning the officer’s training, poking at the radar device’s known quirks, or pointing out environmental stuff that could have messed with the reading. If the paperwork for calibration looks sketchy, judges pretty often let juries or magistrates simply ignore the radar evidence altogether. It’s not a guarantee, but it happens more than you’d expect.

Your website is leaking money. You’ve invested in a logo, you’re running ads, and you’ve got a product that actually works. Yet, the bounce rate is climbing, and the “Contact Us” inbox is silent. Most entrepreneurs think they have a traffic problem. Usually, they have a trust problem.

In the US market, a mediocre site is a liability. If your digital storefront looks like a relic from 2015, users don’t just leave—they dismiss your expertise entirely. At Five Talents, we’ve seen hundreds of small-to-medium businesses stall because their sites were designed as art projects rather than conversion engines. True growth requires a professional website design services approach that balances psychology with performance.

The High Cost of Slow Loads and Clunky Navigation

Attention is the most expensive commodity in 2026. If your pages take more than three seconds to load, you aren’t just losing a lead; you’re paying for a click that yields zero ROI.

Effectiveweb design services for small business focus on “frictionless” paths. Can a user find your pricing in two clicks? Is the “Book a Call” button visible without scrolling? If the answer is no, your design is working against your bottom line. We prioritize responsive web design services because your customers are likely vetting you on a smartphone while standing in line for coffee. If the mobile experience is cramped or broken, your brand authority vanishes instantly.

Building Authority Through Strategic Content and Copy

Design isn’t just about colors; it’s about “Information Architecture.” You need a messaging strategy that speaks to the pain points of your specific niche. We often see businesses hide their value proposition behind vague corporate jargon.

Don’t tell them you’re “the best digital marketing agency.” Tell them how you’ll fix their lead flow. We integrate website copywriting services into our builds because the right words turn a casual browser into a committed buyer. A high-converting site uses social proof, clear headers, and video content creation services to explain complex offers in seconds. This isn’t fluff; it’s how you establish the trust necessary to close a deal.

Conversion-Centered Design: Turning Traffic into Revenue

A pretty site that doesn’t sell is a failure. As a leading digital marketing company USA, we build with the “Next Step” in mind. This involves deep integration of SEO and PPC advertising data to ensure landing pages align with what users are searching for.

Are you using email automation services to capture those who aren’t ready to buy yet? Is there a lead magnet that offers real value? If you’re a nonprofit, are your Google Ad Grant services leading to a streamlined donation page? Every pixel must serve the goal of business growth. We don’t just build sites; we build digital sales reps that never sleep.

Your Digital Foundation is Waiting

Stop settling for a “good enough” website. In a competitive landscape, your digital presence is either a bridge or a barrier. If you are ready to stop losing leads to competitors with better interfaces, it is time to pivot.

At Five Talents, we specialize in custom web development services and growth strategy consulting tailored for the American entrepreneur. We understand the pressure of scaling a small business because we live it every day. Let’s build a platform that actually reflects the quality of your work. Reach out to Five Talents today, and let’s audit your current site to see exactly where your conversions are falling through the cracks.

Daily driving in Atlanta is being reshaped by digital devices and advanced vehicle technology, challenging traditional ways of assigning responsibility after accidents. The core issue now is how these technological factors directly influence distraction and fault.

When determining fault, there is a growing focus on how distractions and modern vehicle technology shape a driver’s awareness. According to Atlanta car accident attorneys from Kaine Law, investigations frequently examine the moments just before a crash to better understand the driver’s actions.

What Counts as Distracted Driving Under Georgia Law

Georgia law bans any activity that distracts a driver from operating a vehicle. Texting while driving means composing, reading, or sending messages on a handheld device while driving.

Common distractions also include reaching for objects, adjusting controls, or talking to passengers. An officer who sees this and issues a citation affects how fault is viewed, but citations alone do not always establish fault.

How Technology Affects Driver Attention

When a driver looks away, even briefly, to interact with a phone, reaction times slow and the risk of a crash increases. That is why smartphones lead to distraction.

Modern vehicles now include features that aim to reduce distraction risk, including voice control or hands-free interfaces. These features are intended to let you perform basic tasks without looking away from the road, though they do not eliminate the possibility of distraction entirely. Evidence about how and when the distraction occurred may be considered when fault is assigned.

Driver Assistance Systems and Fault Assignments

Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control are now becoming a familiar part of the driving experience. These features can reduce crash severity or prevent accidents.

This technology does not automatically change legal responsibility. Georgia courts and insurers focus on driver actions before collisions. Relying on technology instead of safe driving may affect fault.

Evidentiary Challenges with Technology and Distraction

Establishing distraction in a crash investigation often relies on data from phone records, onboard vehicle systems, witness accounts, and crash scene evidence. Phone use just before a collision can be persuasive evidence of distraction, but it is not dispositive on its own; it does not conclusively decide the issue without other supporting evidence.

Georgia law does not require a finding of distraction to assign fault; instead, liability generally turns on comparative negligence, which means each driver’s share of responsibility for the crash is assessed and can affect any recovery. A driver whose action contributed to a crash may be assigned a percentage of fault that reduces the recovery available to them. Each party’s behavior is weighed against objective evidence of what occurred.

Adapting to Legal and Technological Shifts in Atlanta

With the increasing in-vehicle technology and sources of distraction, determining fault after Atlanta collisions now depends on analyzing how these factors contributed to driver awareness and responsibility. Fault assessments focus on the role of both behavior and technology in each crash.

Knowing how distraction and vehicle technology affect accident claims helps you talk with insurers or in court. Having the right information on laws and evidence standards supports your case for how fault is shared.

Understanding Legal Responsibility After a Crash

Changes in technology and driving have not altered Georgia’s basic rules on liability. Drivers must use reasonable care at all times. Failing to do so affects fault after a crash.

If distraction or technology caused the crash, it is considered part of all the evidence. How evidence is collected and interpreted affects how parties share fault.

What You Can Do After a Collision

If a crash happens due to distraction or technology, quickly record the scene, swap contact and insurance information, and get medical attention right away if necessary. Get a police report and take photos to save key evidence.

Read up on traffic laws and post-accident procedures to know how inspectors and courts assign fault in civil cases.

How Fault Issues Evolve and What It Means for You

Recognizing the impact of technology and distraction on fault is essential for understanding how insurers and courts assess accident responsibility in Atlanta. Fault evaluation now routinely encompasses advanced systems, driver actions, and their intersection.

Learn the legal rules and evidence standards so you can approach fault with confidence. Laws will keep evolving with driving habits.

Next Steps After an Attention or Technology-Related Collision

If distraction or technology played a role in your crash, know Georgia law and fault rules to prepare records and present your case.

Understanding both driver behavior and technology means you can discuss crash responsibility with insurers or in civil claims more effectively.

Because motorcycles are smaller and less conspicuous, riders are at higher risk of collisions, particularly when other drivers fail to notice them. The good news is that visibility is a factor you can control. Implementing simple strategies can dramatically improve safety.

Here are practical ways to make yourself more visible and reduce risks on the road. These habits matter everywhere, but they become critical on the most dangerous highways in the US, where fast-moving traffic and frequent lane changes increase the likelihood of serious crashes.

1. Wear Gear That Makes You Impossible to Miss

Bright, high-contrast clothing is more than a fashion choice. It is a life-saving tool. Neon or fluorescent colors like lime green, orange, or yellow are easily noticed by other drivers during the day. At night or in low-light conditions, reflective gear becomes essential. Jackets, gloves, helmets, and pants with reflective strips can catch headlights and alert drivers to your presence.

Pro tip: Add reflective tape to your bike or luggage. Even small strips on the sides or rear of your motorcycle can improve visibility by making you easier to spot from angles that cars often overlook.

2. Use Headlights and Lights Strategically

Riding with your headlight on at all times, even during daylight, helps drivers notice you at intersections, on busy streets, and in heavy traffic. If your motorcycle has a modulating headlight, use it to attract attention without blinding other drivers. Make sure your tail and brake lights are bright and fully functional before every ride, and consider adding auxiliary brake lights or turn signal modulators to make braking and lane changes clearer for vehicles behind you.

Pro tip: If riding at night or in fog, keep headlights clean and free of debris. Even a slightly dim light can make it harder for others to see you. Position your headlight slightly above other vehicles when possible to increase visibility.

3. Choose Your Lane Position to Be Seen

Where you ride in a lane can make a big difference in how easily other drivers notice you. Avoid staying in other vehicles’ blind spots, especially next to trucks, SUVs, or buses. Shifting slightly left or right within your lane not only makes you more visible in mirrors but also gives you extra space to react if something unexpected happens.

Tips for safe lane positioning:

• Keep at least one lane width between you and other vehicles whenever possible.
  
• Maintain a safe following distance, especially behind large trucks.
  
• Use the lane’s “high-visibility” areas near the center or slightly offset so drivers can spot you more easily.

By riding in the parts of the lane where you are easiest to see, you give yourself more time to react and make it much less likely that a driver will overlook you.

4. Make Your Intentions Crystal Clear

Motorcycles are harder to detect than cars, so signaling your moves is critical. Always use turn signals when changing lanes or turning, and consider hand signals as a backup. Brake lights must be bright and clearly visible.

Pro tip: Some riders install extra warning lights or flashers for braking and signaling. Even subtle improvements like these make it easier for other drivers to anticipate your moves and react safely.

5. Adapt to Weather and Lighting Conditions

The weather can dramatically affect visibility. Rain, fog, snow, and sun glare make it harder for drivers to notice motorcycles. During these conditions:

• Wear brightly colored or reflective rain gear.
  
• Reduce speed and increase following distance.
  
• Position yourself where you are most visible to oncoming traffic, not hidden behind vehicles.

At night, reflectivity and proper lighting are crucial. During the day, bright clothing and careful lane positioning are your best tools. Adjust your strategy based on conditions rather than assuming one approach works for all situations.

6. Scan, Anticipate, and Ride Defensively

Visibility alone will not keep you safe if you are not actively reading the road. The goal of defensive riding is to spot developing problems early so you can respond smoothly instead of reacting at the last second.

• Use a scanning pattern, not random glances: Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead, scan intersections, and check mirrors every few seconds to spot hazards early.
  
• Manage blind spots with speed and spacing: Avoid riding at the same speed as nearby vehicles. Either move ahead or fall back so you stay visible, especially around trucks.
  
• Control your space cushion: Keep at least two seconds of following distance in city traffic and three to four seconds at highway speeds to give yourself room to react.
  
• Watch the front wheels, not just the car: Wheels often move before a driver signals. If they start to turn or roll, expect a lane change or pullout.
  
• Preload your controls in high-risk areas: In traffic or near intersections, cover the front brake and keep your foot ready on the rear brake to reduce reaction time.
  
• Always identify an escape path: Continuously note open lanes, shoulders, or gaps so you know where to go if traffic shifts suddenly.

Defensive riding is about staying mentally engaged and technically prepared. Riders who manage their space, scan deliberately, and anticipate movement are far less likely to be caught off guard when something goes wrong.

7. Enhance Your Motorcycle with Visibility Technology

Modern technology can complement your visibility efforts. Options include:

• LED accent or strip lights on the motorcycle frame.
  
• Helmet-mounted lights.
  
• Reflective decals on luggage or helmets.
  
• Adaptive headlights that follow steering angles.

While technology can’t replace safe riding habits, it adds an extra layer of protection, making it easier for other drivers to see you in their peripheral vision or under low-light conditions.

Staying Seen Saves Lives

Motorcycle safety is not just about skill or speed. It is about being noticed. Bright gear, proper lighting, clear signaling, smart lane position, and defensive riding all work together to reduce risk. When riders stay visible and alert, they give themselves the best chance to enjoy the road and get home safely.

If you’re around slick concrete and shiny finishes all day, you already get it: just one puddle in a garage or dealership can turn an ordinary shift into a mess. Simple solutions—like textured coatings, non-slip additives, and regular inspections (thanks to Local Law 126)—really do help cut down on slips, liability, and headaches for everyone. Here’s how some of those pit lane habits can make a difference in NYC parking structures and service bays, plus what you might want to focus on first if you’re aiming to lower risk right now.

This isn’t just theory—it’s a look at why wet floors keep tripping people up (sometimes literally) in busy city garages, and how sticking to a predictable inspection schedule and smart maintenance can actually keep things safer. If you’re dealing with the fallout from a slip, don’t wing it—talk to folks who know their way around New York City slip and fall claims.

Why Wet Floor Hazards Matter in NYC Garages and Dealerships

When it comes to enclosed vehicle spaces, wet floors aren’t just annoying—they’re a real risk for both people and property. The moisture comes from all sorts of sources, quickly kills traction, and sometimes even points to bigger maintenance or structural problems that owners can’t afford to ignore.

Common Causes of Slippery Conditions in Parking Structures

Water sneaks into garages and showrooms in more ways than you might think. Rain and melted snow ride in on tires and boots, drafty garage doors let in wind-driven rain, and condensation forms on cold concrete wherever cars idle or HVAC pipes run. Plumbing leaks, roof drips, and even bad grading can leave behind those annoying damp patches that never seem to dry.

Then there’s the mix: oil, coolant, and cleaning chemicals blending with water to make a slick film you barely see until you’re sliding. That’s why regular walk-throughs, maybe on an annual observation checklist, are so useful—they help spot puddles, busted seals, and worn-out coatings before they become a problem. Fixing seals fast, improving drainage where it matters, and patching up worn spots can cut down on repeat issues.

Impact of Slips and Structural Damage on Safety and Liability

One bad step and someone’s on the ground—head, back, or hip injuries are no joke. Dealerships can end up with claims if a customer or employee wipes out near a service bay. If there’s proof that unsafe conditions were ignored after an inspection, the legal risk jumps. Sure, warning signs help, but let’s be honest: they don’t get owners off the hook when real maintenance problems are obvious.

It’s not just about people, either. If water gets into concrete and starts rusting out the rebar, you’re looking at bigger repairs and maybe even forced closures. Keeping up with garage inspections and repair logs isn’t just paperwork—it can save on insurance and make a big difference if you ever have to defend against a claim.

Lessons from Pit Lane Wet Floor Protocols

Pit lanes have it down: fast spill response, clear warnings, and everyone knowing their job. Borrowing that mindset, garages should keep spill kits handy, throw up high-vis barriers right away, and make sure someone’s actually assigned to clean up each shift. Even a simple checklist item like “spill supplies stocked and easy to grab” fits perfectly into an annual review.

Documented cleanup times and photos of what you did? They’re gold if you ever need to prove you took action. Training staff on which cleaners to use (so you’re not making things worse) and keeping a paper trail of maintenance can actually stop repeat problems and show inspectors or insurers you’re on top of it.

Local Law 126 and NYC Parking Structure Safety: Compliance and Inspections

In NYC, parking garages need regular structural checkups, official reports, and ongoing watchfulness. Owners have to hire licensed pros, file reports with the Department of Buildings on time, and follow the rules for what gets checked and when.

Overview of Local Law 126 and Article 323 Compliance

Local Law 126 (2021) kicked off the Periodic Inspection of Parking Structures program in NYC, syncing up with Article 323. Almost every parking garage—open, closed, commercial, or accessory—now has to get inspected every six years.

You’ll need to file a Condition Assessment Report (CAR) or an Initial Observation Report with the NYC Department of Buildings during your borough’s scheduled window (Sub-Cycle A, B, or C). Manhattan and the other boroughs each have their own deadlines, and missing them isn’t cheap—enforcement gets serious fast.

The city’s rules (RCNY §103-13 and Title 28) lay out who counts as a qualified inspector and what the reports need to include. Before you start planning, double-check if your structure is exempt under Article 323—some are, but not many.

Role of Qualified Parking Structure Inspectors (QPSI)

A Qualified Parking Structure Inspector (QPSI) is basically a New York State licensed and registered professional engineer that the owner brings in to do the inspection. This person gets hands-on, checks out the structure, and prepares the CAR or any amended reports if you end up doing repairs.

QPSIs use procedures that look a lot like the Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP), but they’re tweaked for garages. They’re looking for cracks, corrosion, water leaks, and anything else that could threaten the structure. The QPSI signs off on the report filed with the DOB, and if there’s something urgent, they’re supposed to flag it right away.

Condition Assessment Reports and Classifications (Safe, SREM, Unsafe)

The Condition Assessment Report sorts each parking structure into categories: Safe, SREM (Safe with Repairs and/or Engineering Monitoring), or Unsafe. “Safe” means nothing’s wrong that needs fixing now.

“SREM” means you’ve got to do certain repairs or set up engineering monitoring by a deadline; the report spells out what needs fixing, when, and who’s responsible. “Unsafe” is the red flag—immediate safety steps, maybe shutting parts of the garage, and fast repairs.

If you fix things or add monitoring and it changes the status, the QPSI files an Amended or Subsequent Report to update DOB and (hopefully) get the structure cleared.

Inspection Cycles, Deadlines, and Reporting Procedures

Inspections happen every six years, but the city breaks it into Sub-Cycles A, B, and C, each with its own filing window depending on your borough and district. Owners have to know their cycle and keep track of deadlines—missing one isn’t something you want.

Reports go in electronically to the DOB, and you’ll need to include the CAR, photos, and any calculations that back up your findings. If you find a problem, your report has to lay out how you’ll fix it, when, and who’s doing the work. If you can’t meet the deadline, you can ask for an extension, but don’t expect DOB to hand those out easily.

Annual Observation Checklist and Ongoing Monitoring

Besides the six-year in-depth, owners are on the hook for an Annual Observation Checklist—basically, a routine visual sweep of important stuff. This includes drains, deck finishes, joints, and lighting, since these affect both the structure and day-to-day safety.

If your CAR puts you in SREM, the QPSI will probably set up an engineering monitoring plan—scheduled checks, maybe some sensors, and interim fixes. Keep records of these annual checks and monitoring activities; you’ll need them for DOB if they ask or when you file an amended report.

Penalties for Non-Compliance and Best Practices

If you don’t follow Local Law 126, you’ll face a series of escalating penalties—think annual and even monthly fines piling up the longer you ignore it, not to mention those dreaded administrative notices or, in worst cases, orders to close off certain areas. The DOB isn’t shy about enforcing these fines, and if they spot Unsafe conditions, they might demand immediate fixes.

Honestly, your best bet is to get a QPSI on board early, book inspections well ahead of any sub-cycle deadlines, and keep solid photographic records and repair documentation. Don’t drag your feet on filing those Condition Assessment Reports, either. Staying on top of maintenance logs, handling SREM repairs when they’re supposed to be done, and jumping on any DOB notices as soon as they land in your inbox? That can seriously cut down your risk of enforcement headaches—and save you a lot of trouble down the line.

Announcement Follows “Nationwide Focused Driving Rewards®” Program campaign launch, Developed With NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.

• B.R.A.K.E.S. Was Founded by Top Fuel Drag Racing Champion Doug Herbert Following Tragic Car Crash Deaths of His Two Sons.
• More than 167,000 teens and parents have been trained since inception in 2008.
• Teens who graduate from B.R.A.K.E.S. are 64 percent less likely to be in a car crash three years after completing the training.

CONCORD, N.C. (January 26, 2026) – The B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) lifesaving national teen driver training program today announces that it has received a $10,000 donation from Nationwide.

The announcement follows last week’s launch of Nationwide’s campaign with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to promote the Nationwide Focused Driving Rewards® program, which incentivizes drivers to earn points for distraction-free driving and then redeem them for gift cards.

The Nationwide Focused Driving Rewards® multimedia campaign was filmed at zMAX Dragway. It features a Charlotte-area parent and teen duo maneuvering a distraction course designed by B.R.A.K.E.S., while following direction from NASCAR Hall of Famer Earnhardt. Distracted driver awareness is one of five exercises that teens must complete to earn a B.R.A.K.E.S. training certificate.

“We are deeply appreciative of this generous donation by Nationwide, which will help our non-profit fund more training programs across the country,” said B.R.A.K.E.S. Founder Doug Herbert. “It’s an honor to work with Nationwide and Dale Earnhardt Jr. on this truly impactful teen driver safety initiative.”

“Through our work with the B.R.A.K.E.S. team on the Nationwide Focused Driving Rewards® project, we had a chance to learn more about the positive impact their program has on kids across the country,” said Michael Tripp, Nationwide’s Senior Vice President of Personal Lines Sales and Distribution. “Nationwide hopes this gift will help further their critical work of helping teen drivers become better drivers and making our roads safer.”

Kicking off its 2026 schedule at zMAX Dragway during the weekend of February 7 & 8, B.R.A.K.E.S. plans another jam-packed year, with training programs taking place across the country. Last year, more than 15,000 teens and parents participated over the course of 46 weekends. Since the inception of the program in 2008, B.R.A.K.E.S. has trained more than 167,000 individuals, saving lives and making U.S. roadways safer.

Teens who have completed the B.R.A.K.E.S. training are 64 percent less likely to get in a crash within their first three years after, according to a study by UNC Charlotte.

About B.R.A.K.E.S.
The 501(c)(3) charity was founded by multi-time Top Fuel drag racing champion Doug Herbert in honor of his two sons, Jon and James, who lost their lives in a tragic car crash in 2008. Herbert turned that personal tragedy into a lifesaving mission that has trained more than 167,000 teens and their parents to date.

Utilizing vehicles provided by Kia Motors, B.R.A.K.E.S. offers teens extensive behind-the-wheel instruction from professional trainers including current and former law enforcement officers and professional racing drivers, teaching the teens and their parents how to be safer on the road. Exercises include Distracted Driving Awareness, Panic Braking, Crash Avoidance, Drop-wheel/Off-road Recovery and Car Control/Skid Recovery.

More comprehensive information about proactive driving for teens and their parents is accessible at www.putonthebrakes.org.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.

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