Category Archives: Car Tips

Agency Recommends Lowering Legal BAC Level

The National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, is recommending that all 50 states lower the blood alcohol content rate.

The NTSB is recommending that all 50 states lower the legal BAC rate to 0.05. Currently, the legal BAC rate is 0.08. The board believes that this change will reduce the nation’s drunken driving death rate. This change was implemented in Europe, and the number drunken driving deaths dropped significantly. Currently, the death rate, in the United States, is around 10,000 lives each year.

Multiple factors can affect a person’s blood alcohol content level. A 140 pound female will typically hit the 0.08 blood alcohol level after having 3 drinks in one hour. This same person would reach the 0.05 level after having two to three drinks in one hour. A 180 pound male will hit 0.08 after four drinks in an hour. This person would reach 0.05 after two to three drinks in an hour.

Drivers can experience impaired driving at a 0.01 BAC level. Some drivers with a 0.01 BAC level may have attention problems and lane deviation. At a 0.02 BAC level, drivers may exhibit drowsiness. The difficulty with driving continues to worsen as the BAC level rises. A police officer also has the right to arrest an individual even if his or her BAC level is within the legal limit. It is up to the officer’s discretion to decide if the driver is impaired.

The NTSB investigates transportation accidents. This board does not have the power to create new regulations. The NTSB can only recommend changes in legislation. It does have significant influence over public safety matters. The board’s opinions could influence legislators and transportation agencies. If the legislation does not pass now, the board’s influence may eventually push the legislation through.

In addition to changing the legal BAC level, the NTSB also recommended new state laws regarding arresting drunken drivers. The NTSB suggested that police have the right to confiscate licenses from drunken drivers. There are some states that already do this, but the board is recommending that officers in all states be allowed to do this. The NTSB is also pushing for laws that require all first-time offenders to have ignition locking devices. These devices prevent cars from starting until breath samples are analyzed. This will keep drunk drivers off the road.

If you are ever involved in a car accident because of a drunken driver, you should contact a Newport Beach car accident lawyer.

Deadly Crashes in Orange County

Three separate crashes leave 8 injured, a mother dead, and another woman dead.

A serious collision occurred at Gilbert Street and La Palma Avenue in Anaheim on Sunday, May 12, 2013. 8 people were rushed to the hospital after the accident. The collision was caused by an alleged drunk driver.

The alleged drunk driver slammed into several cars at the Anaheim intersection. The collision occurred a little after 2 a.m. According to police, two cars filled with people were waiting at a red light. The drunken driving suspect than drove into the cars.

Paramedics that reported to the scene declared the crash a mass casualty incident because of the high number of injured people. The victim’s condition is still not known. The driver was arrested for felony DUI.

In Mission Viejo, a deadly collision left a mother of three dead. She was struck by a wrong-way driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. The collision occurred on Santa Margarita Parkway north of Los Alisos Boulevard around 11:40 p.m. Tuesday. According to witnesses, a driver of a Ford-250 pick-up truck was traveling south on northbound Santa Margarita Parkway. He stopped when he crashed head-on into a minivan.

The mother of three was driving the minivan. She was a 36 year old from Trabuco Canyon. The mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The drunken driver was a 42 year old from Mission Viejo. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

After the accident, northbound Santa Margarita Boulevard was closed from Los Alisos Boulevard to El Toro Road so that police could investigate the scene of the accident. The drunken driver has had prior convictions for driving under the influence.

A motorcycle crash left a 27 year old woman dead. The woman was speeding on a 1978 Honda in the right southbound lane of the 55 freeway near Dyer Road. At about 11:50 p.m., she was riding behind a van. The van and the motorcyclists both changed into the middle lane. Due to her high speed, she was unable to safely turn away to avoid colliding into the van. The motorcyclist was thrown from her motorcycle. Several cars hit her after she was thrown from her bike.

If you are injured in an accident caused by a drunken driver, please do not hesitate to contact a Newport Beach car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle any case. Do not worry if money is an issue. There are no charges until your case is won.

The Recall Process

The investigation and recall process has 4 steps. Before the investigation starts, it is important that all consumers report any safety complaints. Without these reports, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s, NHTSA, would not be able to recall any vehicles.

There are three ways to submit a complaint:

Send a paper report to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
Submit a complaint online
Call the vehicle safety hotline

Reports submitted are entered into the NHTSA consumer complaint automated database. The report is catalogued by vehicle make, model, model year, manufacturer, defect, assembly, and system. All of these complaints are listed online, without your personal information. If you file a complaint, an ODI investigator may contact you. The investigator will want to clarify information in your report. Check the ODI website or call the hotline if you have any questions. The ODI may launch an investigation based on the reports.

The ODI’s investigation process has four parts.

Screening

In the ODI, the Defects Assessment Division, DAD, is responsible for going through the reports, any emails, letters, anonymous reports, and manufacturer submitted information. The DAD will also investigate service bulletins, foreign recalls, customer satisfaction, and consumer advisories.

Petition Analysis

After screening, the ODI will deal with petitions. Anyone can submit a petition requesting that the NHTSA open an investigation into a possible safety defect. The ODI will conduct a technical analysis of the petition. If the petition is granted, a defect investigation is opened. When the petition is denied, it is published in the Federal Register.

Investigation

There are two phases of the investigation: Preliminary Evaluation and the Engineering Analysis.

The first step is opened because of information submitted by DAD. During the Preliminary Evaluation stage, the ODI will obtain relevant info from the manufacturer. This information could be anything from complaints to reports of crashes. The first stage is an opportunity for the car manufacturer to defend their product. This stage usually only lasts for about four months. If the ODI believes that more investigation into the product is necessary, the office enters into the next phase.

The Engineering Analysis phase is the more intensive analysis phase. Investigators will determine the full scope of the alleged defects. There are inspections, tests, and surveys done. If the ODI determines that there is an alleged defect, investigators will present all the information to a panel of experts. The panel of experts will analyze all the information. If the panel decides that a recall is necessary, the ODI will notify the car manufacturer. This is the last opportunity for the car manufacturer to defend its product. If there is no further information, the ODI will send a Recall Request letter to the manufacturer.

Recall Management

The last step of the recall is Recall Management. The Recall Management Division (RMD) is responsible for maintaining administrative records of recalls and monitoring recalls to ensure that the scope is appropriate. If the recall is not effective, there may be another investigation into the recall.

If you are in an accident because of a recalled vehicle, you may want to contact a Santa Ana car accident lawyer.

Off Duty Officer Killed in Crash

An off-duty Costa Mesa police detective was killed in a crash because driving drunk and texting.

The police detective was a 57 year old veteran officer. He was driving his 2000 Mazda and crashed in an underpass beneath the 55 freeway. He collided into a concrete pillar. The collision occurred near Newport Boulevard and Bristol Street on March 5^th.

He was not wearing a seat belt, at the time of the crash. This probably contributed to his death. The officer also had a 0.14 blood-alcohol level before he died. He had been drinking at Mi Casa restaurant between 5 and 8 p.m. The officer then went to Skosh Monahan’s between 9 and 10 p.m. After he left the second restaurant, he collided in the underpass.

The Newport Beach Police Department has determined that the primary cause of the crash was that the officer was driving under the influence of alcohol. He was impaired, which made turning difficult and unsafe. The officer was also sending text messages while he was driving. Texting while driving also contributed to the crash.

This unfortunate story happens much too often. Drunken driving causes many deaths and serious injuries each year. Every 15 minutes, someone dies from a drunken driving related crash. Crashes involving a drunken driver are usually quite serious and often fatal. Injuries often require extended hospital stays and extensive physical therapy. A serious accident can also mean time away from work.

Texting while driving is also another serious cause of car accidents. Distracted driving is a serious issue in the United States. Cell phone use while driving dramatically increases your chance of accidents. When you text while driving, your eyes are on your phone instead of the road. You are also thinking about what to text, and you have one hand on your phone. If a car tries to merge into your lane, you may not be able to respond in time.

There are many possible causes of car accidents. Some car accidents are simply accidents and completely avoidable. However, many car accidents are caused by impaired drivers and distracted drivers. Don’t drink and drive or drive distracted. Do not let your friends and family drive impaired or distracted. If you are not confident about your driving abilities, simply pull over. It is better to be safe than dead.

If you are ever in a car accident, contact a Costa Mesa car accident lawyer.

Doggy Travel 101

We all love and adore our dogs. We want to bring them with us everywhere even on vacation. Unfortunately, traveling with dogs can be difficult. Here are some tips to make traveling with a pet easy!

Preparing for the trip

Make sure your furry friend is wearing a collar with an ID tag. The ID tag should have your phone number and an emergency contact. You should also get you’re a dog microchipped. The microchip is a tiny electronic device that contains a unique identification number. Your dog won’t even know it is there! Make sure it is registered with up to date contact information. These measures will make it easier to find your dog if it gets lost.

You will need to pack for your dog. Bring food, dishes, leashes, blankets, and baggies. It also helps to bring treats for your furry friend. You should also bring washcloths to clean your pup in case it runs in the mud.

If you are driving, you should take breaks to let your dog run around and relieve itself. Remember to give it plenty of water, and try to keep it on its regular feeding schedule. Do not ever leave your dog in the car. The car heats up, and your dog could get sick.

Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a problem for many pets. Common symptoms of motion sickness are excessive drooling, panting, or frequent swallowing. It can affect a dog on a car, train, or boat. If you have time, try to get your dog accustomed to being in a car. Take them on short car rides to somewhere fun like a park. Eventually, your dog will associate car rides with someone positive. Pet harnesses can also minimize car sickness. If your dog still experiences motion sickness, you may want to buy a motion sickness drug for dogs. Ask your vet for recommendations

Proper car restraints

Letting your dog run free in a car can be dangerous. In the case of an accident, your dog will probably be ejected forward and could be seriously injured. Loose dogs can also be quite distracting. Your furry friend may try to eat your snacks or try to crawl into your lap. Investing in a pet harness or carrier will make driving much easier and safer.

Flying

If you plan on flying with your pup, you should reserve a spot for your furry friend. Airlines usually have specific requirements for dogs. There may be a crate size requirement and a vaccination requirement. You may have to supply medical information about your dog. Ask your vet for medication requirements. There is motion sickness medication and anti-anxiety medication for dogs. Pheromone sprays can also help calm dogs down.

When you should leave your dog at home

Unfortunately, not every dog should travel. Dogs with medical problems may not be suit for travel. Ask your vet on how to handle serious medical problems while on vacation. Certain dogs have difficulty flying. Dogs like boxers, bulldogs, and pugs may experience difficulty breathing at high elevations. Check with your vet if your dog is ok to fly or travel.

These safety tips should help your pet safely travel! Follow these tips and you’ll have a great vacation. If you are ever in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Warm Weather Driving

Spring and summer are fast approaching. We will be experiencing warmer weather that Orange County is famous for. This means more beach trips and sunny days. There will be less rain, fog, and dreary winter weather. Unfortunately, this means that the driving conditions will also change. You will probably have to change some of your driving habits. Each season has its own particular driving challenges. Warmer seasons can also be dangerous to drive in, but the dangers are often over looked. Here are some tips on how to drive safely in the warmer seasons.

Proper maintenance

Proper car maintenance is important for safety in every season. The weather change will also affect your car. Every vehicle has its own proper maintenance schedule. Check your car’s owner manual for more information about your car’s maintenance. You should also regularly check your engine’s oil, transmission fluid, and fluid. These fluids help your engine run smoothly. The increase in temperature can affect fluid levels. In warmer weather, tire pressure tends to increase. Proper maintenance will make the car not only last longer but also much safer. It is worth investing the time and money into maintaining your car. Properly maintain your car in the warmer months, and you’ll be able to safely ride throughout the warmer months.

Tire Pressure

This is probably one of the most forgotten parts of proper car maintenance. Temperature changes can affect the tire pressure. In warmer months, the tire pressure usually increases. You want to make sure your tires are properly inflated. Proper inflation affects handling, performance, and fuel economy. Under and over inflated tires will make your vehicle more difficult to handle. Your vehicle will also have to work harder to accelerate or turn. This can significantly harm the fuel economy. Your owner’s manual will have the correct tire pressure level. Check your tire pressure at least once a month.

Outdoor activities

Warm weather is great, but it also means there are more people outside. This means you will have to drive especially carefully. There may be pedestrians or bicyclists in your blind spot. A child may even unexpectedly run into the street after a toy. It is important to drive with extreme caution. Constantly scan the road for any possible pedestrians or bicyclists.

When you drive next to a bicyclist, it is important to give them enough room to ride comfortably. Do not try to cut them off. When you turn at an intersection, you should be especially careful. There may be a bicyclist in your blind spot.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

A Collision in Laguna Beach Kills 2

A head-on traffic collision occurred in Laguna Beach early Tuesday morning. The accident left two people and injured a third person. The collision occurred on Laguna Canyon Road. Authorities closed down Laguna Canyon Road, between El Toro Road and State Route 73.

Authorities received a call about the accident around 6:40 a.m. Emergency authorities arrived at the scene and found two vehicles involved in the collision. The collision was quite severe. There was debris scattered across the northbound and southbound lanes of the road.

The collision occurred between a Honda accord and a Tesla. Both of the fatal victims were in the Honda. They were declared dead at the scene from the injuries. The two victims were two adult men. The Honda Accord was severely damaged in the collision. The driver of the Tesla suffered minor injuries and was taken to the local hospital.

According to investigators, the Tesla was leaving Laguna Beach. The driver veered into oncoming traffic. This caused the fatal collision. Police reported that the driver of the Tesla was involved in some sort of an incident with a third vehicle. This incident caused him to drive into opposing traffic and a head-on collision. The driver of the third car did not say at the scene. Police is looking for the third vehicle and its driver.

The scene of the crash was closed off for the remaining morning hours. Police examined the scene and are still investigating accident. They are specifically investigating the speed at which the cars were travelling. No arrests have been made. Police do not believe that alcohol was a factor.

Unfortunately, accidents like these are more common than you think. A car accident can happen to anyone. Even the best drivers are still susceptible to car accidents. While on the road, it is important to follow all safety laws. These laws were created to protect all drivers on the road. In addition to follow these laws, all drivers should drive defensively. Defensive driving can help you anticipate future accidents and avoid these accidents.

If you are ever in a car accident, contact a Laguna Beach car accident lawyer. After a car accident, communicating with the other individuals involved can be quite difficult. A car accident lawyer can help facilitate these discussions. The right car accident lawyer will also help you seek maximum damages for any losses you may have experienced.

NHTSA Releases Safety App

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a released a smartphone app that tracks auto recalls and safety ratings.

The new application is called SaferCar. It lets you quickly check any vehicle safety ratings, track recalls, and check the latest safety headlines. The application can also help you install safety features like child safety seats. This application was designed to ensure that consumers could access up to date information about their vehicles.

The application addresses many important safety issues. Important information in the app includes:

Safety ratings

Motorists can compare and check the safety ratings of individual vehicles. This is especially useful for consumers looking for a new car.

Recalls and complaints

Through this app, a motorist can find out any recalls a specific vehicle may be effected by. An owner of a vehicle can also file a safety complaint via an application. This feature is especially important because many complaints eventually lead to recalls.

Child seats

Many parents do not properly install child seats. This application helps parents properly install child safety seats.

Safety headlines

The application will have alerts on a wide variety of safety-related news. Many consumers receive all their information through phone applications. This application will reach those consumers.

Currently, the application is only available for mobile iOS devices such as the Apple iPhone. An android version is in development. The federal safety agency is also developing a version for tablets.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is hoping that consumers will use this application to drive safer. Consumers will be more likely to use this information because it is so easily accessible.

Install this application today. It makes keeping up with vehicle safety much easier and efficient. Being informed about safety is incredibly important. Protect your family and yourself. A safe car makes the road safer.

Although this application will make drivers safer, do not use this application while driving. Phone use while driving is incredibly dangerous. Distracted driving has contributed to many accidents. Pull over if you want to use this application.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi is fully prepared to handle any car accident cases. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices for a free consultation. Do not worry if money is an issue there are absolutely no charges until the case is won.

Things to Ask your Mechanic

Mechanics are responsible for fixing and maintaining your car. Things are some questions you need to ask your mechanics.

Are you affiliated with the automotive service association?

Only shops with a consistent record of excellent service may affiliate with the Automotive Service Association. Look for an ASA sticker or seal in the mechanic’s office. Association with ASA is a sign that the shop provides really high quality service.

Do you have an Automotive Service Excellence certificate?

This is another sign of quality service. ASE workers do evaluations of vehicle repair shops. Shops that conform to the ASE standards are given a certificate. A certificate signifies that the shop’s work is approved and of great quality.

What are your credentials?

You want technicians that have been trained at trade school. Trained technicians are more knowledgeable and skilled. Sometimes shops will have untrained rookies work on cars.

Does your shop specialize in any particular type of car?

Certain mechanics specialize in certain vehicles or repair work. Find out what the shop’s strengths and weaknesses are.

Do you charge an inspection fee?

Do not assume that the shop has a free estimate. You don’t want any surprise charges later.

What did you do to my car?

Ask for a detailed explanation of the repairs done. Question every single detail of the job. Also ask for a detailed breakdown on your invoice of the repairs done. This will protect you from getting scammed. Ideally, you should ask the mechanic to point out each of the repairs on your car. Ask the mechanic to discuss what was removed, replaced, or repaired. You should also ask to see the old part.

Do I get a courtesy car?

If the repair will take a long time, you may be eligible for a courtesy car. Always ask for a courtesy car. Don’t forget to ask for the cost. Sometimes repair shops will charge large amounts for a rental car.

What are your payment policies?

Each repair shop has different labor rates and payment options. Ask your mechanic about the payment policies. You want to know exactly how much you will be paying for a repair.

Do you offer any guarantees?

When you get your car fixed, you want to know that the repair is guaranteed. Make sure there is a warranty on the repair. You also need to know long the warranty is. If you have any issues with repairs shortly after, you will want the repair shop to cover the additional fixing costs. The warranty on your repairs is incredibly important.

These questions will help you find a great mechanic. These questions will also make sure you are getting the best possible repair service. Mechanics are necessary for proper car maintenance. You want to be able to find a great one you can rely on.

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact an Orange County car accident lawyer.

Crash Test Ratings 101

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are crash test ratings for every vehicle. Before you purchase a new car, it is important find the car’s crash test ratings. Every single car is the product of skilled engineers, scientists, and design professionals. The car’s structural design and safety systems of a vehicle make it safe. An effective structural design keeps damage at a minimum. A car’s safety systems protect the occupants. Safe cars should have strong structural designs and quality safety systems.

Currently, there are two crash test sources: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

NHTSA Crash Tests

This crash tests scores cars based on a one to five star scale. The NHTSA does a front crash test and a side impact tests. NHTSA assigns an overall safety score that combines the results from all of the crash tests. The front crash test weighs the heaviest in the overall score.

In the front crash test, the car is accelerated straight at 35 miles per hour. The vehicle’s entire front end collides into a rigid barrier. The effect of impact on the passengers’ head, neck, chest, and legs is recorded.

In side impact tests, the vehicle is struck on the left by a 3, 015 pound car. The car is driven at a speed of 38.5 mph. This test replicates an intersection collision.

IIHS Crash Tests

IIHS’s rates cars based on a four-level scale: Poor, marginal, Acceptable, and Good.

IIHS’s front crash tests test the vehicle’s structural integrity and restraint performance. It conducts two front-crash tests. In these tests, the car is driven at 40 miles per hour. One test tests the impact on the car in front of the driver.

In the side impact test, a 3,300 pound car collides into the test vehicle. A score is given based on the injury to the passengers’ head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and legs. In the side impact test, the dummies are designed to represent a small adult female and a teenager.

IIHS’s rear impact crash test replicates a stationary vehicle being struck by another vehicle driving at 20 miles per hour. The test is designed to test the effectiveness of the head-restraint design.

In the case of an accident, a car is primary source of protection. You want a car that can withstand impact. If you are ever in a car accident, you may want to contact an Anaheim car accident lawyer.

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