Are Gadgets Causing More Car Accidents?

We have heard it on the news or have heard others talking about how car accidents occur due to the driver sending text messages or playing with the gadgets in their car. Drivers have never had so many distractions tempting them to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel than with today’s vehicles, which are likened to living rooms on the road with everything from high-end stereo systems, televisions and DVD players.

How distracting are all of our car gadgets? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 80 percent of vehicle crashes and 65 percent of close calls are caused in part by driver distraction.

A study, conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and released in 2006, found that "secondary task distraction" was a central factor in auto accidents. The biggest culprit was hand-held wireless devices, along with the act of dialing phone numbers or sending text messages.

And even with all the advancements in vehicle safety technology, the number of people killed in auto accidents continues to rise. Close to 1.2 million people die each year on the world's roads, and that number is expected to rise by 65 percent by the year 2020, says a report by WHO and the World Bank.

Distraction isn’t the only problem causing car accidents, although it can account or some o the highest incidents. Here are the six major reasons or auto accidents:

1. Distracted Drivers
• Rubbernecking
• Driver fatigue (12 percent, see below)
• Looking at scenery (10 percent)
• Other passengers or children (9 percent)
• Adjusting the radio, cassette or CD player (7 percent)
• Reading the newspaper, books, maps or other documents (less than 2 percent)


2. Driver Fatigue

Drowsy drivers account for about 100,000 accidents every year in the United States, according to the U.S. National Traffic Safety Administration. The risk is greatest from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., the time when most people are used to sleeping, however some people also become drowsy from noon to 2 p.m.

Symptoms of driver fatigue include heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, a drifting vehicle that wanders over road lines, varying vehicle speed for no reason, misjudging traffic situations, seeing things "jump out" in the road, feeling fidgety or irritable and daydreaming.

3. Drunk Driving

In 2004, an estimated 16,654 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, according to NHTSA. This is an average of one death almost every half-hour. Drunk drivers were responsible for 30 percent of all fatal crashes during the week in 2003, but this percentage rose significantly over the weekends, during which 53 percent of fatal crashes were alcohol-related.

The only way to prevent this type of accident is to not drink and drive. Whenever alcohol is involved, choose a designated driver in advance. This person should not drink at all before driving.

4. Speeding

Speeding is a multi-tiered threat because not only does it reduce the amount of time necessary to avoid a crash, it also increases the risk of crashing and makes the crash more severe if it does occur. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), when speed increases from 40 mph to 60 mph, the energy released in a crash more than doubles. Simply slowing down and obeying posted speed limits can go a long way toward making the roads safer.

When traffic gets heavy, resist the urge to succumb to aggressive driving.

5. Aggressive Driving

Exactly what is an aggressive driver? Anyone who does the following:

• Aggressive tailgating
• Flashing lights at other drivers because you're irritated at them
• Aggressive or rude gestures
• Deliberately preventing another driver from moving their vehicle
• Verbal abuse
• Physical assaults
• Disregarding traffic signals
• Changing lanes frequently or in an unsafe manner
• Failure to yield the right of way

If the situation is serious, you may call 911 to report an aggressive driver

6. Weather

Inclement weather, including heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, ice, high winds and fog can make driving more difficult. You'll need more time to stop and may have trouble seeing the road clearly, so when the weather gets bad be sure to leave extra room between the car in front of you and slow down. If necessary, pull off the road to a rest stop (or to the side of the road, well out of the traffic lanes) until conditions improve.

By heeding the above and keeping your eyes on the road, you will lesson the likelihood of being in an accident. Save your television watching and cell phone texting for when you are the passenger.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Making The Most of Your Fuel Dollars

Fuel prices are fluctuating, but there is no doubt that the days of crude oil are on the decline, which means higher prices over time. So how can we conserve gas and make the most of our fuel dollars? According to HowToAdvice.com, here are 30 ways to start.

WARMING UP YOUR VEHICLE

1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

2. Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up... chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.

3. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

4. Avoid "revving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.

5. Eliminate jackrabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

HOW TO BUY GASOLINE

6. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

7. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem" most beneficial.

8. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY

9. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.

10. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.


11. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.

12. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you "nurse it along". However, if you cause the engine to "bog down", premature wearing of engine parts occurs.

13. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.

14. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.

15.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.

GENERAL ADVICE

16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.

17. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

18. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.

19. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.

20. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.

21. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.

22. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished airflow increases gas waste.

23. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.

24. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!

25. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.

26. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).

27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.

28. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, and unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.

29. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.

30. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.

EXTRA TIPS

Install pressure regulator valve (sold in auto parts stores)... Use graphite motor oil... Beware of oil additives, regardless of advertising claims... Add Marvel Mystery Oil into gas fill-ups... Investigate fuel/water injection methods and products... combine short errands into one trip... Use special gas additives to prevent winter freezing of gas lines... convert your V8 engine over to a V4 - no special kits needed!!!

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Car Warranties, Types and Considerations

When deciding which car to buy, you may ask yourself whether you should buy an extended warranty or a car that comes with a warranty. To start, educate yourself on warranties. Not every new car warranty is created equally. Some will cover all the non-wear items on the car up to only three years or 36,000 miles. Others will cover repairs all the way up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The strength of the coverage that is included will help you decide whether to buy an extended auto warranty.

A typical new car warranty has two parts: the “bumper to bumper” warranty, which covers everything except the “wear” items such as brakes and tires; and the power train warranty that covers all the parts that make the car move, such as the engine and transmission.

An extended auto warranty is often purchased to prolong the coverage of the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most people are familiar with the extended warranty that is sold at dealerships. This is sometimes called a “factory warranty” because factory-trained technicians perform the required work on the car. There are also “third-party” warranties, which can save consumers money but are generally less convenient to use. Many third-party warranties require out-of-pocket payment for repairs before reimbursement.

In deciding whether an extended warranty is right for you, and in selecting the best plan for your needs, you’ll need to ask yourself the following questions:

* To what extent is your vehicle already under warranty, and is this coverage in sync with how long you anticipate owning it? If the car you’ve just bought is new, take a close look at its factory warranty before making an extended warranty decision. If, for example, the vehicle has a factory warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, and you plan on keeping it for two or three years—with an anticipated annual mileage of about 10,000—then an extended warranty makes little sense, since you’ll likely be covered under the manufacturer’s plan. However, if you plan on keeping the car long after the factory warranty expires, an extended auto warranty is worth considering. If the car you’ve just purchased is used, you’ll need to ascertain if there is warranty coverage from the dealership (coverage periods may range from as little as a month to up to a year, or more).


If you’re buying a late-model used vehicle, it’s possible that the vehicle’s original factory warranty is still in effect (this will be dependent on how many miles the car has under its tires, and on how much time has passed since it was originally titled). Some manufacturers also offer “certified used” programs that extend original factory warranty terms on pre-owned vehicles. If the car isn’t under warranty, or if you plan on keeping it past its warranty’s expiration, an extended warranty makes sense.

* What’s the reliability record of the model you’re purchasing? Take a look at the reliability history of the model you’re buying. Though this is by no means a fail-safe way of predicting what your repair bill will look like, it does give you an idea of what you may be in for service-wise; bear this information in mind when making a warranty decision.

* Who is behind the warranty that you’re considering? An extended auto warranty may be backed by an independent warranty company (these are known as aftermarket warranties) or by the covered vehicle’s manufacturer. Knowing who will be underwriting your policy can give you insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the contract you’re considering. Manufacturer-backed warranties score very highly when it comes to ease of use. However, aftermarket warranties are often cheaper. (If you opt to purchase an aftermarket warranty, take a look at how the company’s financial strength has been rated by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s; this will give you an indication as to its ability to pay your claim. Your safest bet is to choose a company that has a minimum “A” rating with Standard & Poor’s, and/or a minimum “A” or “A-” rating with A.M. Best.)

* What’s the nature of its deductible? Fully investigate a policy’s deductible before signing on the dotted line. Consider not only its amount, but also whether it’s per visit or per repair. With a per visit deductible, each visit to the shop will run you a fixed amount, regardless of how many parts are repaired; a per repair deductible applies to each serviced part. What sounds like a minor difference may, under certain circumstances, have a major impact on your wallet. If, for example, you’ve got a $100 per repair deductible and you take your car in to get the air conditioner, fuel pump and alternator serviced, you’ll be out $300; had you opted for a per visit deductible, those repairs would only have cost you $100. Charier still is a $0 deductible policy. You will have to pay extra for this, but if your circumstances become such that you have to take your car in frequently, you’ll find that this policy more than pays for itself.

* Is the warranty transferable? Some extended warranties end when the person who bought the warranty sells the car. A warranty that allows you to transfer it to a new buyer is preferable; it’s an excellent selling point for prospective buyers.

* Can repairs be performed at any repair shop? Some extended auto warranties stipulate that repairs must be performed at the dealership from which the warranty was purchased; this can prove limiting and inconvenient. It’s best to opt for a warranty that, at the very least, gives you more than one service facility to choose from. You’ll appreciate this should the vehicle ever need service while you’re on a road trip, miles away from home.

* What exactly is covered? Know what’s covered—and what’s not covered—by the extended warranty you’re considering. Does the service contract cover breakdown as well as wear and tear? Under a “breakdown” warranty, coverage is extended only to parts that break. Such a policy can prove less inclusive than is desirable, since not all parts fail due to breakage. Some need to be replaced because they’ve worn down over a period of time; a “wear-and-tear” warranty extends coverage to worn-down parts in need of replacement. Additionally, some “entry level” contracts don’t cover ABS brakes, so if your vehicle has this feature, you should consider upgrading to this level. And overheating—regardless of its cause—isn’t covered in many warranties. Thus, if overheating occurred due to problems with an expensive part such as your radiator, you’d be stuck with a hefty repair bill. Before committing to a warranty, take the time to fully explore the ins and outs of its coverage implications. The distinctions between the various plans might seem slight, but they can prove quite important.

* Is a cash layout required for repairs? Some extended warranties require that you pay the bill, then send the receipt in and wait for reimbursement; in many cases, months elapse before you get your money back. Ideally, you’ll want a warranty that pays the dealership.


Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance

You get in a wreck and find your car insurance won’t cover you. What happened? If you were conducting business and you were not carrying a commercial policy, you could be in danger.

So, if you are a business owner, following up with the type of auto insurance you have is critical as you and your business could end up being liable. To start, you need the same kinds of insurance coverage for the car you use in your business as you do for a car used for personal travel -- liability, collision and comprehensive, medical payments (known as personal injury protection in some states) and coverage for uninsured motorists. In fact, many business people use the same vehicle for both business and pleasure. If the vehicle is owned by the business, make sure the name of the business appears on the policy as the "principal insured" rather than your name. This will avoid possible confusion in the event that you need to file a claim or a claim is filed against you.


Whether or not you need to buy a business auto insurance policy will depend on the kind of driving you do. A good insurance agent will ask you many questions about how you use vehicles in your business, who will be driving them and whether employees, if you have them, are likely to be driving their own cars for your business.

While major auto coverage is the same, a business auto policy differs in many technical respects. For instance, if you have a personal umbrella liability policy, there's generally an exclusion for business-related liability. So are you safe?

Here are some examples of ways you may get into trouble without a commercial policy:

• Pizza and newspaper delivery;
• Catering;
• Door-to-door consulting services;
• Landscaping or snowplowing services
• Day care/church van services.
• Real Estate Agents


If your business uses a vehicle, or many vehicles, you will want to ask your insurance professional some important questions such as:

• What are my liability limits? In general, a commercial auto policy can offer higher liability limits. Larger vehicles, such as delivery vans, can cause more damage than passenger cars.

• Does my personal policy cover me for issues specific to my business? For example, if you have a trailer that damages another vehicle while on a job, a personal liability policy may not cover the repairs. A commercial policy will.

• Do I have employees who drive my vehicles? In general, if other people drive your vehicles for work, you need a commercial auto policy.

You also need a commercial auto policy if your vehicle hauls tools or equipment weighing more than 500 pounds, makes deliveries or requires filings for interstate for for-hire trucking businesses.

Once you have taken all of the above into account, you can rest better at night knowing you are fully protected and no assumptions have been made.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Keeping Your Car Maintained Before The Warranty Expires

Whether your vehicle has a one-year, 12,000-mile warranty or a 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, experts say it’s important to ensure that your car is properly maintained and all needed repairs are made before your warranty expires.

This is especially important if you are one of the 10 percent of U.S. drivers with a “Check Engine” light on right now. The light can signify a problem that could cost more to repair than a whole month’s car payment. But dealing with the issue while your car is under warranty could mean your car manufacturer foots the bill, instead of you.

Try these suggestions what to do before your car or truck’s warranty is up:

•Consider Extended Warranties In most cases, the newer your vehicle, the lower your extended warranty cost. If you didn’t purchase an extended warranty when you bought the car, don’t worry-you can still get one. Just remember: Not all warranties are created equal. Be sure to ask who administers the policy and if there are limitations. Also, check the fine print. Will the warranty cover the retail labor rate at your favorite dealership or local repair shop?

•Address Intermittent Problems One day your car is driving fine, the next it stalls and your “Check Engine” light comes on. Then, when you finally take it to the repair shop, everything seems fine. The initial problem could be something as minor as a low battery or a broken “Check Engine” lightbulb. But what if it’s a costly catalytic converter or transmission failure? Better to be safe than sorry.

•Fix Big-Ticket Items – Has your car been stalling? Has the transmission been slipping? These symptoms can indicate serious and potentially costly problems, even complete engine failure, which could cost $2,000 or more to fix. It’s best to get such repairs done before your car is out of warranty.

•Keep Car Maintained and tuned up. A regular tune-up is recommended, even with the high-tech performance of today’s vehicles.

What are some things that you can do to make sure you vehicle is well-maintained?

1. At least once per year, test ignition wires, spark plugs, the fuel and air injector, pcv valves, plus the vital sensors that govern most engines.

2. Change engine oil and air filters. The oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and they should be changed at twice a year or every 5,000 miles.

3. Check spark plugs. Clean or change spark plugs if they are badly fowled or if the gap shows serious erosion.

4. System Check. Assess brakes, the tires, and the shock absorbers at least twice per year.

Keeping your car in shape with the addition of considering an extended warranty will help you save money in the long run while maintaining a good-running and long lasting vehicle.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.