Expressway Mitsubishi Wants You Driving Safe This Winter!

While many consider the most wonderful time of the year, some could argue that it is also one of the most dangerous times of the year.  Winter has officially arrived, and there is no doubt that the weather outside is frightful. The freezing temperatures and the constant snowfall mean hazardous road conditions for you and your loved ones. No matter how many winters you have seen and no matter the number of times you have driven through a snowstorm, each snow storm is different and presents a new set of dangers and challenges.

Expressway Mitsubishi wants to make sure you are driving as safely as possible at all times, but especially during these upcoming winter months. Take a look at our expert tips to keep you and those around you on the road as safe as possible!

Your Vehicle Needs to Be Prepared

In order to safely drive in winter weather,  your vehicle must be in exceptional shape. If you haven’t already, make sure components such as your ignition system, fuel system, brakes, wiper blades, battery, and lights are in proper working order.

Have the Proper Supplies

Your car must be armed with basic supplies to keep you driving safely this winter. This includes a snow shovel, a scraper, a spare blanket or two, booster cables, flares or reflectors, and spare windshield washer fluid.

Before You Go

We know it’s cold out there and you just want to get in your car and drive, but you must clear snow and ice from ALL windows and lights on your vehicle. This also includes your car’s hood and roof.

Pay Attention to Your Gas Supply

Keeping your tank as full as possible will minimize condensation, providing the maximum advantage in case of trouble.

If you need more information on safe winter driving or any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact your friends at Expressway Mitsubishi! Visit our website at expresswaymitsubishi.com for information on our locations and their contact information.

From all of us at Expressway Mitsubishi, we hope you enjoy this winter season, and please remember to ALWAYS stay safe!

The Future of Driving

Automobile technology is rapidly evolving. Computer systems with sensors that can park our cars for us, wireless connectivity, and important safety revolutions have already hit the market. Self-driving cars are the next huge breakthrough set to revolutionize driving and the time we spend in our vehicles. No longer a distant dream, self-driving cars are highly likely to be on the market within most of our lifetimes, and possibly within the next decade. The future is here, and Mitsubishi is keeping pace with its commitment to advancing technology.

The Car of the Not-So-Distant Future  

Self-driving and autonomous automobile technology is rapidly accelerating due to inexpensive computers and more accurate algorithms for object recognition and other “smart” functions. For example, last year, scientists were able to create algorithms for object recognition that had an error rate of less than 5%--which is lower than the average error rate for humans! Self-driving cars will rely on artificial intelligence for accurate object recognition, so low error rates are key. Indeed, it is thought that automobile technology may outpace insurance and government regulations, as well as public infrastructure’s ability to adapt to such advancements like autonomous cars and hybrid fueling and charging stations.   

In the meantime, expect to see cars that gradually incorporate more artificial intelligence and autonomous features, such as predictive technology. This could mean that your car and your Smartphone will be seamlessly integrated so that your car knows where you’re going, as well as traffic patterns and routes, before you even get into it. Improved object recognition and sensors will most likely assist drivers in collision avoidance, staying in lanes, steering, and even passing other vehicles for the driver, according to Techradar.

Mitsubishi’s Commitment to Evolving Technology

The latest Mitsubishi models already integrate some of the newest technology on the market, such as rearview cameras, Bluetooth hands-free dialing, and Smartphone integration. Mitsubishi strives to be on the cutting edge of technological advancement. You can view many of their engineering milestones here. Mitsubishi also is at the helm of the ever-evolving auto industry with their studio lab, where concept cars and future cars are created. Imagine possibilities for the future by checking out Mitsubishi Motors’ design lab samples!

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. If you want to test drive a vehicle with the latest technology, stop by our dealership! Our experienced team will be happy to go over some of the latest features and show you how they work on the road. Please visit our website to view our inventory, call us at (866) 437-9750 for more information.

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.