Car Theft Prevention Tips

Being alert and taking simple steps can help prevent a vehicle theft from happening to you. Learn more from AAA about what steps you should take so that you don't end up being a victim of car theft.

Tips For Avoiding a Rear-End Crash

You might be able to prevent a rear-end crash if you apply a little technique to how you handle following distance.

Good Headlights Mean Fewer Crashes - IIHS News

                                     Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates

The headlight ratings program developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is reducing dangerous nighttime crashes in the real world, a recent study shows.

Nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 percent lower for vehicles with headlights that earn a good rating in the IIHS evaluation, compared with those with poor-rated headlights, the study found. For vehicles with acceptable or marginal headlights, crash rates are 15 percent and 10 percent lower than for those with poor ratings.

Fleet Drivers: Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

As more businesses resume operations, and more vehicle fleets are getting back on the road, it is important to remember that an alert fleet driver is a safe fleet driver. While no one is immune to drowsy driving, there are steps you can take to help ensure you get enough sleep.

Across North America, this week and next have been designated Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in the US and Canada respectively. A recent study by the National Safety Council revealed that almost 50% of Americans operate their vehicles while too tired to do so. This is a troubling statistic, especially considering the NSC has determined that driving with less than five hours sleep has the same accident risk as driving drunk. In other words, drowsy driving is impaired driving and half of us are driving around without enough sleep!

When you don't get enough sleep, you are more likely to make bad decisions and take more risks. The effects of drowsy driving are staggering, with an estimated 100,000 accidents and 1,500 deaths caused by drowsy driving each year. In addition to the impact on loved ones and family members, driving drowsy results in close to $13 billion in losses per year in the US alone.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the problem. Many are struggling with additional stress caused by uncertainty and fear, which is preventing them from getting enough sleep. Neurologists are seeing a spike in patients with sleep disorders caused by COVID-19, and are calling this phenomenon “COVID-somnia.”

What do companies need to remember to prevent drowsy driving?

As more businesses resume operations, and more vehicle fleets are getting back on the road, it is important to remember that an alert fleet driver is a safe fleet driver. Employees may not have driven in a few months, they may be operating a different vehicle, or they may be new hires with little driving experience. Given these additional challenges, it is even more important that drivers are well-rested, alert, and fully aware of their surroundings.

Getting enough sleep is even more important depending on your work environment. Long-haul trucking with heavy loads for example, the sheer size and weight of the truck and cargo combined demands a focused, and alert driver. Similarly, getting enough sleep can be a challenge for others who work long hours, night shifts, or have a very early start time every morning.

The NSC has compiled a list of nine risk factors for driver fatigue, and a staggering 97% of drivers surveyed had at least one of these factors which include: shift work, late working hours, sleep loss, and physically or cognitively demanding work. While no one is immune to drowsy driving, there are steps you can take to help ensure you get enough sleep.

What can fleet drivers do to stay healthy and well-rested during the pandemic and in “normal” times?

The best way to ensure you are well-rested and ready to drive, is to get enough sleep. So how much is enough? The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends that adults get at least between seven and eight hours of sleep every day. Our bodies crave sleep - not getting enough of it can also increase the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease and lead to other medical problems.

Here are some great tips from NHLBI and UC Davis Health that will help you get a better sleep:

Sleep and wake at consistent times every day, including weekends. Establishing a regular sleep rhythm can make sure your body knows when to stay awake.

Maintain your daily routine when working remotely. Wake up, get dressed and eat breakfast as if you were heading to work. The same goes for after work, try to eat dinner and carry out your evening tasks on a regular schedule.

Establish one hour of quiet time before sleeping. Avoid loud music, strenuous exercise, and bright screens (e.g., smartphone, TV, laptop) and make sure your sleeping area is as dark as possible.

Stay away from heavy meals, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine right before bed. All of these things will disrupt your sleep.

Use caution with sleep aids. Over-the-counter sleep aids can leave you drowsy the next morning and prescription drugs can lead to dependence.

Stay active - exercising on a daily basis, especially outdoors, can help maintain a more regular sleep rhythm.

Don't take naps - a short nap is ok, but anything over 20 minutes will disrupt your sleep cycle.

Take a hot bath or practice relaxation techniques - such as meditating before going to bed.

If you are already on the road, and feeling a little drowsy, there are a number of things you can do to help stay alert. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following:

Drive in two-hour shifts with resting stops in between. If you begin to feel drowsy while driving or find yourself dozing, pull over and park as soon as possible to take a short nap.

Drink a caffeinated beverage. While caffeine is not a substitute for sleep, a caffeinated beverage can help you feel more awake after a short nap.

Travel with a passenger who is fully awake. Having someone who can help keep you awake or alert you if you’re drowsy can help prevent an accident. If possible, drive in shifts with your passenger.

Getting enough sleep every day is essential. It's also easier said than done, especially considering the psychological stress that COVID-19 has caused for so many of us. The best thing you can do is try and maintain a regular routine, exercise regularly, and avoid consuming stimulants before bedtime. We hope these tips will help you stay alert and focused on the road. Drive safely!

By Element Fleet Safety - 

By the Element Safety Team

Source: https://www.elementfleet.com/resources/blog/fleet-drivers-are-you-getting-enough-sleep

The Physics of Car Crashes

How is the chemical energy of gasoline transformed into kinetic energy of a moving car? And where does that kinetic energy go when the car crashes into something and stops moving? Thanks to Ford (http://www.takeagoodlook.com) for sponsoring this video. Link to Patreon supporters here: http://www.minutephysics.com/supporte... Music by Nathaniel Schroeder, http://www.soundcloud.com/drschroeder MinutePhysics is on Google+ - http://bit.ly/qzEwc6 And facebook - http://facebook.com/minutephysics And twitter - @minutephysics

minutephysics

Ford Raptor Is No Match For First Major Snow Storm

So I got a call for a Ford Raptor stuck in the snow. Come to the Off-Road Games:

https://www.offroadgames.com

Matt's Off Road Recovery

Corby's Collsion - ASE Certified

 

JUN

5

What is ASE?

Vehicles keep getting more complex, while technology and diagnostic tools constantly change as well. As a result, finding a competent, knowledgeable automotive professional can be a real challenge. Fortunately, some 300,000 professionals across the country choose to show their knowledge by earning ASE Certification — a benefit to automotive facilities, consumers, as well as themselves.

Why Getting Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly Is Essential

The mechanical condition of a vehicle dictates its safety 

as well as its performance on the road. In order to guarantee

• a smooth ride,
• prolong the life of a car,
• and increase its safety

The owner should always consider getting the vehicle serviced regularly. The main reason why this procedure is required is to ensure that any mechanical anomalies can be spotted and rectified before they can cause harm.

The routine maintenance is a small price to pay to guarantee one's safety on the roads. So what are the benefits of acquiring this service?

• It reduces the repair costs - maintenance procedures are preventative in nature and this means that it is a good way of avoiding major repair bills as a result of oversight.
• It reduces the chances of getting surprise breakdowns.
• Regular car services will lower the possible risk of getting involved in an accident
• Servicing involves various procedures that guarantee better fuel consumption. In essence it is cheaper to run a car that regularly goes for servicing

There are several kinds of servicing available and they include the following:

6 month or interim car service

This is a procedure that is intended for those individuals who cover a lot of mileage over short periods. This means that the car will require more regular checks to avoid unforeseen faults. Some of the work includes filter and oil changes as well as a comprehensive diagnostic check for all essential functions.

12 month or comprehensive car service

This is an all inclusive checkup that should be mandatory for all cars that are used on a regular basis. Most service providers do no less than 70 checks as well as some necessary adjustments. Replacement of worn out components is also done where necessary. The procedure includes Spark plug and air filter replacement among other processes.

Winter Inspection

Ensure that your car is ready to withstand winter conditions by getting a specialised check. Winter safety checks should be a mandatory practice for all car owners.

Car owners have a wide variety of options when it comes choosing a vehicle servicing company, whether you are driving a Land Rover or a Volswagen Polo. There are even new companies offering to service your car at your home or work place.

Of course, for those owners that are mechanically savvy, there is the option of servicing the car themselves. But you have to be qualified to do so and you must know exactly what you are doing.

Whether you use a professional's help or do it yourself, getting your car is very important.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7432715

Winter Driving TIPS - Correcting A Slide

NYS DMV