If rainy conditions leave you dreading commuting in one of our Atlanta rental cars, it’s ok – we understand. While driving in the rain isn’t as dangerous or as difficult as driving in a snow or ice storm, it can still be a taxing experience. Even drivers with local knowledge who are used to battling blustery winds and wicked rains can be caught off guard in the middle of a vicious cloud burst. Whether you’re driving downtown or on a rural road, your risk of being involved in an automotive accident greatly increases when it’s raining. 

Just because you’re accustom to driving in the rain, doesn’t mean that you can let down your guard when the roads are slick. While some of the following tips may seem self-explanatory, it’s often the simplest things that are overlooked in these types of situations. So keep your wits about you the next time you notice that heavy rain is in the forecast. You can still arrive safe and sound in one of our Atlanta rental cars.

Four Tips to Stay Dry

Don’t let a little moisture mangle your travel plans. Instead, follow these four tips to ensure a safe and easy commute in one of our Atlanta rental cars:

1) Slow Down

Sure, it sounds obvious, but believe it or not, many people refuse to heed this warning when heavy rain is in the forecast. This doesn’t mean that you have to drive at a walking pace, but it does mean that you should slow down. Remember the golden rule of following distances – you should never be less than three seconds behind another vehicle. When the weather is bad, you should extend this to at least four seconds, if not five.

2) Be a Follower

If you drive in the wheel tracks of the vehicle in front of you, you can oftentimes benefit from their trailblazing ways. This is because the vehicle in front of you has already forced standing water out of the way, clearing the roadway for your tires and thus improving your traction.

3) Heed the Risk of Hydroplaning

If water pools up on the road faster than your tires can push it away, it can actually lift your tire tread off the road creating the perfect conditions for hydroplaning. When this happens, you’re essentially driving on liquid – never a safe scenario! If you suddenly feel your car rental starting to float, don’t panic or brake suddenly. Steer straight and tap your break slowly in order to maintain control of your car.

4) There’s No Shame in Stopping

Heavy rain can really wreak havoc on a driver’s visibility. What’s more, your wiper blades can only go so fast. If the rain is coming down too hard and too fast for your wiper blades to handle, stop! It’s time to ease off the road and take a break. Once the rain lets up you’ll be able to get back on the road and on your way.

Beware of Puddles

Remember when rain used to result in an afternoon of jumping in and out of puddles? And how angry your mother would be when you’d come home soaked from head to toe? Remember that motherly look of disdain the next time you consider driving through a deep puddle in one of our Atlanta rental cars. Automobile breakdown number always increase during periods of heavy rain, as dampness is one of the leading causes of engine and electrical system malfunctions. Luckily, many of these rain-related breakdowns can easily be avoided simply by staying away from deep puddles. While are Atlanta rental cars features cutting-edge technology in terms of moisture protection, they’re far from waterproof. As such, driving one through a deep puddle or flooded roadway could lead to catastrophic engine failure.

If you can’t avoid a flooded area in one of our Atlanta rental cars, the following tips will help you safely navigate these treacherous pools:

• Do not attempt to drive through what if you’re unsure of its depth. Use the curb as a way to gauge how deep the water might be.
• If you have to go through water, try and drive on the highest section of the road (this is normally close to the middle line).
• Drive steadily and slowly through deep puddles. This will help you avoid creating a bow wave infront of your vehicles (protecting oncoming vehicles from a nasty splash) and it will help reduce the amount of water the splash up into your vehicle’s undercarriage.
• Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Never try and drive through fast moving water – your vehicle could be swept away.
• If your engine cuts out after driving through a particularly deep area of water, don’t attempt to restart it – this could cause further damage. Instead, contact Triangle Rent-A-Car and we’ll help you arrange for professional assistance.

Don’t dismiss rain as an inconsequential part of your commute. Even the lightest drizzle can impact your commute. Pay attention to road conditions and drive with caution when the rain starts to pour.

If you’re hoping to catch a game or two during your upcoming Atlanta rental car vacation (opening day is just around the corner!), it pays to plan your parking approach well in advance. Whether it’s a regular season game or a sold out playoff series, you don’t want parking to rain on your game day parade. The following are some expert tips and tricks for navigating Turner Field’s parking maze.

The Perks of Prepaid Parking

Purchasing your parking pass ahead of time is a great way to avoid last minute parking problems at Turner Field. Atlanta rental car travelers can pre-purchase parking passes directly from the official website of the Atlanta Braves. Parking can be purchased in advance for all of the lots, including the Green, Blue, Gold, Orange, Gray, Red, and Silver parking areas.

And the best part? Prepaid parking rates are cheaper than game day rates. Prepaid parking permits range between $8 and $10 while game day rates are between $8 and $15.

Better Directions

Parking at Turner Field is relatively straight forward. Not only are the directions posted on the Braves’ website, there are also dozens of signs leading the way to each respective lot. But what if we told you there are easier ways to access the parking areas at Turner Field – ways that aren’t openly publicized?

If you want to skip the headaches that come along with the traffic and delays from I-85 South, try this nifty trick. Instead of exiting where the signs suggest, keep driving until you see the I-20 exit. Take I-20 West, hopping off at the first exit. This will put you on the other side of the stadium, in a much shorter line of cars. Getting to your parking spot will be significantly easier. Just remember: you won’t be able to leave the stadium using this same route following the game. Police block off entrances from I-20 to better manage traffic.

Atlanta rental car travelers will also have more luck taking the Freedom Parkway exit. Simply follow Freedom to Boulevard Southeast. Hang a right onto Boulevard, and continue driving until you pass the Atlanta Zoo. Take another right, this time onto Atlantic Avenue. When you reach Capitole Avenue, turn right and you’ll be on your way into the stadium parking area.

Look For Alternative Parking Options

Tired of waiting in a never ending line of vehicles at Turner Field? Then now could be a good time to consider a different parking approach. Believe it or not, a lot of homeowners and renters along Atlantic Avenue will rent out their driveways and parking spaces to sports fans on game days. For the most part, these are just honest people trying to make an extra dollar on the side. With that being said, remember to be careful. Never hand over your Atlanta rental car keys to a stranger, and never leave anything valuable in your vehicle.

Atlanta car rental travelers can also scout around to find street parking. This option is available in most of the neighborhoods on the south side of the stadium. This is a great insider tip – most of the time, folks who come out to Braves games are coming from out of town, as such, they end up clogging the main exits that are marked with parking signs. Less obvious street parking can be bound by hanging a left onto Capitol Avenue. Just be careful not to park too far away – you’ll have to walk back to it following the game, after all!

Remember Road Closures

As mentioned above, the Atlanta Police Department will often shut down some roads around the ballpark an hour before and an hour after the game in order to help with traffic congestion. Remember to check the parking alerts on the Braves’ website for more information on these closures.

Hop on a Fan Bus

This is by far the best suggestion of them all. Instead of battling with traffic to and from the stadium, why not just park at Jocks and Jills Sport Bar and catch a ride on their fan bus? Not only will you sidestep the hassle of parking at the stadium, you’ll also get to park for free in Jocks and Jills’ lighted lot. Jocks and Jills throughout Atlanta offer this service, so why not check out the location nearest you? They also offer up some delicious food, perfect for hungry sports fans!

Parking at Turner Field doesn’t have to turn into a nightmare. Plan ahead, prepay for your spot, or opt for an alternative parking option. Then all you have to do is root, root, root for the hometeam!

First things first, if you really want to see all that Atlanta has to offer, you’re going to have to reserve one of our Atlanta car rentals. For such a large city, Atlanta’s public transportation system is lacking in a number of areas. Triangle offers a number of affordable Atlanta car rentals, including a handful spacious, road trip-ready passenger van rentals.

Learning the Lingo

Atlanta residents tend to speak their own language, especially when it comes to describing their vibrant city. When you’re making your way around town, don’t be surprised if you hear a lot of people talking about the “perimeter.” This refers to I-285 that circles the city’s perimeter. More often than not, attractions and businesses are referred to as being located inside the perimeter (ITP) or outside the perimeter (OTP).

Other terms that you might encounter when traveling in one of our Atlanta car rentals include:

• The Ted: this refers to Turner Field, where the Atlanta Braves professional baseball team plays.
• The Connector: this is the main interstate artery that runs through downtown Atlanta.
• The AJC: this is the city’s major daily newspaper.
• The Hooch: This is Atlanta’s major waterway, the Chattahoochee River (if you’re visiting during the summer months, make arrangements to “shoot the Hooch” – this involves floating down the Chattahoochee River in an inner tube).

Familiarize Yourself with the Airport Before Hand

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is huge. It’s also been one of the world’s busiest airports by passenger traffic since 1998 – in 2011 the airport accommodated 92 million passengers (roughly 252,000 passengers daily) and some 923,991 flights.

Needless to say, it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate this mammoth structure for the first time. In order to prepare yourself, take a few minutes and check out the official Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport website. One of the most confusing aspects of this facility is the North and South terminals. Oddly enough, these terminals are actually in the same building. As such, if you find yourself in the wrong place, don’t panic! You’re not that far off from where you need to be.

Know When to Go

While there is no real “high season” for tourism in Atlanta, the area is known for having an extremely active convention and trade show calendar. As such, before selecting your travel dates and reserving one of our Atlanta car rentals, it’s wise to check with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) or your travel agent concerning upcoming events. Planning to visit the city in the middle of a major convention could mean an increase in hotel prices and longer waits at popular restaurants and attractions. With that being said, Atlanta is home to some 93,000 hotel rooms, so finding a room is rarely a problem, regardless of when you plan to visit.

Travelers in Atlanta car rentals are encouraged to visit the city during the long spring and autumn seasons; this is when the temperatures are at their most comfortable. If you’re planning to come during the months of July and August, prepare for a heatwave. Summers are often hot and humid, with daytime highs reaching into the 90s.

Get Your Drive On

Getting around Atlanta requires a car. Try as you might to get around using public transportation, most of the city’s top attractions aren’t well served by the MARTA. To reach popular tourist destinations like Six Flags, Stone Mountain, Zoo Atlanta, and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History you’ll need gas up one of our Atlanta car rentals and hit the open road.

With that being said, traffic can be a real nightmare in the city. Rush hour, which runs from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m and anywhere from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., can be downright vicious. The Connector (where I-75 and I-85 become one) is virtually always bumper-to-bumper, both during on- and off-peak hours. If you can manage, try and stay of the interstates during the busiest of times.

When driving one of our Atlanta car rentals, remember that Georgia law requires the driver and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts while the car is moving. Children under the age of four must be buckled into an approved car seat that’s properly fastened into the back seat. If your car rental is equipped with airbags, children ages 5 through 12 are required to sit in the rear seats to avoid unnecessary injury in the case of an accident.

Travelers in Atlanta car rentals will find gas stations and public parking throughout the city. Parking is normally quite plentiful in the outlying areas, however you might have a harder time finding a free spot in some of the commercial areas, especially in Midtown and Buckhead.

Vacationing in Atlanta can be a ton of fun – provided you take the time to plan your adventure before hand. Reserve one of our Atlanta car rentals today.

So, without further ado, here are some quick and simple ways to shave time and frustration off of a handful of common Metro Atlanta car rental commutes.

Destination: Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Typical Atlanta Car Rental Route: Most visiting travelers are familiar with I-75/I-85 (South and North), as such, they tend to use these highways when heading to and from the airport. However, if you’re running behind and need to get to the airport in a hurry, you might find yourself in a bit of a bind thanks to traffic. Trying to get past downtown quickly between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. is practically impossible.

Alternative Atlanta Car Rental Route: There’s a way to bypass downtown Atlanta traffic altogether when heading to and from the airport. To do this, hop on the I-285. Atlanta car rental travelers can access the airport by getting off at Exit #2 (Camp Creek Parkway) and heading south. While this road is a popular thoroughfare for people who live in the College Park/East Point area, it’s rarely busy.

Destination: Perimeter Mall, Dunwoody

Typical Atlanta Car Rental Route: Tourists often access this popular route from either I-285 or Highway 400. A popular place for out of town visitors, Dunwoody offers a proliferation of residential communities and a ton os great shopping. Not surprisingly, this has also cause the area to become extremely congested by traffic.

Alternative Atlanta Car Rental Route: Avoid the throngs of traffic by sticking to side streets in your Atlanta car rental. If you’re coming in from the northwest (Cobb area), take Highway 41 South until you reach Mt. Paran Road. It’s worth noting that Mt. Paran does have a lot of stop signs. However, this stop and go traffic makes it easier for you and your Atlanta car rental passengers to appreciate the many multi-million dollar homes that you’ll be driving by. Follow this road all the way to Roswell Road, where you’ll turn left. This will lead you straight to the Perimeter Mall area.

If you’re coming from downtown Atlanta, avoid the traffic on Highway 400 by making a left onto Peachtree Dunwoody Road. You can follow this all the way to the Perimeter Mall area.

Destination: Downtown Atlanta (from Northwest Cobb County)

Typical Atlanta Car Rental Route: The quickest and easiest way to get to downtown Atlanta from the suburban neighborhoods of Northwest Cobb County is to take I-75 South. Unfortunately, connecting to I-75 from some of the more obscure outlying communities can be a touch difficult.

Alternative Atlanta Car Rental Route: If you’re coming from the extreme north portion of Northwest Cobb County (Powder Springs or North Marietta), you’re probably better off taking the Dallas Highway until it connects with Highway 92. This highway will hook up with Thornton Road. Take Thornton Road in the eastbound direction until you meet I-20. I-20 offers a number of exits to the downtown area.

Another useful option to keep in mind is Highway 41 South. This roadway actually runs all the way to the heart of Atlanta, allowing you to make your commute without ever once getting onto the interstate.

Destination: Buckhead

Typical Atlanta Car Rental Route: Tourists often default to the state’s main highways and interstates in order to access this popular Atlanta community. Not surprisingly, this can cause some serious headaches once rush hour rolls around.

Alternative Atlanta Car Rental Route: The best route to take to Buckhead involves Highway 41 South. This roadway will take you all the way to West Paces Ferry Road, home to the Governor’s Mansion and hundreds of other beautiful properties. While a little out of the way, this route will enable you to avoid other traffic heading into the downtown core. A popular shortcut for locals, many out-of-town visitors often overlook this clean and easy alternative route.

The nice thing about traveling in Atlanta is that there are plenty of side streets and little-known routes connecting the various neighborhoods and communities. As such, the best thing to do when planning a visit is to take the road less traveled. Sticking to major freeways and interstates might seem like the most efficient way to get from one place to another, but that’s rarely case when you factor in traffic, construction, and other sources of Atlanta car rental frustrations. Traveling off the beaten path is a great way to explore a new city, so what are you waiting for? Toss that map out the window and embark on an exciting Atlanta road trip today.

Facts About the Study

The goal of the study was to discover the patterns of drivers and the congestion each region’s drivers face.  It sought to find out how Americans have been forced to adapt to traffic, and therefore discover how much time individual citizens spend twiddling their thumbs in static traffic on overcrowded roadways.

The study found that many Americans are forced to give travel extra time in their schedule just to make it to their destinations on time.  A driver must leave an hour to travel on roads that would get them there in 20 minutes without traffic congestion.  Keep this in mind when traveling in your Virginia car rental.

What the Study Found

This 2011 study found that on average, Virginian drivers each waste $877 on 19 gallons of excess gas a year.  Roughly 43 hours a year are spent on traffic jams and congestion while commuting.

How Can Carpooling Help?

The fact is that roads are so congested because of the number of drivers on them, many of who could be ridesharing to reduce congestion. If more drivers would pair up, or triple up even, the roads would be considerably less overcrowded. Not to mention this is much better for the environment.

If you’re traveling with more than one Virginia car rental this year, see how often you can car pool with your fellow travelers.  You’ll both save money on fuel.  Carpooling also makes driving more enjoyable.  You will always have someone to entertain you, talk to, and to keep you awake.

Take Public Transit

Park the car and get on the bus or subway.  This is also a great way to save money and help the environment.  Public transit is cheap, and handy.  It can usually get you anywhere you need to go without having to walk too far.

If you travel to Virginia Beach a lot consider looking into the passes for their public transit.  Depending on how often you’re there, keeping your Virginia car rental at the hotel or parked in one spot for the day can save you money.

Pay Attention in Your Virginia Car Rental

It’s easy to zone out in traffic jams.  It may seem like a minor problem in traffic that’s moving so slowly, but this is a dangerous time to forget to pay attention.  With so many vehicles, it’s difficult to predict what other drivers are going to do.  In areas with heavily congested traffic, road rage is at its peak.  You don’t want to get into a situation where someone has suddenly cut into your lane without forewarning.

Sudden decisions also occur often.  You may find yourself rear-ending another vehicle because they’ve slammed on the breaks and you weren’t paying attention.  Occurrences like these make accidents more dangerous, as well, due to the sheer number of cars that can potentially be part of the collision.

Plan Your Route

Know the routes that are the worst for traffic and avoid them if you can.  Obviously this won’t always be possible.  However, the more you can use back roads, the better.

It’s also important to know where you’re going to avoid getting lost.  You don’t want to be stuck in the wrong lane because your turn appeared quicker than you expected.  With lanes that are so full it won’t be easy to get over in a hurry or turn your Virginia car rental around if you missed your destination.

Avoid Traveling in Turning Lanes

If you have multiple options for your Virginia car rental, choose the middle lane.  This one is less likely to become congested, as it doesn’t have anyone turning out from it.  If there are only two lanes, look ahead to see which is less congested.  Or if you can, turn onto another road that will get you there quicker.

Accelerate Quickly

Pay attention to the stoplights.  Though it’s still important to look both ways to make sure no one is speeding through a red, accelerate as quickly as you can through the light.  The quicker you can get to the speed limit, the more likely you are to make it through the next green, and stay at the speed limit.  Smaller, less bulky Virginia car rentals are, of course, better for this in congested traffic.

Don’t React to Road Rage

As previously mentioned, road rage is at its worst when traffic is congested.  Don’t respond if someone is raging at you.  This can end up in a very dangerous situation.  People with road rage easily become violent and aggressive.  Make sure your doors are locked, your windows rolled up, and continue driving.

For the most affordable Virginia car rentals to get you through busy Virginia Beach streets, rent from Triangle today!

Opening the Doors to Information

Virginia car rental clients will be relieved to learn that this state is attempting to take some of the pain out of your construction ache. As a rather unique approach, a partnership of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is trying to bring some transparency to the situation. Virginia Megaprojects is a website and online service that not only provides Virginia car rental drivers with detailed information about state construction projects that might cause temporary road congestion, but also offers solutions for dealing with it.

Megaprojects are exactly what they sound like: Mega-construction, costing mega-dollars and designed to have a mega-impact on how a large population gets from place to place. The large-scale capital infrastructure projects in Virginia add up to a cost in the billions of dollars and have been going on for some time, but the promise is that Virginia car rental drivers will eventually find it much easier to get around once all the construction chaos has abated.

In the meantime, the Megaprojects website provides a window on what some of these projects are, and their intended benefits for the community.

High-occupancy Toll Lanes for the Beltway

Completed in November 2012 at a cost of $1.4 billion, the 495 Expressway project added two new HOT lanes in each direction along a fourteen-mile stretch of the Capital Beltway. Operating alongside the regular lanes, the HOT lanes provide a speedier choice for travelers utilizing carpools, vanpools and other multi-passenger options. As long as a Virginia car rental is carrying three or more people, it may travel in these new lanes free of charge. Cars that carry just one or two people may still use the regular lanes of the Beltway, or pay a toll to use the HOT lanes. In addition to easing peak-period traffic congestion, the project is expected to reduce traffic on local roads due to drivers attempting to circumvent the usual rush-hour jams.

A New Metrorail for the Dulles Corridor

As an alternative means for Virginia car rental clients to get around the Capital region, the new Dulles metrorail will eventually add 23 miles to the area’s mass-transit rail. The project will improve inter-county commuting, and provide more convenient connections into downtown Washington, shopping and entertainment options and to the Dulles and Reagan international airports. The longer-term effects of the new system include the encouragement of high-density development around rail station areas.

The Megaprojects website provides information on road and lane closures resulting from the construction of the new metrorail, which is continuously updated. Virginia car rental clients may visit the website for complete details on this and all of the other major projects taking place around the state.

Taking the Sting Out of Construction Delays

Aside from attempting to combat driver frustration with information, the Megaprojects website offers a number of ways of dealing with road upheavals.

For commuters, the site provides information on a wide range of alternative transportation methods and routes. For instance, details about the Tysons Express bus service are explained as a means of dealing with the driving delays that were caused by the development of the new HOT lanes. Suggestions for Virginia car rental drivers also include links to carpooling and vanpooling resources, and information on Virginia’s express toll and HOV options. Drivers may also register to receive free email alerts and updates on each of the major projects taking place and any changes that might affect driving conditions.

Helping Businesses to Help Their Employees

Since the current megaprojects are intended to assist economic development in the long run, the website includes information that could ease the strain of employers during the construction phase. The Employer Solutions program was put in place to help companies keep their employees moving and working around the affected areas.

The program extends up to $50,000 to businesses that want to create or expand a telework program for its employees. It also supports the costs of maintaining a vanpooling option for getting to and from work, and offers employer cost-matching for employee transit fares.

These megaprojects don’t have to be a headache during the season of construction. After you book your Virginia car rental, check out the Virginia Megaprojects website for help on getting around with ease.

Carpooling Pioneers

The North Virginia-Washington D.C. area implemented the first HOV expressway in the country over 40 years ago. In 1969, state transportation authorities responded to increasing congestion by transforming part of the Shirley Memorial Highway into a bus-only lane between D.C. and the Capital Beltway. More recently, and with expansion to multi-passenger cars, the average one-way commute is just 29 minutes compared to 64 minutes in the general purpose lanes of the Shirley Highway.

How to HOV

Virginia car rental drivers can easily identify these multi-passenger express lanes by the ‘hollow diamond’ symbol on overhead signs, on the pavement and on electronic billboards. The HOV lanes are free to use during their active hours, as long as you have at least two passengers in your Virginia car rental for HOV-2 lanes, or three for HOV-3 lanes. During any other time, any vehicle may use the HOV lanes as long as the lane is open to traffic.

Where and When?

HOV lanes are available in North Virginia and in the Hampton Roads region.

North Virginia:

• I-395 and I-95 HOV-3 lanes between Washington D.C. and Dumfries
  • They are generally active Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. into D.C., and 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. heading out of the capital.
• I-66 HOV-2 lanes
  • Inside the Capital Beltway: Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Outside the Beltway: Monday to Friday 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Dulles Toll Road HOV-2 lanes
  • Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Exception: Any single passenger vehicle that is traveling to Dulles Airport to catch a flight or to pick up an arriving passenger may use the HOV lane during active hours.
• Virginia car rental drivers should notes that there are times when these lanes are closed to all traffic during weekdays and on Saturdays. Also, the North Virginia HOV lanes are reversing, one-way lanes based on the predominant flow of traffic during peak times. Check with the Virginia Department of Transportation for a full list of active, open and closed times and directions.

Hampton Roads:

• I-264 between Virginia Beach and Norfolk
• I-64 between Norfolk and Chesapeake
• I-64 Hampton and Newport News
• In general, all of these HOV-2 lanes operate on Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• These lanes are also subject to closed periods, and some sections have active HOV times on Saturdays. Check with the VDOTwebsite for details.

HOV lane restrictions are lifted for most national holidays that land on a weekday.

Exceptions to the HOV Rule

In addition to the Dulles Toll road HOV drive-and-fly exemption, motorcyclists are permitted to use the HOV lanes any time they are open. Unfortunately, Virginia car rental drivers are subject to the same rules as everyone else.

The time-saving HOV lanes have contributed to the explosive adoption of hybrid vehicles in the Capital region. This is because certified ‘green’ vehicles are also exempt from HOV rules. Owners of hybrids may obtain a clean fuel license plate from the Virginia DMV for a $25 fee, which qualifies the owner to drive as a single passenger during active HOV times. In the North Virginia area, however, there are a few caveats regarding when the plate was issued. Also, travelers from Maryland, which has similar environmentally-friendly licensing, should not expect that their plates will be valid on Virginia’s HOV routes. Again, consult with the VDOT website for full details and for a list of qualifying hybrid vehicle makes and models.

Need a Friend?

Many Virginia car rental clients are visiting the state on holiday with family or friends, so they are already qualified and encouraged to make use of the HOV lanes. But what if you’re here on your own, or don’t have any colleagues with whom you could plan a carpool arrangement? Luckily, there are a few options:

• Rideshare agencies are available in most major commuter areas of the state to help you fill your car.
• The Commuter Connections program, which promotes alternative transportation options, also has a carpooling and vanpooling service. NuRide is a similar online commuter matching service.
• Slugging is a sort of ad-hoc carpooling arrangement, where commuters needing a ride can be picked up by drivers wanting to make use of the HOV lanes. There is certain etiquette for using slug lines and for obtaining riders from them, but there is lots of online information available on their use and locations.

When you’re booking your Virginia car rental, make sure to ask us how the HOV lanes can save you time, money in fuel costs, and stress.

Kyle glanced over his shoulder and saw headlights approaching in the distance behind him. Maybe he could flag it down for help, he thought. The car didn’t stop, but luckily there was another one right behind it. As he tried to push and steer the powerless Mazda, his mind wandered to thoughts of his new summer job and his first day of culinary school in the fall. Those were Kyle’s last thoughts. 

Impaired by Technology

In the second before the approaching car struck the 19-year-old, the driver didn’t attempt to stop or swerve or even slow down. He didn’t see Kyle at all, though it was later determined that he wasn’t speeding and he had not been drinking. The driver was impaired, however, and Kyle died immediately as a result. Cell phone records showed that the driver of the car that hit Kyle was sending and receiving text messages right up to the moment of impact.

The driver of the car that killed Kyle Rowley received no punishment. Virginia car rental clients may be surprised to discover that this state currently punishes the secondary offense of texting while driving with a tiny $20 fine for an initial incident. Being a secondary offense, however, means that the police can only charge someone as long as the driver has been stopped for some other infraction. Virginia is one of only four states in the country that view texting while driving as a secondary offense. But that’s likely about to change for drivers in this state, including for Virginia car rental clients.

The Push for Tougher Distracted Driving Laws in Virginia

With the media attention surrounding the night in May 2011 when Kyle Rowley lost his life and the subsequent acquittal of the driver that killed him, distracted driving advocates have been spurred into action. Armed with numerous studies on the dangers of interacting with mobile technology while driving, a number of civic groups and Virginia representatives have backed a new bill that would strengthen the powers of law enforcement to punish drivers whose attention is impaired by gadgets behind the wheel. One such study, produced in 2009 by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute from an examination of real-world driving activity, found that texting while driving makes the risk of a crash 23 times more likely than non-distracted driving.

More Than a Slap on the Wrist

Virginia car rental drivers should note, according to the state’s Crime Commission, that the current texting-while-driving law resulted in 422 charges and 334 convictions in 2011. But the paltry fine for a first conviction does not seem to be enough to increase road safety.

While the chance of imprisonment has been removed from the new bill, it does raise texting-while-driving to the status of a primary offense. An initial conviction will result in a $250 fine and $500 for subsequent convictions. Additionally, if texting is found to be the cause of a reckless driving offense, the fine is an immediate $500.

Getting Serious About Distracted Diving

And supporters are not stopping there. Another proposed bill would raise the offense to the level of Class-1 misdemeanor, which would put texting behind the wheel of your Virginia car rental on par with a reckless driving charge which earns a sentence of up to one year imprisonment and up to a $2,500 fine. According to comments made to the Washington Post, this is the type of punishment that Kyle Rowley’s killer could have received, but that the relative impotence of the current texting law got in the way of a more just outcome.

Don’t Let Safety Take a Back Seat

To put things into perspective for Virginia car rental drivers: Sending or receiving a text message behind the wheel takes an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that is the same as driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed. Across the nation, over 3,300 people were killed in accidents in 2011 where distracted driving was the main cause.

Of course all Virginia car rental drivers should be aware of the new penalties that they will face in this state should they be found guilty of texting while driving. We hope, however, that all of our Virginia car rental clients will choose to stay safe by keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes–and minds–on the road.

According to the second-highest court in North Carolina, the answer is ‘no.’ 

According to The Newspaper, Judge Cheri Beasley of the North Carolina Court of Appeals does not believe police are able to judge whether the driver of a passing car is nervous.

However, just because nervous driving is legal, doesn’t mean it’s not hazardous.  Anxious driving of our Raleigh car rentals can increase the likelihood of poor driving habits, such as tailgating or cutting others off.  That said, not everyone has the luxury of being perfectly Zen every time they get behind the wheel.  Which is why we’ve include six sure-fire tips to nip nervousness in the bud when you drive.

Tip #1: Know Where You’re Going to Go in Our Raleigh Car Rentals

Nixing nervousness is all about confidence.  Start off by having confidence in knowing where you’re going and how you’ll get there.  However, being prepared is more than just looking at a map.  It also involves having alternative routes planned, in case you get waylaid by construction.  Also, before you set out, mark where available rest stops are.  It will help your nerves to take plenty of breaks.  Aim for a 15 minute break every two hours.

Tip #2: Keep in the Lane of Least Resistance

Rhetoric will state that the best way to drive is in the right hand lane, unless you’re passing.  However, feel free to think outside the box (or drive outside the right lane) and instead choose the lane that is the least stressful to you.

You may find that the middle lane or even the left lane has less traffic and a clearer view.  For example, school buses always drive in the right lane.  However, considering how frequently they stop to pick up passengers, spending your journey behind one could add to your stress.

Likewise, if the right lane has some snow on it, it’s better to drive our Raleigh car rentals in the left lane, where there is more traction.

Moral of the story: stick to the lane that best suits your needs.

Tip #3: Stay Back

You never know when tailgating will bite you in the behind.  It’s safer for everyone if you leave a two-second gap between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.  Yes, even if they’re travelling at a snail’s pace.  By doing so, you won’t worry about suddenly crashing into the car in front of you, as you’ll have more than enough reaction time to ensure you stop safely.

However, do keep in mind the speed limit.  If the car in front of you is going 20 mph over the speed limit, then you do not need to catch up in order to maintain the two-second rule.  It’s okay to just stick to the speed limit in our Raleigh car rentals

Tip #4: Open Up Your Eyes and See the Signs

Looking ahead to ensure you know what’s coming means you’ll never be caught off guard.  This will help you be aware of changes such as speed limit changes, upcoming turnoffs, or construction zones.

Looking ahead also has other benefits, such as knowing about traffic changes long before the affect you.  If you’re approaching stop-and-go traffic with one of our Raleigh car rentals, you can start adjusting your speed now so you can avoid slamming on the breaks later.

Tip #5: Drive Carefully in Inclement Weather

If it’s snowy, rainy, or windy, always take care and reduce your speed.  Keep a larger gap between the vehicle in front of you and your car.  Keep the windshield clear and the lights on to ensure good visibility.  Our Raleigh car rentals will thank you.

Tip #6: Keep Calm During a Breakdown

If one of our Raleigh car rentals breaks down while on the road, pull into the right shoulder if possible.  Keep your hazard lights on to alert drivers of your whereabouts.

Do not attempt simple repairs.  Instead, contact Triangle Rent a Car right away for further direction, or call someone like AAA for further assistance.  If you don’t have a cellphone, then lock the car and begin walking to the nearest gas station.

Don’t let nerves keep you from hitting the road!  Instead, grab the bull by the horns and set out in a safe and reliable Triangle car hire.  Visit our website to reserve a Triangle rental car.

10. Do NOT Leave the Scene

If you are involved in a very minor accident, where the damage is minimal and no one is hurt, it’s okay to take off in your Atlanta car rental, right?

Wrong.

Driving away after an accident could be considered a crime.  Even if it’s not, it’s always a good idea to cover yourself.  Stop, check on the other people involved, exchange insurance information, and report the accident to the police.

And if someone is injured, you must provide assistance to the injured person.

9.  Do NOT Forget to Call 911

Piggybacking on number 10, some people believe that if the crash isn’t serious, there’s no need to call 911.  This seemingly good idea is actually a big no-no.

While everyone may agree to let insurance handle things, how do you know that the other victim is being straight with you?  Perhaps their insurance isn’t up to date (or even real).  Some medical issues don’t present themselves until much later. It never hurts to call 911 and report what happened.  It may save you down the line.

8.  Do NOT Blow a Gasket

While no accident is ever a trip to an amusement park, it’s important to keep yourself as calm as possible (especially with all of that adrenaline pulsing through your body).

Even if the wreck was their fault, the first thing to ask the other driver is, “Are you alright?”  Don’t start yelling at them – it won’t do anyone any good, and it certainly won’t repair the damage to your Atlanta car rental.

7.  Do NOT Admit Fault

Even if you think you’re responsible for the crash, never admit to fault.  Leave that up to the insurance companies to decide.  It could turn out that you weren’t at fault, but because you admitted it, you’ve legally assumed liability for the accident.  And what could that lead to?  Lawsuits and other penalties.  Just focus on the safety of everyone else and checking the damage to your Atlanta car rental.

6.  Do NOT Forget the Details

Once the crash has happened, you’ll want a clear head before you talk to the authorities.  What were you doing before the accident?  What street were you on?  Where were you headed in your Atlanta car rental?  Have a consistent and accurate account of what happened for both the police and insurance.

5.  Do NOT Fail to Exchange Information

This step is crucial.  Since you are not admitting fault, that means that the police and insurance will be handling things.  As such, you’ll need the following information from the other driver:

• Name
• Address
• Insurance company
• Policy number
• Make, model, and color of their vehicle
• License plate number

Be sure to have the same information about your Atlanta car rental ready to provide to the other driver.  And if there are any witnesses, be sure to get their information as well.  If you have a camera around, take photos of the crash, just to be on the safe side.

4.  Do NOT Fail to Seek Medical Attention

If you were injured in the wreck, or have had persistent pain or health problems since, you need to see your doctor.  If you may be facing big medical bills, contact a lawyer.

3.  Do NOT Forget to Register Your Insurance Claim for Your Atlanta Car Rental

Register your insurance claim quickly, as some insurance companies have time limits on when a claim can be filed.  Know what your insurance covers ahead of time.  It’ll be a rude awakening to discover you have to pay for your Atlanta car rental out of pocket.

2.  Do NOT Go Without Legal Counsel

Whenever you’re speaking with an insurance adjustor or with the authorities, have a lawyer present.  Sometimes people say things unwittingly, such as “I feel fine” that can be used against them later.  Insurance companies make note of such statements and may try to use them against you later.

1.  Do NOT Forget to Tell Triangle What Happened

If you’re in an accident in an Atlanta car rental, contact Triangle Rent A Car immediately.

To reserve your Triangle car rental, visit our website.