Wheels for me: Safety Driving

Saving Costs on a Vehicle – Buying a Hybrid
How would you feel if you could actually save on buying, and driving, a car? Hybrid vehicles can give you this advantage. Whatever make or model you buy, you can get this benefit whenever you invest in a vehicle in this category. How can you save on the expenses? Here are a few points to consider.
Ways in which the Bicycle Scheme Works
While many countries have implemented the bicycle scheme with great success, others are not quite familiar with how the system works for the benefit of both the employer and the employee.

The Fuel-efficient, Pollution-free, Family Vehicle
Since its introduction in the market in 2005, the Highlander has remained one of the favorites in the fuel-efficient, safe, family SUV category.

Showing posts with label Safety Driving. Show all posts

Number Plate Cloning And Number Plate Theft

5:59 AM

Car cloning is the vehicle equivalent of identity theft of today.There are as many as 10,000 cloned cars on our roads, but many people are still unaware of the problem, and even the police admit they don't know the true scale of it.

How does it work?

There are various ways of cloning cars, most popular ways involves getting hold of other number plate (or illegally printed number plates) and using them on cars that the plates aren't registered too.

The vehicle registration mark on a number plate is the key piece of information that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) use to look up keeper details on a vehicle record.

Stolen number plates are used on vehicles, by those who don't want to be found out when they commit such crimes as:

speeding

illegal parking

not paying congestion charges driving away from a petrol forecourt without paying not paying for parking tickets or speeding fines

'disguising' a stolen vehicle

The Most Common Ways This Is Done:

Criminals make a 'clone' of another car by replacing the number plates on their car with the stolen registration plates from an almost identical vehicle of the same make, model and even colour.

When the owner of the cloned car realises that their number plates have gone, they go to the trouble & expense to replace them, unaware that the cloned vehicle is now being used under its new identity for a load of law-breaking activities.

These activities can range from getting away without paying for parking tickets, speeding fines or even driving off a petrol station forecourt without paying. They can also be used in more serious crimes including organised crime and potentially, terrorist activity.

Many people have only discovered that they are a victim of this crime when they have suddenly started to receive parking tickets for places they haven't been, or other fines or endorsements that have nothing to do with them.

As the onus is on them to prove their innocence, many victims have been left in the difficult situation of paying up or letting the issue go to court, simply because they cannot prove it wasn't them who carried out the infringement.

Wendy Rowe, boss of leading vehicle security company Retainagroup explains:

"The owner of a cloned car who receives fines, charges, penalty points or is accused of stealing fuel or involvement in more serious crimes has the difficult task of proving that he or she is innocent. I wonder how many have just taken the hit and accepted a fine or penalty points rather than challenge the system?"

"If the car is used as a getaway vehicle or in a ram raid, there will be a further victim of the original crime. And if you're unfortunate enough to 'buy' a cloned vehicle, you'll find that you don't own it and that you can say goodbye to the money. Even a vehicle provenance check will not necessarily reveal a clone."

What can we all do to stay 1 step ahead of cloners?

Make it hard for them to get your number plates off, make sure your plates are attached with clutch head screws & caps & double sided adhesive tape.

If you notice your number plate has gone don't just presume it must have fallen off on the road, report it to the police straight away this will prove that you reported the theft should your car be cloned and your registration be used at a later date.

If you have ever had to replace your number plates, it is worth considering why, as well as where you can buy them. Graham Baylis has been working with a 4plates, a company that supplies number plates, for many years now, and with the instance of car cloning increasing, wanted to pass on some advice. For more information see http://www.4plates.co.uk

Article Source: submityourarticle.com

Car Accident and Insurance Company Secrets

5:39 AM

Admin , Posted in Auto Insurance , Car Care , Car Insurance , Safety Driving , 0 Comments

In any big city, traffic can be appalling, and this is particularly true during peak hours of the day. A car accident in Cincinnati, St Paul, Tampa, San Diego, or any major city can result at any time. As everyone knows, a car accident can range from trivial to very serious, even resulting in fatalities. Thankfully, in quite a few accidents the damage is chiefly to the autos involved, and personal injury is marginal.

Now if you're involved in a motor vehicle accident you'll in due course (and most likely sooner) be making a telephone call to your insurance representative. But it may well come as a shock to you to find out that the advice you receive from your agent may not be trustworthy, and we're going to examine the reason why.

But before we begin our explanation, let's talk briefly about a "Direct Repair Program" and explain what it is. Insurance providers have a "network" of repair shops with whom they have written agreements. In our example the body shop is under agreement to restore the insurance company's customers' cars. The insurer is in return, required to advocate that body shop to their clients in need of auto repairs.

Under the arrangement the auto body shop, when estimating repair, must base those estimations on the use of aftermarket parts. And the collision shop may additionally be required to bear all liability for auto repairs and indemnify the insurance company from any lawsuit the customer might bring.

Now here's the reason this agreement is so troubling: the automobile parts the body shop is required to utilize under this contract, while less expensive, are at the same time of lesser quality versus parts that initially came with the car. The aftermarket parts are not only ineffective, but utilizing them to affect car repairs can result in a deadly vehicle.

But if using such parts can prove so serious, what's the reason a insurance provider will steer you to a body shop that uses them? In a word, PROFITS - given it means the vehicle repairs will be less expensive, and that the insurer pays out lesser claims. Hence your insurance provider is going to be saving money to be able to increase their earnings, at the expense of compromising the value of your vehicle, and possibly your safety and that of your family members!

So because second-rate parts were used in order to save your insurance company some money, the outcome may well be another (and possibly more serious) accident as a result.

Image Courtesy: funny-games.biz

Whenever you're involved in a car accident, turn in a claim, but your agent desires you to visit a body shop of HIS choice in lieu of one of yours, listen for the following:

"It's going to cost you far more to go there " - "If you go to that shop, we cannot guarantee the repair work" - "Never head over to that body shop since we can not offer you a rental car if you go there " - "They won't agree with our appraiser" - "We've had difficulty with that body shop" - "They are not on our preferred list" - "If you go to a non-preferred shop your repair will be delayed waiting for our adjuster to inspect the vehicle" - "We can pay our preferred shops directly, and save you time"

All of these statements are either misleading or are straight up falsehoods. Don't be misled by them!

You should not allow your insurance company's desired resolution of a car accident to bring about another (and possibly more serious) motor vehicle accident. Know your rights, and choose a repair service that places good quality work and safe repair practices above insurance company referrals!

Your next step is to get the free e-course "Insurance Dirty Tricks." If you have a car accident, your insurance agent may make some untruthful statements to get you to use the repair shop of his choice. Find out why those statements are false at: http://www.cincinnaticaraccidentinfo.com

Article Source: www.submityourarticle.com

Tips On How To Tow Your Car Safely

6:39 AM

Admin , Posted in Auto Insurance , Safety Driving , Vehicles , 0 Comments

All you need to tow your car safely is some basic information and your common sense. Failure to tow your car properly may lead to problems such as damage to one or more parts of the car or personal injury to you or others around you.

You should only tow a car when it is at neutral. This way, the wheels will not be locked. If this is not done, the wheels and other parts of the vehicle may be damaged and there is a safety risk. When towing a vehicle, make sure a sturdy cable such as tow chain is used. It should be properly fastened from the trailer hitch of the vehicle doing the towing to the vehicle that is being towed. This fastening should be double looped and it should go to a strong part of the undercarriage.

You should note that having a passenger on a vehicle that is being towed is illegal in many states and it poses a safety risk. The vehicle being towed should only have a driver whose sole purpose is to direct the vehicle in such a way that it follows the towing vehi cle. You should communicate with the one manning the vehicle being towed to make sure he/she does not stop suddenly or too slowly.

You should always have a clearly visible sign to warn vehicles behind you that the vehicle is in tow so that they should keep a safe distance. Failure to have this sign is actually a violation in many states. When towing a vehicle, you should never drive faster than 45 MPH. This is because the higher the speed, the greater the strain on the tow cable.

There is a risk that the cable could snap and this could cause an accident. You should limit the distance between the car that is towing and the one being towed. This will prevent the car being towed from getting off the course. If the tow is due to a vehicle breakdown, you should never push it beyond the nearest service station.

When towing a vehicle with an RV or a camper, most of the rules that apply to towing a vehicle that has broken down such as maintain 45 MPH apply. However, there are a few extra tips that will help you do this safely.

You should always allow for more stopping distance because of the momentum of the vehicle you are towing. You should always keep in mind the fact that the length of your vehicle has changed. This will help you while negotiating corners and while overtaking. You should note the limit of your RV or your camper and you should never pass this limit. If you do, there is a risk that the cable may snap. You will find the limits for the RV and camper in the owner manuals, from the dealership, or through research. When towing with an RV or a camper, make sure the safety cables have been crisscrossed - make sure the cross is at the center. This will help center the vehicle behind the RV if it is unhooked for one reason or the other.

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What You Can do to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

6:36 AM

Admin , Posted in Motorcycles , Safety Driving , 0 Comments

Motorcycles are frequently found on our roads, especially during the warmer months of the year. With the high price of fuel, it isn't surprising that the number of motorcycle riders out there is significantly on the rise. It is everyone's job to do all they can to prevent motorcycle accidents from happening. What can you do while you are on the road to prevent them?

For motorcycle riders, the answer starts with being responsible. Make sure that you always wear the proper safety equipment. Don't exceed the posted speed limit or ride your bike in adverse weather conditions. If you aren't confident of your riding abilities then don't take that motorcycle onto a street that is busy or onto a highway or interstate. Doing so will only put yourself and others at risk of an accident. Always make sure everything on the motorcycle is in excellent working condition and that you can safely reach all of the necessary controls on the bike.

Drinking and driving is not acceptable for anyone behind the wheel of a vehicle, and that includes a motorcycle. Unfortunately, there are numerous motorcycle accidents that involve the bike operating consuming alcohol. Motorcycle operators have the responsibility of watching all the other vehicles on the road. Many vehicle operators don't stop to consider a motorcycle may be behind them or in a blind spot. You always have to be on top of such issues as you are riding. Make sure your motorcycle is has everything it needs to be operational at night. This includes a working headlight.

More experienced motorcycle riders are less likely to have an accident. This is because they understand the rules of the road in greater detail. They are also more relaxed as they are enjoying cruising on their motorcycle. However, a seasoned motorcycle operator can still end up in a accident if they aren't paying attention. Always keep an eye on obstacles that may be in the road ahead of you. While most vehicles can run over a board or other debris without problem, it can be a major threat to a motorcycle.

Motor vehicle operators need to become more aware of the potential that a motorcycle may be in back of them or trying to pass them. The easily fit into a mirrors blind spot so take the time to look a couple of times before you make any moves. Always use your signal lights so that the motorcyclist can be watching what your actions will be as well.

Keep in mind that older models of motorcycles don't feature turn signals. The motorcycle operator should be using hand signals to indicate right and left hand turns as they need to. You should pay close attention to motorcycles at night as well. That one head light you see in the distance may be a motorcycle or simply a vehicle with one light out. Be prepared for either one.

Keep your distance from the back end of a motorcycle. Should another vehicle have to stop suddenly in front of you, a rear end crash isn't going to be as likely to injure someone as it will if that person is on a motorcycle. Rear ending one can cause the operator to loose control or to even fly off of the bike. Keep in mind that motorcycle riders are not as protected as those in an enclosed motor vehicle.

It doesn't matter if you are a new motorcycle rider or someone with years of experience, being involved in an accident can happen at any time. While it is impossible to eliminate very type of hazard, you can do your part to ensure your riding adventures are as safe as possible. For those who operate motor vehicles, keep in mind that you are sharing the road with motorcycles and pay extra attention to their whereabouts. Working together, motorcycle accidents and motor vehicle accidents in general can be eliminated.

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Want to find out more about for motorcycle accidents, then visit http://www.aboutmotorcycles.org/ on how to choose the best motorcycle safety tips for your needs.

Drive Green with a TPMS

6:00 AM

Admin , Posted in Safety Driving , Vehicles , 0 Comments

There are many benefits to using the Pressure Pro TPMS systems. This system will give consumers a piece of mind and provide the best safety on the market. This piece of mind is made by the fact of knowing your tires are safe and correctly inflated while on the road. Properly inflated car tires can produce maximum performance in the vehicle. Consumers will be able to check the pressures of their tires by a monitor. This saves the consumer time and money as they will not have to manually to this. Tire pressures can be monitored even while the car is parked or at a stand-still. The driver will be able to get instant alerts if their tires are reaching a dangerous low-pressure level. These alerts are made visually and by audio. It is clear that most consumers will benefit from a tire pressure monitor.

Other benefits include lowering car maintenance costs. With the decreasing economy and economic recession, many consumers may not have the funds or resources to keep getting car maintenance done on a regular basis. This means that tires can last a longer time and there is no installation costs. The installation process is quick and easy and can be done in a matter of minutes. Relocation of the monitor can also be made without the need to tow the vehicle or make additional installations. The tire casing will also be protected and will reduce the chances of it receiving a blow-out or exploding of the tire. Zipper rips are also decreased. The life of a tire, including the tread, can be increased to at least 35% if they are properly inflated. Roadside repairs can also be decreased drastically, including fuel costs. Under-inflated tires have a tendency to wear out a whole lot quicker, which is why monitoring tires is very important.

The tire pressure monitor tpms is also environment friendly. Only valuable resources are used to create new tires. When tires are properly inflated, this can reduce the amount of fuel used and dangerous situations on the road. The environment can also benefit by having less reduced rubber particles being released into the air.

Some of the systems offered include the wheel monitors, Intelligence Monitors, Intelligence Bridge and the Drop & Hook Repeater. High heat sensors, industrial sensors and battery exchange sensors are also some of the products which can benefit a consumer in having better tires and a more formal riding experience.

For more information about the PressurePro tire pressure monitor and other TPMS systems, please visit;

http://www.TirePressureMonitor.com

Distractions while Driving- Be Careful!!

11:17 AM

Admin , Posted in Safety Driving , Vehicles , 0 Comments

Recent research studies have revealed that some distractions, such as text messaging while driving, can compromise a motorist's skills and alertness to a degree equal to or greater than the impairment associated with alcohol consumption. Because of the fairly recent development of these problems, there are many places where the laws have not yet been adapted to address this growing concern. New York only enacted legislation to forbid some of these actions in November of 2009. But while there may be areas where engaging in these activities is not expressly prohibited, that does not preclude the victim of a car accident from pursuing a civil judgment against a negligent driver.

The Pressures of a Fast-Paced Life

America, as a nation, has always been predisposed to encourage and acknowledge hard work and productivity. In response to this cultural value, many citizens have become deeply invested in maximizing their own work and life accomplishments. This has led to the creation of the word "multitasking" and the practices of constantly seeking to find ways to perform more than one task at a time. While this has indeed served the economy well, it is a dangerous and potentially deadly decision for one to make when he or she is behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Driving is inherently hazardous and the accidents that result from a motorist's negligence can cause serious injury to all who are involved. To ensure that one has sufficient time to react to changing roadway conditions, it is essential that a driver's attention is fully directed at the surrounding roadway. Unfortunately, too many drivers are caught up by the following driving distractions:

Talking on a cellular phone
Text messaging while driving
Web surfing
Eating or drinking while driving
Applying makeup or other personal grooming behind the wheel
Speaking with passengers
Adjusting air conditioning, heating, or music devices

Financial Compensation

The victims of distracted driving accidents are likely to require extensive medical care and may also have to cope with other damages.

Though it may seem like a distant and forgotten era of history, a mere few years ago people managed to get through their days without the use of cellular phones. But as an ever increasing portion of the population becomes plugged in, the former solitude of driving is being replaced by an overwhelming number of distractions. The introduction of each additional activity into the confines of an automobile comes with an expanded potential for disaster as drivers pay less attention to the task of safely and securely operating a motor vehicle.