Here’s how to stop an accident before you even get in the car

-Put the cell phone down. 
Turn it off if the sound of a text alert or call will tempt you to check it.  This seems like an obvious one, but according to the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at ANY given daylight moment in America.

-Don’t eat or drink while driving.  
It’s tempting to swing by a drive-thru and hop back on the road to make good time on your trip. But think about the risks involved–fiddling with wrappers, finding condiment packages, and dealing with the mess made are all distractions that take your eyes off the road.  Think about whether shaving that extra hour off your trip is worth cutting your life or the lives of others short.

-Clean up & fuel up.
Make sure your windshield is clean, oil changed, and vehicle generally maintained BEFORE you start your travels! Seeing your check engine light switch on or struggling with low visibility due to windshield grime is an avoidable distraction–so avoid it.

Want to know how NOT to get pulled over? Here are the secrets.

1. Have situational awareness.  If traffic begins to slow, don't take it as your cue to weave in and out of lanes like a speed demon.  Chances are, there's a good reason it's coming to a halt.

2. Big Brother is everywhere, and he's waiting for you to slip up.  When you hit the road, do so with the knowledge that you are being watched.  From speed traps to red light cameras to that police car parked at the bottom of the hill, all eyes are on you.  Drive accordingly.

3. Leave the glitz and glamor to the movie stars.  Try not to call any extra attention to yourself.  A bright red Ferrari with a vanity plate and a bunch of bumper stickers is far more likely to get caught speeding than the understated beige minivan next to it.  

 

 

 

IF YOU DO GET PULLED OVER...

The best chance you have at not getting a ticket is to be polite.  Getting pulled over is a stressful event, but it's important not to panic.  As soon as panic sets in, people incriminate themselves inadvertently by volunteering information or becoming argumentative. Remember: police officers mean it when they tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in court!

Don't try to pretend you aren't guilty of at least one of these! (Especially #5!)

Nobody's perfect, right?  We all make mistakes, but sometimes those little imperfections can become downright embarrassing!  Here's a list of uh-ohs that have probably happened to all of us at some point.

#1. Leaving your turn signal on. We're talkin' miles after you've made that turn.

#2. Cutting someone off in traffic by accident.  No matter how apologetic your courtesy wave, it will not help you here.

#3. Not realizing the light has turned green!  Don't worry, though. The collective roar of cursing drivers and screaming car horns should rouse you from that daydream pretty quickly.

#4. Messing up while parallel parking.  Repeatedly.  You swear, you do it perfectly every time when there's nobody else in the car!

#5. Getting caught singing, dancing, digging for gold... Avoid the shame and keep these, er, personal habits at home.




How many of these cringe-worthy driving faux pas are YOU guilty of?  Join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages!

Love letter to that certain special Kia

To my Kia,

 This Valentine’s Day, I want you to know how much I appreciate you.

You let me be myself without passing judgments

You never leave me in the dark about things.

 

You help me see things from a new perspective.

 

You’re there for me during stressful times.

 

 

…And help me protect what’s really important.

 

I can’t wait to see where this relationship goes.

Love,

Me

Now what? 5 things to do right after a fender-bender

Nobody ever wants or expects them, but car accidents happen every day.  If you suddenly find yourself involved in a fender-bender, the stress of the situation can jumble your thoughts, making you more likely to forget some important steps.  Here are a few things to keep in mind right after a car accident.

 

-Make sure everyone is okay before you exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist involved.

 

-Report the incident to your insurance company, even if you are at fault.

 

-Take pictures.  Not only will this proof help when sorting things out withan insurance company, but it could serve as useful if there happens to be a dispute about the situation.  Taking notes is a good idea, too.

 

-Be careful who you talk to.  If you are contacted by the other motorist’s insurance company, it is best to direct them to your insurance company instead of speaking for yourself.  Sensitive situations like car accidents are best left to professionals!

 

-If there is a dispute with your insurance company, get an attorney.

Don't become a statistic. Here are three easy ways to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

REALITY CHECK: 

You are 23 times more likely to be in a car accident if you are driving distracted.

 

Consider what you're really putting at risk when your eyes leave the road.

-Put the cell phone down. 

Turn it off if the sound of a text alert or call will tempt you to check it.  This seems like an obvious one, but according to the Official US Government Website for Distracted Driving, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving at ANY given daylight moment in America.

-Don’t eat or drink while driving.   

It’s tempting to swing by a drive-thru and hop back on the road to make good time on your trip.  But think about the risks involved--fiddling with wrappers, finding condiment packages, and dealing with the mess made are all distractions that take your eyes off the road.  Think about whether shaving that extra hour off your trip is worth cutting your life or the lives of others short.

-Clean up & fuel up.

Make sure your windshield is clean, oil changed, and vehicle generally maintained BEFORE you start your travels!  Seeing your check engine light switch on or struggling with low visibility due to windshield grime is an avoidable distraction--so avoid it.  Visit us online to schedule an appointment today to make sure everything is running tip-top.

Don't get down if you already broke your New Year's resolution. Start over with these!

Don't worry... your secret is safe with us!  But even for a highly skilled procrastinator like you, it's not too late to tackle 2014 with some positive goals.  Commit yourself to keeping at least three of these resolutions with your car for 2014.  You won't regret it-- not to mention the fact that you'll have a safer and happier year! 

IN 2014, I PROMISE TO...

-Make sure the gas cap is secure and tight. A loose gas cap can trigger the “Check Engine” or “service Engine Soon” light.
-Get regular oil changes.  It sounds simple because it is!  Plus, it's the best way to ensure the longevity of the engine.
-Keep the interior of my car clean.  It’s as simple as remembering to pick up after yourself.  Cleaning up a year’s worth of mess out of your car is a daunting task—make it a daily thing.  If you take out of the car what you brought in that day, it’s easy to maintain!
-Ensure my tires are properly inflated. When maintained on a regular basis, properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by more than 3 percent. 
-Test my battery every autumn. If your car’s battery is three years old or more, consider replacing it.  The chance of failure increases the longer you go without replacing it.
-Replace my windshield wipers every 6 months or 6,000 miles. 
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles, the brakes, spark plugs, and coolant will be check to ensure they are operating properly.


Which of these resolutions will you keep with your car?  Be sure to weigh in on our Twitter page and tell why you chose what you did.