Driving Trainigs

Think before you drink and drive

<div><div style="text-align: center;">I went with my little family and some friends to the Puyallup Fair last week. We had a great time. We took our kids on rides,visited the petting zoo, ate corn-on-the-cob, bbq, and cotton candy, and enoyed the atmosphere you only experience at a fair.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div> </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">On our way out, we saw this car (or what's left of it) by the exit:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657997976710936162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTMlsAjHQCJ-ChSIZieNqG-7kucfoXCfH5NmCMcdxGttJ24CVRmN2jb1fd0gWqr-tNdFzG7Scd3DE7ZmROWEa8IAXQwX4wsX0vOzzA-3NRAb6I1hyKOyuva5tnyB-2t4s44pe5OTea3I/s320/IMAG0374.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 180px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657997979116662578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnPkQj099gsnpVJuPtmCJS3w5EjMiHcpHE7JXJPelaP4jhQhJ7wfm9-TA7z5jIOXSnQX7k0srsZKFVDL0Y9OXS6syGDFwkx_ZwGKSilLjYjFiAJSQwwPmvWdl39l4MntStY5QyJEhQKA/s320/IMAG0378.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; width: 320px; height: 180px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer; " /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you can tell from the picture, the car hardly even looks like a car anymore. When I looked up close, I couldn't believe how compact the inside had become.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The remains of the car were next to a giant poster board detailing the life of Sam Stephens, a young man who was killed by a drunk driver in a head-on collision. The poster detailed aspects of Sam's life. He was engaged to be married just two weeks after the collision. My heart aches for his fiance, his family, and his friends.</div>

Think before you drink and drive

I went with my little family and some friends to the Puyallup Fair last week. We had a great time. We took our kids on rides,visited the pet...

More Effective

I had the opportunity to do a presentation yesterday at the Department of Licensing's annual Fall Conference for traffic safety instructors. It was pretty nerve-racking for me. Even though I have had little to no trouble standing in front of a group and speaking since I was a kid, this time was different for me. The auditorium was filled with 150 of my peers and DOL staff over traffic safety. I had my newborn daughter with me and we sat in the back before it was my turn to present. Half the people I saw in back had their phones out and were playing games.<br /><br />I'm usually not a high-stress teacher. I don't have a lot of expectations for my audiences. Just that I like them to be awake. All of them. Including the one who only got a few hours of sleep the night before. I am relieved to report that although the first couple of minutes were awkward for me, the remainder of the presentation was fantastic...and even fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwedCD3GNwiUsXBk-UZZoJy2w71059H_KLo-5JjQ67GyqB7YudFo5sCinKPr7nmECxiMRARS6cN3K-Ou0JZkQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />Humorous videos are more effective in getting a message across than lecture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYNhXqw0IkxuQFeOLPOChrDUgXid61XqPKIPB5bgTN_hc6zBTQwKkFQ1LwMCZmDQxtxMZzSh-s-3Y-XxRcsradlzjgHt04-esmzw1Sie8A0ato84eGye7fysEaYUDL8PyWuG-GJ_12Do/s1600/Traffic+Court.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYNhXqw0IkxuQFeOLPOChrDUgXid61XqPKIPB5bgTN_hc6zBTQwKkFQ1LwMCZmDQxtxMZzSh-s-3Y-XxRcsradlzjgHt04-esmzw1Sie8A0ato84eGye7fysEaYUDL8PyWuG-GJ_12Do/s320/Traffic+Court.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having teams build a case and debate against each other in traffic court is more effective than lecture. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8U2HZi2A2KA8el_bxYqY-tpzLOABjAJ6qpt1HqH8A3gadEDY78fpFPT02QtdCCKzBVy6pbkOzzyhiAFxdIWCyW8XHi9j6axdm0x4zJuAIGYg7V87vzCn0-wv8-ynyf6MPu40dX2l3H8/s1600/Texting+Activity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8U2HZi2A2KA8el_bxYqY-tpzLOABjAJ6qpt1HqH8A3gadEDY78fpFPT02QtdCCKzBVy6pbkOzzyhiAFxdIWCyW8XHi9j6axdm0x4zJuAIGYg7V87vzCn0-wv8-ynyf6MPu40dX2l3H8/s320/Texting+Activity.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Getting out your phone to see how fast you can text, figuring out how far your car travels during that time and then watching this movie is far more effective than the best lecture in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxd3rgDSqmaKiZunb2lgk9DIHHJSKAtQDFDh2r42HczUsT-SUc6VKYdQaWL018VTWHVTlW8nRScogDVx-qC-Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /></div>Even if you think you're the best speaker in the world, with the best subject ever, you will be cutting your sphere of influence short if you rely on lecture instead of engaging your listener.

More Effective

I had the opportunity to do a presentation yesterday at the Department of Licensing's annual Fall Conference for traffic safety instruct...

Move it or lose it

<div><a href="http://monibates.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/magoo2.jpg?w=263&h=300" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://monibates.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/magoo2.jpg?w=263&h=300" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 263px; height: 299px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" /></a><div>A few days ago, while on my way to work, I had one of the scariest driving experiences I've ever had. I was driving down I-5, going about 64 MPH, when I noticed that the car in the lane to the right of me was approaching me from behind, and getting dangerously close to the dividing line. I wasn't in the car's blind spot, so I assumed that the driver was simply getting too close to the line, would realize his mistake, and move back over. I honked my horn (over and over) to let the driver know that I was <i>directly </i>next to him in the lane he was trying to get into. Instead of getting back into his own lane, <i>he continued to just move on over</i>. Out of pure instinct, I moved over into the HOV lane to avoid an accident (screaming in fear all the while), barely missing the car and barely missing another car driving in the HOV lane.</div><div><br /><div> </div><div>Once the near-accident was over, I looked over at the car to see a very elderly man driving. A man who obviously should not still be allowed to drive. He didn't appear shaken up or apologetic in the least. In fact, I don't even think he realized what he had just done. I'm pretty sure he was completely oblivious of every other car on the road. I was really shaken up. It was the closest I have ever been to a serious accident and I can't explain how angry I was with this driver. I got his license plate and seriously considered reporting him to the police for reckless driving.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>After this experience,  I was curious to find out what procedures we have here in Washington to ensure that senior drivers are still qualified and capable of driving. I was surprised to discover that Washington does not require more frequent renewals or have any special requirements for senior drivers. <b>This means that seniors only need to renew their licenses every 5 years without taking any additional tests </b>unless somebody at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DOL</span> deems it necessary. Really?? I respect my elders and don't think their privilege to drive should be taken away unnecessarily, but we all know that older drivers cause a disproportionate amount of accidents. Shouldn't we be making sure that they are still capable of driving before renewing their licenses? Shouldn't we consider the safety of not only the older drivers, but also all the other drivers out there? </div><div><br /></div><div>I did read online that after age 65, a person must renew his license in person and pass a vision test. (Phew, at least we're doing something). However, I could not find any regulation to back that up and could not get through to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DOL</span> to have them confirm it. (I waited on hold for 35 minutes and finally gave up.) Do any of you know if that's really the case?</div><div><br /></div><div>Some state require an accelerated renewal (more frequent renewals than the standard), additional tests, physician's certification, etc. What do you think is appropriate?</div></div></div>

Move it or lose it

A few days ago, while on my way to work, I had one of the scariest driving experiences I've ever had. I was driving down I-5, going abou...

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651866169396132962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuZGx_dY62xkwwySyZC-Xh0WnTn-gQlgjfn9MB2gw3cXMyU3t7Fu9Ne8iHScCPhMfz6r5Qyu6JR-M8Yq7hZuBQYk6qoTuEo7ihz2JDO7_H7UfxUpO1bpHjYUivKKfNyMfGIj_sFmwis0/s400/hyundai-equus-longboard-628-1315500694.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" />Our 2011 Hyundai Equus long-termer continues to pile on the miles in the effortless fashion that one expects of a premium sedan. August's main outing was a weeklong stint in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, about 800 miles from Detroit. All-in, the trip accounted for over 2,000 miles, during which the Equus stretched its legs as a capable freeway cruiser and even was pressed into undignified service as a surfboard transport (see above). In case you're wondering, no, an eight-foot rental longboard won't fit in a luxury sedan (not in this or any other we can think of), so you'll be forced to do the shish-ka-windows-and-empty-side-road-creep with the hazard lights on if you don't have any alternatives.<br /><br />With the exception of a modest bit of track time at Hyundai's Seoul proving grounds in a few prototypes, this was your author's first experience with the Equus. As one might expect, it acquits itself better over-the-road than on the track, delivering a comfortable ride and plush confines in which to while away the miles.<br /><br />What was surprising for this driver was how much attention our Equus garnered � it's rather innocuously styled, after all. But we hadn't been driving further than our first rest stop when a couple of attractive twenty-something ladies stopped to ask about our car as we got out in the parking lot. "What is it?!" they gushed. "Believe it or not, it's a Hyundai," we answered. Puzzled looks. "Wait... really? Well... it's still really nice, though!" We laughed a little inside and moved on, but their reaction was telling � "It's still really nice, though!" is both a credit to what a pleasant surprise the Equus is for Hyundai, as well as a subtly backhanded ding at the company's "off the radar" standing among many consumers. The same rest area yielded a discussion with a very enthusiastic Genesis sedan owner, and subsequent conversations were held at stoplights with frantic arm-waving Toyota Avalon drivers and more random people in parking lots, including a BMW E60 5 Series owner fed up with his ownership experience. We have to admit, we viewed the Equus as something of a generic knockoff design-wise, but our conversations suggest that the general buying public doesn't feel the same way (or doesn't care).             <br /><br /><img height="417" id="vimage_4428981" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/hyundai-equus-lt-seats-628-1315500761.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /><br /><br />We do have some nits to pick with our big white whale, however. Others have mentioned this, but it's worth pointing out again � the adjustable lumbar support seems to be in perpetual state of overinflation. No matter how much we tinker with the air bladder controls, it just feels too prominent on our lower backs. It's so uncomfortable that it's led to both your author and Editor-In-Chief Neff to ponder drastic, pin-shaped countermeasures. We wouldn't, of course, but it's still bothersome. The best solution for long-distance comfort seems to be extending the bottom cushion a bit longer than we normally might, as this somehow alleviates the stress.<br /><br />Otherwise, the interior offers plenty of amenities and creature comforts, though the controls, finishes and design aesthetic lack the same sort of aura of refinement as rivals. Overall, our Equus Ultimate succeeds at feeling like a great value, but stops short of feeling like a great full-size luxury sedan. That's partially due to the interior and partially due to the 4.6-liter Tau V8. Its 385 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque certainly aren't anything to sneeze at, but this is 4,600-pound mass of Korean real estate, and it simply feels adequate. Other media outlets have tested the Equus and found 0-60 times in the mid-to-high six-second range, so it's certainly not slow, but the ECU and transmission tuning makes both off-the-line acceleration and highway passing feel more leisurely than we'd expect. More chutzpah isn't far off, thankfully � the 2012 model is widely expected to adopt the 5.0-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic gearbox recently introduced in the updated Genesis sedan.<br /><br />Despite sustained higher speeds, traversing Pennsylvania's Alleghany mountains, negotiating a dead-stop traffic jam and a lot of pottering along in beach traffic, we averaged a solid 21 miles per gallon, smack in the middle of the 18/22 city/highway mix the EPA predicts. During that stint, we saw sustained freeway running with indicated mpgs in the mid-to-upper 20s without even trying, suggesting that it's likely quite easy to beat the Equus' official fuel economy estimates if you take it easier than we did.

2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate

Our 2011 Hyundai Equus long-termer continues to pile on the miles in the effortless fashion that one expects of a premium sedan. August'...

2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651863509266401538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT5zdYmui9LwbUpZ2HCCAi8EQCdXOmMpSOymbS_0VmA_ues4jd2k8DoLq8sOgIT8oyo5NZkcvufaoyUmhAQf5UMCjiP4eWD8pY_b0YYNgWJZ1O_N3kwp83F277JnyzSBN1wTUf-2PB8c/s400/03-2011-bmw-x3-review-opt.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" />Despite enchanting few critics along the way, the all-new 2011 BMW X3 has been helping its German parent clean up on the sales charts.<br /><br />Like the rest of the premium crossover segment, the X3 has been viewed by some brand diehards as a blatant cash-grab. The starting price might be easy enough to swallow, but start ticking the option boxes and the sticker swells to a size more startling than the first time you heard your mother drop an F-bomb. Despite this, we wanted to see if the 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i could break through the enthusiast's wall of prejudice. As you'd expect, it's a mixed bag.         <div id="continued">     <br />The 2011 BMW X3 is roughly the same size as the original X5. The 110.6-inch wheelbase is essentially unchanged, but there's now three more inches of overall length for an even 183 inches from tip-to-tail. The styling uses that new room to stretch, and the dynamically straked profile makes the increase look like at least double that.<br /><br />Clamping the stubby, original X3 in a taffy pull and giving it a yank leaves the 2011 X3 looking both familiar and like a part of the modern BMW family. The carefully detailed bodywork plays up its conservative image to good effect. The Bangelized original lines have been matured without radical changes.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i side view" id="vimage_4434744" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead2-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 618px; height: 291px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i front view" id="vimage_4434749" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead3a-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 202px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i rear view" id="vimage_4434750" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead4a-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 202px;" /><br /><br />BMW has also brought the interior of the 2011 BMW X3 up to par with the rest of the range. Like the exterior changes, BMW hasn't gone and reinvented the steering wheel, so the design of the dashboard and door panels does little more than look and feel like a current BMW interior. Materials and fit-and-finish are improvements, though the shifter and spring-loaded blinker stalk are still annoying to use for some. The clean design isn't avant-garde, but it means clear ergonomics, and the eight-way power front seats are fantastically comfortable. Rear seat passengers get a newly liveable area, benefiting the most from the size increase. The latest implementation of iDrive is finely tuned and the standard LCD has crisp graphics, but pales in comparison to the optional 8.8-inch display that's the automotive equivalent of an ostentatious plasma screen.<br /><br />A benefit of the continued refinement of iDrive is an uncluttered center stack. Our tester was bereft of navigation and the larger screen, so its limited iDrive feature set was particularly easy to navigate. Analog gauges are clear, there are real cupholders and the Sand Beige leather and warm-toned Fineline Sienna wood trim created an inviting atmosphere, especially when paired with the big, airy panoramic moonroof � worth every bit of its $1,350 price tag. Visibility in all directions is not hindered by gigantic pillars and the elevated crossover seating position makes for confidence-bolstering sightlines, too.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i interior" id="vimage_4434759" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead10-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 616px; height: 348px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i front seats" id="vimage_4434758" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead9-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 200px; height: 133px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i rear seats" id="vimage_4434757" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead8-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 200px; height: 133px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i rear cargo area" id="vimage_4434756" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead7-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 200px; height: 133px;" /><br /><br />The naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine in the X3 xDrive28i is one of the most celebrated engines in the BMW family, even if it is facing internal competition from BMW's new twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter four. Engineering skill is shown off with a composite block of magnesium alloy for light weight, a valvetrain twiddled by Valvetronic and Double VANOS systems that do away with a throttle plate, and other slick, efficiency-boosting technology like Brake-Energy Regeneration. All the whiz-bang results in 240 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque from 3.0 liters, but the issue at hand is how this engine and its attendant eight-speed automatic transmission behave out on the road.<br /><br />Peak torque plateaus between 2,750 and 4,000 RPM, and the eight-speed transmission does its best to keep the engine in the lip-smackingest meat of the powerband, but not even BMW can overcome the fact that the X3 weighs 4,100 pounds. That's about the same as the original X3, so kudos for keeping weight in check, but it's a heavy load for the available torque to cope with, wide powerband and cornucopia of gear ratios aside.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i engine" id="vimage_4434752" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead5-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; width: 628px; margin-bottom: 4px; height: 417px;" /><br /><br />Ride and handling aims for the storied BMW smooth-and-responsive target but winds up shy of the bullseye. Occasional traces of harshness shake and stir occupants � a trait not likely improved by the Sport Activity Package (X-Line exterior trim, front fascia insert, aluminum satin roof rails, Sports steering wheel, sport seats) and its 18-inch V-Spoke wheels with all-season run-flat tires. At least the package looks spiffy and puts a nice steering wheel in your hands.<br /><br />Most annoyingly, throttle tip-in is noticeably sluggish. More than once after nosing the X3 out to snag a gap in quick traffic, we found ourselves with an indecisive vehicle and angry oncomings. The throttle doesn't just choke during clutch plays, either � the initial deadness was constantly infuriating. The situation is compounded by the whims of the eight-speed gearbox, which tries to cycle through its cogs too often. We've experienced this same ZF transmission in many other cars � indeed, in many other BMWs � and we don't recall it being so indecisive.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i headlight" id="vimage_4434765" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead14-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 202px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i wheel" id="vimage_4434764" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead13-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 202px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i roof rack" id="vimage_4434763" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead12-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 202px;" /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i rear detail" id="vimage_4434762" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead11-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 202px;" /><br /><br />The X3 has gained access to the BMW bag of technowizard tricks through its redesign, and there may be some alchemy in there to improve responsiveness. Dynamic Damping Control adds buttons to the center console that give you the choice of Normal, Sport or Sport + modes. Selecting one of the sport options makes the throttle response more immediate, stiffens the suspension and adjusts the transmission shift points. Variable-ratio steering is another enhancement our X3 didn't have. The standard electromechanical power steering system strives for both efficiency and feel and just achieves the former. By doing its best to avoid using any boost to reduce engine drag, the system unfortunately erases most of the feedback for the driver, too.<br /><br />But out-and-out driving enthusiasts aren't who the X3 has been created for, even though the XDrive all-wheel-drive system defaults to a rear-drive bias and the available Dynamic Handling Package includes Performance Control, which keeps the torque split rear-drive oriented. This is a vehicle made to appeal to buyers looking for technology, cachet and premium detailing. With that in mind, the details have been sweated, going so far as to include little treats like lighting in the door handles. The interior has an array of storage cubbies and there's a cargo-rail system in back, too. Think of the 2011 BMW X3 as a 3-Series wagon for the non-wagon buyer and you'll have it right. The X3 cedes territory dynamically to be a Sport Activity Vehicle � BMW-ese for "crossover" � but that doesn't seem to bother buyers.<br /><br /><img alt="2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i rear 3/4 view" id="vimage_4434754" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/lead6-2011-bmw-x3-review.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; width: 628px; margin-bottom: 4px; height: 417px;" /><br /><br />That's good, because the price can scorch. Our test X3 hit the checkout line with a $45,725 price tag with plenty of room to go if you want to drop bigger cash on a smallish vehicle. The model's $36,750 base price is lower than the outgoing 2010 X3 xDrive30i, last year's only model, but it swelled by adding the $3,450 Premium Package, Cold Weather Package for $1,150, and Sport Activity Package for another $1,550. We were enamored with the head-up display that added another $1,300 to the bottom line, but start throwing in the other available goodies like the M Sport, Dynamic Handling and Technology Packages, and you're well into X5 xDrive30i territory. As it is, our little X3 wasn't far from the $47,000-and-change base price of an X5.<br /><br />Despite its driveline foibles, the 2011 BMW X3 feels like it belongs in the current family of BMW products, and it has the styling and available equipment to attract buyers' attention. The Audi Q5 puts up a particularly good fight to the newfound charms in the X3, and, to a lesser degree, so does a Mercedes-Benz GLK. There are lots of options for your thousands of dollars, but at least now there's a proper modern BMW available in this class.    </div>

2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i

Despite enchanting few critics along the way, the all-new 2011 BMW X3 has been helping its German parent clean up on the sales charts. Like ...

Fisker Surf shooting brake wows Frankfurt Show

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651860345337490434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xToeQnro-JAIU2CnZ4KMtjIZru_cFRWRUHh8HbbtC5K2LeCzljPcA1hZp9z8o6TLco3NbOewNTon_IeJ2qX9XaHu-2lan3dgB-ircxVnT8TPhRKSdZpBZatkNC0DJt9d3cLijh5HQRI/s400/fisker-surf-live-54-opt.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" />Ahead of its official unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Fisker Automotive bosses had us up to a studio in Munich for a thorough advance viewing and info download on their second model, a shooting brake called Surf.<br /><br />The first words out of our mouth was, "The shape is a bit like a Ferrari FF." First thing out of their mouth � as though they were utterly perched to form the words, too � "But with four doors!" Henrik Fisker and COO Bernhard Koehler much prefer hearkening back to the 1970s iconic Lamborghini Espada when talking about the Surf's inspiration.<br /><br />The Surf is the second model from the Fisker design pool, and it is so-named partly because a Fisker owner can now load a surfboard either in or on it. This joins the Karma sedan on the production line at Valmet Automotive in Finland, and should be ready for deliveries worldwide by July 2012.            <div id="continued">     <br />The Surf shooting brake could well be called the Fisker Karma station wagon since its main objective is to respond to the ridiculously skimpy trunk on the sedan, which measures an adorable 7.1 cubic feet � less than the total storage room in a Ferrari 458 Italia. The expandable room in back now measures anywhere from 12.7 to 29.0 cubes. Hardly cause for a group "Wow!," but certainly a handy improvement.<br /><br /><img height="394" id="vimage_4438160" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/fisker-surf-live-61-opt.jpg" vspace="4" width="626" /><br /><br />Aside from the added carriage work and its space afforded, overall weight on the Surf versus the Karma increases by just 77 pounds, putting it in the 4,400-pound neighborhood. Work is reportedly underway for creating a custom set of luggage that best makes use of those awkwardly meted out cubic feet.<br /><br />The entire powertrain, chassis, and interior execution of the Surf are identical to the Karma sedan, with the only major cabin change being the additional room in back for a couple of adults. We had a six-foot colleague get situated comfortably in the driver's seat while we sat our 5'11" body in the rear seat. Memories of the Aston Martin Rapide's "rear-passenger capsule" sensation came up, but the only insufficiency really is foot room beneath the front squabs. Fisker could have done a better job there. The 1.2 inches of added rear headroom work well for those of us up to six feet in height.<br /><br />Whereas the exterior rear roof-mounted solar panel on the Karma is a 120-watt gathering unit, the available panel for the Surf is a 133-watt unit. The sturdy black plastic grille insert is a new look, as are the very sharp new 22-inch standard wheels. Fisker is currently working with an outside supplier to create an easy roof rack system to slide into the standard aluminum roof rails.<br /><br /><img id="vimage_4438165" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/fisker-surf-live-42-opt.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><img id="vimage_4438166" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/fisker-surf-live-50-opt.jpg" style="margin: 4px; width: 305px; height: 203px;" /><br /><br />When we last drove a Fisker Karma, we were critical of the sound that entered the cabin via the footwells whenever the 255-horsepower GM Ecotec turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder chimed in to extend the range of the 315-cell lithium ion battery pack in Sport mode. Fisker tells us that the silencers have since been swapped out to create a more appropriate $100,000-plus premium noise. We're hoping that this is true. In the meantime, the awesome "signature Fisker external sound" gently fills the eardrums in Stealth mode as on the Karma.<br /><br />Fisker Automotive tells us that pre-orders remain at just above 3,000, which is where they reportedly stood back when we drove the Karma dynamic prototype in February of this year. "Those initial enthusiasts," says Koehler, "are still with us and first deliveries have happened in the U.S. We have then a list of thousands more who are simply in the 'wait and see' mode and have the firm intent of buying once they hear first-hand feedback from the first customers."<br /><br /><img height="419" id="vimage_4438168" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/fisker-surf-live-13-opt.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /><br /><br />Designer and CEO Fisker also tells that the Surf should do particularly well in Europe, a continent renowned for its addiction to larger premium wagons. Fisker hopes to sell 3,500 Surf models per year, rather ambitious for a shooting brake.<br /><br />Pricing is set to reflect a slight premium over the $95,900 to $108,900 range of the Karma, but no exact Surf numbers have been announced yet. They did blurt out, however, "It'll be like the FF but with four doors and at one-third the price."<br /><br /><img height="419" id="vimage_4438172" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/fisker-surf-live-01-opt.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" />    </div>

Fisker Surf shooting brake wows Frankfurt Show

Ahead of its official unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Fisker Automotive bosses had us up to a studio in Munich for a thorough ad...

School Busses: Should I Stop and Wait?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the past two years Jett has dreamed of riding a school bus with his older brothers. Some days the chatter has been non-stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLau8Ad0RLa8NAukFI7ILrMMYeqi8WzMAE2qZ6hbVpFtPtTwo6cQnGhP534jCQg7l3VRAX4z3FTDy_-NQt10PUSEZ4JY_2Badtq3P5M9V63zk_ZIdd7UZb1dWY1HftBWIbJgo3KA_FYg/s1600/100_5927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLau8Ad0RLa8NAukFI7ILrMMYeqi8WzMAE2qZ6hbVpFtPtTwo6cQnGhP534jCQg7l3VRAX4z3FTDy_-NQt10PUSEZ4JY_2Badtq3P5M9V63zk_ZIdd7UZb1dWY1HftBWIbJgo3KA_FYg/s400/100_5927.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Luckily, dreams really do come true. If only my dreams of teleportation were so easily fulfilled!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI27zmYfv5u0ZSWxZA4WdjqIOkowd-20yX0w0J6h8P8iS3Vmbd1XjJh8StKe-Qj0ia4r3oeI_58JIztWnJfqmny9ZV-SKTYrktM0MvnzZfDaMmYdZVtkPedONWBVj2jeLvuBea_T6Kh1w/s1600/100_5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI27zmYfv5u0ZSWxZA4WdjqIOkowd-20yX0w0J6h8P8iS3Vmbd1XjJh8StKe-Qj0ia4r3oeI_58JIztWnJfqmny9ZV-SKTYrktM0MvnzZfDaMmYdZVtkPedONWBVj2jeLvuBea_T6Kh1w/s400/100_5936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />But since I won't just be appearing wherever I need to go, it looks like transportation is in my life for the long haul. And as convenient as school busses are for me to get my kids to school, I still don't like it when I'm stuck behind one in traffic. Then my mind starts to twist what I know about right of way laws and school busses. Looking for ways to justify me getting around the bus and on my way.<br /><br />Look at this next photo. I came across a scene very similar to this (with a real bus) not too long ago. I stopped at the stop sign.<br /><br /><b>Question:</b> Should I wait? Or turn since the students won't cross my path?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VTqgbbBP4hes8odFPekMjekwYduCDRIhWyA892jdh2gdi1Cy6RqZVgbTTKlXvYPhCRFZlacRX7YCQbNk_jlwEKU9gl6Ipj6CveqvMqGkzuTO3lGh0b1v0nodwVtbzJMGb0jvAE2z-l0/s1600/Bus-Stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VTqgbbBP4hes8odFPekMjekwYduCDRIhWyA892jdh2gdi1Cy6RqZVgbTTKlXvYPhCRFZlacRX7YCQbNk_jlwEKU9gl6Ipj6CveqvMqGkzuTO3lGh0b1v0nodwVtbzJMGb0jvAE2z-l0/s400/Bus-Stop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/docs/driverguide-en.pdf">The Washington State Driver Guide states:</a><br /><blockquote>You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or<b> at an intersection you are approaching.</b> You are not required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing when the stopped school bus is traveling in the opposite direction and the roadway:</blockquote><blockquote>- has three or more marked traffic lanes,<br />- is separated by a median, or<br />- is separated by a physical barrier.</blockquote><blockquote>After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and do not proceed until they have completely left the roadway. (Page 42)</blockquote><b>Answer:</b> Yup, I gotta wait, even though I'm pretty sure that a school bus shouldn't be stopping in the middle of an intersection. Ugh!<br /><br />

School Busses: Should I Stop and Wait?

For the past two years Jett has dreamed of riding a school bus with his older brothers. Some days the chatter has been non-stop. Luckily, dr...