Roadside Assistance Program

Motorists today are more distracted than ever. Drivers are making phone calls, adjusting dashboard gadgets, playing with the radio, etc. If you’re driving behind a vehicle that is speeding up and slowing down randomly, there’s a good chance that the driver is preoccupied. The best thing that you can do in this instance is drive defensively.

The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety says that it is a full-time job to drive. In a survey, they found that 94% of drivers admitted to performing distracting activities at the wheel. For example, they tune the radio, tend to children in the backseat, and eat. Also, 39% of motorists were actually working at the wheel. That’s right, they are preparing for their jobs while driving. Also disturbing is the fact that 25-50% of car accidents happen because of distracted drivers.

Carmakers continue to add additional gadgets and entertainment systems to new cars, which results in drivers becoming more distracted than ever. People become concerned with DVDs and MP3 players, and navigation systems, which lead to accidents.

There will always be distracted motorists on the roads, so the best thing you can do to keep yourself safe is drive defensively and avoid being tempted by distractions. Also, make sure to have a roadside assistance program in case you do end up in an accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration created the new website safecar.org, where people can sign up and get emails that notify you about automotive recalls.  It’s a pretty good idea, right?  All you have to do is give your vehicle information to the NHTSA and you will get notifications by cell phone, PDA, email, or RSS feed if your car is affected by a recall.

Consumer advocate groups say not quite.  Groups, such as the Consumer Federation of America, and the Center for Auto Safety claim that the program is a “sham” and also counter-productive.

Approximately 600 recalls are issued by the NHTSA per year, and car owners, who usually receive notification letters by the car manufacturers, don’t usually take notice.  In fact, one out of four owners ignore these notifications, even in the case of a dangerous issue.

NHTSA electronic notifications were designed to help cut down that figure, however the recall notices wouldn’t be sent for specific cars according to the VIN number or model.  Instead, they are sent based on a car’s make and year.  For instance, if there were a recall for a 2008 Toyota Tundra, you would get a notification if you only own a Camry.

The argument by consumer groups is that vehicle owners will be more likely to ignore notices because they may get six emails per month.  In other words, motorists may find themselves calling for roadside assistance because they get bombarded by too many emails.

Many companies have offered ride-sharing sites on the Internet that help fill seats in people’s cars and conserve gas use and greenhouse gasses, however, Avego.com has the big advantage of being affiliated with iPhone.

This downloadable application lets motorists create a social network of vehicles and passengers who are traveling in the same direction.  In this way, its goal is to cut back on the safety concerns and anonymity of ride sharing.  Rather than riding in a car with a complete stranger, this program tries to put people together and acquaint them in a more reliable way.

In addition, the program’s goal is to have an established network so that Avego users determine points for pickup and drop-off.  Yet, while the idea is certainly intriguing, it will need to be demonstrated in the real world before it will be determined if it is more successful than any other ride-sharing networks online.

Just keep in mind, it always feels safer to be in a car with passengers, but you still need a good roadside assistance program in case of breakdowns.  After all, you don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road, no matter how many people are there to help.

Ford has decided to update its incentives for the month of April in order to reflect its Advantage Plan.  Ford’s traditional cash back offers, however, are still in place and vary according to model and year.  One of the most interesting discoveries that was found was the incentive of $1,000 cash back on the brand new 2010 Ford Fusion, which allows people to put their money towards other car expenses, such as a roadside assistance program.

Typically, it would be rare for a new car model to receive cash back, however, it has become much more common over the last few years.  After checking, we discovered that you could get the same $1,000 cash back in all regions; however, you might want to go to Ford’s consumer site to double-check by putting in your zip code if you’re interested in purchasing a 2010 Fusion.

The Fusion Hybrid wasn’t mentioned in this offer, so most likely it is excluded from this cash back offer.

Now, people search the Internet to purchase cars, roadside assistance, and car loans.  One great resource for this is Autoopia, or autoopia.com.  This is a new search engine that has revolutionized the way that people search for cars, just like Google revolutionized the way in which people make general searches.  The people who created this website have made a search engine dedicated solely to cars.  Also, the interface is simple and clean, which allows users to easily search for cars.

To do this Autoopia gathers car ads and online listings in the thousands.  Their database is growing continuously, and it lists millions of cars.  Also convenient is that the site saves people’s searches automatically, which allows people to return to the site later and use previous search results.

Consumers are pleased with Autoopia because they have a great first impression with the smooth interface, yet the extensive search results leave people coming back for more.

Another plus to this search engine is that people only get results for the specific car that they looked for, no others.

Shopping online can be a great way to buy a car, and Autoopia is a great place to look.  People can find good deals on cars, and then easily search for a road service program and car loans.  The Internet has now revolutionized the way motorists shop.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recall has been issued by Chrysler for 16,852 Dodge Journeys from 2008-09 model years because of a possible defect in the electrical system of the vehicle.

Dodge Journeys that aren’t equipped with a 115-volt optional auxiliary power outlet have an electrical connector that is unused.  The connector could experience corrosion and cause the electrical system to short circuit.  However, if the fuse doesn’t happen to blow, there is the potential for the connector to overheat and catch on fire.

To take care of this problem, dealerships will re-route and stow the auxiliary 115-volt power outlet connector and take out the 25-amp fuse so the circuit that is unused doesn’t have any power.  To have the problem fixed won’t cost you anything.  Car owners can call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 or contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Unfortunately, you never know when your car will experience problems, which is why it is important to have a roadside assistance program.  Road service will provide you with peace of mind while you’re on the road.

Probably the car that has had the biggest identity crisis over the years is the Nissan Maxima sedan.  It has been a luxury car, mainstream car, and even a sporty car.  Now, however, the 2009 version of the Nissan Maxima has gone back to its roots.

The new Maxima has been reinvigorated and deserves to be called a four-door version of a sports car.  The Maxima has been downsized in wheelbase, as well as its overall length.

However, some important things haven’t been trimmed down.  For instance, it has a 290 horsepower pumped out by the 3.5 liter VQ V-6 engine.  This is 35 more than last years version.  Also the mileage remains at 19 in the city and 26 on the highway, which is a big achievement.

Although the 2009 Maxima is shorter, it has an added width and track.  This will provide a more stable ride.

Consumers are excited about purchasing this vehicle. The draw is the sporty body, and its stability and reliability.  With the addition of roadside assistance, motorists can rest assured that they are protected. After all, you never want to find yourself stuck on the side of the road.

As the economy declines, more motorists are trying to save money by abandoning their car insurance.

According to the Insurance Research Council, the uninsured rate and the unemployment rate are directly correlated.  When unemployment increases 1%, uninsured drivers increase a half-percent.  As of November, unemployment was up 2% since last year.

In a recent study, the council claims there have been several hundred thousand drivers that have let their insurance lapse, or dropped it in the last year.

What this means is that your odds of getting hit by a driver that is uninsured have gone up drastically, and usually people who are uninsured don’t have very many assets if you plan to sue for damages.

For people who have the funds, coverage for being hit by underinsured or uninsured drivers has become a necessary protection even though it raises your premium 7% to 9%.  And, you don’t want to let your insurance lapse because you will be charged a 25% to 50% surcharge for a new policy.  Also, drivers should protect themselves with a roadside assistance program.

According to Consumer Reports, a new study shows that both GM and Ford have reliability ratings that show “real progress”, unfortunately Chrysler didn’t get the same good news.

The analysis drew on vehicle testing, as well as consumer surveys, to discover that Ford now has several vehicles that compare to the ratings of some foreign rivals like Honda and Toyota.  According to the report, Ford is “in the front of the class”.  GM also made some gains, however a few of its cars continue to have problems with reliability.

The study says that improvements in quality and better designs are the main reasons for the big improvement over the last few years, however it also credits “forward-thinking leadership,” which could surprise some people after watching the Big Three criticized by the government, press and consumers alike.

Chrysler, unfortunately, continues to lag behind, with a vehicle lineup that Consumer Reports claims is “very disappointing with little promise on the horizon.”  In other words, you might want to have a good roadside assistance program if you’re thinking of purchasing a Chrysler.

Is it necessary to pay $40K in order to get a stimulating, engaging car?  The answer is absolutely not; there are many vehicles out there that come with a good auto warranty for under $25K.  Here are a few to consider.

The Honda Civic Si is a great choice at $21,110.  This is a high performance car with a sleek shape.  It also sports a sport-tuned suspension that is grippy.  The engine on this vehicle has a 197 hp, 2.0 liter four cylinder I-VTEC.  This car will have you smiling for many miles.

The Ford Mustang V6 Pony Car is a muscle car with a taste of retro.  The Pony Package will give you 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, a grille treatment, as well as floor mats and striping.  This is a 210hp V6 that will deliver loads of thrust.

If a convertible is your style, look to the Pontiac Solstice.  This is a 173 hp, 2.4-liter.  This vehicle comes standard with an 18-inch rolling rock, big brakes, and balanced chassis providing an exhilarating open-air experience.

Any of these vehicles will make you think you’re driving a car with a sticker of $40K, when in reality you’ll only shell out less than $25K.  All of these come with new car warranties, and with a good roadside assistance program, you will have peace of mind.