Is Your Car Getting You Tickets?

AutoSaver.com by Kimberly Ann

It was a Saturday evening, and I was driving to a friend’s home with a car full of children.  As I’m heading out of the little downtown area, I see the lights flashing behind me…and so do the kids!  I was a bit confused as to WHY I was getting pulled over until the officer asked, ‘Did you realize you were driving 35 in a 30?’ Really…Of course I did! Needless to say, after some chatter, I didn’t end up with a ticket.  However, I can’t tell you how many of my friends blamed the incident on the car I was driving.  At the time, I was driving a silver, Mercedes-Benz E Class.  Which is by no means a sports car, but could it be the reason?

Have you ever been driving, then passed by another driver…yet you’re the one pulled over for speeding?  Even though you may have been speeding, the other guy was going faster, right?  Is it possible it’s the car you’re driving?

Well, let’s take a look at Quality Planning’s Top Ten most ticketed vehicles:

1. Mercedes-BenzSL-Class Convertible
2. ToyotaCamry-Solara Coupe
3. SciontC Coupe
4. HummerH2/H3 SUV
5. Scion xB Hatchback
6. Mercedes-BenzCLS-63 AMG Sedan
7. AcuraIntegra Coupe
8. PontiacGrand Prix Sedan
9. Mercedes-BenzCLK 63 AMG Sedan
10. VolkswagenGTI Hatchback

Are any of these results surprising to you? I was surprised there are no BMWs in the Top 10!  Quality Planning conducted this study by collecting data from law enforcement firms across the United States and then ranked the cars that were pulled over the most.  Here are a couple of other interesting findings:

• Some patterns showed seven of the top ten cars were most likely driven by women.  As I woman I am going to say... this is because we are the ones doing all the carpooling :) This stat did make me smile.  
• Seven of the ten total entries were driven by individuals an average age of 40 or higher - don’t tell your teenage driver this stat
• The Toyota Camry is deemed 3.5 times more likely to be ticketed - probably because it has been the best-selling vehicle for the majority of the last 10 years.  More Camrys on the road equated to more tickets the Camry drivers will get? We’ll let you make that call
• They didn’t take vehicle color into consideration - This surprised me…so much for my Red BMW theory.

And just for the heck of it, here are the Top 10 ticketed moving violations:

1. Speeding - Obviously
2. Running stop sign/red lights
3. Unsafe lane changes
4. Reckless Driving
5. Following too closely
6. Violating Railroad Rules…??
7. Driving in the wrong directly - So glad this violation isn’t in the top 3
8. Passing in a no passing zone - I guess this isn’t the same as #3?
9. Not stopping for pedestrians or school buses - Shame! Shame!
10. DUI - I can’t believe this isn’t higher on the list

Ok, so what do we do with this information?  Do we not buy a Mercedes SL Convertible because we fear we may be ticketed more?  The odds are against this.  Actually, I’m not even sure what to do with this information, but I find it interesting.  Perhaps we all drive a little more carefully and then it doesn't matter what vehicle we happen to be driving.  The odds are probably against this as well.

I want to hear from you!  Have you had any questionable driving offenses that have left you wondering…is it my car’s fault?

www.AutoSaver.com

references:

1 Safe Driver http://blog.1safedriver.com/top-10-most-ticketed-cars/

B Line Traffic School http://www.blinetrafficschools.com/top-10-moving-traffic-violations-and-how-to-avoid-them/

When Savings Matter Most

http://www.AutoSaver.com by Kimberly Ann

I heard an ad on the radio this morning that started me thinking.  The ad stated I could buy a new car for used car prices.  You’ve all probably heard something similar.  So I continued to listen because I wanted to know what kind of new car I can buy for a used car price.  It was a Dodge Commercial and they were advertising the 2013 Dodge Dart.  I wasn’t 100% sure what a Dodge Dart looks like, or aware of any of it's features, all I was guessing is it’s fairly small…hence the ‘Dart’. 

Regardless of the size, features, colors...bottom line I don’t buy new cars.  In fact, I’ve only bought one new car in all my driving years.  I’m just a used car kind of girl (and the depreciation kills me).  But I do believe it all comes down to wants and needs.  Personally, I want more of a car spending the same amount of money that I can buy less of a new car for.  Does that make sense?  So for the heck of it, I looked up what the Dodge Dart offers.  (Please note, I am strictly using the Dodge Dart as a reference.)

2013 Dodge Dart for $19,180

Some features include:  (Click link for full list of features)

• 24 City MPG/34 Highway MPG
• 6 Speed Automatic Transmission
• Blue Tooth You Connect Voice Command
• Cloth Seats
• AM/FM/CD Player
• 3 Year/36,000 mile basic warranty

http://www.jacksonvillechryslerjeepdodge.net/new/Dodge/2013-Dodge-Dart-1df3c5f30a0a006501dcc1e2bbd3d8e6.htm

Now I ask, what type of used car I can get for around the same price?

2009 Audi A4 with 43,000 miles for $17,991

Some Features Include:   (Click link for full list of features)

• CVT Transmission
• 23 City MPG /30 Highway MPG
• Sun/Moon Roof
• Power everything
• Dual Air Bags/Side Airbags/Head Curtain Airbags
• AM/FM/CD/Satellite/MP3
• Leather Interior

http://www.autosaver.com/product/details/8810703/

Another:

2009 VW Tiguan with 33,998 miles for $16,999

Some Features:   (Click link for full list of features)

     

• Automatic Transmission
• 22 City MPG/27 Highway MPG
• Sun/Moon Roof
• Front/Side Airbags
• Roof Rack
• Power everything
• AM/FM/CD/Satellite/MP3/Aux
• Power Outlets

http://www.autosaver.com/product/details/7508436/

Two things to keep in mind: 

1. Be sure to factor in depreciation.  A handy depreciation calculator is available here:  http://www.free-online-calculator-use.com/car-depreciation-calculator.html#calculator
2. Warranties - Is there any remaining warranty on the used vehicle you may be considering?  Perhaps the money you save on a used vehicle covers the cost of an extended warranty? 

After viewing all three vehicles, it really does come down to wants and needs...our preferences.   Do you want or need a new car?  Do you want or need certain features?  Do you want or need great MPG?  One thing is for certain, we all WANT as much as we can get for our money, right?!

Well, I want to know!!  Are you a new car buyer or a used car buyer?  If given the choice of the 3 vehicles above, which would you choose and why? 

References:

http://www.jacksonvillechryslerjeepdodge.net/new/Dodge/2013-Dodge-Dart-1df3c5f30a0a006501dcc1e2bbd3d8e6.htm

http://www.autosaver.com/product/details/7508436/

http://www.autosaver.com/product/details/8810703/

http://www.free-online-calculator-use.com/car-depreciation-calculator.html#calculator

How Much Is That New Car Costing You?

http://www.AutoSaver.com by Kimberly Ann

What does it cost to drive a new car over the course of 5 years?  Honestly, I’ve never really broken it down or even considered the factors.  I test drive the cars I like, I look at what my car payment is going to be, what the miles per gallon are and that’s it.  When you break it down, there is indeed much more that should be considered.  I was surprised when I looked at Consumer Reports article “What That Car Really Costs To Own”.  They determined their cost of ownership with 6 main factors and came up with a very intriguing list of what vehicles cost per year to drive over a 5 year period. 

The factors:

• Depreciation – The largest factor with the average model depreciating about 65% over the course of five years
• Fuel costs  - this is the second-largest cost of vehicle ownership being  24% over five years.  Using the national average of $4.00 per gallon and $4.20 for vehicles that require premium or diesel fuel..
• Interest - Accounts for about 11% of the five-year ownership costs and is based on the average of 6% interest rate with a five-year loan and a 15% down payment.
• Insurance – Accounts for 10% of ownership costs and this is one cost that definitely varie depending on many factors, including your age, location, and driving record.
• Maintenance and repairs – Accounts for 4% of ownership costs
• Sales tax – Accounts for about 4% as well and based on the national average of 5%

We can now combine these costs into 2 groups.  One being carrying costs, which are the costs associated with the price of the car – depreciation, interest and sales tax.  The other group being operating costs, which is what it costs to drive and maintain your vehicle – fuel costs, insurance, maintenance and repairs. 

Findings:

Carrying costs decrease over time, while the operating costs increase. More than likely due to fuel costs rising, as well as increase in maintenance as your vehicle ages.

Even though maintenance and repair costs increase, they still don't average one-sixth the cost of depreciation, even after 8 years.

Some cars can be inexpensive to own initially but become relatively expensive to own as they age.  Many new cars come with warranties, so once those expire, your costs would rise.

You can find their list of most and least expensive new cars to own here:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/what-that-car-really-costs-to-own/index.htm

Great information for new car buyers.  Although I find this informative, interesting and it could potentially save me money, I will still buy the vehicle I know I will enjoy driving the most.  Based on what I like, purchase price and gas mileage....Not to mention, I buy used vehicles.  How about you?

http://www.AutoSaver.com

References:

Consumer’s report “What That Car Really Costs To Own”

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/what-that-car-really-costs-to-own/index.htm

Road Rage - Are You An Angry Driver?

http://www.AutoSaver.com by Kimberly Ann

We all are guilty of not paying attention 100% of the time while behind the wheel, however, would you consider yourself an angry driver?  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 66% of all annual traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving actions, such as passing on the right, tailgating and running red lights.  There have also been an estimated 20 million injuries, of which, 12,610 were caused by aggressive driving.  A 51% increase since 1990.  Even worse, 37% of these incidents involved the use of a firearm, 28% involved other weapons, and 35% involved the use of THE CAR as a weapon. Really??

Only 3 driving actions were noted above, but below are a few drivers I believe to be just as dangerous...and please feel free to chime in.

• The driver who believes it’s ok to text because they are driving below the speed limit in the right lane – What scares me about this individual is you can’t tell whether they have been drinking or texting until you have the guts to pass them and see their face is aglow from the phone their looking at.
• The driver who cuts you off to get one car ahead in traffic
• The person who is clueless they are driving 5 miles below the speed limit in the fast lane, therefore, creating a line of tailgaters behind them
• The driver who doesn’t even yield at the stop sign and just cruises on through
• The neighborhood speeder – this person figures there are no police around so it’s ok to drive 10 miles over the speed limit in a residential neighborhood.  This person has no regard for anybody so beware!

We could go on and on.  What’s interesting is Dr. John A. Larson, author of Steering Clear of Highway Madness, groups aggressive drivers into five categories: The speeders, the passive aggressors, the narcissists, the vigilantes, and the competitors. I think he needs to add a category…The Idiots!  He also believes the following characteristics are related to the most typical aggressive driver:  being under 35, being single, having no education and earning a mid-level income…intriguing.   

Would you categorize yourself as being a member of one of those groups? If not, how do you react to the drivers mentioned above?  Does their aggressive driving trigger a reaction from you?  Until all vehicles come equipped with 'a black box', here is a simple test suggested by Dr. Larson, and I can’t wait to do this (to my husband).  When you get in the car, tape record yourself then play it back later.  We all have cell phones so this would be an easy test and it could make for some interesting YouTube content.

We live in an age of high stress levels, our schedules are overloaded and we need things done yesterday.  But the bottom line is, we all have to be aware and courteous.  We have little control over many things, so let’s try to control what we can.  Don’t be the instigator, and perhaps even harder… don’t be the reactor.  Behind the wheel, we are responsible for not only the lives of those in our car, but those sharing the road with us.

http://www.AutoSaver.com

References:

Aggressive Driving & Road Rage

http://www.coedu.usf.edu/zalaquett/roadrage/roadrage.html#statistics

AAA’s 2012 Traffic Safety Culture Index

https://www.aaafoundation.org/sites/default/files/2012%20TSCI%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Say Goodbye To Gridlocks?

http://www.AutoSaver.com by Kimberly Ann

Amazing!  Los Angeles, CA has synchronized it’s traffic signals.  With an estimated 7,000,000 commuters on the roads during rush hour, Los Angeles has developed it’s own software to synchronize the city’s nearly 4500 traffic signals across 469 sq. miles.  According to city officials, LA is the world’s first major metropolis to accomplish such a feat.

The theory is simple, reduce the amount of time we sit at traffic signals and keep traffic moving at as steady a pace as possible.  Let’s not forget, less time on the road equals less pollution as well.  Something LA could definitely benefit from.  Over 30 years in the making, and $400 million in funds, the system utilizes magnetic sensors in the roads to measure the flow of traffic, hundreds of cameras and of course a central computer system, which is managed by a man named Mr. Edward Yu in a bunker beneath the city.  Sound Oz-like?

With real-time updates about the traffic flow, the system is able to make second-by-second adjustments, while adapting to changing conditions.  According to David Schrank, co-author of Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s annual urban mobility report from 2012, the traffic light synchronization saves $1.3 billion in fuel per year.  There’s nothing better than saving time and money.  So, how much time is this system saving?  Ian Lovett's NY Time’s Article states, prior to synchronization, it would take an average of 20 minutes to drive five miles on Los Angeles streets.  Now, with synchronization, it has dropped to 17.2 minutes.  So, if I am saving 2.8 minutes a day, that’s 14 minutes a week and 728 minutes (12.13 hours) a year.  And let’s face it, you don’t ever spend just 20 minutes on a commute in LA.  If you commute 40 minutes you’re going to save over 24 hours a year…Sounds good to me and I don’t even live in LA.

Hats off to Mayor Villaraigosa, who pledged to complete the system in his 2005 campaign and did what he said he was going to do.  Hopefully, if all goes well, this system will be adopted by other major cities across the globe.  Gilroy and Long Beach, CA have jumped on the bandwagon with Washington considering it.  I’ll be following the progress of this system…I believe it’s a great move in the right direction.

http://www.AutoSaver.com

References:

The Drudge Report

NY Times, “To Fight Gridlock, a City Synchronizes Every Red Light” by Ian Lovett

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/us/to-fight-gridlock-los-angeles-synchronizes-every-red-light.html?partner=MYWAY&ei=5065&_r=1&