As the number of bicyclists on our roads increase, Fix Auto encourages mutual respect while sharing the road.

Wear a helmet – It is the single most effective way for you to prevent head injury when in a crash.

Follow the Rules of the Road - Both drivers and cyclists are vehicle operators and must follow traffic laws, including obeying traffic signals and signs. The law requires cyclists, when riding in the street, ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic.

When passing allow three feet of space between cyclists and cars – Drivers and cyclists need to respectfully share the road. Watch for cyclists before opening a vehicle door, pulling away from the curb and when turning. Likewise, cyclists need to keep their own visibility in mind by not getting too close to vehicles as that can make it even more difficult for the driver to see them.

Blind spots deserve special attention – Due to the size and the location of bike lanes, cyclists can often get lost in a driver’s blind spot. It’s critical to double check before changing lanes, turning or opening a car door – remember some bike lanes in Portland are on the passenger door side! Cyclists must ride defensively and be aware that even the most attentive driver may not see them.

Put common sense to good use – When the weather is bad, both drivers and cyclists need to give each other extra room. Cyclists need to take responsibility for being seen by wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing, using a front headlight and a rear flashing light, reflectors and reflective tape on clothing and equipment, especially at night so drivers can see them.

Teach a child about bicycle safety – it could save their life.

Child helmet fitting video:

Happy Motoring and Cycling,

Camille

U.S. Department of Transportation Releases Results from NHTSA-NASA Study of Unintended Acceleration in Toyota Vehicles

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Department of Transportation released results from an unprecedented ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched the study last spring at the request of Congress, and enlisted NASA engineers with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software

integrity to conduct new research into whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration.

NASA engineers found no electronic flaws in Toyota vehicles capable of producing the large throttle openings required to create dangerous high-speed unintended acceleration incidents. The two mechanical safety defects identified by NHTSA more than a year ago – “sticking” accelerator pedals and a design flaw that enabled accelerator pedals to become trapped by floor mats – remain the only known causes for these kinds of unsafe unintended acceleration incidents. Toyota has recalled nearly 8 million vehicles in the United States for these two defects.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, “We enlisted the best and brightest engineers to study Toyota’s electronics systems, and the verdict is in. There is no electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyotas.”

Read the full NHTSA Toyota press release here.

We highly recommend visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for a bundle of vehicle safety information, including key issues such as: Teen Driving, Senior Driving, Child Safety, Crash Ratings and more.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

TOP SAFETY PICK recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests. Winners also must have available electronic stability control, a crash avoidance feature that significantly reduces crash risk. The ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require.

Read the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety News Release of December 22, 2010 in its entirety.

To learn more about vehicle safety visit, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

ALL 66 WINNERS…

(red indicates newly-announced winners for 2011)

Large Cars
Buick LaCrosse
Buick Regal
BMW 5 series (except 4-wheel drive and V8)
Cadillac CTS sedan
Ford Taurus
Hyundai Genesis
Infiniti M37/M56 (except M56x 4-wheel drive)
Lincoln MKS
Mercedes E class coupe
Mercedes E class sedan
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80

Midsize Cars
Audi A3
Audi A4 sedan
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler 200 4-door
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Volvo C30

Small Cars
Chevrolet Cruze
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Forte sedan
Kia Soul
Mitsubishi Lancer sedan (except 4-wheel drive)
Nissan Cube
Scion tC
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza sedan and hatchback (except WRX)
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Golf 4-door
Volkswagen GTI 4-door

Minicar
Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010

Minivan
Toyota Sienna

Large SUV
Volkswagen Touareg

Midsize SUVs
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Journey
Ford Explorer
Ford Flex
GMC Terrain
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento built after March 2010
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Mercedes GLK
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Kia Sportage
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

Enjoy the drive,

Camille

The Holiday’s are upon us and as drivers we need to be mindful of actions that will make
our holiday travel safer. We recommend following these holiday travel safety rules:

• A week before your trip, make sure your vehicle is  in good shape for travel – suitable tires and tire condition for all possible road conditions, fluids at the correct level and condition, lights and safety features all are fully functional.
• Don’t drive until everyone, including yourself is properly fastened in seat belts and car safety seats. Remember, the rear seat is the safest place for children of any age to ride and for small adults.
• Be flexible in your travel plans and avoid peak traffic hours. If snow is predicted during the time you plan to travel, change your schedule. It is better to reschedule than to put lives at risk.
• Take plenty of breaks to stay fresh and alert. Do not push yourself to stay on schedule if you need a rest or road conditions are hazardous. When tired pull into a rest area or parking area, get out of the car for some fresh air to stretch and have something to refresh you, or just relax until you feel revived. If that doesn’t work, pull off again and take a nap or find a motel or campground where you can spend the night. A high percentage of fatal traffic accidents are single vehicle crashes. These most often occur during late night/ early morning hours and the late afternoon hours to drivers who are tired, have consumed alcohol, or both.
• Drive within the speed limit, taking into account road conditions. Allow yourself ample time and distance to react to the traffic around you. Let impatient and aggressive drivers pass you or go through the intersection ahead of you so that you control the situation.
• Only pass when you are absolutely positive it is safe and legal to do so.
• Do NOT drink and drive, always choose a designated driver who will remain alcohol free.
• Driving requires your complete attention, pull off the road to use your cell phone.

We wish each of you a Holiday Season filled with memorable moments, and above all, safe arrival to all your destinations.

Enjoy the drive,

Camille

I encourage you to take a look at this tire safety video report from ABC. It provides a very convincing reason to maintain tires with sufficient tread depth to stay safe on the road.

If you’re not sure how to check the tread depth on your tires, we’re happy to show you how at no cost – and we’ll check your tire pressure while we’re at it. If you need tires, we can refer you to a reputable and locally-owned tire dealer for assistance.

Stop in Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.

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Safe motoring,

Camille

Millions of Americans know that dogs are great companions and bring their fabulous friend along on road trips and even day-to-day errands. Unfortunately, in a vehicle this can mean added distractions for the driver. The survey, conducted by AAA and Kurgo, asked dog owners how often they drive with their dog and about their habits behind the wheel. The survey found that drivers not only love to bring Fiona along, but they may also engage in risky business when man’s best friend is along for the ride.

Visit the AAA News Room for the complete press release.

Recommended: Check out the AAA “Traveling with Your Pet” guide.

Happy and Safe Motoring,

Camille

What information should be included when filling out the complaint form?

• A clear, detailed description of how the vehicle failed to perform.
• Mileage and major maintenance history.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• If available, information about what the motorist was doing at the time of the incident and how the vehicle responded.
• What steps have been taken to isolate the problem, and any corroborating evidence they have (backed by an automotive technician’s technical assessment) about the vehicle’s malfunction.

What should NOT be included when filling out the complaint form?

• More than one problem on the same form.
• Multiple reports from different individuals about the same problem.

Avoid expressing personal feelings or anger about the incident.

Enjoy your motoring,

Camille

We are running a short series of staged accident scenarios posted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Watch the second one here and reduce your chances of being a victim of an accident and insurance fraud scheme.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

We always encourage being an informed driver and promote motorist safety.

Avoid being a victim of a staged accident. Take a look at how a staged accident might be played out by the instigators.

Safe Motoring,

Camille

We encourage you to leaf through it and take advantage of the interactive table of contents to quickly get to a section of interest.

Remember, we provide many auto body safety services for your convenience.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

Happy Motoring,

Camille