How to protect your ferrari from theft

As a Ferrari owner, you know that after you have added this prized vehicle to your investment portfolio, it pays to take care of it properly. Routine Ferrari maintenance, appropriate insurance, careful driving and care all play a part in how well your Ferrari drives into the future. However, one important aspect of Ferrari care that you will not want to forget is protecting your automotive treasure from theft.

In the long term, Ferrari Prices depend on how you use the Ferrari. If it is a show piece that stays indoors, then protection is much simplified. If you drive the vehicle outdoors, then some steps are in order to ensure that your vehicle remains safe from harm.

Simple precautions can help prevent big crimes, such as auto theft. When you leave the vehicle, always secure it, and make sure to park in well-lit areas where there are a lot of people walking around. When you park the vehicle, turn the wheels sharply toward the curb, to make it harder for car thieves to tow away the car. Don't leave Ferrari accessories in open view inside the vehicle. Also do not leave the registration or title inside the car.

Other steps that can help prevent theft include adding visible and audible anti-theft devices to the car. Brake locks can help. Steering wheel locks that keep the wheels stationary make your car more theft-proof. Tire locks and deflators can deter a thief, because they take too much time to deal with, thus making your car less attractive to a would-be thief. VIN etching, when the VIN number is etched onto the glass of the windshield and windows can be one option you might consider in protecting your vehicle. Loud alarms also let a thief know your car is safeguarded against theft.

Computer chips can help deter a thief from stealing your Ferrari. Some ignition keys come equipped with chips that do not let someone bypass the vehicle's ignition. Preventive devices such as cut offs to the fuse; kill switches; disablers that deactivate the fuel pump, ignition and starter; and wireless ignition authentication all help to prevent theft. Tracking devices are very useful in assisting police in finding stolen vehicles. Some of these combine wireless capabilities with GPS systems, so that if the car is moved, it can be tracked on the computer. Many Ferraris also come equipped with peripheral interior monitoring anti-lift anti-theft protection, which is a camera system that is used within the car to detect movement inside the vehicle. Even when you are not with your new Ferrari, your vehicle's computer system is working round the clock to protect your car. Employing several or all of these ideas can keep your car safe.

About the Author: Jonathon Blocker is a Ferrari aficionado who is intimate with the history and variety of Ferraris and has developed an expertise on the family of Ferrari Cars, both new and collectible.

Saturn center shoulder seatbelt for safe driving

by Anthony Fontanelle

By September 1 this year, the US Department of Transportation said, the rear and center seats of all vehicles will have to be equipped with a safety seatbelt. Cars like the General Motor's Saturn line that have front-facing rear and center seats, are required to fit in a Type-2 integral lap-and-shoulder safety seatbelt. The transportation department order, proposed in September 2005, asked auto manufacturers that same year to begin equipping their cars in production with a rear and center seatbelt. For older Saturn and other makes that were rolled out of the assembly plant prior to the order, car owners can get their Saturn seatbelt in the aftermarket segment of the automotive industry.

A Type-2 Saturn shoulder seatbelt is a lap-and-sash safety belt built in one continuous webbing. The harness on the lap and shoulders of the Saturn center seatbelt helps spread out the energy of the moving body over the chest, pelvis, and shoulders. Tests have shown that in an impact the body keeps moving until the slack is taken out of the restraint. But then the body must be abruptly stopped to "catch up" with the car. The ergonomic design of the Saturn center shoulder seatbelt allows the safety harness to be placed low on the passenger's hipbones, so that the belt loads will be taken by the strong skeleton of the human body. If a safety belt is improperly positioned on your abdomen, it can cause internal injuries. If it is positioned on one's thighs, rather than the hipbones, the seatbelt cannot effectively limit the body's forward motion.

Because the lower end of the Saturn center shoulder seatbelt is usually fastened to the safety belt buckle called the buckle insert, the buckle seatbelt is positioned on the side of the passenger's hip. This differs from the central location of the buckle common on most safety seatbelt. When the safety buckle of the Saturn center shoulder seatbelt is tightened on the hips, the belt makes an angle of about 55 degrees with the centerline of the car cabin. Together with the webclamps and pretensioners that rein in the Saturn seatbelt, this operating angle allows the seatbelt to resist the upward pull of the shoulder belts, reducing the risk of internal injury to the passengers.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Intimidate your off-roading

by Evander Klum

Irritated with your Jeep muffler? Or just can't get through a terrain?

Allow your off-road travel to be intimidated by movies to give you the drive in getting your Jeep through a tough terrain.

"On Any Sunday" This historical documentary pays tribute to motorcycle fanatic Steve McQueen. It takes a very close look at racers and enthusiasts. Directed by Bruce Brown and released in 1971, it features capturing the thrill and freedom of what was happing with racing in the late 60s, and off-road adventure itself. Rick Deremo, ex-professional-motocross-rider-turned-rock-racer, says he likes the fact that this movie brings out his competitive nature as this was one movie that got him pumped to go wheeling.

"Dust to Glory" This documentary directed by Dana Brown caught the Baja 1000 fever. This features combined talents in the off-road world that resulted to superb footage of the famous (Robby Gordon, Jimmy Vassar, Mario Andretti) and the unknown for an affliction to the toughest desert racers in the world. This was filled with motorcycles, buggies and trophy trucks, and was able to capture the beauty, isolation and magic that surround the rotten desert race any off-roader dreams of doing.

Dirt Sports Editorial Director and author of the race chronicle book "1000 Miles to Glory" Marty Fiolka, is the associate producer of "Dust to Glory".

"Haulin' or Crawlin' Series" Pat Gallagher, President and Founder of RP Films, can land a great piece of terrain action when it comes to getting the most exposure in the off-road sport of professional rock crawling. RP Films produces the fierce 4x4 off-road and rock crawling videos and DVDs dubbed as Haulin' or Crawlin' series - number 4 was just released this spring.

Professional rock crawler Jesse Haines says Haulin' or Crawlin' exudes "the best rock crawlers in the world on some of the craziest obstacle".

"Cannonball Run" This features scenes where Jackie Chan takes his Subaru wheeling. This wacky film stars Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, and a whole host of other misfits like Sammy Davis Jr., Jamie Farr, and Terry Bradshaw. What's so interesting about this is that this movie was based on a series of real races started by Brock Yates of Car & Driver Magazine.

"The Road Warrior" Set in the desolated Australian Outback, this movie is about a post-apocalypse world, where natural resources and humanity has vanished, introducing unheard modifications to monster vehicles. Mad Max, actor Mel Gibson gets his badass 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon Coupe, called "The Pursuit Special" but also referred to as "The Interceptor" in the first movie. Here, modifications to this dark police vehicle included the Concorde front end and the supercharger bulging through the bonnet. The Road Warrior, the rear wheels, supercharger and pipes were altered. Huge petrol tanks were located in the back.

Movies can really be intimidating. But just be sure not to be over intimidated for you might just encounter danger.

About the Author

Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Automobile Crashworthiness and Its Relation to Auto Accidents

by Peter Kent

There is an auto accident on United States roadways every ten seconds. In 2001 alone, almost two million Americans suffered an injury related to a vehicle crash. Negligent drivers can cause accidents, but crashes may also result from some design, manufacturing, or installation defect of a vehicle component. Defective tires, seatbelts, roof structure, brakes, and most parts of a vehicle can cause or contribute to an auto accident if these components are defective in any way. The term "automobile crashworthiness" relates to claims stemming from defective automobiles leading to car accidents.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research shows that the major causes of injury inside a vehicle during a collision are, in descending order: steering wheel, instrument panel, doors, windshield, front roof pillar, glove box area, roof edges, and the roof itself. It is not surprising, then, that front-seat passengers are more likely to be injured in an auto accident than rear-seat passengers who are protected by the padding of the front seat backs.

NHTSA data also shows that 51 percent of motor vehicle deaths occur in head-on impacts, 27 percent in side impacts, and only 4 percent in rear impacts. Rollovers, however, are particularly lethal because they are more likely to eject unrestrained passengers from the vehicle than other types of collisions. Fatality rates are 25 times higher for ejected passengers than for those who remain in the vehicle.

When an auto accident injury occurs, it is important to take certain precautions and steps immediately following the accident. The first step is to evaluate the health and safety of the individuals involved in the accident, especially those who might have suffered an auto accident injury. It is important to call the police in order to have an auto accident injury report completed. This provides an official account of the auto accident and all pertinent details.

After an auto accident injury, it is important to gather information from those parties involved and speak with any witnesses to the accident. If one party was responsible for the accident that caused an auto accident injury, it is vital to collect information regarding that party's vehicle, license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN), insurance information, and any other important details. Taking pictures at the scene of an auto accident can also help determine the cause of an auto accident injury.

The exact cause of an auto accident injury may not always be apparent immediately following an accident. For this reason, it is vital to collect as much information as you can about the auto accident and the conditions surrounding the event. It is a good idea to contact your insurance company as soon as you can in order to inform them of your auto accident injury. Following an auto accident injury, receiving rightful compensation for your injuries can be a complicated and long process. Securing the help of a qualified and experienced auto accident lawyer who specializes in auto accident injury can greatly strengthen your case. An experienced lawyer knows how to investigate your auto accident injury in order to build a strong case that will enable you to receive compensation for your injuries.

In order to prove that a defectively designed automobile caused an injury, auto accident lawyers must consult with top engineering experts to show how the injuries could have been prevented by proper design. To prove these cases, testing and reconstruction of accident situations can include state-of-the-art computer modeling and animation techniques, as well as real-life experiments. Automobile manufacturers defend crashworthiness claims vigorously, sparing no expense to attack the plaintiffs' evidence and trying to blame drivers, weather, road conditions or any factor other than the car's design problems for auto accident injuries.

If you believe you have an automobile crashworthiness law suit, contact an experienced unsafe products attorney today. Your crashworthiness lawyer will help you evaluate your claim and get the compensation you deserve.

About the Author
Peter Kent is the best-selling author of 50 books and hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.

True Costs of Driving Drunk

By Caty

The new tag line for drinking and driving is "drive hammered, get nailed." And law enforcement agencies are not kidding.

If suspected of driving drunk, you will first be tested using the field sobriety test, which consists of walking a straight line, standing on one leg, and saying the alphabet-backward.

You will also be required to take a breathalyzer test, and if you refuse, you will lose your license for 90 days to one year, depending upon which state you live in. All 50 states in the US now have a legal limit of .08 for blood alcohol concentration for anyone driving a motor vehicle.

If you have any kind of drug or alcohol offense on your record the police can search your car without your permission. In some states your car will be automatically towed and you will be placed under arrest and will spend at least one mandatory night in jail.

Driving under the influence is not a felony offense. At least not at first. In most states a DWI will move you up to felony conviction with the second offense and in some states not until the fifth. The penalties also differ with the severity of the crime. In New Hampshire, for example, your first DWI is a felony if you injure someone.

In all states, you will get a ticket and have to appear in court. The ticket alone will be around $4,000 in some states. Then you have the cost of an attorney, the mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment (the least you will receive for treatment is an 8 hour informational class on the effects of alcohol and driving, which typically costs around $50.00 to attend), probation costs, license reinstatement fees, and increased car insurance charges. And then there's the hidden costs incurred by lost wages from missing work or losing a job.

A DWI can cost from $10,000 on the low end to well over $50,000 when it's all said and done; again, depending on if it's your first offense and in which state you reside.

And that's not all.

Even if you never drink and drive, your tax dollars are used to clean up the mess left by people who choose to drink and drive.

2001 saw $230 billion tax dollars spent due to highway drunk driving collisions.

It costs less to take a cab from one end of the United States to the other than it does to pay for the costs you will incur if you drink and drive, and those are just the monetary costs. Sadly, no amount of money can make up for the losses incurred if you kill someone.

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Indian traffic - famous for infamous Road rage

By Parthiv

The kind of chaos seen on the roads of Delhi or in Mumbai or Calcutta is nowhere to see in the world. No.of accidental death or cases of road rage and consequent death is rising on the Indian road. Hence, it will not be an exaggeration to say that Indian road traffic is more famous for infamous road rages and Road accidental deaths.

Traffic Mayhem - A truly right choice of words suitable to describe for the Conditions on our Indian metro road. I was wondering is there any factors that cause this traffic mayhem in our everyday Life. In addition, if that is so, why don’t we do some hard endeavors to remove out those stumbling blocs creating this traffic mayhem? Thankfully, suddenly breaking news flashed on my T.V screen that BMC (Bombay Mahanagar Corporation) has failed to meet the deadline set by Mumbai high court to fill all the Potholes on the Mumbai Road by 30th of august. This was a most interesting point and a food for thought for me and of course most hilarious that the honorable high court has to Intervene in the matters of Public works department, responsible for up-keep of the road.

India is fast emerging as the most favored nation of all the Motor manufacturing company who is coming every now and then to set up their base because Indian customer’s base is huge and have the Buying potential of these vehicles . But it is a irony that Neither the govt. of India nor any Vehicle manufacturer are coming forward to set up the base for the Driving school on the international standard and giving emphasis to the traffic laws and rules for each & every individual seeking license To drive on the roads .

Another interesting piece of sample, which came to my notice that a recent survey & research made in USA that the women are worst driver while parking the vehicle or getting the vehicle reversed. It was found that in most of the accidents at the parking place and otherwise involving women driver causing accidents while reversing the car or getting their car out of the car parked row. This is just a survey and not an anti-feminist idea .So, its time now for the women to get proper training while parking and reversing the car. This is another fit case to be said why accidents do occur on the road.

Therefore, in nutshell, we are the part and particle of the cause of this mayhem on the road and if we wish so, we can be the Part and particle of the solution of this mayhem. Therefore, it is up to us to decide to both further the problem and become cause of the road mayhem or to become part and factors of the Solution of the problem.

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Bad time in Traffic

By Abhimanyu Singh

The administration of the day has no solution to commuters.

Different people have different traffic experiences while commuting from their homes to their work places in the same city. The fact of the matter is that within a same city road and traffic infrastructure are not developed with uniform standards. Apart from the difference in infrastructural development the population and traffic density are important in judging the quality of traffic upkeep and management.

Jolie Kapoor lives in East Delhi. She has to commute from her home to work place by public transport. The distance of about 30 km in the morning is covered within close to two hours while it takes her more than two and half hours of travel back home in the evening.

“The morning and the evening traffic are usually stuck at a road stretch of about 3 km and at three intersections which we must go through,” she informs. According to her the traffic moves at snail’s pace and half of the commute time is lost in that maze.

Her office being in a busy industrial pocket there are no bypasses or alternate routes available. The administration has no plans to find a solution here like in many chock-a-block situations in the city.

Despite flyovers and widened roads it is not a smooth and uninterrupted flow of traffic as in major peripheral parts of the city where one arterial road feeds major population areas. There being little room for road safety in India, as is the common situation in India, traffic safety in India is the first casualty in such scenarios.

The situation repeats itself just everywhere – be it Bangalore traffic, Mumbai, Delhi or Chennai traffic, it seems the chaos has only one pattern just all over these places no matter how different these places are, geographically, culturally or economically.

And then the road rage. You will find such impatient flouters of road laws uniformly just everywhere too.

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Which Is The Best Mapping Or Non Mapping GPS Tracking Systems

By Darren Allsop

The day and age of getting lost and having to find a place to stop and ask for directions is gone. Now you would no longer have to ask for directions with the invention of GPS tracking systems. Theses systems can direct you to your destination, with no need to stop and ask a stranger. There are many models to choose from, it may be difficult to know which one is ideal for yourself.

GPS units are usually separated by use so the first thing to consider when looking at which GPS system to purchase is to determine exactly what uses it is going to have. If you are looking for a GPS for your car, receivers are made just for use in cars and other motor vehicles and can be part of a navigation system or not.

If your a biker or hiker then obviously a car gps system should not be your choice, instead choose one of the many handheld gps systems. There are two types of receivers with handheld gps systems, non-mapping and mapping. With handhelds it would be advisable to carry a paper map also. GPS units are excellent tools but run on batteries can become defective if dropped and depending on the model may or may not be water proof.

Below are some features you should receive with a non mapping receiver. Displays your exact location, the direction you are heading, what time it is, miles you have travelled, route back to where you started journey, and the route to your destination. It will also record the route you have taken to arrive at your destination.

Mapped gps devices are the same as non mapped devices. But with the extra feature of displaying computer maps. Which can be downloaded or pre-loaded by the manufacture.

Handheld PDA's can be another alternative for gps systems. These delightful personal data assistants now come with GPS capabilities or with a unit you can plug your PDA in that provides GPS access.

Finally there is a GPS made for marine or boat use. The gps systems sailors have different features than the more conventional gps system. Boats do not use maps unless in a designated water way.

GPS tracking systems are great devices for tracking your position if you are lost.

They are a great alternative for those large papers maps and are a great time saver. If you do a lot of driving, hiking, camping, or boating having a GPS unit is a good investment.

No more worries when you've lost your new gps tracking system will guide you to your destination.

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Occupational road risk

By Mike Lloyd

What do you need to know?

Companies can no longer take the risk of ignoring their responsibilities with regard to managing the risks associated with 'driving at work' Employers incorrectly assume that provided they comply with road traffic law requirements, for example company vehicles have a valid MOT and fleet drivers hold a valid driving licence, this is enough to ensure the safety of their employees, and others, when they are on the road.

What is the current Legislation?

The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 requires you to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees while at work.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, amended in 1999, employers have a responsibility to manage health and safety effectively. You need to carry out an assessment of the risks to the health and safety of your employees while they are at work, and to other people who may be affected by their work activities. This includes work-related driving activities.

Employees driving on company business are considered to be undertaking a work activity and the vehicle they are driving, regardless of ownership, is regarded as a place of work.

The Health and Safety Commission recently issued a series of guidelines covering the employer's responsibility towards the employee. This included the recommendation that every company appointed a director to look after health and safety - including driving at work.

Health and Safety law does not apply to commuting, unless the employee is travelling from their home to a location for business purposes, which is not their usual place of work.

Why is there a spotlight on this issue?

The Government has clearly indicated that it intends to pursue a policy of reducing road traffic accidents and has set tough targets. Research has confirmed that individuals driving on company business are more likely than other road users to be involved in an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Therefore there is an increasing focus by the authorities on work related driving. Existing Health and Safety legislation is now more likely to be used in a bid to reduce the accident toll. Companies are now more likely to be investigated by the police and HSE in the wake of a serious road traffic accident.

What do you need to do?

In simple terms you should have a safety management system for driving at work just as you would for any other work related activity. This should include:

Comprehensive road safety policies supported by top management.

Road safety management procedures, including risk assessments for both drivers and specific driving tasks.

Maintain and review accident statistics. Look for common trends and risks.

Implement safe practices that eradicate or minimise identified driving risks.

Ensure managers understand their role and responsibilities for managing road risk and are able to apply company policy.

Ensure drivers are given relevant information, training and supervision to be safe on the road.

Regularly audit the safety of journeys and amend policies and procedures accordingly if new risks are identified.

Does this include the use of private vehicles?

Ownership of the vehicle is irrelevant. Companies have the same liability for individuals who drive their own vehicles on company business as those who drive company owned fleet vehicles. Don't be fooled into thinking that by abandoning the traditional company car in favour of cash for car alternatives you can get rid of your duty of care - you can't.

In some respects the risks associated with the use of privately owned vehicles are greater. This is because you have less control over things like maintenance, tyres and suitability of the vehicle for the task.

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How to Manage an Automobile Accident Involvement

By rainier

In reality, every person has a strong chance of being involved in a tragic road disaster. This is mainly due to such neglectful acts by other unruly drivers who lack discipline in abiding traffic rules and regulations on safety. Thus, these saddening incidents have become a regular view on the streets of California and all other states in the U.S. bringing enormous effects on the lives of the victims and their loved ones. On the other hand, people like us should be aware of the proper steps to do if ever we will find ourselves in the middle of an automobile accident to at least prevent further injuries and casualties among the victims, including us.

You may then follow these actions:

1. Prevent further injuries

Transfer your automobile in a safer place wherein it may not obstruct the other passing vehicles’ path. If available, display an early warning device or yet turn on your hazard lights so that the other motorists will be aware of the accident that took place. Moreover, if you have smelled or noticed a leak in either or both of the involved vehicles’ gasoline tanks move away from the scene immediately to avoid the danger of being trapped in a possible explosion.

2. Call 911 if you are still capable

Reporting an accident is an obligation by all of us whether we are victims or not. Thus, calling 911 will enable the police and/or the paramedics to know the accident that took place and trigger them to respond accordingly.

3. Seek for medical emergency assistance

A number of accident victims tend to refuse being given first aid which further worsens the injury that they have incurred. The paramedics have the capacity of providing such treatments which are necessary in an accident scenario so as injured victims we have to submit ourselves to them.

4. Write down important accident accounts

Since evidences are very vital in having a favorable court decision, the victims or any other witnesses should take note of such information which has transpired. These include the accident location, date and time of occurrence, type of automobile involved and automobile owner and driver’s information and so as the identification of the police who responded on the scene.

5. Never admit your fault

Do not be impulsive; the police investigators may see it otherwise. Declaring your guilt even though you are not liable for the causing the crash will only hamper you from filing a claim in the future.

6. Inform your insurance provider about the accident

It is very important for your insurance company to know that you have been engaged in an accident. Doing this will ensure you of having your rights protected including claims against uninsured.

On the other hand, the accidents victims are given the rights, under the prevailing law, to file a claim case against the guilty party. This is to acquire monetary damages to cover the pains and sufferings which are endured by them including their lost wages and the cost of medical treatment. However, they are advised to employ the legal services of a qualified personal injury lawyer since the claim case requires the understanding of the law and the skills to undergo the case proceedings.

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Generic Gas Can you save you money and not harm your car!

By Scott Siegel

As the price of gas continues to spiral upward more and more consumers are considering using generic gas from gas stations that are not affiliated with international gas companies. The question in many consumers minds is, will I be getting the same quality of gas from XYZ station as I would get from Exxon or Shell? Will the XYZ gas be OK for my car?

The answer simply is, there is not much of a significant difference between the generic gas and the more expensive gas except for some additives which each company has added to it's gas. To really understand how this is possible a short look at how the gas refining system treats gas makes the picture easy to see.

In general fuel produced at refineries is what is called a generic product. In specific regions of the country gas has to meet certain environmental specifications. Because all gas in those regions gas depots are produced to the same specifications, gas refiners often share and exchange gasoline and store it in common tanks.

The gas that is made at one refinery is the same as any other refinery. They all produce what is known as generic gas. The chemicals that are added to the generic gas is what makes one company's gas different from another's. Each brand has it's particular recipe of additives.

Such blending or adding of these brand chemicals or additives typically takes place when the gasoline is being loaded into a tanker truck for further distribution. In other words all the brands are starting with essentially the same generic gas as their main component. So generic gas is basically the same as the branded gas.

Just to be safe, there have been studies to see if there is a difference between generic fuel and branded fuel. The latest research was a cooperative study was done by the Maryland State Comptroller's office and ABC News.

Scientists at the Fuel Testing Lab performed a myriad of tests on generic and branded gasoline. The gasoline was tested for many things including contaminants like excessive sediments or diesel that might have gotten mixed with the gas. The scientists put the fuel into a special test engine to make sure that the fuel was all 87 octane. The chemists at the lab even made sure that the fuel was properly formulated for the current season as mandated by regulations.

The good news for the consumer is generic and branded gas had nothing but minor differences. They found that by and large the gas was one and the same. The primary difference between competing brands of gasoline is the amount of detergent or additives the distributors add to it. Even then the differences are small.

Essentially gas is gas is gas. All fuel sold for your vehicle regardless if it is generic or branded will work just fine. The one big difference is really what you already knew, the non branded gas has the lower price.

It is estimated that the average consumer can save between $100 and $200 per year by using generic gas. Save yourself some cash next time you fill up. Go to the generic station.

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Traveling Safely Alongside with Trucks

By Rainier Policarpio

Trucks share a vital role in transporting goods such as livestock, equipment, garments and other essential products for businesses and trades. These large vehicles somehow occupy significant portion of our thoroughfares. Thus, most of the motorists are caught unaware of the possible dangers they are facing whenever they share the road with them. The massive size and weight of these trailers make them capable of causing serious damages. Hence, this piece of writing will try to impart several tips on how to avoid being engaged in truck related accidents.

It is quite important for all the drivers to execute due cautiousness whenever they travel on the roads. However, they should follow these precautionary measures especially if they move along with trucks:
1) Keep your vehicle out of the truck blind spots. The truck drivers have the great probability of not seeing you in these unsafe areas. These spots include the truck’s rear and certain portions on its sides. In order to determine if the truck driver has a full view of your vehicle, try to look at the driver’s side mirrors. If you o not see those mirrors, then you are on the blind spot and must maneuver your vehicle to a much safer area away from the truck.
2) Maintain a secured distance from the truck. Generally, it is safe enough to keep 20 to 25 car lengths from the rear end of the truck. This sizable space will enable you to have a clear view of the trailer’s front and gives you much time to stop or steer your vehicle in case of traffic congestion or road accident; keeping you away from possible harm and injuries.
3) Be careful when trying to pass a large trailer. However, it is also necessary to maintain a safe distance from the truck even when already on its front. This will give the truck driver to step on the brake and slow down if you have also reduced your speed.
4) Better yet, move your vehicle to another lane away from the path of the truck. Most of our highways are wide enough for several motorists. Doing this move will definitely hinder these trucks from harming you.
5) Utilize your signal lights when needed. The other drivers should know if you want to make a turn or stop. This will warn them of your impending actions.
Understanding the potential scenarios when driving alongside with trucks and performing these safety measures will prevent an individual from engaging with road tragedies. Nonetheless, if ever you have incurred an injury from a truck related accident, consult a truck accident lawyer, who has the expertise on personal injury laws and injury claim suits, for proper advice and representation on whatever legal actions you can pursue. The laws indeed entitle the injured victims to recover sufficient amount of damages. Meanwhile, it is up to you if you would make the most out of these rights. Hire your most trusted competent legal advocate and be guided accordingly.

For more information visit Los Angeles Accident Lawyers Site

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Auto Glass - All That Stands Between You and a Grisly Death!

By Kathy Hildebrand

Glass has been a crucial component in every automobile made for many decades now. It's far more than merely practical however, serving as a valuable protection component, should there be an accident. Glass windshields first came into regular use in the 1920s, with the ability to mass-produce them efficiently enough for automotive use.

Auto glass is manufactured to withstand certain guidelines that are handed down to the industry through crash testing, and is more commonly known as "safety glass." What many people don't realize however is that there are actually two distinctly different types of safety glass - tempered glass, and laminated glass.

Tempered glass is most commonly recognized for the fact that when it breaks, it doesn't shatter but instead merely crumbles into tiny pieces that are not actually sharp. It takes a great deal of force to cause this to happen however, as tempered glass is known for being extremely durable and resistant to impact and the elements. Tempered glass is most typically used for rear and side windows of cars.

Laminated glass behaves differently if broken, shattering into the ever-familiar "spiderweb" pattern, but not actually breaking into dangerous shards. It is made through a process of heat and cold, used to seal layers of plastic and glass together. The plastic holds the glass together and keeps the sharp glass from exploding when shattered, causing injuries.

If you find yourself needing a glass repair service, or to have a windshield replacement performed, there are a number of things you should look for. The National Glass Association certifies glass replacement technicians, meaning they should uphold the highest standards and use the best materials such as a urethane-based adhesive. These certified technicians should also verify the presence of any airbags, passenger or driver side, prevent any particulate matter from interfering with the adhesive bond, and clean and prime all surfaces and areas so they are properly prepared for the new glass installation. They should also explain to you, their customer, precisely what they're doing, and how best to take care of your new auto glass for years to come.

When you're hurtling down the road, that thin layer of glass is all that stands between you and a great number of potentially harmful impacts. Make sure your auto glass is handled by the best, as your life very well may depend on it!

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How the Internet Can Help You Lower Your Gas Costs

By Scott Siegel
There are a few quick and easy ways to lower your gas costs. You can do it without the need to change your driving habits or the need to add anything to your car. The simplest and easiest of these ways is to find the stations that offer the lowest prices.

This seems pretty obvious but in most cases when it comes to gas this logical behavior is ignored. If you were buying a computer you would look for the store with the best price. It seems that most of us were trained to consider gas differently. You invariably buy gas where it is easy regardless of price. The gas station in closest proximity to where you live is the most common place for most drivers fill up regardless of price.

When you think you might run out of gas or when your gauge shows your tank is low, filling up at the very first station you find is usually the only choice. This station will not usually have the best gas prices. Just one more instance where you may be spending more on fuel than you need to.

The most efficient way to find the gas stations that have the lowest gas prices is to use the internet. There are a host of websites that provide information about local gas prices. They usually report the prices and the locations of the gas stations listed. Here are a few:

GasBuddy.com

Automotive.com

FuelMeUp.com

Searching for gas prices online is a great idea because you can look for the best gas prices without driving. You can find the best gas prices without burning gas to do it. This is important because burning gas to save money on gas is a self defeating strategy.

Studies done by the AAA indicate that it costs on average approximately 51.7 cents per mile to operate your car. So every three miles you drive to find a better price could be costing you $1.50.

This is important to take into consideration because if you need to fill your tank with 15 gallons of gas you will need a savings of 10 cents per gallon for every three miles you drive. By locating the best prices for fuel online you eliminate the need to drive and you will gain 10 cents per gallon of fuel for every three miles of driving you have eliminated.

You need to keep this in mind when doing your research online. If the stations with the best prices are 6 miles away from your usual station, you would have to beat the price of your usual station by 20 cents to break even.

The best way to take advantage of the online pricing information you have gathered is to make sure you use it in conjunction with planning your driving activities. For example: if you always pick up your dry cleaning on Tuesday and your information shows one of the lowest priced gas stations is near the cleaners, you should plan in advance to purchase your gas at that station in conjunction with picking up your cleaning. That way you are taking advantage of the low price without any extra driving.

The internet can be a great resource in helping you to lower your fuel costs. If you make sure you utilize the online information along with some smart planning of when and where you fill up, you will start to see a reduction in your fuel costs.

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Drowse and Drive: How to Prevent Accident

By Atty. Gabriel Cosh

Those who have driven before knows the constitution necessary to stays awake while at the wheel. Falling asleep at the wheel accounts for some of the most devastating road accidents. Since the person as fault is asleep during these accidents, the impact of the collision is usually with great force. The injuries also are severe especially against the person who is asleep at the wheel since he is not ever remotely aware of the impending accident and has no conscious effort to protect or brace himself or herself for impact.

Reports showed that people who were involved in these kinds of accidents are those who usually tend to party hard all night and try to beat daybreak in order to go to work. However, even those who have self control and are responsible persons sometimes succumb to drowsing while driving. Other than people who are deprived of sleep due to long hours of work, even well rested individuals tend to get sleepy during long drives.

It is always better to park your car or get some rest at a gas station or diner to shake off the snooze. However, if it’s a matter of life and death or you are just the type of person who needs to be somewhere fast, these tips could probably save your life, especially others, whom you will be endangering by pushing yourself and driving sleepy.

1. As I advised earlier, try to take a break. Go to get gas and buy a soda or coffee. You can also go for a bathroom break or grab a bite at a diner.
2. If you have a companion, engage in active conversion. It helps too if you take turns driving.
3. If you have something to eat in your car, try to consume candy or anything with sugar or caffeine. It also helps to chew food that makes noise like chips to keep your senses working.
4. Listen to not so soothing music. Also it works if you listen to a conversation on the radio.
5. Ultimately, if you have day worth of driving to do, the best thing to do is to take a nap. You can take a nap at a nearby motel. Do not try to take a nap inside your car though, you might get monoxide poisoning or even get victimized by lawless elements in the area.

Although the above tips could probably save you from certain disasters, it is best not to toy with your life as well as others. Be responsible, don’t drowse and drive.

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Driving tips for Canada

By Andy Burrows
To see the entire country in one trip is a bit much to ask, being that it’s over 5,000 miles from one end to the other. It’s advised to do some research beforehand to get a feel for which part of the country would suit your desired experience. Some will be drawn to the Rocky Mountains of the west, while others may opt for the more quaint seashores of the east coast.

There is no need for concern about the quality of the roads in Canada. All but the very rural roads are sealed, amply wide and well-maintained. The great distances to be covered dictate you’ll need at least a comfortable mid-size vehicle. The smart car isn’t an option here. A desirable trait nonetheless is fuel efficiency, as you’ll be burning a great deal of it on any Canadian road trip. Canada attractive car rental prices. You’ll notice that fuel prices here are a little easier on the wallet than in Europe, but petrol has been steadily rising in price over the past few years.

Foreign visitors to Canada often remark how straight and long the roads can be, and how they could drive for miles without seeing another car. In more remote areas, this can certainly be a reality and it’s unlikely that the road systems themselves will cause you grief. The signage is clear and unless you hit a major city at rush hour, traversing the highways of Canada is usually smooth sailing.

There are two highway systems that will take you as close as coast to coast as you can get. The Yellowhead Highway covers the central to west coast route and the Trans-Canada Highway passes through northern Ontario, the heavily populated area of the Great Lakes and through Quebec to the Maritimes. Canada auto rental

Having multiple drivers is recommended and no one driver should be at the wheel for more than about 340 miles (500 to 600kms) a day. It is also advisable to stop every once in a while to get out and stretch your legs. Chances are you’ll need to find the toilets anyway.

You will find there are numerous roadside petrol stations and restaurants lining most of the highways in Canada. If you’re on a major route, chances are there will be filling stations open 24 hours. They almost always have a few restaurants attached to them, but if you’re not into fast food, you may find it difficult to get a decent meal. McDonald’s devotees on the other hand will be happy to munch their way across the country. Aside from gastrointestinal concerns, if your car needs some extra care, you shouldn’t have to look too far for maintenance.

One concern for drivers in Canada is winter road conditions which can change a leisurely cruise into something approximating a nightmare. Reduce speed when driving in snow or on icy roads. A mistake in this weather can ruin a holiday pretty quickly.

To rent a car, you’ll need to be over 25 years old and possess a valid driver’s licence. As Canada recognises all licences, an international driver’s permit is not necessary.

Once inside the car, the rules of the road are fairly simple. Stick to the right side of the road, follow the clearly marked speed limits and make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt. On the motorways, the average speed is about 68mph (100kmph). On smaller, two-lane stretches, the limit is usually 55mph (80kmph). In towns or residential areas, 30mph (50kmph) is the norm.

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The Myths Behind Drinking And Driving

By John L. Matthews

Oh yes, DUI. You've heard it all before. In almost every car accident case you will hear, it's most likely another drunk driver who's driving late from a party and who got too much alcohol on his system that he speed and ran onto a pedestrian. Fear got into him and away he fled. A classic case of hit and run.

Of course it's no longer some sensational news. We hear it very often. And we even tell ourselves, "Me, a drunk driver? Hey, I'm not going to be doing that in my lifetime." But what actually is surprising as far as statistics show is that many of these drivers caught under the influence of alcohol are not really habitual drinkers themselves. It is most likely that these drivers have underestimated the real effects of alcohol in their ability to drive carefully.

Blame it to the myths surrounding alcohol and driving. Most people have different misconceptions about it, but one thing is certain: these misconceptions can be really dangerous. To know the truth means drawing a fine line between life and death as far as driving is concerned. So what are those myths that surround alcohol?

1.) Alcohol stimulates the mind.

This is entirely false. In fact, alcohol is actually a depressant, which depresses cognitive functions of the brain.

2.) A cup of coffee can sober a drunken person.

The effects of coffee does not in any way wear off the effects of alcohol. It only makes you awake, but your brain functions are in an altered state, and will only wear off by time.

3.) Drinking beer will make you less drunk than drinking hard liquor (e.g. scotch, brandy, gin)

It actually doesn't matter if you drink beer or whisky. It's the same depressant found on all liquors, and the effects are all the same. Drinking a 12-ounce bottle of beer gives the same intoxicating effect as a one-ounce shot of gin.

4.) Taller and bigger people can handle alcohol better than slimmer, shorter ones.

There are other major factors that can affect the rate of alcohol being absorbed into your body. It's not just body size, but also your metabolism, the food you ate and the amount of rest you had prior to drinking liquor.

5.) Cold water splashed on the face will take away the drunkenness.

This doesn't work at all. Period.

6.) Driving slower can greatly reduce the risk of any road accident.

Whatever the speed you're driving, the fact that your motor reflexes are impaired makes you no less dangerous.

There are actually more myths surrounding drinking and driving, but one thing's for sure: drinking and driving don't mix. Time and again, the wise adage holds true: if you drink - don't drive, and if you drive - don't drink.

For more information about accident injury cases visit our Los Angeles Accident Lawyers at http://www.askaccidentlawyers.com

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Driving tips for France

By Andy Burrows

French road rules

French traffic police are strict and you can expect an on-the-spot fine if caught speeding, are parked illegally or commit any manner of motoring offences. The minimum age you can get behind the wheel in France is 18 years and drivers must always have their full, valid license and insurance documents to hand.

Despite the often lax laws regarding the wearing of seatbelts in other European countries, all passengers must wear their seatbelts, including the rear seat passengers, while children under 10 years are not allowed to travel in the front.

Important points to remember for those bringing their cars from other countries, especially for the UK and Ireland, is that French law dictates that a red warning triangle be carried at all times in case of emergency during breakdown, Euro registration plates should in place and right-hand-drive cars have headlamp deflectors fitted.

Drink driving
Don’t even think about driving after having a drink. It’s not even worth risking just the one as the 0.5mg/ml blood/alcohol limit is one of the strictest in Europe and French traffic police are particularly tough on drink driving offenders.

French roads

Autoroutes
Motorways in France, known as autoroutes a peage, are usually tolled and quite pricey to travel on for any great distance, yet they easily offer the most efficient way to get about and are of very high quality. The autoroutes are marked with an ‘A’ and tolls can be paid for by card or cash.

Main roads
‘N’ roads and ‘D’ roads - routes nationales and routes departementales respectively – are next best to the autoroutes. They cover the majority of the country, sometimes offering a better driving experience than the motorways being closer to the country, and are free.

French speed limits

Urban areas: 50kph/31mph
Rural roads: 90kph/55mph
110kph/69mph - on non-toll motorways
Motorways: 130kph/80mph

French fuel costs (euros per litre)

Unleaded: 1.33 €/l
Lead replacement: 1.30 €/l
Diesel: 1.00 €/l

Unleaded petrol is known locally as sans plomb, while lead replacement petrol (leaded is not sold in France) is typically super ARS. Like most other countries, diesel is significantly cheaper than petrol. France is big on auto fuel dispensers, although these only accept domestic debit cards, whereas standard petrol stations will accept international credit and debit cards.

French road safety
The emergency telephone number is 17 if you breakdown on an autoroute, although you can also use this elsewhere if you cannot find a garage for instance. Autoroutes have emergency telephones posted every two kilometres and rest areas every 10 or 15 kilometres. France online holiday rentals Those on long journeys should plan on taking a break at least every hour or so.

Taking out comprehensive motor insurance cover before driving in France is a must and it would also be a good idea to become a member of your local motoring organisation, many of which will offer cover or reciprocal agreements with their French counterparts.

French roads are busy with local and tourist traffic year round, but especially so before and after the school holidays and during the ski season in the Alps. Carry snow chains if you plan on visiting the latter and heed local weather and road information.

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