Summer Car Safety Tips

It’s Hot.  Or at least it’s about to be.  Summer is here and the nation is heating up with some record-breaking temperature in some regions.  Blog readers, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of tips for keeping safe during the summer. 

1.    DON’T leave your children or pets in a closed car – If it feels a bit scorching outside, ALWAYS play it safe.  If you’re in the process of running errands and it’s a process to unstrap your children and or pet, take the extra time to securely unfasten their harness.

2.    Park in the SHADE – this should be a given.  Tis can keep your car several degrees cooler in the summer. 

3.    Keep Emergency Items in Your Vehicle – keeping spare items in your vehicle is important for your safety in hot months.  You should have:

a.    Bottled Water

b.    Snacks (that don’t spoil and can handle varying weather conditions)

c.    First Aid Kit

d.    Smartphone

4.    Service Your Vehicle – our technicians are skilled in providing services to maintain the life of your vehicle.  Your car may need extra care in dry climates. Keep up to date on oil changes and fluid checks. Make sure your battery is good and have your air bags and seat belts checked to make sure everything is functioning properly.

7 Facts About Texting That Can Save a Life

Multitasking has increased in the last few years to astronomical heights.  With one hand and a smartphone you can watch a YouTube video, send an email, play a game, voice chat and place a call in a five-minute span.  However, with much power comes much responsibility because NOW that we have this access 24-7, it has carried over into our driving habits. 

For some time, researchers have been telling us to focus only on driving, quoting a greatly increased chance of accident, injury and death when we distractedly call a friend or answer a ringing cell phone.

Now, new research has revealed the most dangerous driver distraction of all: texting.

A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, along with prior studies by Liberty Mutual Insurance and state-funded organizations located online, reveals the shocking statistics of texting behind the wheel:

·      Texting while driving increases the risk of accident 23.2 times over unimpaired driving.

·      Texting while driving results in longer response times than even drunken driving. While an unimpaired driver can respond quickly to changes in traffic and begin braking within half a second, a legally drunk driver needs four additional feet to begin braking—and a driver who’s texting needs 70.

·      In the moments before a crash or near crash, drivers typically spend nearly five seconds looking at their mobile devices—enough time at typical highway speeds to cover more area than the length of a football field.

·      Though 95 percent of drivers surveyed said texting behind the wheel was unacceptable and unsafe, at least 21 percent admit to doing it anyway.

·      Especially amongst teens, texting results in erratic driving behavior, like lane weaving and speeding up and down, increasing the likelihood of hurting pedestrians and running into other vehicles.

·      Texting behind the wheel is generational: 37 percent of drivers 18 to 27 admit to texting while driving, compared to 14 percent of 28 to 44 year olds, and 2 percent of 45 to 60 year olds.

·      An accident can happen in two to three seconds while texting.

Drive Safely!

7 Things You Should Have in Your Car

            Ok, as an individual who enjoys a tidy workspace, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to be compared to the vehicle equivalent of the individuals on the TV show: “Hoarders.”  We also want you to keep safe while you make your daily commute, so we’re feeling a bit conflicted.  In most cases, your vehicle is well equipped with the necessary tools to run smoothly.  In today’s blog, with help from The Simple Dollar, we provide a list of some extra essentials that could aid you daily.

1.    Owner’s manual This should naturally be in your glove compartment anyway, but you want to make sure that it is indeed in your car.

2.    Maps Keep a detailed map of the state you’re in in your car at all times – or even a current atlas if you have room. Don’t completely rely on a GPS navigation system.

3.    First aid kit (and manual) This can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries. Slowing down bleeding quickly can mean the difference between walking something off and going into shock.

4.    Flashlight (and extra batteries) Similarly, a flashlight is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tire.

5.    Bottled water This is necessary for sustenance if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for a while.

6.    Food! Non-perishables, need we say more?

7.    Umbrella stay dry, my friends.

Amazing Smartphone Apps for Making YOUR Life Easier (Car Edition)

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Life is rough, with schedules, play-dates, business meetings, and exhaustion lingering it’s hard to get a few seconds of ease. Well, there is a quick release. Millions of Americans have embraced the smartphone movement or the “computer in your pocket” mentality. It’s easy to pull your phone from your stone washed jeans, or khaki work slacks (whatever your preference) and update your Facebook, play a quick game, or catch up on the Huffington Post’s most recent article. It’s just that easy. Below, we’ve provided some cool apps that can ease that mental strain, and help you find that niche between work and relaxation.

Trapster, a free iPhone application allows drivers to scan the area for known speed traps, police hangouts, speed cameras or even stop-light cameras. Using the GPS capabilities in your smart phone it uses reported speed traps in Trapster’s network database to give voice alerts of approaching traps. This technology is due to a network of over 5 million Trapster users that constantly contribute trap locations.  GasBuddy is a lifesaver for savvy individuals with a frugal mindset. Gas changes fluctuate at the drop of a hat, sometimes varying as much as 20% within a couple city blocks.

GasBuddy is a comprehensive source for up to date gas prices. The app lays out prices on a map and allows the user to choose one that fits their budget. Priceless.  Car Finder Plus is an app that records your position when you leave your car, tracking your location in the process. The GPS stores this location and when you’re looking for your vehicle after running your errands it provides a display of where to locate your car.   Repair Pal is a great companion for the everyday driver. It can tell you the right price to pay for repair, find a great mechanic in the area, and gives one-touch access to roadside assistance. Amazing! Plus the app is free!  There are countless smartphone applications available for your phone that helps make life a tad easier. Check out your smartphone application store for details and continue to drive safely!

For more automotive news and updates visit our website at http://www.fxcaprara.com/auto-sales-dealership.asp