May 2008 - Posts
-
 Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Since the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, then in Europe and North America in 2000, total cumulative sales through April 2008 hit 1,028,000 units, with—believe it or not—most units being sold in North America.
Toyota says it believes that, compared to emissions of straight gasoline-powered vehicles, this many Prius hybrids on our earth’s roadways have done their eco-friendly part, resulting in a 4.5 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions—that nasty stuff environmentalists and other people who like to breathe believe to be a big cause of global warming.
In their quest to build and sell even more fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota also offers other hybrids, such as the Camry and Highlander, and various Lexus models, like the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans and RX 400h luxury crossover SUV. They’re not alone in their efforts, though, as more and more manufacturers are aiming to do the same with their own brand of gasoline/electric hybrid technology, from compact cars to midsize sedans and SUVs.
|
-
 The smallest car sold in America has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest rating of Good for both frontal offset and side-impact protection. Previously, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had tested the Smart, giving it four stars of five for driver, three stars for the passenger, and five stars for side impact. Both organizations noted that the driver’s door became unlatched during the side test, citing potential risk though no related injuries occurred in the testing.
This good performance is impressive for such a small car--one that measures 40 inches shorter than a Mini Cooper. There is very little crush space, putting greater reliance on the performance of the safety belts. The driver’s head did pass through the airbag in the IIHS frontal test, though head measures did not indicate a significant injury was likely.
As with all front crash tests, the results are only comparable to models in the same class. However, there are no other “microcars” sold in the United States.
A stiff structure and seat-mounted side airbags are credited to protecting the dummy in the side-impact test, which uses a moving barrier configured with the height and weight of a midsized SUV.
“The big question from consumers is, ‘How safe is it?’”, says Institute president Adrian Lund. “All things being equal in safety, bigger and heavier is always better. But among the smallest cars, the engineers of the Smart did their homework and designed a high level of safety into a very small package.”
Research Smart in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our 2008 Smart ForTwo review.
|
-
 Ford will debut the 2009 Focus coupe in an “American Idol” music video on Wednesday, revealing a modest update inspired by customer feedback, including new front and rear fascias, and a new roof-line spoiler. The SES series also gets standard 17-inch aluminum wheels on the SES series. These changes will further differentiate the Focus coupe from the sedan.
To better target the young Millennials demographic drawn to the coupe, the design team made the two-door’s appearance sportier, notably toning down the Bic-shaver grille and removing chromed front-fender vents. Fog lamps are now standard. The result is a less flashy appearance. For 2009, the Focus SES coupe features more horsepower (up three to 143) and a throatier sound, thanks to a new sport-tuned exhaust. The SES coupe with a four-speed automatic transmission will have a new 4.2:1 final drive ratio to deliver better off-the-line acceleration. Also available is a super-clean, 130-horsepower Duratec 20E engine that qualifies Focus as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV). Both engines deliver 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, according to EPA ratings. Electronic stability control (ESC) is now available. The 2009 Focus Coupe, available later this summer, will have an MSRP that starts at $15,920—up from the current base model at $14,395.
Research the Ford Focus coupe in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our 2008 Ford Focus review.
|
-
As American motorists grapple with elevated fuel prices, many drivers are trying to maximize their mileage using techniques called hypermiling. So-called hypermilers take extreme care to improve their fuel economy by modifying their driving style, with results that can significantly exceed the EPA ratings for their vehicle. Even with simple adjustments to how you drive, the average motorist can make a measurable gain in fuel economy.
Hypermiling techniques center around lawful, strategic driving. Fuel savings should never take priority over safety, and we urge you to be courteous to fellow motorists when trying to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption. That said, the benefits of hypermiling are significant. If you give this gentle driving style an earnest chance, you will see a difference in your weekly gas bill. Considering the big picture, these techniques could make a notable reduction in our need for imported oil if they were widely adopted by today’s motorists. So do pass these tips along.
To help you get the most from each precious gallon, we present the following gas-saving advice, tips, and hypermiling tricks:
Keep a logbook, noting miles driven, fuel consumed, and type of driving (city, highway, mixed, mountains). From this, you will be able to chart improvements and also have a tool for tracking maintenance.
To quantify improvements, track your typical consumption for several weeks. Also research what the EPA rating is for your vehicle. The EPA has adjusted fuel economy ratings for vehicles from 1985-2007 to the new 2008 standard, adding greater accuracy and a fair means for comparison.
Obey the speed limit. By observing the speed limit, you can save significantly. Tests have shown the benefits can be more than a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. When possible, do stay to the right lane when doing this, as unfortunately many motorists will not have the self-discipline or patience to adhere to the speed limit.
Use cruise control. Setting the cruise control for the speed limit ensures smooth powertrain operation. Even good drivers will vary speeds, leading to greater consumption.
Tires. Monitor the tire pressure with monthly checks to ensure proper inflation. Due to temperature changes and passive loss, the tires will need to be adjusted during the year. Significantly low tires will impact fuel economy, as well as tire wear and performance. Consider this tip more maintenance than fuel economy focused. When it comes time to replace your tires, research same-sized tires with low rolling resistance. The latest rubber compounds allow tires to improve on basic traction, as well as reduce rolling resistance. (The lower the rolling resistance, the less fuel is needed to move the vehicle.)
Idling. If you are to be stopped longer than a minute, such as dropping the kids off at school, shut the engine off. And for those in the snow belt, resist the temptation to let the car warm up for minutes, unless necessary to aid ice and snow removal.
Chaining. Combine several errands into a single trip, rather than leave home for each one. This minimizes time on the road and therefore fuel consumption, and it also means your engine will be warm and running at peak efficiency.
Air conditioning. Studies on the impact of using air conditioning versus opening windows show negligible difference between the two. Go with what makes you comfortable.
Weight. Minimize the weight in the car by removing unnecessary items. This is particularly important, again, for northerners who may keep snow removal and survival equipment in the trunk, such as a heavy bag of sand.
Aerodynamics. A slippery exterior will help the vehicle slice through the wind. Avoid, or remove, roof rack cross bars, side steps, and brush guards. When buying a new vehicle, think twice about a roof rack – will you really use it?
Gasoline. Use 87 octane unless your owner’s manual specifically REQUIRES Premium. If it is just RECOMMENDED then it isn’t necessary or even worthwhile to pay the extra cost.
Maintenance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure your vehicle is running properly and reliably, including changing the air filter. Don’t obsess over the air filter; regular replacement schedules should suffice unless you off-road frequently.
Hypermiling Secrets
Drive smooth. Avoid jack-rabbit starts and panicky stops. Accelerate smoothly, as if there is an egg under the gas pedal. Look ahead and predict traffic signals and traffic flow to help reduce the need to brake. Coast to a stop, rather than accelerate till the moment you hit the brakes. Around-town driving is hardest on a non-hybrid car and, likewise, extra care here can pay off.
Perpetual motion. Using brakes squanders the investment made in achieving speed. Within reason, go easy on the use of brakes, and likewise you’ll reduce the need to accelerate.
Engine load. To go to the extreme, focus on minimizing the engine load rather than just maintaining speed. Again, this is a technique that requires judgment regarding safety and courtesy, but where possible, going slow when ascending hills, rather than going hammer down to maintain speed, will help.
Oil. Use the lowest viscosity recommended for your driving conditions to minimize internal engine friction.
Pull-throughs. Rather than hunt for the perfect parking spot within inches of a store front, especially if you must wait for one to open up, just coast into a spot at the end of the row. Pull forward so you can simply drive away, rather than needing to back out.
Air conditioning. Never use A/C on maximum. If possible, leave the windows up and A/C off.
Trip computer. To closely monitor your performance, consider installing a ScanGauge II or similar trip computer. The ScanGaugeII plugs into your OBD-II port and provides data on fuel consumption, distance to empty, fuel to empty, maximum rpm, average speed, and many other parameters. As a bonus, it is a diagnostic code reader and can reset trouble codes, turning off the “Check Engine” light.
For more information, read: “How to get the most miles out of each tank of gas.” Also, visit cleanmpg.com, a quality community focused on fuel-efficient driving.
|
-
 Thursday, the first production 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 was built at the Brampton Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada. Over 1,000 employees and guests were on hand to celebrate the rebirth of the muscle car legend. The Challenger is built on the same line as the Charger sedan and the Chrysler 300C.
Approximately 7,000 2008 model-year Challengers will be produced for North American markets before 2009 model-year cars begin production in August. For 2009, Dodge will offer three models: Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T, and Dodge Challenger SRT8. The 2008 models are already sold out.
Pricing for the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 starts at $37,995, including the $675 destination charge.
Read about the Challenger SE and Challenger R/T.
|
-
 Chrysler has launched its own so-called economic stimulus plan, the “Let’s Refuel America” promotion, which guarantees enrolled Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep customers gasoline prices fixed at $2.99 a gallon. The automaker notes customer feedback has 76 percent of respondents citing rising gas prices as a “top concern.” Given that Chrysler sales for April are down 23 percent from the same period last year, this campaign should help address corporate concerns, as well.
Customers who purchase an eligible new model from now till June 2, 2008 may elect to participate in the gas card program over accepting other available incentives – a decision to weigh carefully. Participants will use a special gas card for fuel purchases, with the transaction routed through their personal credit card, which will be charged $2.99 per gallon. There are a few limitations on the fuel type and quantity; offer valid with up to 87 octane regular unleaded fuel, E85 fuel, or diesel fuel only, depending upon purchased vehicle.
The following vehicles are not eligible for the Let’s Refuel America program: All SRT models, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab, Chrysler Crossfire, Jeep Wrangler, and Dodge Sprinter.
Reaction to this offer has been swift, with Suzuki launching a dual-pronged promotion that combines zero percent financing for 60 months with free gasoline for the summer. The free gas comes in the form of a pre-paid Visa, and the total is based on a three-month consumption estimate. The XL7 SUV, for example, has a summer’s worth of petrol valued at $450.
"At the current price of $3.61 a gallon, the buyer of an average Chrysler vehicle would save $400 a year under Chrysler's deal. But a mere 3-mpg boost would yield the same savings over the 15,000 miles per year typically driven in the first three years of ownership,” said the Union of Concerned Scientists in a released statement. “Over the lifetime of a vehicle, such a fuel economy increase would save drivers more than $3,000. It wouldn't stop saving drivers money after just three years.”
Their advice boils down to: “…Buyers should go with the certainty of a fuel-efficient vehicle."
But as we reported in "Fueling for fun," most people are not ready to make a major sacrifice in their vehicle choice for fuel economy. Whatever incentive you choose on a new vehicle, remember that heavily incentivized models depreciate at a greater rate than those that transact closer to sticker price, and less-efficient vehicles now are taking an even greater depreciation hit. Discounted fuel may enable you to afford to drive the vehicle you prefer today, but it doesn't protect against even higher fuel prices in the years ahead and it doesn’t reduce national fuel consumption.
Bottom line is that shoppers should choose the best models that suit their needs, then let incentives play a role in deciding, rather than narrow the shopping list based on discounts. And do the math. The emotional appeal of gas-card incentives may not live up to their financial realities. Research Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Suzuki in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. For buying advice, read our latest DriveSmart articles.
|
-
News flash: The cost of luxury continues to rise. Toyota Motor Sales has announced updated pricing for a variety of Lexus branded vehicles to take place starting mid May. The revisions see incremental increases in all cases, though the price bumps only impact the models listed below. Base retail prices do not include destination charges.
2008 Lexus IS 250 - $30,855, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent.
2008 Lexus IS 250 AWD - $34,485, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent.
2008 Lexus IS 350 - $36,305, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent.
2008 Lexus ES 350 - $34,120, increases by $300, or 0.9 percent.
2008 Lexus GS 350 - $44,550, increases by $400, or 0.9 percent.
2008 Lexus GS 460 - $46,500, increases by $400, or 0.9 percent.
2008 Lexus GS 450h - $55,800, increases by $900, or 1.6 percent.
2008 Lexus GX 470 - $47,315, increases by $500, or 1.1 percent.
2008 Lexus LS 460 - $62,900, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent.
2008 Lexus LS 460L - $72,900, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent.
2008 Lexus LS 600h L hybrid - $104,900, increases by $900, or 0.9 percent.
2008 Lexus LX 570 - $74,700, increases by $900, or 1.2 percent.
2008 Lexus SC 430 - $66,355, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent.
2008 Lexus RX 400h hybrid - $41,580, increases by $300, or 0.7 percent.
2009 Lexus RX 350 - $37,700, increases by $200, or 0.5 percent.
|
-
 Hard to believe the Volkswagen New Beetle has been on the road for a full decade, already. Most vehicles would go through two full generations in that period, but the New Beetle has built on the original’s reputation for going the distance. (The classic Beetle was produced from 1938 until 2003!) Since its introduction, over 1 million New Beetles have been produced worldwide, with more than 500,000 sold in the United States.
Originally unveiled as a design study car called “Concept 1” at the Detroit-based North American International Auto Show in 1994, the New Beetle made its worldwide debut in 1998. Since then, the hardtop spawned a cute convertible version. Together, both have offered a range of engines, including diesel, for both performance and fuel efficiency. Special editions have injected new life into the production run, including clever online marketing tie-ins for exclusive colors.
In 1996, the New Beetle received its most significant update, with revised bumper caps freshening the exterior appearance. Under the curved hood, a five-cylinder engine was fitted, giving the New Beetle a smooth, refined alternative to the peaky, yet highly entertaining turbocharged four-cylinder.
Today, the New Beetle has a decade’s worth of refinements, with abundant safety equipment, welcomed conveniences (such as iPod connectivity), and a wild palette of exterior colors.
It has earned its place as an automotive icon, with countless media appearances including most notably “Herbie Fully Loaded.” As proof, the New Beetle's silhouette is now considered the most easily recognized profile in automotive history, according to J. D. Power and Associates.
With interesting engines in the pipeline from Volkswagen, we look forward to seeing the New Beetle continue to evolve.
Happy birthday little Bug!
Research Volkswagen in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible review.
|
-
 This past February, Volvo produced car number 15,000,000, and the new owners just took delivery of the history-making 2008 Volvo C70. The car traveled more than 5,000 miles from its factory birthplace in Uddevalla, Sweden to San Diego, California, where new owners Paul and Aimee Kay received a surprise, a free European deliver trip. Since they already have their Celestial Blue, they will be able to simply enjoy the trip, complete with visit to the factory delivery center in Goteborg, Sweden.
Coincidentally, the first Volvo car to leave a Swedish factory in April, 1927, was a convertible. Nicknamed “Jakob,” the OV4 was powered by a four-cylinder engine.
Any Volvo customer can participate in the Overseas Delivery Program. The company will arrange to have your new Volvo delivered to any one of 13 European destinations, then you can drive it during your stay, and have it delivered to your home in the United States
Research Volvo in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our Volvo C70 review.
|
-
According to a Zogby/MSN poll, only 7% of Americans will consider buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle if gas prices continue to climb. Yesterday I saw a gas station in Hollywood, California selling premium for $4.89 per gallon. Just across the street was another station with premium at $4.11. No, the cars at the higher-priced station were not Bentleys and Maseratis. So, what does this say about driving consumers? Do we really care as a whole? Perhaps convenience is more important. Maybe our sheer love of cars is what really rules. Do most of us only appreciate fuel-efficient technology while we still choose to drive what and how we want? New vehicles get previewed every year and—for the most part—we ogle the high end and the horsepower. Americans—and my guess is more than 7%—love to drive fast, and will continue to do so. When a fill-up costs upwards of $50, will we slow down, keep our tires’ pressure in check, clean out the trunk, and quit racing to red lights, or will we only spend less elsewhere? Is the rising cost of gas just the price we pay to enjoy our cars’ performance?
|
-
 The unveiling of a Chevrolet Corvette Indy 500 pace car is like opening a present. Bowtie enthusiasts clamor to see the memorable designs that distinguish the pace car and can quote the year on site. After all, the image of a purple convertible with bright yellow wheels can be hard to forget, even if you try. The 92nd Indianapolis 500 takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2008. It will be the Corvette’s 10th appearance as the official pace car – a record unmatched by any other vehicle.
This year, Chevrolet has treated fans to two pace cars, a customized Corvette Z06 E85 concept and a black-and-silver car that pays tribute to the original black-and-silver 1978 coupe. A true collectible, a ‘78 will be on hand to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Corvette’s pace car heritage leading “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Based on the production Z06, the Corvette Z06 E85 concept pace car has fuel system and powertrain controller revisions required to run E85. The head-turning coupe is coated in Gold Rush Green color-shifting paint with a checkered flag pattern. Besides safety equipment and strobe light, the Z06 concept pace car is mechanically stock.
 The 30th anniversary commemorative edition car features a black-and-silver exterior, complemented by a special, two-tone titanium-color interior, with the Indianapolis 500 logo embroidered on the seats. Chevrolet will produce a total of 500 examples in both coupe and convertible form, each signed personally by Indy pace car driver, and racing legend, Emerson Fittipaldi. (Fittipaldi won the Indianapolis 500 in 1989 and 1993 while driving for Chevrolet.)
Both the production 436-horsepower coupe and convertible will come equipped with Corvette’s 3LT option package, Z51 performance package, dual-mode exhaust, Z06 rear spoiler, Indy 500 logo fender badges, and none-too-subtle Silver checkered flag graphics.
Corvette Indy pace car timeline
The 2008 edition of the Indianapolis represents Corvette’s 10th time as the official pace car – and a record fifth consecutive year – and Chevrolet’s 19th time as the pace car manufacturer. Corvette’s pace years and details include:
- 1978 – Driven by 1960 race winner Jim Rathmann; Chevrolet produced 6,502 production replicas
- 1986 – Driven by famed pilot Chuck Yeager; all 7,315 production convertibles were considered pace car convertibles and included official graphics (to be installed at the owner’s discretion)
- 1995 – Driven by then-Chevrolet General Manager Jim Perkins; 527 production replicas
- 1998 – Driven by 1963 race winner Parnelli Jones when an injury prevented golfer Greg Norman from performing the duty; 1,158 production replicas
- 2002 – Driven by actor Jim Caviezel; no production replicas, but GM Service Parts Operations sold about 300 sets of graphics
- 2004 – Driven by actor Morgan Freeman; no production replicas
- 2005 – Driven by Gen. Colin Powell; no production replicas
- 2006 – Driven by cycling champion Lance Armstrong; first Corvette Z06 pace car
- 2007 – Driven by actor Patrick Dempsey; 500 production replicas – all convertibles
- 2008 – Driven by Emerson Fittipaldi; 500 production replicas – coupes and convertibles
Research the Chevrolet Corvette coupe and convertible the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries. Read our Corvette C6 review.
|
-
Toyota Motor Sales has announced updated pricing for a variety of Toyota branded vehicles to take place starting mid May. The revisions see incremental increases in all cases, though the price bumps only impact the models listed below. Base retail prices do not include destination charges.
- 2008 Toyota Avalon - $27,325, increases by $250, or 0.8 percent.
- 2009 Toyota Camry - $18,920, increases by $200 or 0.9 percent.
- 2009 Toyota Camry hybrid - $25,650, increases by $300 or 1.1 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Camry Solara coupe - $20,180, increases by $250 or 0.9 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Camry Solara convertible - $27,440, increases by $250 or 0.9 percent.
- 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser - $23,045, increases by $500, or 2.1 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Highlander - $27,500, increases by $200, or 0.7 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid - $34,200, increases by $500, or 1.3 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser - $64,100, increases by $900, or 1.4 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Prius - $21,500, increases by $400, or 1.8 percent.
- 2008 Toyota RAV4 - $21,500, increases by $250, or 1.1 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Sienna - $24,440, increases by $100, or 0.4 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Tundra - $22,390, increases by $100, or 0.3 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Yaris hatchback - $11,550, an increase of $200, or 1.7 percent.
- 2008 Toyota Yaris sedan - $12,425, increases by $200, or 1.6 percent.
|
-
 General Motors announced a new partnership with Mascoma Corp. to develop cellulosic ethanol from non-grain sources. As an investor, GM will aid in the development of renewable fuel for the more than 7 million flex-fuel vehicles on U.S. roads, including 3 million GM cars and trucks. In January, GM announced a partnership with Coskata Inc., a start-up with promising thermo-chemical technology for creating ethanol from practically any renewable source, including garbage, old tires, and plant waste. (Photo shows the 2009 Buick Lucerne, the first flex-fuel capable Buick passenger car.)
Mascoma uses a single-step biochemical conversion that convert biomass cellulose into ethanol. Their process lowers costs by limiting additives and enzymes used in other biochemical processes. Based in Boston, privately held Mascoma is using proprietary microorganisms developed at the company's laboratories in the process. In addition to funds from GM, Mascoma has received a $26 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
GM looks to be smartly positioning itself as an automaker and fuel creator, while further the corporation’s environmental initiatives. In addition, through its investments, GM may be helping move the ethanol industry away from food-grains as raw materials. Green machines, indeed. Want to invest in your own alternative fuel? Learn how to make biodiesel. Read other DriveSmart Environment articles about alternative fuels and fuel efficiency.
|
-
 It was 60 years ago when the original Land Rover was shown at a motor show in Amsterdam, on April 30, 1948. The current Defender is clearly descended from that first vehicle, known as a Series 1. Extraordinarily, they even share a couple of original parts, an oil filler plug and a cleat for tying down the canvas roof.
Today, Land Rover has five-model line-up headed by the Range Rover, and record global sales of over 226,000 vehicles in 2007. Land Rover sets a high standard for both luxury and off-road performance, two characteristics often considered mutually exclusive.
Around the world, Land Rover will be celebrating its 60th anniversary year throughout the summer with a series of special activities and events.
Land Rover Timeline
1948 LAND ROVER SERIES I
The iconic British SUV makes its debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show
1949 ARMY EDITION
British Army orders its first Land Rovers
1953 Long-wheelbase version introduced
1958 LAND ROVER SERIES II UNVEILED
1966 500,000th Land Rover
1970 RANGE ROVER
1971 LAND ROVER SERIES III LAUNCHED
1976 Millionth Land Rover built in June
1982 FOUR-DOOR RANGE ROVER 1989 DISCOVERY
Third Land Rover model launched
1990 DEFENDER
Original 'Land Rover' relaunched and renamed
1994 2ND-GENERATION RANGE ROVER
1995
Land Rover production tops 100,000 per year
1997 FREELANDER
Land Rover's fourth model launched
2002 3RD-GENERATION RANGE ROVER
All-new Range Rover makes its debut
2004 LR3
Land Rover launches all-new model.
2005 RANGE ROVER SPORT
Popular sports tourer goes on sale
2006 LR2
New model begins production at Halewood plant
2007 Record sales of 226,000 vehicles
2008 LAND ROVER LRX
LRX concept signals the possible future of Land Rover
2008 Sold!
Land Rover and Jaguar have been sold to India-based Tata Motors Ltd., part of the massive Tata Group conglomerate.
Research Land Rover in the buyer’s guide, complete with pricing, specifications, and photo galleries.
|
-
 No parent will be surprised that most teens consider themselves to be good drivers, yet their behavior tells a different story. According to a new survey conducted by Erie Insurance, only about a third (34 percent) of respondents say their friends are good drivers and nearly all (97 percent) teens reported seeing other teens taking risks (speeding, not wearing seatbelts, etc.) while driving.
The survey was conducted this spring among 2,127 licensed drivers aged 16-19 years old.
Key findings include:
- Cell phone use among teens is high (76 percent regularly talk on a cell phone while driving).
- Text messaging while driving is common among teens (57 percent sometimes or often read or send text messages while driving).
- Most teens (93 percent) play loud music when they drive.
- Nearly half (48 percent) admit they're easily distracted when friends are passengers.
For more on teen driving, read:
10 Tips for Parents of Teenage Drivers
Giving Teens a Driving Edge
|
|
