Don’t Let Your Teen Forget About Road Safety This Fall

Now that school is back in session, the hustle and bustle of fall can make it easy to forget about the importance of road safety. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration reports that fall is the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians, so now is the perfect time to remind ourselves and teen drivers about auto safety in school zones and on the road in general.

Texting and Distracted Driving

Now illegal in the majority of states, texting and driving has been linked to being 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident. Teens are especially susceptible to this problem. It is important to model good driving to children and teens, so that they take laws and warnings about cell phone usage while driving seriously. For more facts and statistics on texting and mobile phone usage when driving, visit here.

Many collisions and other accidents are caused by distractibility. Emphasize at all times that road safety is the first priority when driving. Phone calls, texting, loud talking and too much activity from other passengers in the vehicle can distract any driver.

Consider drawing up a Teen Driving Contract if you have a new driver in your household: see an example here!

Designated School Zones

School zones have lower speed limits. Children, being shorter and smaller, can be hard for drivers to see. They can also be unpredictable, especially when distracted or in a hurry. Slow down and watch for children, who might dart from between parked cars or enter a crosswalk without checking for oncoming traffic. Traffic violations in school zones can come with hefty penalties, not to mention the risk posed to children walking, biking, and riding the bus to and from school.  

School Bus Safety

It is illegal in every state in the US to pass a school bus that has stopped to let children out. When school bus lights are flashing and/or it has a stop sign extended near the bus driver’s window, all traffic must stop on both sides of the bus, whether the traffic is oncoming or from behind.   

Emergency Kits and Safe Cars for Student Drivers

Getting your student’s car in its best shape now will help avoid unexpected breakdowns, getting stranded in an inconvenient location, and potentially even an accident. Parents should check that their teen or college-aged driver has emergency supplies in the car, such as a spare tire and jack, jumper cables, first aid kit, tire gauge, spare cell phone charger, blanket, fresh water, and nonperishable snack items.

For more tips on driving safely around children, visit here.

Expressway Mitsubishi is located at 5511 East Indiana Street in Evansville, Indiana, and also proudly serves the Henderson, Kentucky and Mt. Vernon, Indiana areas as well! Please visit our website to see our inventory, call us at (866) 437-9750 or stop in to test-drive your dream vehicle.

Technology Abounds in the 2017 Mirage G4

Today’s busy consumer is consistently looking for new and innovative ways to safely and efficiently utilize technology on the go. The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 does not disappoint with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included in its streamlined infotainment system as well as Smartphone-integration technology. The key features of this system include:

·      Access to Apple Music

·      Apple Maps

·      Standard phone calling procedures

·      Hands free dialing

·      Ability to send touch screen messages

·      Ability to send messages using Siri

·      Integration with Google applications including

o   Google Play Music

o   Google Maps

o   Google Hangouts

Adding ease and functionality to your driving experience, the Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto have a few benefits that will soon become less of a convenience feature and more an expected part of your daily driving experience.

1.     Predictive feature – both Apple and Google have designed their systems to know what you mean or want before you're even done inputting it. This is a great feature on a Smartphone, but a must have in an automobile

2.     Consistent look and feel – Each of these systems is designed to operate much the same way as their internet cousins making the user experience easier and the learning curve smaller.

3.     Up-to-date technology – because the systems are designed by the Apple and Google powerhouses, they are more up-to-date than traditional automobile technologies.

The 6.5 inch touch screen display simplifies your driving experience giving you access to standard apps including Bluetooth® hands free calling. Additionally, the back-up camera gives the driver a clear wide-angle view of any hazards behind the vehicle helping them easily maneuver into tight spaces and back out of parking spots safely and efficiently. What this adds up to is a driver friendly experience. Each detail is designed with safety and convenience in mind, providing quick access to the connectivity features that drivers expect, all at the touch of the screen. 

If you are interested in seeing the new Mirage infotainment system, contact our team Expressway Mitsubishi located at 5511 East Indiana Street in Evansville, Indiana. We also serve Henderson, Kentucky as well as Mt. Vernon, Indiana We are happy to give you a quick tutorial on the benefits of this new technology and let you take a test drive.

Keep Your Car Running Smoothly This Summer

Summer is heating up and now is the perfect time to make sure your vehicle is running in tip-top shape.  While scorching temperatures can be tough on any car, there are plenty of steps you can take now to make sure your vehicle runs safe and smooth for the next few months.  If you’re planning a summer road trip or vacation up north, follow these tips before you hit the road!

Regular Maintenance

What’s the easiest way to prevent your car from breaking down this summer?  Regular maintenance service including tune-ups, oil changes, AC maintenance, battery checks and tire rotations.  Preventative maintenance may seem like a nuisance now, but these small steps will lead to a worry-free summer!

Cooling System

One of the most common causes for summer breakdowns is overheating. Many factors can cause a car to overheat, but it often is related to an ineffective cooling system. As the cooling system has to work harder in summer months to maintain proper engine temperature, make sure you’re up to date on routine cooling system maintenance. Belts and hoses should be inspected for any leaks or holes. Coolant should be flushed and refilled once every two years, and the level of fluid checked periodically during the summer months.  

Emergency Supplies

Just in case you get stranded in the heat, always be prepared. Carry bottled water, a first aid kit, a car cell phone charger, and know who to contact in case of a roadside emergency. Other emergency supplies that can be useful in summer heat, especially on long trips, include a flashlight, road flares, wide-brimmed hats, tire sealant, energy snacks, and a portable car battery charger or jumper cables.

Most importantly, have fun this summer! If you’re preparing for an upcoming road trip and need a car you can count on, stop into Expressway Mitsubishi. Located in Evansville, we offer new and pre-owned vehicles with plenty of financing options to fit your needs.  Stop in, browse our inventory and test-drive your dream Mitsubishi today!