The home of the internet s most comprehensive resource for drivers. Driver Tips and Resource Handbook

Transcription

1 The home of the internet s most comprehensive resource for drivers. Driver Tips and Resource Handbook

2 USEFUL APPS FOR DRIVERS Drivers-Licenses.org has compiled a list of the best and most useful free apps for drivers. From avoiding traffic to finding the cheapest gas around, theses apps will put your smart phone to use to prepare you for everything you need while on the road! Drive Safe.ly We all know texting and driving is dangerous. With the DriveSafe.ly you can text and handsfree. The app will read text messages and s aloud in real time and automatically responds without drivers having to lift a finger. Google Maps For many, Google Maps has become the go to for maps, directions and more. Now the app provides drivers with on the go assistance. The best part of the app, it works with your other apps so you dont have to retype an adress again. Gas Buddy With gas prices skyrocking in many area, the Cheap Gas app can save your hard earned money! Using your location the app will help you find the cheapest gas around you. A few cents can add up to a big savings fast! WiFi Finder Apps are amazing when you have signal, but if you are in an area with bad service many of your apps won't work. That's when WiFi Finder comes in and saves the day. It searches for nearby WiFi spots, so you can connect to a wireless Internet network and again be able to use your applications. YP Mobile This app is a SUPER yellow pages in your pocket. It provides a business search engine, and as an added bonus you can search for local event. Once you decide where you are going, it will even give you directions using Google Maps. Waze Social GPS & Traffic When you download Waze, you become part of your local driving community. This app can be used as a turn-by-turn navigator but also displays user-generated reports on traffic, construction, and speed traps to help save you time, frustration and money while getting to your desination. Sig Alert Sigalert provides accurate, up-to-date traffic maps and has saved many users lots of time, frustration and the trouble of sitting in traffic. Sigalert's information is synchronized with your state s highway patrols' data and uses road sensors for accurate readings. It also provides accident, construction and other traffic data for most metropolitan areas. Where! If there was such thing as a Virtual Swiss Army knife, Where! might be it for GPS apps. Using your location, Where! gives you up to date real-time information on cheap gas, weather, movie showtimes, restaurant recommendations, traffic conditions, and news headlines, all in one app! Yelp! Similar to the much loved site, the Yelp app can be used to search for places to eat, shop, drink, relax and play then read reviews from an active community of locals in the know. MapQuest Just download the MapQuest 4 Mobile app to get real-time voice-guided directions as well as traffic updates, points of interest and much more. EmergInfo You get in an accident. Now what? The EmergInfo free app provides step-by-step instructions to make sure you collect all the information you need, the app will take photos and video evidence and can even call a lawyer or a cab. It also provides DUI / DWI help and contains a BAC Calculator (Blood Alcohol Tester) as a tool to keep you safe and to help you protect your rights. Note Minder When you re stuck in traffic it's the perfect time to make a to do list or a grocery list or maybe you just need to jot down a number. With NoteMinder you just shake the phone to record your note and shake it again to automatically send it to a preselected address. Just genius! 2

3 VEHICLE SAFETY TIPS Being prepared for emergency conditions can ensure your safety if an emergency occurs. Use this checklist to create an emergency safety kit for your car. Keep these items in your car or trunk and you'll be prepared for just about anything. Items you should consider including in your BASIC EMERGENCY CAR KIT: Water Non-perishable snack foods, canned fruit, nuts, or granola bars Can opener Flashlight and extra batteries Rope Shovel Paper towels First-aid kit Flares Matches and candles, housed in a waterproof storage bag or container Rain poncho Blanket Gloves - leather and latex pair first aid kit flashlight water lantern whistle Other Items to Consider: Set of warm clothes Reflective safety vest Emergency strobes 12-hour light sticks Whistle Toilet paper non-perishable food waterproof storage bag can opener batteries hand-held radio blanket matches candle 3

4 WINTER DRIVING TIPS Parts of the country have already experienced winter weather. Others are just waiting to get hit with the unavoidable winter storms and inclement weather. Even experienced drivers can find their patience and skills tested by winter driving conditions. Here are 10 tips to help you drive safely this winter season: 1. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter: Check your brakes and tires Check your antifreeze and thermostat Check your windshield wipers and fluid Check your headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flashers Check your exhaust, heater and defroster Check your oil 5. Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles Keep your gas tank at least half full to and trucks avoid gas line freeze-up. 6. When you stop, press the brake slowly, not suddenly. Most cars are equipped with anti-lock 2. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, brakes so you don't need to pump your brakes. such as a garage. When you want to stop, apply slow, even pressure 3. Clear all snow and ice from car. Don t forget until you're at a complete stop. to check the roof, hood and trunk, windows, 7. If you do skid or slip don't slam on the brake. mirrors and lights. Simply turn your wheels in the direction you're 4. Leave a few minutes early as you never know going until the car stops sliding and you can what road conditions will be like. regain control. 8. Do not use cruise control in any winter weather conditions including rain, sleet, ice or snow. 9. Keep an emergency winter kit in your car. Recommended items include blankets, snacks and water, extra gloves or mittens, socks, sweater or sweatshirt, flashlight (with extra batteries), and a shovel. 10.Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle. 4 THE HOME OF THE INTERNET S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS

5 SAVING ON GAS When gas prices go up, we all look for ways to save. So do the number of tips we hear on how to save. Here are the top things that you need to know to save at the pump : 1. Shop around. Some smart phones offer apps that can help you find the best gas prices in your area. Some gas stations also offer daily or weekly specials. Comparative shopping ensures you will get the lowest gas prices around! 2. A/C Don't use your air conditioner unless it is really necessary. Using A/C puts additional strain on your engine which uses more gas. If you can, open your windows instead of using you re A/C and you will actually reduce gas mileage. Many also have a "maximum" or "recirculation" setting that reduces the amount of hot outside air that must be chilled. Both settings can reduce the air conditioning load and save gas. 3. Don t idle. Turning off an engine rather than idling could increase overall fuel efficiency. Idling your engine for an extended period of time wastes fuel. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait. 4. Watch your speed. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour. Drive at the speed limit & save! 5. Don t haul extra weight. If you have additional items in your car or trunk that you do not need on a regular basis (excluding emergency supplies), remove them. Extra weight can reduce a car's fuel economy by up to two percent. 6.Check your tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Under inflated tires cause more resistance to travel and in turn cause engine strain and lower gas mileage. 5

6 SAVING ON GAS 7. Engine tuning. Reference your owner s manual for information on tuning your engine. This can increase gas mileage by an average of four percent. 9. Credit. Many credit cards offer cash back or rebates for gas purchases. This can help you save money down the line. 8. Choose the octane level. Check your vehicles manual to determine the most effective octane level for your car. The majority of vehicles recommended regular gasoline. In most cases, using a higher grade than recommended has no benefit at all as costs significantly more. THE HOME OF THE INTERNET S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS 6

7 AVOID A CAR ACCIDENT The definition of the word accident is "an unexpected and unwanted event, a mishap unforeseen and without apparent cause." Though some accidents are in fact unavoidable, many accidents or collisions can be avoided by simply paying closer attention to three simple parts of your car. Car manufacturers engineer cars according to a minimum safety standard. Though these standards are in place to ensure consumer safety, continued research shows that equipment failure can be the cause of an accident but can be avoided by a driver checking some of the causes of common failures. The most common failures include brakes, tires, and steering/suspension failure. Brakes Though modern brake systems are created to provide several backups in the case of failure and make complete brake failure an unlikely event, it is imperative to get your brakes checked regularly and in the event that you hear your breaks squeal or feel that they may not be functioning on the level they normally do, have a professional check them immediately. 7

8 AVOID A CAR ACCIDENT Tires Today's tires are safer than ever before. Nonetheless tires require regular attention. The things that you need to check for on your vehicle tires are: Under inflation Uneven or worn-out tires Uneven wear Misaligned or broken suspensions. Steering and Suspension Even the safest and seasoned driver will be helpless in the event of a steering or suspension system failure. These types of failures are catastrophic, particularly at high speeds. All drivers should have their suspension and steering systems checked out by a mechanic or other auto professional every 10,000 miles. With regular inspections by you or by trained professional, equipment failures can be virtually eliminated and if an accident occurs it will be not be due to equipment failure.....many accidents or collisions can be avoided by simply paying closer attention to three simple parts of your car. 8

9 ARE YOU AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER? There are many different kinds of drivers. Some are young, some are old, some middle-aged, can be men or women. Some drive luxury cars, SUVs or vans. Though these are things that make most drivers different, almost all drivers have participated in some kind of risky driving practice, the most common being aggressive driving. Would you consider yourself an aggressive driver? As safe as your car is manufactured to be, an aggressive driver can become the cause of an automobile accident and injury. Some behaviors that have been considered aggressive by drivers in the US are: Aggressive tailgating Flashing lights at another driver out of annoyance Aggressive or rude gestures Deliberately preventing another driver from moving their vehicle Verbal abuse Giving aggressive or rude gestures Physically assaulting another driver 9

10 ARE YOU AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER? Many of the above mentioned behaviors are probably under-reported, since most people have participated in one or several of them themselves. Law enforcement has characterized aggressive driving by the following traffic violations: Excessive speed Frequent or unsafe lane changes Failure to signal Tailgating Failure to yield the right of way Disregarding traffic controls Impaired driving...take a moment, breathe, and keep moving... There is a difference between aggressive driving and "road rage." Road Rage behaviors, such as trying to use your vehicle as a weapon or physically assaulting another driver are not considered aggressive driving. Rather, those types of behaviors are deemed criminal offenses, and there are laws in place to address these violent crimes. If you feel the urge to participate in one of these actions, take a moment, breathe, and keep moving! As safe as your car is manufactured to be, an aggressive driver can become the cause of an automobile accident and injury. THE HOME OF THE INTERNET S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS 10

11 SAVING ON CAR INSURANCE While many of the factors that can affect how much you pay for your auto insurance premium are not in your control, there are things you can do to be sure you get the lowest price for your coverage. Here s how to get the insurance protection you are required to have while also protecting your wallet! 1. Shop around. You would never purchase a big ticket item without doing some comparison shopping. This is as important when it comes to insurance. Getting two or three quotes from multiple sources can help ensure you are getting the tbest rate out there. With many websites now doing the comparison shopping for you, take your search online. It s a great place to start for a free quote. 2. Drop unnecessary coverage. If you have an older vehicle you might consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage. If the annual cost of comprehensive and collision coverage exceeds 10 percent of your car s value, you might consider dropping this portion of your 11

12 SAVING ON CAR INSURANCE policy as it may not make sense financially. It may be costing you more to insure your older vehicle than it costs to replace it. Note: NEVER drop liability coverage, which is NOT the place to save! 3. Bundle Home + Auto. If you have a homeowner s policy it is worthwhile to contact your insurance agent and confirm if they offer auto insurance. If they do you should see if there is a discount in place to bundle. Chances are you can get a nice a multi-policy discount for purchasing both your homeowners and auto insurance from a single provider. 4. Increase your deductible. Offering to pay more out of pocket is a quick way to reduce your premium, but be sure that you can afford to do so. You would not want to go into debt to cover the costs of repairs of damage as a result of an accident. If you have an adequate emergency fund, this would be a place you might could consider saving. 6. Maintain a clean driving record. The two quickest ways to increase your car insurance are having an accident or receiving a moving violation. Accidents and tickets increase your risk and will increase your premium. Best way to save drive safely and follow the driving rules of your state. 7. Keep your credit clean. Many insurance companies use your credit score to determine your premium. Lower scored equal higher rates. Statistics show a direct connection between bad a lower credit score and propensity to be involved in an auto accident or receive a moving violation. Manage your credit and save on car insurance premiums. 8. Drive cars that cost less to insure. Certain car models and colors are more likely to be stopped for speeding and insurance companies are well aware of these statistics. It in never recommended to purchase a car without understanding what the insurance rates on that vehicle will be. One way to be sure you will save is to drive a car that is not typically a target for theft or tickets. 5. Ask about other discounts. When discussing your policy with your insurance agent specifically ask about other discounts. Many insurance companies have discounts available but will not necessarily offer that information to you. Some providers offer discounts such as low-mileage driving, the installation of car alarms/anti theft systems or the successful completion of defensive-driving courses. THE HOME OF THE INTERNET S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS 12

13 PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING Some of the cell phone distractions facing drivers are: Searching for driving directions Reading driving direction Reading emai Composing/sending Social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) In these advanced times cell phones have changed our lives and the ways that we do the simplest things. Mobile phones have added convenience to our lives but have also caused new dangers to drivers who simply can t put their phones down. The ability to have information at our fingertips has people using their phones to talk, text and browse the net while driving. This is why some U.S. states, such as New York and Los Angeles, have already made it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. Most drivers have admitted to surfing the Internet while driving. Many say they have done this when stopped at a stop light or in heavy traffic. In the event you have to use your phone we recommend you take these precautions: 1. Don't Text and Drive We pride ourselves on our ability to multitask, but it is essential that we recognize our limitations. The only way to ensure our safety and the safety of others is to NOT USE your cell phone at all when driving. 2. Don t look up directions on the internet while driving. If you must, pull over, get the directions and then continue driving. 3. If on a call, be sure to hang up when in heavy traffic or bad weather. In those conditions you need all of your focus and attention while driving. The only way to ensure our safety and the safety of others is to NOT USE your cell phone at all when driving. 13

14 TIPS TO AVOID DRINKING & DRIVING We have all heard the statistics, thousands die each year due alcohol-impaired traffic crashes. But statistics don't speak to the expense many drivers as a result of drunk driving or the pain the families of victim s experience. 7. Arrange alternate transportation. Pay attention to your guests. If someone has had a lot to drink call them a taxi or help them find a ride with a sober driver There are some things that you can do to help you prevent drinking and driving or having someone you know drink and drive. 1. Assign a designated driver. Decide who's going to abstain from drinking and will be responsible for driving prior to going out. 2. Call a taxi. If your designated driver slips, and that might happen, take another for of transportation. Most cities have taxis, trains, buses. 3. Take away keys. If someone who is going to be driving appears to be drunk, take their keys away. 4. Offer non-alcoholic options. If you are the host of a party offer guests water, juice, and soda. 5. Serve food. A full stomach has been proven to slow the rate of alcohol absorption. When driving, pay attention for drunk drivers. These are some ways that you can spot a drunk driver on the road: Making wide turns Weaving, swerving, drifting Almost striking an object or vehicle Driving at a very slow speed Stopping without cause Braking erratically Responding slowly to traffic signals Turning abruptly or illegally 6. Stop serving alcohol before the party ends. Give guests an extra hour or two without alcohol before they leave the party and offer water and snacks during that time. If you notice what you think is a drunk driver, keep your distance and call THE HOME OF THE INTERNET S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS 14