I am willing to bet that most of you would answer WINTER. After all, it is during winter that we experience ice and snow on the roads. It is during this season that sometimes, the weather just takes a turn for the worse with only a moment’s notice.

While all that makes sense, the answer is NOT winter! In a new study conducted by researchers the University of Michigan Transportation Safety Institute in Ann Arbor, it was revealed that the most dangerous season for driving is actually FALL! How is this possible?

The study discovered that the danger of dying in a car crash is 16% greater in October than in March. Last year, October was the month which had the highest death rate per distance driven. While the numbers support the findings, the rationale is not really clear, is it?

Well, according to Michael Sivak, “Everything else being equal, inclement weather — snow and ice — should increase the risk of driving. However, because inclement weather also leads to general reductions in speed, the net effect is not clear… this pattern is likely the consequence of joint contributions of several factors.”

I suppose that as with other things in life, this is not easily explained. I tend to accept Sivak’s explanation that people are more careful in driving during the winter months. I know that I am. After all, I have always thought that it the most dangerous time to be driving. And during fall, I don’t really think that I am in much danger.

In any case, this should be an eye-opener for all motorists – months and times of the year do not dictate our safety on the road. Our driving habits do. Drive safe!

Written by Marcel on July 25, 2009 | 1 Comment

Drinking (alcoholic beverages at least) and driving are never a good mix. Everyone knows that. But has it ever occurred to you that eating and drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving can be just as fatal?

Think about it, how often have you passed by a fast food’s drive through and eaten your meal while driving? The chances are that you have done this so many times you can’t even count! And why not? With the fast paced life that most of us live these days, there are instances wherein we can only grab a quick bite while on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, this is not such a good idea. They recently conducted a study which showed that about 80% of all car accidents and 65% of near misses are due to motorists being distracted. So what’s new? Well this is what’s new – the drivers are distracted by their burgers and drinks! Instead of focusing their attention on the road, drivers involved in accidents are probably eating, the study says.

And if you think that drinking coffee makes you a better driver, you might want to think again. The study actually ranked the worst food and drink items that you can eat/drink while behind the wheel. Yep, coffee is one of them. Researchers say that the distraction stems from the potential spill each time you hit a bump or turn a curve. Same goes for that cheeseburger – the pickle might fall, forcing you to reach for it….

Bottom line? You might want to think twice before getting a Big Mac meal to go.

Written by Marcel on July 20, 2009 | 1 Comment

Most of us probably take gasoline for granted in the sense that apart from the concern we show over its price, we do not really think about its impact on the environment. Sure, we may have a certain degree of concern over the effect of our exhaust on the air quality; but have you really put any thought of the effect filling up has on the environment?

Yes, the mere act of buying gasoline and putting it in your car may have an effect on your surroundings. The effects may be minute but adding up all those tiny little things can eventually make a considerable change. So here are some things to look at.

Don’t use higher octane fuels unless your car really needs it.
You see, not all cars are meant to perform better just because you use high octane fuels. The truth is that most cars will function with the same efficiency whether you use regular fuel or its higher octane cousins. In these cases, the only difference between high octane fuels and regular fuels is the price; and you will end up on the losing end.

Don’t overfill the gas tank.
You know how you just love to try and get a tad bit more than you pay for at the gas pump? Well don’t. The gasoline will merely spill or evaporate. Either way, you will not gain anything PLUS you may contribute to the pollution of groundwater, as the spilt gas may leak below the ground, and smog formation.

Look for gas stations that have vapor catching nozzles.
Gasoline evaporates quickly and contributes to air pollution. There are gas stations however, which make use of these nifty nozzles which catch the vapor so it does not get released into the atmosphere.

Written by Marcel on July 6, 2009 | 2 Comments