When Is The Most Dangerous Time To Drive?

Every driver knows the basic ways they can both prevent and increase their chances of escaping injury in an accident. They know that they should drive more slowly in bad weather, always wear their seatbelt, be aware of the other drivers on the road around them, and so forth.

But sometimes even the most careful of drivers can find themselves in an accident. And now, statistics are adding another layer to the puzzle by revealing what times of the day or year are the most dangerous to drive. Would you have guessed that the most dangerous time to be on the road, going by statistics, is a Friday in September between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.?

Just remember: this doesn’t mean that drivers can relax every other day of the year. An accident can happen at any time while you’re on the road; it just so happens that statistics show that accidents are more likely to happen at certain times, and that some days require a little extra caution on the driver’s part. That’s not bad information to have on hand!

Check out this great infographic to get more statistics on when car accidents are most likely to happen.

6 Most Common Tire Myths

What is the most important part of your vehicle? Well, we admittedly can’t say that one particular part is absolutely the most important, but we can say that your car’s tires definitely belong near the top of the list.

Naturally, this means that properly caring for and maintaining your tires must always be a priority. But unfortunately a number of wives tales and myths about tire care could put you at a disadvantage if you don’t know what advice to ignore rather than follow.

Fortunately, Popularmechanics.com is here to save the day with an article about the 6 most common tire myths:

Tires are arguably the most important component on your vehicle. They are, however, among the least understood features. Allow me to list and pop a few common misconceptions about tires.

1. The tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in my new car makes sure my tires are adequately inflated.The truth: TPMS isn't required to issue a warning until pressure is 25 percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. That's "well below the pressure required for safe driving," according to AAA and "barely adequate to carry the vehicle's maximum load," says the Rubber Manufacturers' Association. TPMS is intended as a last-minute warning before imminent tire failure, not as a monitor to make sure your tires are properly inflated.

Buy a quality tire gauge and set your tire pressure to at least the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, which is found on the driver's door jamb. I'd rather you set your tires 3 or even 5 psi high rather than 1 low. Tire-pressure gauges can be inaccurate, and tires leak as much as 1 psi per month. Higher pressure improves hydroplaning resistance and, if you're like many folks, you may not bother to check your tires again for six months.

Check out Popular Mechanic's full article to read more about common tire myths you need to ignore: 6 Common Tire Myths Debunked - Popular Mechanics

Sharing The Road With Cyclists

Did you know that about 30% of the American population owns a bicycle? That means there are a lot of potential cyclists that drivers need to watch for, especially with warmer weather approaching. In order to do this, it’s important that both drivers and cyclists understand the rules of sharing the road.

A few tricks to keep in mind:

●You look for pedestrians when you’re making a turn, right? Why not take a couple of seconds longer to look for a cyclist? The rider has the right of way if he’s going straight and you’re turning right.

●A little patience could save your life. Wait to pass that cyclist until you have a clear view ahead and are sure there’s no oncoming traffic.

●Riders are supposed to stay to the right. Drivers are supposed to stay well clear of them. By law in Maryland and several other states, drivers must stay three feet from a cyclist. Don’t expect to see cops out there with a yardstick, but if you cause a crash, you could be charged with a three-foot violation.

Read more about what drivers should know about sharing the road in this great Washington Post article: http://bit.ly/10yX1LZ

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee

There has been a whole lot of hub-bub about the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. People seem to miss the old look and feel of the classic Jeep Cherokee XJ, but maybe it’s time to let go of a classic and try something new. After all, welcoming the new can be refreshing, surprisingly fun and ever, well... fuel efficient. This article explains the 6 reasons why the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is better than the XJ.

http://bit.ly/13y08v9