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Written by Administrator
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For Immediate Release
June 2, 2011
Contact: Karen Aldana
Tel: 202-366-9550
In a consumer advisory launched today, the U.S. Department of Transportation urged all motorists to inspect their tires for proper inflation and signs of tread wear and damage before driving in hot weather. The consumer advisory coincides with National Tire Safety Week, June 5-11, and as driving increases with the kick-off of the summer travel season.
"As the weather warms up, it's especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated," Secretary Ray LaHood said. "For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation." The latest data from the Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over the five-year period from 2005 to 2009, nearly 3,400 people died, and an estimated 116,000 were injured, in tire-related crashes. "While it's true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. "Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster." The Department urges motorists to check their tire pressure before long trips and to inspect tires periodically. Motorists should also be aware that aging tires and hot weather can be a potentially deadly combination, as older tires are more susceptible to heat stress, especially if they are not properly inflated. Motorists should check the tire sidewall to see how old their tires are, and to check with the tire manufacturer or the vehicle owner's manual for recommendations on how often to change tires. Properly inflated tires will also improve a vehicle's fuel economy and help stretch the family dollar at the gas station. According to the Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov Web site, under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 PSI (pound per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires. For example, for a vehicle with a fuel-economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and a 35 PSI tire pressure recommendation, a drop of 25 percent in tire pressure would equate to a loss of 8.8 percent in fuel economy, or a drop of 2.6 miles per gallon. For more information on tire safety, go to NHTSA's safety website www.safercar.gov For more information on fuel efficiency, go to www.fueleconomy.gov For information on National Tire Safety Week, go to www.betiresmart.org |
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Written by Administrator
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 There are many different costs associated with owning and operating a car and the majority of motorists like to save money whenever it's possible. For most vehicle owners, however, automobile insurance is a necessary expense. But in order to save a few dollars motorists don't necessarily have to sacrifice coverage or purchase a policy with minimal amounts of protection. By thoroughly comparing what multiple insurers have to offer a vehicle owner is likely to find a policy with an adequate amount of coverage at an affordable price. One of the best ways of finding an adequate protection plan is to shop around and make an auto insurance comparison that includes the various parts that make up a policy.
Getting an adequately priced policy often begins by comparing quotes from as many insurers as possible in order to gather a wide variety of estimates. Because there are many factors that contribute to the price of a policy, including one's driving record, age, gender, type of automobile, annual mileage, etc., coverage providers may offer identical policies with a tremendous difference in price. One of the more efficient ways of gathering data is with an online quote comparison which amasses estimates from dozens of providers at once. Comparing policies, however, involves more than just choosing the most affordable plan. Numerous state insurance departments recommend closely comparing a policy's limits, deductibles, and quantity of coverage as well in order to obtain greater satisfaction with a protection plan. |
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Written by Administrator
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NHTSA 07-11
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Contact: Karen Aldana
Tel: 202-366-9550
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today praised Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels for signing a stiff new law that bans texting while driving. The law makes Indiana the 32nd state to prohibit texting behind the wheel. "Distraction is still a factor in too many serious crashes," Secretary LaHood said. "But the bill signed today by Governor Daniels will help make Indiana roads safer." Under the new law, effective July 1, violators face a maximum fine of $500. The law extends Indiana's current texting ban to all drivers. Drivers under 18 are also prohibited from all cell phone use. With the addition of Indiana, 32 states, the District of Columbia and Guam have now banned text messaging by all drivers. Further, eight states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands have prohibited all hand-held cell phone use while driving. In 2009, Secretary LaHood launched a national anti-distracted driving campaign modeled on other successful NHTSA efforts to reduce fatalities, such as its Over the Limit. Under Arrest. and Click It Or Ticket campaigns to curb drunk driving and increase seat-belt use. The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched a dedicated website, Distraction.gov, to provide the public with a comprehensive source of information on distracted driving. The Department has also hosted two national summits devoted to the issue, crafted sample legislation which states can use to adopt distracted driving laws and initiated pilot law enforcement programs in Hartford, Conn., and Syracuse, NY. In November, the Department of Transportation announced "Faces of Distracted Driving," a video series featuring people from across the country who have been injured or lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes. To watch videos from the "Faces of Distracted Driving" series or learn more about the U.S. Department of Transportation's campaign against distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov. |
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Written by Administrator
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For Immediate Release
June 2, 2011
Contact: Karen Aldana
Tel: 202-366-9550
In a consumer advisory launched today, the U.S. Department of Transportation urged all motorists to inspect their tires for proper inflation and signs of tread wear and damage before driving in hot weather. The consumer advisory coincides with National Tire Safety Week, June 5-11, and as driving increases with the kick-off of the summer travel season. "As the weather warms up, it's especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated," Secretary Ray LaHood said. "For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation." The latest data from the Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over the five-year period from 2005 to 2009, nearly 3,400 people died, and an estimated 116,000 were injured, in tire-related crashes. "While it's true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. "Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster." The Department urges motorists to check their tire pressure before long trips and to inspect tires periodically. Motorists should also be aware that aging tires and hot weather can be a potentially deadly combination, as older tires are more susceptible to heat stress, especially if they are not properly inflated. Motorists should check the tire sidewall to see how old their tires are, and to check with the tire manufacturer or the vehicle owner's manual for recommendations on how often to change tires. Properly inflated tires will also improve a vehicle's fuel economy and help stretch the family dollar at the gas station. According to the Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov Web site, under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 PSI (pound per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires. For example, for a vehicle with a fuel-economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and a 35 PSI tire pressure recommendation, a drop of 25 percent in tire pressure would equate to a loss of 8.8 percent in fuel economy, or a drop of 2.6 miles per gallon. For more information on tire safety, go to NHTSA's safety website www.safercar.gov For more information on fuel efficiency, go to www.fueleconomy.gov For information on National Tire Safety Week, go to www.betiresmart.org |
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Written by Administrator
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 Automobile accidents are an unfortunate occurrence and the reason why many people choose to purchase car insurance. Being involved in a collision with another vehicle, however, can sometimes affect the price a person pays for coverage. Although it is not uncommon to see an accident affecting premiums rates, there are still many specific details which govern exactly how accidents affect auto insurance rates and why. After being involved in a collision one’s coverage provider typically looks at a series of details to determine whether a motorist’s rates should be increased. If the driver involved has an excellent record with a minimal number of incidences, then there is little chance that prices will be increased. If a person has a long history of traffic collisions, then there is a good chance that rates will be altered. The first point that is usually taken into consideration is whether or not the policyholder is at fault. A motorist that causes an accident is likely to see an alteration in their premium that is often based off of a predetermined amount. When a consumer purchases a policy there are typically underwriting guidelines in place which dictate exactly how much the motorist’s policy will increase as a result of causing a loss. Other details, however, can increase this amount even further. If a vehicle owner causes a collision as a result of being under the influence then they could expect more than a simple rate increase. Such an incident is considered to be a major violation and the driver in question is likely to receive a DUI or even criminal prosecution. |
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