Spring on the road april 2015 web

Finding the Right Ride

Factors to consider when buying a new car

RhodyBeat

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April 2015 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FROM

Beacon Communications

Leasing 101 Things you may not know about leasing

Stay SAfe on the Road

Simple defensive driving techniques

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On The Road • April 2015 • 2

and from a full slate of extracurricular activities may not only want a car with enough room to accommodate their brood, but also one that’s fuel-efficient so all those trips to the soccer fields and dance recitals won’t break the bank. Singles who don’t often have passengers and don’t have a driveway or assigned parking space may benefit from a small vehicle that’s fuel-efficient and easy to park. Whatever your needs, try to avoid buying more or less car than you really need.

Buyers should consider a host of factors before purchasing their next vehicle.

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pring is a season of rebirth, and this rejuvenating time of year can be a great time for motorists to reexamine their vehicles and start looking for new rides. With spring road trips and summer vacations on the nottoo-distant horizon, drivers who have been eyeing a new vehicle may feel the time has never been more right to sell or trade-in their current vehicles for ones more suited to their current needs.

Once drivers have made the decision to get a new car, they must then decide which car is right for them. Such a

decision not only requires a careful consideration of budget, but also a thorough examination of what you want out of your next vehicle. The following are some factors prospective car buyers may want to consider as they begin to look for new cars.

Passengers Parents who drive have different needs than drivers who don’t have children. When shopping around for your next vehicle, consider how many passengers you typically have in the car. Parents who drive the kids to

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the investment if not a necessity, while drivers who live in warm areas where the temperatures remain mild yearround can likely skip the four-wheel drive option. When buying a new car, envision the weather that car will eventually encounter. A flashy sports car may be fun to drive and surely looks great in the garage, but if safety concerns force you to leave it in the garage for several months a year, then it might not be the best car for you.

Driving habits Your personal driving habits are another factor to consider before buying your next car. When driving, are you traversing the nation’s highways or sticking mainly to city streets? Stopand-go city driving can be taxing on vehicles, and drivers may find manual transmissions are less enjoyable in city traffic. Drivers whose daily commutes are mainly done on highways may be able to live with a car deemed less fuel-efficient, as highway driving tends to consume less fuel than city driving.

Local climate Drivers should consider their local climate as they try to decide what their next vehicle will be. If you live in a region where ice and snow is common, then four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is a feature that will likely prove worth

What else is in the driveway?

Parents or couples buying a new car together should consider what their significant other has sitting in the driveway. If one parent already has an SUV or minivan, then a second such vehicle may not be necessary, and buying a new car may be an opportunity to purchase a smaller vehicle that still fits the whole family but won’t need to carry athletic equipment or chauffeur the middle school basketball team. The same principle can be applied to couples without children. Such couples may want to keep one sports car in the driveway and have a more practical vehicle that can better handle road trips or weekend getaways.

Buying a new car is a fun process that’s made even more fun when drivers consider their needs and target vehicles that best meet those needs.

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3 • April 2015 • On The Road

Factors to consider when looking for a new car

On The Road • April 2015 • 4

Things you may not know about leasing a car M

any people prefer leasing an automobile to buying one, and leasing can be more advantageous than buying in various ways. For example, leasing allows drivers who cannot afford to purchase a new and more reliable vehicle the opportunity to drive such a car or truck, at a cost that is considerably less over the long haul than buying the vehicle outright.

Leasing also makes it possible for drivers who prefer newer cars to exchange their automobiles every few years, saving them the expense of maintaining a car as it ages.

When leasing an automobile for the first time, motorists may not be aware of certain things about leasing that could benefit them over the course of their leases. The following are a few such things that drivers may want to consider when negotiating an automobile lease at the dealership.

Mile restrictions are not set in stone.

Standard leases typically limit drivers to 12,000 miles per year over the life of the lease. In such an agreement, a three-year lease would allow lessees to drive 36,000 miles in the vehicle.

Any additional miles on the vehicle

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when it is turned in at the end of the lease would incur a penalty. But mileage limits are negotiable, and drivers who think they will exceed 12,000 miles per year can tailor their leases to allow for additional miles. Extra miles will cost more money, but that extra expense will likely pale in comparison to excess mileage charges, making it well worth the investment for drivers to negotiate extra miles into their lease at the time of signing.

You may need to pay a substantial initial down payment. Monthly lease terms are favorable to men and women who cannot afford to finance a car or those who want to avoid long-term financing with hefty monthly payments.

But many leases require lessees to pay substantial down payments upon agreeing to the lease. If such a down payment proves a hurdle you cannot clear, then it’s important to know that some leases do not require a down payment at all, while others require only a minimal payment upfront.

However, such leases may be exclusive to drivers with exceptional credit.

You can comparison shop with a lease. Much like you would comparison shop when buying a car, you can do the same when leasing. After a dealer runs your credit and/or estimates your down payment, you may feel as though you cannot afford to lease a new car. But you have many options to choose from when looking

for an auto lease, and each one is likely to make a different offer. If you persevere and do your research, you ultimately may end up with a lease that puts you in a new car at an affordable price.

Gap insurance protects you in case of a theft or wreck. Gap insurance (which stands for guaranteed asset protection) is available but not standard for an automobile lease. Gap insurance protects lessees and covers their remaining lease payments if a car is stolen or wrecked while the lease is ongoing. Some lessees choose to accept gap insurance, while others do not. The latter group is taking a risk that the car will not be stolen or wrecked during the life of the lease. If it is, the driver will then be responsible for the monthly payments even if he or she no longer has the vehicle. Drivers in the former group will not be on the hook for such payments. Some lessees never use their gap insurance, but the peace of mind it provides is worth the investment for many drivers.

Leasing is a great way for drivers to drive new automobiles they otherwise might not be able to afford. But drivers should familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of leasing before signing on the dotted line.

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any parents contribute money toward the purchase of their teenagers’ first car. But even those who don’t help kids finance the purchase of their first vehicle may still want to offer some advice as their teens start to look for the car they will no doubt remember for the rest of their lives.

Different drivers need different things out of their vehicles, so a car that might be perfect for adults will not necessarily be the best fit for teen drivers without much experience traversing the nation’s roadways. The following are a few factors to consider when helping teens find their first car.

Size Teenagers have little to no experience behind the wheel, so it’s best that they not drive cars that are especially small or large right away. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are significantly overrepresented in fatal crashes. The NHTSA suggests such drivers’ immaturity and inexperience plays a significant role in that overrepresentation. So parents likely do not want their children in the smallest car possible, as such vehicles may not protect teens as adequately as slightly larger vehicles in the case of an accident. In addition, very large cars, such as pickup trucks or SUVs, can be difficult to control and are best suited to older drivers who already have years of driving experience under their belts. A mid-size sedan is big enough to protect teens and their passengers in the case of an accident, and such vehicles are small enough to handle easily.

Passenger capacity Another factor to consider when shopping for cars for teenagers is passenger capacity. The more seats there are in a car, the more friends teens can pack

into their vehicles. Numerous teenagers in a car at once can prove distracting to the driver, and that distraction can pave the way for an auto accident. Steer clear of minivans, SUVs or other vehicles that feature a third row of seats, as teens may be unable to stay focused on the road with so many passengers in tow.

Under the hood Few teens would not light up at the sight of a muscle car awaiting them in the driveway. But cars that accelerate quickly and those with substantial horsepower and high-performance engines may tempt teens to speed or spark the development of poor driving habits. Look for a vehicle with modest acceleration instead of an imported sports car that teens may be too immature and inexperienced to handle.

Wear and tear Teens’ first cars are often preowned vehicles, and such cars may have significant wear and tear on some important safety features. Wear and tear may not be a reason to avoid purchasing a preowned vehicle, but parents may want to replace the brake pads and tires on recently purchased preowned vehicles. Brake pads in strong condition may prove the difference between avoiding an accident or getting into one. In addition, poorly inflated or worn down tires pose a safety risk to teens and their passengers. If such features seem to be worn down, replace them before letting teens hit the open road on their own.

Teens will remember their first cars for the rest of their lives. Parents can ensure those memories are positive by finding a car that teens can handle comfortably and operate safely.

5 • April 2015 • On The Road

What to look for in a teen’s first car

On The Road • April 2015 • 6

How to safely navigate wet roadways

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pring showers certainly may bring flower laters on, but they also contribute to challenging driving conditions. Early spring weather can be fickle, vacillating between dry, wet and even icy conditions. Drivers need to remain on their toes to safely traverse roadways near and far.

Wet roadways and poor driving conditions contribute to thousands of road accidents each and every year. As roads get wet, oil and other substances rise to the surface of the pavement, which can quickly become slippery and compromise the traction offered by tires. According to the United States Department of Transportation, there are around 707,000 automobile crashes each year due to rain.

Heavy rains also may lead to puddles, which can obscure hazards on the roadway. Cars may stall out in puddles or hydroplane, which occurs when cars coast along the surface of the water. Puddles also can be splashed by oncoming cars, leading to visibility issues.

It is in every driver’s best interest to use caution when driving on wet roads.

The following tips can help prevent accidents, injuries and even fatalities during the rainy season.

Slow down. Drivers should drive slower when roads are wet and when rain compromises visibility. It can take up to three times longer to stop on a wet road than a dry one. By slowing down you will be able to stop or veer out of the way of danger.

Leave room. When driving on wet roads, leave more room between your

vehicle and the one in front of you.

Again, this plays into stopping distance.

Tailgating increases your risk of rearending a vehicle if you cannot stop in time on a wet roadway.

Stay alert. It can be easy to be lulled into complacency while driving. But staying alert and conscious of every detail going on around you can reduce your risk of accident when driving in less than ideal conditions.

Skip cruise control. As a driver, you want to remain in control of acceleration and speed, rather than leaving it up to the cruise control system. If you begin to hydroplane on cruise control, the car may actually speed up.

Use your headlights. Headlights can light up the road in front of you, helping illuminate potential hazards. Lights on a car also make your vehicle more visible to others on the road. Always turn on the headlights in inclement weather.

Avoid jerky movements. Keep a steady pace and the vehicle in control.

Jerking the wheel or accelerating and braking in a erratic fashion can cause the vehicle to spin out or skid on wet roads.

Check your tires. Inspect your tires for tread wear and air pressure. Tires should be rotated as part of routine maintenance. Poorly performing tires are a significant safety risk. If you live in an area known for a lot of rain, invest in tires designed for wet road conditions.

Don’t let wet weather get the best of you. Slow down, stay visible and be on the alert.

The first steps toward financing your next vehicle Determine how much you can afford.

It might be your dream to tool around town in an imported sports car, but if you need to finance your next car, chances are the high-end imports or luxury automobiles are more than you can afford. The greater the down payment you make, the less your monthly payment will be. So if you have a substantial amount of money in your savings, you may want to put more down at signing so your budget is more flexible month-to-month. Calculate the cost of all of your monthly expenses hen purchasing a new car, to determine how much you can afford many buyers decide to finance to pay for a car each month. And don’t rather than buying the car forget that insurance costs on a brand outright. Financing allows drivers the new vehicle will be more than the costs opportunity to drive a new car after of insuring a preowned car or truck. making an initial down payment and Seek preapproval for a loan. Much then making monthly payments until the like you might get preapproved for a loan has been paid in full. mortgage, you can do the same with Without the option to finance, many regard to an automotive loan. Walking drivers may not be able to afford a into a dealership preapproved for a loan brand new car or even a preowned can make the process less of a hassle, car with relatively few miles that’s and it also might compel a dealer to more reliable than an older used car make a more attractive offer than the with a considerable amount of miles. lender who preapproved you.

But before prospective buyers visit Don’t pressure yourself. Many buyers the financing departments of any are their own worst enemies when dealerships, it’s best to first take some it comes to buying a new car. If you steps to ensure they get the best were preapproved for an auto loan, financing deal possible. you might feel like you need to go out Address your credit score. Your and buy a new car immediately. While credit score will go a long way toward a preapproval may mandate that you determining both your eligibility to buy a car within a certain amount of finance a car as well as the interest days before you have to reapply, that rate on the loan should you be still gives you a considerable amount approved. Get a copy of your credit of time to find a car. If you pressure report from a credit reporting agency yourself to buy a new car, you may end and scour it to determine if there are up driving the wrong vehicle or paying any discrepancies or blemishes that too much. Be patient when shopping need to be addressed. If your credit for the best deal, and you’re more likely score is low, try to delay buying a new car until you can take steps to improve to find it.

Financing is a great way to get behind your score. Such steps may include paying down existing debt, establishing the wheel of your next vehicle. Some a history of paying on time and making careful planning before visiting the dealership can make a financing certain that any inaccuracies are removed. deal even better.

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7 • April 2015 • On The Road

On The Road • April 2015 • 8

Warning signs a tire is about to go flat

little about cars can typically recognize when tire tread has worn down to the point where the tire is a safety risk. But drivers who are unsure can employ the quarter test. Insert a quarter into the tread of the tire, with George Washington’s head upright. If you can see the hairline of the United States’ first president, then you need to replace the tire. Perform this test on each of your vehicle’s four tires.

Low pressure: Drivers who do not routinely check their tire pressure are Routinely checking tire pressure and inflating underinflated tires is more likely to endure a flat or blowout one way drivers can reduce their than those who regularly make sure their tires are at the manufacturerrisk of flat tires and blowouts. recommended pressure, which can be found in a vehicle owner’s manual or by calling the tire manufacturer or visiting ew drivers will be fortunate their website. An underinflated tire is enough to go their entire driving lives without encountering at least under stress that can cause the tire to one flat tire. Flat tires range from the blowout. In addition, poorly inflated tires inconvenient flats, which may interrupt force engines to work harder, which a road trip or make drivers late for work negatively affects a car’s fuel efficiency. or an appointment, to more dangerous Vibration: A car that vibrates blowouts, which can compromise the excessively may do so because tires safety of drivers, their passengers and are damaged. Poor suspension is anyone else on the road when the tire another cause of excessive vibration. gives out.

Whatever is behind a car that is But as inconvenient or dangerous as vibrating, drivers should immediately flats or blowouts can be, they also can be prevented more often than not. take the car to their mechanic for an Tires often produce warning signs that inspection. a flat or blowout is about to emerge, Physical damage to the tire: so drivers who want to avoid such Sometimes tires exhibit physical unfortunate developments can inspect damage like bulges or cuts, and such their tires for the following signs. signs could mean a flat tire or blowout Varying wear: Tires should exhibit the is just around the corner. Tires that same type of wear. The wear on front exhibit such physical damage need to tires and back tires may differ, but one front tire should have the same amount be replaced immediately. of wear as the other and the same goes Flat tires and blowouts can prove both for the back tires. Uneven tread on tires scary and inconvenient. Drivers who indicates that the tire with more wear want to avoid such problems should could be about to go out. routinely inspect their tires for indicators that a flat or blowout is likely to occur.

Worn tread: Even drivers who know

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Air filters need to be changed regularly to maintain the right flow of air into the engine and to protect the engine from debris.

Why a clean air filter is important in your vehicle

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otorists routinely check their tires for proper inflation, top off engine fluid levels and maintain oil change schedules. But some drivers do not understand the importance of keeping engine air filters clean.

Engine air filters are a relatively inexpensive vehicle part, but they perform a very important job. For every gallon of gas a car burns, it uses the equivalent of 12,000 gallons of air, and that air must be filtered to help keep an engine clean.

Air filters catch all of the dust, grime, insects, sap, leaves, and any other debris that may get sucked up past the air intake of the vehicle’s grill and into the engine itself. Without the air filter, those contaminants may compromise the engine, causing corrosion and abrasion. If the air filter in the engine becomes too dirty and is not changed regularly, the engine is starved of air.

Clean air filters allow just the right ratio of air to fuel to enable the engine to function properly. Engines need adequate air for the combustion process to take place. Without the proper combus-

tion levels, vehicles cannot perform properly or efficiently and the engine may burn more gas or get fewer miles to the gallon. A dirty filter also can rob an engine of power. Drivers may notice sluggish acceleration.

Air filters also can get so dirty that the engine stalls completely. But such a problem only develops after considerable neglect.

Air filters may not need to be replaced at each and every oil change service call. Many technicians advise replacing the filter every 8,000 miles. However, drivers who live in particularly dry and dusty regions may need to replace filters more frequently.

Mechanics can often detect when an air filter needs to be replaced. If he or she notices the air filter is particularly dirty, then it’s probably time to replace it. Replacing the filter is a relatively inexpensive repair for the amount of performance and peace of mind a new filter provides.

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On The Road • April 2015 • 10

Simple ways to save at the pump

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he cost of fuel dipped in 2014, but drivers are still looking for ways to spend less at the pump. For many drivers, that means driving less. Driving less will save money, and doing so also reduces fuel consumption and contributes to fewer emissions entering the air, both of which can benefit the environment.

But many drivers are unable to drive less, as commitments to work and family require them to get behind the wheel more often than they might prefer.

Such drivers may be looking for ways to reduce their

fuel costs, and fortunately there are several ways to do just that.

Reconsider your choice of fuel. Many of today’s auto manufacturers now design their vehicles so they can run smoothly on regular unleaded gas, which is typically listed as “87 octane” at filling stations.

That’s important to know, as regular gas is often considerably less expensive than alternatives that are higher octanes. Many drivers may even choose regular unleaded, but opt for premium gas every third or fourth trip, feeling that the higher octane fuel every so often will increase performance of older engines.

But many engines are designed to run smoothly and efficient on low-octane fuel, meaning it’s unnecessary to choose premium gas, even if you only do so once in a blue moon. Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the best fuel for your car.

Buy when the time is right. Prices at filling stations fluctuate on a daily basis, so unless your car is running on empty, avoid filling up when the prices seem especially high. Some patience may pay off with several dollars in savings, and those savings can add up to a significant amount of money over time.

Become a less aggressive driver. Drivers with

hectic schedules tend to be more aggressive when behind the wheel. But driving aggressively is unsafe and potentially costly. When driven at speeds that exceed 55 miles per hour, vehicles lose fuel economy.

According to the California Energy Commission’s Consumer Energy Center, driving 55 miles per hour instead of 75 miles per hour can reduce fuel costs by as much as 75 percent.

Remove unnecessary weight. A car trunk might seem like a great place to keep your golf clubs, and it may be tempting to leave that roof rack on top of your car after a recent camping trip, but such unnecessary cargo in or on your car makes it harder for the car to get from point A to point B. That forces the car to consume more fuel. Unless your immediate plans include hitting the links or hunkering down at a nearby campsite, remove unnecessary weight from the car so your next trip to the gas station is less expensive.

The cost of fuel can make trips to the filling station into costly excursions. But drivers willing to reconsider conventional wisdom and change their driving habits can save substantial amounts of money over time.v

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Private sellers may know that the amount of mileage on their vehicles will go a long way toward determining their asking price, but they may not know that certain mileage milestones can affect how prospective buyers view their automobiles. For example, savvy buyers know that manufacturer warranties tend to expire after three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. That may make a vehicle less attractive to buyers or inspire buyers to ask that the price of an extended warranty be deducted from the asking price of the vehicle. Another important mileage marker to consider is the 60,000-mile marker. Upon reaching 60,000 miles, many vehicles need certain upgrades, including new brakes. Sellers who wish to unload their preowned vehicle as quickly as possible may want to make these upgrades prior to selling their vehicles and showcase the service records to prospective buyers. If not, sellers should be flexible with their asking price, as buyers are likely to know that significant maintenance could be just around the corner for a vehicle that has exceeded the 60,000 mile mark.

o matter what is stored in the trunk, a driver’s most precious cargo is his or her passengers.

Never is that more apparent than when children are on board.

Finding the right car seat can be challenging. When used correctly, such seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, according the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

Whether you are buying a car seat for the first time or upgrading an existing seat as your child grows, being informed can help with the decisionmaking process.

Access professional reviews A number of organizations rate available car seats on the market.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are just two of the groups that provide ratings that can take the guesswork out of selecting the best car seats.

Regulations change frequently, and car seat engineers continually modify designs to keep kids as safe as possible. Frequently revisit car seat reviews to check whether your seat is still

11 • April 2015 • On The Road

The right car seat makes for a safer ride for children N

receiving high marks or if it’s time to invest in a new car seat.

Do the research and learn which car seats are the best options for transporting children.

Rear-facing, longer Many experts now advise keeping children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible — even up to age two.

These seats are being manufacturered to meet higher weight limits in the rear-facing position. However, always verify the exact height and weight limit for the seat by reading the information booklet or the safety data that is printed directly on the seat.

In addition, know how to safely use the seat, including which tethers should be used in which seating positions.

Children should sit in the back of the vehicle away from airbags.

may direct you to an informational video. Some First Aid and police squads offer complimentary seat checks to reassure parents that seats are installed correctly.

Older children in booster seats, which are designed to position passengers correctly to make use of the vehicle’s seat belts, should have a proper fit.

The lap belt should lie flat and on top of the thighs. The shoulder belt should rest directly in the middle of the shoulder and not too close to the neck.

Learn proper installation Consumer Reports notes that about 80 percent of parents and caregivers misuse car seats in one way or another.

Follow the directions for safe seat placement and positioning of tethers and safety belts. You can watch videos online on how to install safety seats properly, and many seat brands

Know the types of seats Children may go through three or more safety seats before they’re allowed to safely ride using the vehicle’s own passenger restraint system. In addition to infant car seats, manufacturers offer convertible seats, harnessed seats, belt-positioning booster seats, and built-in safety seats. Many children are

ready to bid farewell to car seats when they reach about 4-feet-9-inches tall.

Avoid used seats Unless you can verify the full crash history of a car seat, it is best to buy it new rather than from a thrift store or on the Internet from a third party.

Although car seats do not “expire” in the traditional sense, they are stamped with a use-by date. Materials in car seats can degrade over time, and harnesses may stretch. It’s wise to replace car seats after several years and treat a new baby in the family to his or her own car seat instead of using a hand-me-down.

Car seats can prevent injuries and death. They’re one of the best safety investments parents can make, as long as they’re researched and used properly.

RhodyBeat.com Rhode Island‛s local web site edited by readers like you

On The Road • April 2015 • 12

Great apps drivers can use

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martphones are a convenient tool that few people can now imagine living without. Smartphonetoting moms and dads know they always have a camera on hand to take quick snaps of their youngsters, while foodies rely on their smartphones to find nearby restaurants or read reviews of eateries while out on the town.

But drivers also can benefit from smartphones thanks to the following apps.

Waze: Commuters who download Waze to their smartphones may wonder how they ever navigated their daily treks to the office without this useful app, which allows drivers to share real-time traffic and road information with their fellow motorists. Drivers can use Waze to save time and gas money and make their commutes less

stressful. Drivers who use Waze can actively report accidents and find the least expensive gas prices posted by fellow drivers in their community.

GasBuddy: While fuel prices dipped in late 2014 and stayed low into 2015, today’s drivers are still conditioned to find the most affordable gas prices around. The GasBuddy app makes it easy to do just that, as users can share gas prices in their community, which fellow drivers can then peruse to find the most affordable filling stations along their driving routes.

Drivers can even enter their city, ZIP code or postal code to find the cheapest gas in their vicinity.

AAA Mobile: AAA members can use the AAA Mobile app to access AAA services on their smartphones. Such services

include trip planning, member discounts and roadside assistance.

The app also includes a mobile version of the motor club’s popular TripTik® Travel Planner, which makes it easy for smartphone users to find club-approved hotels, restaurants and attractions. Drivers can even create and share trip itineraries between their desktop and mobile devices.

Insurance: Nearly every auto insurance provider now offers its own mobile app to policy holders.

Such apps may allow drivers to pay their bills, view their insurance identification cards, peruse their policies, arrange for roadside assistance and report claims among other things. These apps put your auto insurance provider at your fingertips and can make it much easier to manage your policy.

13 • April 2015 • On The Road

On The Road • April 2015 • 14

Simple defensive driving techniques anyone can employ

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riving defensively is a great way for motorists to reduce their risks of accident, maintain their vehicles over the long haul and save money on their auto insurance. But driving can be habit-forming, and over time many drivers develop habits that can compromise their safety on the road.

No driver wants to make roads less safe, and many may just need to reacquaint themselves with the following defensive driving techniques they learned way back when they first started driving as teenagers.

Avoid distractions. Older drivers didn’t have too many things to distract them from the road, but nowadays it’s easy to be distracted whether you’re driving alone on an empty road or sitting in rush hour traffic with dozens of your fellow commuters. That’s because today’s vehicles may be equipped with televisions, smartphone hookups and high-quality sound systems that can take drivers’ attention away from the road. Drivers may even be bringing additional distractions with them into their vehicles. When getting behind the wheel, keep your stereo speakers low and turn off all of your devices so you aren’t tempted to check emails or text messages while driving.

Don’t be in such a hurry. Perhaps the most effective defensive driving technique is to slow down when on the road. That’s easier said than done, especially for commuters who are run-

ning late and trying to get to the office on time. But making a conscious effort to slow down, even if you are a few minutes late for work or running late for an appointment, can mean the difference between getting into an accident or staying safe on the road. If you know you are running late, don’t try to compensate by driving fast. Instead, call ahead to let whoever might be waiting for you know that you will be a few minutes late.

Don’t lane hop. Frequent switching between lanes can make other drivers nervous, increasing the risk of an accident. In addition, sudden or frequent lane changes can make it difficult for drivers to maintain their focus on the road and see more than a few cars ahead of them. Drivers who have been on the road for a long time may feel confident in their abilities to quickly switch between lanes, but fellow motorists may find such shifting dis-

tracting and begin to drive erratically as a result. Stay in one lane as long as possible, and only pass cars on the left.

Don’t respond to aggressive drivers. If a fellow driver is driving aggressively, slow down and let them pass or pull over and let them get far away from you before you return to the roadway. Studies have indicated that road rage incidents escalate when drivers make eye contact with one another.

Even if you are not at fault, it’s up to you to avoid a potentially dangerous situation and protect yourself and your passengers.

Defensive driving techniques reduce the risk of accidents and help to keep cars running strong over the long haul.

Drivers can benefit from periodically revisiting such techniques and practicing them on roadways.

15 • April 2015 • On The Road

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On The Road • April 2015 • 16

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Mark Nickerson 401-736-5444 120 Lambert Lind Hwy | Warwick

(Across from the Warwick Mall on Rt. 5, Ross Simons Plaza) Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or in all GEICO companies. See geico.com for more details. GEICO and Affiliates. Washington DC 20076. © 2015 GEICO.