Sending A Message About Texting While Driving

Sending a message about texting while driving is dangerous and it's important to that your teenage drivers know that.

(NAPSI)—Young adults live in a constantly connected world where multitasking is ingrained in their DNA. Realizing that this behavior becomes dangerous when young adults text behind the wheel, the State Attorneys General, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council are launching a new texting and driving prevention public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at 16−24-year-old drivers. The message is simple: When you text and drive, you’re not multitasking—you’re driving blind.

Consider The Following:

• 82 percent of young adult drivers ages 16 to 24 have read a standard text message while driving, according to a national survey conducted by the Ad Council (2011).

• An online survey of 1,999 teens ages 16 to 19 found that 86 percent had driven while distracted even though 84 percent know it’s dangerous (2010).

• 23 is the average number of texts per month that teens who text and drive admit to sending (2010).

Distracted Driving

NHTSA reports that distracted driving is the No. 1 killer of American teens (2007). 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving (2009). The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) reports that a texting driver is 23 times more likely to get into a crash than a nontexting driver (2009).

“Distracted driving is dangerous and, tragically, teen drivers are the most at risk of being involved in a fatal distracted driving crash,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

A New Campaign

To address this issue, the State Attorneys General and Consumer Protection agencies, NHTSA and the Ad Council unveiled new PSAs created pro bono by New York advertising agency The Concept Farm. They are designed to communicate the dangers of texting and driving to teens and young adults. By taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, they are making the roads less safe for themselves, their passengers and other drivers.

All the PSAs direct audiences to StopTextsStopWrecks.org, a new campaign website where teens and young adults can find facts about the dangers of texting while driving and tips on how to curb the behavior. The website also has an area where individuals can post and share on Facebook the actions they are taking to stop texting and driving.

Underground Racing

Underground Racing is synonomous with twin turbochargers and supercharging systems for exotic sports cars. Kevin and KC Howeth began tuning up muscle cars in the 90's and then they turned their attention to supercars.

What's more awesome than a supercar? A supercar with twin turbochargers! Underground Racing builds custom twin turbo intake systems for supercars ranging from the Dodge Viper to the Lamborghini Murielago, putting these already fast cars toe-to-toe with the Bugatti Veyron. With their top performance kits squeezing out as much as 1,600 wheel horsepower, its no wonder they're breaking records in drag racing and top speed challenges.

This Charlotte, NC-based tuner shop specializes in custom-built turbocharging and supercharging systems for exotic sports cars.

If you're a racing fan, you can tell from the location that this company probably has something to do with NASCAR, and you'd be right: Their core business is fabrication of engine components for cars racing in NASCAR, NHRA, Busch, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA, and IHRA.

Brothers Kevin and KC Howeth got their start tuning muscle cars in the 1990s. After building a reputation on supercharged Saleen Mustangs, they extended their reach in the domestic market by opening Underground Racing in 2003, building supercharging and turbocharging kits for the Dodge Viper and Ford GT.

Over time they noticed that Lamborghini Gallardos were hitting the used market at prices far lower than the Viper, and with its four wheel drive and even weight distribution it seemed like an ideal candidate for tuning. Over time the shop's kits expanded to add the Murcielago, Ferrari F430, and Audi R8 V10. UR will soon add to this list, debut tuned versions of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and Lamborghini LP670-SV at the SEMA show this November, with performance packages available soon after.

The company's original supercharging systems are still available for the Dodge Viper from $10,000 to $35,000, but their focus has moved on to turbocharging. Performance packages are available in four stages: Stage 1 and 2 kits leave the engine untouched, adding turbocharging equipment and remapped engine computers. Stage 3 and 4 require engine and drivetrain modifications. Cost for Stage 1 turbocharging systems start at around $40,000, with Stage 4 kits in the $110,000-$120,000 range. The shop partners with Pro Line Race Engines for engine block work, but everything else is done in-house.

All kits are designed to run at full boost on 117 octane race gas or at reduced pressure burning 93 octane Super Unleaded, making the modifications usable on the street as well as the race track. Conversions come with a 2-year, 24,000 mile warranty, and the exterior remains untouched, keeping these cars usable as daily drivers. However, a lot of owners ask for the rear engine cover so they can show off the polished exhaust and intake piping covering their engines.

Kit installation takes anywhere from four to six weeks. For people who want one of these exotic tuner cars without having to find a suitable base vehicle and wait for modification, the shop has recently added a used car lot that sells both new exotics and used vehicles that have received UR's performance upgrades. The shop also sells performance parts and modifications ala carte, and can build custom suspension systems using Penske racing equipment.

The company is already making a name for itself in racing with UR's own Richard Holt broke 250 mph at the March 2010 Texas Mile top speed race and customer Jonah Yokubaitis' Lamborghini Gallardo and Gallardo LP560 taking the top two spots in the October 2010 race, with both cars exceeding 240 mph. Their most powerful vehicle, the Stage 4 1600hp Dodge Viper, has been clocked doing a quarter mile in 7.98 seconds, passing the finish line at 183 mph. At these speeds, these cars are within reach of the Bugatti Veyron at a fraction of the price.

Basic Maintenance Can Be A Smart Investment

Basic maintenance can be a smart investment when it comes to your automobile. Keeping your vehicle maintained properly is one way to keep your car running for a long time.

Extending the life of your car makes your investment smarter than ever. Get some simple tips to keep your car in good condition.


(NAPSI)—Whether your car came right off the showroom floor or you drive a used vehicle that has seen its share of miles, one of the best ways to extend its life is to practice basic maintenance.

To help, here are some tips:

• Take Care Of Your Tires.

A good rule of thumb for tire rotation is to have your tires rotated every other oil change. This can vary depending on the amount of driving you do. Check the air pressure in your tires. This simple procedure can help your vehicle’s fuel economy.

• Check Your Belts And Hoses.

You may not know what everything does under the hood of your vehicle, but even you can recognize a belt or hose that has a crack or corrosion. These parts are usually made of rubber and will eventually wear out. If you’re still unsure, belts and hoses can be checked during an oil change or at your vehicle’s annual checkup.

• Check Your Oil.

If the level of oil in your vehicle is too high or low, it can cause engine problems. Owners of both new and older vehicles can consider using synthetic motor oil to help increase the mileage between oil changes.

For example, Royal Purple offers a variety of motor oil viscosities for different makes and models, recommending the SN Series for vehicles 2011 and newer and the new High Performance Series for older vehicles. This can result in money savings with fewer oil changes and less impact on the environment with less oil disposed.

When you get your oil changed, ask if they recycle their oil, and if you’re changing your oil, at home, check out www.earth911.com for a motor oil recycling center near you.

• Check Your Coolant.

If you’re not sure where your coolant reservoir is, check your owner’s manual. The ideal level of coolant should be between the low and high markings.

If you are checking the coolant yourself, do not take the cap off if your vehicle has been recently driven. If the coolant system is hot, the pressure inside could burn you when the cap is removed. To keep your engine cool, try a coolant additive such as Royal Purple’s Purple Ice. It’s designed to reduce engine temperatures and protect the engine from corrosion.

• Learn The Dashboard Lights.

Refer to your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with some of your dashboard warning lights. These include: Check Engine, Service Engine, Electrical Fault, Brake Warning, ABS Brake Warning, Coolant and Oil. Ignoring these warning signs could result in expensive repairs if left too long.

Easy Steps Toward Green Driving

Easy steps toward green driving from the synthetic oil experts at Royal Purple. Find out how you can make your vehicle environmentally friendly with these simple car care tips.

(NAPSI)— “Green driving” may be easier—and more important—to achieve than many people think.

It’s important because, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, highway vehicles account for 28 percent (1.5 billion tons) of U.S. CO2 emissions each year. Fortunately, even if getting a “green” or emissions-friendly vehicle isn’t in your budget, you can still reduce your car’s footprint on the planet. Here are some tips to consider:

• Stay Tuned.

Keep your car in shape by following the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance. Fixing a vehicle in need of a tune-up can improve gas mileage up to 4 percent.

• Take Care Of Your Tires.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Keeping your tires aligned and balanced can also improve your vehicle’s fuel economy up to 3 percent. Don’t inflate your tires to the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Properly inflated tires are safer and will last longer.

• Replace A Clogged Air Filter.

If you have an older vehicle with a carbureted engine, replacing a clogged air filter can improve your fuel economy up to 6 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing the dirty filter will save gas and protect your engine.

• Upgrade Your Motor Oil.

Try high-performance synthetic oil. Premium automotive products such as Royal Purple synthetic oils are formulated with unique advanced additive technology that can improve the performance of the vehicle and allow for longer intervals between changes. With fewer oil changes, not only are you keeping the water and ground clean by reducing waste of used oil, you’re saving money by spending less time in the shop. Royal Purple motor oil has been reported to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5 percent compared to ordinary petroleum-based or synthetic lubricants. It’s also been shown to produce notable horsepower and torque increases, so you can switch to an environmentally friendly product without sacrificing performance.

• Recycle.

Ask your oil change installer about recycling used oil. If you do your own oil changes, find a place that will accept your used motor oil. Royal Purple has partnered with Earth911 to provide recycling centers that take items such as used motor oil bottles, motor oil and oil filters.

How Drivers Continue To Scam Police And HOV Lane Cameras

Drivers will come up with endless tricks to use HOV lanes, including dressing up mannequins

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes encourage carpooling by requiring a minimum number of car occupants, but also inspire a healthy number of detractors who try to game the system: A man who was caught last week with a skeleton in his passenger seat represents a growing epidemic of motorists concocting schemes to avoid the increasing traffic in metropolitan areas.

The creative law-breakers

Drivers are willing to go to all extremes to secure a speedier trip in the HOV lanes. On the show "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Larry David famously picks up a prostitute to sit in the passenger seat so that he can get to a Dodgers game more quickly in the speedier lane.

But beyond the televised interpretation of this phenomenon, the reality can be comical as well.

Some pregnant women, for example, according to police, assert that their unborn fetus constitutes an extra passenger, justifying their right to use the HOV lanes. Candace Dickinson, an Arizona woman who had been fined $367 for driving solo in the HOV lane in 2005 when she was pregnant, is one who tried that defense and failed. The Phoenix Municipal Court found that a "common sense" interpretation of the law holds each person must occupy a separate space in the vehicle.

People go to all sorts of extremes--even putting make-up on mannequins, and stuffing their clothing with newspaper in an attempt at realism. In especially high-traffic areas like greater Los Angeles, Washington DC and Boston where rush-hour traffic is fierce, police still, from time to time, find violators with blow-up dolls, kickboxing dummies, cardboard cut-outs and mannequins. An even easier ploy still being tried--dolls in baby car seats.

"You hear about people using dummies every once in awhile but never skeletons!" said Robert Sinclair Jr., manager of media relations for AAA New York. "I don't think the use of dummies is widespread but they certainly get lots of attention when they are discovered."

Enforcement, though, is necessary.

"If they are not enforced widespread violations occur and the effectiveness of the lane is greatly reduced," Sinclair said. "I think that NJ had a problem with enforcement on their HOV lanes and this was another contributing to them being dropped there back in the 1990s."

The questionable efficacy of HOV lanes

HOV lanes not only accommodate cars with multiple passengers, but drivers of electric cars in some markets. Some areas, such as Los Angeles and Washington DC at one time gave HOV stickers out to owners of hybrid cars to encourage purchase. But too many hybrid sales actually clogged the lanes. The cars that still have the stickers sell for a premium on the used car market.

The benefits of HOV lanes are widely questioned, both from a commuter efficiency perspective and an environmental one.

"There is an understandable backlash against HOV lanes in many large urban areas," said Robert Poole, director of transportation policy at the Reason Foundation. "The problem is that most of these HOV lanes are either too full or too empty."

"HOV lanes are not an effective way of reducing air pollution and could possibly increase pollution by causing more cars to idle in traffic in the non-HOV lanes," said John Nothdurft, director of government relations at The Heartland Institute. "If the purpose of these lanes is to lessen air pollution or reduce traffic then they have failed and states should look at different alternatives such as congestion pricing. One version of this is to convert the typical HOV lanes over to High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane." Such lanes would charge those driving alone more than those cars with multiple passengers.

The number of people taking advantage of carpooling is limited. The 2000 U.S. Census found that some 12% of commuters carpool to work. Commuters have upped the ante by in the intervening decade with 518,520 drivers sharing 7,776 vehicles through 27 programs in the U.S., according to University of California, Berkeley researcher Susan Shaheen.

Worried About An Older Relative's Driving?

Worried about an older relative's driving? Prepare first before bringing up a very sensitive subject with these helpful suggestions and ideas.

(ARA) - When families are gathered together this holiday season, you may start to notice changes in an older relative's driving behaviors and begin to have some concerns. You are not alone.

With the number of drivers 70 and older increasing - and one in five Americans caring for an older loved one - the number of adults dealing with concerns about their older relative's driving abilities is on the rise and many are unsure on how to address their concerns.

Resist the temptation to bring up this sensitive topic: Do your homework first

"Taking time to prepare can alleviate concerns and help you start out on the right foot with a thoughtful, positive conversation," says Jodi Olshevski, an expert on aging for The Hartford, an insurance company. "Once you get the facts and educate yourself about the resources available, you will be in a better position to help."

Just because your loved one is older, it doesn't automatically mean you should be concerned about their ability to drive. Plenty of people over the age of 70 get around just as easily as their more youthful counterparts.

If you're worried, you should find out if your concerns are valid. Learn the warning signs, get in the car and observe the older driver. "Choose the right messenger - the person who has the best rapport with the driver, and choose the right time - which is most likely not during family gatherings," says Julie Lee, vice president of the AARP Driver Safety Program.

Warning Signs

If you're concerned about your loved one's ability to drive, the first thing you should do is get in the car to observe them firsthand. A comprehensive list of warning signs for older drivers and other resources for older drivers can be found at www.safedrivingforalifetime.com. Here are some examples of the types of things you may want to look for:

Fairly Minor Warning Signs:

Vehicle dents and scrapes that weren't there before, single mistakes that appear to be more of a fluke than a pattern.

More Serious Warning Signs:

Trouble making left-hand turns, driving in the wrong lane of traffic, stopping in traffic for no reason, consistent and frequent mistakes.

"Making a single, minor driving mistake doesn't mean that a person needs to stop driving," says Olshevski. "Families need to look for patterns of warning signs and an increase in frequency and severity of the warning signs."

Initiating The Conversation

Ideally, families should initiate the first conversation about safety long before driving becomes a problem, advises Lee. Car accidents, near misses, self-regulation of driving and health changes all provide opportunities to talk about driving skills.

There's nothing that can make this conversation an easy one, but there are ways you can promote productive dialogue. If you determine that there's reason for concern about your loved one's ability to drive, approaching the situation in a thoughtful and nonthreatening way is important.

"Comments about how much more congested traffic has become recently or about an accident in the news can be a good way to start a conversation about driving safety," says Lee.
In addition to offering safety courses for older drivers at www.aarp.org/drive, AARP also offers an online seminar for those who may need to approach the topic of driving with older family members at www.aarp.org/weneedtotalk.

Starting the conversation is often the most difficult part and your approach can set the tone for how it proceeds. Here are a few suggestions for starting the conversation in a nonthreatening way that will make the older driver more comfortable expressing his or her feelings.

* "Did you hear about the car accident in the news today?"
* "Have you asked your doctor about the effects of your new medication on your driving?"
* "That was a close call yesterday. I worry about your safety on the road."
* "I'm worried about you getting in a car accident with all the ice and snow on the road."
* "I'm glad that you've cut down on night driving. I would never want you to drive when you're not comfortable or feel that it's too risky."

Some other tips for a productive conversation include:

* Prepare for the conversation and do your homework.
* Choose the right messenger and the right time.
* Be supportive, positive, factual and nonthreatening.
* Have transportation alternatives ready.
* Note that it might take more than one conversation to address the issue. Let the person know you're there whenever he or she is interested in chatting about the subject.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when addressing problems your older driver may be having behind the wheel. Some issues can be remedied with improvements in physical fitness, increased attention and driving safety classes. Other situations may call for more immediate action.

Planning For Comfort During Long Road Trips

Planning for Comfort During Long Road Trips. Find out how to stay alert and comfortable during long road trips with these guidelines developed by someone who knows what it's like to stay behind the wheel of a car, Porsche race car driver Patrick Long.


(NewsUSA) - Road trips can provide a great source of tunes, good conversation and relaxation throughout any travel season. However, long hours on the road can often result in body aches, poor nutrition and other challenges for drivers stuck behind the wheel.

To avoid such pitfalls and make the experience a bit less taxing on the body, champion Porsche race car driver Patrick Long has developed a set of guidelines for drivers everywhere.

Long, an American Le Mans Series race car driver who can be in his car for up to 12 hours at a time, recommends these tips for any kind of distance driving:

Fuel-Up:

If you pack a small cooler with water bottles and healthy snacks like fruits and veggies, this can deter the temptation to reach for non-healthy items on the road.

Stability:

Stability should be your number-one concern when taking a long road trip. Many people stick pillows behind their backs for lumbar support, but the main goal is to always have your spine straight. Sit with the seat fully contacting your back; allow the structure of the seat to do its job in supporting your spine.

Body Positioning:

Maintain proper posture by not leaning one way or the other in the seat. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Authority, a driver's hands should both be placed on the outside of the steering wheel on opposite sides. Long recommends the "9 and 3" hand position. Having proper position in the car is also relative to the pedals -- if you're too close you're cramped. If you're too far away, you'll end up slouching down to reach them. Sit close enough to the wheel so there's a slight bend at your elbows and keep your arms relaxed.

Take Frequent Pit Stops:

For longer-distance road adventures, take frequent pit stops in order to stretch your legs and improve the blood flow in your body. To prevent a sore lower back experienced after driving, focus on core stability and strength exercises. Long suggests planks, leg lifts and crunches on an exercise ball to strengthen your core.

2012 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring FWD

Normally, my Friday night commute on L.A.'s traffic-choked 405 freeway from West Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley is anything but pleasant. Traveling five miles can take 20 minutes or more, and it's easy to get your blood boiling when you're staring at a sea of red brake lights. But something was different on this particular Friday while at the wheel of the 2012 Mazda CX-9. I was actually enjoying the ride -- whether I was moving or not.

When you first approach the CX-9 from the front, it vaguely resembles a minivan, with its rather long 42.4-inch front overhang ending in that Mazda smiley face. But walk around it, and what you see is a sleek SUV dressed up with chrome-lined windows, substantial chrome door handles, and 20-inch wheels completing the CX-9 Grand Touring edition's upscale look.

Step inside the 2012 CX-9 Grand Touring (the model was just refreshed for the 2011 model year) and it's like entering a hip, leather-swathed downtown L.A. loft. Its soft-to-the-touch leather seats feel like they're made from the same pressure-absorbing material as a Tempur-Pedic mattress. The steeply raked and ample windshield provides a clear view of the road, helped by the high seating position that will fool you each time you exit the car, because the CX-9 rides low for a big crossover, with an 8-inch ground clearance. Road noise and other outside clatter is well-isolated inside the CX-9, further enhancing the overall cabin experience.

When not sitting in traffic, the Mazda ute's 3.7-liter V-6 with 273 horsepower provides plenty of pull and purrs melodically at speed, while a manumatic mode allows for even more engaging drive if you desire. The fuel gauge needle doesn't take a nose dive out of the blue either, as the 2012 CX-9 is EPA-rated at 17/24 mpg city/highway -- respectable for its class. Comfort wasn't sacrificed at the altar of sportiness, as the CX-9's overall road feel is plenty smooth during normal commuting.

At the test track, the front-drive 2012 CX-9 (which is about 200 pounds lighter than its AWD counterpart) hit the 60-mph mark in 7.1 seconds, two ticks faster than the 2011 AWD model we had in for testing earlier this year. As for the quarter mile, both the AWD and FWD passed the mark in 15.6 seconds, but at different speeds. The FWD model got there at 90.2 mph, while the AWD CX-9 did it at a slightly slower 89.5 mph speed. By comparison, the lighter Toyota Highlander also reached the quarter-mile mark in 15.6 seconds, but at a lower trap speed.

Stomp on the brakes from 60 mph and the FWD CX-9 halts in 120 feet -- not as good as the AWD's 116 feet, but better than the Subaru Tribeca and Highlander, which take 126 and 125 feet to stop, respectively. Around our figure eight, the CX-9's 28.3-second lap time is a hair slower than that of its AWD sibling and the more expensive Buick Enclave. Despite its 4330-pound curb weight, our test team reported that the CX-9 glides around corners with surprisingly little body roll for a large crossover -- a little of that Zoom-Zoom magic. If slick roads or rocky terrain are a normal part of your commute, the AWD version is probably the way to go, but if not, we'd advise saving that extra $1400.

Loading up for a trip is easy in any CX-9, with split 60/40 rear seats that fold down by gently tugging a strap. With the third row folded down, you have a relatively impressive 48.3 cubic feet of space, more than the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, but not quite as generous as the Nissan Pathfinder's 48.8 cubic feet. Fold the second row flat, and cargo room increases to a spacious 110.6 cubic feet. When the passenger count grows to more than five, the third row offers 32.4 inches of legroom and 35.4 inches of headroom. That's decent, but less than competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse. While easy to operate, Mazda's navigation/entertainment setup could use a sprucing-up, and the voice recognition's dizzying array of commands can be a lot to digest, but those are minor quibbles given the entire package.

So the CX-9 looks good inside and out, performs well, and is fun to drive given its size -- all attributes that helped it earn our 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year award and continue to hold true today. And when I finally broke out of the traffic choke hold that Friday night and hit the throttle, the CX-9 put a smile on my face that didn't come off until I hit my driveway.