Extremely toxic drivers, such as those convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, may make an exclusion a necessity. (image by seattlepi.com)

As one’s household grows, so too, does their auto insurance policy. While this is a pretty standard and expected occurrence, it’s important for people with an increasing number of licensed drivers under one roof to realize they have options. Should any of their family members threaten their driving reputation and quotes, policyholders have the option to remove and exclude them from their insurance plans, making auto coverage someone else’s problem and responsibility.

Requesting an Exclusion

If you’re a policyholder interested in excluding one or more individuals from your policy, then you need to contact your insurance company and/or agent. Your request will have to be in writing and might also come with additional forms and paperwork, depending on who your insurance company is. It’s also important to note that requesting an exclusion may cause your rates to increase a bit, but some view this cost as a much more affordable expense than the potential damages they might be held accountable for when the dangerous driver(s) in question get in a serious accident or have repeated traffic offenses.

Whom Should I Exclude?

Now that you know how to request an exclusion, it’s important to understand WHO to exclude. You should exclude anyone you see as high-risk, unreliable and irresponsible. Individuals who show no regard for rules and regulations and could care less what happens to your name and record in the process are other obvious options. To help make the choice easier for you, below is a list of three individuals you definitely don’t want on your policy.

Mittens, the Family Cat

While a fluffy, cute member of the family, Mittens also has a wild side with which you are all too familiar. She is open about her late-night romps with her neighborhood friends, often coming home as the sun rises. She’s practically nocturnal! Those crazy hours coupled with her sassy attitude are a recipe for disaster for you and your record, so nip this problem in the bud while you still can — before Mittens brings you down with her.

Your Six-year-old Who’s Going on Sixteen

Six-year-old Ben is your pride and joy. He’s cute and sweet, but let’s be honest — the boy is growing up too fast. Rather than run the risk of him growing up, stealing your car and running away, it’s probably best to exclude him from your policy to keep that from happening. You might not be able to stop him from physically growing, but you will darn sure try to stop him from leaving you!

The Neighbor Next Door Who Thinks He’s ALWAYS Welcome

Sure you let him borrow a cup a sugar once, but does that really warrant unannounced pop-ins or the dreaded ‘surprise I was waiting for you to get home from work’ visit? The answer is obviously no, but that doesn’t stop your too-close-for-comfort neighbor from doing just that and more. A sweet, eager individual with no concept of social norms, this neighbor is here so often you’re worried he thinks he’s actually a part of the family. While you technically shouldn’t have to cover him on your insurance, the lines that surround your whole relationship — and evidently your property— have been blurred. So, just to be on the safe side, you better exclude him. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll get really comfortable and decide to take your car for a spin and get locked up for grand theft auto — maybe then at least you’ll get to cook in peace again!

Reality Check

Obviously, these examples of potential exclusions are extreme and ridiculous, but that’s just the point. Auto insurance exclusions are a serious issue that should be treated as such. They shouldn’t be added to policies willy-nilly and on a whim, but rather after serious thought and consideration has been given to the situation. It can be a pricey and potentially lengthy process that should only be implemented after you have determined there is no other feasible option.

You should only opt to exclude drivers with repeated violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding or any other behavior that shows a disregard for the law. It’s also important to note that exclusions can also apply to non-related roommates. Depending on your policy and location, it might be a smart idea to exclude any irresponsible roommates you might have, should they try to drive your vehicle without permission and thus endanger your reputation and record.

We do hope you’re never presented with having to exclude a family member from your auto policy. Keep in mind, it’s only advisable when the said-driver is extremely toxic. Most of the time, excluding a single driver will only lead to higher rates for everyone involved.

You’ll know they are a real risk if they cause you to be subjected to higher rates, or worse, put you in danger of losing your coverage altogether — those are costly expenses worth the fees that come along with an exclusion.

If you are seriously considering opting for an exclusion, talk with your insurer to explore all of your options and alternatives. They should help point you in the right direction for your future.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Excluding People From Auto Insurance appeared first on CarInsurance.org.

Defensive driving will make you much safer on the road. (image by flickr.com)

We’ve discussed how car crashes in the United States each year impact our economy and society. Sure, they lead to higher car insurance costs for each of us, but their impact goes much deeper, and they remove almost 2.5% from our gross domestic product (GDP) each year. We’ve also discussed how they can impact individuals on a deeply personal level, since crashes can result in the loss of life. But despite all of the statistical data that gets thrown our way, one thing is perfectly clear: the vast majority of these crashes, collisions and so-called accidents are preventable.

We’re not kidding. Most automobile accidents are preventable. If every single driver employed the basic techniques of defensive driving, the number of crashes would be dramatically reduced.

What is Defensive Driving?

If you’re like a lot of people, you may be wondering what the actual definition of defensive driving even is. To put it simply, defensive driving is the act of applying driving rules and techniques that can help motorists reduce risks and anticipate dangerous situations. Below are some tips on how to be a better defensive driver.

Focus on the Task at Hand: Driving

The first step in becoming a defensive driver is to recognize that you can control how you drive. You should be thinking safety first. You can’t rely on others on the road to make your safety a priority. That’s your job. So, wear your seat belt, don’t drive aggressively and keep your full attention on the task at hand: driving.

Visualize Everything

Constantly scanning the road with one’s eyes is another habit of good, defensive drivers. This means checking the front, left side, right side and rear with all of your mirrors. Make sure you’re scanning far ahead, not just casually looking around you. This will give you time to react to any situation that could be coming your way. Keep your eyes peeled for other vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles or pedestrians even pets and wildlife should be on your radar.

Always Have an Escape Route

This means not following too closely and not getting boxed-in. On multiple lane roads, such as freeways, center lanes are preferred, as they maximize your ability to go left or right.

Don’t Tailgate

Most driver guides insist on leaving a two-second space between yourself and cars you are following. This doesn’t go far enough. Allow for at least three-to-four seconds of space between yourself and the car you are following. Anything less is too close. Having this space cushion will allow you to react to any situation.

Don’t Speed

Your speed should always match conditions, which means sometimes the posted speed limit is too fast. Wet or icy roads and limited visibility may decrease the time you have to react to other drivers, so keep that in mind as you’re driving.

Be Aware, Not Paranoid

Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed by dealing with too many risk factors at the same time. Only concentrate on those that seem to have the biggest chance of disaster.

Don’t Become Distracted

A defensive driver is not a distracted driver. Anything that takes your mind off of the task of driving is a distraction.

Overview

Overall, these are the basics of defensive driving. Remember, you are in control of your own outcomes. Take matters into your own hands and don’t rely on other drivers to always do the right thing. In addition to being much safer, employing these practices will also help your auto insurance policy by helping reduce the number of claims on your file.

The post A Good Defense is Always the Best Offense appeared first on CarInsurance.org.

That being said, it’s always a good idea to do a little homework on your own. A great way to gather hard facts about a vehicle’s past is to request a vehicle history report from a reputable organization. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System provides consumers with a list of approved providers, to help ensure they only get 100% accurate information on the vehicle in question.

However, running a vehicle history report is not enough to ensure you don’t get stuck with a clunker. You also have to understand the data the report is giving you. In an effort to spread awareness, DMW.org provides a free sample report on their website to help people become more familiar with the format. If you feel like you still need some help analyzing the information, read on for some tips on what to look for when you have a vehicle history report done on a potential purchase.

Number of Owners

Any good, worthwhile vehicle history report should include a rough estimate of the previous number of owners. It’s a general rule that the quality of a car goes down the more owners it has. Sure, there are exceptions to this rule, but if a rather “young” vehicle has had a dozen owners, it’s highly unlikely it has been given the care and maintenance it needs to be a top-performer.

Mileage

Another detail included on most reports is the mileage on a vehicle. Sure, you can see this yourself on the odometer if you are purchasing it in person. Yet seeing the build-up over time on the report helps give a more accurate picture of the car or truck’s actual activity over its lifetime. A car owned by a traveling salesman or used by a rental agency will likely have more wear and tear than one used by a person who has a 9-5 desk job.

Accident and Theft Records

The number of accidents should also be noted on the report, along with any records of theft. Both of these details can greatly impact a vehicle’s future performance. For instance, if a vehicle has previously been reported stolen, there’s a chance any number of the parts were tampered with and altered, potentially improperly. The same goes for any repair work done to the car. Sure, it might seem fine, but, depending on how detailed your report is, you will likely have no information on where or who repaired the car or truck, leaving the quality of work done a complete mystery to you. A minor mistake made during a repair five years ago might not be currently causing problems, but over time the quick-fix could wear down and cause more harm than good.

Overview

Obviously the specific details reported will vary by provider, but the three points listed above are pretty standard and should be included on most reports. Scrutinize your vehicle history report with a keen, sharp eye and investigate any discrepancies you find between the data and the story you’ve been told about the car, truck or SUV in question. A little extra work now could potentially save you lots of time and money later.

The post Learning a Vehicle’s Past: What to Look for in a Vehicle History Report appeared first on CarInsurance.org.

Honda CR-V:

• Base (LX) MSRP: $22,495
• MPG: 23 city/31 highway

Honda has become synonymous with quality, and its CR-V crossover is no exception. The 2012 edition offers space for five passengers, and the base model features automatic headlights, cloth seats, full power accessories, cruise control, and a rear view camera for added safety. Speaking of safety, the Honda CR-V comes with side curtain air bags and active head restraints. All of the CR-V’s trims come with a five speed automatic transmission that offers 185 horsepower and gets up to 31 mpg, making this an economical option in this class. The 2012 Honda CR-V won J.D. Power’s overall quality award, and it received top marks for its overall performance and design and predicted reliability.

Toyota RAV 4:

• Base (A4) MSRP: $22,650
• MPG: 22 city/28 highway

The Toyota RAV 4 is another “tweener” option for new parents who want space for numerous passengers but don’t want to drive a behemoth. The RAV 4 has enough space for five passengers and when the rear seats are folded down offers 73 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard features include keyless entry, a six-speaker sound system, some power accessories, and air conditioning. Safety-minded parents will find a good match in the RAV 4, which offers standard anti-lock disk brakes, traction control, front-seat and side air bags, and side curtain air bags. Similar to other vehicles in its class, the Toyota RAV 4 gets a combined 24 mpg from its 2.5-liter 179-horsepower engine. J.D. Power gave the RAV 4 top marks for overall quality, although it was judged average in overall performance and design and predicted reliability.

Toyota Venza Crossover:

• Base (LE) MSRP: $27,425
• MPG: 21 city/27 highway

Toyota’s Venza Crossover offers a roomy interior that accommodates five passengers and rides a little higher than most cars in its class. The base model features dual-zone automatic climate control, power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system with integrated Bluetooth connectivity. Although the standard features are nice, most parents are probably going to be more concerned about the car’s safety. The Toyota Venza has anti-lock disk brakes, traction control, and front-seat side, driver knee, and side curtain air bags. In government impact tests the Venza received four stars for rollover protection and five stars for side-impact protection, making this one of the safest cars on the road today. J.D. Power gave the 2012 Toyota Venza a four out of five for overall quality and predicted reliability, which shows this car could be a good long-term investment. The deal is sweetened by Toyota’s basic warranty, which covers 36 months or 36,000 miles, and its maintenance warranty of 24 months or 25,000 miles.

Honda Odyssey:

• Base (LX) MSRP: $28,375
• MPG: 18 city/27 highway

Similar to other large vans in our list, the Honda Odyssey has seating space for up to eight passengers and offers easy access via its sliding side doors and extra cargo space in the back for your baby’s supplies. Standard versions of this car come with cloth upholstery, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, and a 60/40 split-folding third-row seat. Higher trims offer a rearview camera which could be helpful when you’re trying to back out of a parking spot. The 2012 Honda Odyssey performed exceedingly well in government crash tests: it received an overall rating of five out of five stars from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating, the highest available, for frontal-offset and side-impact crashes from the IIHS. The 2012 Honda Odyssey also received a five out of five rating for overall performance and design and a four out of five in overall quality from J.D. Power. However, the publication gave it a two out of five for predicted reliability, which is an issue you should be aware of as you shop around.

Ford Edge SUV:

• Base (SE) MSRP: $27,770
• MPG: 19 city/27 highway

The Ford Edge SUV is another medium-sized crossover vehicle that is ideal for parents who want plenty of space but aren’t interested in driving a van. This model’s standard features include air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, and more. Higher trim levels have other options, such as keyless entry code pad or an upgraded audio system. The base model comes with a 285 horsepower engine that gets up to 27 mpg, which is competitive for a car of its size. The Edge’s interior has space for five passengers and a large rear compartment that can store all of your baby’s supplies. The back row of seats can also be folded down for extra cargo space. Similar to other vehicles in this list, the 2012 Ford Edge SUV has received good reviews for safety. The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four out of five stars, and it received a “Good” rating for roof strength and frontal offset and side-impact crashes.

Nissan Quest S (CVT):

• Base (S) MSRP: $25,990
• MPG: 19 city/24 highway

Stepping up in size is the Nissan Quest S CVT, which has space for seven passengers and standard features that include cruise control, ambient interior lighting, a four-speaker sound system, and a trip computer. Access to the second and third-row of seats, which are raised about the front-floor level to improve visibility, is aided by power sliding doors that open with a single touch. Under the hood the Quest has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that offers 260 horsepower and a combined 21 mpg. The 2012 edition was one of the highest-rated vehicles by J.D. Power, which gave it five stars for its overall quality, performance, and design.

Nissan Murano SUV:

• Base (S) MSRP: $29,960
• MPG: 18 city/23 highway

Nissan’s Murano SUV offers a wide range of standard interior and safety features well-suited for new parents. The base model features dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, some power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system. Higher trim packages offer other perks, such as rearview cameras and an upgraded sound system. Standard safety features include stability control, active front head restraints, anti-lock disc brakes, and front side and side curtain air bags. This model also has a pretty sizable rear storage space and the back row of seats can be set down to increase cargo space. The IIHS gave the 2012 Murano “Good” ratings for frontal offset and side-impact crash tests, and J.D. Power gave the SUV a five out of five for overall quality.

Toyota Prius C:

• Base (One) MSRP: $18,950
• MPG: 53 city/46 highway

The relatively compact Toyota Prius C delivers 50-plus MPG in the city, features no fewer than nine airbags, and has more interior room than it would appear from the outside. You’ll have to take a little more time to fit in a stroller and baby bag and the engine can be noisy under heavy acceleration, an issue that might put off parents of newborns. However, the Toyota Prius C’s price and top-of-the-line safety features make it a good option for new parents. The Prius C received “Good” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for all crash protection tests, and the hybrid model was named a top safety pick for 2012. J.D. Power gave the Toyota Prius C a four out of five for predicted reliability.

Kia Soul:

• Base (M6) MSRP: $13,900
• MPG: 25 city/30 highway

The stylish, well-priced Kia Soul compact hatchback offers plenty of space, utility, safety features, and a strong warranty. It has space for five passengers and the base model has cloth seats, full power accessories, USB audio jacks, and air condition. Cruise control, keyless entry, and other amenities are offered in the higher trim levels. The 2012 Soul has been updated with more powerful engines, 15-inch steel wheels, and wider tires. The base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that puts out 138 horsepower, while the plus version has a 2.0-liter engine rated at 164 horsepower. Although the plus version’s engine makes for a more exciting driving experience, the base model offers better gas mileage.

The Kia Soul’s safety features include side curtain air bags and stability control, and it received a “Good” rating, the highest possible, from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for frontal offset and side-impact crashes. Budget minded shoppers will like Kia’s basic warranty, which covers the car for 60 months or 60,000 miles. New buyers also receive a powertrain warranty that covers 120 months or 100,000 miles. J.D. Power awarded the 2012 Kia Soul awards for performance and quality. Although the Kia Soul isn’t the largest vehicle on the list it’s still a great option for new parents who want a fun car that meets their needs for space and safety.

Honda Pilot:

• Base (LX FWD) MSRP: $28,620
• MPG: 18 city/25 highway

With enough space for eight passengers, the Honda Pilot is one of the largest vehicles in its class. It offers a wide range of standard features, including full power accessories, split-folding second and third-row bench seats, and remote keyless entry. The higher trim levels offer a rearview camera which can be helpful for maneuvering out of parking spots safely. This car is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that is rated at 250 horsepower and gets as much as 25 mpg. In addition to its standard features, space, and relatively good gas mileage, the Honda Pilot has received high marks for its safety. The SUV, which comes with side curtain air bags for all three rows, received a frontal crash rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. J.D. Power gave the 2012 Honda Pilot high marks for its overall quality and performance and design. Due to its size this may not be an ideal option for new parents, but could be a wise investment if the space is going to be needed in the future.

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Flooded cars can be a nightmare for their owners. (image via Gawker.com)

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

You’ve driven up to a car dealership. They have a few rows of cars of the specific make and model you’ve been interested in. They are each the current model year or perhaps just a model year behind. They all have low miles, but they’re not “new” cars. And the salesperson just cannot wait to get you into one, your choice of color and options, for a price that seems way below what you were expecting based on your research of the model.

But more than that seems “off” about some of these cars. Some of them seem to smell funny – a bitter, biting and musty smell greets your olfactory system as soon as you open the door, and there’s also a hint of “new car smell” spray and shampoo. In fact, it’s almost as if too much of that spray and shampoo smell has been applied to disguise the musty smells, and they all coalesce into a horrible shock to your senses.

“Don’t worry about that,” says your salesperson. “It’ll be gone in no time.”

Chances are, you might be about to purchase a vehicle that has been flooded.

Before we go further – it is possible to restore and refurbish a car that has been flooded, but it is not for the faint of heart. It requires disassembly of most of the interior, and replacement of all carpets, padding and upholstery. All electrical connections must be replaced.It is by no means a simple undertaking, and it must be done properly for the car to have any serviceable life. And you should know upfront what you’re buying and how detailed the restoration process is, not to mention exactly how the car was flooded. It may have been exposed to water filled with sewage, salt-water or perhaps the windows were down during a torrential downpour. It’s highly unlikely you will ever know.

While some may consider the savings on a flooded car worth the potential risks – just like many do with other automobiles with a salvage title – for most of us, they’re an experience best avoided. Here’s what you need to look for if you believe a car has been subjected to flooding in the past.

Check the Car’s Title.

Your first consideration should be the title. If the car has a clear, rather than a salvage title, make sure the dealership provides you with a vehicle history report based on the car’s VIN from a reputable industry leader, like Carfax, for example.

“Carfax should disclose that if they claim any damage from flooding to their insurance,” said Scott Bratton, a mechanic of 37 years and owner of Auto Check in Katy, Texas.

It is important to note that flood-damaged cars will only have incidents on the vehicle history report if it has been declared a total loss by an insurance company in the past. If the car was not totaled, the title will be clean and the history report may be as well. But the history report is a must, as it is possible for a car to be totaled in one state, and then shipped off to another state where eventually, a clean title is issued for the car.

“I would be concerned if it was a salvaged title. I’d ask why it was salvaged or why it was totaled. That could be due to a flood or a wreck that they went ahead and fixed with cash,” Bratton, whose customers bring in cars to be inspected before they’re purchased, explained. “For the most part I question them about where they’re buying it from. If it’s a Joe Blow lot on the side of the road then I’d really look into how they do business before I deal with them.”

Warning Signs

The musty smell isn’t the only possible hint of a flooded car. Check the car’s lights and reflectors. If they contain moisture, it is possible the car has been submerged. But the real evidence will likely be on the inside of the car.

• Inspect the gauges on the dashboard. Again, moisture or other residues are what you are looking for. Test the operation of each gauge as well as the lighting of the gauges and the driver warning lights. They should all be operational.
• Test everything in the car that’s electrical in nature: all switches, controls like headlights, turn signals, climate control system, stereo and any 12v auxiliary outlets. All should be operational. Check the visible wiring under the dashboard for brittleness and loss of flexibility.”If the water got high enough to get into the computers or modules, which are mounted under the seats, long-term they’ll start having problems as the moisture will cause a corrosion of the wires in the modules,” Bratton said.
• Rust is another giveaway. Interior screws or bolts with visible rust indicate a water issue, Bratton explained. Also check the engine compartment and trunk for signs of rust as well. Any metal that is exposed – not painted or coated – and has been in contact with a significant amount of water will be rusted.
• The padding underneath the carpet could be an indication as well since it tends to hold moisture for a long time. A visible water line could be another sign, but that would require pulling off the door panels.”If I suspected it was potentially water damaged I pull the carpet up and feel underneath it and see if the padding under the carpet has been replaced or if it feels wet,” Bratton said. “Normally we don’t pull carpets unless there’s a musty smell, because that’s hard to get rid of.”

  Other potential signs include sand or grit or mud that seems to be embedded into any cracks, crevices or in the upholstery itself.

If you find any of these issues on a car, it has likely been flooded. We’d recommend you walk away, regardless of the potential savings, unless the car has been completely refurbished. If it has been, any reputable dealer would let you know upfront the history of the car with details on how it was restored. If they are hiding or denying any knowledge, despite the evidence to the contrary, then they simply do not deserve your business.

Finally, check out our visual guide to inspecting a car for evidence of flooding. It offers an easy checklist of tips of where to look and what to look for to help you determine if a vehicle has been involved in a flood.

The post How to Avoid Buying a Flood Damaged Vehicle appeared first on CarInsurance.org.

Experts agree that a teen driver should drive the safest, most reliable, and newest vehicle if at all possible. So does this mean that when it comes to your teen’s safety, less expensive or used vehicles are out of the question? No, but not surprisingly, you will need to do some research in order to find a budget-friendly vehicle with all or most of the now Federally-required safety features found in new vehicles.

Some important things to consider when purchasing a car for a teen driver include:

• Midsize cars are big enough to protect the driver and passengers in the event of a crash, but small enough for teen drivers to handle easily.
• A four-cylinder engine, as opposed to a V6 engine, has limited acceleration capabilities, making it far less likely for your teen to drive beyond the speed limit.
• Older, used cars may not have the latest safety features Federal law requires of all new vehicles. However, many can come close. Highly recommended safety features include front and side air bags, an antilock braking system (ABS), automatic transmission, electronic stability control (ESC), and daytime running lights.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts crash tests on new vehicles and reports their performance on its safercar.gov website. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducts its own testing program and issues safety ratings as well. Both are good resources to check when shopping for a car for your teen.

The five cars listed below are recommended by either Consumer Reports or Edmonds for their affordability and safety features particularly suited to teen drivers. Upon further research, you may find an even lower-priced vehicle, so consider the list below a place to begin shopping for your teen.

1. 2005 Saab 9-3 Linear: The mid-sized, relatively inexpensive 2005 Saab 9-3 features plenty of passenger room and trunk space. Safety features include stability control and front and side airbags. Teenagers might not be thrilled with its unexciting interior and weak sound system, but may come to appreciate that this is a car designed to keep its driver and passengers safe.
2. 2009 Honda Accord Sedan: All Accords come with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and front and side airbags. The 2009 Honda Accord sedan received five starts in government crash tests and currently has one of the highest resale values around.
3. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu: Yep, you guessed it, it’s another sedan (do you sense a pattern here?). The fuel-efficient 2010 Chevrolet boasts high crash test scores, including a perfect five stars in all government frontal and side crash categories. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front and side airbags, and the OnStar emergency communications system.
4. 2008 Saturn Aura XE: The attractively-designed and budget-friendly 2008 Saturn Aura includes stability control for all V6 models. Additional safety features include antilock disc brakes, front and side airbags, traction control, and the OnStar emergency communications system.
5. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu: Newest and priciest on our list of safe, budget-friendly cars for teens, the fully redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is a stylish, mid-sized sedan with a full complement of standard safety features. Rear side airbags will be standard on all Malibus beginning in the summer of 2013. Interestingly, the 2013 Chevy Malibu was worked on by a team of engineers who also happened to be moms!

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Defensive driving means being in control at all times. (image by gabor-nagy.com)

According to the National Safety Council, a preventable accident “is one in which the driver failed to do everything that reasonably could have been done to avoid the crash.” Experts agree that driving defensively is your best bet at making sure a crash, collision, or accident doesn’t happen to you. We’ve already discussed the basic concepts behind defensive driving, which include scanning and visualizing everything, having an escape route, and not becoming distracted. Now let’s consider some more advanced, preventive measures a responsible driver can take to avoid a potentially life-threatening crash.

Maintain Your Car

Regular maintenance on your car significantly helps its road performance, especially in potentially hazardous driving situations. You can’t drive a car defensively if its tires are in need of air, windows, rearview mirror, and signal lights are dirty, and brake pads are worn to shreds. Here are a few steps you should take to keep your car running safely and efficiently:

• Check Your Tires Make sure your tire pressure is where it should be. The recommended pressure for your car’s tires will be in your owner’s manual or in the driver’s side door jamb. When it comes to purchasing new tires, take into account the weather in your part of the country. Four snow tires total is the safest way to go if you anticipate driving in snow and ice.
• Align Your Tires If while driving your car seems to drift to one side or the steering wheel vibrates, you may need to have the tires aligned. Alignment actually refers to a car’s suspension, which can move out of alignment over time due to normal driving, a minor accident, or bumping against a curb. Check your owner’s manual to see how often your car’s manufacturer recommends aligning your car’s tires. Alignment helps to insure better handling, which is crucial for good defensive driving, as well as better gas mileage.
• Clean Your Car A dirty windshield or rearview mirror will prevent you from scanning and visualizing the road for potential dangers. And grimy signal lights or head lights will prevent other drivers from seeing you in bad weather or at night, which pretty much negates any effort you make to be a good defensive driver.
• Change Your Brake Pads If when braking, you hear squeaking or grinding, your brake pads may be worn out and in need of replacement. Knowing how and when to brake, especially in inclement weather, is a crucial skill for defensive driving. If you have an antilock brake system and need to stop in on an icy road, stomp on the pedal and when you feel the system’s pulses or hear it working, ease up a bit on the pedal until it’s only pulsing about once a second. If you don’t have ABS, you should push the brake hard and when the wheels stop turning, lift your foot so the wheels turn and rapidly press the brake again.

Other Advanced Defensive Driving Tips

• Yield, Move, Get Out Of The Way Driving defensively for the most part involves avoiding overly aggressive drivers. It may be frustrating to just step aside in order to give a bad driver room to do whatever they want, but it is the safest thing to do, not only for yourself but for everyone else on the road. When you encounter a speeding driver pressuring you to go faster, move into another lane, even if it means going slower. As a defensive driver, accept the fact that you may have to sacrifice your right of way in order to avoid a speeding ticket or collision.
• Plan a Route To avoid a time-consuming and potentially dangerous drive, plan out your route out in advance based on current weather, traffic, and road conditions. Local websites, radio, and even iPhone apps can provide you with the information you need before you hit the road and find yourself navigating road construction or an end-of-the-week traffic jam.
• Take a Course There’s nothing wrong with taking a driving course to brush up your skills, even if you’ve been driving for years. The AARP even offers a very inexpensive driver safety course in both classroom and online environments. Check with your agent to see if completing a driving course will give you discount on your car insurance or on roadside assistance plans.

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Keeping kids safe in the car is a concern for every parent. (image by babble.com)

If someone asked us when parents should consider and begin to practice child safety as it relates to cars, we’d answer that these things should start before their child is even born.

This may sound strange, but as any mother will tell you, the impact from a child begins months before birth. Thus, our answer to the previous question. Since mothers are carrying unborn children for the gestation period, child safety is impacted by the mother’s safety.

While expectant mothers are undergoing physical changes to their bodies, such as the expansion in their abdomens and widening of their hips in the first trimester — changes that continue for all 40 weeks they’ll carry their child — we suggest the same for them as we would any other driver. Wearing their seat belts.

We’ve heard the myth that seat belts endanger the lives of the unborn, but it’s just that — a myth, as long as seat belts are worn properly. That means expectant mothers should wear their seat belts, with the lap belt should be across her hips and below her belly, and the shoulder belt should be across her chest, between the breasts.

Car Seat Installation

With the new arrival of a bundle of joy, we shift from the safety of the mother to the child itself. It may be easy to think that installing a car seat is a simple matter. Put the child seat in the car, insert child, and we’re done, right?

Not so fast. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) says 75% of car seats are installed and/or used incorrectly. Fortunately, many hospitals have Child Passenger Safety (SPC) Technicians who can help parents of newborns properly install and secure their car seats.

But what do you do if you’re on your own? While the documentation and instructions included with the child seat is a good start, we think the NHTSA’s free child safety seatinspection centersare also worth the few minutes of time they’ll take to visit. These government-funded centers are based throughout the nation, and they’ll help to ensure a child seat is installed correctly,preferably using the LATCH system.

LATCH, or the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system, has been standard equipment on every car sold in the United States since 2002. All child seats produced since that time are also LATCH compliant. The system employs different sets ofÿanchors to be used with child restraints.

However, if you don’t have access to these resources then you’re left to install it yourself. With all the latches and straps installation may seem complicated. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered below.

Installation for Infants

The primary role of a car seat for infants is to protect the head and neck, which are the most vulnerable to long-term complications in the event of a collision. There are two types of car seats for infants: rear-facing, infant-only; and convertible seats. Rear-facing, infant-only care seats are ideal for newborns but they become obsolete once the child grows to more than 20 pounds. When you’re installing your little one’s car seat we suggest you follow the steps outlined in the manufacturer’s instruction manual. However, here are some general tips that will help you properly secure your newborn. If you’re more of a visual learner you can watch installation videos provided by the NHTSA.

• If you can move the car seat more than an inch then the straps aren’t tight enough. To get them tight enough we suggest you find a way to put your weight into the car seat and then pull the straps as hard as you can. It’s important that the seat moves as little as possible while you’re in transit.
• Ensure the carrier straps are tight and the harness clip is even with your baby’s shoulders or armpits and the straps are in the slot that lines up close to the infant’s shoulders.
• If your baby has some extra space in the seat you can place rolled receiving blankets or towels on each side to keep him or her from wobbling. Avoid placing anything under the harness straps.
• Locking clips are necessary for some vehicles made before 1997. This is necessary because these vehicles don’t have seat belts that lock when the brakes are slammed, so the clip keeps belt from slipping if an accident occurs.
• Your baby’s head should be at least two inches below the top of the safety seat and make sure the seat is set at a 30 to 45-degree angle.
• You can see more tips at DMV.org or Kids Health.

Convertible seats, the alternative to rear-facing, infant-only seats, are designed so that they can be used by infants after they’re heavier than 20 pounds. When the baby reaches that weight the seat can be turned to face forward and it’s secured with three types of harnesses: T-shield, tray shield, and five-point. All of these types meet required safety standards, but the five-point harness is regarded as the best option since it can be tightened to fit snugly and it doesn’t get in the way of the baby’s head. When installing a convertible seat you should make sure all straps are as tight as possible to prevent it from wobbling.

Ages One to Three

While infants should always be placed in rear-facing car seats, once a child has reached at least one year of age and weighs at least 20 pounds they can utilize forward-facing child safety seats installed in the rear of the car. That being said, they’re safer in a rear-facing seat, so keep them in one for as long as possible.Forward-facing seats, like the ones that come before, should be installed using LATCH rather than seat belts, if possible. Here are some other tips:

• If you’re installing a forward-facing seat make sure it’s set directly against the back and bottom of the car seat. When you’re installing the seat make sure to put weight on the seat to push it back as far as possible so the straps will be as tight as they can be.
• Make sure the seat can’t move side to side or tip forward more than an inch. If it does then unbuckle it and try again.
• If your car was made before 1996 then you’ll probably need to buy a locking clip to prevent the lap and shoulder seat belts from slipping.
• Make sure the straps lie flat and tug on them to make sure they’re secure once your baby is fastened into the seat.
• If you can pinch any of the harness material between your fingers then it’s too loose and needs to be adjusted.

Ages Four to Seven

There are no rear-facing car seats available for this age group, and we don’t know of any children of this age group that would be content to sit facing the rear of the car. So, once a child reaches age four, you’ll have no choice but to move to a forward-facing seat.

Keep a child in this age range in their child seat until they outgrow either the height or weight limits specified by the seat manufacturer. Once this happens, it’s time to switch to a booster seat.

Ages Eight to Twelve

Once a child reaches eight years of age or is at least 4’9” tall, they should be placed in booster seats. Most booster seats simply elevate the child’s seating position and enable them to use the standard seat belts on a car. LATCH is not required nor should it be used with booster seats.

At some point during this period, you’ll likely transition the child from booster seat to just using the standard seat belt of the automobile with no otherÿencumbrances. Make sure they’re wearing the belt properly, with the lap portionÿacross their upper thighs and the shoulder portion across their chest.

Other Considerations

We’ve heard lots of chatter regarding the so-called “combination seats.” These seats are marketed as being able to go from a rear facing infant seat to a forward facing toddler seat and then finally to a booster seat for older children. A testing study performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found significant problemswith these combination seats.

Children should always ride in the back seat of a car, if possible, no matter if they’re in a car seat, a booster seat, or if they’re old enough to wear seat belts.ÿAll modern cars now have both driver side and passenger side front airbags, which are designed for full-sized adults. Airbags can injure or kill a child, and the back seat is simply the safest place in the car.

Finally, don’t assume that just because your child isn’t in a car that all auto-related dangers areÿabated. Child pedestrians are killed at a greater rate than any other age group. In fact,male children, aged 5 to 9 years old, are the largest group of pedestrians killed every year. Children can still fall victim to an automobile by darting into a road without looking or by playing on a street.

The post When Should Parents Consider Child and Car Safety? appeared first on CarInsurance.org.

1. Pull over, turn off the ignition, and put your hands on the steering wheel: When you see flashing red lights, signal and pull over to the right as far as possible. Turn off the ignition, and place both of your hands on the steering wheel. Right off the bat you are letting the officer know you are not a threat. Any passengers should remain still for the duration of the traffic stop.
2. Roll your window down just half way: You may want to wait until the officer arrives at the driver side window before you roll it down. Use just one hand while keeping the other on the wheel. Rolling the window down just half way allows for a respectful exchange between you and the officer but prevents the officer from sticking his or her nose inside your car.
3. Wait until the officer asks to see your documents before retrieving them: This is something you should prepare for in advance. Officers will ask to see some combination of your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. Make sure all of this documentation is up to date and easily accessible.
4. Do not incriminate yourself: If the officer asks you, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” or “Did you know that you ran that stop sign back there?” all you need to say in response is, “No officer.” You do not need to confess to an officer that you were speeding or otherwise breaking a law. Do not give up your Fifth Amendment right that states no person “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.”
5. Do not take anything the officer says personally: A police officer might try to upset you by implying you are engaging in some kind of illegal activity:
   “There’s a lot of gang activity in this neighborhood. Are you in a gang?”
   “What’s a pretty lady like you doing driving this late at night?”
   “Looks like you’ve been partying. Have you been drinking?

As we have already pointed out, saying “No officer,” is a respectful way to respond to questions meant to trip you up and incriminate yourself. If necessary, you can file a complaint about an officer’s conduct later, but during a traffic stop, try not to take anything the officer says personally.

• Exit the car only if asked: You are required by law to step out of your vehicle if an officer asks you to. However, you can and should shut and lock the driver door behind you. Leaving the door open can be interpreted as your consenting to a search. If the officer asks why you locked the door, simply say, “I always lock my car doors, officer.”
• Do not consent to a search: Unless there is what’s known as probable cause, an officer will need your permission to search your vehicle. Without probable cause, you do not have to consent to a search. Remain calm, and simply say, “I do not consent to any searches officer.” Refusal to consent to a search does not give an officer the legal right to detain you, and consenting to a search makes the search legal in the eyes of the law. The officer may go ahead and execute a search anyway, but your statement will help you later in court.
• Stay cool If you find yourself standing outside of your locked car with an officer yelling and threatening you, try to remember he or she is most likely trying to get you to consent to be searched, admit a crime, or make a verbal threat. Breathe, and do your best to stay calm. You are within your rights to either remain silent or…
• Ask if you are free to go: Once the officer has returned your documents and license to you, unless you are being detained or arrested, you are legally free to go. But asking if you are free to go, and then waiting for a response, assures you that the officer isn’t going to accuse you of fleeing the scene of a crime. Simply saying, “Are you detaining me officer? Or am I free to go now?” is also a good way to respond if an officer tries to bait you into saying something self-incriminating.

Eight points to remember if you get pulled over by the police:

• Pull over, turn off the ignition, put your hands on the steering wheel
• Roll your window down just half way
• Wait until the officer asks to see your documents before retrieving them
• Don’t take anything the officer says personally
• Exit the car only if asked
• Do not consent to a search
• Stay cool
• Ask if you are free to go

Three things you should say if you get pulled over:

• “No officer. I don’t know why you pulled me over.”
• “I do not consent to any searches.”
• “Are you detaining me officer? Or am I free to go now?”

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How Gas is Made

After petroleum is pumped from the ground, it is distilled and converted into what we would recognize as motor oil. Several products are separated out of this refined oil, including aviation and automobile gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, solvents, lubricants, grease, asphalt and kerosene.

Chemical Composition of Gasoline

Gasoline is comprised of thousands of different chemical compounds depending on where the petroleum was extracted. Generally, however, gasoline is composed nearly entirely of hydrocarbons, with six to 12 carbon and 14 to 26 hydrogen atoms in each molecule. Thus, the range of chemical composition of gasoline’s hydrocarbons is C6H14 to C12H26.

In addition to hydrocarbons, gasoline often has small quantities of other elements such as oxygen, trace metals, sulfur and nitrogen.

When it burns, gasoline produces carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O) and energy. Although energy amounts vary, typically, a gallon of gasoline produces the equivalent of 118,000,000 joules, 32,000 watt-hours or 112,000 BTUs. When you consider that a gallon of liquefied natural gas produces only 75,000,000 joules, 21,000 watt-hours or 71,100 BTUs, gasoline is clearly a far more powerful energy source.

The Power of Gasoline

Charging Your iPhone5

It has been estimated that an iPhone 5 requires 9.5 watt-hours each day to charge. At that rate, one gallon of gasoline would charge the phone 3368 days, or every day for over nine years! The liquefied natural gas, no slouch, doesn’t even come close with only 2211 days, or six years.

Roasting a Turkey

Since Americans eat over 45 million turkeys each year, this flightless friend of the Pilgrims is considered by many as the official national bird of the U.S. In the average electric oven, it takes about 17,600 watt hours to properly roast the typical bird. So, depending on the size of your Tom and your gasoline, you could properly cook nearly two turkeys on a gallon of gasoline. With liquefied natural gas, you’d be lucky to get one cooked-through.

Powering Up a Light Saber

A bored associate professor of physics has determined that a lightsaber (Qui Gon’s to be precise) would require 56,000 watt-hours of energy to operate properly. Here on Earth, a well-equipped Jedi would need to keep 1.75 gallons of gasoline or 2.67 gallons of liquid natural gas on hand in order to properly defend the Republic.

One of the reasons it’s so difficult to replace gasoline with an alternative energy is that the high energy density of gasoline makes its efficiency hard to beat. Until we do find a suitable and sustainable alternative fuel source, individuals will continue to find creative ways to curb their personal gas consumption. Do you part to conserve our fuel and our environment by taking advantage of these money-saving tips and other conservation advice.

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