When I turned 30 and bought a little red convertible, my friends congratulated me on my new cop magnet. After all, everyone knows that red cars are more likely to get pulled over, right? One theory says that the bright color attracts the attention of the police. Another says that an optical illusion makes red cars appear to be going faster than other colored cars. That got me thinking – are certain cars more likely than others to be cited for speeding? After all, it couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the way I drive…
According to data compiled by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, red cars do not get more speeding tickets than their less vivid counterparts. Nor are they more likely to be stolen. One would also assume that sports cars are more likely to be cited for speeding. That’s what sports cars are for, after all. Yet, the data tells a different story. According to a study by ISO Quality Planning, a risk assessment company, the following ten vehicles are the biggest cop magnets on the road. (I wonder where my pink Mini would fall on this list?)
1. Hummer H2 (and H3) – Perhaps the owners of these flashy behemoths drive like they own the road. Maybe they are just easier for cops to spot. Either way, Hummer drivers get more traffic tickets than drivers of any other vehicle.
2. Scion tC – This entry level vehicle from Toyota’s Scion division is popular with young drivers, which easily explains why it’s on the top 10 ticketed list. This little coupe delivers good performance at a very low price, which should at least make the speeding tickets more affordable.
3. Scion xB – Popular with both young drivers and small businesses, the boxy xB certainly attracts a lot of attention. The xB isn’t exactly fast, so it must be all of the catchy graphics that get these roving billboards pulled over.
4. Mercedes CLK63 AMG – Luxury has its price, and if you can afford one of these babies, you can afford the speeding tickets that go with it.
5. Toyota Solara – Although sportier than the 4-door Camry, the 2-door Solara is far from a high performance machine, but it is fun to drive. Maybe the convertible models just look like they are going faster with the top down.
6. Mercedes CLS AMG – Between its smokin’ hot looks and 507 hp V8 engine, this car has more than earned a spot on this list. Of course, with that much horsepower, I’m surprised the cops can even catch it.
7. Scion xA – With this model making the list, Scion completes the traffic ticket trifecta. The xA was discontinued in 2006, but I’m sure it’s replacement, the xD, will uphold the tradition.
8. Subaru Outback – Subarus are known for being reliable, “green” vehicles driven by environmentally conscious, outdoor-types. I guess those otherwise responsible people are in a hurry to pick up their organic groceries.
9. Toyota Matrix – More expensive than its Scion cousins, but still affordable and attractive to younger drivers, this sporty hatchback is a blast to drive. And Mr. Highway Patrol knows it.
10. Audi A4 – Offered as a sedan, a wagon or a convertible, all three versions of the upscale Audi A4 are likely to get you noticed – by the neighbors and the police.
Of course, it’s not the car that gets the speeding ticket – it’s the driver. Statistics show that younger drivers are more likely to speed than older drivers, which explains the prevalence of Scions on the list. Rich people, it seems, are also more likely to ignore the speed limit if the number of luxury cars listed is any indication. Maybe that’s what they mean by “time is money”.
Keeping a clean driving record is your responsibility, not your car’s. If you watch your speed and obey the traffic laws, you can avoid costly citations no matter what vehicle you drive. So, please drive safely!
Let’s face it – the minivan is so passé! Here is a list of 10 Car Chick approved vehicles for today’s cool moms. (I realize that Mother’s Day is not until May, but this gives you a couple of months to start dropping hints!)
1. Audi A3 - A hot, luxury mini-wagon that will make the other moms drool!
2. Mazda 5 - The convenience of a minivan (sliding doors), but with the cooler styling of a hatchback. (It’s a minivan in disguise!)
3. Honda Accord - Reliable, comfortable, great gas mileage – it’s popular for a reason!
4. Ford Taurus X - Has the roomy 3rd row seating of a larger SUV, but with a lower ride height and easier handling.
5. Lexus ES350 - For the business mom who wants to travel in style!
6. Pontiac Vibe - A slightly funky hatchback that is inexpensive but reliable.
7. Subaru Forester - 2009 Motortrend SUV of the Year. Need I say more?
8. Volvo XC90 – Safety, safety, safety!
9. Toyota Venza - Part sedan, part hatchback, entirely new and cool.
10. Maxda CX9 – For moms who want to have a little fun while hauling the kids. Zoom Zoom!
Redesigned for 2009, the Subaru Forester has become more like an SUV, but it still retains much of the charm of the old, beloved wagon. Still based on the same platform as the compct Impreza, the 2009 Forester has a slightly longer wheelbase, is an inch taller, and has more ground clearance than last year’s model. It still has its car-like handling, but with more legroom and cargo space.
The new Forester is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged version is also available that puts out 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. Most Foresters come with an automatic transmission, but some trims are available with a 5-speed manual. The Forester comes standard with Subaru’s famous AWD, and it gets an estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway (19 city/24 highway for the turbo). The Forester also keeps your family safe with standard antilock brakes with brake assist, traction/stability control, front seat side airbags as well as front and rear side curtain airbags.
The 2009 Subaru Forester is available in five trim levels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. The base 2.5X is comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, power windows/locks and a four-speaker CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack. The Premium package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power sunroof and a reclining rear seatback. The 2.5XT model gives you 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and rear spoiler, fog lights, roof rails, a telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, reclining rear seats and a six-speaker / six-CD audio system. The 2.5XT Limited adds heated mirrors, automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, and full leather. A navigation system is optional on both Limited models.
The improvements to the Subaru Forester earned it the 2009 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award. Combine that with Subaru’s solid reliability history and commitment to “green” manufacturing practices, and you have truly a unique and special family vehicle.
One of the most important jobs you have as a parent is keeping your child safe when riding in a vehicle. Yet, each year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes and other vehicle-related incidents. Here are eight tips for keeping your little ones safe in the car:
1. Buy a Safe Car - Selecting a safe vehicle is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family. Seems like a no-brainer, right? Surprisingly, most people put safety very low on their priority list when shopping for a car. Don’t automatically assume that SUVs are safe, as large vehicles are difficult to control and are more prone to rollover. A small SUV, wagon or sedan may be a better choice. If you are considering an SUV, look for one with a low rollover risk. Look for a vehicle with five star safety ratings for both front and side-impact crashes, and make sure it comes equipped with front and side curtain airbags (for all seats), anti-lock breaks, stability control, independent suspension, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Still not sure what to buy? Women’s Automotive Solutions can help you pick the perfect vehicle and get a great deal!
2. Maintain Your Vehicle - Keeping your car in good mechanical condition is essential for avoiding accidents and other mishaps that could endanger your children. Have your brakes (rotors and pads) inspected regularly by a qualified technician. Good tires are just as important as good brakes, so select quality tires and replace them when the “tread wear bars” become flush with the tire’s tread. Finally, keep your windows and mirrors clean to maximize visibility.
3. Be Prepared - Keep emergency supplies in your car in the event of an accident or breakdown. The Department of Homeland Security recommends stashing a supply of bottled water, a flashlight, flares, blankets, gloves, non-perishable snacks, and a first aid kit in your trunk. If you find yourself on the side of the road, keep your children locked inside the car until the situation is resolved so they don’t wander into traffic.
4. Manage Distractions – Nearly 80 percent of car accidents or near-accidents are caused by distracted drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Avoid using your cell phone while driving, even if it’s hands-free. Reduce child-related distractions by keep the kids entertained with books, games or movies. Remind them that Mommy (or Daddy) needs to watch the road, and then reward them for good behavior. (Bribery is perfectly acceptable here.)
5. Just Breathe - When the kids are fighting, you’re running late, and the person in front of you is going 10 miles under the speed limit, it’s pretty easy to lose your cool. Road rage leads to tailgating, abrupt lane changes, and slamming on the brakes, which endanger children and teach bad driving habits. Elaine Masters of http://www.DrivetimeYoga.com suggests using Yoga-based breathing and small stretching exercises for reducing stress behind the wheel.
6. Select the Right Car Seat - Car safety seats reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and by 54% for children ages one to four years. All current car seats (6 years old or newer) pass government safety standards, so the safest seat is one that fits your child, fits your vehicle, and one you will use correctly every time. Be wary of used car seats that may have been in a crash, that show any cracks or damage, or are missing labels, model number, manufacturing date, instructions or parts. Never put thick towels or any compressible material under a car seat, as this can reduce the safety of your installation.
7. A Snug Fit is Best - Car seat harnesses should fit snugly with no space between the child and the straps. Winter coats and blankets underneath safety restraints are dangerous because they compress in a crash, creating slack. This extra space can cause a baby or toddler to slip through the straps during a crash. If you need to keep your child warm, try a Baby Bloak™! Invented by “mompreneur” and TheCarMommy.com blogger, Jennifer Albin, the Baby Bloak is a snuggly, hooded blanket designed to fit over a car seat’s safety restraints. Check it out at http://www.TheBabyBloak.com!
8. Don’t Forget Your Kid - Accidentally leaving your baby in the car seems so unimaginable, most of us think, “How could any parent do that?” Tragically, over 300 children have died from heat exhaustion in the United States over the last 10 years after being left in a hot vehicle for several hours. Kidsandcars.org, an advocacy group for child vehicle safety, suggests always putting something you’ll need for work, such as a cell phone, handbag, or employee badge on the floor of the back seat, near the child. Or, you can purchase the Cars-N-Kids Car Seat Monitor (around $40), which turns on when it senses a child’s weight and sounds a lullaby when the car has stopped.
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