Motorists & Cyclists: Unite! Here’s the key to sharing the road in peace.

  It seems like the grass is always greener on the other side.  When you’re behind the wheel of a car, it’s easy to let yourself view cyclists as a source of stress–even an obstacle.  When you’re on a bike, the feeling is as uncomfortable but from an opposite perspective.  The good news?  We can all hit the road and reach our destinations safely!  The secret is just a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Rules of the road: Many fail to realize that bikes and cars must abide by the same regulations during their commutes.  Each side has an equal right to their own space.
Exit your car carefully!  Make sure there’s not a cyclist rushing up behind you–remember they have no reaction time if you swing it open without warning.
Situational awareness is necessary for everyone on the road.  Pay attention to your surroundings so you can avoid accidents before they happen.
Perspective: It’s important to take into account that a car running a red light or a pothole in front of you out of nowhere is an even bigger deal if you’re on a bike.
Exercise safety precautions!  Cyclists are more vulnerable targets for the dangers of the road so it’s important to plan accordingly.  Wear appropriate safety gear.
Courtesy wave: whether you’re a cyclist or motorist, turn signals are vital!  Now more than ever, be sure to let others on the road know where you’re planning to go next.
Time is never worth risking a life.  It seems like we’re always in a race against the clock.  Plan ahead for your day, ensure your things are ready to go the night before–do whatever you have to do.  Just make sure you never hit the road in a hurry.  It’s just not worth the risk.

Roam If You Want To

Do you picture yourself having an adventure on a road trip this summer?  We compiled a list of the Top 5 places we think you should take your car this summer!

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana

Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Brandywine Valley, Pennsylvania and Delaware

Car Wash Time!

Top Five Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Vehicle

1. Welcome Spring with a car wash, get rid of the snow, ice and dirt that has been on your car for months! It is important to wash underneath your vehicle, there may be a buildup of road salt which could cause corrosion.
2. Wax on don’t let that wax come off. Experts say that liquid waxes do better than spray and paste and can add extra shine.
3. Remove the Starbucks cups and extra pairs of gloves you have thrown in the backseat.
4. Vacuum and power wash your carpets; let them completely dry before putting them back in your vehicle.
5. Winter can take a toll on your wind shield wipers so make sure to replace them before spring showers.

Summer Jams For You and Your Family

About to get in the car with your family for several hours? Here’s our list of family friendly summer songs to listen to while you drive!

1. Hotel California by The Eagles
2. Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
3. Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses
4. Roam- B 52’s
5. ABC by The Jackson 5
6. You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
7. Let it Go by Demi Lovato
8. You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
9. YMCA by The Village People
10. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Avoid Terrible Traffic Jams With These Great Tips

Tired of getting stuck in traffic on your morning and evening commutes to and from work?  Here are some quick tips that can help.

Map out an alternative route – Take side streets.  Try different routes on days you can afford to be late.  Avoid the highways if possible.

Play with your timing – If there is no way around avoiding traffic, try to see if you can move your schedule around.  Go in and leave an hour later if you can, this can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in your car.

Work from home – If this is feasible, try asking your boss if you can work from home at least a couple times a week.

Check local traffic reports – Do this before you leave, you can also continue to listen on the radio while you’re driving.  You can also use a GPS for live traffic updates during your commute.  This can help find the fastest route for that particular time of the day.

Carpool – Having access to the carpool lane by driving with a passenger can greatly reduce your travel time.

Helpful Gas Tip of the Week

Buy gas at reputable service stations

 

Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it.

 

 

Funny and Clever Bumper Stickers

When you're stuck in traffic, it never hurts to be behind someone who's got some humor. At least you get a good laugh for a few minutes. Hopefully you're not stuck for too long because after 30 minutes of being stuck in traffic, you will quickly stop laughing.

 Hopefully, this isn't the kind of bumper sticker you'd want to put on your car. Also, if your car is getting to that point, come by and see us because it will probably be time for a new car.

This is for the repeat offenders, if you see a cop and you know it's for you, well, License and Registration!

 When you need to relax the person behind you, nothing beats a good old "Namaste" to them. Breathe in, breathe out and take it easy!

Who doesn't like The Beatles? Not only is it funny, but it will also add a personal touch to your back window.