4 simple steps to keeping calm and driving on

You’re stuck in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic.  Horns are blaring, the clock is ticking, your jaw is clenched, and your knuckles are white from gripping the steering wheel.  We’re all guilty of letting road rage get the best of us.  Here are a few easy tips for avoiding it:

-Find alternate routes.  Traffic jams and construction cause your commute to be more stressful than it has to be.  Map out a few back-up plans.

-Eliminate distractions.  Don’t text, talk on the phone, eat, or let other activities take your attention from the road.  If you’re focused on your driving, you’ll avoid being caught off-guard by other drivers.

-Maintain a calm environment.  You can’t control the speed limit, traffic lights, or other drivers—but you can keep your cool by jamming out to relaxing or upbeat music.

-Plan ahead and leave early.  One of the primary causes of road rage is running late for something.  Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

In our opinion, the best way to avoid road rage is by driving a car you love.  Check out our extensive inventory of new vehicles and schedule a test drive today!

Would YOU avoid a car accident if you could? Yes? Then read this.

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.

You didn't make a New Year's resolution?!

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.