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Articles Matching “driving”

• Designated driver companies could be forced off the road

  AshleyW on July 9, 2009

  It is estimated in the United States that every forty minutes a person is killed by a drunk driver. In Canada, it has been estimated that in 2006, 1,278 people were killed because of impaired driving.

  Three designated driving companies in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada have come together to oppose a city bylaw that could cripple their business. DD4U, Keys To Us, and Home Safe Designated Driving Services could be forced to pay for new licensing and insurance that is estimated to cost each driver over $1,000.

  Just how will these Canadian do-gooders get out of this mess?

  Read on…

  [Via Newsdurhamregion.com]

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under drivers, driving, News, Safety, drivers, designated driver, impaired driving

• Rachel Veitch and her 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente

  Banovsky on July 2, 2009

  What a difference the Internet can make. It's doubtful anyone would have taken interest in a 557,000-mile 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente.

  

  Veitch describes her car as more loyal than "any of her three husbands"

  But thanks to the folks at GrowingBolder.com, this remarkable story of 90-year-old Rachel Veitch and her car can be enjoyed by all.

  Through countless years, she describes how reliable her chariot has been ("…more than any of my three husbands"), how she always goes for the lifetime warranty (16 batteries and counting…), and her unique method of theft protection (a handgun hidden within reach.)

  Even better, though, is that Veitch genuinely appreciates the act of driving and doesn't take it for granted. She even mentions that older drivers should be tested regularly to keep their skills sharp.

  Click through to watch the video.

  [Source: GrowingBolder.com via Detnews.com]

  Read full article | Comments (3) | Filed under driving, Classic, Feature, WTF, Sedan, History, Misc, maintenance, women, women, Detroit, women, antique, US, 1964, Mercury

• Teen drivers beware: Ford MyKey is in town

  AshleyW on June 10, 2009

  I think I can hear parents breathing a sigh of relief...if you drive a 2009 Ford Focus Coupe, that is. The new MyKey system will be introduced on that model to assist parents in controlling their teenagers driving habits and enforce safer driving.

  

  Click through for a video demonstration

  How the MyKey System works is that a parent can program any key with the vehicle messenger system to control audio volume, seat belt usage and speed of the vehicle when their teenager is driving.

  The key has a chip within it that updates the vehicles SecuriLock passive anti-theft system when the vehicle is turned on. The system will read the chip within the key and locate the MyKey code which will update the restrictions a parent has programmed.

  The car can be limited to a speed of 80 mph (128 kph), and the key can be programmed to chime at 45, 55 and 65 mph. We think the coolest is that a seat belt reminder will chime every minute for five minutes and the audio will remain at mute until the seat belt is put on. Other features are included.

  Ford is the first company to have a feature like this as a standard feature on their vehicles. Lincoln, Mercury and other Ford models will be equipped with this system in the near future.

  Click through for a video demonstration.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under drivers, driving, speed, features, News, features, Technology, Ford, Ford, Safety, parents, drivers, teenagers

• The BMW drive experience

  AshleyW on June 5, 2009

  When I first pulled up to the area of Downsview Park in Toronto, Canada, where this event would take place I saw all these BMWs — and I had no idea what to expect. Would I get to drive each and every one of them? Luckily for me and the many other people who attended, we pretty much did.

  

  I really thought the Audi A4 would ace the track, and surprisingly, it didn't.

  We were given an introduction by Saladin Karl, senior event marketing specialist, Driver Training for BMW Canada. He has been with BMW for fourteen years, and with BMW Canada for the last two years. He pointed out to us that we would get to experience driving BMW sports sedans and BMW sports sedan powered by diesel. He also said we would get to drive and compare three other cars that are in direct competition with BMW, a Mercedes, Audi and Lexus. Next was a very informative presentation by Chief Driving Instructor Pierre Savoy. He has held this role for the last eight years and has been putting on driving events with BMW for the last 17 years.

  More…

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Lexus, driving, on ramp, interior, Audi, Feature, BMW, Diesel, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Convertible, Safety, lifestyle, Performance, design, interior, Z4, sports sedan

• Car care workshop part 2: Filters

  AshleyW on May 28, 2009

  Here is the second part (part 1 here) of the workshop I attended at Speedy Auto Service on car maintenance in Toronto, Canada. Specifically aimed at women, this workshop was all about learning how to maintain your vehicle and to know how some of these car parts actually work. Mechanic Abdul Sankar spoke to the group of women and men about filters.

  

  Sankar explains to the audience about the importance of maintenance.

  Cabin filter — For most vehicles the cabin filter is located under the dashboard and it filters the air coming from outside. There is pollen, bacteria and gases that are in the air. Cabin filters are installed for health reasons. Sankar had us inspect up close a square shaped cabin filter that was black in colour and contained pieces of sediment and leaves. Pollutants that you wouldn't want to inhale. Your cabin filter should be inspected at every oil change. Some vehicles have one cabin filter or two.

  Read on…

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under driving, News, Feature, How-To, Advice , Safety, engine, maintenance, women, women, oil, filter, Speedy, women

• Texting while driving: Not any more

  AshleyW on May 23, 2009

  More and more states around the U.S. are presenting legislation that be made into law to stop drivers from texting while operating a vehicle. The recent trolley crash in Boston where the driver of the trolley was texting his girlfriend just seconds before the crash has prompted the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to ban cell phones, iPods and pagers.

  Drivers of buses, trains and subways are no longer allowed to carry any such device in their pockets, backpack or handbags while operating a transit vehicle. Fifty people were sent to hospital in that incident. Under the rules which will be in effect beginning May 18, if a driver is caught the first time they will be suspended for 10 days. After a second offence a driver can be fired. The MBTA will not search it's employees but if passengers report a driver using any of the banned devices they will investigate and will check cellphone records if a driver is suspected of using one.

  Click through to read more.

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Industry, drivers, driving, News, Technology, Safety, distraction, iPod, drivers, cellphone, text

• Imola Race Resort to build exclusive country club in South Africa for enthusiasts

  AshleyW on May 20, 2009

  Imagine a country club specifically designed with a race track that you can drive your Ferrari F430 on without the worry of getting a ticket — and then when you're done, enjoy a high-class lunch.

  

  The proposed track layout

  This is what one can expect at the Imola Race Resort that will start construction in South Africa at the end of this year. The resort will be built near to the historical Vaal River about an hours drive from Johannesburg. The actual track will be based on the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit which is located in Midrand, South Africa. Read on…

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Luxury, driving, News, Feature, Ferrari, lifestyle, design, Imola, Kyalami, resort, South Africa

• Drivers without insurance could face tougher penalties in state of Texas

  AshleyW on May 18, 2009

  Driving without insurance and a license could be a third degree felony, and could get you 10 years in jail if a person is killed or injured under a bill that is being moved to the Senate in Texas.

  Also known as "Eric's Law" after the Dallas Morning News editor, Eric Nelson and two other people were hit by a car driven by a person with no insurance and a suspended license.

  Although they suffered serious injuries they weren't killed and the driver encountered misdemeanor penalties, including a fine that hasn't been paid. House Representative Allen Vaught initiated the bill because he wants to protect people who become hurt by drivers who don't follow rules. Nelson had been crossing the street at a crosswalk when he and two other people were hit. The bill that is being debated would also make driving without a license and insurance a misdemeanor even if there is no accident.

  Read full article | Comments (1) | Filed under drivers, driving, News, Safety, drivers, law, law, Texas, insurance

• Young drivers under the age of 21 to have reflective decals placed on vehicles in New Jersey

  AshleyW on May 18, 2009

  Starting next year drivers with probationary licenses under the age of twenty-one will have to adhere to a new law requiring only one passenger and time restrictions when driving.

  Police in New Jersey will be able to identify young drivers a little easier thanks to reflective decals (small rectangles) that will be placed on front and rear license plates. A new law was signed in April by Governor Jon Corzine also known as "Kyleigh's Law" a sixteen year-old honor student who was killed when riding in a car driven by another teenager with a probationary license. New Jersey is the first state to have decals like this.

  Other restrictions include allowing one other passenger with a teenage driver, use of a cellphone is banned, driving curfew is now at 11 p.m. (it used be midnight), and penalties and fines for drivers with probationary licenses will be increased.

  New Jersey isn't the first place on the globe; young drivers face tough restrictions elsewhere, including Germany, Sweden, and Japan.

  Read full article | Comments (1) | Filed under Industry, drivers, driving, News, Safety, drivers, New Jersery, law, teenagers, law

• How-To: Maintain your windshield wipers

  AshleyW on May 5, 2009

  We've all had that experience of a surprising downpour of rain, hail, snow, or even a splash of mud across our windshields. Of course, you'll immediately reach to turn on your windshield wipers. An important tool when driving, here are some tips on when to change your wipers.

  

  [Photo: dnorman on Flickr.]

  Although they are only used when we really, really need them, windshield wipers are an important visual aid when driving. Maintaining them is extremely important and here are some tips on how to do that.

  Windshield wipers should be replaced once per year, and both wipers should be replaced at the same time. Depending on where you live and road conditions, you may have to change them more frequently. If the frame of the wiper is rusting, or the rubber is detaching itself from the frame and screws are rusted and loose are indications that you should change your wipers. If you notice streaking on your windshield, a good cleaning can help or replace them.

  Read on…

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under driving, News, How-To, Advice , windshield, wiper, windshield wipers, wiper arm, rubber, hook, bayonet, slide