All posts in On the Road

Motorcycle Or Car? Tips To Help You Pick The Best Choice

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/15 in On the Road with Comments Off

You’ve determined that you need a mode of personal transportation, but you’re not sure what the better option is: a car or a motorcycle. This quick guide will help you arrive at the best choice considering your specific situation.

Size

The most obvious difference between driving a car and a motorcycle is the size of the vehicle. While a 4-door sedan might be able to fit you and three of your friends, it may not be ideal in a dense city where lane space and parking come at high premium. Because of its smaller form factor, a motorcycle can more easily negotiate traffic, and it will be far easier to find adequate parking where a full-sized vehicle simply couldn’t fit.

Cargo/Space

Secondly, consider what cargo needs you may have. If your job or lifestyle demands that you have ample trunk space or a back seat, then a car might be a necessity. However, keep in mind that most motorcycles can be outfitted with storage racks and waterproof cargo boxes that might actually be big enough to suit you. You may be surprised at how much you can carry in a pair of motorcycle saddlebags.

Cost

Another consideration is cost. However much you’re looking to spend, it’s highly likely that you’ll get more motorcycle for your money simply because there are fewer raw materials needed for its construction. Look into used models of both cars and motorcycles to get a good feel for what your budget can handle.

Safety

Safety is another critical feature to consider in making the decision to purchase a car or a motorcycle. Whereas full-sized cars can have a host of safety features including airbags, ABS brakes and reinforced steel framing, there really are no safety features of most motorcycles. The likelihood of injury or death is exponentially higher if you’re involved in a wreck while riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, and the Fannin Litigation Group in Spokane can help in these cases.

Maintenance

Don’t forget to factor in the ongoing cost of maintenance, gas and taxes or fees. A smaller engine generally needs less fuel to operate, so a motorcycle is going to take you further on less money. Maintaining a motorcycle is simpler, too. There are fewer moving parts after all. Also, registration fees and taxes are generally lower for motorcycles than they are for cars.

Weather

Lastly, consider the weather conditions where you’ll be using your vehicle. If it rains frequently or if ice and snow are frequent, riding a motorcycle is going to be inherently more difficult than driving a car.

While you may enjoy both a motorcycle and a car, you will often benefit from one more than the other. Consider the area you live in, weather, traffic and more before making a final decision.

A Deadly Combination: The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/08 in On the Road with Comments Off

Although everyone in America knows that drunk driving is a problem, many underestimate the dangers of driving drunk and the resulting consequences. Some are unaware of the fact that a person’s driving ability can be severely impaired even without driving over the legal limit. In addition to legal consequences, a person whose driving ability is impaired can pose a real danger to other drivers and passengers.

Why is Alcohol a Problem When Driving?

Many people safely drink in moderation and operate a vehicle afterwards without causing any problems. However, even smaller amounts of alcohol can impair a person who is small in size, has low alcohol tolerance, or takes medications. People with certain medical conditions that impact their reaction time may also experience impairment.

Serious Accidents Can Carry More Severe Charges

Penalties for drunk or impaired driving are severe but are worse when serious injury or death results. A driver that is involved in a car crash that causes severe casualties may face a long jail sentence, eventual civil damages, and severe social stigma. Understanding how severe the consequences might be is something that people need to take into account before their drinking causes a tragedy.

Under the Influence or Impaired?

Many people unfamiliar with the laws don’t realize that driving under the influence and driving while impaired are two different charges. Driving under the influence, which is what most people think of when they think about drunk driving, happens when the driver has a blood alcohol level of .08% or more. However, drivers can also be charged when their BAC is .05% or more, and the alcohol impairs their driving. When this is the case, they face driving while impaired charges.

The Penalties Can Be Severe

Although driving under the influence or impaired have different criteria, both charges can similar sentencing. A DUI can carry a sentence of up to a year while DWAI can result in a 6-month sentence. A jail sentence of this length can have severe personal and financial consequences. Law firms such as Bachus & Schanker Law work with these types of cases regularly.

Consulting with a Lawyer Helps

People facing the sentences and fines associated with driving drunk would do well to consult with an attorney. A lawyer may be able to assist a person facing drunk driving charges so that they can resume living as normal a life as possible. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a DUI or DWAI charge, seeking an attorney’s advice may make things easier.

Avoid Accidents: Tips for Recognizing a Dangerous Driver

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/28 in On the Road with Comments Off

Driving carefully and responsibly is not enough to avoid an accident. It is important to be aware of what other drivers are doing as well. Every day good drivers are involved in accidents caused by someone else. To avoid this, everyone should be aware of who they are around at all times when out on the road, and understand how to detect the ones that are the most dangerous.

Changing Speeds Constantly

Repeatedly slowing down and then speeding back is a sign that could point to several problems. The person could be distracted, they may be unfamiliar with the vehicle they are driving or they may be a nervous, or novice driver. In each instance they are a potential risk because they may not have the control over the vehicle needed to prevent an accident.

Obvious Distracted Drivers

Someone actively chatting on their phone, eating a meal or driving with a dog in their lap has too much going on to really pay attention to the road. Vehicles with these drivers should always be avoided. For example, many motorcycle drivers have to pay attention to distracted car and truck drivers as their vehicle is a little more of a rarity on the road. If other individuals are involved in an accident there can be increased risk, so get people like Ramzy Ladah to help motorcycle accident victims. Always be aware of who is around you while driving any type of vehicle.

Driver Acting Aggressively

For reasons not fully understood, some people can become very angry and aggressive out on the road. Tailgating, honking the horn and gesturing and yelling are common actions for these types of drivers. If they are engaged with someone else, get out of the area. Drivers who are being targeted should avoid making eye contact or responding to the other driver. Remain focused on the road, refrain from speeding up to get away and do not stop unless it is someplace where help is immediately available.

Wandering Between Lanes

Cars drifting from one lane to the next or gradually getting too close to the shoulder of the road before being jerked quickly back in place are a serious risk. In some instances it could just be distracted driving, but in many others it could be something much more dangerous. This behavior is common with intoxicated drivers, people falling asleep and someone with a medical emergency. Stay back at least a full car length and have the passenger, if available, call 911 to report the driver.

Poorly Maintained Vehicles

Even great drivers can have old vehicles. This is not what people should worry about. Instead be concerned with the ones belching black smoke from the tailpipe and missing mirrors. Duct tape holding any part in place, old plastic covering gaping windows and more dents and dings than the average vehicle has, signify a potentially unsafe driver. Consider that if this is what the visible parts of the vehicle look like, imagine what shape the unseen parts, like their brakes, are in.

Carrying Unsecured Loads

Sometimes drivers can be a danger to others, even when they have full control of their vehicle. Watch out for any vehicle carrying anything. Whether it is strapped to an SUV roof, filling a truck bed or jutting out from a trunk, it can cause damage if it has not been securely strapped in place. Excessive movement of the load or the vehicle leaning to one side due to an uneven load are signs of problems waiting to happen. Get away from the vehicle as soon as possible, as even following one or two car lengths behind could be dangerous.

Responsible drivers have to do what is necessary to protect themselves against others who are less respectful and sensible on the road. Dangerous drivers are a hazard to themselves and everyone else. There is very little the average person can do to get these people off the road. Instead, everyone should do whatever they can to avoid becoming a statistic because of them.

Unsafe Driving Practices: The 5 Most Common Causes of Fatal Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/21 in On the Road with Comments Off

Some people tend to overlook the potential dangers of driving a car mostly because they think it will never happen to them. However, it really only takes a moments loss of concentration for something to go horribly wrong when you are behind the wheel. A sudden loss of concentration while on the road can lead to disaster. In fact, the United States has an average of 31,000 car accident fatalities a year. Here are the five most common causes of fatal car crashes.

Driving While Intoxicated

A lot of people, when they are intoxicated think they will be ok if they are just really careful when they get behind the wheel. However, they are very, very wrong. From college students to Hollywood celebrities, intoxicated drivers come from all walks of life. At any given moment, blurred vision and diminished motor skills can cause a drunk driver to lose control. The results are often fatal when an intoxicated person gets behind the wheel. Not only is their life at risk, but they also put everyone else in a dangerous situation.

Distracted Driving

Driving a vehicle requires your total concentration. Even looking down to change the radio station can be a big distraction. Some of the other common distractions include texting, putting on makeup, and looking back to scold a misbehaving child. The best approach is to keep your eyes focused on the road ahead. If you need to perform a task, pull over and park in a secure location. You should also not talk and especially not text on your cell phone while you are driving. Texting and driving is one of the leading causes of deadly car crashes.

Fatigued Driving

After coming home from a late-night shift, it is understandable for a person to be exhausted. Unfortunately, driving while fatigued is among the most dangerous behaviors. A drowsy motorist can quickly fall asleep while cruising along a dark highway. According to Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Cohen Placitella & Roth, P.C., drinking coffee will not always keep you alert. There is no substitute for actual rest.

Bad Weather

Far too many drivers fail to recognize the dangers of traveling in severe weather. Unfortunately, this can lead to a devastating car crash. Because of the slippery pavement, drivers need to remain focused at all times. Speeding in icy weather is an absolute no-no. Statistics show that about 11 percent of all fatal car accidents are caused by poor road conditions. If the weather is too bad, find a safe place to pull over until the weather conditions let up.

Reckless Drivers

There are certain people who do not respect their driving privileges. They simply do not care about the potential consequences. While some drivers are guilty of running red lights, there are others who overlook school bus stops. The bad news is that reckless drivers often go unpunished. If you notice a motorist who is driving aggressively, do not hesitate to call the police.

As you can see, there are a number of dangerous driving habits. To ensure your personal safety and the public’s safety, be sure to pay attention while driving a motor vehicle.

Shiny New Motorcycle? Follow These 4 Rules to Stay Safe

by Anica Oaks on 2015/12/16 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

A brand new motorcycle can give you a sense of freedom unlike anything else in the world, but these vehicles will never be as safe as cars. With virtually no protection, drivers must take their safety into their own hands. If you have recently purchased a new motorcycle and are ready to hit the road, read ahead for a look at four rules that will keep you as safe as possible.

1. Never Ride Without Gear

Wearing a DOT-approved helmet at all times will reduce your risk of death by 37 percent in the event of an accident. In addition to a helmet, every rider should invest in a comfortable and durable set of riding gear. These sets include motorcycle boots, gloves, and leathers with metal reinforcement. Even if you are just running down the street to the store, you should have your riding gear on at all times.

2. Assume That Other Drivers Don’t See You

No matter what type of vehicle you are in, it is always a good idea to drive defensively. When it comes to motorcycles, however, riders should assume that all other drivers do not see them or do not know how to react to them. Some of the most common accidents can easily be prevented if drivers double-check their blind spots and riders assume they are always in a driver’s blind spot.

3. Always Start With a Safety Course

Taking a safety course is the single best thing that a rider can do to protect themselves, and that is why some states have even made these courses mandatory. In addition to teaching you the nuances of riding, these courses can also connect you with experts in the field such as motorcycle accident attorneys in Phoenix and motorcycle mechanics that could be invaluable in your future.

4. Skip Bad Weather Rides

There are very few safety features on a motorcycle that are designed to assist a rider in bad weather. Even a small amount of snow, rain, or high winds can wreak havoc on your ride and dramatically increase your risk of having an accident. This is especially important for longer rides when you might experience much different weather a few hours into your journey.

There is no surefire way to prevent 100 percent of accidents, but riders that take the time to educate themselves, wear the correct gear, and pay attention to their surroundings will decrease their risk of having a life-altering accident.