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Is Your Car Really Safe?

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You’ve put a lot of research into buying a new car. But is it really safe? Understanding and looking out for hidden dangers can make the difference.

Hidden Dangers

Many parents aren’t aware of the dangers that something as simple as power windows pose for children. Most problems are with cars that have rocker or toggle controls. The danger presents itself when a child sticks his head out the window and then leans on the switch, causing the window to come up and choke him.

This danger is easily remedied. You can prevent a child from getting caught by having a car with pull up/push down switches or a window that automatically reverses. Pay close attention to the type of switches and their location.

If you’re not looking to buy a new vehicle, there are still steps you can take. Use the lockout switch so that you, as the driver, are the only one who can control the windows. In addition, when you’re moving windows up and down, be aware of your passengers.

Features there to protect you, unfortunately, can create another risk — if they’re used incorrectly. As airbag lawsuits show, a prime example is the airbag. This, of course, doesn’t mean you should avoid airbags. They’re potentially life-saving devices that create an added layer of protection in case of a crash.

To make sure your car is safe, you’ll need to make sure your airbags are present and functioning properly. Airbag injuries usually come from one of three situations: the manufacturer didn’t install airbags in the car, the airbag didn’t deploy when necessary, or the airbag did deploy, but in a low-impact crash.

When it comes to car safety, out of sight should not equal out of mind. Check on all features of the car, even if they aren’t obvious.

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Laws Tagged With: , ,

Prepare the Car for Kids on Long Haul

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Travel with children can be challenging if the trip is long. The single best piece of advice someone can give a traveling parent is to keep their attitude in check. Yes, the parent’s attitude needs to be watched. 

 

We already know the kids’ attitudes may get cranky but if the parent responds in kind, the day is a bust. Keep positive, make short stops all along the way for refreshments and to burn off energy, and find interesting things to look at from the car. 

 

If any of the kids usually take a nap, have them lay down in the back seat if there’s room. Parents will be glad they did, there’s a bad afternoon in the waiting if someone doesn’t get their nap. Bring pillows and a blanket into the back seat to accommodate this. 

 

Play Travel Games Like ‘I Spy’ 

Bring a small emergency kit and have in it these items, plus the usual first aid items:
  • Tylenol (no looking around a strange town for it if someone gets sick.)
  • Baby wipes (handy when kids’ hands get sticky in the back seat)
  • Flashlights (kids can read by flashlight and they like to play with them)
  • Water bottles
  • Snacks
  • Batteries
  • Toys
Keep a stash of toys they haven’t played with yet, and periodically switch them with the toys they already have. This can keep them occupied for hours in a row and they won‘t get bored. 

 

Kids are known to fight back there, too. The response everyone is used to: Don’t make me stop this car!

 

Filed Under: General, Highway Miles, Road Trips Tagged With: , ,

Your Rights Concerning Claims in Case of an Accident

It is important for you to protect your rights if you get into an accident. This is true whether the accident happens at work, while you are driving, or while you are at a store or restaurant.

In the case of a car accident, you have the right to file a claim if you are the injured party or if you were not at fault in the accident. You are entitled to receive compensation for pain and suffering that occurs as a result of a car accident. In order to protect your rights you should:

  • File a police report
  • Take photographs of the accident scene
  • See a doctor in order to document any injuries you received in the accident

If you have to pay for any medical expenses — including doctor copays — as a result of your accident, consider using a prepaid debit card for those charges. This way, you will have proof of payment so that you can be reimbursed later on.

In the case of an accident at your job, or at someone else’s place of business, the steps you take to protect your rights will be similar. For example, if you are shopping and slip and fall in a store, you should get the name and address of the property where you fell, along with the names and addresses of any witnesses. It is also important that you or someone you know get pictures of the exact spot where you fell.

Regardless of the kind of accident, it is critical for you to contact an attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Precautions Tagged With: , ,

Preparing Your Car for a Roadtrip

Should you decide to venture out and take a trip in your car there are a variety of things that you can do to be prepared for the conditions and the hazards that lay ahead. Some simple checks can save you a big headache later.

Making a Checklist for your Car

If your car isn’t running good you should have it looked at before departing on a road trip. Should your vehicle break down it can not only cost you a lot of money, but become a safety issue. You should always check your tires. A simple tire check doesn’t have to be complicated, a quick look at your tires will tell you if you have any smooth spots, Of course if you are uncomfortable checking your own tires, you can take your vehicle to nearly any tire shop for a basic inspection.

Additionally you should consider having your oil changed if you are going on a lengthy trip, logging a lot of miles can put you well over your recommended oil change interval. Don’t forget to check the levels of your windshield washer fluid. Washing your car can be a good idea to ensure that your windows are clear of dirt and road grime giving you the best visibility you can have.

In any case it’s a good idea to have some sort of road-side service, your auto insurance company may provide roadside assistance as part of your insurance package, and if you don’t there are national companies that will provide you with service for a very reasonable fee.

Filed Under: Highway Miles Tagged With: , ,

Refinancing Your Car

Consumer auto loan refinancing has become a viable method for many buyers, especially those who are forced to buy a vehicle at a less-than-desirable interest rate. Stale rates can be the result of not having readily available cash for a down payment, or, a failing housing market that has adversely affected their credit. Regardless of the reasons, getting better loan terms can help tremendously.

Should the consumer refinance his automobile? What is the best way to get a lower interest rate?

Consumer trends show that car refinance loans are a common way to save money monthly and over the life of a car loan. The first thing to do is to find out your vehicle’s loan balance. A quick call to your lender will answer that question. Next, shop around for the best deal. Some people use the Internet to look for the best rate while others prefer to have all their loans come from the same lender so they go straight to the bank or institution that holds their mortgage. This is a great option if you don’t have perfect credit but still have a solid history of payments. Your bank may be more willing than an anonymous lender to give you a reasonable interest rate even if your credit score is below 700.

Once you have the money in hand, pay off the original lender in full and begin making your monthly payments to the new one. Make sure you calculated correctly to avoid any payment issues. Refinancing ensures that you are definitely saving money over the long haul, protecting your credit score and enjoying the extra money in your pocket!

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Travel Tagged With: , ,

Rules of the Canadian Road

When traveling by car into a different country you will want to familiarize yourself with the different motor vehicle laws, speeds and roadways. This will help you to have a safer drive and less potential for unnecessary education from local authorities.

When driving in Canada it is important to note the time of year you will be traveling in and the current weather conditions. Taking with you extra blankets, water and snacks is also a good idea for road traveling in case of unexpected stops or hindrances in your travels.

While driving in Canada it will be much like driving in parts of the United States.

But you will notice that speed limits are posted in kilometers opposed to miles as in the US. And in Quebec the road signs are posted in French, so you will want to familiarize yourself with the meaning of those signs in advance of traveling within Canada.

In Canada the typical posted speed limits for in the cities are 50km which equals just about 31 miles per hour. On the highways the posts will be 80km and that equals 50 miles per hour. But for rural highways you might see the speed posted at 100km which sounds fast but really is only 62 miles per hour. This will give you an idea of the speed expectations within Canada.

If you have ever had a driving under the influence ticket in the US, you very possibly will not be allowed to drive in Canada, regardless of how much time has passed since the violation.

You will need to wear a seat belt in Canada at all times it is a law, just as it is in most of the US now. And children under 40 pounds will need to be in a car seat for their safety.

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Road Trips Tagged With: , ,

When to Use a Microloan to Help Fund Emergency Car Repairs

Your car is your life. You can’t get to work without it. If you can’t get to work, you can’t make money, and without money, it’s hard to have a life. You rely on your car as if it is an extension of yourself.

The problem is, cars aren’t always agreeable extensions. They need gas, they need routine maintenance, they need insurance payments, and if it’s a new car, they need regular car payments, too. These expenditures tend to add up, but because you need your car, most of the expenditures are tolerable.

Like any kind of machine, however, cars occasionally need new parts. This could be as simple as a spark plug or air filter, and as complicated as a head gasket or muffler. If you’re already operating on a minimal budget, due in part to regular car payments and all of the other bills you have to pay, having to pay for more drastic repairs can feel as if you’ve hit a financial crossroads. Without your car, you can’t get to work. If you can’t get to work, you can’t make money, but in order to fix your car, you almost need to spend money you don’t have (yet).

If you run into a situation like this, you can secure a right-sized loan for your repairs from a microlender such as GreatPlainsLending. Microlenders exist for situations exactly like the kind you might have with your car – a time where you need money in a pinch and don’t want to sign excessive amounts of paperwork to make it happen. Pending approval for your micro-loan, you can move forward with the repairs on your car and set up a payment plan in order pay back your loan as soon as you start earning money again. With your car back up and working, repaying the loan shouldn’t be a problem.

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Road Trips Tagged With: , ,

Eliminate Pet Distractions

Distracted drivers are one of the leading causes of automobile accidents in the United States. While cell phones and texting have gotten most of the media attention for distracting drivers, it turns out that our pets are equally distracting. Restraining our pets while driving not only can prevent accidents, but it can also save your pet’s life. There are three types of pet restraints that are safe to use in automobiles.

Safety Barriers

One type of safety barrier stretches between the trunk and the back seat. This keeps your pet from launching forward during quick stops. Prices range from $27.99 to $99.99. Typically, these are made of metal or PFC pipe and are an efficient and cost-effective means of restraining larger animals. Smaller pets, under 10 pounds, could get caught between the bars or be injured bouncing around the large area.

Another type of barrier restraint is made of netting and eliminates the chance of a smaller pet getting caught or trapped in it.

Seatbelt Restraints and Booster Seats

Seatbelt restraints are one of the safest ways to transport your pet. It works by using a seatbelt harness for your pet. Most pet stores sell these. Be sure to get the right size for your animal. Harness start at around $10.

Smaller pets, under 10 lbs, usually benefit from a booster seat as well. Booster seats allow your pet to see what is going on, while still being safe. You can get a good booster seat for less than $30.

Don’t make the mistake of using a booster seat without a seatbelt harness. A sudden stop could throw your pet against the windshield or dashboard causing serious injury.

Keeping your pet secure during car travel eliminates the distraction for the driver. It keeps the driver safe, the pet safe, and keeps other drivers on the road safe.

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Road Trips Tagged With: , , ,

Safety Tips for Towing a Trailer

Whether you are hauling a snowmobile, a quad, a motorcycle, boat, or trailer, towing a trailer presents some driving and safety challenges. You can expect a safe and uneventful trip if you make a few preparations in advance and adhere to some common sense rules.

Before you go

Before you pull out of your driveway or the campground, be sure to a thorough safety check.
1. Check the tread and tire pressure on the tow vehicle and the trailer.
2. Check the lugs nuts on both the vehicle and trailer. Are they tight?
3. Is the hitch and coupler securely engaged?
4. Test the running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights on both the trailer and tow vehicle.
5. Test the brakes.

On the road

Once you are on the road it is important to drive with increased vigilance.
1. Drive at a moderate speed
2. Avoid sudden stops and steering corrections
3. Drive slowly over rough roads, potholes, and railroad crossings
4. Make wider turns to accommodate for the increased length
5. Downshift to help increase acceleration when passing or going uphill.
6. Downshift to aid the brakes when reducing speed on downgrades
7. Avoid trailer wheels going on to the soft shoulder.

Backing Up

Backing up with a trailer is a particular challenge for novices, however it can be easily mastered.
- Step one: Hand on the bottom of the steering wheel
- Step two: To turn right, move your hand to the right; to turn left, turn your hand to the left.
- Step three: Use slight movements to make alignment adjustments
- Step four: If you go too far in one direction or the other, pull forward, straighten the wheels and start again.

So you see, it’s just a few basic, but important things. You’re ready. Go have some fun!

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Safety Tagged With: , , ,

An End to Backing Blindness

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The end is near. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is finally requiring that car manufacturers eliminate the blind zones behind vehicles. The enhancement of rearview cameras makes this possible and economically feasible. According to KidsandCars.org a child-safety advocacy group, nearly 50 children every week are injured or killed when they enter the blind zone and are backed over. For families everywhere, these new requirements can’t arrive soon enough. In the meantime, here is a checklist to keep children safe around your vehicle. Rules to Live By- Make sure ALL children have left the car when you park. -Keep your car locked. In addition, be sure that keys and remote openers are out of the reach of children. -Don’t leave children alone in the car. Not ever. Not even in your own driveway. – Keep landscaping and shrubbery trimmed. This will increase your visibility and let pedestrians see you sooner. – Before you move the car, know where your children are. Walk around the vehicle to be sure.- Begin early to teach children not to play in the driveway. More Tips First, determine what your vehicles blind zone is. With the help of another, look into the rearview mirror, and ask your helper to place the traffic cones where they first come into sight. Then get out and see how large your actual blind zone is. Second, consider adding larger side mirror and/or a rearview camera to reduce or eliminate the blind zone for your vehicle. Toddlers and children under five are most susceptible to back-over accidents. Nothing is more heartbreaking, than a parent accidentally backing over their child. Don’t let this happen to you. Adhere to the rules to live by and keep your child and all other children near you safe from back over accidents.

Filed Under: Highway Miles, Road Trips Tagged With: , ,