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What To Do If You’re The Victim Of A Hit-And-Run Accident

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write down as much

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the other driver and the collision as you can remember.

3. Use your camera. Take pictures of your car and the area in which the crash occurred if it is safe to do so. Time-stamped photos of the road and weather conditions, as well as traffic flow, can assist with your claim.

4. Talk to witnesses. Ask them to describe what they saw, and write down their testimony, their names, and their contact information so that your claims adjuster can get in touch with them if necessary.

5. Report the collision accurately when you call your insurer. Intentionally misrepresenting facts about an accident could lead to a suspicion of fraud.

6. Don’t chase the other car. Remember: As long as you have the appropriate coverage, your insurance company should assist in repairing your car.

How To Maximize The Life Of Your Car’s Battery

1. Make sure your headlights are turned off when the car isn't running.

2. Set your dome lights to "door" (and leave them there).

3. Unplug accessories when they're not in use.

4. Drive your car at least once a week and avoid exclusively taking short trips.

5. Protect your battery from extreme heat and cold.

How

Consumerreports.org

It’s easy to understand the appeal of getting into a warm car when the temperatures outside begin to drop. Some drivers are also convinced that letting the car warm up before driving is also better for the engine. But is it?

According to Consumer Reports Chief Mechanic John Ibbotson, when temperatures

drop during winter it’s a good idea to let the car run for about a minute. Some drivers prefer to let the engine idle for 20 minutes or longer to get everything—including the cabin—really warm, but the fastest way to warm up an engine is by driving. Just remember to not rev the engine hard for the first few minutes of driving until you see the temperature gauge move off the cold reading.

Modern cars have improved on technology to the point that your engine is fully lubricated within 20 to 30 seconds. By the time you get in, start the car, put on your seatbelt, and get situated, the engine might not be fully warm, but it’s completely lubricated and you’re okay to drive at this point. In terms of comfort, when you drive the car it’s going to warm up in just a few minutes vs. idling for 15 or 20 minutes. Extended idling just wastes gas.

Hotcars.com

Myth 1- Driving with your tailgate down increases

Myth 2- Using your phone while pumping gas can lead to an explosion.

Myth 3- Premium fuel will clean your engine.

Myth 4- Bigger engine means more power.

Myth 5- Convertibles are unsafe in a crash. This myth might make sense at first because you are not fully protected in the event of a rollover crash, but the reality is that convertibles are much less likely to roll over due to their low center of gravity. Of course, you are more at risk if it does topple over, but it is unlikely.

Myth 6- Electric cars are more likely to catch fire. According to Tesla, regular cars are over 10 times more likely to catch fire than electric ones. Also, regular cars will catch fire very quickly, while it takes time for a battery to gather enough heat to start a fire, giving occupants more time to get to safety.

Myth 7- Muscle cars can’t turn. This hasn’t

How Hot Or Cold Weather Affects Electric Car Range

Ace.aaa.com

Electric vehicles (EVs) differ from gas-powered ones in lots of obvious ways, but one of the less obvious differences is how their driving range is affected by extreme temperatures.

All vehicles lose range in very hot or very cold weather—it takes more gasoline to run the air conditioner on high or heat up a cold car by allowing it to idle, after all—but thanks to circumstances of battery chemistry and engineering, EVs are especially affected.

That doesn’t mean they can’t be driven in adverse weather, just that EV owners should take a few precautions and plan ahead to avoid unexpected drops in driving range.

Measuring EV range in extreme weather

To find out how much of an impact extreme weather has on driving range, AAA, in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, tested five electric vehicles, all with a minimum EPA-estimated driving range of 100 miles. Real-world driving conditions were simulated using a dynamometer, essentially a treadmill for cars, in a closed testing cell where ambient temperature could be closely controlled. To determine the effects on driving range, scenarios for cold and hot weather conditions—both when using climate control and not—were compared to those of driving with an outside temperature of 75°F.

The results

When climate control wasn’t in use, the estimated driving range for EVs was moderately affected by hot and cold temperatures when compared to testing conducted at 75°F. By

contrast, climate control use resulted in considerable reductions in driving range.

20°F: 12% decrease in driving range

20°F with heater: 41% decrease in driving range

95°F: 4% decrease in driving range

95°F with A/C: 17% decrease in driving range

These results mean that on average, for every 100 miles an EV can drive at 75°F with the air conditioning off, it can drive 83 miles at 95°F with the air conditioning on. At the other extreme, it can drive just 59 miles at 20°F with the heater running.

What you can do

Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast before you head out on a long-distance trip to see if you’ll be traveling in very hot or cold weather. If so, plan for more frequent stops to charge, and map out the charging stations you’ll be using and the distance between them.

Pre-heat or pre-cool before unplugging: Make time to warm up or cool down the inside of the vehicle while still connected to the charger. This lets the battery save its charge for driving.

Dial the climate control back a little: There’s no avoiding using the heater or air conditioning in freezing or sweltering weather, but if you’re trying to stretch out your driving range, use them modestly. Just like an indoor thermostat, it’s more efficient to set the climate control to a comfortable temperature and dress appropriately than to run it on full blast.

Park in a garage, if possible: Leaving the vehicle indoors can help keep the cabin temperature stable between drives, instead of letting it fluctuate between the extremes of the weather outside.

Catalytic Converter Theft

Ace.aaa.com

Catalytic converter theft has become an epidemic. From 2008 to 2015, vehicle owners reported 25,394 thefts, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). Since then, thefts have accelerated dramatically—3,389 in 2019, 14,433 in 2020, and a whopping 52,206 in 2021. These numbers reflect only thefts for which claims were filed with insurance companies, so the actual totals are almost certainly higher.

Increased world demand has sent prices of these metals soaring tenfold from a decade or so ago. In early March 2022, rhodium was valued at about $20,000 an ounce, palladium at about $2,900 an ounce, and platinum at about $1,100 an ounce.

Best ways to prevent catalytic converter theft

1. If you have a garage, always park your car there rather than leaving it in the driveway.

2. If you have a carport or parking space at your home, install motion-detector security lights and set a car alarm.

3. Always avoid parking in isolated areas. Instead, park your car where there’s more foot and vehicle traffic, making anyone who might be targeting your car more likely to be seen.

4. Buy an antitheft device. Converterprotection devices, such as Cat Shield and Cat Security, have been developed for many vehicles frequently targeted by thieves. Depending on the vehicle, the shields cost $140 to $340, plus installation, which takes about an hour. For many vehicles, muffler shops can bend and weld rebar to form a cage around the converter.

5. Etch your license plate number or VIN number on your car’s converter to make it more easily identifiable to the police.

Fun Facts About Cars

wrench.com

Car Maintenance Fun Facts

Nearly 900 million oil changes are performed each year.

The average car owner spends about $400 on diagnostics, scheduled maintenance, and tuneups every year.

60 billion dollars worth of car maintenance goes unperformed each year.

Cars are made up of approximately 30,000 parts.

In 2019, the most common reason for an illuminated check engine light was a problem with the catalytic converter. Catalytic converter replacement services are more common in older vehicles, and since the average age of cars on the road is becoming older, this service is needed more often.

Automotive History Fun Facts

Windshield wipers were invented by a woman named Mary Anderson.

Antilock brakes were invented over 50 years

ago. The first antilock brakes were invented in the 1920s, and they became more popular in the 1990s.

The term "tune-up" was created by Henry Ford while working on his first automobile prototype. Henry Ford spent a lot of time working on the automobile, and he noticed that when the coils worked together properly, they would buzz. If the coils didn't make the buzzing sound, it showed they needed an adjustment that he later called a "tune-up."

The first electric vehicle was created in 1832. Robert Anderson created the first electricpowered vehicle in 1832. Then in the 1990s, General Motors produced the EV1, otherwise known as the first mass-produced electric car.

The world's first automobile race was in 1895 with a winning speed of 15 mph.

Brake lights were invented in 1905. Prior to the invention of brake lights, many drivers relied on hand signals to let others know where they were going.

The first recorded road trip was in August

of 1888 by Bertha Benz. Bertha Benz, the wife of Karl Benz who invented the first practical motorcar, and her two sons took a road trip from Mannheim to Pforzheim, Germany. The 66-mile trip took about seven hours to complete.

The inventor of cruise control, Ralph Teetor, was blind. Ralph Teetor got into an accident when he was five years old that caused him to be blind. He eventually set out to create a mechanism that could keep the vehicle speed constant in order to save fuel. This first cruise control mechanism was called a "Speedostat."

Prior to the invention of the steering wheel, drivers used a lever to steer the car.

The car radio was first introduced by Chevrolet.

Car Manufacturer Fun Facts

The best-selling car of all time is the Toyota Corolla. Toyota has sold more than 43 million Toyota Corollas since 1966! This model is extremely popular because it is widely available all over the world, it continues to get updated and improved each year, it has good gas mileage, and it's well-known for being a reliable vehicle.

Toyota is the largest car manufacturer in the world.

Other Interesting Facts

The famous "new car smell" is made up of about 50 volatile organic compounds. Most car manufacturers are trying to find ways to eliminate this smell because it contains harmful chemicals. The volatile organic compounds, or VOC, come from petroleum-based solvents in the plastic and vinyl parts of the car.

95% of a car's lifetime is spent parked. Your car spends only 5% of its lifetime on the road. The rest of its lifetime will be spent parked overnight or while not in use.

95% of Americans drive an automatic vehicle. Most car horns honk in the key of F.

The average American spends over 38 hours in traffic every year.

Cars on the road are getting older over time. The average age of cars on the road in 2010 was 10.6 years, and in 2019 it was 11.8.

The most common car color is white and the least popular car color is purple. White, black, and gray are the most popular car colors. Brighter, less-common colors like purple, orange and yellow are not as easy to find.

Taking The Keys Away

Agingcare.com and aplaceformom.com

At some point, many family caregivers begin to fear that their aging loved ones are no longer safe behind the wheel. Hesitation to act on this worry is normal, but ignoring the warning signs that a senior is unfit to drive can be a recipe for disaster.

Health conditions that can affect a senior’s ability to drive

Age alone is not a reason to take away a person’s driving privileges. However, seniors are at risk for numerous health conditions that impact driving. For example, age-related changes can affect memory and decision-making processes, the ability to see and hear clearly, reaction times and other skills and abilities that are required for the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends finding out whether your parent is:

• Getting lost on familiar routes

• Receiving tickets or violations

• Having accidents or close calls

• Experiencing difficulty reading or recognizing road signs or hearing emergency sirens or people honking

Changes in health or demeanor could also be risk factors. A mental or physical decline can cause a driver to lose focus or control of the vehicle.

Signs someone may be too old to drive include:

• Forgetfulness or confusion

• Trouble walking, leg pain, or weakness

• Dizziness or shortness of breath

• Loss of coordination

• Joint stiffness

• Unusual agitation or aggression

When should senior drivers hand over the keys?

Every driver is different, and the average age seniors stop driving varies depending on the health and well-being of the individual. Some 60-year-olds may have poor vision and other health issues that affect their driving ability, while some 80-year-olds are perfectly healthy and safe on the road.

It can be very difficult to communicate your concerns to an elder who doesn’t want to stop driving or is in denial of the fact that their driving has become questionable or downright dangerous. Dementia poses yet another serious challenge. Although it may seem like a senior with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia

is simply denying any changes in their abilities, anosognosia could be to blame. This term refers to a dementia patient’s inability to recognize their own impairment. This is partly why it can be so challenging to get a cognitively impaired individual to stop driving. They may be seriously overestimating their driving abilities. How to conduct a safety test for senior drivers at home

In addition to state driving tests, you can check for potential warning signs at home. It can be helpful to make observations during different times of the day, in varying weather conditions, and in traffic.

Here are a couple of ways to assess your senior driver:

Ride with them

Be a passenger in your elderly parent’s car on a regular basis. Check to see how they control the vehicle and ask yourself:

• Do they wear their seatbelt?

• Do they stay in the correct lane?

• How are they handling turns?

• Do they use their turn signals?

• Are they staying within the speed limit?

• Are they easily distracted?

• How does the drive feel overall?

Check the vehicle

Does the car have dents or scrapes? This is often a good indicator of how your elderly parent is driving and whether they’ve had any collisions. You should also take note if they’ve received more traffic tickets than normal in the last two years; have more minor accidents or fender benders; are missing signals, road signs, or pavement markings; or have difficulty changing lanes or making turns. These can all be signs your parent’s ability to drive safely is deteriorating. Seek professional advice about your elderly driver

It certainly doesn’t hurt to ask for a professional opinion. If you notice potential warning signs, but you aren’t completely sure if you should take the car keys away, consider talking to their primary care physician. Ask their doctor whether your parent’s health is good enough for them to drive safely. If the doctor says they shouldn’t be on the road, this may be a justified reason to take the keys away. Here are some additional ways to keep your elderly parents – and other drivers – safe: Arrange for alternate transportation. Ride apps

like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get a ride any day or time. Many senior living communities also provide regular transportation for seniors. The National Center on Senior Transportation has a full list of additional transportation options for seniors.

Make sure they have a good vehicle. Is their car safe and easy to use? Does it have reliable technology? If your parent has a disability, has the car been adapted to fit their needs? For example, a seat-back cushion can provide a better view of the road. Learn more about adapting your car for disabilities, and discover the safest cars for seniors.

Find a driving class for seniors. Local classes may be available to help keep your parent’s mind and motor skills sharp on the road. AAA offers a driving improvement course for seniors, which provides safety tips and covers medication, drowsiness, and other driving topics relevant to seniors.

Have regular conversations about safety

If you notice changes in your parents’ driving ability or overall health, talk to them. AAA recommends these tips:

Talk one-on-one. Sometimes getting the

entire family involved can feel overwhelming. Set aside some quiet time to speak with your parent privately and directly.

Be respectful. Avoid making generalizations or saying, “You’re a bad driver.” Let them know you’re supportive and want to find ways to help them stay safe and independent.

Avoid assumptions. Focus on the facts. If they have a medical condition that’s affecting their safety at the wheel, focus on the specific obstacle at hand. Ask, “How can we work together to find a safe solution?”

Making a final decision for your parents

Driving is one of the most powerful symbols of independence — no one wants to give up their freedom. Parents often struggle handing over their keys to their teenage children, and experiencing role reversal later in life can be difficult. If you still find yourself having trouble taking the keys away, remind your parent that perhaps it’s better to be alive and able to enjoy life than to be driving and risk hurting themselves or someone else.

Have conversations, look for signs, plan ahead, and — if the time comes for you to take the keys away from your elderly parents — be prepared and commit to what’s best.