Weird driving laws that make you go "DUH"!

Have you ever been pulled over when traveling in another state for something that was completely ludicrous?  As motorists we take for granted that the laws in all states are the same when it comes to driving. After doing some research we’ve found that there is a difference in some of these rights. We also found that not all laws are created equal and  some are downright strange.  However, It’s good for you to be aware that the states you possibly travel in have some interesting laws. Other than giving you a chuckle this might even prevent you from getting a penalty. This week our marketing at FX Caprara Auto Sales wanted to share some of these laws with you.  

• You can’t leave your keys in your vehicle in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Minnetonka City Ordinance 930.070 states that a person must stop the engine and remove all ignition keys from the vehicle.  So if you’re keys drop out of your pocket, you could face a fine.  
• Make sure that you don’t tie up your dog to the back of your truck in the state of California.  California VC Section 23117 Carrying an animal in truck.  The law only allows cross tethering along with a bunch of other perimeters when riding around in the back.
• Next time you’re vacationing in Hawaii avoid using your horn.  Section 15-19.27 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu specifically says, “The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation, give audible warning with his or her horn; but shall not otherwise use such horn when upon a highway.” 
• Utah Motor traffic code 41-6a-804. states that you must signal continuously for 2 seconds before making a turn.  In some states that could be equivalent to an enormous amount of fines. 
• In Colorado your truck would be required to have Mud Flaps. Flaps must be installed and functioning at all times. Torn or damaged flaps must be replaced at the first reasonable and safe opportunity to exit the road.

As silly as these laws may seem, they along with many others should be known when traveling outside of your average driving area.  Any questions that you may have can be directed to DMV.org or contact the state you will be traveling in to be sure you know of the “not so usual” laws and regulations.  

If you have a question regarding your other travel needs please feel free to contact us at 315-782-8436

Free App Review: Car Butler

Need a new app to feed your insatiable “app”etite? (see what we did there?).  You’re in luck! We’ve got a free app for your viewing pleasure.  It’s known as Car Butler, “the all-in-one app for people and their cars.”  Car Butler is great.  It offers features like: weather reports, GPS navigation, traffic information and the ability to locate such services as gas stations and repair shops.  Car Butler’s main screen houses four icons along the bottom.  The first one is commute, a navigation function that offers routes to your destination when you input an address or point of interest.  The GPS works effectively, serving up smart routing options to nearby locales.

The next icon, Services, also has a Google Maps interface; paired with an overlay of icons that denote gas stations, repair shops, car washes and parking.  Not to mention, they’re all powered by Yelp to help you decide with reviews. 

There’s also Comprehensive Accident Reporting, an icon we hope you never have to use. It starts by letting the consumer choose between a one-tap 911 call or “Start Accident Report” button.  Tap “Start Accident report” and you’ll receive an auto-fill form detailing the time and location of the accident via your GPS, as well as an accident description area for you to notate the details.  You can also take verbal notes with the apps voice recorder feature and store up to four photos.  It’s a great tool to have at a bad time. 

Car Butler is a great tool to have, check it out here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/car-butler/id434217027?mt=8

Driving Cautiously in a Downpour

The folks here at FX Caprara Auto Sales wanted to share some interesting information that will not only improve your skills as a driver but will also help to protect yourself as well as others driving on the road.

Rain is essential.  It helps vegetation flourish, provides nutrients to soil, and is an overall integral part of life here on Earth.  But when it’s hitting your windshield and the pitter-patter of raindrops causes you to clench your teeth, it’s time to take precaution.  Rain can be attributed to thousands of car accidents a year.  Accidents can be preventable by drivers who weather (pun intended) the conditions of the road, using their intuition and defensive driving skills to stay safe during their commute.  When the road is wet, a film is created on the asphalt, causing your tires to lose traction.  Another problem during a downpour is your perception.  You can’t see as far into the distance as normal, so this decreases visibility of other cars and the road itself.

In today’s blog, we discuss some options to driving safely when the roads are wet.

Be careful when it rains after a dry spell.  Engine and oil grease cake up on asphalt over time.  When this is mixed with rainwater, it can cause the road to be extremely slick. 

Allot more time for your commute.  This allows for a steady drive to your destination.  The last thing you want to do is rush, it also compensates for delays, flooding, and unexpected accidents.

No Cruise control!  If you go into a hydroplane, there’s a slight chance your car could accelerate.  Reaction time is crucial and you’ll need your foot close to the pedal at all times.

Turn on your headlights.  This helps you see the road, and also lets motorists see you.  Blasting your high beams however can prove detrimental.  It can obscure your view further, reflecting water droplets in the air. 

Hydroplaning.  The first rule to avoiding the dreaded hydroplane is to avoid braking suddenly or turning the wheel, which can cause your car to spin or skid off of the road.  According to Edmunds: “Release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which case you can put your foot down).”

Defog your windows.  Rain causes your windshield to fog up fairly quickly.  Turn on your defrosters and make sure you're A/C is turned on.  Most vehicles climate control systems will automatically engage the A/C when the windshields defrost is selected.  

We hope this was helpful and kept your interest.  Contact us at anytime to get other helpful hints on staying safe on the road. 315.782.8436