How to Recognize and Report a Drunk Driver, Safely

Every day, drivers encounter a variety of dangerous situations on the road. While ice and heavy traffic are familiar hazards, every now and then particularly frightening situations can arise. One troubling scenario a driver might find themselves in is suspecting another driver on the road of drunk driving. In fact, every two minutes, someone is injured in a drunk driving crash. Though not always preventable, knowing the signs of a drunk driver and knowing how to report one can help save lives. There are several warning signs drivers can look for that could indicate drunk driving and that warrant a report, including: Swerving or uncontrolled turns Driving unusually slow Erratic breaking and acceleration Straddling lines or crossing into the wrong lane Inappropriate … [Read more...]

How to Prepare Your Car for Fall

Unsplash.com: Patrick Tomasso Now is the perfect time to prepare your car for fall with the auto repair it needs.  The season is just beginning, the weather is still warm and that winter's chill has not crept in enough to make it a hassle to head outdoors.  Think of this as getting ahead of the game.  Prepare now and you won't have to do much to get your car ready for winter. 10 Steps to Prepare Your Car for Fall Check Your Tire Pressure.  When the temperature dips just 10 degrees your tire pressure is often changed by 1-2 pounds.  I know my car already did this over the weekend. Check the pressure and fill your tires accordingly. Check Your HVAC System.  Frost will begin to cover your windshield on cold mornings, the chill will seep into your car interior.  To ensure proper … [Read more...]

Seniors: Don’t Buy a Car Without Considering These Innovative Safety Features

An estimated 20% of the U.S. population will be over 65 by 2030. While more and more public transportation options are being developed and implemented in various parts of the country, many senior citizens still rely on their own driving abilities to get around safely. That being said, senior citizens often face a unique set of challenges that make it more important than ever to invest in a car that's safe and reliable. Here are just a few safety features all seniors should consider when shopping for their next vehicle. Advanced Airbag Technology There are approximately 6 million car accidents in the U.S. each year, and airbags have saved countless lives during these accidents. For extra safety, however, it's ideal to invest in a vehicle that has not only front airbags, but side, … [Read more...]

Everything Your Car Needs Before Your Summer Family Road Trip

It's summer! With constant sunshine and a few weeks of vacation, there's no better time to pack up the car and head out on a sightseeing adventure with the family. Once you've planned your route, packed your bags, and selected a suitable mixtape for the journey, there's one last thing you need to take care of: your vehicle. It may be a hassle, but it's definitely worth it; a recent survey discovered that an estimated 77% of cars are in need of maintenance repairs, and you really don't want to be stuck in a broken down car on what was supposed to be a fantastic summer family vacation. Adventure comes in the form of the open road and exotic destinations, not in a sweaty, overweight mechanic named Bud. Start with the basics. Your car generally needs an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 … [Read more...]

Summer Driving Safety

Summer time.  A time when Americans hit the road for a series of adventures that involve a lot of time in the car with loved ones. That's why summer driving safety makes for an important and timely topic, especially because during the months of June, July, and August we see about 29% more road deaths than in winter months, making it the most dangerous driving season. I know for me I can get distracted with everyone in the car asking for one more snack, to look at that crazy car or roadside oddity.  It's a wonder we get where we are going.  Alarms.org created this infographic to help us out this summer. … [Read more...]

4 Defensive Driving Tips for the New Teen Driver

As a parent of a new driver, you tense up every time your child gets behind the wheel. There are an estimated 37.2 million injury-related emergency room visits each year according to the CDC, and you pray your child isn't one of them. You trust them and their newfound freedom, but you know how dangerous the roads can be. Rather than sheltering your child, or stressing every time they take the car, you can teach them the skills they need to be defensive drivers. Defensive driving can be the deciding difference between a life or death situation on the road, and it's imperative that your children have these skills. Here are a few defensive driving tips for your children to ensure that they stay safe and you can relax. Stay Focused Even though it may not always feel like it, driving is a … [Read more...]

How to Make Sure Your Car is Road Trip-Ready This Summer

With kids out of school and tons of family activities planned, you're bound to be doing a lot of driving this summer. But there's one thing that can put a major damper on your summer fun: a broken-down vehicle. So before you head off on a summer road trip, check out these few tips to make sure your car is road-ready. One of the first things you should do is check your vehicle for any damage or wear and tear that the harsh winter weather may have caused. You should look both inside and outside and check for rust or other damages. Additionally, give your wiper blades a once over to make sure they're ready to handle the summer rain storms. And lastly, you should wash your car. Both the interior and exterior take a major beating during the winter, so make sure your car is free of any … [Read more...]

How to Make Sure Your DIY Car Repair Isn’t a Disaster

```html Every day, you rely on your car to get from one place to another, whether it's commuting to work or running errands. Because of this heavy reliance, it's essential to ensure your vehicle is always in good working condition. If you've been driving for a while, you've probably encountered various car problems. Whether it's a minor or major issue, knowing how to fix it yourself can be incredibly beneficial in the long run. While you can take your car to a mechanic, Money Crashers suggests that you can handle some repairs on your own. For instance, you can easily replace your car's air filter without any tools. According to Money Crashers, this simple task should be done every 12 months or 12,000 miles and takes just a few minutes. Open the hood and locate the air filter, … [Read more...]

3 Ways to Drive Safe This Spring

We often think that winter is the most hazardous of driving seasons.  That may be true with the snow, ice and sleet mess that can muck up the roadways but spring runs a close second.  That old phrase, "April showers bring May flowers." can signal heavy rain or even hail.  Not to mention that springtime signals the end to hibernation for many animals.  That's why it is important to keep these tips and bits of advice in mind when hitting the road so you can drive safe this spring. First, keep in mind that while the warmer temps make us want to get outdoors that means others are out on there too.  More pedestrians and bikes are out and about.  Stay alert and utilize your extra car features like blind spot monitoring and make sure your wipers and lights are in good working order.  Ditto for … [Read more...]

3 Features to Look For In Your Next Mom-Mobile

If you're a mom, then you know how important it is to have the right vehicle to haul your kids around in. You need space and all the right features to make car rides as painless as possible. With that being said, it can be hard to choose just the right vehicle for you. SUVs are great options, but if you want to make a statement, so are pickup trucks. In fact, family trucks account for 40% to 50% of Ram sales, according to brand spokesman David Elshoff. Light duty truck sales have gone up from 57.9% to 61.9% of the total auto market in America, and increasingly it's mom behind the wheel. Women who Buy a Pickup Truck rose 67% from 2008 to 2016, and many of these new pickup truck drivers are moms. Whether you pick an SUV or a pickup truck like this New GMC truck for sale, make sure your … [Read more...]