August 2016

Study finds American drivers aren’t securing their loads

(August 14, 2016) WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 200,000 crashes involved debris on U.S. roadways during the past four years, according to a new study released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Unsecured loads resulted in approximately 39,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths between 2011 and 2014.

Average gas prices holding steady to begin August

(August 10, 2016) The national average price of gas has held relatively steady over the past week and has declined on just one of the past four days, according to AAA's weekly report. The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.12 per gallon, which is the lowest price for this date since 2004 and 26 cents below 2016’s peak price to date of $2.40 on June 11.

The price is one cent less than one week ago, 12 cents less than one month ago and 48 cents less than the same date last year.

Getting a driver's license: Hitting the road after 25 in Great Britain

By Christopher A Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(August 10, 2016) Take a look a the picture below. Yes, she’s an attractive young British woman. However, Elizabeth Oakley is more than a pretty face. At age 29 she’s a first-time driver, and trying to juggle a full-time job, learning how to drive, passing her driving test, and finding a car that meets her needs. She’s also one more thing: one of many hitting the road for the first time after turning 25.

Pay attention if your brakes are trying to tell you something

(August 9, 2016) BETHESDA — If your brakes are trying to tell you something, you should pay attention. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation and it should be checked immediately if you suspect any problems, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

National Stop on Red Week points up dangers of red-light running

(August 8, 2016) MESA, Ariz. — American Traffic Solutions (ATS) is again helping to spread the word about the inherent dangers of red-light running during this year's Stop on Red Week campaign, initiated by the Federal Highway Administration to educate drivers and bring awareness to the number and severity of intersection crashes.

Honda Fit ranked top 'Back to School' car by Kelley Blue Book

(August 4, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. — With the 2016-2017 school year right around the corner, many students and parents of teens are considering their transportation needs to and from campus and activities.  To help shoppers narrow down their choices, the editors at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com have named this year's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2016.

For the third consecutive year, the Honda Fit starting at $15,776 has been ranked the number one vehicle. Honda landed three of the top four cars with the Civic ranked third and the HR-V fourth. The Kia Soul was ranked second.

Gas prices reach lowest mark in 100 days

(August 3, 2016) National pump prices have fallen 50 of the past 51 days for a total of 25 cents per gallon. The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has declined to $2.13 per gallon, which is the lowest level in the past 100 days and the lowest price for this date since 2004, according to AAA. This week's price is three cents less than one week ago, 15 cents less than one month ago and 52 cents less than the same date last year.

New-car transaction prices climb nearly 3 percent; at record high

(August 2, 2016) IRVINE, Calif. —.The analysts at Kelley Blue Book kbb.com today report the estimated average transaction price (ATP) for light vehicles in the United States was $34,264 in July. New-car prices have increased by $832 (up 2.5 percent) from July 2015, while rising $82 (up 0.2 percent) from last month.

"Low interest rates, longer loan terms and increased leasing are helping consumers afford their monthly payments, which would be upwards of $550 per month on a traditional 60-month term," said Tim Fleming, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Edmunds: Number of leased vehicles reaches all-time high in 2016

(August 1, 2016) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — More new vehicles were leased in the first half of 2016 than during the first half of any other year in history, according to the latest Lease Market Report from Edmunds.com.

Lease volume has doubled in the last five years, suggesting that the automotive market could be on the verge of a fundamental shift in consumer mindset about the value of owning a new vehicle — particularly when the purchase has to be financed.

Americans are flocking to national parks, AAA survey shows

(August 1, 2016) ORLANDO, Fla. — The most Americans in recent years are heading to national parks in recognition of the U.S. National Park Service’s 100th anniversary on Aug. 25. Visitation to the national parks reached an all-time high in 2015, with more than 307 million visitors, according to the National Park Service, and travelers can expect the parks to remain busy in the year ahead.