Posted by admin on October 19, 2010
Today’s digital age creates numerous distractions for all drivers, especially the inexperienced: teenagers. Whether it’s friends in the vehicle, loud music or texting, distractions to drivers of all ages are of high concern.
In fact, a 2008 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that some 1.7 percent of drivers 16 to 24 years old were observed visibly manipulating hand-held electronic devices while driving, which was up from 1.0 percent the previous year.
Johnny Londoff Chevrolet is dedicated to drawing attention to serious issues surrounding driver safety. Therefore, we’d like to note that this week (October 17-23) marks “National Teen Driver Safety Week,” a national effort that hopes to create awareness that distractions are the top cause of death for adolescents.
This year’s theme is devoted to reducing distractions for teen drivers. According to research conducted by the NHTSA, distractions are listed as the No. 1 reason for new driving accidents. In fact, car crashes are also the top cause of death for adolescents in the U.S.
What distractions take teens’ focus of the road? A survey published by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance in 2009 lists the following diversions for teen drivers –
In an attempt to seek answers to rectify this serious issue, the same survey asked teenagers what would influence them from ditching their cell phones while driving. The answers were as follows:
- License taken away if caught using their phone
- Law against using a cell phone while driving
- Insurance agencies offered financial incentive
- Friends had to give up their phones
As you can see, today’s technology helps serve as a catalyst for the numerous distractions that everyone faces on the road. At Johnny Londoff Chevrolet, we hope that the information above helps create awareness for “National Teen Driver Safety Week” and provides a wakeup call to those who may be unaware of the impact of such tasks as texting and using your cell phone can have while operating your vehicle on the road.
Johnny Londoff offers several vehicles like the Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox, Malibu and Silverado that have packages that include both Bluetooth, a mobile hands-free technology, and OnStar, a comprehensive in-vehicle safety, security and communication service. In tandem, these services help eliminate distractions and keep your focus on the road, not your smartphone.
For additional information, check out TeenDriversSource.org for a more in-depth analysis on the effects of distractions and driving and how to educate teens on its dangers.
Posted by admin on September 22, 2010
This week (September 19-25) marks the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Child Passenger Safety Week”. In an effort to promote and educate driving aged adults the importance of proper seat installation and protection for children, Johnny Londoff Chevrolet would like to build awareness by providing the following, eye-opening data.
In a study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for ages three to 14. In 2008, children ages 14-and-younger accounted for roughly 4 percent (1,347) of the approximately 37,000 traffic fatalities nationally.
To further emphasize the point of child passenger safety, a recent 2007 study conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide stated that 84 percent of parents use and install car seats incorrectly. As a rule of thumb, the organization suggests that all children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat to maximize their safety.
On Saturday, September 25, there will be several locations in the St. Louis metro-area that will take part in “National Seat Check Saturday”. These coordinated events will offer parents and caregivers a chance to get a child safety seat inspection for their vehicle and learn child passenger safety tips from experts onsite.
As part of the effort to ensure the safety of your child, Johnny Londoff Chevrolet would like provide you with a listing of three convenient, St. Louis-area locations.
These three sites will be available to provide child safety seat inspections. All inspections are by appointment only.
Missouri Department of Transportation
1590 Woodlake Dr.
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Counties Served: St.Louis City, Jefferson, Franklin, and St. Charles
Phone: 314-453-1729
Contact: Phil Ruffus
Florissant Valley Fire Protection District
645 St. Catherine Street
Florissant, MO 63031
Counties Served: St. Louis
Hours: Please call for appointment
Phone: 314-837-4894
Contact: Stephen Tuley
Afton Fire Protection District
9282 Gravois Road
Afton, MO 63123
Counties Served: Afton
Phone: 314-631-1803 x 3
Contact: Mark Bryant
For additional information locally, the Missouri Department of Transportation (@MoDOT) will host an online “Twitter Party” on Thursday, September 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. In any event that you miss the party, Johnny Londoff Chevrolet offers this quick pointer: easily search car safety tips and advice on Twitter by using the hashtag “#SaveMoKids”.
For additional locations in the St. Louis-area and more information, please view the NHTSA “Child Passenger Safety” site.
Posted by admin on May 4, 2010
Let’s celebrate Mom – and all she does.
As a parent, it’s important to drive a family-friendly car – but just because your kids play sports doesn’t mean you’re automatically required to tool around town in the dreaded mini-van. Plenty of options are available to accommodate a family of any size that still offers plenty of style and luxury.
Several factors contribute to the vehicle you’ll choose to trust your family’s safety to.
You’ll want:
- A tough car that can withstand collisions
- A roomy back seat
- Large trunk
- Crossover/Practical SUV’s
- Plastic- lined cargo bay
- Cargo organizers
- Anti-lock breaks
Several cars on the market today not only offer safety and reliability, but class.
The 2010 Chevy Traverse tops the charts as Consumer Report’s #1 rated sports utility vehicle for families. Its little brother, the Equinox offers amenities to suit the mom on-the-go, like child seat anchors, child safety locks, and roadside assistance.
If you’re looking for lots of space, then space is what you’ll get with a Chevy Tahoe. Roomy enough for practically the whole soccer team – this car is perfect for busy weekends. The mack daddy of them all – the Chevy Suburban – is your go-to car for family trips to the Lake. Its horsepower and towing capacity beats many vehicles of comparable class.
According to Consumer Reports, the Chevy Malibu rated high on safety tests. The Malibu is car-seat friendly, affordable, comfortable, and stylish inside and out. Amenities such as Bluetooth are helpful for moms who need a free hand every now and then. The combination of price, fuel economy, features, and sleek exterior make this a great family car.
“Malibus offer features like remote start which is great because you can get the car started and warmed up before the kids get in. It’s roomy but easy for a parent to reach in the back seat if your children need anything – you don’t need to have ‘Go-Go Gadget’ arms.” Missy Jensen, loyal Johnny Londoff customer.
Do you know someone who needs a mini-van makeover this spring?
Posted by Jason on February 2, 2010
Infants
Type of seat: Infant seats and rear-facing convertible seats
Infants should ride rear-facing until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer. At a minimum, children should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. When children reach the highest weight or length allowed by the manufacturer of their infant-only seat, they should continue to ride rear-facing in a convertible seat.
Toddlers/preschoolers
Type of seat: Convertible seats and forward-facing seats with harnesses
It is best for children to ride rear-facing as long as possible to the highest weight and height allowed by the manufacturer of their convertible seat. When they have outgrown the seat rear-facing, they should use a forward-facing seat with a full harness as long as they fit.
School-aged children
Type of seat:Booster seats
Booster seats are for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car safety seats. Children should stay in a booster seat until adult belts fit correctly (usually when a child reaches about 4′ 9″ in height and is between 8 and 12 years of age).
Older children
Seat belts
Children who have outgrown their booster seats should ride in a lap and shoulder seat belt in the back seat until 13 years of age.
Posted by Jason on February 1, 2010
1) Before getting into your car, turn the lights on and do a quick check to ensure all lights are working. Check your blinkers and make sure your tires aren’t low on air, and check for fluid leaks.
2) Adjust your mirrors and seats before you leave.
3) Always wear your seatbelt.
4) Always drive with your headlights on so your car is 4 times as visible- even during the day.
5) When you stop at a stop sign, spell the word “Stop” S-T-O-P in your head, look both ways, then go.
6) Don’t take off as soon as the light turns green; look straight, left, and right to ensure no cars have run a red light, then go.
7) Always keep an eye on all of your mirrors- check them every 7 seconds.
8 ) Always be ready to react if you have to stop suddenly. Never ride another driver’s tail, there should be at least a 4 second space between your vehicles.
9) If your car stalls, do not leave it- stay inside and wait for help from the property authorities.
10) Not only is it a law now, but it’s just plain safe: Don’t drive and talk/text!
11) Reduce your speed in bad weather, it’s a lot easier to lose control of your vehicle.
Posted by Jason on
1) Always look behind and beside your car before backing out to ensure there are no children within the immediate area.
2) If your baby seat is removable, make sure baby is buckled in.
3) Children under 12 should not be allowed in the from seat, air bags could injure them.
4) Do not allow breakable glass items, sharp objects, or flammable materials within reach of your child.
5) Secure all heavy items with cargo nets to prevent them from moving around.
6) Make sure your child locks are on and your children don’t stick anything out the window.
7) Never leave children unattended in the car- especially in the sun.
8 ) Remove your car’s electric lighter.
