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Numbers Speak for Themselves

The report states that “88% of young millennials engaged in at least one risky behavior behind the wheel in the past 30 days…” These risky behaviors include texting while driving, running red lights, and speeding. This generation is highly connected digitally, resulting in more distracted drivers. In this era of “smart technology,” in-car infotainment systems allow drivers to use connected devices while driving. Several other dangerous driving behaviors also factor into this study.

Survey Findings

The survey of 2,511 drivers from August 25 – September 6 reported the following findings:

• Traffic deaths increased by 7% to 35,092 in 2015. This is the largest single-year increase in nearly 50 years.
• Millennials acknowledged sending texts or emails while driving.
• Nearly half of Millennials admitted to running red lights when they could have stopped safely.
• Almost 12% of Millennials thought it was acceptable to drive 10 mph over the posted speed limit in a school zone.
• 2.5% of drivers admitted driving within an hour of using alcohol or marijuana.

David Yang, AAA Foundation’s executive director, says, “Alarmingly, Millennial Drivers ages 19 to 24 believe their dangerous behavior is acceptable.” He continues, “It’s critical these drivers understand the potentially deadly consequences of engaging in these behaviors. They must change their behavior and attitudes to reverse the growing number of fatalities on U.S. roads.” This report serves as a shock to some but a warning to all to practice safer driving habits.

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As if there aren’t enough hazards on the road already, a very common hazard is drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is a dangerous combination of driving and fatigue. Generally, driving drunk and driving with fatigue are equally dangerous. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 21 percent of FATAL automobile accidents involve a drowsy driver. Evidently, many drivers have even admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in their lifetime. That’s a scary thought! Here we have compiled some tips and important info when concerned with drowsy driving and how to avoid it.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that a tired driver contributes to:

• 6% of all crashes in which a vehicle was towed from the scene
• 7% of crashes in which a person received treatment for injuries sustained in the crash
• 13% of crashes in which a person was hospitalized

In total, their estimates suggest that a drowsy driver is involved in 328,000 crashes annually.

How do I know if I’m too tired to drive? The National Sleep Foundation gives us some warning signs.

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
• Daydreaming, or disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles of your drive, missing turns, exits or traffic signs
• Consistent yawning
• Drifting, tailgating, or rubbing the shoulder strip.
• Feeling restless or irritable

Furthermore, if you ever feel sleepy while driving a vehicle, then you understand the many ways a driver will try to stay awake. Generally, some of the top ways a person tries to stay awake at the wheel are drinking a caffeinated beverage, switching drivers, opening car windows, listening to loud music, turning up the A/C, eating, smoking, pulling over to stretch or sleep. But after all, two of these options are proven to be effective in combatting drowsy driving–switching drivers and pulling over to nap.

How do I avoid driving tired?

1. Plan. If you know you’ll be out on the road, take a short nap ahead of time.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
3. Drive with a friend. If you have a partner, you can switch drivers at the first sign of drowsiness.
4. Stay off the road between midnight and 6a.mI. If this is not possible, then be as vigilant as possible while you’re on the road. Watch for warning signs that you’re feeling drowsy, such as drifting across lanes or hitting rumble strips, and keep an eye on other drivers for the same behaviors.
5. Drink coffee or caffeine to stay alert, but not as a substitute for sleep. One thing to keep in mind is that coffee and other caffeinated beverages provide a temporary energy boost. After the effects of the caffeine have worn off, the feelings of drowsiness may return.

Additionally, make sure you get eight hours of sleep before a long trip. Also, you can make regularly stops at the 100 mile mark or every two hours. This will help you stay fresh and alert on the road.

In conclusion, drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and we would like you to take every precaution to stay safe!

If you or someone you know has been in an accident as a result of a drowsy driver, contact us now and find out how we can help get you back on the road safely. We are here for you!

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Winter driving presents unique challenges, so it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure your safety on the road. Follow these tips to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for icy and snowy conditions.

Assess Road Conditions and Drive Cautiously

Driving in snowy or icy conditions requires extra attention. Understand how your vehicle responds to ice and snow. If you notice cars swerving ahead, slow down and consider taking an alternate route. On highways or any road, double the usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Avoid speeding and stick to the right lane to minimize lane changes. This approach will enhance your control and reduce the risk of accidents.

Prep Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Check Tires
Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure, so regularly check and maintain the correct air levels. Make it a habit to inspect your tires each time you fuel up. Properly inflated tires are essential for traction and safety in winter conditions.

Inspect Windshield Wipers
Worn wiper blades can impair visibility. If your wipers leave streaks or fail to clear large areas, replace them. Investing in new blades, usually costing around $10, can significantly improve your visibility during snow and rain.

Test the Defroster
The defroster is crucial for maintaining visibility. Test it to ensure it’s working efficiently. If it’s not functioning properly, visit a repair shop. A well-working defroster is vital for safe driving in winter months.

Check Fluid Levels
Regularly monitor all your vehicle’s fluid levels. In winter, you’ll likely use more windshield washer fluid due to road salt and grime. Ensure your fluids are topped off to maintain vehicle performance and safety.

By following these steps, you can better prepare for winter driving and reduce the risks associated with harsh weather conditions. Stay safe on the roads this winter

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When looking for an auto repair shop, there are a few things to consider. But our biggest piece of advice is: find the perfect repair shop before you need it! It’s an important decision and you don’t want to make it under pressure. For most people the consideration doesn’t come until you’re on the side of the road calling your insurance company. Well we’re here to outline how to find a quality auto repair shop and what to look for. We hope that you’ll consider us.

There are also other ways that you can narrow down your search. Finally, remember to look for ASE certifications. Technicians are required to pass at least one specialty exam and fulfill two years of work experience to become ASE-certified. If they pass a range of exams, they earn Master Technician status. So, take a peek! What’s the harm. Repair shops expect this sort of thing. You won’t hurt their feelings by asking a few questions. Do the research and take your time choosing your auto repair shop. Because when you really need them, you’ll be happy you took the time.

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Everyone knows about bad driving habits: texting while driving, driving drowsy, etc. But, what are some good driving habits that can keep you out of the repair shop? After hearing thousands of auto collision stories, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 good driving habits to prevent accidents.

1. Avoid cell phone use.

This is an obvious one. Studies suggest that using a cell phone while driving, not just texting and driving, can quadruple your risk of being involved in a crash. Working in an auto repair shop, we believe this statistic to be true. It’s also been stated that using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving with a .08 blood alcohol level.

2. Adjust your car mirrors.

Easy enough! We were all taught to do this during driver’s ed, but we shrugged it off. Yeah, yeah adjust my mirrors, okay. But eliminating blind spots is extremely important for safe driving. Check out the link to discover the most accurate way to adjust your mirrors.

3. Avoid driving in a hot car.

This tip sounds a bit strange, but you can get very distracted driving in a hot car. The discomfort causes frustration. You’re uncomfortable. You’re hot. You may even be a little sleepy from the heat. It adds up. To avoid this scenario, simply roll your windows down all the way when you get into your hot, parked car. We would even go as far as opening and closing your car door a few times to get some circulation going. When parking under the scorching sun, the inside of your vehicle can get up to 172 degrees.

4. Keep your keychain light.

Too much weight on your ignition can be a problem. The ignition switch maintains an electrical circuit. If your keys are excessively heavy, it can break the circuit. This means that your car can actually shut off while you’re driving!

5. Avoid eating and drinking.

A light snack and a sip of your drink at a stoplight is ok. However, trying to eat a full meal on the go can be incredibly distracting. If you’re starving, you shouldn’t be driving anyway. This can be a major distraction in itself. If you need to eat, pull over and scarf it down. If you’re eating while driving, and drop some food or spill a drink, you’ll inevitably take your eyes off the road.

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Auto collisions are around us every day. We travel the road, sometimes across cities, to commute to work, shop and play. And everyday there’s an auto collision or two on the route that you frequently take. You think to yourself, “Thank goodness, that wasn’t me,” as you pass by. But the truth is, it could’ve been you. No one wants to think about getting in an auto accident, or the aftermath of dealing with it. You may need medical attention, you have to talk to the police and call your insurance company. It can turn into a huge headache that everyone wants to avoid. Here are some ways that you can.

1. Limit distractions.
A majority of auto collisions happen due to distracted driving. Avoid any activities that may take your eyes off of the road including using your cell phone or fiddling with the radio. Wait until you are parked. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.

2. Don’t drive while drowsy.
It’s been proven that driving while tired or drowsy is the equivalent of driving while intoxicated. If you need to drive a long distance, take frequent breaks. And if you feel that you’re too tired to drive safely, stop driving and take a nap.

3. Anticipate turn signal use.
Don’t wait until the last second to signal. Other drivers will not have time to react to a last minute blinker. When changing lanes or getting off at an exit, turn on your signal early. This will give other drivers enough time to anticipate your next move.

4. Don’t get road rage.
Driving in traffic can get extremely frustrating. But, getting angry will only inhibit your driving skills. When you’re in traffic with aggressive drivers, take a breather. It’s not worth retaliating.

5. Avoid driving at night.
Visibility is extremely impaired at night. If you can avoid it, stay at home. There are also more drowsy and drunk drivers on the road at night.

Even with these tips, you can’t always avoid an auto collision. But, the best thing you can do is be a conscientious driver. And hope that if you’re doing your part, that others are, too.

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Coaching your teen driver can be difficult. They have a tendency to be impatient, which is just because they’re itching for the freedom of the road. It can be a difficult task. Not only that, but the rules of the road have changed a bit. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of driving tips to pass on to your millennial teen driver. The best way to ensure good driving habits and safety practices is by instilling these tips from the very start.

The first rule you want to instill in your teen is wearing their seatbelt. This wasn’t always mandated. It’s important to impress upon your teen the importance of wearing their safety belt, while also making sure that all of their occupants are wearing theirs. Young people aging from 15-24 only represent 14% of the population. However, they are responsible for 30% of motor vehicle injuries.

There are other safety guidelines that weren’t around when you were learning to drive. For example, cell phone usage. Using your cell phone while driving can be extremely dangerous and in many states, it’s also punishable by law. Kindly tell your teen that while you want them to have their cellphone in case of emergencies, that it shouldn’t be used while driving.

The old “keep your hands at 10 and 2” rule has also changed. Experts now agree that the optimal hand placement for a steering wheel is 9 and 3. It reduces the risk of arm injury in case of an accident. Bent and relaxed arms placed at 9 and 3 are less likely to be injured by a deployed airbag.

Finally, your teen driver’s biggest distraction will be their passengers. It can be exciting riding the town without parents, which can lead to horseplay. Discuss with your teen the importance of focusing on the road to keep them and their friends safe. We wish you the best of luck in coaching your teen driver.

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Hampton Roads is full of traffic. Most people commute for work. Driving through each city poses different challenges due to traffic and constant construction. It can be overwhelming at times. Before hitting the streets, consider these driving tips to keep you safe out there.

1. The best thing you can do before getting out on the road is familiarizing yourself with directions. Limit the amount of times you need to glance at your GPS. Driving on the highway especially can leave you vulnerable to sudden stops. Driving through the city increases your chance of having to avoid pedestrian traffic.

2. Look out for one-way streets. There’s nothing worse than driving through an unfamiliar area and realizing that you’re on the wrong side of the road! Cities are full of one-way streets. Be mindful of them to avoid making a sudden last minute swerve.

3. Research driving laws. Surprisingly, not all traffic laws are posted on street signs. It’s best to look these up to ensure that you’re not making an illegal right turn at a red light.

4. Look at for bicyclists. They are commuters, too and they have the right of way. Be sure to yield to them in traffic and look out for bikers when making turns and changing lanes.

5. Sharpen your parallel parking skills. Finding parking in the city can be challenging. Sometimes, your best option is to parallel park. It can be intimidating parking with traffic piling up behind you. Brushing up on your skills can make parking in the city much easier.

6. Keep change in your car. Most tolls are done by taking a picture of your license plate and billing you, but you never know when you might need change for a toll or parking meter.

Ultimately, the best driving tip we can offer is to remain calm and patient in traffic. Take your time. It’s the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

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Night driving can be extremely dangerous. It sounds pretty obvious. However, it impairs your faculties more than you may think. Nighttime driving affects your peripheral vision, depth perception, as well as your ability to see and distinguish color. In fact, 40% of fatal car accidents occur at night. Here are some helpful hints for when you’re out night driving.

1. Proper maintenance of your head and taillights is key. Without a regular cleaning, your head and taillights can get hazy. Give them a good washing every couple of weeks to improve their performance and clarity.

2. Wash your windshield, front and rear to keep visibility up. Don’t forget to wash your side mirrors as well.

3. You may not know this, but you can actually adjust the angle of your headlights. They can be aimed properly if they’ve gotten off track. This will aid greatly with your visibility when driving at night.

4. Dim those dash lights. The darker the cabin of your vehicle is, the better you can see the road.

5. Go ahead and turn those headlights on at or even before sunset. This will not only increase your ability to see, but also other’s ability to see you.

6. You headlights are actually a measuring tool. Low-beam headlights can see up to 160 feet. High-beams shine up to 500 feet. However, don’t “outdrive” your headlights. Always give yourself enough time to stop when night driving.

7. Avoid the lure of the oncoming headlights. When you’re tired and driving at night, it can be easy to zone out and stare into the headlights of oncoming traffic. This is an aspect of highway hypnosis as well as driving past pavement marking after pavement marking. Stay alert by checking your mirrors frequently and observing your surroundings.

8. Along with observing your surroundings, check for animals especially deer that may be crossing your path. This is most important to watch out for at night, when animals are roaming around looking for shelter.

9. Limit your distractions by staying off your cell phone.

10. When driving at night, your number one obstacle is fatigue. Do your best to stay hydrated and if you’re driving a distance, take small breaks.

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