It's true August is the deadliest month on the road. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, going back to 1994 more Americans die in the month of August from car crashes than any other month of the year. In 2009 the agency says an average of 93 people die each day from motor vehicle crashes. That is one death every 16 minutes. However, the number of people killed in August 2009 dropped by almost 400 from 2008. August leads as the deadliest month, with September following in second, July is third and March as the safest.
Deadliest days of the week are weekends by no surprise. That is when Americans tend to run extra errands, visit family and when drunk driving increases. Saturdays are the deadliest day of the week averaging 123 deaths with Sundays coming in second with 107 deaths and Fridays following in third with 102 deaths on average. The safest day of the week are Tuesdays with an average of 69 deaths. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also narrowed down the deadliest hours between 6 pm and 8:59 pm where they report more than four people die an hour.
Of course we do not advise for everyone to stay off of the road for the month of August. Nor do we think no one should drive on the weekends or during rush hour. We give this information so you can be aware and remember that more people are on the road during these times which means more distracted driving, more people not paying attention and more people in a hurry to get somewhere. Focus on the only on the road and solely on driving only when you are behind the wheel.
At CIS we understand that accidents DO happen. That is why it is important to be properly protected and have a company that looks out for you, your loved ones and your vehicle. Get a free no obligation quote today. We are not just insurance agents, we are specialists. www.cisforyou.com
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Go Green! For Your Wallet & The Environment
You do not need to spend a fortune on a hybrid to drive green. Making even a small improvement to your car's fuel efficiency can make a big difference to the environment. Here are a few green driving tips to reduce the carbon footprint of the car that's already sitting in your driveway-and in the process, save your money!
1. Get a tune-up for the environment
Proper maintenance can have a big impact on how much gas you use. The payback for repairs varies, but fixing a serious problem like a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 40%
2. Pay attention to your tires
The next time you need new tires, consider buying low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. Rolling resistance is essentially the energy that your tires consume as they compress under the weight of your vehicle. LRR tires can improve fuel efficiency by 1.5 to 4.5 %
Proper inflation can even make a big difference on regular tires. The Department of Energy estimates that under inflated tires waste 1.2 billion gallons of gas a year. Once a month you should check your tire's pressure, you can find the correct inflation number for your vehicle in the owner's manual. Do not go by the number listed on the tire itself, as that reflects the maximum pressure the tire can withstand.
3. Lose the junk in your trunk
Those miscellaneous items that we haul around can add up to lots of extra weight-a hundred pounds equals about 2 % reduction in gas mileage.
4. Update your oil
Engines on newer car models (those less than 10 years old) often require lightweight oil such as 0W20 or 0W30. (The lower the number before the W, the easier the engine will start in the cold weather, the number after the W represents the oil's thickness.) Not only does thicker oil reduce your car's fuel efficiency it can fail to lubricate the small spaces in a modern engine.
5. Adjust your octane
Many drivers (estimates of 9 million) mistakenly believe that pumping premium gasoline in their tank will help their engines run better; some drivers periodically opt for higher grades thinking it will help them clean out the car's fuel system. In both cases this is a wasted effort. If your car wasn't designed to run on high-octane gas then using it will cause more unburned fuel to get into the emissions system. Premium gas also requires more energy to refine, so buying it when you don't have to is bad for the environment at both the production and consumption ends of the market.
6. Go green when you need to cool off
On short trips and when driving around town, keeping your windows downs is more efficient than using the air conditioner. At highway speeds, use the air conditioner, as open windows create drag when moving fast. A green driving tip: Using the vents is the most fuel-efficient colling option of all.
7. Drive gently
Jackrabbit starts and screeching stops are hard on your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Flooring the gas pedal just once can emit as much carbon monoxide as half an hour of normal driving. Every car has an optimal range for fuel economy (check your owner's manual for range.) For every 5 mph over this range you drive, you're reducing fuel efficiency by about 7%
8. Be eco-friendly, even when parked
Gas can evaporate even from a closed tank and heat speeds up the process so park in the shade when possible. By doing so, you will also reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your car when you start driving.
Hope these friendly tips will help your wallet and we know it will help the environment.
http://www.cisforyou.com/
1. Get a tune-up for the environment
Proper maintenance can have a big impact on how much gas you use. The payback for repairs varies, but fixing a serious problem like a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 40%
2. Pay attention to your tires
The next time you need new tires, consider buying low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. Rolling resistance is essentially the energy that your tires consume as they compress under the weight of your vehicle. LRR tires can improve fuel efficiency by 1.5 to 4.5 %
Proper inflation can even make a big difference on regular tires. The Department of Energy estimates that under inflated tires waste 1.2 billion gallons of gas a year. Once a month you should check your tire's pressure, you can find the correct inflation number for your vehicle in the owner's manual. Do not go by the number listed on the tire itself, as that reflects the maximum pressure the tire can withstand.
3. Lose the junk in your trunk
Those miscellaneous items that we haul around can add up to lots of extra weight-a hundred pounds equals about 2 % reduction in gas mileage.
4. Update your oil
Engines on newer car models (those less than 10 years old) often require lightweight oil such as 0W20 or 0W30. (The lower the number before the W, the easier the engine will start in the cold weather, the number after the W represents the oil's thickness.) Not only does thicker oil reduce your car's fuel efficiency it can fail to lubricate the small spaces in a modern engine.
5. Adjust your octane
Many drivers (estimates of 9 million) mistakenly believe that pumping premium gasoline in their tank will help their engines run better; some drivers periodically opt for higher grades thinking it will help them clean out the car's fuel system. In both cases this is a wasted effort. If your car wasn't designed to run on high-octane gas then using it will cause more unburned fuel to get into the emissions system. Premium gas also requires more energy to refine, so buying it when you don't have to is bad for the environment at both the production and consumption ends of the market.
6. Go green when you need to cool off
On short trips and when driving around town, keeping your windows downs is more efficient than using the air conditioner. At highway speeds, use the air conditioner, as open windows create drag when moving fast. A green driving tip: Using the vents is the most fuel-efficient colling option of all.
7. Drive gently
Jackrabbit starts and screeching stops are hard on your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Flooring the gas pedal just once can emit as much carbon monoxide as half an hour of normal driving. Every car has an optimal range for fuel economy (check your owner's manual for range.) For every 5 mph over this range you drive, you're reducing fuel efficiency by about 7%
8. Be eco-friendly, even when parked
Gas can evaporate even from a closed tank and heat speeds up the process so park in the shade when possible. By doing so, you will also reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your car when you start driving.
Hope these friendly tips will help your wallet and we know it will help the environment.
http://www.cisforyou.com/
Friday, August 12, 2011
7 Simple Ways to Change Driving Habits
According to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Distracted driving has led to more than 5,400 highway deaths and 448,000 accidents this past year.
To keep your mind on the road and your care out of an accident, follow these 7 easy safe driving tips!
1. Stow all phones-even hand free ones
Talking or texting behind the wheel is perhaps one of the most
important driving habits to break. Of all highway deaths last year,
18% involved drivers using a cell phone before the crash. When
talking on a cell phone your risk of accident quadruples and texting
makes you eight times more likely to crash!
2. Listen to-don't watch GPS devices
High-tech gadgets are supposed to help you navigate unknown streets,
but if you fiddle with the controls or pay more attention to the
screen than the road, you jeopardize your car safety. Program your
destination before you start driving and rely on verbal cues from GPS
instead of the screen.
3. Go 3-D when looking for an address
Before you head out to an unfamiliar destination, review maps and
directions. One tool CIS finds helpful is Google Map's Street View.
The 3-D view gives you visual clues so you don't have to take your
eyes off the road to look for street signs or house addresses.
4. Adjust Controls and set the playlist before you roll
Don't fiddle with gadgets like the radio, iPod, or climate controls
while driving. Set up everything before you turn on the ignition. If
it takes more than a glance to adjust a control, wait until you're
stopped to fix it.
5. Ban conflict-inducing conversations
When you talk with others in the car, heated arguments may pull your
attention away from the traffic signals and pedestrians. Make it a
habit that you'll save deep discussions for outside the car. The same
can be said for handling a misbehaving child.
6. Buckle up Rex
Unpredictable, unsecured pets can cause major distracted driving
concerns. There are a variety of restraints suitable for your type of
pet and car; from a cage in the back to a harness that can be buckled
with the seat belt. The backseat is also the best place for pets,
that way you won't be tempted to pet or feed them.
7. Take breaks to avoid spacing out
Daydreaming in a car can end up as a nightmare. If your mind is
wandering pull over to jot it down or make a phone call. Don't let it
keep running through your head. Take regular breaks, one at least
every two hours.
Get a FREE no obligation quote today from CIS!
http://www.cisforyou.com/
To keep your mind on the road and your care out of an accident, follow these 7 easy safe driving tips!
1. Stow all phones-even hand free ones
Talking or texting behind the wheel is perhaps one of the most
important driving habits to break. Of all highway deaths last year,
18% involved drivers using a cell phone before the crash. When
talking on a cell phone your risk of accident quadruples and texting
makes you eight times more likely to crash!
2. Listen to-don't watch GPS devices
High-tech gadgets are supposed to help you navigate unknown streets,
but if you fiddle with the controls or pay more attention to the
screen than the road, you jeopardize your car safety. Program your
destination before you start driving and rely on verbal cues from GPS
instead of the screen.
3. Go 3-D when looking for an address
Before you head out to an unfamiliar destination, review maps and
directions. One tool CIS finds helpful is Google Map's Street View.
The 3-D view gives you visual clues so you don't have to take your
eyes off the road to look for street signs or house addresses.
4. Adjust Controls and set the playlist before you roll
Don't fiddle with gadgets like the radio, iPod, or climate controls
while driving. Set up everything before you turn on the ignition. If
it takes more than a glance to adjust a control, wait until you're
stopped to fix it.
5. Ban conflict-inducing conversations
When you talk with others in the car, heated arguments may pull your
attention away from the traffic signals and pedestrians. Make it a
habit that you'll save deep discussions for outside the car. The same
can be said for handling a misbehaving child.
6. Buckle up Rex
Unpredictable, unsecured pets can cause major distracted driving
concerns. There are a variety of restraints suitable for your type of
pet and car; from a cage in the back to a harness that can be buckled
with the seat belt. The backseat is also the best place for pets,
that way you won't be tempted to pet or feed them.
7. Take breaks to avoid spacing out
Daydreaming in a car can end up as a nightmare. If your mind is
wandering pull over to jot it down or make a phone call. Don't let it
keep running through your head. Take regular breaks, one at least
every two hours.
Get a FREE no obligation quote today from CIS!
http://www.cisforyou.com/
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