Road & Travel Magazine's Blog

Practice What You Preach

The thought of having a first time driver on the road can make many parents cringe. However, with all the safety advice parents are giving young drivers, they may actually be unknowingly contributing to teens’ risky driving behaviors by not practicing what they preach.

In the attempt to help reduce teen driver vehicle crashes, the number one killer of U.S. teens, State Farm conducted a national survey to learn more about how parents approach their driver's education roles. The findings are important because State Farm Claims data from the past five years show that October averages the highest number of teen auto insurance claims.

According to State Farm, the nation’s largest auto insurer, an increase in the number of 16- and 17-year-old driver claims involving injury or collision can be expected to jump nearly 20 percent in October as compared to other months. 

• 65 percent of parents talk on cell phones at least sometimes while driving; however 94 percent restrict their teens from doing the same
• 68 percent of parents drive when they are in a hurry
• 65 percent of parents sometimes drive when they are tired

Read moreabout why parents should practice what they preach.

Top Weekend Bus Tours

If you are looking for a quick vacation or if you are looking to save money on sight seeing on your next vacation, try a quick bus tours. Touring with a group allows you to save money on a rental car and fuel. It also ensures that you will see the best sites that you may not otherwise find. If money is a concern, these short vacations can ensure a great getaway without taking a long vacation. With a wide variety of bus tours available, there is sure to be a tours to suit everyone’s tastes.

Top Weekend Bus Tours:

1. New York To Niagra Falls

Departing from New York City on both Saturday and Sunday, this tour reaches the Niagara Falls on the departure day and returns to New York City on Sunday or the Memorial Day. Maid of mist is included at the Niagara Falls. This tour will also visit Corning Glass Center where a glassmaking process is showcased.

2. Los Angelas to Los Vegas, Grand Canyon
3-Day Tour
The tour is available on both Saturday and Sunday departures. Las Vegas is always an excellent choice to spend any holiday. There is an option to take a helicopter tour to get a great view of the breathtaking Grand Canyon

For a complete list of wallet-friendly bus tours Click Here

Tips for Improving Fuel Economy

With gas prices at record levels, Americans are looking for ways to save money at the pump. GM Goodwrench is offering drivers expert maintenance tips to improve fuel economy.

Driver tips:

1. Take your time — By driving 65 mph instead of 70 mph, you’ll save gas. It may take a little longer to get to your destination, but each extra hour you spend driving because of a reduction in speed can save you $5. Owners of larger trucks and SUVs may save as much as $10 for each extra hour they drive.

2. Don’t get that overloaded feeling — Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical vehicle’s fuel economy by one to 2 percent.

3. No burnouts, please — Accelerate evenly from a standstill. Avoid rapid acceleration, over-revving your engine and transmission downshifting. Rapid acceleration can cost up to 12 miles per gallon.

 Click here to read more tips on how improve fuel economy and save.