With great pride and excitement, resqme, Inc. is once again sponsoring the brave Emme Hall and Sabrina Howells as they make their way across the harsh and unforgiving Moroccan desert in the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles – one of the toughest motorsport races in the world.


GAZELLES TV 2015 - ESSAOUIRA by Rallye-Aicha-des-Gazelles

As team Indian Joans, #178, tackle this nine-day, off road rally through the Sahara, they’ll bring resqme tools with them – no doubt, a useful automotive safety device in case of their own auto emergency – but Hall and Howells will also be handing them out to fellow drivers. As in past races sponsored by resqme, the tools were a hit!

“resqme was also our title sponsor in 2014,” said Howells, navigator for team Indiana Joans. “We gave away over 100 [resqme] tools to the other Gazelle teams and the response was immediate. Everyone loved the idea…”

The Gazelle Rally is an all-female race but that doesn’t mean it’s for sissies. These fierce Gazelles from 30 countries – including US team #178, Indiana Jones – must navigate  their vehicle to hidden checkpoints across the desert using just a compass and map.

GPS is not allowed and neither are cell phones. Anything can go wrong in the desert and the race is an ultimate test of willpower, spirit, skill and determination.

At times, teams will find their trucks stuck in the sand and it’s the teamwork and perseverance that keeps you going.

But it’s the relationships you forge on and off the road that cause these Gazelles to come back as changed women. Check out this awesome video by ESPN-W that tells all about the race, the champions and the most difficult opponent – the desert.

credit: Emme Hall

The competition is March 23-31 but technical verification begins March 18. Points are awarded for the shortest distance between checkpoints, not the fastest time. And the team that clocks the fewest kilometers is the winner. We’re rooting for Team Indiana Joans and their Land Rover Defender to own the lead.

You can follow the team and send messages of encouragement at http://www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com/

Check out more photos and live coverage, too. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on Team 178 and their progress!

credit: MegaMonkeyMotorsports.com

To find out more about resqme or to purchase your own personal automotive safety tool, visit our store: http://resqme.com/

Every parent gets a bit nervous when their teenager starts to drive. Even if you know your child is a careful driver, you will always have that thought at the back of your mind that they might become distracted while driving with friends and end up in a fender-bender.

One of the biggest risks of distraction is often posed by their passengers, especially when these consist of their teenage friends. Teens can easily get distracted when their friends are in the back, and this can be dangerous for all of them.

Here’s a guide to what your teenage child and their friends should know to reduce distractions caused by passengers. Share and discuss these points with your teen driver.

Explain to them that the dangers are real:

According to the New York State Department of Health website, for teens aged 15 to 19 years, motor vehicle crashes are the main cause of hospitalizations and unintentional deaths in the state (73 deaths a year).

Importantly, it also states that teen passengers have a greater chance of being seriously injured when another teen is driving the vehicle.

Seat belts are a must:

Remind your teen child and their friends to always buckle-up when behind the wheel. Seat belts save lives. Without them, a relatively minor accident could be severe. The New York State Department of Health claims that they cut the risk of serious injuries by anything from 50 to 83 percent. The CDC also has some interesting stats on seat belts and injuries.

Speed is deadly:

One of the biggest causes of crashes in teen drivers is speeding. Teens are particularly at risk because they are not only less experienced, but they may want to show off to their friends. Teach your child about the risks of speeding and make sure they know how dangerous it can be. Remind them not to feel pressured to drive fast just to show off to their friends.

One way to get through to them could be to remind them that they are liable if they cause a crash that results in injury to another driver or pedestrian. The injured driver may want to file a lawsuit against the negligent driver, and this is something your child will clearly want to avoid. You can also discuss the emotions of how your teen might feel if they were to hit a pedestrian or child while speeding – once they register the severity of the emotional consequences for their self and the family of injured, they will likely be more conscious of their decisions behind the wheel.

Take care when driving at night:

Driving at night can also be more dangerous, so you may want to restrict your child’s driving to daylight hours until you both are confident in their driving abilities. If you are buying them their first car, you can make this a condition that they have to follow.

Educate your teen’s friends on passenger etiquette:

Teen passengers causing distractions can present serious risks to everyone in the vehicle. Although it may not be easy to educate your child’s friends on the risks, try to remind them when they head out and your child is driving. If you know their parents, you could also suggest that they all teach their children about the dangers.

In fact, it may be best if your child does not carry teenage passengers who fail to follow proper passenger etiquette. Perhaps you can make that a condition of paying for their driving lessons or car, etc.

Help Your Teen to Drive Safer

Every parent worries about their teenage children driving on the roads. As long as you teach them the rules of the road and do everything you can to educate them—and their friends—on the dangers, they will be at less risk.

By Anna Burke: Anna Burke has worked in various roles within the auto industry for many years. Now semi-retired she uses her knowledge combined with current events to write articles. She has discovered a new passion she didn’t know existed until very recently but is thoroughly enjoying connecting with others through her writing.

Driving to and from work every day can put physical and mental strain on the body. Stop-and-go traffic and unpredictable drivers can make your daily commute nerve-wracking. Even commuting alone can take a toll on mental and physical health, says Psychology Today. Commuters who drive more than 10 miles each way experience higher cholesterol and blood sugar levels, Time reports, probably from the time spent sitting in one place. Blood pressure can spike as well. And to top it off, commuting for more than 30 minutes raises anxiety levels.

Here are five ways to lessen the anxiety and irritability your commute might be causing.

1. Listen to something interesting

Audiobooks and podcasts capture your attention better than hearing the same songs, rants and jokes over and over again on the radio. Listen to something enriching, not noise that irritates or burdens you.

2. Make Sure You’re Physically Comfortable

Long commutes can also aggravate the back, legs, neck and eyes. Here are a few simple modifications that can relieve discomfort:

• Sit on a cushion designed to provide lumbar and lower-back support.
• A cushioned seat belt strap ends irritating strap rub.
• Always wear sunglasses. Polarized lenses used during the commute reduces eye strain from the sun’s glare off snow and other reflective surfaces you may pass. They also help if your commute puts you in the path of sunrises and sunsets.
• Bring a change of clothing and shoes. If you have to dress up for your job, changing into something comfortable for a long drive can make a huge difference.

3. Change Your Route Home Once in a While

Try taking different routes home from work. Variety can be a useful stimulant and even if another route takes a few more minutes, it can take the edge off the usual routine. (If you’ve found a reliable, timely way to get to work, you may want to stick to that route.)

4. If Time Permits, Run Errands

If it’s possible, break up the commute by stopping to pick up a prescription or snack, or do your grocery shopping on the way home. Your body will surely appreciate the break from the driver’s seat and your mind will have something different to focus on than the same drive each and every day.

5. Consider Carpooling or Public Transportation

Very few people actually carpool. The U.S. Census Bureau says more than three-quarters of all people who drive to work are alone in their cars. Being alone for long periods of time every day can be an isolating experience, says Psychology Today.

If a regular carpool isn’t an option, ask around the office to see if there’s someone who lives along your route. Perhaps you can pick up or drop off this person once or twice a week. Having company in the car can be a huge benefit. Studies in Sweden and England found that commuters who used public transportation suffered less from stress and social isolation than those who drove alone.

If public transit is out of the question (and many American cities and suburbs have very poor transit), an occasional or regular passenger could be quite beneficial. Is there a better way to start the day than a cheery “hello!” from a new work buddy?