(June 18, 2019) A statistical projection of traffic fatalities for 2018 shows that an estimated 36,750 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes representing a slight decrease of about 1.0 percent as compared to the 37,133 fatalities that were reported to have occurred in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Preliminary data shows that vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in 2018 increased by about 12.2 billion miles, or about a 0.4-percent increase. The fatality rate for 2018 was 1.14 fatalities per 100 million VMT, down from 1.16 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2017.

(June 17, 2019) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — There’s nothing like driving a set of responsive winter tires when conditions turn cold and dangerous. Indeed, in many parts of North America it’s vital to rely on a set of winter or all-weather tires, whose softer compounds safeguard drivers in snow, ice and cold.

But once the snow and ice melt and summer heat sets in, those same tires can be major liabilities. The very compounds crafted to make tires safe in winter conditions aren’t built to withstand heat or consistently wet roads.

(June 15, 2019) BRENTWOOD, Essex, UK — Once summer arrives, sun protection lotion will be bought in increased quantities and, added to hand sanitizer use, such products are good for our health but bad for our cars. Chemicals found in some such products can react with surfaces, causing them to wear prematurely unless they are protected by special finishes.

(June 13, 2019) SEATTLE — Can you parallel park like a pro? Are you the master of merging? Do you dismiss dangerous driving distractions? According to the latest poll from PEMCO Insurance, Northwest drivers think highly of their own basic driving skills, but they question how well fellow commuters perform behind the wheel.