Avoiding Traffic Tickets

In an accompanying story, "Beat your Ticket", we give you some tips on beating your traffic ticket in court. We now have some overdue advice to offer: It's far easier to avoid getting tickets in the first place.

In this article, we'll tell you how to drive so the cops won't stop you. And we'll also tell you what to do and say if you are pulled over. Your behavior — and your attitude — could mean the difference between a ticket and a warning.

For answers to these questions, we talked to Walter Meyer, a teacher in a comedy traffic school and a freelance writer living in San Diego, Calif. He has collected a lot of information by studying the traffic laws and doing "ride-alongs" with traffic officers. But he has also gathered interesting anecdotal evidence from his students — harrowing accounts of traffic accidents, police stops and other driving mishaps.

A Resolution You Should Keep: Be Car Care Aware

To be car care aware, incorporate the following service interval schedule items as part of your New Year”s resolution:

• Perform monthly checks of tire pressure and the condition of tires, lights and windshield washer fluid. The vehicle should also be cleaned monthly.
• Every three months or per the owner”s manual, check the engine oil and filter, check the levels of other fluids including automatic transmission, power steering and brake, and check the battery and cables, belts and hoses. The exhaust and fuel filter should also be checked at this interval.
• Every six months or 6,000 miles, the chassis lubrication should be checked and windshield wipers should be replaced.
• Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, the brakes, spark plugs, coolant and steering and suspension should be checked.

Seeing is Believing When it Comes to Road Safety

Following a few auto care visibility tips can be illuminating, helping to ensure the safety of you, your passengers and other vehicles around you.

• Replace any exterior or interior lights that are dimming, rapidly blinking or non-functioning, and be sure headlights are correctly aimed.

• Make sure that vehicle mirrors are clean and properly positioned.

• Check windshield washer fluid level and when it gets low, replace it.

• Replace wiper blades if they show cracking or if they chatter or streak when operating. Don’t forget to check the rear wiper blade.

• When in doubt, turn your lights on to help you see and help other drivers see you. Some states have laws that require headlights to be on when windshield wipers are operating.

• Don’t overdrive your headlights. Maintain a speed that will allow you to stop within the illuminated area, otherwise you create a blind crash zone in front of your vehicle.

When was the last time you changed your car battery?

Holiday Road Trip Three Ps That Won’t Bust the Budget

With the holiday season upon us, many Americans are stretching their dollars to make a trip home for the holidays. While driving is the thrifty option, unexpected vehicle repairs can bust your budget this time of year. Motorists planning a road trip over the holidays should follow the three Ps – prepare, prevent and plan – to save money and avoid breakdowns.

• Conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection. If you find your vehicle needs repairs, be sure to address them in a timely manner so they can be performed by a trusted technician before your journey. While it may be tempting to put off repairs until after the holidays, it is not worth the risk and added expense of more extensive work down the road.

• The last thing any driver needs is to break down in cold, harsh winter weather. A pre-winter vehicle check is a sensible way to avoid the inconvenience of being stranded out in the cold as well as costly emergency towing and repairs.

• Before traveling longer distances, plan your route and review the council’s steps to better fuel economyto maximize savings at the pump. Pack a road emergency kit, including jumper cables, a road atlas, first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, water, non-perishable food and blankets, and be sure your cell phone is fully charged.

Taking proactive steps to prepare, prevent and plan in advance of your holiday road trip will help you avoid the hassle and expense of unplanned car trouble away from home.

Think You Know All About Distracted Driving?

Hands-free technologies might make it easier for motorists to text, talk on the phone, or even use Facebook while they drive, but new findings from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety show dangerous mental distractions exist even when drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.  

The research found that as mental workload and distractions increase reaction time slows, brain function is compromised, drivers scan the road less and miss visual cues, potentially resulting in drivers not seeing items right in front of them including stop signs and pedestrians. This is the most comprehensive study of its kind to look at the mental distraction of drivers and arms AAA with evidence to appeal to the public to not use these voice-to-text features while their vehicle is in motion.

With a predicted five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018, AAA is calling for action as result of this landmark research. “There is a looming public safety crisis ahead with the future proliferation of these in-vehicle technologies,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “It’s time to consider limiting new and potentially dangerous mental  distractions built into cars, particularly with the common public misperception that hands-free means risk-free.”

Auto Collision Tips

Staying calm and on task after an auto collision can save lives and get you back on the road quickly

An auto collision can be an emotional and exhausting experience. Many motorists drive defensively, take driver education courses and prepare for stressful driving situations, but unfortunately vehicle collisions still occur.

A driver is responsible for knowing what to do if they are involved in a collision. Even the most prepared and competent drivers sometimes find themselves involved in a crash. It does not matter who is at fault, the most important thing to do first is make sure everyone is OK, then seek medical and law enforcement help and know what to do to protect yourself from legal or financial problems down the road.

The best defense to avoid any problems after a crash is to be prepared. Keeping a pen and paper, disposable camera or cell phone camera, and copy of your insurance card easily accessible at all times will help keep you organized and decrease stress moments after a collision. Use of a mobile app can help you properly document the event.

Vehicle Warning Lights

Safety on the road is no accident. For example, when a warning light illuminates on a car’s dashboard, it is alerting you to a situation that requires your attention. While not all warning lights are a sign that disaster is imminent, no warning indicator should ever be ignored.

That’s the word from the experts at AAA, who encourage motorists to read their owner’s manual and know what each of the warning lights in their vehicle means. To help, they offer the following tips:

Oil Pressure Light

The oil pressure light is usually an oilcan symbol , although on older vehicles it may be a light with the word “OIL.” It comes on when there is a drop in engine oil pressure. Of all the warning lights, the oil pressure light indicates the greatest potential for serious mechanical damage.

If the oil pressure warning light comes on and stays on, pull off the road at the first safe opportunity, shut off the engine and call for assistance.

Engine Temperature Light

The engine temperature light is usually a thermometer symbol, although in older vehicles it may be a light displaying the word “TEMP.” It comes on when the engine temperature is above the recommended maximum. Unless the temperature is quickly brought under control, major engine damage is likely to occur.

Helpful Safety Tips for Older Drivers

 Get a reliable car

This can help prevent many future problems. Make sure the car works well in snow, rain or other situations and has great safety ratings . Double-check that it has great visibility with easily adjustable seats, mirrors, etc. Also, be sure to find a car that’s comfortable and easy to drive.

Get snow tires for winter driving

If you live in an area where it snows regularly, you’re going to have to drive through it at some point. So mind as well get prepared ahead of time.

Consider a safety driving course

Keep headlights, taillights and mirrors clean

It’s a simple tip, but keeping these areas clean and functioning can greatly improve visibility.

Keep a pair of sunglasses in the car

Driving straight into a sunrise or sunset can be one of most challenging driving situations. It’s very tough to see no matter what age you are. That’s why it’s always best to keep an extra pair of sunglasses in your car at all times.

Keep up on maintenance

Most car’s manuals clearly outline a detailed maintenance schedule. It’s best to follow this as closely as possible to make sure your car is staying in great shape. And this can help prevent future breakdowns or complications.

Always bring a cell phone and get a car charger

Keep the charger in your car at all times, so your phone’s battery never runs out.

Make sure your driver’s license is still valid

Regulations on how frequently (and at what ages) you need to renew your driver’s license can vary by state. Just check the expiration date on your license to see if it’s expiring soon and renew if necessary.