New Year New Goal

Goodbye 2011 and HELLO 2012!<br /><br />I'd like to make a New Year's Resolution about driving...but I can't seem to think of a good one. I <a href="http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2011/01/forever-clause.html">stopped eating in the car</a> for a month this past February, so I won't use that as blog material this year. I already don't drink and drive. Well, I don't drink alcohol ever, so that's not tough to do. I use my blinker and make complete stops. My phone operates in the speaker position when I'm driving. I can't resolve for my children to behave better in the car since I don't control them. When I have so many good driving habits, it's difficult to find and fine tune the little deficiencies.<br /><br />But perhaps there is something I can do to influence the atmosphere in my vehicle. I can change my stress level which has the potential to positively affect their behavior.<br /><br />I think fighting is the worst out of them. And they don't do it every time I drive. Only when we're late. So I guess that's a lot of times.<br /><br />In January, I will get out the door with enough time so that we arrive at our destination ten minutes early. We will experience what life is like when we're not in a rush. When there isn't pressure to get somewhere quick. Leaving early will build in extra time for the last minute emergencies that invariably pop up before we get out the door (read diaper blow outs or searching for missing shoes).<br /><br />This challenge will be bigger and more grandiose than the last one. Pretty much because it's ten percent longer...aka three days since January is longer than February. Ha ha.<br /><br />Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.<br /><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My new resolution: Arrive at destinations 10 minutes early.</span></div>Start date: January 1, 2012<br />End date: January 31, 2012<br /><br /><div>Steps to accomplish the goal:<br />1. Keep shoe shelf organized.</div><div>2. Figure out how much time it will take to drive somewhere and add 10 minutes.<br />3. Get out the door early.</div><div></div>

New Year New Goal

Goodbye 2011 and HELLO 2012! I'd like to make a New Year's Resolution about driving...but I can't seem to think of a good one. I...

Read more »

What do you do when you see texting while driving?

<div style="text-align: center;">Have you ever been driving down the road and looked to the person driving next to you only to notice that instead of paying an ounce of attention to the road, he is looking down at his phone while texting? This has happened to me too many times to count.<br /><br />I'm determined not to write, send, or read text messages while driving. For my safety, because it's the <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.668">law</a>, and because I'm usually driving with this extremely precious cargo...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflmAKePX3bcFTKdNEQVwOy3K3wzQymRpX-6OxNssdYNCoEUXSfJab-wmitsFy80a1xJOVC_0py-TZzuATJckUisM6obsx594uGCYsd762GvuwBk8dW1iPwBGbf6R0Zj1XFf7a8uMRmR4/s1600/Carseat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflmAKePX3bcFTKdNEQVwOy3K3wzQymRpX-6OxNssdYNCoEUXSfJab-wmitsFy80a1xJOVC_0py-TZzuATJckUisM6obsx594uGCYsd762GvuwBk8dW1iPwBGbf6R0Zj1XFf7a8uMRmR4/s400/Carseat.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Distracted driving to me is looking in the rear view mirror at this cute little face while I'm driving, and occasionally paying too much attention to my navigation when I'm going some place I've never been before. Don't get me wrong, I'm tempted to grab my phone when I hear the little text message or email notification, but it's not worth looking. Nothing is as urgent as getting to my destination safely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Despite the texting ban in Washington, I <i>constantly </i>see people texting/looking at their phones while driving. I usually get a little upset, but don't do anything. Occasionally, I have honked my horn to shift the driver's attention. Not only are these people putting their lives in danger, but as a driver sharing the road with them, they are also putting me and my family in danger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />I have been wondering lately what the proper etiquette is when I see somebody clearly paying more attention to his/her phone than the road. Do I simply ignore it? Do I honk at them to let them know that I noticed? Should I report it? I'm not sure that anything would come of reporting it. Plus, if I got the license plate number and made a phone call while driving, I would likely be more distracted than the distracted driver I am reporting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What do you think? Do you do anything when you witness drivers texting while driving?</div>

What do you do when you see texting while driving?

Have you ever been driving down the road and looked to the person driving next to you only to notice that instead of paying an ounce of atte...

Read more »

Changes To The Theory Test From 23rd January 2012

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From 23rd January 2012 the <span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">multiple-choice questions</span><span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> used in the </span>Theory Test will no longer be published.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alternative questions to assist in learning and revision can be found in commercially available books, software and other Theory Test study materials.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The format of the Theory Test itself will not change.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/stories/dsa-news-20111212" target="_blank">Changes to the theory test: the facts</a> for more information.</span></span></div>

Changes To The Theory Test From 23rd January 2012

From 23rd January 2012 the  multiple-choice questions  used in the  Theory Test will no longer be published. Alternative questions to assist...

Read more »

Teach Your Teen: Set The Example

My eight year old son sits next to his infant sister in our car. He likes to play with her and he's pretty good about putting her pacifier in when she cries. Recently, she was crying and the binkie wasn't calming her down. He got frustrated. And he yelled, "Come on! Mom, it's not working!"<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_QLSjBI79KBvxEAAxVQa64flSKZvomP6XuWkW5CN7pcFtdlVzf4S1EQnebweCaOEBL3TV576BX7zahjtJV4_Pii-2ASfYgMs8SdE76V5N9tHSyDvV4JCGF8R3JhIaC8zHQoRRhkKhT4/s1600/Kira+on+Blanket+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_QLSjBI79KBvxEAAxVQa64flSKZvomP6XuWkW5CN7pcFtdlVzf4S1EQnebweCaOEBL3TV576BX7zahjtJV4_Pii-2ASfYgMs8SdE76V5N9tHSyDvV4JCGF8R3JhIaC8zHQoRRhkKhT4/s320/Kira+on+Blanket+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our binkie loving baby.</td></tr></tbody></table>Seriously?! He just raised his voice? To a baby? Two realizations hit me. First, my son doesn't understand the difference between an infant's mental abilities and those of an older child. She's not trying to make him angry. He's just not meeting her needs. She wants her diaper changed or she's hungry, so giving her a binkie isn't going to calm her.  Second, it's obvious that I've been frustrated and raised my voice too many times. He's mimicking me. This isn't exactly the lesson I meant to teach my son.<br /><br />I'm teaching him the same lessons each time I drive. He will pick up on all of my habits. For better or worse. Remember earlier this year when <a href="http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2011/02/forever-clause-week-one.html#uds-search-results">I stopped eating in the car</a>? Well, my kids also stopped eating in the car, too. And driving down the big hill near our house...well he's learning that riding the brake isn't the best thing in the world to do. He's also learning that we stop at red lights. That we look before changing lanes. And mom talks on speaker phone while driving. In addition to the basics, there is so much more.<br /><br />This time of year is usually tragic for many families. There are tons of parties and  holiday celebrations and  many people drinking alcohol. That makes for some dangerous roads. And yes, there are more patrols out trying to get drunk drivers off the road and keep us safe. But stories of fatal collisions continue to pile up every year. I don't want one of those stories to be about my family.<br /><br />Whether your kids are with you at the party or not, it's important to teach them how to behave. Tell them how much they mean to you. Let them see you plan ahead for how you're getting home. They will learn from your example. Let them see you arrange for a designated driver. Or call for a taxi ride home. If you are staying home, open a line of communication with them about alcohol, parties, and driving. It' is safer to stay home than to be on the roads with drunks.<br /><br />Set <i><b>the</b></i> example. The example of defensive driving habits. The example of planning ahead. The example that your actions speak so much louder than words.

Teach Your Teen: Set The Example

My eight year old son sits next to his infant sister in our car. He likes to play with her and he's pretty good about putting her pacifi...

Read more »

Gift Card Winner

<div style="text-align: left;">Not only am I celebrating my birthday today, but I'm also celebrating because Ashley can use the <a href="http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2011/12/25-gift-card-giveaway.html">$25 gift card to Advance Auto Parts</a> that has been patiently waiting for over a year to be spent. Congratulations Ashley!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>

Gift Card Winner

Not only am I celebrating my birthday today, but I'm also celebrating because Ashley can use the  $25 gift card to Advance Auto Parts  t...

Read more »

The Backing-In Project

<div style="text-align: center;">My husband has been lecturing me on the virtues of backing cars into the driveway for years. It's safer, it's easier to drive away, yada, yada, yada. I guess I've always agreed that it's a good idea, but not worth my time or energy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Last week, I witnessed a near miss that scared me into having a change of heart. It all happened in a matter of seconds. I had parked across the street from my house to get the mail. I got out of my car and noticed my neighbor backing out of his driveway. Normally this wouldn't cause any alarm, but I also happened to notice that three children were approaching his car. Because of a hedge on my neighbor's yard, neither the kids, nor the driver saw each other. The kids were talking and laughing while walking home from school, completely oblivious to the car that was about to him them. The driver was minding his own business, backing out of his driveway, completely oblivious to the children that would appear behind his car in mere seconds. It wasn't until I screamed at the kids to stop, that they stopped in their tracks and noticed that they were about a foot away from being hit by an approaching car. The incident nearly gave me a heart attack.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Since that day, I have backed my car into the driveway <em>every time</em> I have come home. I have been convinced that it's just much safer. I'm not going to lie, it is more of a pain than simply pulling in and parking, but I'm getting used to it and getting better at it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also must add that I have noticed that my neighbor has also been backing his car in since that day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1000awesomethings.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/car-backed-into-driveway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1000awesomethings.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/car-backed-into-driveway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(This isn't my car or my house, but <a href="http://1000awesomethings.com/2010/11/19/370-backing-your-car-in/">this guy</a> also thinks backing his car in is pretty awesome).</div>

The Backing-In Project

My husband has been lecturing me on the virtues of backing cars into the driveway for years. It's safer, it's easier to drive away, ...

Read more »

$25 Gift Card Giveaway

<br /><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span>Hello! How may I help you today?</div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>I have a gift card. How do I complete the online order? There doesn't seem to be a place to enter in the information.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span><span dir="ltr">Gift cards are in store only</span></div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>I live near Seattle. How can I use the gift card?</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span><span dir="ltr">Sorry but thats a in store item only you can only use it in a local advance store </span></div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>Ridiculous.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span><span dir="ltr">I am sorry you feel that way but it says when you buy it in store only </span></div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>It was a gift to me...hence the name: gift card.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span><span dir="ltr">Well people buy them because they think they are accepted online and never read the details </span></div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>Perhaps you should instigate a change in the company. Every other store on the planet with gift cards accepts them for online purchases.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span><span dir="ltr">Every other store just not us at this time sorry </span></div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>Does the value of the card ever expire?</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span><span dir="ltr">I dont think so it should say in the front if it does but I dont see why </span></div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>Okay. What states are you in?</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span><span dir="ltr">Sorry but there is not store in Washington at this time. At this time only in the east coast and Texas </span></div><div class="visitorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3a49bc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="visitorName" style="font-weight: bold;">You: </span>Thanks.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><span class="operatorName" style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler: </span>Thank you for chatting with Advance Auto Parts. Join us on <a href="http://ww.facebook.com/advanceautoparts" target="_blank">FaceBook!</a></div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><br /></div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;">I want you to know that I had to work for the card in question. I got it last year at the <a href="http://thedsaa.org/" target="_blank">Driving School Association of the Americas</a> conference after I participated in a focus group for Advance Auto Parts. I was cleaning my desk today, found it and decided to go online and finally use it. How was I supposed to know its limitations? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product__10002171-P_N3506_A%7CGRP60044____" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLn8z7TODv7BIXXuo51lZj5NVXuGs6PDokdel7lqpz029HnP6PpBJEwF2n6VUHlE4GCKFfJQry6USGV7F3DYlgbbmffpZ8XVt2YWuLnI6PnuAkjWybyZfqjD8CAI8beR-bDD44xFEtpyI/s320/SUV+back+seat+organizer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what I wanted. It's only $14.99. But with $8.66 for shipping, it quickly ate up the card's value. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Hmph</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I didn't really want to organize my car anyway.</span></div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><br /></div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;">Give Away Rules:</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;">1. You must live on the United States' East Coast or in Texas.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;">2. Leave a comment with your name and email/contact info.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;">3. Winner will be chosen using random.org.</div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><br /></div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;">Extra Entries given to those who share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, or another social media site. You must come back and leave a separate comment for each time you share. </div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;"><br /></div><div class="operatorText" style="background-color: white; color: #3f3f3f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 4px;">And one more thing...the deadline will be next Thursday. I will announce the winner on Friday, December 9, 2011.</div>

$25 Gift Card Giveaway

Tyler:  Hello! How may I help you today? You:  I have a gift card. How do I complete the online order? There doesn't seem to be a place ...

Read more »

Dear Local Memorials Company,

<div style="text-align: center;">The other day when I drove by your store front, your sign caught my eye. It read,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">  TXT N DRIVE </div><div style="text-align: center;">WE CANT WAIT</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeing as you are in the business of making grave markers and monuments, I actually got a good laugh after reading your sign. Was it a little tacky? Yes. But, was it still funny? Absolutely. I have probably driven past your business hundreds of times and never even noticed that you were there until I read that sign.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought that a picture of your sign would make a great blog post, so I drove over to your business the other day to get a picture. I was slightly disappointed to see that you had changed your sign to this:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi296-mcG3Z8DMwcIHMl8W96wYRF0DG3UkiPrK1KXToEbmERXqnH9rTHLekO37ke-Py_FO9Z003TVJVPL0u9PuMsIUn4M9JGnjAJhnlZHkGrYc4IxQGoHjSvmx-BRvzh_Afy43G954GuLo/s1600/Memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi296-mcG3Z8DMwcIHMl8W96wYRF0DG3UkiPrK1KXToEbmERXqnH9rTHLekO37ke-Py_FO9Z003TVJVPL0u9PuMsIUn4M9JGnjAJhnlZHkGrYc4IxQGoHjSvmx-BRvzh_Afy43G954GuLo/s320/Memorial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems that you have decided to drop the sarcasm and be a little more genuine and sensitive. I already know not to text and drive. I like the old sign better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sincerely,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>Ammused by your old sign, not so much by your new one</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>

Dear Local Memorials Company,

The other day when I drove by your store front, your sign caught my eye. It read,   TXT N DRIVE WE CANT WAIT Seeing as you are in the busin...

Read more »

Public Transportation Will Never Replace My Car

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past week, I had the opportunity to attend a traffic safety conference in San Francisco with my brother and a colleague. I've always loved the Bay Area but had somewhat of a sticker shock when I found out it would cost $45 a day to park a car at our hotel on Fisherman's Wharf. Adding that to the cost of a rental car equated to us choosing to make our own adventure experience. Enter in Bay Area Rapid Transit. I actually like figuring out how I can get from point A to point B in a new city. It's like a game to me. I win if we arrive when we're supposed to. I won big on our first day when my plan to get us from the airport to the Alcatraz tour worked seamlessly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BART is a fantastic system of trains that took us directly from the airport into downtown San Francisco. All for the low low price of $6.80.  The trains and stations were clean (no food or drink allowed), schedules were convenient and no one looked scary. I brought my infant with me and each time we rode there was at least one person offered me a seat when it was crowded. Being a visitor, BART was a tremendous asset to me. But if I lived there, I know I'd never give up my car.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg463MGpx6e7_472KGkyIzm11AJ2kMM6_gaBWZQy1ocKTqKe-TdXtuEhr1shwMCsv4yebR_iMHgHsglIouuDpxBOsNAAKWl6jDO6Q4xgchHCCpeD0pl5eSrPNJJzFE2or9U0s63-H4iw-c/s1600/Bay+Area+Rapid+Transit+BART+train.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg463MGpx6e7_472KGkyIzm11AJ2kMM6_gaBWZQy1ocKTqKe-TdXtuEhr1shwMCsv4yebR_iMHgHsglIouuDpxBOsNAAKWl6jDO6Q4xgchHCCpeD0pl5eSrPNJJzFE2or9U0s63-H4iw-c/s400/Bay+Area+Rapid+Transit+BART+train.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Top 5 Reasons Why Public Transportation </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Will Never Replace My Car</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Family Un-Friendly.</b> Public transportation is innately not family-friendly. My baby was the one of 5 children I saw during my five train, three bus and one trolley rides. From the crowds of people to the hurry up and get on "I don't have time to wait for you" departures, keeping my brood together is extremely difficult at the grocery store. I'm pretty sure I'd end up leaving one at a station somewhere if I didn't have them strapped to me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. Passenger Safety.</b> Why is it that taxis, school and city busses and other modes of public transportation don't require seat belts? It just doesn't make sense. Especially with cab drivers. Those guys drive crazy. And no, we didn't tell them why we were in town. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Transfers.</b> It seems like there are very few places that you can go that are on only one line. We usually had to transfer at least once (sometimes twice) to get to where we wanted to go...and we were centrally located. It would have been so much worse if we'd been off the beaten track.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. Time. </b>It takes a lot of time to get somewhere when there are multiple stops before arriving at a destination. For trolleys and busses, our route time was doubled. I have to mentally put myself into a slower mindset to be okay with this. I told myself I was sightseeing as I watched the Occupy San Francisco group march down the street.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5. Convenience. </b>I like having stuff with me. Just in case I need it. In my pockets. In my car. Where ever I am. While traveling I had to make several down-sizing adjustments to effectively manage my travel. It's okay to do once in a while. But for the majority of the time, I feel way more comfortable surrounded by my stuff.</div>

Public Transportation Will Never Replace My Car

This past week, I had the opportunity to attend a traffic safety conference in San Francisco with my brother and a colleague. I've alway...

Read more »

Video Contest Winner

Have you seen the winning video for our Summer 2011 Video Contest? If not, you need to check it out! Congrats again to our winner, Tim Harding!<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YCBItWULibg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Video Contest Winner

Have you seen the winning video for our Summer 2011 Video Contest? If not, you need to check it out! Congrats again to our winner, Tim Harding!

Read more »

Teach Your Teen: Where To Start

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2dfoJnPfxi6eijciioJfVxMUI_2pFAEThDmFWZo1YzbiJbDvfkC9tkZc2d1PGsCo0gdRk3YQE90wu4XjI3HfTkSc5q-WGMXvGSb6NTDSSKkgk4H6It7gh-wk3u8R5LMH1EBzXXS_Tlw/s1600/student+driver+-+the+I+want+to+drive+look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2dfoJnPfxi6eijciioJfVxMUI_2pFAEThDmFWZo1YzbiJbDvfkC9tkZc2d1PGsCo0gdRk3YQE90wu4XjI3HfTkSc5q-WGMXvGSb6NTDSSKkgk4H6It7gh-wk3u8R5LMH1EBzXXS_Tlw/s400/student+driver+-+the+I+want+to+drive+look.jpg" width="400" /></a><b>The Look</b><br />So, your teen just got their learner's permit and they are so excited to finally be able to drive. For real this time and not just sitting in your lap as a child or backing out of the garage. You on the other hand are experiencing some trepidation and possibly are even breathing into a paper bag. I mean, your life is on the line. You've already had <a href="http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2011/10/teach-your-teen-you-have-control.html">this conversation</a>. So what's next?<br /><br /><b>Three Great Practice Areas</b><br />Finding the right practice area keeps your nerves calm and anxiety in check. Choose a place where there aren't too many cars are things to hit. Good practice areas act as a protection. Students learning to drive need to be shielded somewhat from the consequences of missing a stop sign and other common mistakes. Three recommendations:<br /><br />1. A quiet neighborhood.<br />2. A large parking lot that doesn't have too many cars in it (a church on a weekday).<br />3. A cemetery (they have lots of little roads and you have no worries about hitting anyone since most occupants are already dead).<br /><br />Each area should have very few cars or people, straight stretches of road and several intersections. The goal is to make these first sessions as comfortable as possible for both the parent and driver. Basic skills need to be perfected before moving into busier traffic situations.<br /><br /><b>First Train Your Eyes</b><br />When I first started playing basketball, I looked at the ball each time I dribbled. I got to be pretty good at it, but in games I'd dribble myself into a corner and then look up to see who was open for a pass. Most drivers start out by trying to do the same thing in the driver's seat. They look just over the hood and then wonder why they can't drive in a straight line. Or perhaps, they missed seeing a stop sign or even worse, a pedestrian. The first training item must be the driver's eyes. Just like I never made a basket by looking at my hand dribbling, a driver will never make it down the road without a collision if they are looking right over the fender. Teach your teen to raise their eyes. They must see what is 100 feet in front of the car. Vision should then be expanded to a block ahead and then several blocks ahead. Training eyes to see potential hazards well in advance improves the odds that good decisions will be made when problems arise. In addition, looking well ahead or aiming high will cure lane weaving problems, wide turns, cutting turns, parking difficulties, timing issues and more. It's pretty much the cure-all for lousy driving.<br /><br /><b>Smooth Starts and Stops</b><br />Vision cannot be improved without addressing basic driving tasks. On a straight stretch of road, new drivers can practice smooth starts and stops. Knowing how a car behaves with varying degrees of pressure on the gas and brake must be experimented with to be perfected. To stop smoothly, direct your teen to press down on the brake gently and steadily until it's about 85-90% depressed. Then lift up 5% (creating a slight hesitation) and press the brake down to the floor. It will feel smooth and keep the jolt to a minimum. When starting, hesitate when moving your foot from the brake to the gas. Let the vehicle idle a moment before gently pressing the gas. This will prevent any sudden change in movement and you won't feel so queasy.<br /><br /><b>Turning</b><br />The art of turning includes two basic parts. Hand positioning and speed. When steering, your hands should be in a balanced position (at 9 and 3 o'clock) with the thumbs up for optimal control. Whether you choose hand-over-hand or push/pull turning techniques is up to you. The wheel rotates about 3/4 of a turn to go around a 90 degree corner. Be careful to resist putting extra spin in the wheel. It will require increased effort to recover and drive straight in your new path of travel. For speed, slow down about halfway into a turn and then accelerate out. Steady pressure on the gas will help the wheel glide back to its straight position.<br /><br /><b>Skill Mastery</b><br />Keep practicing in your practice area until driving straight, stops, starts and turns are mastered. Having confidence in your teens abilities to perform basic maneuvers will help you keep you at ease when you progress to busier driving.<br /><br /><b>Trouble Shooting</b><br />If you are unsure of a good practice area near your home, call your local driving school and ask them where they practice with their students. Drive your teen to that area and then practice the basics above.

Teach Your Teen: Where To Start

The Look So, your teen just got their learner's permit and they are so excited to finally be able to drive. For real this time and not j...

Read more »

Traffic Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBh6teCSsoPP4ap-iVLztQE4wVO5MOA01JKeV4nSnZ6g5RaIbX61t6dvQS44J5myXO4hOp0ocLzVh7MjwGTIuedUapiqDODxFzo2qeCGdqYLyCBKfdIXgcKr7zyS_2Jd1POpEOwoLQUvU/s1600/halloweencostumes.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBh6teCSsoPP4ap-iVLztQE4wVO5MOA01JKeV4nSnZ6g5RaIbX61t6dvQS44J5myXO4hOp0ocLzVh7MjwGTIuedUapiqDODxFzo2qeCGdqYLyCBKfdIXgcKr7zyS_2Jd1POpEOwoLQUvU/s1600/halloweencostumes.gif" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 354px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Traffic safety on Halloween hits especially close to home for me. A couple of years ago, my niece and some of her friends were hit by a passing car while trick-or-treating. Luckily, everybody is okay now, but there were quite a few injuries, some of which were very serious.<div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Trick-or-treating is fun, but can be dangerous if we don't take the proper precautions. This is especially the case here in Washington where many neighborhoods don't have sidewalks.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.cdc.gov">CDC </a>has come up with <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/">this list </a>of safety tips for trick-or-treaters.</div><div align="center">While, they're all important, I'd like to focus on the one relevant to traffic safety:</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">* Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">*Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">*Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">*Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Have a happy and safe Halloween!! </div><div align="center"> </div></div>

Traffic Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Traffic safety on Halloween hits especially close to home for me. A couple of years ago, my niece and some of her friends were hit by a pass...

Read more »

Drivers' Ed Is Dead

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I was hooked at first sight!  "</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0943864763/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwbridgetjoh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0943864763">Drivers' Ed Is Dead</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwbridgetjoh-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0943864763&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span class="Apple-style-span">" by Pat Delgado immediately piqued my curiosity when I happened upon it while on Amazon one afternoon. I had to buy it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApcv7KzMk-C3AqoFHzUWcmGD8c3C-mR88OkpchwEeQWmcgwpPMxkM7bj0zFxASoxMhhW3fL8xIJEq7jBsjnVsXMEiAeA8Hrk3XEf_kHT4eu2ZiSWAKWRsviwv2er0YD9v1pq2TmYWNuA/s1600/Drivers%2527+Ed+Is+Dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApcv7KzMk-C3AqoFHzUWcmGD8c3C-mR88OkpchwEeQWmcgwpPMxkM7bj0zFxASoxMhhW3fL8xIJEq7jBsjnVsXMEiAeA8Hrk3XEf_kHT4eu2ZiSWAKWRsviwv2er0YD9v1pq2TmYWNuA/s320/Drivers%2527+Ed+Is+Dead.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br />It's a short and fun read about two boys who signed up to take driver's ed in high school but the class was cancelled and replaced by a business course. For them, what started out as a class project ended up as a real life business when they opened their own driving school.<br /><br />My review: I enjoyed this tale on a few different levels.<br />1. Teenage boys learning how to be responsible always nets a positive review.<br />2. Building interpersonal relationships with those in different generations brings blessings to all involved.<br />3. Imagining a teen teaching another teen how to drive makes me chuckle. Out loud.<br /><br />My only complaint may not be an issue for you. As a driving instructor and school owner, I find it hard to believe that Ms. Delgado, a school teacher, doesn't address any State regulations regarding driving schools. Specifically, licensed instructors and an approved curriculum as well as school records. They only had to get a business license. What makes it better is that with their grand opening money, they had to account for their expenses before taking home any money. And that's a good business practice that many failed businesses never learn.<br /><br /><div>I did have one more problem. The target audience for the book is teenage boys yet the graphics on the cover and inside illustrations would appeal to my grandmother.</div>

Drivers' Ed Is Dead

I was hooked at first sight!  " Drivers' Ed Is Dead " by Pat Delgado immediately piqued my curiosity when I happened upon it w...

Read more »

Traffic Law Myth Busted

<div style="text-align: center;">Did you know that it's against the law to eat a lollipop or paint polka dots on the American flag in Washington? Oh, and you can forget about buying any more meat on Sunday. <em>Supposedly, </em>anyway<em>.</em></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We've all heard rumours about these types of "crazy laws" that are still somehow on "the books." While I think these laws are comical, ridiculous, and entertaining to hear about, I find myself wondering if they're really still in existence, or if they ever were.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I recently saw this ridiculous Washington law cited all over the internet:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>All motor vehicles must be preceded by a man carrying a red flag (daytime) or a red lantern (nighttime) fifty feet in front of said vehicle.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.encyclopedie-incomplete.com/IMG/jpg/red_flag_act_1878.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 363px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Really? </i>So, we're all supposed to be driving 2 miles per hour everywhere? Yikes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, if this law happens to actually still be in existence, it's obviously not enforced. I don't recall ever being pulled over for not having a man carrying a red flag in front of me. But, as far as I can tell, it's not still in existence. Not one of the internet sources citing this supposed law cites a corresponding RCW (Revised Code of Washington) to support it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">RCW Title 46 deals with Motor Vehicles. Only one law (<a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.37.440">RCW 46.37.440</a>) mentions flags and lanterns, but is there any mention of any man preceding any vehicle? Nope. This particular law only says that flags and lanterns must be carried in trucks in case of emergencies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can sleep easy now. I'm fairly certain that you won't be pulled over for not having a man fifty feet in front of you with a red flag/lantern. Phew.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

Traffic Law Myth Busted

Did you know that it's against the law to eat a lollipop or paint polka dots on the American flag in Washington? Oh, and you can forget ...

Read more »

Teach Your Teen: You Have Control

I like driving with teens. I like teaching them a skill and working on it for a bit and seeing them improve. It's amazing what an hour of concentrated practice can do.<br /><br />My friend Diane expressed concern not too many months back about her daughter learning to drive. It's the worst part of having a teen. We're in different stages of life. Her children are in their teens and 20s. Mine are young (the oldest is almost 8). I asked her if she'd like to trade kids with me. Just for a few days. A week, tops. She's got a good memory, though, and didn't want to step back into the world of potty training and coloring on the walls.<br /><br />One thing that I've only done on a couple occasions, is to ride with a new driver without my passenger-side foot brake. With it, I'm calm and assured. Without it, I get really nervous. Teens are notorious for doing random and unexpected maneuvers while driving. Gas/brake confusion is really distressing. Turning left in front of on-coming cars or lane changing into another vehicle are just as bad. And as I remember these situations, I begin to understand Diane's less than enthusiastic attitude about teen drivers. Aside from about 6-8 formal driving lessons, parents provide most of the practice time with their new drivers. And that can be terrifying.<br /><br />Before driving with your teen, have the following conversation:<br /><br /><ul><li>You: When I say stop, you stop. Do not ask questions. Just do it. We'll talk about the why when it's safe. </li><li>Teen: Okay (Or something in the affirmative. If the response is less than 100% obedience, your teen may lack the maturity to learn to drive right now. A little time and a lot of walking usually cure this.)</li></ul><br />Do not fear. You have a lot of control when your son or daughter is driving. Or at least more than you realize. In addition to this initial warning, you may want to discuss the following so that your child knows what to expect out of you.<br /><br /><ul><li>You will be calm and give instructions well in advance.</li><li>You will be sitting in a ready position to take control of the vehicle if necessary.</li><li>The steering wheel is not sacred ground. You may be guiding it if there needs to be a minor course adjustment.</li><li>If there are gas/brake issues, they may feel you grab their knee to lift their foot off the gas or brake.</li><li>In an emergency, you may pull up on the parking brake. </li><li>In an emergency, you may shift into neutral.</li><li>In an emergency, you may turn off the car.</li></ul><div>Use this list of controls wisely and in moderation. You can avoid most of them by not putting your child in a driving situation beyond their abilities. Excessive stimulation from the radio, traffic, siblings in the car or new places usually translates into potential danger. You can do this. The more effort you put into practicing specific skills with your child, the better driver they will become.</div>

Teach Your Teen: You Have Control

I like driving with teens. I like teaching them a skill and working on it for a bit and seeing them improve. It's amazing what an hour o...

Read more »

First Ride: 2012 Tesla Model S Beta

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661085200459841202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_phtKLun6Sfz5gIgZ5RHK25Gax_r3oYw2RGEjGacisYsGDmIbAH2b7BEDq_IOT9CyF0f6ToLOeDQJN80SwuOmAHK2Kh4w_20jtzqlR-osn39Tg8K_jmuvmowsR-KptX_b4401NOrZo5o/s400/01-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-628.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" /> Tesla had a big weekend. Some 1,500 Model S hand-raisers and their +1s descended on the company's recently acquired NUMMI plant in Fremont, CA to see where their $5,000 deposits have gone. The event, which served as both a product extravaganza and a subtle reassurance, sought to prove that the Model S is well on its way to production. And part of the program included rides in three Model S betas.<br /><br />As Tesla was keen to point out, showing off a prototype � even one that's 80-percent complete � is relatively unheard of in the industry. Regardless, the EV upstart invited a handful of journalists to go for a brief spin in the passenger seat of the betas. How brief? Less than five minutes.<br /><br />So... don't expect to find any mind-blowing revelations, 10/10ths impressions or thorough interior dissections. Here's all you need to know: It drives, it steers, it stops, it's practically � and predictably � silent and the interior tech is enough to make gadget nerds forget about the lack of an iPhone 5. <br /><br />Of the three betas on hand, two were developed for fine tuning the interior and one was set up for rides. There are currently five betas undergoing testing, all of which were built at a contract plant in Detroit and not at the newly refurbished, ex-Toyota plant in Northern California. That said, an extensive tour of the facility revealed that Tesla is almost completely set up to begin Model S production this January before deliveries begin in the middle of next year. The plant currently employs around 180 people, with that number set to hit 250 by the end of the year and then swell to 500 when at full capacity. All in, 300 to 400 people will handle drivetrain production and by 2013, roughly 1,000 people will work between the powertrain and chassis facilities.<br /><br /><img id="vimage_4501681" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/04-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-305.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img id="vimage_4501680" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/02-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-305.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />So yes, Tesla can build them. And after spending a few hours around the Fremont plant, much of our skepticism about Tesla's abilities to bring the sedan market were laid to rest. They've pulled in equipment and talent from around the world (Germany in particular) to make a modern, world-class facility. And now we get to sample what they'll be building.<br /><br />Considering this is a prototype, we're suitably impressed with the fit and finish both inside and out. We're sure that Tesla was sweating the details in the run-up to this past weekend's festivities, and the tight gaps in the body panels and general exterior polish of the betas was proof the Tesla can at least get a handful of sedans ready for the spotlight.<br /><br /><img id="vimage_4501684" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/20-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-628.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 618px; height: 412px;" /><br /><img id="vimage_4501685" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/30-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-305.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img id="vimage_4501686" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/38-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-305.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />Inside was just as refined, save for a few crudely fashioned, but barely noticeable, bits of trim and a transmission stalk and window switchgear pulled from Mercedes-Benz. The backseat proved to be both comfortable and spacious enough to enjoy a 15-minute presentation on the infotainment system, and while our request to sit in the rear-facing jump seats was denied, we were just pleased to see them included on one of the testers.<br /><br />On the infotainment front, Tesla is using a 17-inch multitouch display, with a persistent climate control interface at the bottom (good for muscle memory). It's just as massive in person as it is in photos � it's essentially two iPads worth of screen real estate � and provides drivers with Google Maps navigation, streaming Internet radio, local music playback, web browsing (HTML5/Webkit-based) and sunroof controls through an infrared touch system. Just like everything else with the Model S, it's still in prototype form, with a capacitive screen set to replace the IR version and the Linux-based OS and its proprietary user interface skin to receive more tweaks between now and the on sale date next year.<br /><br />That said, it's largely glitch-free, and you can check out the video below for a full walk around of the system, including the configurable instrument panel behind the steering wheel and iPhone app that keeps track of charging and location, along with the ability to control the EV's climate remotely.<br />When we initially walked up to the passenger-side door, we tried to push in the flush, chrome door handle as we would open an Aston Martin. Nothing. A second later, the motorized handle slowly protruded from the door. A neat � if superfluous � party piece.<br /><br />We quietly pulled away from the staging tent as our engineer-turned-chauffeur attempted to shove a fistful of wires behind the panel in the center compartment. "Obviously customers won't see this." Fair enough. Let's get underway.<br /><br /><img id="vimage_4501678" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/08-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-628.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 618px; height: 412px;" /><br /><img id="vimage_4501690" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/06-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-305.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img id="vimage_4501691" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/07-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-305.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />The first run was through a coned-off section of the receiving bay (not fair to call it an autocross course) where the Model S resisted body roll thanks to a combination of its air suspension and low center of gravity provided by the flat battery pack spanning the passenger compartment. Our driver, who races Lotuses on the weekends, didn't push too hard, but wasn't afraid to mash the pedal as we eerily and rapidly accelerated towards a small, banked high-speed stability course, putting out all 306 pound-feet of torque to the wheels.<br /><br />When the driver comes off the throttle, the brake regen is far more subtle than in the Roadster, failing to shove us into the seatbelt and doing little to upset the balance of the Model S when slowing in a straight line.<br /><br /><img id="vimage_4501692" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/11-tesla-model-s-beta-fd-618.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 618px; height: 412px;" /><br /><br />Out on the track inherited from Toyota, we kept a quick pace through the first section of the oval, and then accelerated fully down the back straight, hitting an indicated 103 mph before braking lightly into the next 180-degree bend. After three similar runs, we came away impressed with both the planted sensation afforded by the low CG and elongated wheelbase, the suitably smooth ride and the now-expected, yet still disconcerting, lack of racket inside the cabin. But naturally, until we can get some time off the test track and feel that wheel between our hands, we'll remain skeptically impressed from afar.<br /><br />Who isn't skeptical? Hundreds of people from the Bay Area, along with hundreds more from across the country and around the world, all of which have put cash down to be one of the few with a Signature Series Model S. Potential buyers flew in from as far away as Tokyo, Denmark and Switzerland to be part of this weekend's event, including one gentleman from Iceland who inked a deal to purchase 100 examples for his car sharing service. Fittingly, he signed the papers on the hood of a Model S beta Saturday night � the same sedan we ran around the track less than 48 hours later.

First Ride: 2012 Tesla Model S Beta

Tesla had a big weekend. Some 1,500 Model S hand-raisers and their +1s descended on the company's recently acquired NUMMI plant in Frem...

Read more »

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661082977806208482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRur4bkgxRxcGyHgddekdJoRbefk2map2pphWe8uYBgLOadO03-_FTLADTaQI36Os5_Kwu_tbx_syxEkjqTkvgUg2_Nok1OyaLplTxb8HeHhyxMt8njg60ckUEP7ebqw4Q-b3AT9oFrg/s400/2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /><br />The auto show transition seemed to happen in a flash. One year, automakers were jockeying for dealer traffic with high horsepower, rear-wheel-drive retro rides, and the next year, each one of them ushered in a hybrid or electric vehicle. The paradigm shift was a welcome sight for car buyers wanting to shrink their carbon footprint and save money on fuel, but the majority of those products were years from production. Fast-forward to 2011, and the variety of fuel efficient transportation on offer in the industry has improved quite a bit, including this sleekly styled mid-size offering from Hyundai.<br /><br />The Sonata Hybrid may have taken longer than expected to hit the market, but its lithium-polymer battery pack and host of fuel-saving features have given Hyundai 35 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy numbers to flash before consumers. And the Sonata Hybrid isn't battling the competition on fuel economy alone. It also features attractive styling that sharply differentiates it from non-hybrid Sonata models, while also carrying an MSRP thousands of dollars less than the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid.<br /><br />We spent a week with a modestly equipped Sonata Hybrid, but rather than going light on the pedal to gather up as many Eco points as possible, we drove it like we would any mid-sized sedan to see if it could hang with the daily drudgery of suburban life. <div id="continued"> <br />Our Hyper Silver Metallic tester carried a very reasonable price tag of $25,930 (plus $720 shipping), and Hyundai kept that MSRP low by adding only floor mats ($100) and an iPod cable ($35) to the options list. Fortunately, the Sonata Hybrid already comes equipped with a boatload of standard features, including a six-speaker sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, automatic climate control, headlights with LED accents and a 4.2-inch LCD trip computer/hybrid technology display.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid side view" id="vimage_4501981" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead2-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 618px; height: 268px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid front view" id="vimage_4501982" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead3-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rear view" id="vimage_4501983" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead4-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />"Hybrid" and "low MSRP" generally don't go hand-in-hand, but the $25,795 base price of the Sonata only strengthens its case. This Hyundai also proves that hybrids don't have to be stodgy pods to achieve mpg bliss. The same Fluidic Design that's been a hit with the Sonata Hybrid's gas-only sibling looks just as good with a 30-kilowatt electric motor under the hood. And Hyundai hasn't simply slap on some Blue Motion badging to differentiate its hybrid offering from the hot-selling standard Sonata.<br /><br />The biggest adjustment comes in the form of a gaping grille that looks like a whale shark on a plankton feeding frenzy. Further aero improvements come in the form of tweaked bodyside moldings and a more sharply truncated rear end with unique 'atom' element taillamps. In total, exterior engineering adjustments result in a drag coefficient that drops from .28 to an outstanding .25, the same number achieved by the benchmark Toyota Prius.<br /><br />We dig the fact that the Sonata Hybrid looks quite a bit different than its sibling, and the Bill Nye taillights are something to behold. Heck, even the Blue Motion badging looks cool. For our money, there is one hybrid-only touch that just has to go: the standard 16-inch alloys. We're not sure what Hyundai's designers were going for here (at least beyond aero supremacy), but they ended up with a set of wheels that draws Blade-Runner-meets-Salad-Shooter comparisons. Luckily, Hyundai offers optional 17-inch wheels that look remarkably classier than the ones seen here. Unfortunately, the upsized wheels can only be had as part of the Premium Package, which will set buyers back another $5,000.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid headlight" id="vimage_4501987" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead8-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid grille" id="vimage_4501986" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead7-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid wheel" id="vimage_4501985" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead6-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid taillight" id="vimage_4501984" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead5-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="border: 0px solid ; margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />Nasty wheels aside, the Sonata Hybrid is a looker, and the interior isn't hard on the eyes, either. Hyundai has decided to carry over the same interior from the standard Sonata, save for some Blue Motion badging and the aforementioned 4.2-inch display. That means hybrid buyers get the same spacious cabin flush with attractive curves and soft-touch materials on the dash, doors and center console. Seats are comfortable and appropriately bolstered as well, and the driver's seat is power-adjustable. Another big plus comes in the form of a standard USB port and Bluetooth connectivity that quickly and easily syncs to a Bluetooth-enabled phone. And the 4.2-inch LED screen? It's bright, with easy-to-read graphics and various ways to dissect your driving habits. The Eco bars aren't nearly as interesting as the fanciful tree leaves adorning the display of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, but a driver's eyes should be focused on the road anyway.<br /><br />The Sonata Hybrid's interior scores big with overall refinement and standard tech, but we observed a few chinks in its armor. The biggest issues are the rubbery steering wheel and shift knob, which makes an otherwise impressive cabin feel like a trip to the Walmart clearance rack. Adding leather to these items the driver touches most again requires the $5,000 Premium Package. Sure, the Ford Fusion Hybrid starts at $28,600 ($2,670 more than the Sonata), but it at least comes standard with a leather steering wheel and shift knob, plus a bunch of standard features that can only be had with Hyundai's Premium package.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid interior" id="vimage_4501992" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead13-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 616px; height: 347px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid front seats" id="vimage_4501995" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead16-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 200px; height: 133px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid eco gauge" id="vimage_4501994" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead15-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 200px; height: 133px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid start button" id="vimage_4501993" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead14-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 200px; height: 133px;" /><br /><br />The Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 154 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 revs. Like other hybrids on the market, the Sonata Hybrid's 2.4-liter engine runs on the more efficient Atkinson cycle, which closes the intake valve late to provide a shorter compression stroke than traditional Otto cycle engines. But unlike many other hybrids that use an electric continuously variable transmission, Hyundai has opted to mate its powertrain to a more conventional six-speed automatic transmission. You'll hear no arguments here, as the transmission did its job well with a smooth operation and reassuring gear selections during our test.<br /><br />Additionally, Hyundai didn't go with the cheaper, yet tried-and-tested nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Its engineers decided to start with a clean slate, diving feet-first into newer lithium polymer cells for power storage. The end game is a 1.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack that weighs only 96 pounds. The Blue Motion's electric motor isn't as powerful as those found under the hood of the 2012 Camry Hybrid (141 hp) and Fusion Hybrid (106 hp), but the 30 kilowatt motor still manages to generate 40 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Combined horsepower figures are 206 hp for the Sonata Hybrid, 200 hp for the Camry Hybrid and 191 for the Fusion Hybrid.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid engine" id="vimage_4501988" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead9-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px;" /><br /><br />Numbers and specs can be fun, but real-world driving is where the Hankook Optimo rubber meets the road. And while the Sonata Hybrid's driving dynamics aren't particularly aggressive, this Sonata's hybrid system is. If you take your foot off the gas at most any speed, the engine turns off in a pinch and the regenerative braking system begins to charge the lithium battery. When the go pedal is handled with care and the speed kept under 70 mph, the electric motor and battery can move the car by themselves, thanks in part to an engine clutch that manages the gas engine and electric motor separately. Even better, the throttle doesn't have to be babied like many other hybrids do, giving the driver more time to enjoy gas-free motoring.<br /><br />In the past, we'd practice a great deal of restraint when driving a hybrid, because trying to achieve the best possible fuel economy can actually be fun. But for us, the novelty of driving a hybrid in this way goes away after a week � just when the fuel economy game starts to become a bore. For that reason, we took pains to experience the Sonata Hybrid as we would any other mid-size sedan.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid badge" id="vimage_4501991" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead12-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid battery pack" id="vimage_4501990" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead11-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />As a regular four-door, the Sonata Hybrid is plenty easy to live with. Power is strong off the line when needed, and the integrated starter generator goes about the job of switching the engine on and off without any major drama. The system isn't as smooth as the one under the hood of the Fusion Hybrid, but the tradeoff is that the Blue Drive system appears to be more aggressive when cutting off the power whenever it isn't needed.<br /><br />The EPA tells us that Sonata Hybrid owners can expect fuel economy numbers of 40 mpg highway and 35 mpg in the city. Our experience with the hybrid Hyundai wasn't quite in the range of those numbers, as we managed 33.5 mpg in mixed driving, which falls below the EPA combined rating of 37 mpg. We weren't all that impressed with those results, and we're thinking that most diesel-powered mid-size entries would eclipse a combined score of 33.5 mpg. In fact, our Jetta TDI long-term fleet vehicle routinely averages more than 40 mpg. And although the Fusion Hybrid costs a bit more and relies on older nickel-metal tech, it still delivers better fuel economy numbers of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The new 2012 Camry Hybrid promises even better fuel economy, with an estimated 39 mpg highway and 43 mpg city. Just as troubling, in our experience, the standard 2.4-liter gas-only Sonata actually tends to return fuel economy figures above its 24/35 EPA numbers, particularly on the highway, so we have to wonder if the standard Sonata isn't the better overall bet when it comes to return-on-investment.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rear 3/4 view" id="vimage_4501989" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead10-2011-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px;" /><br /><br />While we were less than impressed with the Sonata Hybrid's fuel thrift, we were pleased with its overall driving dynamics. At 3,578 pounds, the Sonata Hybrid is still light on its feet, with a structurally rigid chassis that doesn't flex at the slightest change of direction. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of about nine seconds. The steering is predictably free of hydraulics, yet Hyundai has chosen to dial in a bit more artificial heft than we expected or really want.<br /><br />The Sonata Hybrid Blue Motion is a solid first foray into the world of mixed propulsion motoring for Hyundai. Would we have liked to see better fuel economy numbers? Absolutely. But there is still something to be said about a hybrid that can deliver good looks, solid fuel economy and a driving experience that isn't fun-free. Not every vehicle in this segment can make such a claim, and none can come within $1,000 of this Hyundai's $25,750 price of entry... at least until the 2012 Camry Hybrid goes on sale starting at $25,900. </div>

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The auto show transition seemed to happen in a flash. One year, automakers were jockeying for dealer traffic with high horsepower, rear-whee...

Read more »

2011 VPG Autos MV-1

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661080310353151282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwStDeFyWw_Prets6dKT9RkPXMuIrmRsFEZPEiDJKMyOeu909gE5Hfx1vguBc6RRCjfhX1FoN0o_cgLmSjnQkDkzvccDXJKTN8FUmbMrQoyzy-wyWZ6JVJwHjBzcANaXrOleFo04Ip4Q/s400/2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" /><br />A round of applause broke out as Marc Buoniconti, former linebacker for The Citadel, ascended the ramp of the very first VPG Autos MV-1 to roll off the assembly line inside AM General's plant near South Bend, Indiana. Buoniconti was rendered a quadriplegic after a gruesome tackle while playing football for his South Carolina alma mater. That was back in 1985 and Buoniconti has been wheelchair-bound for the past 26 years. Since then, he has gone on to start The Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, and been heavily involved in the development of what you see here � the very first purpose-built, OEM-backed vehicle designed specifically to accommodate the needs of the disabled.<br /><br />The MV-1 is a strange hodgepodge of engineering, but its mission is clear: To offer a mobility solution for the disabled that costs substantially less than aftermarket minivan conversions available today. Right now, VPG says there are some 1.5 million vehicles on the road that have been converted for wheelchair access, all from third-party companies who augment a factory vehicle's chassis and interior at substantial cost. "Aftermarket means afterthought," says Buoniconti, and the team at VPG Autos aims to offer a factory-crafted solution for an otherwise overlooked segment of the automotive landscape. <br />January of 2009 marked the end of Hummer H2 production at AM General's facility in South Bend, and although the company continues to build and engineer Humvees for military use, the plant was largely unused until VPG Autos stepped in. Now, the facility has the capacity to build approximately 12 MV-1s each day, and soon, production will increase to a 20-unit clip as demand increases.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 side view" id="vimage_4505271" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead6-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 618px; height: 292px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 front view" id="vimage_4505270" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead4-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 rear 3/4 view" id="vimage_4505268" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead3-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />The key feature of the MV-1 is its easy wheelchair access, and thus, the entire vehicle has been designed around its side door ramp system. That ramp, supplied by ASC, has a 1,200-pound weight capacity (600 pounds more than the Americans with Disabilities Act requires), and is available with a power rollout function on Deluxe (DE) models. The ramp is housed under the floor of the rear passenger compartment and is easily accessible for all types of wheelchairs. The rear doors offer an opening that's 36 inches wide and 56 inches tall, and inside, one wheelchair can be anchored in the front passenger position, while seating for either three or four passengers can be had in the rear. All in, the MV-1 is capable of carrying up to 6,600 pounds.<br /><br />To support this sort of weight, the MV-1 uses body-on-frame architecture, with a chassis specifically designed for the application. While it's not exactly pretty, the MV-1 radiates purpose, looking like the strange lovechild of a London taxi and GMC Terrain.<br /><br />As for interior amenities, the MV-1 is essentially a utility van, so you won't find soft-touch dash materials, nicely grained plastics or any optional high-tech gadgetry. Instead, you have a commanding driving position with a comfortable, air-suspended seat situated behind a steering wheel that appears to have been ripped out of a Lincoln MKS. The instrument panel, gauge cluster, audio and HVAC controls are pure Ford E-Series and the simple driver's compartment is elementary yet well-organized.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 interior" id="vimage_4505288" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead9-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 interior" id="vimage_4505287" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead8-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 ramp" id="vimage_4505289" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead10-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 rear cargo area" id="vimage_4505286" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead7-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />We had the opportunity to briefly drive the MV-1 on the roads near AM General's facility, and as you can imagine, it behaves like almost any other body-on-frame van we've ever spent time in. Power comes from a Ford-sourced 4.6-liter V8 producing 248 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque that's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. It seems like ancient technology, yes, but it's cheap to source, cheaper to service and gets the job done. A compressed natural gas version is also available, utilizing two tanks situated under the rear seat and offering a 300-mile cruising range. VPG says that the CNG version will return approximately 13.5 miles per gallon (combined), with the gasoline-powered version netting around 15 mpg.<br /><br />The MV-1 isn't all that unpleasant to steer, though we imagine the experience is vastly different when it's loaded up full of people. Acceleration is perfectly adequate for a vehicle its size and function, and we found key driving components like the steering and brakes to be tuned for ease of use uber alles. Other key drivability factors like general visibility and suspension tuning are also more than acceptable, and although its body-on-frame architecture does give it a truck-like feeling from behind the wheel, it's smooth enough to offer a comfortable ride for passengers in wheelchairs and seats alike.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 headlight" id="vimage_4505293" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead14-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 grille" id="vimage_4505292" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead13-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 wheel" id="vimage_4505291" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead12-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 taillight" id="vimage_4505290" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead11-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />Let's be clear, though � the MV-1 does not allow its wheelchair-bound occupants to drive on their own. Some aftermarket companies have created steering column-mounted hand controls to operate the throttle and brakes, but this is not the case with VPG's creation. Instead, its sole purpose is to allow easy access and maneuverability for folks in wheelchairs that will only ride as passengers.<br /><br />VPG Autos plans to sell the MV-1 through a wide range of existing new car dealerships across the country, and as of this writing, 41 dealers have currently signed on, with another 15 slated to be added in the coming months. The key to spreading the word about the MV-1 will be what the company executives call "discover marketing" � the vehicle will be taken to places like hospitals and rehabilitation centers for people to check out and the company is largely relying on word of mouth within the disabled community to communicate the advantages of the MV-1.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 VPG Autos MV-1 rear 3/4 view" id="vimage_4505265" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/lead2-2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px;" /><br /><br />The greatest advantage, however, is the MV-1's price: $39,950 for the base SE and $41,950 for the up-market DE. For comparison's sake, a typical aftermarket conversion costs around $25,000, and when you add that to the cost of a well-equipped minivan like a Dodge Grand Caravan, the price can easily reach $55K or $60K. Even then, going the aftermarket route means you get a vehicle that's been chopped up to accommodate a purpose it was never intended to serve, and VPG Autos includes its own five-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty. Currently, the MV-1 is already sold out for its first year of production, with initial deliveries taking place as you read this.<br /><br />"Everything in our lives revolves around transportation," Buoniconti said upon exiting the black MV-1 with VIN #000001 � the vehicle that would soon be delivered to his Florida home. And by offering a mobile solution for tens of thousands of dollars less than an aftermarket upfit job, the folks at VPG, in collaboration with AM General, offer a purpose-built answer to an important question that no other OEM has even been asking.

2011 VPG Autos MV-1

A round of applause broke out as Marc Buoniconti, former linebacker for The Citadel, ascended the ramp of the very first VPG Autos MV-1 to r...

Read more »