This is our most recent national press release. Feel free to forward it your friends who may be traveling this holiday weekend.

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest traffic days of the year and many motorists will be traveling to unfamiliar areas — often outside of their home state.  Local residents are usually well aware of the quirks of their community’s traffic laws, but unfortunately most out-of-state visitors don’t have that luxury.

While the majority of drivers are wary of increased holiday traffic enforcement patrols — and take measures to protect themselves from undeserved tickets — it may surprise even the most experienced drivers that some states are no longer relying solely on human officers to hand out the tickets.

Speed cameras, which take pictures of vehicles that exceed the speed limit and send tickets to the owners of those vehicles, have spread across the country and are now used in several states. Motorists who don’t live in areas with speed cameras are likely to be taken completely by surprise by these automated ticketing machines.

The National Motorists Association (www.motorists.org) strongly opposes the use of ticket cameras and has been an outspoken leader in the fight to ban them nationwide. Currently, fourteen states have decided to ban ticket cameras and the momentum is growing in other states as well.

It has become clear that many aspects of ticket camera programs in these states are unfair to motorists:

• Most governments using speed cameras send out tickets via first class mail. However, there is no guarantee that the accused motorists will even receive the ticket, let alone understand it and know how to respond. Nevertheless, the government makes the assumption that the ticket was received. If motorists fail to pay, it is assumed that they did so on purpose, and a warrant may be issued for their arrest.
• Typically, the photos taken by these cameras do not identify the actual driver of the offending vehicle. The owner of the vehicle is mailed the ticket, even if the owner was not driving the vehicle and may not know who was driving at the time. The owner of the vehicle is then forced to prove his or her innocence, often by identifying the actual driver who may be a family member, friend or employee.
• Drivers may not receive citations until days or sometimes weeks after the alleged violation. This makes it very difficult to defend oneself because it would be hard to remember the circumstances surrounding the supposed violation.

Despite these critical flaws, and the lack of evidence showing that speed cameras have any effect on the safety of motorists, some states continue to insist on using them to pad their budgets.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there are 49 communities using these automated ticket machines. Drivers should be aware that the communities listed below have decided that cashing in on motorists is more important than protecting the rights of drivers:

Arizona

Statewide (Arizona Department of Public Safety), Chandler, El Mirage, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Pinal County, Prescott Valley, Scottsdale, Star Valley, Tempe, Tucson

Colorado

Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins

District of Columbia

Illinois

Statewide (work zones)

Iowa

Davenport

Louisiana

Broussard, Gretna, Lafayette, Livingston Parish, New Orleans, Sulphur, Westwego, Zachary

Maryland

Montgomery County

Massachusetts

Blackstone

New Mexico

Albuquerque, Las Cruces

Ohio

Akron, East Cleveland, Northwood, Parma, Toledo, West Carrollton

Oregon

Beaverton, Medford, Portland

Tennessee

Chattanooga, Jackson, Jonesborough, Mount Carmel, Oak Ridge, Red Bank, Selmer

Washington

Bremerton, Burien, Issaquah, Monroe, Tacoma

Community List Source: IIHS May 2009

A Speeding Ticket By Mail? It Could Happen To You This Holiday Weekend

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• Maryland Police Refuse To Pay Speed Camera Tickets
• Watch Your Wallet When Driving Through These 10 States
• How To Fight A Michigan Speeding Ticket

Do you keep your cars forever?

It’s the smart move, financially. The typical $20-something-k new car takes a five year loan before it’s paid off. But if you only keep it that long, you’ve basically spent your $20-something-k (less whatever you get back in trade) to rent the thing for that period of time. The money’s gone — and you’re starting all over — with another $20-something-k “investment” that will leave you another $20-something-k out of pocket five years from now.

Do this dance over a lifetime of car-buying and you can easily spend $100k just to get from “a” to “b.”

But if you can hold onto that car for 10-12 years (or more) the money hemorrhaging can be staunched. You can even end up ahead — a car that has not only paid for itself, but which is actually saving you money.

For example, at the 10 year mark, a $22k car has only cost you about $2,200 per year (less gas and maintenance). If it’s still in good condition, it’ll still be worth something, too — so your net cost is even lower. (For the sake of argument, let’s say the car’s worth $4,500 at the end of 10 years; that means your actual net cost of ownership is only $1,750 per year. And each year that you keep the car after this point, the total cost of ownership will continue to go down.)

And when you factor in the much lower personal property taxes and insurance costs on cars that are more than five or six years old, you’ll be saving even more.

But to get from the dealer’s lot to ten years down the road requires some planning — and proper custodial care, too. Here are some of the things I think about — and do — when it comes to eking every cent possible out of the cars I own:

* Try to keep the car as simple as possible.

The more stuff a car comes with, the more stuff there is to break (and cost you money) down the road. When the car’s still relatively new, spending $500 to fix some faulty gadget is just annoying. But when the car’s older and only worth a couple thousand, forking over that $500 gets harder to do. It also defeats the purpose of trying to keep a car forever (or as long as possible) to save money if you end up spending money all the time just to keep it going.

This, by definition, pretty much excludes high-end luxury cars as well as a lot of sporty cars — which tend to come with things like adjustable suspension systems, turbos and superchargers, etc. Nothing wrong with owning such cars; just like there’s nothing wrong with a weekend at Atlantic City, either.

But if money-saving’s the object, neither of these things make much sense.

* Look for cars that are inherently tough/durable to start with.

A diesel anything is a great bet if your plan is to be driving the thing 10 (or 20) years from now. Diesel engines are made of tougher metal and built to withstand the tremendous pressures of compression ignition — which means that with proper care they can usually be depended on to last twice or even three times as long as an otherwise similar gas-burning engine.

As recently as last year, your options in diesel were limited. But now that “clean” low-sulfur diesel fuel has become available nationwide, the number of diesel-powered vehicles is increasing rapidly. In Europe, something like 40 percent of all passenger cars on the road are diesel powered. Given $4 per gallon gas here, we should be seeing a lot more diesels on our roads soon, too.

Be wary of hybrids, by the way. While they may offer a mileage advantage, no one knows how reliable they’ll be in the long-term, because they’ve only been in widespread service for a few years. Most have special supplemental warranties for the hybrid components — including the battery pack. But these typically expire after eight years. While economies of scale should lower the replacement cost, no one knows for sure whether that will actually be the case. And at current prices, the cost of replacing a hybrid’s batteries can be several thousand dollars. If you get stuck holding that particular bag, every cent you saved on gas could be washed away at a stroke. I personally would not hold onto a hybrid for a single day longer than the warranty’s in force.

* Garage keep it.

Indoor-stored cars are like house-kept pets; they both tend to live longer. The bodywork, especially. And this involves more than just looks. If the car (or truck) gets serious rust — especially in the frame/floorpan/critical supporting areas — it won’t matter how great the engine runs. Rust damage is not just unsightly, it can be unsafe — and it is definitely expensive to repair. And a car sitting outside is a car that’s more exposed to moisture, which eventually undoes even the best factory anti-corrosion protection.

Ironically, most modern cars have engines/drivetrains that will outlast the bodywork — exactly the reverse of the way things used to be. But the end result of either going South is the same…. a junker that’s ready for the crusher.

* Err on the cautious side, maintenance wise.

You’ve probably noticed that “recommended” oil and filter changeout intervals (as well as intervals for other basic service including spark plug replacement) have increased significantly over the past decade or so. Some new cars, for example, can go as far as 10,000 miles between oil changes. But if you want to get the most out of your “investment,” be sure to read the fine print. Often, these extended service intervals are based on so-called “normal” use. But the stop-and-go driving more and more of us do routinely may fall under “severe” or heavy duty” use — with much-reduced recommended service intervals.

It’s not penny-wise to scrimp on maintenance if it ends up shortening the useful life of your vehicle. Erring on the side of caution — and changing oil every 4,500 miles instead of once every 10,000 might cost you couple hundred bucks over the life of the car. That’s a lot cheaper than having to buy a replacement car a couple of years sooner than you otherwise might have had to.

* Keep it looking nice.

Maybe you don’t care about appearances — but most people do. And few people like to be seen driving a ratty-looking car, even if it still runs great. It’s not hard to keep a car looking nice for ten years or longer, just by washing it when it needs it and occasionally vacuuming out the interior and wiping down the dash/door panels with Armor all or some other protectant.

You’ll feel better about the car — and that’ll make it easier to drive it longer.

Maybe forever!

Comments? www.ericpetersautos.com (click on “Forum”).

Getting Your Money’s Worth

• How To Make Your Car Last Forever (Or Close To It)
• Vehicle Maintenance Tips: Extend Your Vehicle’s Life
• 7 Tips For Dealing With Your Car Dealership
• How To Prepare Your Vehicle For Summer Driving
• How To Squeeze Every Penny Out Of Your Car

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

Do you think it is ever a good idea to tie a money incentive to law enforcement of any kind? Not me. It is a guarantee of corruption and abuse. (See also: The War on Drugs.)

Let’s consider just one specific example — the use of cameras to catch (and “process”) red light violators. It’s all about “safety,” right?

Not so much. Here’s the truth:

Automated enforcement began as a completely, openly “privatized” operation, run by a private company — which explicitly, brazenly, promised local governments huge windfalls from the system.

And delivered on that promise.

The “profits” were gleefully split between the two. When this fact became common knowledge, they rejiggered it a bit to make it appear less of an obvious scam. But money is still the main motive. If that were not so, these systems would not be so focused on “revenue enhancement,” to use the favored term of the smarmy little bureaucrats who rule us.

Ask yourself how eager these state/local governments would be to turn over a law enforcement function to automation if there were no profit involved. Why are red light cameras never set up on a budget neutral, “pay as you go” basis — to cover operating costs and no more?

It is a known fact most red light running can be dealt with by properly adjusting signal timing — making sure the yellow is long enough to give people approaching the intersection time to slow and stop safely. And to allow those who can’t to clear the intersection safely before the yellow turns to red. Multiple studies have born this out. (See http://thenewspaper.com/news/02/243.asp and http://thenewspaper.com/news/26/2650.asp.)

The National Motorists Association also has a wealth of material on this subject available.

Yes, of course — a few people deliberately run red lights — and no amount of signal timing adjustment will deter them. As a motorcyclist and a motorist too, I hate these people a lot. They should be dealt with harshly. Fine and good.

However, it is equally true that most people do not deliberately run red lights — because most people are not deliberately reckless and neither want to risk being killed nor killing someone else.

Most people, in a word, are not sociopathic.

Just as most people do not drive excessively fast/beyond their skill/comfort level, either. (Though they may be “speeding” — but that doesn’t tell us anything other than the person was driving faster than a number on a sign).

And: Cameras will not stop all deliberate red light runners, either. But they will and do entrap more people who get caught in the shortened yellow intervals that are typical with camera enforcement. Yes, it’s true. When red light cameras go up, very often the yellow goes down. Signals are retimed — deliberately shortened yellows — to increase the number of violators, and thus, the amount of money the system generates. Not my opinion — an established fact. See the documents referenced above — and specifically, the court decisions where RLCs have been thrown out because of the obvious flim-flam, including deliberately cut-down yellow signal intervals.

You have to have your head up your hind quarters not to see that, to a very great extent, traffic enforcement in this country — and the laws/regulations underpinning it — are set up to extract money from people on the basis of trumped-up “violations” administered by rapacious officials whose bottom line is the bottom line …. money.

It’s not about “safety” — or “the children.” It’s about cold cash, dollars and cents. The sooner you come to grips with this fact of life, the better your mental filter will be at properly sorting whatever new law comes down the pike.

And the sooner you will begin to understand the true nature nature of The Beast.

Traffic Enforcement Dollars And Cents

• Help Us Stop Short Yellow Lights
• 6 Cities That Were Caught Shortening Yellow Light Times For Profit
• Increased Yellow Light Times Make Ticket Cameras Unnecessary
• 9 Ways To Improve Traffic Safety That The Government Will Ignore Because They Are Too Busy Ticketing You
• 10 Reasons To Oppose Red-Light Cameras

The following excerpt from the OregonLive.com article, written by Stacy Mitchell, shows how this flaw can lead to drivers being convicted without knowledge of ever even having been charged:

I live in Maine. Several weeks ago I received a call from someone working collections for Multnomah County. He said I owed the county $353. I was baffled.

It took some time on the phone to sort out what he was talking about. Apparently, while visiting Portland two years ago, in May 2007, I was photographed running a red light.

I was driving a rental car at the time. The rental company turned over my name and driver’s license number. But rather than sending the ticket to my current address — the one on my driver’s license at the time and on file with the Maine Department of Motor Vehicles — officials mailed it to an address I had not lived at for more than four years.

The envelope was returned unopened, but county officials made no further effort to locate me. They did not contact the Maine DMV. Nor did they look in the phone book, where I am, and was at the time, listed.

My court date came in October 2007. Since I failed to show up, I was convicted at the highest fine level. A few months later, with the fine unpaid and me still completely in the dark, Oregon imposed additional fees and suspended my driver’s license.

The suspension was sent out on a national database, which means that, had I been pulled over anywhere in the country in the last year and a half, I could have faced a steep fine and even arrest for driving with a suspended license.

That was not the only consequence of my secret conviction. Shortly after the call from the collections agent, my husband and I were, to our surprise, unable to refinance our mortgage. I learned that my credit score had plummeted almost 200 points, all because of a single item reported in March of this year, long before I received that first phone call: a “seriously past due” fine owed to Multnomah County Circuit Court.

You can read the full article here.

Ticket Cameras Used To Convict Drivers Without Their Knowledge

• City Of Scottsdale, Arizona Lies To Drivers To Get Their Money
• Watch Your Wallet When Driving Through These 10 States
• Ticket Camera Scams Are Plentiful In The D.C. Area
• Maryland Police Refuse To Pay Speed Camera Tickets
• FCC Conspires To Protect Ticket Camera Corporation

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

It’s more likely than it’s probably ever been that you’ll get pulled over by a cop at some point in the near future.

Not only are there more penny-ante laws and violations on the books than ever, state and local governments are dealing with major cash flow problems, just like the rest of us. They can’t raise taxes directly; that would spark a revolt of the masses at this point. But they can turn loose the cops — whose ticket books and radar guns serve as a very effective means of indirect taxation.

So, first, be on the alert.

Second, be prepared. Do you know how to handle yourself during a traffic stop? How you behave can be the key factor that determines whether you can successfully beat the ticket later on — or maybe (if you’re really lucky) get off with a warning right now.

* Pull over the right way.

Yes, there is a definite right way to pull over during a traffic stop.

When the cop turns on his lights, you should immediately slow the vehicle and put your turn signal on. Then pull off the road — to a shoulder or side street — as quickly as possible. Do not stop in the middle of the road. The idea is to park your car so it’s out of the way of traffic — which makes the stop safer for the cop. Which makes him happy. Which is good policy, because aggravating the cop — or conveying the impression that you’re an addled idiot — will not help you.

Next, put the car in Park, shut down the engine, turn on the hazard blinkers and turn on the interior light (if it’s dark outside). Put both hands on the top of the steering wheel and sit quietly. Do not root around for stuff.

Again, the idea here is to make the cop feel safe by conveying the impression that you’re an Honest Joe or Jane — and not some thug.

Important: If you have a concealed handgun permit, keep it with your driver’s license (a paper clip works well). Do not reach for or produce your weapon.

When the cop comes to your window, hand him your license and your permit and tell him, “Officer, I have a concealed carry permit.” If you are carrying a weapon or have one in the vehicle, tell him exactly where it is but do not reach for it.

Usually, cops relax around CWP holders because CWP holders are by definition not criminals (having undergone state and federal background checks) and rarely cause trouble. But it’s very important to let the cop know you have the CWP before he discovers you have a gun on you.

* Be polite and cooperative but not talkative.

The cop is not your friend. Remember this. He is there to give you a ticket and anything you say can and will be used against you in court.

The cop is taking notes and trained to ask you leading and entrapping questions, such as “Do you know how fast you were going”? To which, you should reply along the lines of “I’m sure you have an opinion, officer.” Never incriminate yourself — unless you feel you did do something wrong and want to pay the fine. It’s best to keep the conversation as short, sweet — and forgettable — as possible.

If you are confrontational or sarcastic, not only will the cop remember you, he is much more motivated to see you’re convicted. If, on the other hand, you’re remembered as a nice, polite, cooperative person, the cop is more likely to not object come court time when the judge considers a reduced charge or “driving school” to nix the ticket.

* Take notes yourself.

If you are going to contest the ticket, you should be prepared to present facts in court — or have facts to give your attorney.

For example, was the speed limit sign clearly posted? If it was obscured by a leafy tree, and you can show this in court (keeping a small disposable camera with you in the car for this purpose is a smart idea) that is an objective fact that may just get you out of the ticket.

You want to record and keep track of any fact that either puts into question the offense you’ve been charged with or which serves as what they call in legal lingo a mitigating circumstance — such as the fact that you were rushing your pregnant wife to the emergency room.

At court, unless you have a driving record peppered with previous violations, you can almost always get the judge/commonwealth’s attorney to agree to a lesser charge, or even a reduced charge — or to drop the moving violation in return for agreeing to attend one of those day-long DMV driving schools many states offer.

The main thing they want is your money; the main thing you want to avoid is “points” on your driver’s record, because they can lead to hiked insurance costs for several years vs. the one-time hit of a fine.

Comments? www.ericpetersautos.com (click on “Forum”).

How To Handle Yourself During A Traffic Stop

• How To Request A Copy Of Your Driving Record
• What To Do If You Lose Your Copy Of A Traffic Ticket
• 8 Traffic Stop Safety Tips For Women
• Police Officer Gives Himself $21,000 Raise Using Stop Sign Tickets
• NMA Contest: Tell Your Ticket Story & Win A Free Book

A recent public information report on Congress’s “Cash for Clunkers” legislation has been released to spell out the general details.  Keep in mind that this is not set in concrete and the final outcome is not assured.

Here are the general details as they are currently known:

1) Who is for it?

Car companies, their suppliers, auto workers, and car dealers.

2) Who is against it?

Environmental groups that want to force higher fuel saving standards are the most mentioned opponents.  However, auto enthusiasts, car collectors, parts re-manufacturers, and perhaps elements of the salvage industry are looking for ways to put sand in the gears when it comes to destroying the traded in vehicles.  No one really knows what the effect will be on the used car and truck market.

3) What is it going to cost?

The plan is to take $4 billion out of the $787 economic stimulus package.

4) Who gets what?

The government will send $4500 or $3500, depending on the level of fuel mileage improvement, directly to the dealer that sells the car. Eligible trade-in vehicles must have fuel economy ratings of 18 MPG or lower and have been registered for at least a year for road use.  The $3500 payment is made for vehicles that get at least 4 MPG better mileage than the trade-in vehicle. The $4500 payments kick in for models that get 10 MPG, or better, above the trade-in vehicle’s mileage.

5) What happens to the trade-ins?

All major driveline components are destroyed. Body panels can be recycled.

6) Are trucks treated the same as passenger cars?

No.  Most SUVs, vans, and pick-ups have the same 18 MPG threshold, but the new unit need only offer 2 MPG improvement in mileage for the $3500 payment. The $4500 payment kicks in with a 5 MPG improvement in mileage.  Heavy duty trucks have yet different standards.

7) What if the new car is bought before this law goes into effect?

The effective date is set back to March 30th 2009 and the program is limited to one year.

8) Will this law apply to newer used vehicles?

There are proposals to extend the benefits to newer used vehicles but they are still being debated, as are most elements of this bill.

9) Will this bill really benefit the auto industry and the economy?

Probably not.  It may slightly “front load” sales in 2009, but these are sales that would have occurred anyway, just a few months later.  With the incentives being in place for a full year, purchasers would not be compelled to buy until early in 2010.  By that time the market could well be recovering on its own. Further, many people in the market to buy a new car, would do so without the government incentive. Other folks who can’t afford a new car are still not going to be able to afford a new car, even with government aid.  The incentives may push purchasers looking at newer used cars to consider a new car, if incentives are not applied to newer used vehicles.

Like all attempts on the part of Government to pick winners and losers, instead of sticking to being an impartial referee, there will be unintended consequences we cannot yet even begin to imagine.

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9 Things You Need To Know About “Cash For Clunkers”

• GM Should Not Stand For “Government Motors”
• The Wrong Way To Improve Traffic Safety
• Tyranny Of The Minority: Why Bad Traffic Laws Get Passed
• Tired Of High Gas Prices? Don’t Ask The Government For Help
• Daytime Running Lights: No Statistically Significant Effect On Safety

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

Now they’ll be fingerprinting us for jaywalking. Or “speeding.” Just about any (formerly minor) traffic violation.

Beginning in the once-fine state of Tennessee. Southerners, it appears, are becoming just as statist as the Yankee carpetbaggers they used to (rightly) despise.

Two bills have made their way through the rancid colon of the TN House and Senate, HB2220 and SB2153, respectively, that would “… authorize(s) use of fingerprints as (a) form of acknowledgement, in lieu of, or in addition to, a person’s signature for citations and certain other notices and documents.” (See http://www.capitol.tn.gov and type in the bill numbers.)

In plain language, when you get pulled over or stopped by a cop for some trivial reason such as doing 5 mph over the limit in a Radar Trap Zone, the cop — at his discretion — may compel you, the offender, to submit to being fingerprinted “in lieu of, or in addition to” your signature on the summons.

Tennessee’s tyranny is the first such action of its kind in these forcibly united States — and has aroused a popular groundswell of resentment and resistance. Understandably.

Fingerprinting starts with an “F” — because generally, the accepted practice has been that only felons, or those accused of committing felonies, get inked. Fingerprints go into a national criminal database, so that in the future it will be easier and simpler to track and identify the activities of felons.

But jaywalkers, U-turn bandits and speeders?

Hell, under TN’s new cornpone jackbootery, a person could be fingerprinted merely for spitting on the sidewalk, in violation of town ordinance Barney Fife 5, Section 3a.

It would be humorous, maybe a little bit, if it weren’t so obnoxious to common sense and civil liberties.

Comments?
www.ericpetersautos.com (click on “Forum”)

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Tennessee Tyranny: Fingerprinting During Routine Traffic Stops

• Driver Re-Education: The Hypocrisy Of Speed Enforcement
• A "Reasonable And Prudent" Approach To Speed Limits
• Truth And Lies About Fuel Saving Tips
• Road Rules To Live By
• What Might Bankruptcy Mean For Me — And My Car?

By Jim Baxter, NMA President

It’s now becoming common to refer to GM as “Government Motors.” From a realistic perspective, this is an impossibility.

If you have ever visited, or worked in, an automobile assembly plant you have to have an appreciation for the tremendous technical sophistication inherent in these facilities, as well as the facilities and services that precede the final assembly plant function.

We take the end product of this system for granted, and we expect flawless performance and service for many years and many thousands of miles into the future.

Does this seem like something the government can do?

Seventy to eighty percent of the components in a new car are assembled before they arrive at the final assembly plant, “just in time” to be fed into the assembly line process.  There are multiple iterations of every component; 20 different sound systems, dozens of engine-transmission-differential combinations, scores of upholstery-seating-gauge-HVAC variations, different body designs-wheels-tires-and color choices and other options that stress the imagination. Yet, almost every car that comes down the assembly line is a special order and when it stops at one of the assembly stations the first component in that station’s queue of components is the exact item specified for that single vehicle!

When you consider the planning, preparation, coordination, and timing of this whole assembly operation it is absolutely mind boggling. And, this hardly scratches the surface of this highly integrated and complicated process.

If this same workforce and technical expertise were put to work building space shuttles, the aircraft would cost a tenth as much, would be ten times more reliable and there would be scheduled flights around the planet leaving every 20 minutes.

We have living proof that this is something the Government can’t do!

We have a government, like all governments, that is “challenged” to deliver the mail or manage its own affairs. Does anyone seriously believe a government can build a car, a car that anyone could afford, or even want to buy if they could afford it?

As absurd as this seems there are Members of Congress and elements of the President’s administration that believe car companies like GM and Chrysler need their guidance and advice. That’s the equivalent of a “frequent flyer” telling Boeing how to build airplanes.

“Government Motors” is an oxymoron. You can’t take one portion of the population whose existence consists of taking (taxing), regulating, and living off the efforts of others and suddenly expect that it can become productive and technically sophisticated, or make tough, knowledgeable business decisions — that just isn’t going to happen. “Government Motors” is a myth.

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GM Should Not Stand For “Government Motors”

• 9 Things You Need To Know About “Cash For Clunkers”
• GM’s OnStar – Fading Out For Some In 2008
• Cost Is No Object When It’s For Our Own Good
• 300 MPG Or Conspiracy Theory?
• If We Really Wanted To Save Gas…

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

New cars are (literally) the vehicles for showcasing new technology. Take a look at some of the features you might find in your next new ride:

1) Around View Monitor

Infiniti (Nissan’s luxury car division) has developed an unusual “panorama view” back up camera that’s available on certain models, including the ‘09 FX-series crossover wagon. It gives the driver a bird’s-eye view (as seen from above) of the perimeter around the entire car — not just what’s behind the rear bumper. Mini-cameras with wide-angle lenses are at the heart of the system.

Around View works with the vehicle in drive as well as reverse (at low speeds up to about 5 mph) to help make maneuvering in tightly confined spaces, such as enclosed and often poorly lit parking garages, easier as well as safer.

Caveat: The image displayed on the LCD monitor is slightly distorted, which can make accurately judging exactly how much room you’ve got to work with a less than a precise science. Always check twice before backing up — and proceed slowly.

2) MyKey

This system, developed by Ford, is basically an electronic valet key for teenaged drivers. It allows parents to temporarily limit the potential top speed of the vehicle to 80 mph, as well as control other in-car functions, including the maximum volume of the stereo. It can also be programmed to emit warning chimes if a pre-set speed is exceeded or the occupants (including passengers) aren’t wearing their seat belts. An owner-programmable ignition key is the heart of the system.

MyKey will initially be standard in the 2010 Focus compact and Escape hybrid SUV — and reportedly will become standard in all Ford vehicles by 2012.

Caveat: Not a substitute for parental supervision of teen drivers, nor a substitute for proper training of teenaged drivers.

Also see: Ford’s MyKey: The Rise Of The Mom Culture

3) Automatic Braking/”Active” Collision Avoidance

Pioneered by Mercedes-Benz, this technology uses sonar or radar to detect objects in the vehicle’s path (or excessive closing speed between your vehicle and another car)) and can apply the brakes automatically, without any input from the driver. In Benz cars like the 2010 E and S-Class sedans, the system works with the cruise control to decelerate and accelerate the vehicle with the ebb and flow of traffic. It can bring the car to a complete stop and resume the vehicle’s speed when the way ahead is clear without the driver touching either brake or gas pedals.

The system is designed as both an emergency safety measure — applying the brakes in the event the driver fails to notice a potentially dangerous situation, such as suddenly stopped traffic ahead — and a convenience, since it allows “set and forget” cruise control operation. Lexus offers similar technology in its LS-series luxury sedan, as do BMW, Audi and others.

Caveat: Safe driving still requires full time and attention. Use this technology as a safety assist, not a replacement for attentive driving.

4) Lane Departure Warning

Infiniti pioneered this system — which emits a warning beep whenever the vehicle begins to stray over the double yellow line.  It is intended to save people from the possible consequences of their own inadvertence and could potentially reduce accidents — especially those involving a car and a motorcycle (cars wandering into the opposing lane of traffic, particularly in a curve, are a leading cause of car-motorcycle crashes).

Several other manufacturers — including GM’s Cadillac and Buick divisions, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Audi — either offer or will offer the same basic system in some of their new cars.

Caveat: The system is not foolproof and can be annoying/distracting when it beeps unnecessarily, as when driving across parking lots or other areas where it’s necessary to drive over painted lines, as at intersections. The good news is these systems can be turned off manually by pushing a button.

5) Driver Alertness Monitor

Another feature developed by Mercedes-Benz, this system can detect a falling-asleep-at-the-wheel driver — and uses a voice warning to try to wake him up. Signs of a drowsy driver — decreased/inappropriate steering and throttle inputs — are noted by the car’s electronic sensors and after a certain point, an audible warning (”Attention Assist! Brake!”) is triggered.

Available on most of Mercedes’ higher-end models, including the new 2010 E-Class sedan. Volvo reportedly also will offer similar technology on some of its pending 2010 and 2011 models as well — including the S80 luxury sedan.

Caveat: It’s possible the sudden audible warning could startle an already half-asleep driver and cause him to jerk the wheel or jam on the brakes. Such situations should be avoided by getting plenty of rest before you drive, especially on a long trip — and stopping for a rest when you begin to feel tired. A good rule of thumb is a leg-stretch/bathroom break every 3-4 hours and an overnight stop after 8-10 hours behind the wheel.

6) Modern “Mileage Meters”

In the ’70s, during the last energy crunch, some cars had primitive fuel economy gauges that translated the engine’s vacuum signal into “high” and “low” gas mileage readings on a gauge in the instrument cluster. When you pushed down on the gas pedal and engine vacuum dropped, so did the mileage reading on the gauge. When you backed off the gas — and vacuum increased — so did the mileage reading.

Today’s gas-electric hybrids like the 2010 Honda Insight and Toyota Prius have similar-in-concept mileage meters — but the displays are typically digital and displayed on a flat-screen monitor. And the parameters are more expansive. The display will show you when, how much — and and in what proportion — the gas engine and its tandem electric motor/battery packs are being used. By watching the ebb and flow of power under various driving conditions, the display can teach you how to drive for best-possible fuel economy.

Caveat: Some hybrid owners have become so enamored of their mileage meters that they aren’t paying as much attention to traffic around them as they ought to — or they’re driving in a manner that obstructs the traffic around them, by accelerating much more slowly than other vehicles or coasting in order to keep the gauge’s readouts in the green. Gas mileage is important, but so is being courteous to fellow motorists.

7) Solar Cooling/Anti-Smog Air Conditioning

The 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid tries to save energy in lots of small ways that can add up to big overall savings. One such trick is to use a small, solar-powered ventilation fan to evacuate stagnant, hot air while the Prius is parked — so that the AC system won’t have to work as hard (and use as much energy) to cool the interior down when the owner returns.

Lexus, meanwhile, has developed a “smart” air conditioner that not only has a pollen/particulate filter (many late model luxury cars already have this feature) it can also detect when the outside air is smoggy, dusty or full of pollen — and when it does, it automatically puts the system into recirculation mode, preventing the outside air from entering the car’s cabin. The system goes back to normal operation when it senses the outside air quality has improved.

Caveat: None; these are both pretty sensible ideas with no apparent downsides.

Comments? www.ericpetersautos.com (click on “Forum”).

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These state rankings were calculated using seventeen criteria related to specific traffic laws, enforcement practices, and the treatment of traffic ticket defendants. The rankings are designed to provide guidance to travelers who do not want their vacation ruined by speed traps, arcane laws or “kangaroo” traffic courts.

The state most likely to find its way into your wallet is New Jersey. With its toll roads, roadblocks, and speed traps, New Jersey has left almost no stone unturned when it comes to extracting cash from motorists. The state has also recently pushed through a red-light camera pilot project at a time when many states are banning the ticket cameras because they’ve proven to have a negative effect on traffic safety. Add in “driver responsibility” fees, which are ineffective and have a disproportionate effect on the poor, and you have the worst state in our rankings.

Here are the worst ten states:

1) New Jersey
2) Ohio
3) Maryland
4) Louisiana
5) New York
6) Illinois
7) Delaware
8) Virginia
9) Washington
10) Massachusetts

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the five states that treated motorists most fairly are Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and Kentucky. The complete list of rankings and the criteria we have used can be found at the bottom of this article.

Jim Baxter, President of the National Motorists Association, said “It is not exactly a well kept secret that many traffic laws, enforcement practices, and traffic courts are more about generating revenue and political posturing, than they are about traffic safety. During holidays, like the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, we’re bombarded with messages about intensified enforcement, ‘click it or ticket,’ and horrendous fines when in fact most vacation-related traffic accidents are caused by inattention, distraction and fatigue. However, these are accident causes that don’t generate much in the way of government revenue, so instead our highways are overrun with unmarked police cars and ticket cameras.”

Baxter went on to say “The long term solution to aligning legitimate public interests with government policies is to remove the money from traffic regulation, enforcement, and adjudication. Until that happens, the focus on revenue generation will continue to trump effective traffic regulation and ethical enforcement practices.”

With this in mind, motorists who will be traveling to unfamiliar areas during the holiday may want to check out the NMA’s National Speed Trap Exchange – a listing of speed traps across the country – at www.speedtrap.org.

Full List Of State Rankings From Worst To Best

1) New Jersey
2) Ohio
3) Maryland
4) Louisiana
5) New York
6) Illinois
7) Delaware
8) Virginia
9) Washington
10) Massachusetts
11) Colorado
12) Oregon
13) Tennessee
14) California
15) Michigan
16) Vermont
17) Maine
18) Florida
19) Pennsylvania
20) North Carolina
21) Alabama
22) Rhode Island
23) West Virginia
24) New Hampshire
25) Arizona
26) New Mexico
27) Missouri
28) Texas
29) Oklahoma
30) Nevada
31) Georgia
32) Connecticut
33) South Carolina
34) Iowa
35) Hawaii
36) Arkansas
37) Alaska
38) Kansas
39) Mississippi
40) Wisconsin
41) Utah
42) South Dakota
43) Indiana
44) Minnesota
45) North Dakota
46) Kentucky
47) Nebraska
48) Montana
49) Idaho
50) Wyoming

List of Criteria Used To Generate Rankings (no particular order)

1) Speed Traps Per Capita (# of speed traps listed on www.speedtrap.org indexed to population)
2) Does the state have “driver responsibility” fees?
3) Does the state have mayor’s courts?
4) Does the state authorize the use of roadblocks?
5) What are the freeway speed limits?
6) Does the state have red-light cameras?
7) Does the state have speed cameras?
8) Are there toll roads in the state?
9) Is a jury trial available for traffic violations?
10) Is trial by declaration (asserting a defense in writing without appearing in court) available?
11) Is the state a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact?
12) Is the state a member of the Driver’s License Compact?
13) Are radar detectors banned in the state?
14) Does the state have a primary seat belt law?
15) Are there adult helmet laws in the state?
16) Are there move-over laws in the state?
17) Is cell phone use banned?

Watch Your Wallet When Driving Through These 10 States

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