Driver TipsandResource Handbook

“

“

The home of the internet’s most comprehensive resource for drivers.

USEFUL APPSFOR DRIVERS

2

Drive Safe.lyWe all know texting and driving is dangerous.With the DriveSafe.ly you can text and emailhandsfree. The app will read text messagesand emails aloud in real time and automaticallyresponds without drivers having to lift a finger.

Drivers-Licenses.org has compiled a list of the best and most useful free apps for drivers. From avoiding traffic to finding thecheapest gas around, theses apps will put your smart phone to use to prepare you for everything you need while on the road!

Google MapsFor many, Google Maps has become the go tofor maps, directions and more. Now the appprovides drivers with on the go assistance.The best part of the app, it works with yourother apps so you dont have to retype anadress again.

Gas BuddyWith gas prices skyrocking in many area, theCheap Gas app can save your hard earnedmoney! Using your location the app will help youfind the cheapest gas around you. A few centscan add up to a big savings fast!

WiFi FinderApps are amazing when you have signal, but ifyou are in an area with bad service many ofyour apps won't work. That's when WiFi Findercomes in and saves the day. It searches fornearby WiFi spots, so you can connect to awireless Internet network and again be able touse your applications.

YP MobileThis app is a SUPER yellow pages in your pocket.It provides a business search engine, and as anadded bonus you can search for local event. Onceyou decide where you are going, it will even giveyou directions using Google Maps.

Waze Social GPS & TrafficWhen you download Waze, you become part ofyour local driving community. This app can beused as a turn-by-turn navigator but also displaysuser-generated reports on traffic, construction,and speed traps to help save you time, frustrationand money while getting to your desination.

Sig AlertSigalert provides accurate, up-to-date traffic mapsand has saved many users lots of time, frustrationand the trouble of sitting in traffic. Sigalert'sinformation is synchronized with your state’s highwaypatrols' data and uses road sensors for accuratereadings. It also provides accident, construction andother traffic data for most metropolitan areas.

Where!If there was such thing as a Virtual Swiss Armyknife, Where! might be it for GPS apps. Using yourlocation, Where! gives you up to date real-timeinformation on cheap gas, weather, movieshowtimes, restaurant recommendations, trafficconditions, and news headlines, all in one app!

Yelp!Similar to the much loved site, the Yelp app canbe used to search for places to eat, shop, drink,relax and play then read reviews from an activecommunity of locals in the know.

EmergInfoYou get in an accident. Now what? The EmergInfofree app provides step-by-step instructions tomake sure you collect all the information you need,the app will take photos and video evidence andcan even call a lawyer or a cab. It also providesDUI / DWI help and contains a BAC Calculator(Blood Alcohol Tester) as a tool to keep you safeand to help you protect your rights.

MapQuestJust download the MapQuest 4 Mobile app to getreal-time voice-guided directions as well as trafficupdates, points of interest and much more.

Note MinderWhen you’re stuck in traffic it's the perfect timeto make a to do list or a grocery list or maybeyou just need to jot down a number. With NoteMinderyou just shake the phone to record your note andshake it again to automatically send it to a preselectedemail address. Just genius!

VEHICLE SAFETYTIPS

3

Being prepared for emergency conditions can ensureyour safety if an emergency occurs. Use this checklistto create an emergency safety kit for your car. Keepthese items in your car or trunk and you'll be preparedfor just about anything.

Items you should consider including inyour BASIC EMERGENCY CAR KIT:• Water• Non-perishable snack foods, canned fruit, nuts,

or granola bars•Can opener•Flashlight and extra batteries•Rope•Shovel•Paper towels•First-aid kit•Flares•Matches and candles, housed in a waterproof

storage bag or container•Rain poncho•Blanket•Gloves - leather and latex pair

Other Items to Consider:•Set of warm clothes•Reflective safety vest•Emergency strobes•12-hour light sticks•Whistle•Toilet paper

batteries blanket

matches

waterproofstorage bag

can opener

non-perishablefood

first aid kit

flashlight

water

whistle

candle

hand-heldradio

lantern

WINTER DRIVINGTIPS

“

“

THE HOME OF THE INTERNET’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS 4

Parts of the country have already experienced winter weather. Others are just waiting to get hit with theunavoidable winter storms and inclement weather. Even experienced drivers can find their patience andskills tested by winter driving conditions.

Here are 10 tips to help you drive safelythis winter season:1. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter: Check your brakes and tires Check your antifreeze and thermostat Check your windshield wipers and fluid Check your headlights, tail and brake lights, blinkers and emergency flashers Check your exhaust, heater and defroster Check your oil Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

2. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area,such as a garage.

3. Clear all snow and ice from car. Don’t forgetto check the roof, hood and trunk, windows,mirrors and lights.

4. Leave a few minutes early as you never knowwhat road conditions will be like.

5. Keep a safe distance behind other vehiclesand trucks

6. When you stop, press the brake slowly, notsuddenly. Most cars are equipped with anti-lockbrakes so you don't need to pump your brakes.When you want to stop, apply slow, even pressureuntil you're at a complete stop.

7. If you do skid or slip don't slam on the brake.Simply turn your wheels in the direction you'regoing until the car stops sliding and you can

regain control.8. Do not use cruise control in any winter weather

conditions including rain, sleet, ice or snow.9. Keep an emergency winter kit in your car.

Recommended items include blankets, snacksand water, extra gloves or mittens, socks, sweateror sweatshirt, flashlight (with extra batteries),and a shovel.

10.Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

SAVING ON GAS

5

When gas prices go up, we all look forways to save. So do the number of tipswe hear on how to save. Here are thetop things that you need to know tosave at the pump :

1. Shop around.Some smart phones offer apps that can helpyou find the best gas prices in your area.Some gas stations also offer daily or weeklyspecials. Comparative shopping ensures youwill get the lowest gas prices around!

2. A/CDon't use your air conditioner unlessit is really necessary. Using A/C puts additionalstrain on your engine which uses more gas.If you can, open your windows instead ofusing you’re A/C and you will actually reducegas mileage. Many also have a "maximum"or "recirculation" setting that reduces theamount of hot outside air that must be chilled.Both settings can reduce the air conditioningload — and save gas.

3. Don’t idle.Turning off an engine rather than idling couldincrease overall fuel efficiency. Idling your enginefor an extended period of time wastes fuel.Turn off the engine if you anticipate a wait.

4. Watch your speed.Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above60 miles per hour. Drive at the speed limit & save!

5. Don’t haul extra weight.If you have additional items in your car or trunk thatyou do not need on a regular basis (excludingemergency supplies), remove them. Extra weight canreduce a car's fuel economy by up to two percent.

6.Check your tires.Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires cause more resistance to travel andin turn cause engine strain and lower gas mileage.

“

“

THE HOME OF THE INTERNET’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS 6

7. Engine tuning.Reference your owner’s manual for information on tuning your engine. This can increase gasmileage by an average of four percent.

8. Choose the octane level.Check your vehicles manual to determine the most effective octane level for your car.The majority of vehicles recommendedregular gasoline. In most cases, using ahigher grade than recommended has nobenefit at all as costs significantly more.

9. Credit.Many credit cards offer cash back or rebates forgas purchases. This can help you save moneydown the line.

SAVING ON GAS

AVOID ACAR ACCIDENT

7

The definition of the word accident is"an unexpected and unwanted event,a mishap unforeseen and withoutapparent cause." Though some accidentsare in fact unavoidable, many accidentsor collisions can be avoided by simplypaying closer attention to three simpleparts of your car.

Brakes Though modern brake systems are created toprovide several backups in the case of failureand make complete brake failure an unlikelyevent, it is imperative to get your brakes checkedregularly and in the event that you hear yourbreaks squeal or feel that they may not befunctioning on the level they normally do, havea professional check them immediately.

Car manufacturers engineer cars according toa minimum safety standard. Though thesestandards are in place to ensure consumersafety, continued research shows thatequipment failure can be the cause of anaccident but can be avoided by a driverchecking some of the causes of common failures.The most common failures include brakes,tires, and steering/suspension failure.

AVOID ACAR ACCIDENT

8

TiresToday's tires are safer than ever before.Nonetheless tires require regular attention.The things that you need to check for onyour vehicle tires are:

• Under inflation• Uneven or worn-out tires• Uneven wear• Misaligned or broken suspensions.

Steering and SuspensionEven the safest and seasoned driver will behelpless in the event of a steering orsuspension system failure. These types offailures are catastrophic, particularly at highspeeds. All drivers should have their suspensionand steering systems checked out by a mechanicor other auto professional every 10,000 miles.

With regular inspections by you or by trainedprofessional, equipment failures can be virtuallyeliminated and if an accident occurs it will be notbe due to equipment failure.

.

...many accidents or collisions can be avoided by simplypaying closer attention to three simple parts of your car. “

“

ARE YOU AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER?

9

There are many different kinds of drivers. Some areyoung, some are old, some middle-aged, can be menor women. Some drive luxury cars, SUVs or vans. Thoughthese are things that make most drivers different, almostall drivers have participated in some kind of risky drivingpractice, the most common being aggressive driving. Would you consider yourself an aggressive driver?

As safe as your car is manufactured to be, an aggressivedriver can become the cause of an automobile accidentand injury.

Some behaviors that have been considered“aggressive” by drivers in the US are:

• Aggressive tailgating• Flashing lights at another driver out of

annoyance Aggressive or rude gestures• Deliberately preventing another driver from

moving their vehicle• Verbal abuse• Giving aggressive or rude gestures• Physically assaulting another driver

ARE YOU AN AGGRESSIVE DRIVER?

“

“

THE HOME OF THE INTERNET’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS 10

As safe as your car is manufactured to be, an aggressive drivercan become the cause of an automobile accident and injury.“

“Many of the above mentioned behaviors are probablyunder-reported, since most people have participatedin one or several of them themselves.

Law enforcement has characterized aggressive drivingby the following traffic violations:

• Excessive speed• Frequent or unsafe lane changes• Failure to signal• Tailgating• Failure to yield the right of way• Disregarding traffic controls• Impaired driving

There is a difference between aggressive driving and"road rage." Road Rage behaviors, such as trying touse your vehicle as a weapon or physically assaultinganother driver are not considered aggressive driving.Rather, those types of behaviors are deemed criminaloffenses, and there are laws in place to address theseviolent crimes.

If you feel the urge to participate in one of theseactions, take a moment, breathe, and keep moving!

...take a moment,breathe, and

keep moving...

SAVING ONCAR INSURANCE

11

While many of the factors that can affect how muchyou pay for your auto insurance premium are not inyour control, there are things you can do to be sureyou get the lowest price for your coverage. Here’show to get the insurance protection you are requiredto have while also protecting your wallet!

1. Shop around.You would never purchase a big ticket item without doingsome comparison shopping. This is as important when itcomes to insurance. Getting two or three quotes frommultiple sources can help ensure you are getting the

tbest rate out there. With many websites nowdoing the comparison shopping for you, take yoursearch online. It’s a great place to start for afree quote.

2. Drop unnecessary coverage.If you have an older vehicle you might considerdropping comprehensive and collision coverage.If the annual cost of comprehensive and collisioncoverage exceeds 10 percent of your car’s value,you might consider dropping this portion of your

SAVING ONCAR INSURANCE

12“

“

THE HOME OF THE INTERNET’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS

policy as it may not make sense financially. It may becosting you more to insure your older vehicle than itcosts to replace it.

Note: NEVER drop liability coverage, which is NOTthe place to save!

3. Bundle Home + Auto.If you have a homeowner’s policy it is worthwhile tocontact your insurance agent and confirm if theyoffer auto insurance. If they do you should see ifthere is a discount in place to bundle. Chances areyou can get a nice a multi-policy discount forpurchasing both your homeowners and autoinsurance from a single provider.

4. Increase your deductible.Offering to pay more out of pocket is a quick way toreduce your premium, but be sure that you can affordto do so. You would not want to go into debt to coverthe costs of repairs of damage as a result of anaccident. If you have an adequate emergency fund,this would be a place you might could consider saving.

5. Ask about other discounts.When discussing your policy with your insurance agentspecifically ask about other discounts. Many insurancecompanies have discounts available but will notnecessarily offer that information to you. Someproviders offer discounts such as low-mileage driving,the installation of car alarms/anti theft systems or thesuccessful completion of defensive-driving courses.

6. Maintain a clean driving record.The two quickest ways to increase your car insuranceare having an accident or receiving a moving violation.Accidents and tickets increase your risk and willincrease your premium. Best way to save…drive safelyand follow the driving rules of your state.

7. Keep your credit clean.Many insurance companies use your credit score todetermine your premium. Lower scored equal higherrates. Statistics show a direct connection between bada lower credit score and propensity to be involved inan auto accident or receive a moving violation. Manageyour credit and save on car insurance premiums.

8. Drive cars that cost less to insure.Certain car models and colors are more likely to bestopped for speeding and insurance companies arewell aware of these statistics. It in never recommendedto purchase a car without understanding what theinsurance rates on that vehicle will be. One way to besure you will save is to drive a car that is not typicallya target for theft or tickets.

13

PHONE USEWHILE DRIVING

In these advanced times cell phones have changedour lives and the ways that we do the simplest things.Mobile phones have added convenience to our livesbut have also caused new dangers to drivers whosimply can’t put their phones down.

The ability to have information at our fingertips haspeople using their phones to talk, text and browsethe net while driving. This is why some U.S. states,such as New York and Los Angeles, have alreadymade it illegal to use a hand-held cell phonewhile driving.

Most drivers have admitted to surfing the Internetwhile driving. Many say they have done this whenstopped at a stop light or in heavy traffic.

In the event you have to use your phone werecommend you take these precautions:

1. Don't Text and Drive

2. Don’t look up directions on the internet while driving. If you must, pull over, get the directions and then continue driving.

3. If on a call, be sure to hang up when in heavy traffic or bad weather. In those conditions you need all of your focus and attention while driving.

The only way to ensure our safety andthe safety of others is to NOT USE your cell phone at all when driving.

Some of the cell phonedistractions facing drivers are:

• Searching for driving directions• Reading driving direction• Reading emai• Composing/sending email• Social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

We pride ourselves on our abilityto multitask, but it is essential thatwe recognize our limitations. Theonly way to ensure our safety andthe safety of others is to NOT USEyour cell phone at all when driving.

“

14“

“

THE HOME OF THE INTERNET’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR DRIVERS

We have all heard the statistics, thousands die eachyear due alcohol-impaired traffic crashes. But statisticsdon't speak to the expense many drivers as a resultof drunk driving or the pain the families of victim’sexperience.

There are some things that you can do to help youprevent drinking and driving or having someone youknow drink and drive.

1. Assign a designated driver.Decide who's going to abstain from drinking andwill be responsible for driving prior to going out.

2. Call a taxi.If your designated driver slips, and that mighthappen, take another for of transportation.Most cities have taxis, trains, buses.

3. Take away keys.If someone who is going to be driving appearsto be drunk, take their keys away.

4. Offer non-alcoholic options.If you are the host of a party offer guests water,juice, and soda.

5. Serve food.A full stomach has been proven to slow the rateof alcohol absorption.

6. Stop serving alcohol before the party ends.Give guests an extra hour or two without alcoholbefore they leave the party and offer water andsnacks during that time.

TIPS TO AVOIDDRINKING & DRIVING

7. Arrange alternate transportation.Pay attention to your guests. If someone has hada lot to drink call them a taxi or help them find aride with a sober driver

When driving, pay attention for drunk drivers.These are some ways that you can spot a drunkdriver on the road:

• Making wide turns• Weaving, swerving, drifting• Almost striking an object or vehicle• Driving at a very slow speed• Stopping without cause• Braking erratically• Responding slowly to traffic signals• Turning abruptly or illegally

If you notice what you think is a drunk driver,keep your distance and call 9-1-1.