How to Safely Navigate Work ZonesThey're practically unavoidable, and chances are you will encounter one every 90 miles or whenever you are late for an important meeting. Highway work zones, which seem to be everywhere this time of year, are now considered the most dangerous place for workers in the United States. But according to the Virginia Department of Transportation, motorists comprise four out of five of all people killed in work-zone accidents After all, a 3,500-pound car is no match for a 24,000-pound dump truck.There is a lot going on in a work zone. Potholes, dirt, gravel, mud, sudden changes in lanes and slope, and loud machinery all add up to potential danger. So what can we do to ensure the safety of our road workers as well as the safety of other motorists?First things first: when entering a work zone put down the cell phone, stop fiddling with the radio and concentrate on your driving. You are driving through someone's work area and there is no margin for error.Slow DownSpeed limits posted in work zones are not suggestions, they are the law. They're there for your own safety as well as the construction crew's. Keep in mind that even if no workers are present, there may be unseen hazards, so slow equals safe. Also remember that in most states fines are doubled in work zones.Focus on the RoadTraffic patterns can change as many as several times a day in a work zone, so even drivers who are familiar with the road should pay close attention. Expect the unexpected and don't take anything for granted.And the Sign Said...Signs, arrows and flagmen are there to help you move through the work zone more efficiently. If there is a lane closure, merge early, don't wait until the last minute to change lanes.Tailgaters BewareThe most common type of accident in work zones is a rear-end collision. Make sure to leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you in case you need to make a sudden stop.Keep Your CoolWork zones often require lane closures that can bring traffic to a crawl or even a complete stop. In rush hour, traffic can become extremely congested. Bear in mind that losing your patience will not help you get through the zone any faster, so keep your cool. ...read more
By GlassMax of Pennsauken June 30, 2010
Is Bigger Really Better? When it comes to vehicle safety, weight and size matter. When there's a crash, fatalities in a small car are twice as likely as in an SUV or large car, so bigger is better. The caveat with large vehicles is that if they collide with a smaller car, the smaller car will incur significantly more damage. While big cars and SUVs provide added driver and passenger safety, they could put you at greater risk of killing others in an accident. Avoiding an Accident Devices that help drivers prevent an accident are known as active safety features. Your car's tires, brakes, handling, acceleration, and visibility all contribute to accident avoidance. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are formidable features that help you maintain control in emergency maneuvers and slippery road conditions. Proper use of these features could save your life. Surviving an Accident Devices that keep drivers safe and uninjured in a crash are known as passive safety features. Seat belt restraints are a critical passive safety feature, which protect occupants from severe injuries in a collision by holding them in place. Seat belt restraints in newer vehicles feature automatic pre-tensioners that pick up the belt stretch and slack that occur in an accident, and reduce the likelihood of back and neck injury. They also create the proper room for air bag deployment. Airbags have gotten some bad press over the past few years, but the fact is they do save lives. Airbags are a crucial passive safety feature, and cars with both front and side airbags perform better in a collision. Keep in mind that airbags offer good protection in a crash, but seat belts must also be worn for complete protection. To get the latest safety rating for the car you are considering, visit www.CrashTest.com. Every year, CrashTest.com publishes results from the Federal Government's New Car Assessment Program and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. ...read more
By GlassMax of Pennsauken April 13, 2010
Repairing or replacing auto glass isn’t a simple job. You’ll need an assortment of tools and careful preparation. In most cases it’s best to have a professional do this. However, if you like to fix up old cars it may be worth it to invest in these tools and learn how to do this on yo... ...read more
Windshield washers are one of the most important and often overlooked parts in your vehicle. They are something that we don't give much thought to until it is raining or snowing and we really need them to be working. Most problems with windshield wipers can be repaired easily. ...read more