Driving Trainigs

FUEL SAVINGS SCAMS!!! DO NOT BUY FUEL MAGENTS AND RELATED PRODUCTS!!!

<h2>Many consumers have purchased gas-saving devices in the hopes of saving money at the pump, but how do you know which, if any, actually work?</h2>Thanks to the high price of gas and the desire everyone has to save money at the pump, a number of devices have appeared on the market claiming to reduce your car's fuel consumption. The FTC says consumers need to be suspicious of products claiming to increase your gas mileage whether they're after-market devices or fuel and oil additives. Few of these products do anything at all and the few that improve gas mileage cost more than the meager amount of gas you save.<br />Consumers are also need to be wary of gas-savings and devices because a few of them can actually damage your vehicle! Before using or installing any product claiming to improve gas mileage, we urge you to spend the few minutes it will take to investigate them. It might save you money in the long run and protect your car.<br /><h3>Advertising Claims Made to Sell Gas-Saving Devices</h3><ul class="bullet-sq-ccccff"><li><b>Improve your gas mileage by 20% when using this energy saving product.</b> According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they've reviewed and tested over 100 products advertised to save fuel by at least 12% all the way up to 25%.  And not one of them was found to improve gas mileage by their claimed percentages. While there are far more than 100 of these products, each one falls into specific categories designated by the industry.  So even though the EPA hasn't been able to test all of them, they have tried to assess at least one product in each category. A word of warning, not all of these products are created equally.  Some were found to actually damage engines and/or cause significant escalations in car's emissions.<br /></li><li><b>I installed it on my car and picked up an extra 5 miles per gallon.</b> Even though there aren't that many people who have the ability to test for exact changes in their gas mileage, many advertisements for gas saving devices feature flattering testimonials from pleased customers.  There are many reasons as to why gas mileage may improve: condition of the car, condition of the road, weather conditions, traffic or more driving on the freeway versus in the city. Examples of flawed customer testimony include letters from folks who had a tune up at the same time they installed a product meant to improve gas mileage.  They were so pleased with the product they wrote the company to praise then.  What they, and the people who read the testimonials, don't realize is that the savings in mileage was solely due to the tune up, not the device that was installed.<br /></li><li><b>This device is government approved!</b> Doesn't that sound great? I might try such a device myself if there was one. The claim is a flat out lie, there's never been a government agency that endorsed any products meant to save gas in cars. The only accurate claim that can be made by these gas saving product manufacturers is that the EPA arrived at specific conclusions about the product through their testing programs or by reviewing test data provided by the manufacturers. Occasionally, phony claims are made by manufacturers regarding EPA evaluations of their product(s).  To double check a specific product visit the EPA website at <a href="http://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank">www.epa.gov</a> for more information</li></ul><h3>Merchandise Grievances and Refunds</h3>If after purchasing and using one of these gas mileage saving products, you're not satisfied, search the product for the manufacturer's contact information. Often they'll have a website where information on money back guarantees is kept, along with details on how to request your purchase price back. Sometimes they'll have a specific period in which a refund can be requested.  Even if that period has expired, it's still worth a chance to request the refund.  Most self respecting companies value your positive word of mouth over not fulfilling your refund request.<br />If the company involved isn't self respecting and you're unsatisfied with their response, contact your local Better Business Bureau office and/or your local or state consumer protection agency.<br /><h3>Real ways you can save money on gas</h3>There are many ways you can fight the high price of gas that cost you nothing or next to nothing. You'll find your greatest savings at the gas pump. Despite rumors to the contrary, only purchase gas with an octane level recommended by your car's manufacturer. If premium gas isn't recommended, don't waste your money on it. Under the Federal Trade Commission's Fuel Rating Rule, all gas pumps must post the octane rating of the gas right next to the pump. Double check the owner's manual for your car to verify the correct level of octane for your car.  You'll pay higher prices for fuel higher in octane.<br />Below are a few of our favorite gas saving tips collected from the EPA's website (<a href="http://www.epa.gov/OMS/consumer/17-tips.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/OMS/consumer/17-tips.pdf</a>): <br /><h3>Drive more efficiently</h3><ul class="bullet-sq-ccccff"><li>Do you really need to take your car?  Bike, carpool, take a bus or walk instead of driving.  Not only will you be saving gas, but you'll also be helping the environment and getting exercise at the same time.<br /></li><li>Plan errands wisely.  Save them up for one afternoon versus going out each day.  Also plan your route so you can walk from one destination to another rather than driving to each one.  Wear and tear on your call will also be reduced and you'll gain energy by walking.</li></ul><h3>Maintain your car</h3><ul class="bullet-sq-ccccff"><li>Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule according to your car's owner's manual. By following this schedule you should escape gas economy issues due to dragging brakes, worn spark plugs or transmission related problems.</li><li>Get tune ups regularly.  Nothing improves performance as well as fuel economy better than a tune up.  Keeps emissions lower too.</li><li>Check tires and alignment on a regular basis.  Proper inflation of your tires to the maximum pressure recommended by the manufacturer and correct alignment enhances gas mileage.</li></ul><h3>Consider buying a fuel efficient vehicle</h3>According to <a href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/" target="_blank">www.fueleconomy.gov</a> the most important fuel economy related decision you can make is deciding on which car to purchase. "The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG (miles per gallon) and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $3,125 over 5 years, assuming gas costs $2.50 per gallon and you drive 15,000 miles a year."<br />Visit their website for more information, including a guide to the most fuel efficient cars in the current model year.<br /><h3>EPA Evaluation Efforts</h3>The following information comes directly from the EPA's website under their Gas Saving and Emission Reduction Devices Evaluation subsection (<a href="http://www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/reports.htm" target="_blank">http://www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/reports.htm</a>).<br />There are three PDF documents on the webpage listed above that go over the EPA's program for the evaluation of aftermarket gas saving products (aka the "511 Program").  The first document explains the purpose of the program and provides a very high level overview of the testing.  Next up is a more detailed document covering in depth what the EPA does in their evaluation program as well as why they do it.  And finally they have a list of the independent test labs utilized in their program.<br /><h3>Devices Tested by EPA</h3>The EPA has an extensive list on their website that contains each of the products tested in their aftermarket gas saving product evaluation program along with the size of each product's report and the date the report was completed.  Each report contains information such as: background, purpose of the test program, test plan, results, conclusions and an appendix if warranted.<br />The Federal Trade Commission has a web page devoted to debunking gas saving devices.  On this page, <a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm" target="_blank">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm</a>, they've aggregated the EPA's testing results into the categories below.  The information listed beneath comes directly from the FTC's site:<br /><b>Air Bleed Devices.</b> These devices bleed air into the carburetor. They usually are installed in the Positive Crankcase Ventilation line or as a replacement for idle-mixture screws.<br />The EPA has evaluated the following products: ADAKS Vacuum Breaker Air Bleed; Air-Jet Air Bleed; Aquablast Wyman Valve Air Bleed; Auto-Miser; Ball-Matic Air Bleed; Berg Air Bleed; Brisko PCV; Cyclone-Z; Econo Needle Air Bleed; Econo-Jet Air Bleed Idle Screws; Fuel Max*; Gas Saving Device; Grancor Air Computer; Hot Tip; Landrum Mini-Carb; Landrum Retrofit Air Bleed; Mini Turbocharger Air Bleed; Monocar HC Control Air Bleed; Peterman Air Bleed; Pollution Master Air Bleed; Ram-Jet; Turbo-Dyne G.R. Valve.<br /><b>Vapor Bleed Devices.</b> These devices are similar to the air bleed devices, except that induced air is bubbled through a container of a water and anti-freeze mixture, usually located in the engine compartment.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Atomized Vapor Injector; Frantz Vapor Injection System; Hydro-Vac: POWERFUeL; Mark II Vapor Injection System; Platinum Gasaver; V-70 Vapor Injector; SCATPAC Vacuum Vapor Induction System: Econo-Mist Vacuum Vapor Injection System; Turbo Vapor Injection System.<br /><b>Liquid Injection.</b> These products add liquid into the fuel/air intake system and not directly into the combustion chamber.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Goodman Engine System-Model 1800; Waag-Injection System*.<br /><b>Ignition Devices.</b> These devices are attached to the ignition system or are used to replace original equipment or parts.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Autosaver; Baur Condenser; BIAP Electronic Ignition Unit; Fuel Economizer; Magna Flash Ignition Control System; Paser Magnum/Paser 500/Paser 500 HEI; Special Formula Ignition Advance Springs.<br /><b>Fuel Line Devices (heaters or coolers).</b> These devices heat the fuel before it enters the carburetor. Usually, the fuel is heated by the engine coolant or by the exhaust or electrical system.<br />The EPA has evaluated: FuelXpander; Gas Meiser I; Greer Fuel Preheater; Jacona Fuel System; Optimizer; Russell Fuelmiser.<br /><b>Fuel Line Devices (magnets).</b> These magnetic devices, clamped to the outside of the fuel line or installed in the fuel line, claim to change the molecular structure of gasoline.<br />The EPA has evaluated: PETRO-MIZER; POLARION-X; Super-Mag Fuel Extender; Wickliff Polarizer [fuel line magnet/intake air magnet].<br /><b>Fuel Line Devices (metallic).</b> Typically, these devices contain several dissimilar metals that are installed in the fuel line, supposedly causing ionization of the fuel.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Malpassi Filter King [fuel pressure regulator]; Moleculetor.<br /><b>Mixture Enhancers (under the carburetor).</b> These devices are mounted between the carburetor and intake manifold and supposedly enhance the mixing or vaporization of the air/fuel mixture.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Energy Gas Saver; Environmental Fuel Saver; Gas Saving and Emission Control Improvement Device; Glynn-50; Hydro-Catalyst Pre-Combustion Catalyst System; PETROMIZER SYSTEM; Sav-A-Mile; Spritzer; Turbo-Carb; Turbocarb.<br /><b>Mixture Enhancers (others).</b> These devices make some general modifications to the vehicle intake system.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Basko Enginecoat; Dresser Economizer; Electro-Dyne Superchoke; Filtron Urethane Foam Filter; Lamkin Fuel Metering Device; Smith Power and Deceleration Governor.<br /><b>Internal Engine Modifications.</b> These devices make physical or mechanical function changes to the engine.<br />The EPA has evaluated: ACDS Automotive Cylinder Deactivation System*; Dresser Economizer; MSU Cylinder Deactivation*.<br /><b>Accessory Drive Modifiers.</b> These devices reduce power to specific auto accessories.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Morse Constant Speed Accessory Drive **; P.A.S.S. Kit**; PASS Master Vehicle Air Conditioner**.<br /><b>Fuels and Fuel Additives.</b> These materials are added to the gas tank.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Bycosin; EI-5 Fuel Additive; Fuelon Power; Johnson Fuel Additive; NRG #1 Fuel Additive; QEI 400 Fuel Additive; Rolfite Upgrade Fuel Additive; Sta-Power Fuel Additive; Stargas Fuel Additive; SYNeRGy-1; Technol G Fuel Additive; ULX-15/ULX-15D; Vareb 10 Fuel Additive; XRG #1 Fuel Additive.<br /><b>Oils and Oil Additives.</b> Usually these materials are poured into the crankcase.<br />The EPA has evaluated: Analube Synthetic Lubricant; Tephguard.<br /><b>Driving Habit Modifiers.</b> These are lights or sound devices to tell the driver to reduce acceleration or to shift gears.<br />The EPA has evaluated: AUTOTHERM**; Fuel Conservation Device; Gastell; IDALERT**.<br />Miscellaneous. The EPA has evaluated: BRAKE-EZ; Dynamix; Fuel Maximiser; Gyroscopic Wheel Cover; Kamei Spoilers**; Kat's Engine Heater; Lee Exhaust and Fuel Gasification EGR; Mesco Moisture Extraction System; P.S.C.U. 01 Device; Treis Emulsifier.<br />* Indicated a very small improvement in fuel economy but with an increase in exhaust emissions. According to Federal regulations, installation of this device could be considered illegal tampering.<br />** Indicated a very small improvement in fuel economy without an increase in exhaust emissions. However, cost-effectiveness must be determined by the consumer for a particular application.

FUEL SAVINGS SCAMS!!! DO NOT BUY FUEL MAGENTS AND RELATED PRODUCTS!!!

Many consumers have purchased gas-saving devices in the hopes of saving money at the pump, but how do you know which, if any, actually work?...

How Many Army/Marines/Navy/Air Forces Veterans in Limousine Industry?

I am an Army Veteran, and I started my <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">New York limousine service</a> back in year 2001. I have encountered other veterans who served our nation honorably and am pleased to learn that we have similiar experiences.<br />There is nothing more entertaining, when we meet one another and wediscuss something other than <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Limousines</a>, Corporate clients, marketing, Cash flows.<br />For me, it is timing out from the <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">limousine</a> industry, and a refresher to discuss Physical Training (PT), as we are getting older. <br />My most recent encounter was at the Limo Digest Show in Atlantic City- Limousine operator based in Florida who was in the Marines. He was telling me about his receding hairline being affected by the Kevlar (Helmet).I  laughed, telling him for the reasons I always made sure I had the foam insert band inside my kevlar.<br />In year 2002, I met Mr. Stephen Spencer Sr. from London Town Cars. He asked me to visit him at his Long Island City Office after I informed him about my London Cab FX4R 1967 available to clients and affiliates.<br />I went to his office, examining his desk with London Cab models in his office, US Flag, and pictures from his years in service. He told me he started his company with importing London taxis after returning from US Navy. Wow! I never knew there were more veterans, and I was happy to learn about a successfull limousine operator who was an honorable veteran. Thumbs up to veterans.<br />Now I am wondering, how many Limousine Veteran Owned Small Businesses exist with US?<br /><br />Perhaps we need a Veteran Limousine Association! VLA.<br /><br />I would like to learn more about other veterans small, mid and large sized who are within the Limousine industry.<br />I thank the current service members who are away from their families during the holiday season. Thank you for every service members sacrfifices.<br />Rick Goondall<br />109th Quartermaster Co/ 258th Field Artillery<br /><br />City Sedans & Limousines Transportation<br /><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">New York Limousine Service Company</a><br />

How Many Army/Marines/Navy/Air Forces Veterans in Limousine Industry?

I am an Army Veteran, and I started my New York limousine service back in year 2001. I have encountered other veterans who served our natio...

Changes to the driving licence from January 2013

From 19 January 2013 driving licences will look different to comply with new EU rules. Read more at: https://www.gov.uk/changes-to-the-driv...

Does the color of a corporate chauffeured limousine matter?

Does the color of a corporate chauffeured limousine matter?

The Limousine industry in New York City has been dominated by black Lincoln Sedans & SUVs today. The question is that does it really ma...

Texting While Driving Turns Sneaky

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I've been thinking a lot about prohibitions since my fellow Washingtonians voted to legalize marijuana. Effective today State law allows anyone 21 or over to have up to an ounce on them...but they can't smoke in public.<br /><br />While smoking pot may have its own implications on driving safety, it's not what keeps running through my mind right now. Decades ago, making cannabis illegal led to an incredible black market for it. Just like it did with alcohol during Prohibition. Back then, it was how fortunes were made. Al Capone and his mob ruled. And in more modern times, the war on drugs has made for some powerful cartels and corruption in governments around the world.<br /><br />As well meaning as it may be, prohibition doesn't seem to work very well. Prohibition of alcohol. Prohibition of cannabis. Prohibition of just about anything . . . I'm pretty sure it's because people are rebellious by nature and if you tell them what to do then they may just do the opposite. But they don't stop there, they also give demand for a black market trade to develop. There are a couple parts to human nature that transcend political, cultural, religious and ethnic boundaries. First, people are rebellious. And second, they're notorious for their creativity in finding ways to get around laws.<br /><br />So what about the prohibition of holding a cell phone to your ear or texting while driving? Have the number of fatalities on our roads decreased since we made our anti-cell phone laws? Do the laws actually save lives? It'd be great if the answer was yes. But it's not. It's "<b><i>we don't know</i></b>."<br /><br />In 2010 the way distracted driving statistics were collected changed so that cell phone use as a distraction factor is now counted by itself  instead of being grouped with the others. The 2011 numbers haven't been released to the public yet so we can't even do a two year comparison. <a href="http://www.distraction.gov/">NHSTA</a> calculates that in 2010 there were 3,092 crash deaths due to texting and cell phone use while driving. That's a lot. But it's not the 10,228 that alcohol had.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0NaCwtVJkOjbrTqYR-rDx52HAMXcBhaeegrE2zoQvjcMLq-GNhBWhxIcbHlYLkC4nVI5LEUUbltSGA2mAg9BLr0_1UUvGbstNA22efVf-629qRQQELYkYaSYBdBeNpQyyW3JiHA_7-I/s1600/Defensive+Driving+School+Baby+Texting+While+Driving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0NaCwtVJkOjbrTqYR-rDx52HAMXcBhaeegrE2zoQvjcMLq-GNhBWhxIcbHlYLkC4nVI5LEUUbltSGA2mAg9BLr0_1UUvGbstNA22efVf-629qRQQELYkYaSYBdBeNpQyyW3JiHA_7-I/s400/Defensive+Driving+School+Baby+Texting+While+Driving.JPG" width="398" /></a></div>I see drivers on cell phones every day. It still amazes me because they don't make any effort to hide what they are doing. When I'm at stop lights or on the freeway I frequently see drivers texting. These drivers are a lot sneakier than the phone users. Texters used to have their phones up high on the steering wheel ... so even though what they were doing was risky, at least they had some peripheral vision or general idea about traffic conditions.<br /><br />Now that it's illegal, hand-held devices have been lowered below the window line.Yikes! Reading a message in your lap cuts out any peripheral vision a driver would have had if the phone were higher. It's like driving blind.<br /><br />So what's the solution? The fact is that most drivers are able to manage their daily distractions without being involved in a collision. They don't crash every day. Or every year for that matter.<br /><br />Should law enforcement focus on dangerous driving maneuvers that were actually committed (like drifting out of their lane, speeding, tailgating, etc.) or continue to micro-manage distractions that may or may not result in a collision? Is the ban on cell phones enough? Should we also ban eating, looking at a map or GPS or adjusting the audio system? How about talking to passengers or driving children around?<br /><br />What if anti-cell phone laws were put in place like drunk driving laws? So a person had to be over 21 (or have a driver's license for at least 5 years) to use their phone or engage in other distractions.<br /><br />Maybe we should make our driving test more difficult. As is, it takes less than 15 minutes and tests our ability to not crash. Why not test a driver's ability to drive well? And throw in a distracted driving element, too. Why not be true to real life and test how well someone drives with a baby crying in the back seat, adjusting the radio at least once and changing the air flow from the dash to the floor? And the examiner should come equipped with questions for the test taker to answer just to prove that they can talk and drive safely at the same time. The test should definitely include the freeway and busy city driving. And looking for an address in an unknown city. Not all of these suggestions are practical, but oooh imaging the possibilities is so fun!<br /><br />What do you think? Does the cell phone ban work? Is there a better way than our current system to approach traffic safety? What will it take to get traffic fatalities down to zero?</div>

Texting While Driving Turns Sneaky

I've been thinking a lot about prohibitions since my fellow Washingtonians voted to legalize marijuana. Effective today State law allows...

Avoid DOL Wait Times With 5 Simple Steps

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY8DEFMuggIBJebljke3_kcdgoFHNQ170PpiC3jc8p_vDPVAUFr28C1-n7w-QOEUW0PLgzXMksXhp2JrzsFSdOzANO7_EpfW7L1gyFAKRPph8ZfxyYBoEq0WNUlb4_-FJ48Hqils_2_A/s1600/Kaci-gets-her-license-Defensive-Driving-School-SM-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLY8DEFMuggIBJebljke3_kcdgoFHNQ170PpiC3jc8p_vDPVAUFr28C1-n7w-QOEUW0PLgzXMksXhp2JrzsFSdOzANO7_EpfW7L1gyFAKRPph8ZfxyYBoEq0WNUlb4_-FJ48Hqils_2_A/s400/Kaci-gets-her-license-Defensive-Driving-School-SM-001.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Washington's recent changes to the process of getting your driver's license can be a little tricky to navigate at first but they should also save you time by not waiting weeks on end for a road test appointment. For most applicants, the testing facility will be closer to home, which gives an added convenience.  </span></span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In order to address lengthy Department of Licensing wait times, the State Legislature approved a bill which allows approved driving schools the ability to act as third-party testers. Defensive Driving School now offers drive test appointments, many within a few days.</span></span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The DOL created a new online database (License Express), which gives the public not only an ability to manage their driver's license or ID card, vehicles and addresses online but also a way to avoid a physical trip into their office. Driving school employees also access the system to insert test scores for driver license applicants. </span></span></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what do you need to do to use our testing services and minimize trips to the DOL? </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>If you already have a learner's permit: </b> </span></span><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><li><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Register for License Express</b> on the<a href="http://www.dol.wa.gov/" target="_blank"> DOL's website</a>. </span><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the end of the process, you will be given a PIC # (Personal Identificat<span style="font-weight: normal;">ion Code) which is a combination of letters and numbers. Write this number down as it will be required to enroll in both Knowledge or Skills test. </span></span></span></span></li><li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Study the <a href="http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/docs/driverguide-en.pdf" target="_blank">Washington Driver Guide</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to prepare for the Knowledge Test.  Take our <a href="http://driving-school.com/phone_app.php" target="_blank">practice test here</a> with your smart phone.</span></span></span></b></li><li><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pass the <a href="http://www.driving-school.com/adult_lessons_dol_drive_test.php" target="_blank">Knowledge Test</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Register for the test on our</span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="http://www.driving-school.com/adult_lessons_dol_drive_test.php" target="_blank">secure website</a>. We accept Visa and MasterCard payments. When we receive your order, our office will call you to set up a testing appointment for you. <i>(If you do not already have a learner's permit, you can go to the DOL the day after you take the knowledge test with us and get one.)</i></span></span></b></li><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Practice driving every day</b>. Drive so often that your confidence and skill will overcome any<i> test anxiety</i> that may hit you.<b> </b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Pass the on-road Skills Test</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">. Register for your on-road </span><a href="http://www.driving-school.com/adult_lessons_dol_drive_test.php" style="font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Skills Test</a><b> </b>and our o<span style="font-weight: normal;">ffice staff will help you schedule a convenient test time at the location of your choice. If you need an appointment as soon as possible, we often have weekday openings between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm in our Bellevue location. </span></span></span></li></span></span></ol><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br /><div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The final step in getting your driver's license, which cannot be totally eliminated is:</span></span></span></div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br /><div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Go to the DOL office <span style="font-weight: normal;">nearest you to complete the Licensing application process.  This includes paying an application fee, having your picture taken and receiving your license.  Some documents you will need to bring include:</span></span></span></b></span></span></div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proof of Identity,</span></span></b></li><li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Traffic Safety Course Certificate<i> (if applicant is 16 or 17 years old)</i>, </span></span></b></li><li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Social Security Number (<i>actual card not necessary</i>),</span></span></b></li><li><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proof of Residency.</span></span></b></li></span></span></ol><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></ol><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br /><div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>If you do<i> not</i> already have a learner's permit and <i>are enrolled</i> in driver's education</b>, we will provide you with a test waiver (handed out on the first day of class) for you to take to the DOL. You will need to show the waiver, along with your identification, birth certificate, proof of residency and parental permission to get a permit. </span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Additional Training</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you would like to take advantage of our training services, please visit our </span><a href="http://driving-school.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">website</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for a list of our locations and class information.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Best wishes as you prepare for a lifetime of ticket and collision-free driving. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Defensive Driving Is NO Accident!</b></span></div></div><span id="internal-source-marker_0.4309632987715304"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span></div>

Avoid DOL Wait Times With 5 Simple Steps

Washington's recent changes to the process of getting your driver's license can be a little tricky to navigate at first but they sho...

When can you talk on the phone while driving?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all know that driving while talking with a phone to your ear is illegal in Washington. But, did you know that there are exceptions to this rule?</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 8px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXXDrqMGwgRMNzuXy3ev-xHq-Ajx1__ATm7yInidZAX-WbeKQui6_-ME96iHMglEHv8z1bsY2vjB_55mxUmxNPnimwHixpgRkZwXfC-jsVL3rrQVQunB4VBxzWP78cUpjJKqF7OTA1G0/s1600/bigstock_Cell_Phone_Display_8792938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXXDrqMGwgRMNzuXy3ev-xHq-Ajx1__ATm7yInidZAX-WbeKQui6_-ME96iHMglEHv8z1bsY2vjB_55mxUmxNPnimwHixpgRkZwXfC-jsVL3rrQVQunB4VBxzWP78cUpjJKqF7OTA1G0/s320/bigstock_Cell_Phone_Display_8792938.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>The law doesn't apply to authorized emergency vehicles.</b> RCW 46.61.667 states that a person operating a motor vehicle while holding a wireless communications device to his or her ear is guilty of a traffic infraction. However, the law doesn't apply to authorized emergency vehicles or tow trucks responding to disabled vehicles. Don't be alarmed if you see a police man chatting away with his phone to his ear.</li><li><b>You can talk on your phone if it's in hands-free mode.</b> RCW 46.61.667 does not apply to a person using a communications device in hands-free mode. Set your phone to speaker mode and you're good to go.</li><li><b>The law doesn't apply to you in certain emergency situations. </b>RCW 46.61.667 states that the law does not apply to people who are using their phones to:</li></ol></span><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Report illegal activity</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Summon medical or other emergency help</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prevent injury to a person or property</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Relay information that is time sensitive between a transit or for-hire operator and that operator's dispatcher, in which the device is permanently affixed to a vehicle</span></li></ul></div>

When can you talk on the phone while driving?

We all know that driving while talking with a phone to your ear is illegal in Washington. But, did you know that there are exceptions to thi...

PORSCHE PAN AMERA STRETCH LIMOUSINE

The stretch <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Limousines</a> are just not quite in demand these days, however one coach builder decided to stretch out a <a href="http://youtu.be/hvO1Av6NbGw" target="_blank">Porsche Pan Amera</a> despite the slow demand of such vehicle.<br /><br />I am wondering, what do the readers of this post think about a limousine company purchasing this expensive proposition? <a href="http://youtu.be/hvO1Av6NbGw" target="_blank">Stretched Porsche Pan Amera Limousine</a> certainly costs over $140,000.00, but how much will a limousine company charge for rental? <br />Considering most Americans are struggling with this economy, can this limousine make any money for a limousine company <a href="http://youtu.be/hvO1Av6NbGw" target="_blank">buying this limo</a>?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">Our Limousine Company's</a> clients are <a href="http://youtu.be/hvO1Av6NbGw" target="_blank">not requesting stretched out limousines</a>. I am wondering which limousine company in New York is doing great with such pricey white colored exotic stretched limos?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">City Sedans & Limousines NYC Limousine Service</a>

PORSCHE PAN AMERA STRETCH LIMOUSINE

The stretch Limousines are just not quite in demand these days, however one coach builder decided to stretch out a Porsche Pan Amera despi...

Shared Space: Road Signs Are For Idiot Drivers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A few months ago, I had no idea there was a movement going to get rid of road signs. And pavement markings. And traffic lights. It sounded counter-intuitive at first ... like collisions and congestion would increase. It's called Shared Space and in the real world, cities that removed their traffic control devices have shown us that it can be done with positive results. The more I learn, the more I like it.<br /><br />The very idea that we hide behind signs or justify our driving behavior because of them intrigues me. Do I alter my behavior because of a sign? Unfortunately, I believe the answer is yes. If the light is green , I usually go through it without a second thought. What I should be doing is scanning the intersection for safety.<br /><br />A similar case can be made for red light and school zone cameras. Instead of focusing on where the children are in a school zone, I go through ours looking on my speedometer and making sure I'm going under 20 mph. If I was a mile or two above then I check the rear view mirror to make sure the camera's flash didn't go off. After all, I don't want a ticket. Have I lost sight of what's most important? Yes, noticing unpredictable young children going to school is more important than not getting a ticket.<br /><div><br /></div><div>In the UK, they have integrated a Shared Space concept for traffic control. Segregation vs integration. Watch this 2 minute video for a short introduction on it. Notice how they use road surface materials and the camber of the road to affect the driver behavior and alert the senses.<br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b_t_nUyz-Ww?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b_t_nUyz-Ww?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Perspectives of Germans in Bohmte where traffic control devices were removed. I like that motorists think for themselves and communicate more with others. <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="360" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sf-O5o4aqcs?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Sf-O5o4aqcs?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">When I was in Belgium last month, we sought out the town Oostende, which has a Shared Space area. We found it, but it was early on a Sunday morning and we didn't see much traffic, nor need for traffic control. A man with his dog walked by and we asked him about the project. He'd never heard of it. Hmmmm, I think we would have better observed Shared Space in Bohmte. We did observe some signs and roadway markings, but the intersections in this neighborhood were uncontrolled.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyx6bcJ7bmHM9t6Zu03iGAawoJa3F84hSxzeP7Q_R5uqn6Xa_BSugmHPtw0suxxovMcziuIoGCVtMntRXWfQ-yL_T5oGCkutjfxQomACIE9IEh_GiVLV1QqscZJrjSWYmDokNmkbSMJg/s1600/Oostende,+Belgium+Shared+Space+Empty+Street.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyx6bcJ7bmHM9t6Zu03iGAawoJa3F84hSxzeP7Q_R5uqn6Xa_BSugmHPtw0suxxovMcziuIoGCVtMntRXWfQ-yL_T5oGCkutjfxQomACIE9IEh_GiVLV1QqscZJrjSWYmDokNmkbSMJg/s400/Oostende,+Belgium+Shared+Space+Empty+Street.JPG" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">And we saw some fantastic road users and great advertisements. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh9IUAiA7ZdaPSQds-7Cqg_QyDLMtXolICUiJ9dvBB4E8A1GW9nC6NQ4zQ0aAlZtdJiD-fpiIWeA2S2L3vQx6_8puFcijH3zyFxwmSnqEGcoFy9ZzxddQUbI206do9F-hVAJNAvd3PVA/s1600/Oostende,+Belgium+Shared+Space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh9IUAiA7ZdaPSQds-7Cqg_QyDLMtXolICUiJ9dvBB4E8A1GW9nC6NQ4zQ0aAlZtdJiD-fpiIWeA2S2L3vQx6_8puFcijH3zyFxwmSnqEGcoFy9ZzxddQUbI206do9F-hVAJNAvd3PVA/s400/Oostende,+Belgium+Shared+Space.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I would love a follow up on how Shared Space is working now. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Google can only find articles from 2008. There ought to be more information now that it's 2012.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> So if you are from Bristol, Bohmte, Oostende or another Shared Space city, please update us in the comments! </span></div></div></div></div>

Shared Space: Road Signs Are For Idiot Drivers

A few months ago, I had no idea there was a movement going to get rid of road signs. And pavement markings. And traffic lights. It sounded c...

Do You Have A Counterfeit Airbag?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">This sounds ridiculous, but if you have had your airbag replaced in the last three years, you may need to verify that you have a <em>real</em> airbag.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolWbFRAcd1w1lqOuaDw3qYroabpjO82DzImdPbc1YG6QX23JcNu2RCIDBGyRJRsLDsmT7O3wNV5qP2LZcz6lluvx6tVuCOAqpZENyjyC0TxxJ6yQk6ohWjmeevaliSeana44J5YDKUbw/s1600/Airbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolWbFRAcd1w1lqOuaDw3qYroabpjO82DzImdPbc1YG6QX23JcNu2RCIDBGyRJRsLDsmT7O3wNV5qP2LZcz6lluvx6tVuCOAqpZENyjyC0TxxJ6yQk6ohWjmeevaliSeana44J5YDKUbw/s400/Airbag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">According to the Associated Press, the Obama administration is preparing to warn us that counterfeit bags may have been installed in your cars.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">A public announcement will be made on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/">NHTSA</a> will ask car owners to check a government website, Safercar.gov, or call their manufacturer or local dealership to learn if their car model is among the number of models in which counterfeit airbags have been installed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The counterfeit airbags are made to look like airbags made by automakers and usually include a manufacturer's logo. They were marketed to auto dealers as the real thing. However, they are far from the real thing. In at least one case, instead of deploying properly, the bag fired shards of plastic on impact. Yikes. That does not sound good.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">*Update 10/10/12</div><div style="text-align: left;">NHTSA's <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2012/Safety+Advisory:+NHTSA+Alerting+Consumers+to+Dangers+of+Counterfeit+Air+Bags" target="_blank">counterfeit air bags press release</a> including makes and models of vehicles which may be affected. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div>

Do You Have A Counterfeit Airbag?

This sounds ridiculous, but if you have had your airbag replaced in the last three years, you may need to verify that you have a real airba...

Pump, Crank, Reverse: Rocking Out In The Desert

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last month, I accompanied my husband on a business trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. </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/AVvXsEhVg9ED7p4bMQOKeS9Wuncc7uHkCKpmgT4rm2SJVULKHUy7-TMjADN6Psw8FZmo5y4E3UI7z31IFVubR9VXxZFv5FzYuHIE_WB5uED0cMS-1r9wMAPTx5nbwJyyWcGV8910r-Jpvl12s88/s1600/Desert+Safari+Abu+Dhabi+Defy+Gravity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg9ED7p4bMQOKeS9Wuncc7uHkCKpmgT4rm2SJVULKHUy7-TMjADN6Psw8FZmo5y4E3UI7z31IFVubR9VXxZFv5FzYuHIE_WB5uED0cMS-1r9wMAPTx5nbwJyyWcGV8910r-Jpvl12s88/s640/Desert+Safari+Abu+Dhabi+Defy+Gravity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As part of a team building exercise with his colleagues from other countries, we went on a desert safari. Let me tell you that riding around in the desert made me a little bit nauseous. We drove straight up dunes and slid down the back side sideways. Several times the sand flew over the top of the vehicle and I was profoundly grateful for roll bars but also perplexed as to why the vehicles weren't rolling down the dunes.<br /><br />I thought I knew how gravity worked. Apparently not, because the rules in sand seemed to operate completely different than what I expected. Just look at the sand spray in the photo above. That's what sliding down sideways looks like. Now look at the lead vehicle in the rear view mirror shot. How does it not flip? What do these drivers know that I don't???<br /><br />A couple of days later, I got to find out. While my husband attended his business meetings, I headed to Dubai to attend a desert driving class with <a href="http://www.edi-uae.com/home.aspx" target="_blank">Emirates Driving Institute</a>.<br /><br />Wow. This class was the highlight of my trip and I'm so happy that they accommodated my request for a class since the only day I could do it was a week before their official desert driving season began. (It's too hot to do a class in the desert in the summer heat.) I was the only student that day, which was perfect. I could ask all the questions I wanted to and got a few hours of actual driving time in the desert. And the weather was...well hot...over 100 and we immediately started sweating if we got out of the vehicle.<br /><br />The first thing my instructor Rafiq did for me was drive straight into the side of a dune and get stuck. As in wheels spinning. No traction. Then we traded places and he told me to get our vehicle out. Nice. Notice the sand on the windshield. And half the front wheels disappeared into the sand. I've never worked so hard behind the wheel in my life. I pumped that clutch and cranked that wheel from side to side until the sand lost its hold on me and I could reverse out of there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxlbeNTDpxq4_wD_DRm5_-oPRtu0fwxyEoDwl5HDvc88e9TyK6ORubZOpqq-v_q1S2n6qbcEfktMfLz8B-GoWDaWHR-8vnMU-DsgcGXrtq3M1yOxTG6y2WHfszWMP4ZoUkPwFb0E7gLE/s1600/EDI-UAE+Desert+Driving+stuck+vehicle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxlbeNTDpxq4_wD_DRm5_-oPRtu0fwxyEoDwl5HDvc88e9TyK6ORubZOpqq-v_q1S2n6qbcEfktMfLz8B-GoWDaWHR-8vnMU-DsgcGXrtq3M1yOxTG6y2WHfszWMP4ZoUkPwFb0E7gLE/s400/EDI-UAE+Desert+Driving+stuck+vehicle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Properly trained drivers get unstuck through driving techniques. Inside the car. With air conditioning. Rafiq told me that those who teach themselves through trial and error often find themselves outside of the vehicle trying to dig themselves out when they get stuck. Although sometimes I like to figure out new skills for myself, I'm grateful I didn't in this circumstance. I would have died without Rafiq's expertise coaching me.<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/AVvXsEhAHSkF0cIovOgHJhpeC4UDKoBnYINwVIgVUzUe-ebDzFqN45dGPweQaNl2NojiFZ-1F8dzE1H7BDSFhiuWh5sDbvQr4d2nKq6TdIp65kyk5wnP4b3ZWvJ8BbU650d9lpKLjvOvrttrNVI/s1600/Rafiq+EDI-UAE+desert+driving+instructor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHSkF0cIovOgHJhpeC4UDKoBnYINwVIgVUzUe-ebDzFqN45dGPweQaNl2NojiFZ-1F8dzE1H7BDSFhiuWh5sDbvQr4d2nKq6TdIp65kyk5wnP4b3ZWvJ8BbU650d9lpKLjvOvrttrNVI/s400/Rafiq+EDI-UAE+desert+driving+instructor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafiq and his trainer, the driver of the second vehicle (a safety net).</td></tr></tbody></table><b>How Gravity Really Works</b><br />Vehicles can drive across slopes, even though it seems like gravity would pull them down. They are being pulled toward the earth. I understood gravity better through this experience...especially since the concept was hard for my mind to wrap around. But like electricity, I don't have to understand how it works exactly to use it. The digest version is this: If a desert driver slides down a dune and turns the wheels to the top then the vehicle will roll. But if the driver goes with the natural downward flow of the land then the sliding doesn't actually defy gravity. Nice.<br /><br />I got us stuck several other times during the course of my training and my back was fairly sore at the end of the day from working so hard but I am confident that I can get out of most sticky situations. This photo shows the worst situation I got into.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPmV8DGG44sqTPzaqvgMRdGHeLertJjuZjWKtByY9xazmN-7T5H5M2aJfetuXicLBfj26FqZ6HPeI410vMAlIqBno7QBoTw7zg9WP7z5FEcKn7ZGJZriJzT8I3bpxpY2WqnHS8U1-Lfk/s1600/EDI-UAE.com+Desert+Driving+Mother+of+All+That+Is+Stuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPmV8DGG44sqTPzaqvgMRdGHeLertJjuZjWKtByY9xazmN-7T5H5M2aJfetuXicLBfj26FqZ6HPeI410vMAlIqBno7QBoTw7zg9WP7z5FEcKn7ZGJZriJzT8I3bpxpY2WqnHS8U1-Lfk/s400/EDI-UAE.com+Desert+Driving+Mother+of+All+That+Is+Stuck.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I almost fell out of the vehicle when I opened the door. We're sideways. My foot is deep in the sand. I tried to get us unstuck, but had a lot of trouble. We ended up getting out of the vehicle and stepping on the sand to encourage it to roll down the side of the dune. Then Rafiq got us out...it was the only time he took control of the wheel.<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/AVvXsEhJVXBKgHHqa6Cj_mB5VwMNwMn-R3XzQpfjDprx934-6pJSW-F4WYNY80R_HYu-A0sF1KmfPMmSISuWZg6kThFhUr7NjgBYQVdqlFI4ZoQb-IBVJen7KtD1XBU_u3u3KKFxcWcCQwbKzi0/s1600/Camels+Hatta+Desert+UAE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVXBKgHHqa6Cj_mB5VwMNwMn-R3XzQpfjDprx934-6pJSW-F4WYNY80R_HYu-A0sF1KmfPMmSISuWZg6kThFhUr7NjgBYQVdqlFI4ZoQb-IBVJen7KtD1XBU_u3u3KKFxcWcCQwbKzi0/s400/Camels+Hatta+Desert+UAE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random camels grazing on a small oasis of bushes.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After lunch we found our way to a new area and went cruising up and down the dunes. It was really fun...we picked up so much speed that I could shift from first to second gear! There was something different about our this new area. Not only were camels grazing nearby (Rafiq's never had a student take so many photos), but the slopes were quite a bit gentler and I never got stuck.<br /><br />I asked Rafiq about the ease of the course. It would make sense to me to start off with the easy and then build up to the harder terrain. His answer has kept me thinking for the last couple of weeks.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"If I had started you out here, you would have given up when we got to the really hard places."</blockquote>Hmm...I've used that same logic when advising parents to have their teens learn to drive in the fall and winter. Those students are rarely afraid of driving on a dark and rainy night. When driving in adverse conditions, new drivers can relax knowing that their driving instructor is sitting next to them, and prepared to help when their own inexperience threatens their lives. Thank you Rafiq. There is wisdom in your teaching style.</div>

Pump, Crank, Reverse: Rocking Out In The Desert

Last month, I accompanied my husband on a business trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As part of a team building exercise with his col...

2012 Video Contest Winners

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;">Announcing the 2012 Video Contest Winners: Thanks again for everyone's hard work on these videos, they were all excellent! The scores were all very close, there was even a tie for third place. </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Winner</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Audrey Thomas "Organ Donation"</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18CfX62SxY4" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/18CfX62SxY4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/18CfX62SxY4?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">2nd place</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Bogui Adjorlolo "Please be safe"</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhCsnEiDvMk" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhCsnEiDvMk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RhCsnEiDvMk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"></span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">3rd Place</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Ty Leet "Road Rage"</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t3yDGar5vQ&feature=plcp" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank"><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_t3yDGar5vQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_t3yDGar5vQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"></span><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">3rd Place</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Maddie Gwinn "Drunk Driving"</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G7gmTA0u1U" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-G7gmTA0u1U?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-G7gmTA0u1U?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></a></div></div>

2012 Video Contest Winners

Announcing the 2012 Video Contest Winners: Thanks again for everyone's hard work on these videos, they were all excellent! The scores we...

Child Passenger Safety Week 2012

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;">It's Child Passenger Safety Week once again! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.safercar.gov/parents/TRS/Bottle.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.safercar.gov/parents/TRS/Bottle.png" width="224" /></a><a href="http://www.ktsro.org/images/CPS/stackingtoy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ktsro.org/images/CPS/stackingtoy.png" width="303" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1018756243"></span><span id="goog_1018756244"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years of age in the US according to the NHTSA, so let's protect our children by making sure that our little ones are using the right seats, at the right time, and in the right way. They are counting on us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS">www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS</a> for advice on choosing a car seat, installation tips, and instructional videos. There's a welath of information over there!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're not sure whether you've got  it right, check the <a href="http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm">Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator</a> to find out where you can get your car seat inspected free of charge.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OpHHTgeC-co?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

Child Passenger Safety Week 2012

It's Child Passenger Safety Week once again! Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years of age in the US according ...

Will Self-Driving Cars Really Be the Norm?

Can you imagine driving down the freeway in the driver's seat reading your Kindle or catching up with your friends latest posts on Facebook, without the worry of getting into a collision? It seems strange, but self-driving cars could make that possible much sooner than we ever imagined.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKUVxXDSePzNj5ZYjG4P2WdAtTBtvWfTMR9iNZfQEycH9EaTWeOTcjI_bYjiTnb-USUdLbE9CckO_aAK6XdjbBewvffaYAhKVqzhq1wp6Kzdz9m4uSWLPF08HLFqrjkvlyqxmpWoWusA/s1600/Distracted+Driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKUVxXDSePzNj5ZYjG4P2WdAtTBtvWfTMR9iNZfQEycH9EaTWeOTcjI_bYjiTnb-USUdLbE9CckO_aAK6XdjbBewvffaYAhKVqzhq1wp6Kzdz9m4uSWLPF08HLFqrjkvlyqxmpWoWusA/s320/Distracted+Driving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />According to <a href="https://www.kpmg.com/US/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Pages/self-driving-cars-next-revolution.aspx">this </a>recent report published by <a href="https://www.kpmg.com/US/en/Pages/default.aspx">KPMG </a>and the <a href="http://www.cargroup.org/">Center for Automotive Research</a>, the auto industry is on the cusp of revolutionary change, and the revolution will be characterized by the introduction of self-driving vehicles. It sounds far fetched, but industry leaders envision a fully self-driving vehicle as early as 2025.<br /><br />The KPMG report suggests that the marketplace will not only accept self-driving cars, but will be the "engine pulling the industry forward." However, I am not convinced. As a consumer, I can't say that I would fully trust my life to a "driving computer" no matter how great the technology. Humans are not perfect, but we like to make decisions for ourselves. I also think there's a lot to say for driving because you enjoy it. Nobody likes being stuck in rush-hour traffic, but I'd bet a lot of people enjoy driving down the open road. Not to mention that the cost of these types of technologies may far exceed what many people would be willing to pay. Perhaps things may change down the road, but I think it's going to be a <em>long </em>time before your average person will be purchasing a fully self-driving car.<br /><br />I would welcome autonomous driving technologies, but I can't imagine sitting back and reading the newspaper while my car makes all the decisions. I agree with Tom Baloga, BMW's U.S. vice president of engineering, in that "We will always be the ultimate driving machine."<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br /><br /><br />

Will Self-Driving Cars Really Be the Norm?

Can you imagine driving down the freeway in the driver's seat reading your Kindle or catching up with your friends latest posts on Faceb...

Teach Your Teen: What Your Lane Position Says About You

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Lane Positions: Getting on the Same Page</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're like me, you spent most of your life not knowing anything about lane positions. Then I became a driving instructor. Now you're teaching your teen. So it's time to put a name to something you don't even realize you already know....There's actually a name for your car's position on the roadway. The names aren't very original. But that's okay. They're easy to remember.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ol><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WSgQN8hLQLOSwdksurzFlJCOBRAjg7lY3agD2AZx8BAa3co9VIqfq0kDEyLfM_hV5veDze7YLCiTjvvpFrZroT4ML7DDukhVbudK2HxMAkR_FbXffEvt2DDhoC8PlmTHQj8rPmeVlkM/s1600/Lane-Positions-Defensive-Driving-School.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WSgQN8hLQLOSwdksurzFlJCOBRAjg7lY3agD2AZx8BAa3co9VIqfq0kDEyLfM_hV5veDze7YLCiTjvvpFrZroT4ML7DDukhVbudK2HxMAkR_FbXffEvt2DDhoC8PlmTHQj8rPmeVlkM/s400/Lane-Positions-Defensive-Driving-School.png" width="195" /></a><li>Driving in the center of your lane is technically referred to as driving in lane position one (LP1).</li><li>Hugging the left side of the lane is LP2.</li><li>Hugging the right edge of the lane is LP3.</li></ol><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm only giving you  three, but keep in mind that some fanatics add a fourth and fifth as you cross the lane lines on either side.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">   </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Drivers alter their lane positions for many reasons.</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are driving in the center of your lane in normal conditions, the position and speed of your car tells other roadway users that they can trust you. If you pass a parked car or bicycle and move to LP2 and reduce speed, you show that you are considerate. When you see that oncoming traffic includes a mobile home on a large truck and you move to LP3, you indicate comprehension that bigger vehicles will squash you if there was a collision.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bottom line, you will intuitively trust or be wary of other drivers depending on the cues their driving habits send you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Vehicle Body Language VS. Verbal Language</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We're all familiar with distracted drivers who put on their turn signals to change lanes and then forgot to turn it off. It's almost like they're saying, "Hey I'm turning, yup gonna turn any second, just you wait, I'm getting ready to turn." We adjust our driving to give them space but the signal keeps blinking while they're oblivious. After a few seconds we don't trust them anymore. We don't trust them because body language (position of the car) always trumps verbal language (blinkers).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know a car is going to turn right at a stop sign when it gets into LP3, slows down, the wheels are turned to the right and the driver makes a head check. It doesn't matter if  he has a turn signal on or not. His body language tells me exactly what to expect.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Help Your Teen Recognize What Specific Behaviors Mean.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li>Drivers who weave in and out of traffic, maintain high speeds relative to traffic flow, and tailgate are aggressive and should not to be trusted. Let them pass you. You'll breathe a lot easier without the pressure building behind you.</li><li>Drivers looking down frequently may be texting, looking at a map or even reading. Build your space cushion around you (especially on the freeway) so that if their distraction causes a collision then you won't be a part of it.</li><li>Drivers who turn left from LP1 or LP3 may be unfamiliar with their destination or not have much driving experience. Show them extra caution since they may do something unexpected.</li><li>Drivers who don't slow down at stop signs will either not stop or will stop well over the stop line. Be careful if you are a pedestrian.</li><li>Drivers who pass bicycles by crossing the center line (essentially giving them ten feet of space) do not understand how big their vehicle is. The average lane is 12 feet wide. The average car is 6 feet wide. A semi-truck is 8 feet wide. Hugging LP2 while passing a bike will give the rider approximately 6 feet of space, which is double the minimum 3 feet required by law.</li><li>Of course, each driver and situation is different. The more frequently you work with your teens on assessing the driving behavior of others, the better they will learn to evaluate their own driving and make corrections as needed.</li></ul><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Anticipate Other Drivers Actions</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">How do you know a car is really going to stop at an intersection? Or turn? Or make a lane change? Look at the following factors to help you know how to adjust your own driving:</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ol><li>Vehicle speed (too fast, too slow, just right) </li><li>Direction of the tires (straight or turning)</li><li>Lane position (LP1, LP2, LP3)</li><li>Signal lights (turning, braking, backing)</li><li>The eyes have it (Do other drivers see you? The pedestrians? The bicycles? The road construction?) </li></ol><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Practice answering these questions about other drivers for the next week. Does their behavior show they know what they're doing? Or are they putting out mixed signals? Knowing the answers will build years to your experience level in just a few short days.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>So, just what does your lane position say about you? </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whether or not I should trust you, of course.</div>

Teach Your Teen: What Your Lane Position Says About You

Lane Positions: Getting on the Same Page If you're like me, you spent most of your life not knowing anything about lane positions. Then ...

Why Don't School Buses Have Seat Belts?

How come children on school buses don't need to buckle up? I couldn't leave the birth center without a car seat for my infant. I struggle to get my 3 year old to leave her belt buckled. We stress safety...but when my 5 year old gets on the bus to go to school for the first time, he learns that he doesn't always need to buckle up. We're sending our children mixed signals. Mine in particular are confused. They actually unbuckle as soon as we pull into our neighborhood and say, "we don't have to wear our seat belts as soon as we pass the mailbox." And I'm left wondering where they got that impression and trying to get them back in their seats.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_rYrGcvWSGxIjrFelauyL-l07CDNQ5A3ve3JBoN6rqbotf44Fkv5TMXW2O89C1DDIJzYK9QDp6e3lmak39pdZhYHnQiwQrvP1al8lKw2ANhp2tNEtyUbnRTQbqGmqSlcOFEMYo2l28A/s1600/Back+of+School+Bus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_rYrGcvWSGxIjrFelauyL-l07CDNQ5A3ve3JBoN6rqbotf44Fkv5TMXW2O89C1DDIJzYK9QDp6e3lmak39pdZhYHnQiwQrvP1al8lKw2ANhp2tNEtyUbnRTQbqGmqSlcOFEMYo2l28A/s320/Back+of+School+Bus.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>If seat belts truly save so many lives (and I believe they do), then it's time to apply the seat belt laws across the board. My kids spend more time on the school bus than in my car. Busses should be equipped with safety belts and children secured.<br /><br />The <i>anti-seat-belts-on-school-buses</i> crowd says buses are safer than cars. They're big. They're yellow. They have better crash rates. Bus drivers are also supposed to focus on driving rather than making kids buckle up. Plus it'd be too expensive to put seat belts into buses. Ehem. Really? That's a lame argument. Just ask any parent who's lost a child.<br /><br />The <i>pro-seat-belts-on-school-buses</i> crowd says those crash rates are misleading. Most serious crashes happen at night and on weekends, as well as during the months of July and August. School buses usually don't operate during those times and private vehicles do. Thus the numbers don't give a fair comparison. Dr. Arthur Yeager has made it his life's work to change the status quo. His argument to <a href="http://www.ncsbs.org/testimonies/seat_belt_background.htm" target="_blank">install school bus seatbelts</a> is quite convincing. Compartmentalizing children in thickly padded high back seats does nothing to cushion kids from side impact and roll-over collisions. It only works if the kid stays in the compartment. Like they do when wearing a seat belt.<br /><br />About 20 years ago, <a href="http://www.ncsbs.org/testimonies/testimony_ayeager.htm" target="_blank">New Jersey mandated that all new school buses be equipped with seat belts</a>. It turns out that having kids buckle up reduced behavior problems...and bus drivers spent more time focusing on the driving task and less time disciplining. I find the same thing is true when my kids aren't crawling over seats and kicking their siblings while I'm driving.<br /><br />So, back to the main question. Why don't school buses have seat belts? Because we haven't banded together to make it happen. Consider visiting the <a href="http://www.ncsbs.org/index.html" target="_blank">National Coalition for School Bus Safety</a>'s website and joining their cause. That or drive your kids to school every day. Just take into consideration that one is easier to do than the other.

Why Don't School Buses Have Seat Belts?

How come children on school buses don't need to buckle up? I couldn't leave the birth center without a car seat for my infant. I str...

We have a new video!

I love our new promo video. It even makes me tear up a little. It might be because that's my son playing baseball in the video. I can&...

Drive Free Cars

If you're in the market to buy a car, the first question you might be asking yourself is whether you want to buy new or used. There are many factors to consider, including that great new car smell that you won't get in a used car. <br /><br />I think for most of us, it really comes down to price. When buying, it's helpful to know that <br /><ol><li><strong>New cars depreciate approximately 25% when driven off the lot, and</strong></li><li><strong>New cars lose approximately 70% of their value in the first four years</strong>. </li></ol>When you buy used, the previous owner has already eaten that depreciation cost and you can get a car for a great price. The trade-offs of course are that you may have more maintenance costs, you are not the first owner and may not know the entire owner and accident history, you may not have the same warranties you would have with a new car, and you won't get that great new car smell.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Whether you're interested in buying a car or not, you may find this <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/">Dave Ramsey</a> video on how we could all be driving free cars interesting. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BKyV8CTHeJ0?fs=1" width="459"></iframe></div>

Drive Free Cars

If you're in the market to buy a car, the first question you might be asking yourself is whether you want to buy new or used. There are ...

You May Need A Driving Lesson If...

<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">You may need a driving lesson if you've ever ...</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">hit a trashcan while backing out of your driveway</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">felt rumble strips while unwrapping a cheeseburger</span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">confused stop <b>signs</b> with stop <b>lines</b></span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEiFyyuBEZbUgJI6lYXW9rarSYVTUOidrISC9cDxUGcjpk6NaJ21rTq4cGIZo6o1wuVYUUSBiwG1TEtiFVKf87ovBxKuDwXX45PI60-IeZR_axuFV4ldoQwjjH-f_5SzKYJXZ9eiV_9CZh4/s1600/Defensive+Driving+School+Stop+Sign+Crash+.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFyyuBEZbUgJI6lYXW9rarSYVTUOidrISC9cDxUGcjpk6NaJ21rTq4cGIZo6o1wuVYUUSBiwG1TEtiFVKf87ovBxKuDwXX45PI60-IeZR_axuFV4ldoQwjjH-f_5SzKYJXZ9eiV_9CZh4/s320/Defensive+Driving+School+Stop+Sign+Crash+.06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collision last week down the block from our Everett driving school. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: CENTER;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>

You May Need A Driving Lesson If...

You may need a driving lesson if you've ever ... hit a trashcan while backing out of your driveway felt rumble strips while unwrapping a...

Buckle up the toddler or the gas can?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QR7gRQmdDuyi6KJbdzibY1N7U7txnsz2bi2Rk72EqWoORWTsF4zgngPl1uF700oZu7sG9-2l5YNHrleMwYBBwI78N0sqLTmuQfRQbkzTdvuEGHINeayunVz82KMTdp7pTIE2987yP0k/s1600/20120605__cdot_click_ticket_aurora~p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QR7gRQmdDuyi6KJbdzibY1N7U7txnsz2bi2Rk72EqWoORWTsF4zgngPl1uF700oZu7sG9-2l5YNHrleMwYBBwI78N0sqLTmuQfRQbkzTdvuEGHINeayunVz82KMTdp7pTIE2987yP0k/s640/20120605__cdot_click_ticket_aurora~p1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Colorado woman was cited for a seatbelt violation when she decided to strap up her gas can instead of her toddler. Poor kid.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The controversial photo above was posted on the Colorado Department of Transportation's Facebook page. According to <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_20804668/cdot-pulls-gas-can-car-seat-photo-from?source=pkg">denverpost.com</a>, the photo sparked hundreds of comments and more than 1,000 shares on Facebook, and was taken down.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The CDOT stated the following on their Facebook page after taking the photo down:</span></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">"Dear Facebook Friends and Others- We have decided to take down the post of the child sitting next to the gas can buckled in the child safety seat. Please know that we very much believe the photo served as an educational opportunity for child passenger safety and we hope that parents will utilize the information sources available to understand the laws and requirements to protect their children wh</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">ile in vehicles. However, our resources are limited and we can't continue to monitor comments at the level necessary to ensure that any harassing or profane posts are removed promptly. We're trying hard to provide resources for you regarding traffic safety and transportation in Colorado, and want you to feel safe and comfortable posting or asking questions. Thank you for understanding!"</span></span></span></div><div align="center">?</div>

Buckle up the toddler or the gas can?

A Colorado woman was cited for a seatbelt violation when she decided to strap up her gas can instead of her toddler. Poor kid. The controver...

Teach Your Teen: Visual Search Pattern

I started playing basketball in 3rd grade. I wasn't very good. I was afraid of getting hit so I didn't like to rebound or receive passes for that matter. In practice, I frequently lost control if I took my eyes off the ball so I always looked at the ball while dribbling. I was more of a hindrance to the team than a help.<br /><br />Contrast me then as a new player to me as a more experienced player two years later. I became known as a solid defensive player and ball stealer. Our team made it to the playoffs and won the championship game. What changed? First, I got over my fear of getting hit by the ball (and breaking my glasses). Second, I kept practicing. And third, I learned some crucial skills along the way...like looking down court instead of at the ball.<br /><br />What does my basketball learning curve tell me about driving? Current rates of collisions by both inexperienced and long time drivers indicate that we've got a problem with traffic safety. Most of us think that just because we can operate a car (like I could dribble a ball) that we should be able to drive without crashing. Too bad it's not true. Performing basic maneuvers without incorporating proper vision techniques leave both basketball players and drivers vulnerable to fouls.<br /><br /><b>What is a visual search pattern? </b><br />Alternating your eye movement between set places in the traffic scene. You are targeting, looking for potential hazards, and making decisions in advance. Make your pattern a part of your <b>muscle memory </b>so that you'll build a <b>routine</b> you can do without thinking. Consciously <b>drilling</b> positive habits helps mentally prepare you to handle any interruptions in the pattern.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jdclg3Yn2uLyPwEZPC_p9fEBTcYiEheUY8wXIKL1op3RhSH3CJgUlTG01QLtFsAh1h8Qyt3zZ_PZNe7H-Dl0iG1hvHPn1nk0DLajSZIgPnUqvSq9I5naUayhcXGdO8__HzWWvbjnu0w/s1600/Defensive+Driving+School+Visual+Search+Pattern+Area.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jdclg3Yn2uLyPwEZPC_p9fEBTcYiEheUY8wXIKL1op3RhSH3CJgUlTG01QLtFsAh1h8Qyt3zZ_PZNe7H-Dl0iG1hvHPn1nk0DLajSZIgPnUqvSq9I5naUayhcXGdO8__HzWWvbjnu0w/s640/Defensive+Driving+School+Visual+Search+Pattern+Area.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Area One - Expand Your Horizons</b><br />Target your eyes on the horizon or as far ahead of you as you see the road go. This will keep you centered in your lane and give you a heads up on when/where the road turns or if there is a slow down in the traffic flow. Keep your eyes continuously moving between each area of the search pattern every handful of seconds.<br /><br /><b>Area Two - Anticipate Slow Downs</b><br />Look for slow downs (turning vehicles, road construction, bus stops, lane closures, etc) and anticipate how you will need to alter your driving to interact smoothly with them. Perhaps, you will need to make a lane change or take your foot off the gas.<br /><br /><u>Teaching Help</u>: Get your teen driver to verbally tell you when they see stop signs and signal lights as well as brake lights, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. If you find that they are seeing a hazard in advance and not re-acting appropriately to it, then you can insert directions with a smile (as opposed to cursing when they scare the crap out of you).<br /><br /><b>Area Three - Scan Each Intersection</b><br />Scan intersections at a 45<span style="font-family: Symbol;">�</span> angle a couple seconds before reaching them. You may want to cover the brake (hover your foot above it) if you are unsure how another vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection are going to act. Be prepared for surprises hidden behind parked cars, buildings and bushes that block your view.<br /><br /><b>Area Four - Watch Your Back</b><br />Keep tabs on who's about to rear-end you. If you are slowing or stopping and the vehicle behind you is approaching too quickly, tap the brakes so that the brake lights flash. This interrupts the rear driver's day dream and let him know he should also be slowing down.<br /><br /><b>Pop Quiz</b><br />What is the most common excuse given at the scene of a collision?<br /><br /><b>Answer</b><br />Number one, "I didn't see him," followed by a close second, "He came out of nowhere!"<br /><br />People and cars don't come out of nowhere when you've got your search pattern a part of your subconscious. When your brain starts to wander while driving, you want that visual search pattern and your actions to it so automatic that there is nothing to stress about, just smooth interaction with others...kinda like a well practiced basketball team.

Teach Your Teen: Visual Search Pattern

I started playing basketball in 3rd grade. I wasn't very good. I was afraid of getting hit so I didn't like to rebound or receive pa...

Securing Your Load

Years ago, my husband witnessed a barbecue fly off the back of a truck onto the freeway. Being the Good Samaritan that he is, he pulled over, got out, ran across the freeway, and helped the driver move the barbecue to the side of the road. Luckily nobody was hurt.<br /><br />I always tend to get nervous when I see find myself driving directly behind a truck, like the one below, carrying anything that could potentially fall off. I generally make it a habit to change lanes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wtjWWJUypv68kaqp4TKouEdkjtI46BmeMHQtkfCYGUka_OoilrrDe3SASI0ZAop8SYNYI5qxARP1m2OL3yozutQtrRyRcW_5OgytatfMnyyXVAtwc0-tS5BHbqJ3joTKH9EuDjIUxMk/s1600/secureload.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wtjWWJUypv68kaqp4TKouEdkjtI46BmeMHQtkfCYGUka_OoilrrDe3SASI0ZAop8SYNYI5qxARP1m2OL3yozutQtrRyRcW_5OgytatfMnyyXVAtwc0-tS5BHbqJ3joTKH9EuDjIUxMk/s400/secureload.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />After hearing my husband's story recently, I got to thinking about just how dangerous it can be when any object becomes unsecured while driving at such high speeds. There are so many potentially dangerous scenarios. A report by the AAA Foundation estimates that twenty-five thousand accidents per year in North America are the result of unsecured loads.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.litter.wa.gov/images/accidents2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.litter.wa.gov/images/accidents2008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from the State of Washington Department of Ecology Website</span> </div><div align="center"></div><br />I presume that this is the reason Washington has strict laws regarding securing loads while driving. RCW 46.61.655 states in part that <br /><ol><li>No vehicle shall be driven or moved on any public highway unless such vehicle is so <strong>constructed or loaded as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping</strong> therefrom, except that sand may be dropped for the purpose of securing traction.</li><li>No person may operate on any public highway any vehicle with any load unless the load and such <strong>covering as required thereon by subsection (3) of this section is securely fastened</strong> to prevent the covering or load from becoming loose, detached, or in any manner a hazard to other users of the highway.</li><li>Any vehicle operating on a paved public highway with a <strong>load of dirt, sand, or gravel susceptible to being dropped, spilled, leaked, or otherwise escaping therefrom shall be covered so as to prevent spillage</strong>.  Covering of such loads is not required if six inches of freeboard is maintained within the bed.</li></ol><br />The law is straight forward and is basically what the average person would expect. However, what people may not be aware of or expect are the crimes associated with failing to secure a load. The same RCW outlines that a person is guilty of:<br /><ol><li><strong>Failure to secure a load in the first degree</strong> if, with criminal negligence, he fails to secure a load in compliance with the subsections listed above and causes substantial <strong>bodily harm to another</strong>, </li><li><strong>Failure to secure a load in the second degree </strong>if, with criminal negligence, he fails to secure a load in compliance with the first two subsections listed above, and causes <strong>damage to property of another</strong>, and</li><li><strong>An infraction</strong>, if the person fails to secure a load or part of a load in compliance with the subsections listed above and the failure does not amount to one of the crimes listed above.</li></ol>If ever in doubt about how to secure your load, visit the <a href="http://www.litter.wa.gov/secure.html">State of Washington Department of Ecology</a> website for tips and videos on how to secure your load and keep the roads safe.<br /><br /><br /><br />

Securing Your Load

Years ago, my husband witnessed a barbecue fly off the back of a truck onto the freeway. Being the Good Samaritan that he is, he pulled over...

Learning To Drive In America: From Russia With Love

<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><b><i><u>No Bribe Zone � American Driver�s License<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Anna R. didn�t think learning to drive at 30-something was so unusual until she moved to Redmond last year. In Moscow, Russia, it�s typical for women of her age to learn to drive for the first time.  Even so, Anna was embarrassed to come here and learn a skill most Americans learn as teenagers. �My husband told me that this is not ballet dancing and not to think about my age.  So we worked it out pretty fast.�  Her husband also volunteered to drive with her on weekends to give her extra practice. �He took care of our baby when I had my lessons. That was a good investment. Now I don't have to ask him to take me places, I can do it myself.�<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">Anna also tells me that about twenty years ago nearly all drivers in Russia were men.  Now more and more women are getting their licenses. Unfortunately, corruption is wide-spread in Russia and it�s not uncommon for people to bribe officials in order to get a license. Some of Anna�s friends were able to pass the test without any bribes. Another young mother, Natalya Vesolova, recently shared with the Associated Press that she refused to pay the expected bribe. As a result it took her a year and a half and 7 attempts to pass the test. I asked Anna how she feels about living in the U.S. and not having to pay bribes. She replied, �It feels good.�<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Anna shared with me that it was Carol Howie, one of our best instructors, who helped her to overcome the fear of driving at 60 miles per hour on the freeway.  �The most difficult part of the learning process was probably driving on highways... what was easy at 30 mph, suddenly seemed to be a challenge at 60 mph. I must confess that my instructor, Carol, really helped me to fight the high speed fear. She was always so calm and confident, and definitely more optimistic about my driving abilities than myself, and eventually she passed this optimism to me, too.�<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEj-nrOSXz4I7LnYIwLR7QmdcwntfoJsHJRBkpwsRojoTGuvQjSYWgWmlUJjrzdswnnYE5qmVBWa-mvikRRt2lpNttrdWgjLoz8TNbxROMKcl22AXc257FthiwcT6teN1zKMS3-OJneXgzk/s1600/Carol-Howie-Defensive-Driving-School-Adult-lessons-Drivers-Education-for-Foreigners-No-Bribe-Zone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nrOSXz4I7LnYIwLR7QmdcwntfoJsHJRBkpwsRojoTGuvQjSYWgWmlUJjrzdswnnYE5qmVBWa-mvikRRt2lpNttrdWgjLoz8TNbxROMKcl22AXc257FthiwcT6teN1zKMS3-OJneXgzk/s400/Carol-Howie-Defensive-Driving-School-Adult-lessons-Drivers-Education-for-Foreigners-No-Bribe-Zone.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol Howie - Driving Instructor</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p>Carol tells me that Anna�s experience is typical for people who haven�t learned to drive as a teenager. �If a person has not learned to drive before reaching adulthood there is usually a reason which may still be present, such as the fear of driving on the freeway.  In Anna�s case, we have to deal with that first to be successful.�  </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Anna credits Carol with giving her the confidence to overcome her initial fears.  �Carol was very patient with me, even though she had to repeat certain things many times. Now, when I am driving on my own and have to make decisions on the road, I have to say that I have answers for most situations from my lessons with Carol.  And some confidence on the road (not too much though!) is a great thing!�<o:p></o:p></div>

Learning To Drive In America: From Russia With Love

No Bribe Zone � American Driver�s License Anna R. didn�t think learning to drive at 30-something was so unusual until she moved to Redmond l...