Most of us listen
to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know
that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects
on your driving abilities? This study
shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions
like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more
mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also
shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves
to moderate your heart rate.
So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones?
The 2014
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and High Country and the GMC Sierra and Sierra
Denali 1500 are the first pickup trucks to receive the highest possible
five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the NHTSA changed its
New Car Assessment Program in 2010!
Both the
Silverado and Sierra offer fully boxed frames and extensive use of
high-strength steel. In addition, several segment-exclusive safety
features are available, including Forward Collision Alert, Lane
Departure Warning, and Safety Alert Seat.
To read more about the safety features of these award-winning GM models, read the full press release.
Hello there, fans! It's time again for our #WeeklyCarTip!
This week we'll keep it short and simple. It's the kind of preventative maintenance that you will take for granted 364 days out of the year, but that ONE day when you do get a flat tire, you will be glad that you took action. So without further ado, we present:
It's safe to assume that just about everyone has had to deal with a stubborn flat tire. You know the one, where you put every ounce of your body weight into loosening one of those forsaken lug nuts — to no avail?
Use some anti-seize compound to keep those lug nuts from sticking. You will thank yourself the next time you're on your way to an important meeting and the worst happens. Keep a can of anti-seize lubricant in the car, as well. That way you'll never have to worry about stubborn lug nuts again.
Until next time!
It's the season for road trips—that perfect time of the year for putting those hard-earned PTO hours to good use. If you happen to be single or married but without children, forget this article. There are no rules or suggestions for you. Well, except one: Enjoy it while you can.
For the rest of us, the whimsical nature of road trips is a thing of the past. We have to painstakingly plan every moment. What used to be a capricious expedition into the unknown is now more of a NASA flight plan, with each miniscule detail calculated to the second. First, we establish a rough itinerary. Then, to be safe, we develop a contingency plan. We take stock of food provisions and medical supplies. Then, we plan some more.
What's originally intended to be an escape, quickly becomes the same old routine. Worse actually, because the stress levels are much higher when you're somewhere unfamiliar. So how can you prepare well enough for such an event, that you still have the capacity to appreciate the spirit of exploration? Here are some things to keep in mind:
- The obvious way to get a kid to shut up is to fill his/her mouth with something. Snacks are very important when hitting the road with children in tow. Portable and non-messy foods are ideal here. Some good items to bring: Boxes of raisins, string cheese, crackers, grapes, apple slices, juice boxes.
- To maintain a good schedule, you'll want to limit the number of bathroom breaks by limiting the amount of fluid intake. Make a game out of it. Like, "You can't take a drink until you see a blue car."
- Too few breaks can be equally as damaging to you sanity. Think realistically how often you'll need to stop to keep the kids from bouncing off the walls of the mini-van. Plan your schedule accordingly to this.
- Messes are inevitable. Be prepared for this. Items like zip-lock bags, paper towels, easy-wipes and spill-proof cups are just a few examples.
- The dollar store is your friend. There are so many great, affordable options available that will provide entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, here are some ideas:
- Electronic Games
- Have the kids trace your progress on a map. Buy an extra so they can draw on it with water soluble utensils. (This will also somewhat mitigate the "Are We There Yet?" cliche.)
- Portable DVD players are your savior!
- Bribe them with toys! Also, bring along some toy catalogs. This will keep them entertained for hours. Bring some glue sticks and construction paper so they can create a "Toy Wish List".
- Don't underestimate the power of music. Perhaps some classical music will YOU in the mood while putting THEM to sleep?
- Of course, there are the old fashioned ways to keep entertained. Games like I Spy, the License Plate Game and Slug Bug are always effective.
