Aug 25, 2019 | Driving, Truck Driving
If there’s one thing every driver wants to avoid, it’s frequent stops at the gas station. These days, better fuel efficiency is becoming standard in new cars, but what about those who have some older models? As it turns out, there are a few things you can do to help save just a bit more on gas…
Fuel Efficiency: Saving Money & Gas
Keep a constant speed
The first thing to do in order to improve fuel efficiency is to watch your speed. Sudden changes in speed can really impact your gas mileage. That means you’ll want to avoid sudden acceleration and breaking as much as you possibly can.
Instead, try to maintain a constant speed as best you can. A useful tool for this is cruise control. Not only can that help keep your speed consistent, but it’ll also make your drive a bit easier too. However, make sure not to use that as an excuse to get distracted behind the wheel!
Avoid traffic
Drivers hate traffic for plenty of reasons. It slows things down, can make you late for an important appointment, and also can impact your fuel efficiency. This is because of not just the constant stop-and-go nature of it, but also the effect idling has on your fuel economy. Idling not only wastes gas (about one mile for every 2 minutes idling) but also can harm your engine in the long run.
As a result, it’s a good idea to try and skip the traffic as best you can. You can make use of navigation apps like Google Maps to help with this. These apps will help you not only find the fastest route from point A to point B, but also give you real-time updates on the traffic. Again, just make sure you use them properly and safely!
Practice proper maintenance
For many people, car maintenance only comes to mind when something breaks or isn’t working right anymore. However, proactive maintenance is key for improving fuel efficiency. Being on top of your car’s needs goes a long way in helping you save on gas.
For example, properly inflated tires can save you about $.11 per gallon. A tuned-up engine can save you about $.15 per gallon, and good oil can save you up to $.08 per gallon. These might seem like small amounts at first. However, over the course of your car’s life, these can add up to thousands of dollars of savings on gas!
Jul 3, 2019 | Accident prevention, Driving
As a driver, there’s going to be a point when you’ll have to get new tires. Whether it’s because you got a flat, or because they’re too old, you’ll want to make sure you get the best ones for your car. Therefore, it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for tires…
New Tires: What To Look For
Weather capabilities
It’s important to know how your new tires will fare in your local environment. There are a few different types out there depending on the weather. For instance, if you experience a lot of snow and ice, consider getting a winter set with better grip. If you get a lot of rain, higher performance tires that can handle the wet and dry roads might be good.
However, the weather can always change. In fact, maybe you live somewhere without a constant climate. In these situations, it might be a good call to get some good all-season tires. That way, you won’t have to change them for each season.
Gas mileage
New tires can be a great way to boost your gas mileage. Some sets can even be specially designed for this purpose. For example, some may have thinner sidewalls and shallow treads. This helps reduce weight and resistance, meaning better gas mileage for your car.
However, you don’t have to buy special tires to improve your gas mileage. Just keeping them well maintained can also give you a big boost. One of the biggest culprits is pressure and inflation. According to the Department of Energy, keeping your tires properly inflated can result in big gains in your gas mileage.
Personal preference
Your own personal preference is also important when getting new tires. Some people prefer to have the smoothest ride possible. In these cases, they may want smaller tires with larger sidewalls. However, others may prefer performance above all. They may enjoy the higher-performance models instead.
There’s also your own familiarity to consider. New tire sets can be pretty pricey. If your last set worked perfectly, there is no reason for you to shake things up. Simply replace the old with the new.
Jun 14, 2019 | Driving, Trucking/Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Truck driving in the summer can already be difficult thanks to the hotter temperatures. Throw in the extra summer traffic, and it can become nearly unbearable. Since a trucker has to drive so often, this traffic can be a major inconvenience. However, there are still some ways for you to handle and survive this kind of traffic…
Summer Traffic: How To Handle It
Schedule properly
It’s important to schedule your drive properly in order to avoid as much summer traffic as you can. While this traffic can be inconsistent, there are some times which will be less likely to have a lot of traffic. For example, driving very early or late at night can help minimize the traffic you encounter.
The days you drive on also can be important. It’s a good idea to avoid driving on the weekends, as that’s when most people will be leaving for trips. Also, you can plan on taking breaks when traffic might be high. That way, you can avoid rush hour traffic while giving yourself time to eat or rest.
Practice defensive driving
Defensive driving is a good way to keep safe on the road. However, when dealing with summer traffic, it becomes especially effective. During the summer, you might have to deal with more carefree drivers, or lost tourists who don’t know which way they’re going. That means you’ll want to make sure you keep yourself safe and avoid any accidents.
It helps to always be looking ahead for any possible hazards while driving. Keep an eye out for any drivers who appear to be dangerous, like ones who are swerving, speeding, or aren’t paying attention. That way, you can give them plenty of distance. The more you’re able to avoid these drivers, the less stressful your trip will be.
Be prepared
Still, even if you’re as careful as you can be, there will be some times where you get caught in summer traffic. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for when that happens. For example, it helps to bring some extra food and water for those long traffic jams. An emergency kit is also useful in case your truck experiences problems while in traffic.
Remember to bring some things that’ll help shield you from the sun. This can mean packing some sunblock, sunglasses, and some hats as well. Sitting in traffic with the summer sun blaring down can cause you to get sunburn if you’re not careful.
May 16, 2019 | Accident prevention, Driving
Memorial Day weekend is a time to celebrate the sacrifices made by the men and women of our U.S. military. Additionally, for many, it is also an excuse to eat, drink, and be merry with those we hold close. For most of you partygoers, there will be a designated driver, or ride-sharing service in order to get you back home.
While we commend your safe and smart choices, it’s also worth noting that the roads can be quite unsafe, even for the most sober and safe drivers out there. So, as a precaution, we are offering a few driving tips to help keep you safe, alert, and free from issue as you head back to your house after the annual Memorial Day weekend celebration.
Memorial Day Weekend: Driving Safety
Allow for extra travel time
The best thing you can do to keep yourself from getting into an accident, is to avoid rushing to your destination. Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest times of year to be on the roads. Obviously, there is no way to avoid someone having to drive— so make sure you task every possible precaution when you’re doing so. Leave ten minutes earlier than you need to and take your time…
Cell phone down, eyes up
As we have mentioned, you need to give the road your full attention. Expect for drivers and road conditions to be unpredictable. Furthermore, expect there to be more police than usual out on the roadside during Memorial Day weekend. After all, they’re more than aware of how common drunk driving is during the holidays. In many states, ours included, texting and driving is punishable by law. So, for plenty of reasons, keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Don’t drive drowsy
We already know that you aren’t driving drunk, however, driving drowsy can be nearly as dangerous. While you aren’t under the influence of alcohol, you are distracted and tired. If you find that the end of the night is nearing and you’re beginning to doze off— consider taking a quick snooze before you hit the road. Or, drink a cup of coffee or an energy drink to help you make it home safely. While you might not want to stay up all night as a result, you need to make sure you aren’t falling asleep at the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.
Jan 2, 2019 | drinking, Driving
Driving is something we mostly all do on a daily basis. Furthermore, most of us are aware that there are certain things we could do to become better, and smarter drivers. When considering your New Year’s resolutions, you might consider making some in terms of your driving— and even riding. While we drive all the time, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re good at it. So, let’s think about ways we can improve…
New Year’s Resolutions: Driving Smarter and Safer
Back seat driving
While this New Year’s resolution doesn’t directly apply to something you do while driving, it’s definitely something that can make a big difference for those you frequently travel with. Something to consider if you know that you are, or even have been called, a backseat driver— is how productive your advice really is.
There’s a certain line between making the driver aware of impending danger— such as a red light, or someone speeding through the intersection. However, giving random directions, pointing in their face, or making unnecessary suggestions often does more harm than good. In fact, it could even cause an accident.
Cell Phone Use
It’s actually quite surprising how many drivers continue to use their cell phones when driving— especially given the new, strict laws that prohibit it. Distracted driving in any capacity is quite dangerous for other drivers, and yourself too. There are many statistics that go to show how dangerous being on your phone while driving can be— similarly as dangerous as drunk driving. If you find yourself spending too much time on your phone, especially when behind the wheel— making that your New Year’s resolution might be a positive change worth making.
Drunk Driving
Furthermore, and just as important a New Year’s resolution as using your cell phone, is drunk driving. Drunk driving is a dangerous, reckless, and sometimes fatal decision to make. While you might do it regularly, and avoid police or accident, there’s no saying when that luck might run out. Therefore, turning the tide for yourself might be the difference between hurting yourself, someone else, or getting a DUI.
Becoming More Aware
Lastly, and a strong one to consider, is getting becoming more aware of your surroundings. Many of us function by using a GPS on a daily basis. Maybe you know your direct area, but not much more than that. Therefore, when the GPS dies, you might find yourself stranded. Consider taking a few hours on your next weekend off, and driving around your city. Get familiar, and become a better driver in the process. Being better aware of your surroundings is one of the best New Year’s Resolutions you can make…
Oct 12, 2018 | Car Accidents, Driving, Traffic Ticket
If you live in North or South Carolina, chances are you’ve heard of reckless driving before. Maybe you have a friends who has a charge of reckless driving, maybe you have, or you’ve just heard it on the news. No matter your relationship to the term, it’s important that drivers understand what this charge is, and how to avoid it.
Reckless Driving in NC: Understanding the Law
In North Carolina, there is a statute for reckless driving. Under the statute, reckless driving charges can be made when… (in words that are easier to understand):
- Someone driving on a highway, or ‘public vehicular area’ (PVA) with disregard and a lack of care towards the rights and safety of others.
- Driving in a PVA without caution, and at a speed that endangers others, or the proper of others.
If you are driving a commercial vehicle that needs permitting to be on the highway, the driver is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor in these cases:
- Driving carelessly, or in disregard of the rights and safety of others.
- Without caution, or in a manner that could endanger others or their property.
In short…
Someone may face conviction for reckless driving if they’re driving with neglect towards others, or their property. Reckless driving is typical when you’re traveling at high speed, and can often be cited like a speeding ticket. Of course, this applies to your every day passenger car drivers. But, when it comes to a commercial vehicle? The issue becomes a bit more serious. After all, your vehicle has the potential to cause a lot more damage.
A piece of terminology used in these statutes is: ‘willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others’. The court understands that not every single instance of speeding has this. In most cases, it comes down to an inquiry into the facts of the case, and whether you meet certain standards.
Finally, to avoid this type of ticket, it mostly comes down to making sure that you observe the speed limits, drive with caution, and do your part to keep the roadway safe. Most people will speed at some point in their adult life, that’s just common sense. However, reckless driving can be particularly damaging to your driving record, and the wellbeing of yourself and others.
