Road & Travel Magazine's Blog

Slippery When Wet - Falling Leaves Present Hazards

Brought to you by Car Care Council

Fall is the picture-perfect time of year when many drivers take to the road to view the autumn colors. The leaves are beautiful to see, but when wet or in piles on the roads, they present driving hazards unique to the season. The Car Care Council reminds drivers to prepare for fall driving conditions by having their vehicles’ tires, brakes and wipers checked before heading out on the road.

“Drivers should be aware that wet leaves on the road surface can make stopping difficult, and piles of leaves can obscure potholes, curbs and street markings,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Add to these hazards the fact that road conditions can change from ideal to miserable in a matter of minutes, and what you have is a potentially dangerous situation.” Full story.

5 Ways to Save on Teen Auto Insurance

by Mollie Jones

If you have a teen driver in the family, you know teen insurance rates may be higher than for experienced drivers. However, there are ways to control teen auto insurance costs. Consider these five tips to start saving today.

1. Make sure your teen is driving the right car
The type of vehicle your teen drives can affect teen auto insurance premiums. For example, a brand new car may be more expensive to insure than a used one; its replacement cost is higher than most older vehicles and may be more prone to theft. However, older cars may be lacking several important safety features, such as side airbags, to keep your teen safe on the road – and earn them a safety discount on their policy.

2. Practice smart driving habits
An accident-free driving record can help keep your teen’s insurance rates reasonable. Help your child drive smarter by creating a teen driving contract. In the contract, outline specific driving responsibilities, privileges and consequences, like curfews, number of passengers, and when they are responsible for filling up the car with gas.

3. Raise deductibles
You may want to consider higher deductibles in exchange for lower teen auto insurance rates. Keep in mind that while your teen may pay a lower premium, they will have to pay more out-of-pocket if they’re in an accident. READ ALL

Essential Insurance Tips for Travel

 
by Miles Walker

Travel insurance is an essential investment for every traveler. With so many unpredictable factors threatening vacations, business and emergency travel, the small price to pay for such a beneficial accessory is crucial. This post will explain the most essential forms of coverage to purchase before traveling.

Driving

Road trips warrant the need for travel insurance, even though they're the most commonly-overlooked type of trip when it comes to travel insurance. There are hundreds of things that could happen while driving, but there are a few very necessary types of insurance to purchase for any road trip.

Medical Coverage

Even when personal medical insurance is available, travel medical insurance is a good investment. For the small price of a premium payment, medical expenses will be covered well, assuming the company sells a solid policy. Make sure emergency care is covered, as well as lost or stolen prescriptions. Many people lose their medication while on vacation. If narcotics are lost and there is no travel insurance, it could be virtually impossible to obtain more. Most personal medical insurance policies have a high deductible for emergency care, especially out of the country. Always be sure that a travel insurance policy has generous medical coverage for both international and domestic travel. Also, the deductible must be affordable. [Read More]

Car Saftey Kit: What You Need Onboard - Part One

It’s important to keep safety in mind as you head out on road trips and spring travel this year. In part one of a two part series Autotrader.com suggest some key safety items to bring with you in your car that may save your life.

Auto Escape Tool — In case your car is submerged in water, this handy gadget has two small steel tips designed to break a window with one or two blows, and a sharp blade to slice through seatbelts. Some models are fluorescent, which makes them more visible in the dark or under murky water. Usually this tool can be clipped to your keychain, or attached to your visor.

Blanket — Use it to cover hot car seats in the summer months, or to stay warm should you get stranded in the winter.

Cell Phone Charger — Buy a cell phone charger that works in a car lighter or can be recharged with a hand crank.

Cleaning Items — You need wet wipes, tissues and plastic trash bags — good for trash or a carsick child.

Extra (Hidden) Cash — It's best to forget about this stash of cash until you absolutely need it, maybe to purchase a few gallons of gas or to pass through a toll booth.

Fire Extinguisher — A fire extinguisher is a must if you're driving an older car prone to having an overheated engine.

First-aid Kit — Get two that are well-equipped — one that can easily be reached from the front seat and one for the back seat. Each should contain antiseptic; cleanser and ointment packets; bandages; scissors; tweezers; gauze; instant cold packs; latex gloves and a first-aid guide.

Read tomorrow's blog for more important safet tips.

Click here for more safety tips from Road & Travel Magazine.

Click here for more information from Autotrader.com's Lifestyle Center

Don't Bump your Bumper!

You'd think the purpose of a bumper would explain itsself: bumpers are for bumping. Well, today, they're just part of the design, costing on average $4,500 to fix. Most are smooth, soft-plastic "fascias" that add to the car's demeanor but are easily damaged - the term bumper is practically an oxymoron. But who knows how to pronounce "fascia"?

Your best bet? Drive safe, or find a good deal on repairs.

Tips to protect your bumper:
-Drive as if your car's bumper were made of fine china - or hundred dollar bills.
-Park away from other, less careful, drivers.
-Don't overrun parking curbs, but if you do, don't immediately back up; this could pull the entire fascia off. Examine the problem and consider calling a tow company.
-Try before you buy (or consult the IIHS's crash tests for bumper damage costs).

What models' bumpers are the least-costly to repair?
Ford Focus
Mazda 6
Scion xB
Smart Fortwo

For more car care tips, visit RTM's Car Care & Maintenance section.

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What To Do After an Accident

The fact is, the more time that drivers spend behind the wheel and the more drivers on the streets, the more likely it is that you will be involved in a car accident. Thus, it is vital that people know what to do — and not to do — if involved in an auto accident.

Stay Put
Do not leave. If you leave the scene of an accident — whether or not it was your fault — you may face criminal prosecution. Even if the accident is minor, you must exchange information with the other driver, also it’s wise to move the vehicles to the side of the road for your safety.

When to dial 911
If there appears to be over $500 in damage to any vehicle or if anyone feels any pain, call the local police or Highway Patrol immediately. It's also good to file a police report to clear up.

Feel the Pain?
If you are seriously injured, do not move. Stay in your car and wait for help. Most people, even if they feel pain, often refuse medical attention at the scene of an accident. any potential discrepancies, just in case there's a lawsuit later on.

More Information on How to Handle a Collision.

How to Handle a Deer Crash

It’s early morning and you’re beginning the long commute to work. You’re going the speed limit (or maybe just a bit over) and suddenly a deer appears in the middle of the road. Your heart jumps into your throat. What do you do?

If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (the experts in these matters) recommends the following steps:

• Don’t swerve!
• Brake firmly.
• Hold on to the steering wheel.
• Come to a controlled stop.
• Pull well off the road, turn on emergency flashers and be cautious of passing traffic.
• Do not attempt to remove a deer from the roadway unless you are convinced it is dead. An injured deer’s sharp hooves can easily hurt you.

More tips on how to handle a crash with a deer.