Aberdeen, NJ (PRWEB) April 07, 2017 -- Texting teens get the lion’s share of the blame for increased roadway fatalities, but people of all ages are driven to distraction, writes Janet Bigelow of N.J.-based Advanced Tire & Auto Center, in a new blog post.
According to the latest statistics, the veteran mechanic notes, U.S. roadways are deadlier than ever, and by working closely with collision centers and insurance companies, technicians at Advanced Tire & Auto Center (146 Hwy. 35 North in Aberdeen) routinely see the results of distracted driving.
“With all the latest and greatest technologies available at your fingertips, it’s hard for most people not to be distracted while driving,” Bigelow writes. “A typical car today is Wi-Fi enabled with large touch screens where you can do almost anything—listen to Pandora, check your Facebook page and access email accounts. Manufacturers have also begun to migrate all of the vehicle’s driving and comfort controls to the touchscreen, forcing drivers to spend more time focused on the screen rather than the road.”
An unsafe environment can be created when drivers spend time scrolling through menus to perform simple tasks like turning on heated seats, adjusting climate controls or reading maintenance messages sent by the manufacturer, Bigelow explains.
In the column, she offers a number of safety tips. “For starters, make a commitment to keep your eyes on the road,” Bigelow counsels. “Sometimes, that might mean foregoing your desire to listen to a different song, change a vent setting or otherwise look at the touchscreen.”
To encourage other members of the family to develop the same attitude and habits, drivers could also consider sitting down as a family and watching a film like “One Second to the Next,” available on YouTube. “These interviews with distracted drivers and their victims go beyond statistics to truly hammer home the dangers,” Bigelow writes.
It is also a good idea to get extremely familiar with the menus and functionality of dashboard displays. “In fact, you should actually practice using the technology,” Bigelow advises. “This will help you avoid, say, getting rear-ended because you were sitting at a red light, trying to figure out how to start Pandora, when the light turned green. If you’re going to use it, learn how to use it quickly and accurately. But avoid using it while the car is in motion.”
Naturally, drivers should consciously avoid glancing at their phones—and never text. They could also consider buying a vehicle with camera systems, electronic stability control or more advanced safety features as added insurance. “The new technologies in today’s vehicles are essentially a prelude to the new wave of futuristic, driverless cars,” she writes in the conclusion to the column. “Many observers think the phenomenon could one day dramatically reduce roadway accidents and fatalities, possibly even to zero. But until that happens, keep your eyes on the road, and stay safe!”
The full post is available at: http://advancedtireauto.blogspot.com/2017/03/by-janet-bigelow-of-advanced-tire-auto.html
About Advanced Tire & Auto Center.
Advanced Tire & Auto Center, located on Route 35 in Aberdeen, Twp., N.J., was established by veteran mechanic Jason Bigelow in 1995, who now runs the business with his wife Janet, also a mechanic. Known for its focus on diagnosing and repairing state-of-the-art, 21st-century vehicles, Advanced Tire & Auto Center utilizes 21 factory O.E. diagnostic tools paired with well-trained technicians to perform the same level of service offered by dealerships, but at lower costs. Its comprehensive offering also includes tire sales and service, wheel alignments, “check engine light” diagnostics, as well as services to corporate and municipal vehicle fleets, body shops and insurance companies.
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Press contacts: At Parness & Associates Public Relations, Bill Parness, bparness(at)parnesspr(dot)com or Lisa Kreda, lkreda(at)parnesspr(dot)com (732) 290-0121.
At Advanced Tire & Auto, Janet & Jason Bigelow, [email protected], 146 Hwy. 35 North, Aberdeen, NJ 07735, (732) 290-7300.
Bill Parness, Parness & Associates, +1 732-290-0121, [email protected]
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