Happy New Year!

What Your Car Color Says About You

Do you drive a red car? If so, you could be sensual, dynamic, and outgoing. The car color you choose says a lot about who you are - after all, if you’re going to purchase a new, top-of-the-line vehicle with all the bells and whistles, it should be in a color you like. What you may not know is that other people will pick up different vibes from the color you choose. Here’s what the color of your car could say about you:

Gold: Warm, Intelligent, Glamorous
Gray: Neutral, Sober, Practical
Dark Green: Well-Balanced, Trustworthy, Traditional
Light Green: Organic, No-Fuss, Understated
Dark Blue: Confident, Credible, Authoritative
Light-Mid Blue: Calm, Faithful, True
Brown: Powerful, Unique
Beige: Natural, Down-To-Earth
Black: Powerful, Classic, Elegant
White: Pure, Pristine, Direct
Silver: Futuristic, Prestigious, Elegant
Red: Sensual, Dynamic, Outgoing

Learn about what other colors could say about you and read the original article here: http://bit.ly/Kqr9EV

Safe Driving Saves Lives: 10 Best Tips for Safe Driving

Since many people will be hitting the roads this weekend, it’s important that you know how to drive safely. Even if you’re not leaving town, keep in mind that people unfamiliar with Johnstown may be hitting local streets. Brushing up on your safe driving techniques is never a bad idea!

Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. As a result, the U.S. logged the lowest accident fatality rate ever recorded in 2008 [source:NHTSA]. Despite this progress, unfortunately, the number of auto accidents and fatalities nationwide is still quite staggering: In 2008, there were almost 6 million car accidents in the U.S., leading to more than 37,000 deaths. What's more, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in this country.
Improvements in technology will continue to help bring those numbers down, but the bottom line remains that most car accidents are the result of human error. The best way to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident is to practice safe driving behaviors. Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a good idea to review some basic rules for safe driving. Here are 10 driving tips that will help bring you and your passengers home unharmed.
1. Don’t drive drunk.
2. Don’t speed.
3. Avoid distractions.
4. Don’t drive drowsy.
5. Wear your seat belt.
6. Be extra careful in bad weather.
7. Don’t follow too closely.
8. Watch out for the other guy.
9. Practice defensive driving.
10. Keep your vehicle safe.

Read the whole article at How Stuff Works: http://bit.ly/12mHK57

Can You Fix Your Blind Spot?

Your blind spot can severely impair your ability to drive safely. While many car manufacturers are adding special gadgets to their vehicles to reduce this liability, there may be a low-tech method that can work just as well:

Passive blind spot warning systems involve -- surprise! -- a mirror. Talk about low tech! Many car manufacturers will offer you the alternative to put a special convex mirror in the corner of your current external rearview mirror that can see into areas where normal rearview mirrors cannot. And if you don't have one of these on your current car, you can probably walk into your local auto parts store, buy one, and install it yourself (though be warned that experts advise against self installation because the precise positioning of these mirrors is crucial). Amazingly, tests have shown these special mirrors, which are the cheapest form of blind-spot monitoring system imaginable, are every bit as effective as sophisticated (and expensive) radar-based systems. And surveys show that consumers who have used both actually prefer the mirror to the radar -- if only because the mirror doesn't blink annoying warning lights at you or make beeping noises. So it's possible that the best state-of-the-art blind spot monitoring system may be one that's been state-of-the-art since the ancient past.

Read the whole article over at How Stuff Works here: http://bit.ly/UKCukS

Ram named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

"The 2013 Ram 1500 SLT is essentially like driving a Chrysler 300 with a bed," says the story that appears in the magazine's February issue. The Ram is made by Chrysler Group, which also makes the 300, a car known for its relatively upscale interior.
Chrysler recently split off the Ram truck division from Dodge, so the trucks no longer carry the Dodge name.
To be eligible for the Truck of the Year award, a model must be completely new or substantially changed for the 2013 model year. Only two other trucks -- the Ford (F, Fortune 500) F-150 pickup and Nissan NV 3500 passenger van -- were eligible this year.
When Chrysler Group unveiled the new Ram at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the automaker touted advances in fuel economy, boasting that it had become the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid truck sold in the United States. The V6-powered Ram truck gets 25 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA. Last year's 2012 Dodge Ram V6 was rated at 20 mpg on the highway.

 Read more: http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/06/autos/ram-motor-trend-truck-year/

Car Winterizing Tips

Keep an Emergency Kit Inside Your Car:

The simplest thing you can do to combat the cold weather is to keep a few essential supplies and tools with you as you drive. You'll obviously want a spare tire and the tools to change out a flat, but it's a good idea to keep some extra material in the trunk as well. Bottles of engine oil, washer fluid and coolant all come in handy, and we'll touch on those in greater detail later on. An ice scraper is a necessity, since you and your car won't be going anywhere with frozen snow blocking your view.

Flashlights and flares are helpful if you're stuck on the road late at night when visibility levels are low. Even if you're wearing a coat, an extra pair of gloves, boots or even a blanket can keep you warm and dry if your heating unit isn't working properly.

Check Your Car's Belts and Hoses:

The belts and hoses under your car's hood are typically checked when the car is due for a tune-up (usually every 30,000 miles). Even if you're not getting a tune-up this winter, it doesn't hurt to have a mechanic take a look at how everything is holding up around yourengine. Cold temperatures can weaken belts and hoses, and if something snaps or breaks while you're out on the road, a tow truck will be the only way to get moving again.

Replace Windshield Wipers and Wiper Fluid:

Imagine driving down the road at night, and all of a sudden a storm of freezing rain passes over, beating your windshield with sheets of water. You click your wipers on so you can see better, but nothing works -- pieces of rubber flap uselessly against the glass, and the blades' scraping doesn't make the view outside any clearer.

Low visibility can make driving in cold weather extremely dangerous, so it's important to make sure the wiper blades are up to par. Your wiper blades are made out of rubber, and with time they'll crack, split and deteriorate. It's suggested that you replace your windshield wipers every six to 12 months. Keeping your wiper fluid filled up is also a plus, as fluid can assist in breaking up snow and ice on the windshield.

The countdown continues on the next page with more winterizing tips.

Check Your Defrosting and Heating Units:

When our windshields fog up in the winter, it's because moisture from inside the car condenses on the glass and makes it very difficult to see. Water vapor coming in from an open window -- or even from your own breathing -- can fog up a window. Defrosters solve this problem by blowing warm, dry air over the glass. If you're sure your defroster unit is functioning properly but there's still a problem with too much fogging, have your car checked for air leaks around the doors and windows bringing in extra moisture.

It's also important to stay warm and comfortable while driving, since shivering makes it difficult to steer or pay attention to the road. If your heater isn't working, you may have a faulty heater coil. Although heater coils are expensive to replace, it will be worth it during cold winter mornings if you don't want to freeze behind the wheel.

Keep Your Fuel Tank Full:

Do you ever let your gas tank run on fumes until the very last moment, only to fill it up with about $15 worth of gas? Although it's never a great idea to do this any time of the year because you run the risk of getting stranded, the damage you might inflict on your car with a near-empty tank during winter is much worse. Cold and constantly shifting temperatures can cause condensation to form on the walls of a gas tank in the red, and soon water will drip down and into the gas. It will eventually sink to the bottom, since water is heavier than gas, which is bad news -- if water finds its way into the fuel lines, it will freeze up, blocking any flow of gas to the engine and effectively halting your travel plans. Any repairs that have to be made can be costly, too, so despite high gas prices, keeping your tank full will help both your car and your wallet.

Put in the Right Amount of Antifreeze:

Antifreeze protects your engine from both freezing in cold weather and heating up on hot days, and it also cuts back on corrosion. It's important to keep equal parts antifreeze and water in your radiator -- a 50:50 ratio is considered the norm and will keep fluids from freezing at temperatures as low as -34 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, you won't have to stand over your engine with a measuring cup -- you can buy pre-mixed bottles of antifreeze and water at gas stations. If you don't pay attention to the amount of antifreeze, the coolant can freeze, and the engine will get extremely hot. Chances are you'll blow a gasket or two, and the cost of replacing them with labor can be expensive.

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/car-winterizing-tips.htm#page=7

Gingerbread House Display

The Gingerbread House Contest will be on display at the Ramada Ligonier from December 1^stthrough December 9^th.  Cash prizes will be awarded and the winners will be announced at the Town Wide Open House on December 2nd.  Bid on your favorite gingerbread house or make a donation at the Ramada any time from the 1st-9th.The proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels.

Avoid “Turkey” of a Weekend with Pre-Trip Vehicle Check

One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is small potatoes compared to a big helping of inconvenience if you break down many miles away from home, according to the Car Care Council.

“A pre-trip vehicle check provides peace of mind, helping reduce the chance of costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by one’s own trusted technician before hitting the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “While no inspection can guarantee a car’s performance, it’s comforting to know proper precautions were taken to ensure a stress-free Thanksgiving road trip.”

The Car Care Council suggests the following 10-minute vehicle check to help ensure safety and reliability on the road:

• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering and brake and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
• Check lighting to identify any problems with exterior and interior lighting as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen.
• Check wipers. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. Make sure the windshield wipers are working properly and keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

The Car Care Council also recommends that motorists restock their emergency kit. To save on fuel costs during the trip, the council suggests that motorists avoid aggressive driving, observe the speed limit and avoid excessive idling. Gas caps that are damaged, loose or missing should be replaced to prevent gas from spilling or evaporating.

Courtesy of: http://www.carcare.org/2012/11/avoid-turkey-of-a-weekend-with-pre-trip-vehicle-check/

Santa’s Arrival

Don't miss Santa's arrival and the Diamond Lighting on Friday, November 23rd. Santa will arrive in front of Ligonier Town Hall at 6:30 pm. A parade will welcome Santa Claus and then Santa will magically light up all of the lights on the Diamond! After the parade and the lighting, Santa will greet children in the Community Room of Town Hall.

How to Jump a Car

The first thing you want to remember when jump-starting a car is that a slight possibility of explosion does exist. This is because hydrogen gas--which forms as a battery discharges and loses its fluid--is flammable, and a spark from the battery cables could, theoretically, set it off. We emphasize slight because the gas would have to be fairly dense around the battery for this to happen. This is unlikely unless the battery has been sitting for a long time and little or no air circulation has occurred in the area, but it is possible.

That said, I should add that in the last 15 years I have performed at least 50 "jumps" on various automobiles (you see, I used to own a lot of Chrysler muscle cars) and have never had a problem. One of the keys to avoiding the big bang is to hook up your jumper cables in the proper order. Follow along and we'll show you how.

Step One
Park the booster vehicle close to the one that needs to be jumped, but not so close that the vehicles are touching in any way. You'll want to use a good set of jumper cables with thick wire and clean clamps. As you are hooking up the jumper cables, make sure they don't dangle into either engine compartment where they could get caught on moving parts (belts, fan, etc.). Turn off the ignition of both vehicles, set the parking brakes, and make sure that they are in either "Park" or "Neutral" depending on whether the vehicles have an automatic or manual transmission. Also, turn off all accessories like lights, radio and, if the vehicles are in a safe area, the hazard flashers.

Step Two
Begin the process by clamping one of the positive jumper cable ends (red) to the positive battery terminal (labeled with a "+" on the battery) of the dead vehicle. Be sure the connection is strong with the clamp securely "biting" onto the battery terminal.

Step Three
Connect the other end of the positive cable (red) to the positive battery terminal on the booster vehicle (again, confirm that a "+" is next to the battery terminal). If the terminals are corroded on either vehicle, you may have to scrape them with an abrasive such as steel wool to achieve a solid connection.

Step Four
Connect the negative cable end (black) to the negative battery terminal on the booster car (marked with a "-"). Finally, attach the other end of the negative cable to an unpainted metal surface on the engine of the dead car. Find an unpainted bolt or bracket that is as far from the dead battery as possible. This will provide a solid ground while further reducing the possibility of igniting any hydrogen gas.

Step Five
Make a final check to confirm that the jumper cables are not near any moving engine parts, and start the booster car. Let it idle for several minutes, depending on the state of the dead battery. If the dead battery is new and was drained by the lights being left on an extended period of time, it will probably start immediately. If it is an old battery or it has sat for a long time (more than a month) it will probably take awhile to charge it sufficently.

Step Six
Start the dead vehicle and let the two vehicles idle for a few minutes. If the dead vehicle refuses to start, don't keep trying or you might damage the starter. If there is the possibility of additional problems, like a lack of fuel, don't continue trying to start the dead vehicle until the other problem(s) are solved.

Step Seven
Once the dead vehicle is started and running smoothly, disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that they were connected. As you disconnect them, be careful not to let the dangling cables fall into the engine compartments or touch each other.

Step Eight
Drive the revived car to somewhere safe and secure before shutting off the engine. Depending on the battery's condition, it might need to be jumped the next time it is started. To properly charge the battery, attach it to a certified battery charger and leave it connected for at least 12 hours. You can also take it to an automotive repair shop for complete charging. Driving the car for an extended period can also charge the battery, but this should be done only if the other two options aren't available. A vehicle's alternator is primarily designed to maintain a battery, not charge it from a complete drain.

Article courtesy of: http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/jump-start.html

Tips for Driving in the rain:

How do we deal with hydroplaning and low view distance? AAA offers these tips of advice:

Go slowly. Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase.

Light up. Use low-beam headlights to help others see your car and increase your visibility. Remember Maryland law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use.

Be careful of standing and running water. As little as six inches of water on a road can cause most drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Nearly half of all people who die in flash floods are in cars and have underestimated the power of flood waters or have not acted quickly enough to escape. Do not drive through moving water or flooded areas. If floodwaters arise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can safely do so. If not, do not open your car doors, stay within your vehicle and call 911.

Be a follower. Driving in the tracks of other vehicles can improve traction and help avoid hydroplaning.

Readmore: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/weather/safety/safety-tips-for-driving-in-heavy-rain#ixzz28wNQwICo

Tire Buying Tips

Understand Tire Basics

Simply put, a tire is a flexible container of compressed air. This air container support the vehicle's load; propels a vehicle forward, backward and side-to-side; stops the vehicle; and cushions the load from road imperfections.

Today's tires have between 19 and 25 different components. Tires are built from the inside out rather than the outside in. The heart of every tire is an inner liner. Its job is to give the tire shape and hold in air. Fabric belts are wrapped around the inner liner. The bead is fastened to the bottom of the fabric belts and holds the tire to the wheel.

On top of the fabric belts are steel belts. These belts have two jobs: They give the tire stability and make the tread pattern as flat as possible. (A flatter tread means more contact with the road.) The tire tread is on top of the belts. There are different tread patterns for different types of tires. The sidewall on the side of the tire gives it stiffness and ride characteristics. A taller, softer sidewall will absorb more bumps, while a shorter, stiffer sidewall will provide better cornering ability and sharper steering response.

On the sidewall of every passenger-car and light-truck tire is an alphanumeric code that describes the dimensions of the tire. For most tires, this code will start with a "P." Some may start with an "LT" to signify light truck. Some tires may have a "Max. Load" indication. When selecting new tires, it is important to make sure a tire's load rating is at least a high as the tire you are replacing.

Choose the Right Tire

Perhaps the biggest mistake a consumer can make whenreplacing tires is not using the correct size. On the sidewall of your tire, you'll find a code that tells the tire's size and capabilities. Here's a sample code:

P195/60R16 63H M+S

• P - Type of tire
• 195 - Width of the tire across the tread in millimeters
• 60 - Aspect ratio of the sidewall compared to the width
• R - Radial construction
• 16 - Diameter of the rim in inches
• 63 - Tire's load rating
• H - Tire's speed rating
• M+S - Tire is suitable for all-season driving

If the tire-size code starts with LT instead of P, it means the tire is a light-truck tire. Light-truck tires are designed to have higher-load carrying capacities and are usually found on pickups and SUVs. These vehicles are not required to have LT tires, and in many cases, the original-equipment specification calls for passenger-car tires.

The speed rating translates into the tire's ability to dissipate heat, or prevent heat build-up. Heat is a tire's enemy. The more heat, the faster the tire wears, and the faster a tire might break down. A tire with a higher speed rating can dissipate more heat on long highway trips. If a consumer were to spend little time on the highway, the speed rating might not be an important factor in choosing a replacement tire.

Tires are speed rated from 99 to 186 miles per hour (159.3 to 299.3 kilometers per hour). The most common speed ratings are T (118 miles per hour or 189.9 kilometers per hour) and H (130 miles per hour or 209.2 kilometers per hour). Both of those ratings clearly exceed the nationally posted speed limits and would make excellent long-distance highway tires. If a consumer were to drive only in urban situations at low speeds, a tire with an S (112 miles per hour or 180.2 kilometers per hour) speed rating might be completely acceptable.

Another important factor in choosing a replacement tire is the load rating. The load capacity number on the tire-size code indicates the load-carrying capacity of that single tire. When selecting replacement tires, consumers have to be careful not to select a tire with a lower load-carrying capacity.

Regardless of a tire's speed rating, load-carrying ability, size and construction, traction are the keys to safety. A common mistake is to select a tire without considering its ability to hold the road. Savvy consumers will balance a tire's traction in dry conditions, in wet conditions and in the snow. If you desire a high-performance tire but live in northern climates, consider a "winter" tire for driving in the snowy season. If you live where the weather is warm all year, a touring tire may suit your needs just fine.

Most consumers will make the mistake of waiting until spring to get new tires. As a tire wears out, dry traction generally increases and wet and snow traction decrease. So the best time to buy new tires is not in the spring, but in the fall.

Passenger-car and light-truck tires are very different. Pickup and SUV owners will generally select passenger-car tires because they are less costly and offer a smoother ride. However, if a vehicle will consistently be loaded with cargo or will be asked to pull a heavy trailer, then perhaps the higher load-carrying capacity of a light-truck tire would be the better choice.

 

Consider How You Drive

Regardless of where you get new tires, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Know the size and type of tire recommended by your owner's manual.
• Determine your needs and priorities. What type of driving you will be doing? Do you prefer a soft ride, a firm ride, or a mix of the two?
• Make sure you purchase a tire that is capable of supporting the load your vehicle might demand. Don't buy a passenger-car tire if you need a light-truck tire.
• Don't buy more tire than you need. Consumers often overestimate their tire needs. In most cases, a quality all-season tire will suffice where a touring tire might be suggested.
• Keep in mind that any tire selection is a balance between ride quality, noise suppression, fuel economy, wear, load capability and cost. It's the job of the tire-store expert and the consumer to select a tire that is the right balance of each.
• An interesting trend in the automotive aftermarket industry is "plus sizing." It involves mounting bigger wheels and tires on a vehicle to enhance the look or improve handling.

Plus sizing usually increases cornering response and traction. Often these gains come at the expense of increased ride harshness. In addition, these larger wheels and tires are often not as durable as OEM wheels and tires.

A few items of note for consumers considering plus sizing:

• Make sure that the tire and wheel are approved for use on your vehicle.
• Make sure that the replacement tire has the same load-carrying capacity.
• The new wheel and tire combination should be within 3 percent +/- the original tire diameter.
• Make sure that a new tire placard is installed to inform future owners of the correct tire pressure.

New vs. Used Tires

You've probably seen used car tire piles along the side of the road at some point. But should you purchase a used tire to save money and will it hold up as long? Most people opt for new tires, but some look to used tires as a way to save money.

Consider the fact that some retailers have deals where you buy three tires and you get the fourth free. You may not necessarily need to replace that fourth tire, but you do because it's free. Used tires that are only slightly worn, like in this situation, may be a good option to save a little money.

The flip side is purchasing an old or worn out tire that isn't safe. Used tires may have defects, punctures or tread-wear you may or may not be able to see. When considering purchasing a used tire you can test the depth of the tread by using a penny. Simply flip the penny upside down and place it inside each of the tire's tread grooves. If the top of Lincoln's head can be seen from any of the grooves then the tread is too low [source: Consumer Reports].

If the tread is still good, you still need to inspect the tire for any defects. This may be difficult and some problems may not be noticeable until the tire is on the vehicle. Purchasing a used tire that has already been plugged or patched may save money, but is not a good idea. Worn tires will not stop as fast and will be more likely to skid on wet surfaces [source: Consumer Reports].

New tires will come with some type of guarantee or warranty that a used tire will not have. If you want a little piece of mind that your tires are in the best condition possible, buy new ones.

Read more tire buying tips: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/buying-selling/cg-tire-buying-tips.htm

When To Get New Tires

When it comes to driving safely, you have to start where the rubber meets the road. Your car's tires are the only surface that contacts the asphalt, so they affect braking, steering, and general auto performance. HowStuffWorks.com has written an article on warning signs that your tires are getting old or worn out. Keep informed to keep safe, and check out their tips here.




source: howstuffwork.com

Imported From Detroit

Get a sense of where your Chrysler came from with the new Imported From Detroit site on Chrysler's website. Each car and city has its story, so find out what you're really buying when you buy Chrysler. Check it out here.

source: Chrysler.com

What To Do When You Take The Car In

Taking the car in for repairs can lead to a discussion with a mechanic who knows each part of every last car, but how do you know that the suggestions you get are worth your dollar? Car and Driver reports on which extras to choose when you go in for a check-up:



Any time we take a car into the shop and someone starts a sentence with “You know, while we’ve got it in here . . .” our BS meter goes off. Is he looking to help us out or just to make a quick buck? We asked longtime C/Dfriend, master mechanic, and auto-service instructor Russ Ferguson his thoughts on several common upsells. Their utility is rated on the Ferguson scale, which is to say out of five stars.

Read the full story here.

Source: blog.caranddriver.com
 

Businesses get Creative with Support for United Way

The local Tribune-Democrat reports on how businesses are getting creative in their support for the United Way.



Dave Sutor

dsutor@tribdem.com

— Businesses across Cambria and Somerset counties find simple, creative and fun ways to raise funds for the United Way of the Laurel Highlands every year.

There are car washes, Wii competitions, dart tournaments, gift-card giveaways, paid days off, limo lunches, turkey trots and more. Some companies offer easy payroll deductions.

Read the rest of the story here.

How To Share The Road With Truckers

Everybody has a horror story to tell about an encounter they've had with an 18-wheeler on the Interstate, and how they were nearly killed by the inattentiveness of the truck driver. News programs like Dateline NBC and 60 Minutes feed this fear with selectively edited stories regarding truck safety. But what nobody seems to consider is that they themselves may have caused the problem because of ignorance about what is involved in driving a truck, or by engaging in righteous driving behavior that did nothing but endanger their own lives and those of the people they care most about.

Personally, we've seen rude truckers hog the road, and we've seen dimwitted drivers set themselves up for what could be a very painful, if not deadly, lesson. Furthermore, not all trucks traveling the nation's highways are properly maintained, due to a lack of finances or pure laziness. But for most truck drivers, who are paid by the mile and are held responsible for damaged goods, their lives and livelihoods depend on driving a well-maintained truck carefully, and getting freight to its destination on time.

Tractor trailer trucks are responsible for carrying nearly 30 percent of all the cargo shipped in the United States. Technology and improved roadways have allowed the use of trucks for shipping to increase steadily since the 1920s, resulting in larger vehicles and heavier loads. Yet, traffic fatalities involving trucks have steadily declined during the past 50 years, except for a small spike upward in the early 1980s right after the trucking industry was deregulated. Fatalities due to accidents involving semi trucks total 5,000 annually on average, with the vast majority of those fatalities suffered by occupants of passenger vehicles that collided with a truck. As motorists who must share the road with semi trucks, we can do our part to help reduce this number even further if we simply take the time to follow a few simple driving rules and try to understand how difficult it is to maneuver a tractor-trailer in traffic.

We asked Michael Taylor, transportation special programs developer for the Tractor Trailer Training Program at Triton College in River Grove, Ill., what the top five pet peeves truckers had with fellow motorists were. Here is his list:

1) Riding in a trucker's blind spots. Trucks have large blind spots to the right and rear of the vehicle. Smaller blind spots exist on the right front corner and mid-left side of the truck. The worst thing a driver can do is chug along in the trucker's blind spot, where he cannot be seen. If you're going to pass a truck, do it and get it over with. Don't sit alongside with the cruise control set 1 mph faster than the truck is traveling.

2) Cut-offs. Don't try to sneak into a small gap in traffic ahead of a truck. Don't get in front of a truck and then brake to make a turn. Trucks take as much as three times the distance to stop as the average passenger car, and you're only risking your own life by cutting a truck off and then slowing down in front of it.

3) Impatience while reversing. Motorists need to understand that it takes time and concentration to back a 48-foot trailer up without hitting anything. Sometimes a truck driver needs to make several attempts to reverse into tight quarters. Keep your cool and let the trucker do her job.

4) Don't play policeman. Don't try to make a truck driver conform to a bureaucrat's idea of what is right and wrong on the highway. As an example, Taylor cited the way truck drivers handle hilly terrain on the highway. A fully loaded truck slows way down going up a hill. On the way down the other side of the hill, a fully loaded truck gathers speed quickly. Truckers like to use that speed to help the truck up the next hill. Do not sit in the passing lane going the speed limit. Let the truck driver pass, and let the Highway Patrol worry about citing the trucker for breaking the law.

5) No assistance in lane changes or merges. It's not easy to get a 22-foot tractor and 48-foot trailer into traffic easily. If a trucker has his turn signal blinking, leave room for the truck to merge or change lanes. Indicate your willingness to allow the truck in by flashing your lights.

According to "Sharing the Road," a booklet distributed by John Deere Transportation Insurance, the three most common types of accidents involving heavy trucks involve the following:

1) Crashes caused by the truck's inability to stop in time.2) Crashes caused by a motorist trying to pass a truck on the right while the truck is making a right-hand turn. Also known as the right turn squeeze.3) Crashes caused by a motorist riding in the trucker's blind spots. Use the following rule of thumb: If you cannot see the truck driver in his mirrors, he probably cannot see you.

By taking simple common-sense steps to protect yourself and your family when driving near large trucks, traffic fatalities will continue to drop. Over the years, the trucking industry has improved the quality of truck drivers by making it more difficult to qualify for and keep a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Mandatory drug testing has also been instituted. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published the following data in 2008. The intoxication rate for drivers involved in fatal accidents was:

27% for motorcycle riders 23% for light truck drivers (pickups and SUVs, that is) 23% for passenger car drivers 1% for truck drivers

Still, more work must be done to combat tightly scheduled deliveries, overbearing stacks of paperwork and driver fatigue caused by federal regulations that work against the human body's natural circadian rhythm.

After meeting with truck driving instructors at Triton College, with representatives from the Illinois Transportation Association and learning what it takes to pilot a tractor-trailer by taking the wheel myself, we joined Taylor for a ride in a brand-new empty tanker truck.

We covered suburban roads during a half-hour loop just to the southeastern side of O'Hare airport. During our 30-minute ride, two motorists turned left across traffic directly in front of the truck. One young woman in a Toyota Celica crossed no more than 50 feet in front of us as she zoomed onto a side street. An older couple in a Dodge Grand Caravan turned in front of our International tractor, and incredibly, slowed so they wouldn't scrape the van on a steep driveway apron to a convenience store. A dude in a Camaro RS blasted by on the left, cut in front of the truck and stopped at a red light we were approaching. When the light turned green, he turned right.

These are the kinds of driving habits that we must break for truck-related accident rates to drop even lower. After a day at truck driving school, we left Chicago for Denver in a Subaru Outback. During that evening and the next day traveling I-80 and I-76, we were keenly aware of the needs of the truckers with whom we shared the road. We behaved more courteously toward truck drivers and fellow motorists than usual, and exercised more patience. We doubt very much that by driving more defensively and less aggressively we arrived in Denver any sooner than we would have had we not let that Kenworth into our lane back in Iowa or had we tried to beat that Freightliner to the construction zone near Lincoln, Neb. We do feel, however, that our trip was a safer one, that we had done our part to make highway travel better. Now it's time to do yours.

Source: Edmunds.com

Chrysler Think Fast Challenge

Think fast. Put your knowledge to the test, and play the Think Fast Challenge:

 

 

Take the challenge: https://www.facebook.com/Chrysler/app_388076601227060?ism=KMOct1712Facebook1

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

The most capable Jeep Grand Cherokee ever conceived has just been unleashed. Time to take control of the trails.

Visit http://bit.ly/PaBc6e for more information on the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

Did Someone Say Infrastructure?

With Johnstown’s Haynes Street Bridge as a backdrop, state Auditor General Jack Wagner on Thursday called for state and federal leaders to help fix the state’s crumbling transportation infrastructure.

Wagner pointed to crumbling concrete and exposed, rusting steel reinforcement rods on the bridge, which carries Route 271 over the Stonycreek River.

The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat has an interesting piece on the reviews by Jack Wagner, state Auditor General, of Pennsylvania's aging infrastructure.

Wagner estimated it will cost $3 billion annually to bring the state’s transportation system up to 2012 safety standards, a cost he thinks can be covered by a variety of sources.

As auditor general, he reviews how the state is spending revenue, and he thinks there are plenty of areas ripe for change.

Wagner is urging legislators and the governor to follow some of the recommendations outlined last year by a transportation task force.

He would start with an increase in the fuel franchise tax, a shift of state police costs from the transportation budget to the general fund, prison reform, and changes in funding for charter and cyber schools.

“We look at safety issues in audits, and this should be a top priority of state government and federal government,” he said.

 From his point of view, we've got a lot of work to do, and it's not going to be cheap—but it's a matter of safety.

Cambria County has 72 structurally deficient bridges, and it doesn’t take a civil engineer to see that the Haynes Street span has severe problems, Wagner said.

The deficient bridges are owned both locally and by the state.

While in Johnstown last week, PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch outlined the need for additional revenue to cover not only the estimated 5,000 structurally deficient state-owned bridges, but thousands of miles of roadway in need of rehabilitation.

Schoch said he is meeting with legislators on both sides of the aisle in hopes of coming up with a revenue enhancement package that will meet the needs of the state and be acceptable to Gov. Tom Corbett.

The secretary said he is hopeful legislation can be in place by the end of the year.

Earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Hollidaysburg, called for politicians to pass meaningful infrastructure reform, ensuring tax dollars are spent effectively.

Shuster is on the congressional conference committee that began meeting this week on reauthorization of a federal transportation bill.

The Senate earlier this year passed a three-year transportation bill, but the legislation has not progressed in the House.

Meanwhile, Wagner said a national transportation bill and increased transportation funding in Pennsylvania should be a top priority.

Hockey Season May be Over, But…

There's still plenty to get excited about as the new junior hockey team coming to Johnstown starts to take shape:



Courtesy of the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat

The latest chapter in Johnstown’s storied hockey history officially began Thursday morning at Cambria County War Memorial Arena.

The city once again has its own hockey team, although the yet-unnamed North American Hockey League squad will take Johnstown back to its amateur sports roots.

Johnstown had been in the pro game for more than 50 seasons dating to 1941 and is known internationally as the place where the Paul Newman motion picture “Slap Shot” was filmed.

The NAHL is a Tier II Junior A league consisting of players ages 16 to 20. With 27 teams located in 14 states, the NAHL is the oldest and largest junior hockey league in the United States.“We’re going to bring a great hockey program here,” said James Bouchard, chairman and CEO of Johnstown Sports Partners LLC, a private investment group that announced its acquisition of the Alaska Avalanche team that will relocate here for the upcoming 2012-13 season. “We want to bring a national championship to Johnstown.”

A crowd of nearly 50 fans, reporters and local dignitaries gathered in the arena lobby for the announcement. The press conference was well-organized, informative and visually appealing. Two large flatscreen televisions showed highlights of NAHL games complete with fast-paced skating, tough-angle goals, big saves, hard checks and fights.

“The heritage of hockey in this town and the heritage of steel in this town make it the perfect marriage to put this together,” said Bouchard, a Pittsburgh businessman.

Bouchard said the team’s name, logo and uniform colors all must be determined within the next week. Equipment also must be ordered to arrive in time for a 56-game schedule that includes 28 home dates.

Chilly With a Chance of Crazy

Hope everyone's gotten through this freaky weather okay, be sure to drive carefully, even once the snow melts.

http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story/Parts-of-Pennsylvania-seeing-a-foot-of-snow/QWXG4bjsHEKQyFPfBmN71w.cspx

Wired calls the Ram 1500’s shifter knob one of the top 10 tech innovations of the NY Auto Show. Check it out here: 

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/04/10-biggest-tech-nyias/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&pid=1871

CBS News takes a look at gander at Dodge's new 2012 Charger:

Forget about retro, nostalgia stuff. The 2012 Dodge Charger is an impressive, large, rear-wheel drive sedan for today's buyers who want to stand out from the crowd.

Revamped for 2012, the expressively styled, four-door Charger can look like a snarl coming down the road. It can act like a snarling machine, too, especially if it has the new-for-2012, 6.4-liter, Hemi V-8 with 470 horsepower.

get the full story at cbsnews.com

The test, 2012 Charger SRT8, for example, had the latest fuel saving technology — deactivation of up to four of the eight cylinders when power wasn't needed plus an active valve exhaust system that allowed fuel-sipping across a wide rpm range.

It helped the test car, with 70 percent city driving, to average 15.4 mpg

Good luck to our local athletes!

Good luck to our local athletes, may you run as fast as our cars! http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/westmoreland/s_782588.html

Who Says Minivans are Dull?

Who says minivans are dull? Check out Chrysler’s 700C concept car from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (via The Car Connection):

http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1071724_chrysler-700c-concept-2012-detroit-auto-show-video

Spring Car Cleaning

Winter weather can do a number on your vehicle.  As we approach the warmer weather, make sure your car is in top shape for Spring!  Here are some helpful tips:

Clean and vacuum inside first.

Make sure you have soap that's specifically for cars.

Never wash your car in direct sunlight.

Use a hose with a mist-spray nozzle to wet down the car and wash away debris.

Using a bucket with tepid water and soap, sponge down all areas of the car gently, rinsing the sponge frequently. Do the fender and bumper areas last.

Blast the undercarriage and wheel wells with the hose to remove as much salt buildup as you can.

Dry the vehicle lightly with a chamois or natural-fiber drying cloth.

Remember to clean the windows and mirrors!

Stay away from automated, commercial car washes on busy, winter-thaw days. Many of them recycle a certain portion of their water, to the point that they're washing with salty water at those times. Otherwise, they're alternatives for keeping your underbody clean and for when it's too cold to hand-wash.

Look for stone chips, sand abrasions and rust. Look over the body completely for stone chips, including smaller surface nicks and scratches from traction sand thrown up bytrucks. Repair them immediately with a touch-up kit (a small bottle of touch-up paint plus a special brush for application, usually inexpensive and available at the dealership). Make sure the spot is clean and dry, without any loose or sharp edges, and apply primer if bare metal is exposed. Have a body shop repair larger patches of rust.

Lubricate your locks and hinges. Consult with your owner's manual and use a graphite lubricant on your locks if recommended. Applying a small amount of petroleum-based lubricant to door and trunk hinges might also silence any creaking that started during winter.

Inspect your weather-stripping. Get any that looks mildewy, cracked, or brittle replaced right away. According to advice from the International Carwash Association, spraying weather-stripping with silicone spray will ensure that the water will bead away.

Inspect your car's underbody for rust and winter damage. If there are any suspicious areas, have a mechaniclook at them, and fix them immediately if needed. Pay special attention to brake components (sticky calipers, corroded brake lines), and exhaust components (rusted clamps, crumbling tailpipes, holes forming in muffler) that might have salt or slush damage. Suspension and steering pieces such as bushings, strut mounts, springs and tie rods are also susceptible to winter damage.

Looking for more ideas?  Check out the whole article at: http://autos.aol.com/article/spring-clean-your-car/

Sneak Peek and preview of the new Dodge Viper replacement

Sneak Peek and preview of the new Dodge Viper replacement! Stay tuned for future updates on the status of the new car!

And the sssssstriptease begins.

Chrysler has released the first image of the much-anticipated replacement for the Dodge Viper on Facebook.

The white on black line drawing of the front of the upcoming supercar is lacking in detail, but shows a few distinctive styling cues that carry over from the old car including tall front fenders, a double-bubble roof and a central air intake on the hood for what is surely a massive powerplant underneath it. But unlike the original, the new Viper will be sold under Chrysler’s newly-formed high-performance SRT (Street and Racing Technology) brand, rather than Dodge.

Little is known about the all-new Viper, but company execs have said to expect a more sophisticated vehicle than the blunt instrument that preceded it. Traction and stability control are almost a sure thing, and last summer SRT President and CEO Ralph Gilles told Fox Car Report LIVE! that the addition of cruise control and – gulp – cupholders were under consideration.

Originally rumored to be powered by an engine from Chrysler’s Fiat-run cousin Ferrari, the latest word is that it will use a street-legal take on the recently introduced 800 hp 8.7-liter V10 crate engine, which is not only based on the motor from the old Viper, but still wears the car’s name on its read head covers.

Regardless, Gilles says the new Viper will "be hopefully something people collect, covet and are happy it exists.”

The 2013 Viper will be evealed in full at the New York Auto Show in April, and in showrooms by the end of the year. It will be built in Detroit at the Conner Avenue Assembly plant where the old one was produced, known to fans of the car as the "Snake Pit."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/01/31/dodge-viper-replacement-teased-on-facebook/#ixzz1mYlOL4Mh

Dionne Warwick at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg February 14th

Latshaw Productions presents Dionne Warwick on February 14th at 8 PM.

Admission
$68, $58, $48

Contact
(724) 836-8000

Website
Event Website

Location
Palace Theatre
21 W. Otterman St.
Greensburg, PA 15601

How Kelley Blue Book Works

Since its humble beginnings 75 years ago, the K­elley company has worked to bring value information for cars, recreational vehicles and motorcycles to buyers and sellers. Its Kelley Blue Book has become the standard automotive price guide for dealers and consumers alike. Now Kelley is using the Internet to make that information even more readily available. In this article, we'll explore Kelley's history, show you how to use its price guides and Web site, and explain where it gets pricing information.

L­es Kelley never intended to start a publishing company. He began in 1918 by selling used cars, starting with three Model T Fords in a Los Angeles parking lot. With the help of his younger brother, Buster, Kelley turned his small lot into a thriving used car sales and repair business within a few years. Kelley began printing lists of used cars that he wanted to buy, including how much he would pay for them. He sent these lists to other dealers and banks. Before long, Kelley's lists were on the desk of every sales manager in the county and people came to rely on them for accurate appraisals of an old car's value. In 1926, Kelley published his list in book form for the first time. He named it after the Social Register, a list of the important and elite people in local society often referred to as the Blue Book.

The Kelley dealership­ continued to expand until it was the largest used car dealer in the country. The Blue Book increased in popularity as well, moving beyond its regional boundaries and becoming a nationwide car value guide for dealers. In 1962, the Kelley family sold off their dealerships and focused entirely on the Blue Book.

Kelley only offers information on cars sold in the United States, so the same model of car sold in Canada might have some key differences that would alter the value. Kelley can still be used as a guide when a used car is sold in another country, but it does not account for regional market differences.

Most people are familiar with the consumer editions of the New Car and Used Car Guides, which can be purchased in almost any book store. These guides are published twice a year.

The Kelley Blue Book New Car Guide contains pricing information on cars for the current model year, including:

• MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)
• the dealer's cost
• any extra costs that may be involved, such as shipping the car
• pricing schedules for various options that buyers can select

The Blue Book Used Car Guide contains information on the values of cars made in the last 15 years. This guide offers several different prices:

• retail price - what you would expect to pay for this car at a used car dealership
• trade-in price - what a dealer would offer you in trade value
• private sale price - the price you could expect to get for this car if you sold it yourself to another person

The Used Car Guide offers charts and tables to calculate the price based on the condition of the car, the mileage, and optional components. It also describes how those factors influence the overall value of the car. Information on older used cars is presented in a separate book, while motorcycle and RV information is published separately as well. That information is only available in the guidebooks -- not on the Kelley Web site.

Using the books is easy. The cars are listed by manufacturer, then alphabetically by model. If you wanted to look up a Ford Explorer, you'd first go to the Ford section, then thumb through the "E"s until you found "Explorer." The book includes a "How to use this book" section that explains optional equipment and mileage.

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/buying-selling/kelley-blue-book.htm

Family Snowblast at Hidden Valley

Rediscover the best part of winter at the 4th annual Family SnowBlast at Hidden Valley Resort. This event has quickly become one of the most popular events of the season. Guests will have a chance to meet their favorite KDKA-TV and Pittsburgh’s CW personalities and participate in various activities and events. The Family Life Fun Zone is returning this year to provide a fun kid's area and benefit a great cause.

For more information or the schedule of activities please visit: http://www.hiddenvalleyresort.com/FamilySnowblast.aspx

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

 

Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and for the 18th year a "National Day of Service."

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his life's work to make the country a better place for all.  In 1994, Congress designated the MLK Jr. holiday as a national day of service, and it is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service - a "day on, not a day off."  The MLK Day of Service is part of United We Serve, the President's national call to service initiative, which asks all Americans from all walks of life to come together to solve the nation's most pressing problems.

Lead by the efforts of the Corporation for National and Community Service, service on MLK Jr. Day is meant to meet a tangible need in the community, or a need of the spirit.  It is a way for Americans to "celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions. How will you serve today?

Read more about Dr. King http://www.thekingcenter.org/

21st Annual Ice Fest in Downtown Ligonier January 21st

Visit the 21st Annual Ice Fest in downtown Ligonier, then stop by the Ligonier Theater to chase the chills away! Enjoy a delicious Wine-Tasting compliments of Christian W. Klay Winery, homemade soups, hearty breads and enjoy classic rock and the hot blues music of The Gil Snyder Combo. The musicians are also artists who will display graphic artwork and photography. Must be 21 years of age or older. Reservations are suggested since food preparation is involved, but walk-ins are welcome as long as supplies last. Admission is $20 per person. For reservations call 724-238-6514

Chrysler 300 Still Turns Heads

The Chrysler 300 flagship sedan offers style on a grand scale and a roomy interior reminiscent of the big American sedans of yesteryear. But the V-8-powered SRT8 version of the 300 provides another, less nostalgic blast from the past: It guzzles gas.

The 470-horsepower, 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, with the performance to rival pricier Mercedes-Benz and Lexus sedans, has a government fuel economy rating of only 14 miles a gallon in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway. That's worse than the V-8-powered 2012 Jaguar XJ and Lexus LS 460 and even the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with V-8.

But no one would confuse the expressive Chrysler 300 with a truck, a Jaguar or a Lexus.

Revamped over the past two years but still using the same rear-wheel-drive platform, the Chrysler 300 seems like a new, full-size sedan.

What once looked like a Bentley now has a more modern headlight shape, light-emitting diode daytime running lamps and a black-colored grille that adds a sinister, yet attractive flair to the 300 SRT8.

Click Here to read more about the 300 SRT8!