A week or so ago, I listed the top 10 vehicles most likely to earn you a speeding ticket.  (Of course, it’s the driver that gets the ticket, not the car…)  So, it’s only fair that I  give you the 10 vehicles that are least likely to get you in trouble with the cops. 

Most of the vehicles on this list come as no surprise.  Some, like the Mazda 6, are quality cars that are willing and able to zoom-zoom.  The Oldsmobile Silhouette, on the other hand, may not even be capable of reaching the speed limit.  Some of these vehicles made the list because they tend to be driven by safety-conscious parents or responsible workers.  Others are simply so forgettable that even radar detectors don’t notice them.

1.  Jaguar XJ
2.  Chevrolet Suburban
3.  Chevy Tahoe
4.  Chevy Silverado 2500
5.  Buick Park Avenue
6.  Mazda 6
7.  Buick Ranier
8.  Oldsmobile Silhouette
9.  Buick Lucerne
10. GMC Sierra 1500

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!

(Women’s Automotive Solutions can help buy a car - cop magnet or not!  Check out our unique car buying service at www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions.com and see how you can get the best deal without all the hassle!)

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.

When temperatures drop to somewhere between chilly and frigid, it’s time to check the air pressure in your tires. As we learned in high school physics, air compresses as it gets colder, which lowers your tire pressures.

Low pressures cause the sidewall of the tire to flex, leading to handling problems, excessive tire wear, reduced fuel economy and even tire failure.

Signs of low tire pressure may include your car pulling to one side, a drop in fuel economy, and “squealing” sounds during normal acceleration and cornering. Of course, if you are lucky enough to have a vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system, that little yellow warning light is a dead giveaway.

If you don’t know the proper air pressure for your tires, check your owner’s manual or look on the side of the tire itself, near the rim of the wheel. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your car and check your pressures often, adding air as needed.

When temperatures warm up again, the air in your tires will expand, and you will need to let air out to prevent over-inflation.

Drive safely!

Travel by automobile is statistically one of the most dangerous forms of transportation.  Yet, driving is such an integral part of our daily lives that we don’t think much about the dangers.  No matter how skilled of a driver you may be, an accident could happen to you.  If you are involved in an accident, remain calm and follow these steps to lessen the stress and protect yourself from potential liability.

1.  STOP!  Stop your vehicle and, if necessary, move it to a safe position near the location of the accident. The law requires that you stop at the accident scene.  Failure to do so could result in a traffic ticket or a warrant for your arrest.
 
2.  Check all involved parties for injuries.  Seriously injured persons should not be moved unless they are in imminent danger from fire, traffic or other hazards.  Everyone who can walk should move to a safe location.  If necessary, call 911 for medical assistance.  If you are injured or think you may be injured, seek medical attention immediately.  If you do not seek it from the scene, do so as soon as possible thereafter and keep all related paperwork for possible reimbursement.

3.  Contact the police. The police will advise you if their response to the scene is necessary. Contact the police if the accident involves a hit and run, if there are injuries to people, or if it is apparent that liability will be disputed. If police are present at the scene of the accident, get the police officer’s name, phone number, and the police report number.

4.  Do NOT admit fault!   It is natural to want say that you are sorry to the other people involved in the accident, but this could be construed as an admission that you were at fault.  Instead, simply give the details of the accident and cooperate with the police in providing answers to their questions.

5.  Exchange contact information.  Exchange names, addresses, and phone numbers with all parties involved in the accident.   Get the year, make, model, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number for all vehicles involved.  Identify any witnesses to the accident and gather their contact information as well.

6.  Call your insurance company.  If there is damage to any vehicle or injuries as a result of the accident, immediately report the accident to your insurance company and cooperate in the same manner as with the police.  If you have a camera in your possession, take photos of the damage to the vehicle, accident scene, and people involved.
  
7.  Take care of your vehicle.  If your vehicle isn’t drivable and must be towed, be sure to write down the name, address, and phone number of the towing company and be advised of the towing and storage fees.  Arrange for your vehicle to be repaired as soon as possible.  If it appears your vehicle may not be repaired soon after the accident, make sure you remove it so storage fees don’t accrue.  (You will have to pay the fees up to that point, but seek to get those reimbursed.)  If you vehicle is totaled and cannot be repaired, contact Women’s Automotive Solutions to discuss replacement options.

8.  Find the best repair shop.  Depending on your insurance company and coverage, you may be able to choose any body shop to repair your vehicle, or you may be required to select one that is pre-approved by your insurance company.  Don’t assume that a body shop is good just because your insurance company recommends it.  Research local repair facilities to find the one that is best qualified to fix your type of vehicle and has a solid reputation.  Contact Women’s Automotive Solutions if you need a referral.
    
9.  Consult an attorney.  If you are injured and want to seek compensation for medical bills and pain & suffering from another vehicle’s insurance company, do NOT make the claim or speak to them without consulting with an attorney.  Even if you are making a claim for property damage for your vehicle, consult with an attorney before speaking to the adverse insurance company so you know and can protect your own rights.  If you are contacted by another party involved in the accident or by someone acting on his/her behalf (such as an investigator or representative from his/her insurance company), do NOT speak with him/her unless and until you have contacted an attorney.
 
10.  Take care of yourself.  Give yourself sufficient time to rest and recover after an accident, even if you don’t think you suffered any injuries.  The stress of being in an accident causes a rush of adrenaline in the body, which can mask pain and inflammation.  It can often take 24 hours or longer for aches and pains to surface.  Always follow up with your doctor and/or chiropractor to assess any underlying injury and take corrective action to prevent potential long term damage.  Keep track of all medical expenses and any lost wages and seek to get them reimbursed.

Nearly 6.5 million automobile accidents happen in the United States each year, with a financial cost of over $230 billion, according to the Federal Highway Administration.  If you are involved in an accident, take the steps necessary to protect yourself, your family and your assets.  Of course, prevention is always the best tactic, so DRIVE SAFELY!

(This article was co-written by Justin Lowenberger.  Justin is an attorney with Ted A. Greve & Associates, a law firm that represents clients who have suffered personal injuries or property damage in automobile or truck accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina.   Learn more about how they can help and protect you on the web at www.MyDrTed.com.   Justin can be reached directly at 704-804-7114.)

Safety is a high priority for most drivers when they set out to purchase a new vehicle.  Each year the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety puts the model year’s newest vehicles through a list of rigorous testing and then selects its Top Safety Picks, recognizing vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes.  Safety Pick winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control, which research shows can significantly reduce the risk of crashing. 

Thirty-four vehicles received the top pick designation for 2008, as compared with only 13 in 2007:

Large Cars
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus
Mercury Sable
Volvo S80

Midsize Cars
Audi A3
Audi A4
Honda Accord
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy

Midsize Convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volvo C70

Small Cars
Subaru Impreza

Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
BMW X3
BMW X5
Ford Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Veracruz
Hyundai Santa Fe
Infiniti EX35
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M Class
Saturn Vue
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Subaru Forester

Large Trucks
Toyota Tundra

Ford and Honda boast the most vehicles on the list, and the 2008 Ford Taurus snagged the award for the number one safest vehicle on the market.  (Source: IIHS.org)

Winter can be rough on cars and their drivers.  Even those of us fortunate enough to live in the moderate climate of the South must face cold and even severe weather on occasion.  Taking a few simple steps to prepare your car for the weather can make nasty conditions safer and a lot more tolerable.   Here’s a list of things you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming cold season, however long or short it may be.
 
Check your tires!  A good amount of tread on your tires will give you better grip than an old worn out pair of tires. Take a look at the grooves in your tires and make sure that the tire has not worn down to the tire wear bars.  You can check your tire wear by inserting a penny into the tire tread. If you can see the top of the Lincoln’s head, it’s time to buy new tires.  You should also check the air pressure in your tires.  Cold temperatures cause the air in the tires to condense, lowering the air pressure.  Failure to maintain the correct air pressure can result in reduced gas mileage, decreased tire life, and poor handling, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. 

Gain weight!   Not you – your car!  If you have a rear wheel drive car, or a car with high performance tires, you are at greater risk of skidding on slippery roads than those with front or all wheel drive vehicles.  Rear wheel drive cars do not have much weight positioned over the rear of the car and, therefore, not much pressure on the rear wheels to keep them from skidding.  In places where winter is an actual season, people typically solve this problem with snow tires and adding weight to the rear of the car.  In the South, you can skip the snow tires, but consider throwing a large bag of kitty litter in your trunk.  Not only will it add weight over the rear wheels, but you can place a handful of it under your tires to provide traction if you get stuck on a patch of ice.  But, don’t think you are off the hook if you have a front or all wheel drive vehicle.  They may work a little better on snow, but EVERYTHING slides when it hits ice!   Always drive slowly and cautiously in winter weather.

Get a Check-Up!  A mechanical breakdown during the summer is usually just a nuisance, but breaking down in the winter can be very dangerous. Your car’s engine performs differently during the winter, especially in very cold conditions.  Make sure your car is in top working order before cold temperatures hit.  Have your mechanic check the hoses, coolant, oil, hydraulic and transmission fluids.  Also check your starter, battery alternator & drive belts to make sure your electrical system is up to task of starting the engine in colder weather. 

Make sure you can see!  Inspect & clean your lights to make sure they are working properly, since you will be driving more at night.  Replace your windshield wipers, if needed, and clean your windows regularly to maximize visibility.   Put fresh windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir.  (Never use plain water, as it will freeze.)  Use a plastic ice scraper or defrost to clear your windshield.  Do not use your wipers, as this will wear them out very quickly.

Be prepared!  It’s not just for Boy Scouts anymore.  If you don’t have an emergency kit in your vehicle already, make one.  You never know when you might get stranded.  Always have a flashlight, ice scrapper, jumper cables, water, snacks, first aid kit, gloves, blanket & charged cell phone.  Flares can also be used to signal for help and warn other cars of your presence on a dark road.  Make sure there is air in the spare tire, and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.

Winter driving can be challenging, if not downright hazardous.  By winterizing your car, you are prepared for whatever weather or situation you may encounter.  Drive safely!

After a long, hot summer, autumn has finally arrived in the Carolinas.  With it come shorter days, cooler temperatures (finally!) and the beginning of the holiday season.  Although the holidays bring us joy and excitement at the thought of festive parties, family gatherings and delicious food, they also bring many driving dangers. 

You may have noticed that the sun has already set by the time most people leave work.  Between the decreasing daylight and numerous holiday party invitations, people drive more at night during the holiday season than any other time of year.  Yet, most people do not realize the dangers of night driving.  According to the National Safety Council, traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day.  Ninety percent of a driver’s ability depends on vision, which can be greatly impaired after dark.  Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are compromised during and after sundown.  In fact, twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive, because your eyes are constantly changing to adapt to the growing darkness. 

Another holiday driving danger is fatigue. During the holiday season, it is easy to wear yourself out shopping, decorating, and going to parties.  May people drive long distances at a time to visit family and friends.  The holiday rush can lead to exhaustion, which makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time.  College students driving home for the holidays may face a particular risk, especially if they’ve been sacrificing sleep for studying. 

Holiday party-goers should be extra careful driving home from those festive events.  While indulging in a cup of eggnog or two can be fun, it is important to remember that alcohol is the leading factor in fatal traffic accidents.  Alcohol also increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.  When you are tired, one drink can feel like four or five.  Driving home from a party can be especially dangerous if you combine alcohol with fatigue.  Watch your own alcohol consumption, don’t drive if you feel sleepy, and be alert for other drivers on the road who may be under the influence.

You can further minimize after-dark dangers by following special driving guidelines and properly preparing your car.  Turn on your headlights as soon as the sun begins to set.  This will not only improve your vision, but it will also make you more visible to others.  Reduce speed and increase your following distance at night.  No matter how good your vision is, you cannot see beyond your headlights, so maintain a speed that allows you to stop in that distance.  Clean your headlights, taillights and the inside and outside of windows at least once a week to maximize your ability to see clearly.  Keep flares, a flashlight and a blanket in your car, just in case you have a nighttime breakdown.

The holiday season is the most dangerous time of the year to be on the road.  Increased traffic, reduced visibility, exhaustion and alcohol consumption can turn holiday joy into tragedy.  However, taking these simple precautions and using good judgment can help you arrive safely at your destination.  Happy Holidays!

Is your teenager taking Driver’s Ed, and soon will be asking for your car keys?  Or maybe your teen already has a Drivers License, but you are afraid if he/she will be able to drive safely and responsibly?  Unfortunately, your concerns are justified.   Teen drivers are at significant risk on the road, and parents need to be aware of these alarming statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• 14% of all deaths due to motor vehicle accidents are teen drivers.
• Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 13-19-year-old males and females in the United States.
• Teen lifestyle of staying up late make teen drivers a high risk to have an automobile accident due to drowsiness.
• The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk for unsupervised teen drivers: the risk increased with the number of teen passengers.
• Crash risk is particularly high during the first years that teenagers are eligible to drive
• Approximately 30% of teen drivers who die in motor vehicle crashes have been drinking alcohol

So, what can you as a parent do to keep your children safe?  The first thing you should do is select a safe vehicle for your teen to drive.  We all want our kid to drive the newest and coolest car out there, but that “image” can come with a cost.  As I drive around town, I see these young and inexperienced drivers in Mustangs, BMW’s and large SUVs.  These automobiles are big, powerful and difficult to control for even experienced drivers.  In the hands of a new driver, they can be deadly weapons.  Small cars can also be dangerous, however, as they do not protect passengers as well in a front end crash.  Your teen is safest in a midsized sedan with a four cylinder engine, airbags and a good crash test rating.  You’ll also save on gas and insurance costs!  (For crash test ratings, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website at www.iihs.org.)

Another step you can take to keep your teen driver safe is to monitor his or her driving behavior.  You ask your kids who they are going to be with when they go out and where they are going.  You call the parents of a friend who is having a party to make sure the kids will be properly supervised.  You make rules, set limits, and check up on them.  So, why not do the same thing when it comes to their driving behaviors? 

The NHTSA encourages parents to closely monitor and strictly limit their teen’s driving in the first 12 - 18 months after obtaining a license.  Limit where and when your teen is allowed to drive without you in the car, such as at night or in adverse weather.   Require the use of seat belts, and do not permit the use of cell phones or MP3 players while driving.  Limit the number of passengers your teen may have in the car when he or she is driving.  My parents wouldn’t let me have any passengers (except them) for the first 6 months.  At the time, it made me angry that I couldn’t cruise around with my friends, but now I understand their wisdom.
 
You may choose to invest in an Event Data Recorder or GPS device to monitor your child’s vehicle location and speed.  When your teen driver speeds or does something with the car you don’t approve, you will know.  You may balk at such monitoring as an invasion of privacy, but it could save your child’s life or the life of someone else.  Just be honest with your teen about the existence of the device and that it is for their safety (and your peace of mind).

Finally, be aware of your own driving behaviors when your child is in the car with you – even years before he or she is eligible to drive.  For better or worse, our children learn by watching us.  If you speed, tailgate or yell at other drivers, your teen will too.  The best thing you can do to teach your teen to be a responsible driver is to set a good example and be a safe and courteous driver yourself.