Category Three Second Stop

Jul 8 2014

Buckle-Up Back There

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Seat Belts All Around

backseat23 Second StopYou may be surprised to know that riding in the back seat of a vehicle without a seat belt is dangerous. In fact any unbelted person not only endangers themselves, but greatly increases the risk of death and injury to other vehicle occupants. Currently not every state in the US has laws requiring use of backseat restraints; don’t let this stop you from strapping in next time you ride in the back.

May 27 2014

Who Goes First?

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Knowing Your Right-Of-Way

right-of-way3 Second StopAn intersection without a stop or yield sign could present a little confusion. Make sure to slow down and be prepared to stop. Yield to vehicles already in the intersection or entering it in front of you. If you and another driver reach the intersection at the same time, yield if the car is on your right.

Apr 23 2014

Driving with ABS

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

How does ABS break system work3 Second StopYour car’s ABS helps you stop shorter and maintain steering control while braking, especially on slippery surfaces. The key to proper ABS success is driver education.
In an emergency, or ‘panic stop,’ you should press your brake pedal once, holding it firmly. Never pump the brakes — Anti-lock brakes can sense when your wheels are locked and electronically pump your brakes 10 times faster than you — This is what causes the vibration in your brake pedal and the ratcheting noise when the ABS is engaged. Whenever you feel the brake pedal pulsing, press even harder.

Feb 26 2014

Proceed with Caution: Driving in the Rain

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Rain and Wet Roads

s6rain2_web3 Second StopHere are some quick tips for driving in wet weather:

  • Slow down.
  • Use your low-beams headlights.
  • Drive in the tracks left by the vehicle ahead of you.
  • Be as smooth as possible.
  • Leave extra space to brake.
  • Slow down through deep water.

It takes the average car twice as long to stop on a wet road as on a dry road!

Jan 17 2014

Wacky State Laws

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Bizarre Traffic Laws from Around the Nation

police-give-ticket-gorilla3 Second Stop Some of these seem pretty obvious, but others make you wonder what the heck happened to to have the law written in the first place!  According to researchmaniacs.com … As comfy as it may look, it is illegal in California for a woman to drive a car while wearing a housecoat.  Moving north, authorities in Alaska have found it necessary to designate a law specifying that under NO circumstance should a dog be tethered to the roof of a car.  And clearly another animal-loving state — Massachusetts — asks that you please refrain from operating your vehicle with a gorilla in the backseat.  It’s illegal in the entire state.  So as always, drive safe, and mind the law!

Nov 14 2013

Pet Safety: Dog-gone Right!

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: How to Transport Your Pet, Part 2

dogseatbelt3 Second StopSo, what IS the safest method for transporting your pooch?  Your dog should never be left loose while riding in the car.  One solution is to put your dog in a travel crate that’s well-suited for their size, an ideal choice for dogs that are easily excitable.  Another safe alternative is to tether your dog with a safety harness or pet seat belt.  This protects them from hurtling forward in case of a sudden stop or accident, and helps reduce distracted driving.  Puppies and small dogs shouldn’t ride in the front seat – the danger of front air bags to children applies to dogs too.
…Now that your dog is secured safely, it’s okay to crack the windows just a little bit so they can still get their sniff on!

Nov 7 2013

Pet Safety: The Window Problem

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: How to Transport Your Pet, Part 1

puppy3 Second StopWe know you love to let your dog stick their head out of the car window while you are driving around, but the DMV advises this is unsafe.  First of all, it’s dangerous for your pet.  They might be enjoying a breeze, but it won’t be so fun if they get whacked by debris.  Also, the heavy airflow is damaging to their respiratory systems, especially if it’s cold out.  Unfortunately, unrestrained dogs are distracting to you and to other drivers, and your pet can become a hindrance to your ability to see traffic around you. By not allowing your dog’s head to hang out your vehicle window, you keep your pet, you, and others around you safe.

Stay tuned for more ways to transport your pets safely!

Jul 9 2013

High & Mighty High Beam

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: High Beams

high_beam3 Second Stop

Unfortunately, a good majority of accidents occur at night, so understanding when to use your high beams is very important.  If you happen to be on a divided highway and the cars that are traveling in the opposite direction are more than 500 feet away, you are in the clear to use your high beams.

Now you know.

May 23 2013

Summer Fun on a Budget: Off-Airport Rentals

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Get the Best Car Rental Rates, Part 3

Budget-Vacation-wegPlanning on hitting the open road this summer? Well, if you’re one of the many looking to book a car rental for that awesome trip you’ve been waiting to take, then you might want to check our three part mini blog on how to drive away without incurring such an insane rate.

Today’s Trip Tip:
3. Off-airport rental rates. Airports charge rental companies a whole lot to have in-terminal desks and onsite lots. These rental companies make up their money by charging you higher base rates and/or mandatory extras.

 Did you miss: Get the Best Car Rental Rates, Part 1 or Part 2?

May 22 2013

Summer Fun on a Budget: Use Opaque Websites

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Get the Best Car Rental Rates, Part 2

Planning on hitting the open road this summer? Well, if you’re one of the many looking to book a car rental for that awesome trip you’ve been waiting to take, then you might want to check our three part mini blog on how to drive away without incurring such an insane rate.
money-vacation-save-web

Today’s Trip Tip:
2. Check an opaque website. Discounted websites like Priceline and Hotwire are often packed with deals. “Opaque” websites offer unsold resources, such as car rentals, at a reduced price, but hide the particular dealer until after the purchase has been made. For example, doing a simulated search at JFK Airport, produced the rate of $263 on Hotwire, compared to $411 for Hertz.

Tomorrow’s Trip Tip: Off-Airport Rentals

Did you miss: Get the Best Car Rental Rates, Part 1?