Hello All,

I know I tend to switch back and forth from excellent automotive information to random rants so I am now going to try to purge the two for once! So, I want to start off by saying a Chevy Suburban is NOT a compact car, nor is a minivan or a full-size pickup truck. I just can't get over how common it is for people to practice the "it doesn't apply to me" ideal in driving. We all see it, the driver that cuts in last minute on the freeway and kindly avoids using his blinker. Or how about the cyclist that acts like a car until he comes to the stop sign and proceeds to ride right through it?! I think many of these commonalities in the roadway are part of what motivated me to be a criminal justice major in college. I would really like to see some accountability and respect brought back to our roads.

Now for the bit of information to keep you safe on the street.

I have preached about routine maintenance and periodic checks, one think I haven't touched on is new rules of the road that have changed since you and I took our driving tests many moons ago.

New Teen Laws -

As of January 1, 2006 teen drivers are required to have their license for one year before being allowed to drive between 11PM. and 5AM. Teen drivers will also need to have their license for one year before being permitted to have passengers under the age of 20 years unless accompanied and supervised by a licensed parent, guardian, instructor, or person 25 years of age or older. This law applies to all teens, even those who received their drivers’ license before Jan. 1, 2006.

Under existing law it is a misdemeanor to engage in a motor vehicle speed contest and will result in imprisonment in a county jail for not less than 24 hours or more than 90 days.

New DUI Law -

Individuals that have been convicted of a DUI will not be eligible for a good driver discount for ten years. This has been extended from seven years.

New Cell Phone Law –

Effective July 1, 2008, the legislation prohibits drivers from using a wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle unless the driver uses a hands-free device. Drivers who violate the law will face a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.
The law allows drivers to use a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, drivers of commercial vehicles to use push-to-talk phones until July 1, 2011, and allow drivers of emergency response vehicles to use a cell phone without a hands-free device.
California joins Connecticut, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and some local jurisdictions in prohibiting the use of handheld mobile phones while driving.
So now you’re more so “in the know�

Keep it shiny side up!

Cheers, Lance