AAA offers "Tipsy Tow" on NYE

For all you party-goers planning to go out this New Year's Eve, the Auto Club of Southern California is offering it's free "Tipsy Tow" during the New Year's holiday.  The service will be available from 6pm on Thursday New Year's Eve through 11:59pm Friday night, New Year's Day.  

According to the Auto Club's website,

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver may call 1-800-400-4AAA (4222) for a free tow home up to seven miles. Callers simply tell the Auto Club operators, “I need a Tipsy Tow,” to receive the ride home for themselves and their vehicle.

The website didn't specify members only.  From the looks of it, this service is available to the public within the So Cal counties they serve.  However, there are restrictions

The service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and the destination is limited to the driver’s residence. Reservations are not accepted. Drivers can expect to pay the rate charged by the tow truck contractor for rides farther than seven miles.

The Auto Club provides the Tipsy Tow service as part of its “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” campaign and also supports several other sober driver programs. The Auto Club advises that motorists can avoid DUI arrests or worse by keeping these safety tips in mind:

• At social events, designate non-drinking drivers who can get everyone home safely.
• Call a friend or family member for a ride home if you’ve been drinking.
• Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.
• As party host, try to be aware of whether some guests are drinking too much. Offer non-alcoholic drinks and plenty of food. Provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers.
• Take car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.  

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Drive Safe.ly

Tara, one of our operations employees, was sitting at her desk when her cell phone started talking out loud in a women’s voice. All of us in the office were curious to know what it was. She said it was her new app she downloaded for her Blackberry, called DriveSafe.ly. Tara downloaded this free app to read her texts and emails while she drives, but she forgot to turn it off when she came into work. I’m glad she didn’t, because it got me curious as to what it was.

According to the designer’s website

DriveSafe.ly is a mobile application that reads text (SMS) messages and emails aloud in real time and automatically responds without drivers touching the mobile phone.

DriveSafe.ly is a free application that is available to Blackberry and Android users and will soon be available to Window Mobile and iPhone users.  According to Consumer Reports, it's a simple program that works well.

[It]reads text messages and e-mails aloud as they are received, either through the phone’s speaker or through a Bluetooth connection. It sends an automatic response to alert the sender that the recipient is driving...The free version features a female voice reading up to 25 words, though there may be verbal ads included. It does recognize common abbreviations such as “BTW” and “LOL”.

It’s really simple to download and allows you to adjust the settings. According to Berry Review,

you can edit the Auto response [to] create a custom response. Drivesafe.ly does not require anyone to use the auto response or any of the options on there but some come set by default so make sure you explore through all the settings.

You can also upgrade to DriveSafe.ly Pro, for only a $13.95 one-time cost.  The premium version allows up to 500 words and a few customization options, including changing the voices.

Like with any new tool, DriveSafe.ly has its pros, cons and room for improvement. According to Android Guys App Review,

CONS:
• Icon in status bar should indicate if the app is active or not
• Must have an internet connection to work

PROS:
• Let you hear messages without looking at your phone
• Good natural voices
• Understand acronyms and dates
• Auto reply to sender to let then know you’ve heard the message

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:
• Missing an option to automatically repeat the message
• Option to deactivate automatically (timed or by geolocation)

For Tara’s review, she gives it a thumbs up.   Distracted Driving laws are becoming more stringent, so DriveSafe.ly or any other text reading tool available is something to really consider. Read more about these laws in our posts Texting While Driving and Don’t Text and Drive.

Winter checklist for maintaining your car

Winter is approaching, well the actual start date isn't until December 21st.  But, the temperatures are falling fast and rain clouds are coming and going more frequently.  So, is your vehicle ready for the winter season?  According to ProCarCare.com's Automotive Technical Editor, Rich Diegle, "[your vehicle] needs to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. A well-maintained vehicle gets better fuel economy, is safer and is less likely to leave you stranded." 

Here's a checklist from ProCarCare to help you maintain your car throughout the wet and cold months.

1. 
   
   Check the drive belts for cracks, tension, and glazing.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Check all fluid for condition, leaks and levels - replace as recommended by your owner's manual.
   
   
   
• 
  
  Fluids including oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, auto transmission fluid, battery fluid and terminals, hydraulic clutch fluid (if equipped).
  
  
  
3. 
   
   Check or replace filters
   
   
   
• 
  
  Including air, oil, fuel, emissions canister, PCV, cabin air (if equipped).
  
  
  
4. 
   
   Brake systems check and service
   
   
   
• 
  
  Check brake components (pads, rotors, shoes, drums, hydraulic parts)
  
  
  
• 
  
  Check the brake fluid
  
  
  
5. 
   
   Check tires
   
   
   
• 
  
  Proper inflation - make sure to check the spare tire.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Abnormal, uneven wear - if so, get the vehicle aligned.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Check for damages - visible defects such as nails, cuts or bulges in the side walls
  
  
  
• 
  
  Rotate, if needed. (rule of thumb, every other oil change or 5,000 -7,000 miles).
  
  
  
6. 
   
   Replace wiper blades, if needed.
   
   
   
7. 
   
   Check lights and horn
   
   
   
• 
  
   Test the brake lights, turn signals and headlights on to make sure they work properly and have enough illumination.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Tap the horn a few times to make sure it sounds loudly every time.
  
  
  

This information provided in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended as legal or professional advice. 

Tips to prepare for your next road trip

Is your car ready to travel to your Thanksgiving destination? If you're planning to travel over the holiday weekend, it's always best to be prepared. Don't be like I was on Monday, stuck on the side of the I-15 (in the middle of nowhere) because my boss' car had a blown rear tire. With minor preparation on our part, we could have avoided a major interruption! But, at least we have a great story to tell at the next staff meeting.

 

Here are a couple tips from Auto Zone’s website ProCarCare.com.  The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or professional advice.

The Walk-Around Inspection 

• Wiper Blades - Inspect the condition of the blade material (it should be soft and pliable) for cracks or separation from the blade retainer.  
• Lights - Check the turn signals, headlights and brake lights, making sure they operate properly. It is a good idea to have the headlights checked for proper alignment in order to have optimum lighting and to prevent the “blinding” of oncoming drivers.
• Tires - Check tires for excessive or uneven wear and tire pressure. It’s important to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. The recommended tire pressure provided by the vehicle and tire manufacturers are designed to compensate for the increase in tire pressure caused by the rise in temperature of the tire when it is rolling down the highway.

Tire Wear Notes

1. Over-inflation would cause the tire to wear prematurely in the center of the tire. During wet conditions, an over-inflated tire is more prone to skidding due to less tread contact on the pavement.  
2. Under-inflation will result in sloppy, vague handling and cause the tire to wear prematurely on the outside and inside edges of the tire.

Under Hood Inspection  

• Fluid Levels - Lift the hood and check the engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels. Top up if necessary.  
• Belts and Hoses - Check hoses for proper fit, leaks, brittleness, loose clamps, and softness in the elbow areas. As for the belts, check for alignment, glazing, adjustment, and tearing and cracking. Replace if necessary.  
• Air Conditioning - Test the A/C system to see that it is working and cooling the vehicle down in a reasonable time. Also, inspect the refrigerant lines for evidence of leaks. Remember, on most late-model vehicles, the defroster system utilizes the air conditioning for more efficient defrosting and defogging.  
• Battery Connections - Check / clean battery posts and cable terminals for corrosive buildup. White fuzz that surrounds the cable terminal ends at the battery posts can easily identify a corrosive condition. Cleaning or removal of the white fuzz requires the removal of the cable terminals after washing them down with a baking soda and water solution. The best cleaning results can then be achieved by using a battery post and cable terminal-cleaning tool. Performing this small maintenance activity will ensure optimum performance from the vehicle’s electrical system. Remember to always remove the negative terminal first to avoid sparks. (If you blow a battery up, you won’t have to worry about what to be next Halloween!)

Under Vehicle Inspection

• Fluid Leaks - Examine the ground where you park your vehicle for leaks. Any fluid residue found should be examined for the type of fluid (gas, engine or transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, radiator coolant, windshield washer fluid), and the leak repaired immediately to avoid any problems.  
• Exhaust Leaks - Listen / look for leaks from the exhaust system, and if something seems marginal, have the system checked by a professional mechanic / muffler shop prior to leaving for your trip. The life you save may be your own, as the gases escaping from the system are very deadly.  
• Brakes - Test-drive the vehicle for brake response and feel. Listen for noises (high-pitched squeal, grinding or clunking). Look for fluid leaks from flexible brake hoses and steel brake lines. If you feel your mechanical expertise is limited in this area, I would recommend you have a professional look at your brakes to advise you on the condition of the brake friction material, drums, rotors, and the hydraulic system. It is important that the vehicle always be prepared to stop regardless of the driving conditions.   

Emergency Road Kit

Carrying an emergency kit can get you out of a tough jam when stuck on the roadside. You can easily create one by putting together in a box the items listed below: 

1. One quart of Oil 
2. Two quarts of Premix Radiator Coolant 
3. Small Funnel 
4. Tire Pressure Gauge 
5. Pocket Knife (If you’re MacGvver…Swiss Army Knife) 
6. Rags and Waterless Hand Cleaner 
7. Assortment of Combination Wrenches, Screwdrivers, and Pliers 
8. Flashlight / Spare Batteries for Flashlight 
9. Roadside Flares / Battery Operated Roadside Marker Lights (If you don’t like playing with fire)
10. First Aid Kit 
11. Electrical Tape/Duct Tape 
12. Battery Jumper Cables 
13. Blanket, Food, and Something to Drink (In case you’re stuck for awhile) 
14. “Help” Sign for the Window

Of course, a cellular phone can be your most useful tool, but they don’t always work. If possible, use a roadside emergency telephone call box. These call boxes are provided on some major highways in the US, but not all. Look for them on the right-hand shoulder with a sign indicating “Call Box” or “Emergency Call Box.” Consult the instructions in the box; in most cases, calls are free and you are connected directly to the Highway Patrol. If there’s no phone around and you aren’t able to use a cellular phone, you may have to rely on your emergency kit, so make sure you take it with you. In my experience, when you’re totally prepared, usually nothing goes wrong. Happy motoring!

Understanding auto insurance

When it comes to purchasing auto insurance, most of us try to get it over with as quickly and painlessly as possible. There is more to choosing auto insurance than simply seeing who will give you the lowest price. Taking the time to understand the basic types of insurance, the providers in your area, and your own insurance needs will go a long way to assure that you obtain the coverage that will serve you best through the years to come. Here are some tips from Mari Rezinas, President of Patrion Insurance, an insurance broker based in Riverside, CA.

It is important to determine the amount of liability coverage needed to protect your assets. This is the one type of auto coverage that everyone needs. Liability insurance protects your assets if you are the responsible party in an accident and others are injured or property is damaged. This insurance pays medical, hospital, lost income, rehabilitative care, pain and suffering, and property damage costs to the victim. It will also pay for your legal defense if necessary. It makes sense to choose the largest amount of liability insurance that you feel is affordable and will protect your valued assets.

Another type of coverage is Uninsured Motorist coverage. This type of coverage pays for your medical expenses, lost wages and other general damages when you or your passengers are injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance. The amount paid by uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage is capped at a limit you select.

Next, you will need to decide if you should purchase collision and comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance covers the cost of damage to your vehicle, which is the result of an accident, no matter who is at fault. Comprehensive insurance takes care of the cost of auto damage from other causes such as theft, storms, floods and vandalism. If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, collision and comprehensive insurance are required and your lender will determine the required amounts of coverage.

If you have a new vehicle, which is not financed, it still makes sense to purchase this coverage to protect your investment. As your vehicle ages and depreciates in value however, there will come a time when the cost of carrying collision and comprehensive insurance will exceed the benefits. If the value of your vehicle is less than the sum of your premiums plus your deductible, you can do without this type of insurance.

To protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident, consider medical payments insurance. Medical payments insurance will cover the cost of medical, hospital or funeral expenses which result from an accident for both you and any passengers in your vehicle. When you have decided which coverage you need, it is time to start learning about insurance providers. Check the customer satisfaction records of these companies, and be sure that they are financially sound with the ability to pay claims; there is more to being a good insurance provider than just offering the lowest price.

Once you have narrowed down the possibilities, it is time to get quotes. Be sure that all your quotes are for identical amounts of coverage so that you can make an accurate price comparison. Your efforts will pay off with the peace of mind you’ll achieve in knowing you are getting the right coverage at the right price.

Don't Text and Drive

The slogan, "Don't Drink and Drive" will always be a classic statement, but there's a new slogan surfacing, "Don't Text and Drive". Or as I'd like to state it, "Just Drive!" Similar to drunk driving fatalities leading to many committees and organizations, like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), Washington is taking distracted driving to the same level. According to an article on Wired.com

The senate, the Department of Transportation and the FCC [Federal Communications Commission] want you to stop texting while driving, and on Wednesday, they all but declared a war on texting, promising education campaigns and laws to convince you to put your phone down — at least while you are piloting a two-ton SUV going 70 mph. In a Senate hearing Wednesday, using a mobile phone while driving was said to be more dangerous than drunk driving, the cause of 16 percent of fatal accidents in the United States and a “perfect storm” of distraction.

I'm guilty of looking at my phone while driving when I hear the "bing" of a new email or text, but I'm disciplining myself to resist the curiosity of picking up my phone and reading it. I really should just turn off my phone while driving.  In a recent hearing regarding the Commerce Committee on Critical Safety issue, Senator John "Jay" Rockefeller, Chairman of U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee stated

"Everyone knows the dangers on the road created by distracted drivers—they are a threat to all families and serious action must be taken. Distracted drivers—people who make the choice to text or use their electronic devices instead of watching the road—put all our lives at risk and that is absolutely unacceptable to me. Today, I am unveiling comprehensive legislation that will give states real incentives to act, reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries, and keep Americans safe from destructive and irresponsible distracted drivers."

Read more on the summary of the Distracted Driver Bill here.

Just as much as our phones have become a necessity, they have become a huge distraction in our lives. Just like "buzzed" driving can still lead to major accidents, our "little distractions" can lead to major accidents. According to a September news release, Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary LaHood announced

new research findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that show nearly 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than half a million were injured. On any given day in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.

The best bet, use a hands-free device with your phone that reads your texts and/or emails. Or, just wait until you reach your destination. Is that email or text really that important? If it is, don't you think that person would call you? The same questions can be asked when you want to text or email someone.