Built-In Car Safety Features May Save Lives, But They Have Hidden Costs

Americans spend 70 billion hours behind the wheel, according to AAA. And while most of us assume we'll be able to travel across local roadways (many of which were made from asphalt or the 88.5 million metric tons of concrete that were produced in 2018) without incident, that isn't always the reality. Each year, over 37,000 Americans die in car accidents, while another 2.35 million are injured or become disabled as a result of auto collisions. Fortunately, the growing popularity of built-in safety features can minimize the likelihood of a serious crash. But there may be issues associated with these features that might not always make them worthwhile. Today's most in-demand vehicles come with all the bells and whistles -- many of which are made using a polyethylene. There are roughly … [Read more...]

Fully Charged Live: The Can’t Miss EV Event

This weekend I had the pleasure to attend the two-day event, Fully Charged Live in Austin, TX.  Based on the popular YouTube show and podcast created by Robert Llewellyn, Fully Charged Live aims to educate electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, EV owners, and those curious who want to learn more about the EV industry, the latest in transport technology and clean energy.  This is the first time Fully Charged Live was held in the U.S. as it is a UK-based show.  The first live event was in 2019 in the UK and was a great success. What to Expect I didn’t know what to expect from Fully Charged Live.  I don't consider myself an expert on clean energy or EVs. I really love cars, trucks, and SUVs as well as the automotive industry. Surprisingly, I only reviewed one EV, a Kia Soul a few years … [Read more...]

3 Ways You Can Make Your Family Car Last Longer

It's no secret that cars can last a while with full coverage car insurance, proper maintenance and care. In fact, the average vehicle on the road in 2017 was 10.1 years old, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation. With car prices steadily increasing and interest rates climbing on auto loans, it's more important than ever to make sure your family car stays in great shape. Even though Eisenhower added more than 42,000 miles of highway to the country back in the 1950s, traveling such long distances demand a little online research. After all, the last thing you want to worry about during the holiday season is your family vehicle biting the dust on the way to Grandma's house. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make your family vehicle last longer without worrying about … [Read more...]

Driving Hazards to Watch Out For This Fall

Although we may love the colorful foliage and the rich bounty that comes with the changing seasons, the reality is that autumn can also be marked by its share of safety hazards. Of course, there are dangers we have to avoid just about everywhere. In 2015, for example, over 20,000 workplace slip-and-fall injuries were reported to OSHA in California alone and they had to contact a Workers Compensation Injury Physical Therapy expert for their injuries. But it's not just at work that you need to be on your guard. You'll also need to keep a sharp eye out for threats when you're traveling on the roads. Whether you're heading to work, taking a peaceful drive to look at the scenery, or loading up the car for a holiday trip, you'll want to pay close attention for these autumnal driving dangers -- … [Read more...]

Farewell to the Ford Flex

It was this very same time of year back in 2010 when I reviewed the Ford Flex back in 2010.  Yes, I am talking about cars again and with a bit of nostalgia. Why? Because I hold fond memories of this flat-roof, rib-sided wagon-like mobile. 2011 Ford Flex (mummysproductreviews.com) The Flex: What is it? When the Ford Flex arrived we had our third kid only a few months before. I was intrigued by the idea of having a car that was like both an SUV and a station wagon.  How would it drive? What kind of storage did this vehicle contain? In the end, what the heck is it?  Is it a crossover or an SUV? Maybe it is a station wagon? "If you took an SUV and mated it with a station wagon you would get the Ford Flex.” -Dominic Mason, my husband.   What looked like a funky mix of a wagon and … [Read more...]

Motorcycle Safety Tips For Fall Rides

In recent years, motorcycle safety has been improving bit by bit. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of fatal motorcycle accidents in 2017 was 5,172 — a 3% drop from the year before. However, any number over zero is still far too high for motorcycle deaths. Use these tips to keep you safe on the road when you're riding your motorcycle. Wear A Helmet, Even If It Isn't The Law Believe it or not, not all states have a law requiring the wearing of a helmet while riding a motorcycle. That doesn't mean, however, that there aren't consequences to skipping on this important safety gear. Helmets can dramatically reduce the chances of getting into a fatal crash, and if you are in an accident, it gives you a better shot at walking away from it. Injured in … [Read more...]

How Can I Keep My Kids Safe When Grandma’s Behind The Wheel?

When you're behind the wheel, you have control over how fast you're going and what you pay attention to when you're on the road. You have full responsibility for your kids' safety. But what about when your parents are behind the wheel? One in every six drivers on the road is aged 65 or older, and the world's population of people aged 60 and older is expected to double in the next 30 years. While getting older doesn't necessarily mean you'll get into a car accident, the risk of being involved in an accident increases significantly as you age. So how can you make sure your kids stay safe while they're in the car with grandma and grandpa? Establish whether or not there's an issue According to the American Automobile Association, 50% of the middle-aged population and 80% of the … [Read more...]

The Millennial Buyer’s Guide To Car Loans

Buying a car can be a daunting experience. Even if you know exactly which make and model you're interested in (which many people don't), you have to figure out how you're going to fund the purchase; since many people -- especially first-time buyers -- don't have a few thousand dollars sitting around, they're forced to take out a car loan to cover the costs. Let's take a look at what you can expect from and how you can prepare for this experience. Establish A Budget There are a lot of vehicles on the market; from heavy duty pick-up trucks to the compact sedans, you'll have your choice of features, add-ons, and specifications. It's very easy to get in over your head and listen to the persuasive words of your dealer; before you know it, you're driving away with a car that you don't need and … [Read more...]

5 Car Malfunctions that Could Cause Accidents

Many of us spend time every day in a vehicle, but driving daily can make it easy to forget the dangers of being on the road. In 2014 alone, 30,000 fatal car accidents occurred in the U.S. According to experts like an auto accident attorney, those thousands of accidents have almost as many causes-- distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and driving while sleepy all lead to dangerous operation mistakes. Sometimes, however, the driver isn't necessarily at fault. Vehicle malfunctions also contribute to car accident statistics every year. Here are just a few common car troubles that can lead to life-threatening accidents: Brake Failure Brakes might be a car's most important safety feature. When a car can't be slowed or stopped properly, accidents ensue. In fact, in crashes caused by … [Read more...]

Car Buyer Beware: Consumers Should Check Vehicle History For Flood Damage

The recent hurricanes that have hammered many of the southern states have destroyed countless homes, leaving many families with no choice but to completely rebuild their properties. Thousands of vehicles were demolished in the storms, too. But experts are saying that some unscrupulous second-hand sellers might try to pass off those flood-damaged vehicles as perfectly fine automobiles. Nearly 40 million used cars exchange hands each year, between dealership and private party sales. There are laws that are made to protect consumers from being sold a lemon, like the one that requires flood damage, auto repairs, etc. to be reported on a vehicle's title. But of course, there are still those who will try to take advantage and dupe unsuspecting buyers. This is why inspecting a vehicle with the … [Read more...]