Although unexpected, it happens to the best of us. We end up in an accident in a parking lot. Here’s how to avoid this unpleasant situation and what to do if it does happen.

Always Be On The Lookout

Looking in front of you, to the sides, and behind you can prevent an accident. If you’re pulling out of a parking space, just look. Spend an extra 2 or 3 seconds scanning all around, making sure no one is there.

You can’t see little kids who happen to walk behind your vehicle. So, you should wait a few seconds to make sure there’s no one behind you before backing out. If you’re pulling in, give a quick scan to the area to make sure no one is trying to pull through a parking space into the one you’re going after.

Park Far Away From the Building

If you park far away from the building you want to go in, there’s less chance that you’ll hit someone on the way in or out. Don’t circle spots in front of the building like a hawk. Everyone else is doing that. You’ll only waste your own time, as well as others’. And, you’ll burn up fuel in the process.

Buckle Up

Safety first. It’s incredible that some people don’t buckle up, but it happens – a lot. If you’re one of those people, please reconsider. It takes a second to do and it can save your life.

Use Your Turn Signal

That little stalk on the left side of your steering wheel has a purpose. It’s meant to signal others where you’re going. Use it. In a big city, it’s common for people to not use their signal, and this is how accidents happen. Actually, they shouldn’t be called accidents because this is something that’s totally preventable.

A quick flick, and you’ll instantly let people know where you intend to turn. And, signals can alert people that you want a particular parking space. It’s like “calling it” out on the road. It can dissuade others from stealing your spot but primarily it’s a great way to just prevent an accidental or absent-minded collision.

What To Do If It Happens

OK, so you’ve been in an accident. Here’s what you should do. First, make sure everyone is OK – including the other party. Now, contact the police. Then your insurance company. You’ll want to file a police report to make sure everything is in writing.

Your insurance company will want to know the details of the accident, including the other driver’s information. If you were involved in an accident with a truck, contact truck accident lawyers to get an idea of your legal responsibilities, liability potential and your rights.

Make sure you take pictures of everything as soon as it happens, too. Don’t let the other party move their vehicle before you gather up the evidence. Unfortunately, when the other person is at fault, it’s common for them to want to hide the evidence.

Take notes, and make sure you get at least their name, if not their contact and insurance information.

By Archie Lowe : Archie Lowe has been retired for 5 years after working most of his life as a Paramedic for the EMS. He blogs to raise awareness of accidents and how to prevent them to stay safe on the roads.

You know you parked in lot A16. You are sure of it. Absolutely certain. So why then are you standing, keys in hand, gaping at the empty parking spot where your beloved Toyota Camry used to be? Sadly, the answer is that you are one of roughly 699,594 victims of motor vehicle theft in the U.S. each year.

When staring at the air in the space where your car used to be, it’s natural to ask “Why me?” And though you are speaking rhetorically (and probably very loudly), there actually is an answer to your query. Why you? More than likely, you purchased one of the top five most steal-able vehicles in the U.S. and did not take the right precautions. So, to better your odds of keeping your car, here are the five most frequently stolen vehicles in the country and the best methods for ensuring that your baby stays parked exactly where you left it.

Toyota Camry

Starting off the list at number five is the Toyota Camry. Since the car first hit the road in 1982, more than 10 million Camrys have been nicked from right under their drivers’ noses. Declared by the manufacturer as the best-selling American mid-sized car for over a decade, it is no wonder the sensible and reliable Camry is a favorite among thieves.

Tip: Security camera systems like the Lorex Technologies Outdoor Security Camera are one of the best theft deterrents you can own. They work as a preventive measure, discouraging thefts from occurring at the your property.

Chevrolet Pickup

Crashing into fourth place on the list is the full-sized Chevrolet Pickup. In 2014, more than 23,000 Chevy pickups were forced into new ownership. However, to the relief of many a pickup owner, this number was about 4,000 less than the year before.

Tip: Etch your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the window glass and other impressionable locations on the car. This can discourage would-be thieves with chop shop dreams.

Ford Pickup

Stopping in at number three is the Ford full-sized pickup. This model was snatched 28,680 times last year, which is nearly 2,000 more than the year before. If Chevy and Ford were competing for the title of “truck most desired by criminals,” Ford came out the winner in 2014.

Tip: To avoid being left high and dry, get a lo jack. Vehicle recovery systems track your vehicle through electronic transmission technology that allows you to pinpoint the location of your stolen vehicle.

Honda Civic

The runner up on the top five list of most frequently and illegally liberated cars is the classic Honda Civic. The total for snatched Civics in 2014 was 43,936. Although, notably, the Civic’s proclivity for vanishing has declined in the past two years.

Tip: Park in a garage. It’s kind of a no-brainer, but it’s a tip that’s easy to forget when you’re in a rush. If a garage is available, it is safer than an open-space parking lot or a residential street.

Honda Accord

And the winner of the most likely to be heisted award goes to … the Honda Accord. Racing miles ahead of the competition with over 51,000 reported thefts last year, the Honda Accord is revered by crooks for many reasons. Most likely, though, the model’s interchangeable parts and long manufacturing stretch (it’s been on the market since 1976) are the traits that keep the rustlers coming back for more.

Tip: Don’t buy an Accord … but if you already own one, do not to leave any valuables out in plain sight. There’s no need to further tempt fate.

There you have it — the most notorious and likely-to-be-nicked models of the past year. If your car made the top five, make sure you are utilizing as many deterrents as you can to get a leg up on robbers. This way you won’t end up hoofing it home.

Road safety is extremely important during the winter months. If you live and drive in a country that has freezing weather, you have to be extra vigilant as icy conditions can really harm you and your vehicle. Irish solicitors Hussey Fraser created this infographic which looks at all the facts and stats of road safety in Ireland and around the world. It even shows which countries drivers wear seatbelts the most!

Lets take a look at road safety and see how your country compares to the rest of the world…

Everyone knows that you should never drive while intoxicated. If you are at all concerned for your ability to operate a vehicle with precision and clarity, you should not get behind the wheel.

In an effort to make smarter decisions while consuming alcohol, more and more people are buying portable breathalyzer devices. There are even apps and devices that work with your smartphone. Many of these external devices connect to smartphones, like the iPhone 6, through their Bluetooth function and a compatible app. If you’re looking to be safer and smarter while driving, consider the following tools:

1. Breathometer

Breathometer offers two devices that help you estimate your blood alcohol concentration. The first device model attaches to the headphone port on your smartphone and requires the Breathometer app. You don’t need a mouthpiece to work this device and it gives you important information, such as when you should be sober again. The second model, called the Breeze, is completely wireless. You can even attach your car keys to it as a friendly reminder to yourself or friends. Best of all, it doesn’t require any warm up time and gives you your results in seconds.

2. Alcohoot

Like the Breathometer devices, Alcohoot uses a device that attaches to your smartphone and an app. It comes with eight mouthpieces, which should be replaced after each use. It uses an FDA-registered fuel cell sensor, which helps it give you more accurate results and is the same technology that the police and military use. It also includes a feature that helps you hail a cab if you are too intoxicated to drive and one that helps you locate open restaurants nearby.

3. BACtrack Vio

The BACtrack Vio device is one of the most portable devices. It is about the size of a pack of gum and is designed to be attached to a keychain. It gives you an estimation of when your blood alcohol content will return to 0.00 percent. It can be used with most iPhone and Android models.

Be Smart

Although smartphones are a great way to monitor your general blood alcohol content, it is unwise to rely on them in place of general good judgment. Remember: It’s always best to avoid any amount of drinking when driving.

A recent review of various devices indicated that while they all can tell you that you have had too much to drink in order to drive, each device may give you a different estimation of your blood alcohol content. These devices are a good jumping off point, but it is still vitally important to use sound judgment and know that any consumer-purchased device may not be entirely accurate.

There are many other ways you can use your smartphone to prevent drinking and driving, as well. You can use a ridesharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, or you can call a cab or a friend to come pick you up. No matter where you are or what time it is, the safest choice is to not get behind the wheel.

Source: Social Monsters

Check out alertme™: about the size of a Bluetooth, this lightweight earpiece is the latest and safest lifesaver electronic device that helps prevent accidents caused by falling asleep behind the wheel.

Driving Tests Around the World – Infographic

No one looks forward to their driving test; it’s something that strikes fear and nervousness in many. Nerves can even have a negative impact and cause the driver not to perform to the best of their abilities.

A driving test is sometimes pre-empted with a theory test to ensure that the driver understands and is familiar with the laws of the road. This is vital not only for the safety of the driver but also for other road users. At the end of the day, a vehicle is a moving weapon and needs to have someone controlling it carefully and with concentration.

This infographic from FA Wheels in the UK highlights some statistics about driving tests around the world and specifically sets out what it takes to get a license in some countries. Check it out…some of the facts may surprise you!

Getting a driver’s license does not guarantee that you will be safe on the road. Even experienced drivers can falter when driving. For new drivers, navigating the road can be risky since they’re bound to face several unexpected situations. In fact, motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of U.S. teen deaths, finds Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISQARS (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System). And the problem is big enough.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2,163 U.S. teens aged between 16 and 19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2013. It also indicates that another 243,243 teens in the U.S. were admitted to the emergency departments for treating car crash related injuries in the same year. This means, almost six teens between 16 and 19 are killed daily in the country due to motor vehicle accidents.

CDC’s reports also suggest that although young people aged between 15 and 24 represent just 14% of the country’s population, they account for around $19 billion (30%) of the total costs related to motor vehicle damages among male population and $7 billion (28%) among females.

It is also found that young male drivers and passengers aged between 16 and 19 are mostly at risk; in fact, almost two times compared to their female counterparts. Car crash risk is extremely high for newly licensed drivers, particularly during the first months of their licensure. To help in this regard, this post presents a few tips that can make driving a relatively safer proposition for new drivers.

1. Get More Training

Even after you have passed your license test, you need to get more training to really start pulling away alone on a busy street. When you are preparing for your licensure and/or learning to drive, instructors usually show you the ropes in all possible conditions. But in real life you won’t be driving through quiet back streets but in busy towns and motorways. In addition, you will have to drive in bad weather as well as at night too. More often than not, you need to drive in less than favourable environments on a regular basis.

To be on the safer side, always opt for some further driving education workshops, either through your insurance company or a local safety organization. Completing advance level training helps you learn to drive on motorways, in busy towns, at night, in all kind of weather and in almost all sort of stressful environments that you are likely to experience in real life. It will not only help you become a better driver, these advance level training classes also help you find a cheaper insurance premium as they reduce your chances of getting involved in a car accident.

2. Follow the Safety Rules

No amount of training can help you on the road if you fail to follow the safety rules. And there are certain rules you must never break for you will not only be penalized for disobeying them if caught, they may even cost you your life. You should, for example, always wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers  have buckled up before you start the car.

There are some other rules as well that you must always follow. These include:

• Never cross the speed limit. Exceeding the speed limit is one of the major reasons for teen car accidents as excess speed gives you less time to react or stop your car.
• Your windshield must also be clear as a dirty windshield will not only impair your visibility, light reflecting of them during sunrise and sunset can blind you momentarily.
• Never drink and drive. Driving under the influence is another reason for teen deaths in the U.S. You are not only putting your and your passenger(s) life at risk, but are also jeopardizing others on the road.
• Make sure the height of the headrest of your car is behind your head and not your neck. This will help you minimize whiplash, if you get into an accident.
• Stay away from distractions while you are driving. Distracted driving, which involves any other activities while driving that take your focus off the road, is a major cause of motor vehicle accidents in the country. A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report found that distraction causes 58% of teen driver car accidents.

In addition, there are other safety rules you need to follow while on the road. In case you get involved into a motor vehicle crash, remember that the other parties involved in the crash will try to blame it on you even if they were at fault. And disobeying any of these rules and others will only give the opponent party’s car accident lawyers the much-needed opportunity they will be looking for to save their client’s skin.

3. Know Your Car

Before driving your new shiny car, take some time to get know it. Sit in your new car and turn it on and enjoy the feel. Take a look at the various buttons inside and learn about their functionalities. Where are the switches for your vehicle’s front and rear light or the hazard light? How do you switch on your corresponding warning lights? How do you turn your radio and GPS on/off?

You need to know these little things before you start driving down the street. In fact, you need to be absolutely sure about these features as activating/deactivating any of them in a hurry can take your focus away from the road, leading to an accident.

4. Take Care of the Blind Spot

Every time you turn right or change lanes, check your blind spot. This is the area that’s outside of your peripheral vision and your blind spot is a pretty large area where cars and bikes can lure undetected until it is too late. So whenever you are changing lanes or turning right, make sure you check your blind spot properly to avoid crashes.

Also, never drive in other driver’s blind spot. Not everyone is careful enough to practice defensive driving while on the road, but you can always put the onus on yourself and stay clear. For example, if you are driving to the right of and somewhat behind another car, the driver perhaps cannot see you.  In such situations

5. Your New Car is Your Friend

Enjoy your new car – it will be your buddy for a long time and you’ll have many adventures together and everyone remembers the their first car. As a new driver, you probably lack the experience but you can always be diligent to avoid accidents and unfavourable situations while behind the wheel. You’ll obviously want to keep your car in good shape for a long time, so following these tips mentioned above will help you save your life, your car and your money. Also, remain calm in frustrating situations as it is better to accept small delays than jeopardizing your life and those of others on the road with reckless driving.

Author Bio: Rachel Oliver is a thought leader in the field of Law. She is keen on gathering information and sharing her opinion on personal injury law, employment law and likes.

Find out more about resqme and other products every new driver should have

New drivers will copy their parents habits. But good automobile owners don’t only drive safely, they practice regular maintenance and repair and are courteous on the road. Lead by example and cultivate good car ownership and driver habits in your teen driver with these simple, yet important lessons that will make you a safer driver as well.

1. Be a Courteous Driver

Know the laws and obey them. Always wear your safety belt. Demonstrate complete stops at all stop signs. Explain right-on-red if it is allowed in your state, and always use your turn signals, drive with headlights on and obey the speed limit. Follow other cars at a safe distance and never yell at other drivers.

2. Minimize Distractions

Keep distractions to a minimum while behind the wheel. This means cell phones, food, and even conversations with passengers should be kept in check. Don’t do your hair, makeup, or fuss with the radio or music device while you drive. Consider a hands-free digital device, or have your passenger be the one to change the music. Also, you should manage your time well enough and get your makeup done before you’re on the road.

3. Maintenance

Take time to show your teen how he or she can maintain the car. This is a valuable skill as it can save money and keep your new driver safe. Make sure he or she knows how to change a tire, change oil, check coolant, replace spark plugs and check for tire wear. For tire wear, all you need is a penny. Insert the coin in some of the tread grooves. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered, you have more than 2/32” tread depth; if the top of the Lincoln Memorial is covered, you have more than 6/32” tread depth remaining. If tires wear thin they can develop small leaks that turn into flats. If new tires are needed, consider a brand like General Tires. The company improves the ride, comfort and safety of its tires with each generation.

4. Passenger Responsibility

Be a responsible passenger. Passengers can have a positive or negative effect on a driver. When you let your teen practice behind the wheel don’t criticize or make comments that might discourage or distract them. Likewise, when they are passengers, be vocal about what distracts you as a driver. Later, have a frank conversation with them about how to speak up if they have a passenger who distracts them.

5. Prep, Checks, Responsibilities

Driving is a skill, but it also takes preparation. That’s why it’s never all right to get behind the wheel while drowsy. Simple checks, like blind spot checks before you change lanes, can slip your mind. You’re reflexes are also significantly slowed when tired. Make sure your teen knows driving is a responsibility and privilege. Sit down with him or her and have a talk about substances and the dangers of the road. While this is a difficult subject for some, you’re responsible for impressing on your son or daughter how dangerous the road is and how driving under the influence compounds these dangers, not only to themselves, but to other drivers as well.

Teens are granted new freedoms when they earn their driver’s license, but with it come a plethora of responsibilities. Put limits on their car use until they have demonstrated they are mature enough for more freedoms.

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In the meantime, check out one of our most popular posts:

“Using a Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Car Safe: 6 Items to Check”

And make sure to watch the video at the end featuring resqme on the “Today Show.”

Car Maintenance Checklist

“Using a Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Car Safe: 6 Items to Check”

Eighty-four percent of vehicles on the road need parts or servicing, according to a 2014 Car Care Council survey. Performing routine maintenance checks on your car is the best way to avoid these issues and make sure you and your family stay safe on the road. Here is a checklist of some of the most important maintenance items you should maintain to keep your car safe.

1) Brakes

Maintaining your car’s braking system is the most vital part of keeping your vehicle safe, says Autos.com, which provides a comprehensive safety maintenance checklist. Bad brakes can cause you to slide into a car in front of you, into an intersection or off the road. You can do a simple check of your brakes by pumping them several times with the engine off until you feel the pedal become firm. You should be able to hold the pedal for 10 seconds without feeling movement. If you feel movement or softness, get your brakes checked.

2) Tires

Keeping your tires in good shape is vital to maintaining control of your vehicle on the road. Bad tires can cause you to skid or swerve, which can be especially dangerous in bad weather.

Begin your tire inspiration by checking the sidewalls for nicks or bulges. If your tires are worn, they need to be replaced. Finally, check the pressure with a gauge and inflate if necessary. Check your tires once a month or before you go on a long trip, and replace them at least once every 10 years.

3) Lights and Signals

Your lights and signals let other drivers know where you are and where you’re going. If these indicators are not working, another driver might not realize you’re about to turn, or they might miss you in the dark. A comprehensive check of your lights and signals should include your brake lights, front and rear blinkers, front and rear hazard flashers, rear reverse lights, side marker lights, and high and low beam headlights.

Find out why first-responders trust resqme in lifesaving emergencies…when seconds count

4) Fluids

Maintaining proper fluid levels will help you avoid mechanical problems. It will also keep you from getting stranded, which can become a safety issue in bad weather or driving in the desert. A general inspection of your fluid levels should cover your brake fluid, engine oil, engine coolant, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

5) Electrical and Safety Systems

Checking your instrument panel can give you an early warning of issues such as engine problems. Check to make sure no warning lights are on, such as lights to check your engine or airbags. Make sure all dash and accessory lights work properly. You should also check safety features, which include your seatbelts and horn. If you have a small child, check the car seat.

6) Engine Issues and Other Items

The checklist covers the most essential safety maintenance items, but there are a number of other issues that come up periodically. For instance, if your engine isn’t running properly, you might need to pop the hood to give it a look. Items you can glance at include your radiator, belts, hoses and spark plug wires, among others.  Occasionally, engine valves may need maintenance. Most valves use nitrile-based seals. These can become brittle from long-term overheating, causing problems such as low lubrication or flooding. Eric the Car Guy demonstrates how you can do a compression test to check the condition of your valves. It’s a good way to get a baseline of the mechanical health of your engine.

Source: Ruth Ann Monti/Social Monsters. Ruth Ann provides copywriting and content development for all things webby. Her interests include content development and SEO topics and small business issues, including technologies that support them.

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Distracted driving is gaining attention as a serious issue and combine it with the epidemic of selfies behind the wheel and you have a potentially lethal combination. When you look at the statistics surrounding road traffic accidents and the fact that taking a selfie is considered to be more dangerous than drunk-driving, it soon becomes painfully clear that something needs to be done to address this problem.

The dangerous act of taking a selfie

There is a valid argument to suggest that taking a selfie whilst behind the wheel of your car is actually a more dangerous activity than driving your car whilst drunk, which is worrying as that is a pretty irresponsible act in its own right.

The problem of taking  selfies whilst driving is not necessarily confined to younger drivers, but according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists, close to 20% of drivers aged under 35 years of age admitted to the act when questioned in a survey, compared to 9% overall. Whichever way you look at it, these figures can be considered alarmingly high.

Testing driver’s reactions

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) have provided a driver distraction fact sheet which highlights the inherent dangers of distracted driving due to the use of mobile phones in vehicles. In simple terms, a driver is distracted when they are trying to pay attention to a secondary activity rather than concentrating solely on ensuring they are driving their vehicle safely.

Just as simple to understand is the fact that despite our conviction to the contrary, most of us are not actually hardwired to safely multi-task and this is even more the case when the extra activity is considered time consuming or slightly complex. The extra demands placed on our attention such as the act of taking a selfie while driving, leads us to become less observant and make worse driving decisions, so our reactions are diminished. Simulator tests consistently back up this observation and show that our reactions are slower when we are driving distracted, therefore increasing our chances of being involved in an accident.

Selfies are just the beginning

Whatever your opinion of the act of taking a selfie in general, it seems that this form of distracted driving could be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel.
A disturbingly high number of one in 12 motorists actually admitted to using Skype or FaceTime to video call someone while they were driving and an incredible seven percent of motorists surveyed by motoring organisations, admitted to watching TV behind the wheel.

With so many people seemingly willing to take selfies, send emails or even watch TV whilst trying to drive, it is not surprising that distracted driving incidents and accidents are currently on the increase, despite the clear dangers to the driver and fellow motorists.

By Danielle Estrella – Danielle Estrella works as a commercial driving instructor and always likes to take the chance to discuss hot topics like distracted driving with an online audience. She is a regular writer for a number of motoring-inspired websites.