Auto Magazine

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.

The Most Common Costly Mistakes People Make When Buying A Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/23 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Shopping for a car can be both a stressful and exciting experience. A smart purchase involves the right preparation. Here are blunders people make that can dent a buyer’s wallet.

They don’t consider a used car

A new car will lose much of its value in the first year of ownership. A vehicle goes through a meticulous inspection to qualify for certification. Manufacturers evaluate physical condition, mechanical quality, and mileage. Cars chosen are less likely to need repairs down the road. A new car warranty ends at a certain age or mileage. Conversely, a certified warranty extends coverage beyond an original warranty’s expiration. If you buy a used car, consider the fuel economy, extra safety features, and look for cars with less mileage.

They forget to factor insurance costs

People often lose sight of this necessity in the car-buying process. However, insurance will add to your total cost. Call your insurance agent once you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few different makes and models. You may be able to save money with a particular trim level or engine size. The car size, make, and model can dramatically impact insurance premiums. A more expensive car is likely to render a higher premium. It also pays to comparison-shop auto insurers.

They don’t conduct a thorough test drive

DME Automotive reports that one in six buyers doesn’t perform a test drive. Roughly 30 percent take only a 10-minute stint around the block. However, this doesn’t provide a complete demonstration of the car’s overall behavior. Consider how you intend to use a car and whether a particular vehicle will meet your needs. Make a checklist of "must-have" features, and run through it during the test drive.

They omit doing vehicle research

Many people approach car shopping with vague ideas of what they want and how much they can afford. Using the internet to glean information equips you with bargaining power. You’ll have the buyer’s advantage with an online comparison of makes, models, reviews, road tests, and pricing. If you’re aiming to buy a used car, doing a VIN search is vital. A Vehicle Identification Number is your ticket to obtaining histories regarding title, accidents, leasing, mileage, and maintenance. You can quickly get a car history report on Instavin.

They succumb to sales pressure

It’s common for a salesperson to leave the negotiating table and speak to a manager, supposedly to get you a better deal. Upon returning, you may be told that a price reduction is only possible with an on-the-spot commitment. If you’re subject to this tactic, consider it a warning sign. If you’re confronted with mounting pressure to buy, tell the salesperson you’re uncomfortable and get up to leave. This will save you from being intimated into making a deal that you need to sleep on.

Save money, time, effort and stress by avoiding these car-buying blunders. It’s important to do your own research and know your budget before making a decision on car.

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.

Prepared for a Break Down? 4 Crucial Items to Keep in Your Vehicle

by Anica Oaks on 2015/12/18 in Auto Care with Comments Off

When it comes to your personal safety and well-being, it always pays to be prepared. This includes preparing yourself for any emergencies that you might experience when you get in your car and head down the road. Here is a look at four emergency items that everyone should keep in their vehicle at all times.

First Aid Kit

Every single vehicle should have a stocked first aid kit in the trunk or cab at all times. Smaller kits that are created specifically for vehicles are quite affordable and can be purchased at practically any store. These kits will typically include a handful of bandages in various sizes, pain relievers, a tourniquet, latex gloves, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers. Larger kits might have an assortment of additional gear such as hand-crank radios and sterilized water.

Blankets

Anyone who lives in a climate with freezing temperatures or will be driving through a colder area should keep extra clothing and blankets in their vehicle. A human’s internal temperature only needs to drop by two degrees in order for hypothermia to take place, and this can result in permanent damage to their organs and other soft tissue. At the very least, drivers should have a water-resistant jacket and thick blanket in their trunk. Those who would like to be even more prepared should consider a sub-zero sleeping bag.

An Old Cell Phone

It might seem counterintuitive to keep a second charged cell phone in your vehicle, but these devices are important for a few different reasons. The first reason is that cell phones can make emergency calls even if they do not have an active calling plan. A driver can also switch out their SIM card if their first phone dies. Plugging your SIM card into the second phone will allow you to make calls to anyone that you need including a heavy towing service in Texas or other emergency services.

Water

Going just a few hours without water or any other liquids can impair one’s judgment as their body begins to shut down to protect itself. Having a couple jugs of clean water in your car will allow you to protect yourself from the harsh side effects of dehydration. Typically, drivers will want these water jugs to contain distilled water so that they can use it in their radiator if their car begins to overheat. Most cars require a mixture of 50 percent radiator fluid and 50 percent distilled water.

Having just these four items in your vehicle will keep you safe and comfortable if your car breaks down and you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

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.