Dec 6 2013

‘Tis The Season!

How to Keep Your Holidays Merry and Bright
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’Tis the season for holiday celebrations!  But hold on there…we want to remind you ’tis also the season to be extra cautious on roadways.  December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention month, and what better time to address dangers of driving intoxicated than now?  This month abounds with lots of food and lots to drink.  We know it’s easy to get caught up in all the cheer and merriment of the holiday season, and that’s why it’s a really good time to remember the consequences of driving impaired.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), data shows that the holiday season is a particularly dangerous time on the roadways:

  • In 2011, 760 people lost their lives as a result of drunk-driving-related crashes during the month of December alone.
  • Nearly 30% of the 14,318 December crash fatalities from 2007 to 2011 involved drivers with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 grams per deciliter or higher.

It may be easy to tune statistics out, but take a moment to really visualize the risks of drunk and buzzed driving and how you’ll be affected.  A DUI conviction stays on your record indefinitely, affecting your home life, your work, and just about every other aspect of your life.  Being convicted of a DUI comes at great cost: monetary loss due to legal fees, lost wages, and potential civil lawsuits — not to mention a significant increase in your auto insurance rates.  If you believe putting yourself at risk isn’t that big of a deal, then at least think of the innocent people who could be injured or killed because of YOUR bad decision.  Living with the aftermath of such incidents is devastating.  How could you ever make it up to them?  No matter how you look at it, driving under the influence of even ONE drink is not worth the risks.

The best decision you can make is one you make before partaking in any consumption of alcohol.  If you are attending a party or event where alcohol will be present, decide beforehand to either abstain from drinking completely or to abstain from driving.  You must decide on your plan BEFORE you begin enjoying the festivities, especially if you tend to have trouble abstaining even when you know you need to drive.  Once alcohol hits your system, you’re a lot more likely to make poor decisions.

If you’re going to be with a group of people, select a designated driver.Print  There are several organizations that participate in a designated driver program, with many establishments offering incentives like complimentary non-alcoholic beverages for the DD.  Who doesn’t love FREE?

In case you can’t find a designated driver, or if your designated driver fails to maintain sobriety, have a taxi cab number on hand to call at the end of the night to pick you up and drop you off.  It’s a lot less expensive than a DUI.

Now … go drink and be merry!  Just remember – your drink doesn’t have to be alcoholic, and never should be if you plan to drive.

Nov 22 2013

Winterize Your Vehicle

Are You Ready?

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We want to make sure you’re well-prepared for changing weather conditions as winter rapidly approaches.  There are several simple things you can do to help make sure you and your vehicle stay safe!

The LAST thing you want is to get stranded out in a storm because your car battery died.  Extremely cold temperatures can reduce your car battery’s life up to 50 percent, so checking your battery is crucial! To test your battery, take it to a mechanic where professional equipment can detect if your battery is running low on life.

Getting an oil change with proper oil is another great way to help winterize your car.  For colder conditions, a thinner, less viscous oil is desirable because the oil tends to thicken the colder it gets outside.  If it’s too thick, it won’t be able to do a good job keeping your engine lubricated.  Check your owner’s manual to find out which oil is best for your vehicle.

During the unpredictable conditions of winter weather, visibility is a must.  First, make sure your wiper blades are up to par.  They generally are good for about one year, so if you’ve had them longer than that, now is the time to switch them out!  Another step to optimize your visibility during stormy weather is to have your windshield washer reservoir well-filled with windshield wiper fluid.  Don’t substitute it for water, because water can freeze.  Don’t forget to test your heater and defroster to see that they’re working properly.

Tires are a huge consideration when it comes to this time of year.  Check your tire pressure weekly.  Properly inflated tires will provide better traction and control in icy, wet and snowy conditions.  Make sure your spare tire also has proper pressure and that your jack is in good working condition.  Consider using snow tires, especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow.  They will perform much better than all-weather tires.  Poorly aligned wheels are also a risk-factor, so have your tires rotated regularly as recommended.

Last but not least, keep an emergency kit in your car.  Pack some essentials like a flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit in your trunk, along with extra gloves, boots, warm blankets, a small shovel and non-clumping kitty litter or sand for when you need added traction.  It’s not a bad idea to have extra batteries and a few energy bars or snacks on hand too.  Other items in your emergency kit could include extra antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, paper towels, jumper cables, and tire chains.

By taking time to plan ahead, winterizing your car can be easy, and should be a priority to keep you and your family safe and your vehicle operating properly.

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!

Oct 31 2013

Halloween Safety

How Drivers Can Prepare

casper3All motorists need to be EXTRA alert today.  Halloween ranks the highest for the amount of child pedestrian deaths and reports some of the highest holiday- related DUIs and pedestrian deaths overall.  National Safety Council and Trafficschool.com have some quick safety tips for motorists:

Keep an eye out for children who may be darting out from between parked cars and walking on roadways, medians and curbs.  Children can move in unpredictable ways, especially when you add in the excitement of trick-or-treating and overflowing amounts of candy.  Sometimes they are wearing dark clothing or costumes that make them even more difficult to spot later in the evening when it’s darker outside, so drive cautiously.  Always enter and exit driveways and alleys with extra care, and never use your cell phone when you are operating a vehicle.  It’s also a good idea for teens simply not to drive on Halloween night, because there are too many hazards and distractions for inexperienced drivers.  And if you are going to be consuming alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver before you even go out.  Jot down a cab company’s phone number too, and bring it with you, just in case.

Being prepared and informed will help ensure your Halloween is full of fun and not regrets.  So take note, and be sure to remind all your friends and family on how they can have a safe and happy Halloween!

Oct 25 2013

The Fall in Gas Prices

What Does the Future Hold?

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The Fall season is upon us, and just like the autumn leaves, gas prices are coming down.  Yes, go ahead and let out that sigh of relief, we’ve felt the outrageous gas increase over the summer as well.

AAA reports unleaded gas is now averaging $3.34 a gallon, the lowest national average since the beginning of the year.  Lundberg Survey, Incorporated (LSI), an independent market research company specializing in U.S. petroleum marketing, announced its latest findings on September 20th.  Charleston, SC claimed the cheapest gas price at $3.14 a gallon, while drivers fueling up in San Francisco were still shelling out a little over $4 a gallon. Though gas prices aren’t what they used to be, we don’t think anyone’s complaining about the overall declining prices.  Some estimates even predict gas prices could drop below $3.00 per gallon by the end of the year – the first time since December of 2010.

One reason behind the significant decrease is from the usual seasonal drop in gas prices.  According to AAA, factories are making seasonal adjustments by switching from summer-grade blends of gasoline to winter-blends.  Winter-blends are less expensive, thus costing the consumer less as well.

Unfortunately, other industry insiders have a slightly more grim outlook for the future of gas prices, believing that they will never dip below $3 a gallon again.  Experts forecast the future of gas prices to rise and fall in association with current events, such as the United States’ relations with the Middle East.

Either way, motorists should do what they can to make their vehicles more fuel-efficient.

Stay tuned for our blog posts full of tips on how to make your gas “go the extra mile.”  We’ll clue you in on simple ways you can make your vehicle more fuel efficient, helping you make your car last longer and keep more money in your wallet!

Oct 15 2013

Grand Theft Auto V

Bad Influence on Drivers?

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Gamers all across the globe are jumping for joy with the release of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto V.  Although the excitement runs high for most teens and adults alike, there are still a number of people who feel the complete opposite.

You have those who believe that playing video games like Grand Theft Auto V might influence bad driving habits, suggesting that the game promotes drug use, erratic behavior behind the wheel and drunk driving.  In fact, various studies over the years have found that racing video games are directly associated with risky driving, also arguing that these games are linked to speeding, tailgating, crossing double yellow lines, and getting pulled over by the police.

While on the other hand, some believe that these video games have absolutely nothing to do with a person’s driving behavior in real life.  And…although no excuses were made for the violence and crime-focused scenarios the video game displays, still many are attracted to Grand Theft Auto V because of its deep character development and story-driven adventures.

Whether you’re against the Grand Theft Auto franchise or games like it, car accidents still remain at an all-time high.

Oct 8 2013

Extend the Life of Your Car

Regular Maintenance is Key

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Keeping your vehicle well-maintained is important to preserve its longevity, and you don’t have to splurge on a new car every few year to do so either. By following these simple tips, you’ll keep you car running as if it was new.

Change Filters
It’s a given that you should get your car’s oil changed on a regular basis, but a lot of drivers often forget about the other fluids and filters, such as the air filter which helps the engine last longer.

Check Cooling Systems
Maintaining the proper coolant level is extremely important. A failed cooling system and/or hoses could result in a futile engine.

Pressure Check
Most people don’t pay much attention to their tires. But, the wrong pressure not only ruins your tires, which is bad for the vehicle all together, but it could also affect your fuel economy and present major safety issues.

Pay Attention To The Gauges
As discussed in a previous blog, most drivers ignore warning signs. They are your indicators when something is wrong with your oil pressure, cooling system or in newer vehicles, your tire pressure.

Get Regular Checkups
Find a repair shop and a good mechanic you trust! It’s important that your car gets regular checkups to maintain its overall makeup and to prevent future problems from occurring.

Oct 2 2013

Parking Meter Madness

Plug the Meter with Your Phone

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If you’re one of the many drivers living in the big city, then you know finding a parking spot is like looking for ‘Waldo.’  After circling around the block several times, you finally eye a spot with your name on it, you feel like you’ve won the lottery, and then you remember you have no change, but thank God, this meter accepts credit cards.  Finally, you’re parked and now you’re worried about the meter running out and the ticket happy officer strolling the streets.  In the battle of man vs. meter, it seems like the meter reins victorious every time.  But, what if there was a way to skip the meter, altogether?  Some cities are testing new technology that could make this a reality.

In some places, drivers can purchase the ‘EasyPark,’ a prepaid wireless device for $20, which will track parkmobile_meter_webhow long your car is parked and charge you accordingly.  However, keep in mind, local laws still apply, so be mindful of maximum time limits.  Another way you can pay the meter is through ‘Parkmobile,’ a free app for smartphone users that also gives you the option of extending your time without ever having to move a muscle.

So the next time you prepare for your next big battle with the meter, remember, you now have options.

Sep 25 2013

Baby Boomers vs Millennials

Who’s the Better Driver?better_driver_web

A question I’m sure most ‘Boomers’ are quick to answer, “I am.”  But, before you rule out the possibility that someone younger than you, with much less driving experience than you could possibly be a better driver than you, let’s take a look at a few things.

Bad driving habits are the number one downfall for most adult drivers.  Because of the years of experience behind the wheel, they generally hone the attitude, “Well, I’ve been doing it for so long, and I haven’t gotten into an accident yet.”  But why even risk it?    The problem with habits is that they’re hard to break, even if they’re bad for you or those around you.

According to a study conducted by State Farm Insurance, 65% of adults surveyed talk on the phone while driving, even though 94% of them prohibit their teenagers from doing so.  Another bad habit a lot of Boomers have is drowsy driving and also driving while in a rush.  Millennials are least likely to possess these awful habits if they haven’t already picked them up from a parent.

However, the real question here is whether experience and judgment overrules good eye-hand coordination and fast reaction time.  Well, reports still show that adults are far better equipped to handle the complexities of the road in any situation than Millennials, despite all that comes with old(er) age.  But one thing’s for sure, rules and laws change, so Boomers should brush up on their skills just like Millennials anyway.