411 Pain Blog: Road Trips and Rest Stops

Road Trips and Rest Stops

Road trips are a great way to travel. They allow you to move at your own pace
and offer the opportunity to see parts of the country, airplanes fly over and trains
speed past.  The key to making the most of this slice of Americana is maintaining
comfort by getting enough rest.

Rest Stop Safety

411 Pain recommends all who will be driving on the road trip get plenty of sleep
the night before the journey.  Being alert and well rested is the safest way to hit the road.
When you need a break or a chance to stretch your legs, rest areas may be
the way to go.  But it is best to visit them in broad daylight and when you have an
adult traveling companion.   While the rest areas can be a valuable oasis to weary drivers,
they have also become a place for criminals to find easy targets . Motorists have been robbed, raped,
carjacked, and even killed while simply trying to get a cat nap or a break at highway
rest stops.  411 pain advises drivers to consider logging on to the Interstate Travel Guide.
It is a directory of  rest stops across the country that offer security and other services like gas and food.

Car Comforts

Another option for a brief break from the road, can be the parking lots of 24 hour businesses.
411 Pain has this word of warning, before pulling into that parking spot, look for signs which prohibit
trespassing or loitering. Failure to do so and that quick 15 minute nap in the front seat could lead to a fine as
high as the price of a night at a hotel.  It can't hurt to go into the business and ask to speak to
the manager to get permission to park in the lot.   Also if you chose to sleep in your car, be very, very
careful.  Be aware of your surroundings; cover your windows with sheets or tarps so passers by can't see you sleeping; the key is to draw as little attention to yourself so as not to become a crime victim.
Make sure you have things to make your car stay comfortable.  Books and magazines are a good
choice.  Music not so much, it may prove distracting and if too loud, will alert others to your presence.

For a Few Dollars More

If your road trip budget can be stretched at bit more, the safest option is always to spend the night
in a hotel. There are plenty of affordable options listed on both travel websites and smartphone
apps.  Also, if traveling with small children, consider a campground. It can add an adventurous aspect
to your road trip. Most are clean, secure and offer lodging choices ranging from tents to cottages so there's
something for every comfort level.

Remember the Sleep Bank

So when you are saving up for that road trip, short or long, include time and money for rest in the budget.
No one knows better than you how much sleep you need a night or how comfortable you need to be to get
good rest.  411 Pain reminds us,  no one wants to risk their life riding with a drowsy driver. And nothing puts the brakes on fun faster on a road trip than an irascible captain of the ship.

411 Pain: Taking Care of Your Tires to Prevent Car Accidents

Ever ask yourself, are my tires safe? and when is the right time to change them? Not a lot of drivers realize that car tires are critical to the safety, performance and efficiency of their cars.

Taking care of your car’s tires has a lot of advantages, such as durability, handling, and performance, as well as offering you with a smoother ride and better gas mileage, not to mention driver safety.  According to the N.H.T.S.A. about 400 fatalities annually may have been attributed to tire failures.

 411 Pain understands that tires, like any other car part, need proper care to perform and last. The good news is that proper tire maintenance is quite simple.

Many drivers don't realize that tires have an expiration date. Tire makers  state 8 years is a reasonable useful lifespan for a tire, depending on how often they are used. At some point they start to loose traction and braking ability.

There are many reasons why tires start wearing out. Sometimes an alignment problem on a vehicle causes tires to wear unevenly. This can cause a tire to need replacement long before it normally would. Also examine your tires to make sure any harmful objects, such as glass, nails, debris, rocks or metal is not causing any gradual damage to your tires.

Tire Tips

The most important aspect in caring for your tires is maintaining the correct  pressure. More than a quarter of all passenger vehicles on U.S. roads have significantly low pressure on their tires. Drivers should check their tires regularly  and before every long trip to see that they’re properly inflated. Keeping your tires properly inflated not only increases your car's fuel efficiency but also improves your car's handling, braking ability and ride quality.

Make sure to avoid potholes and other road debris if you can, since those things can knock your tires out of alignment or damage the tires themselves. Considering that the average cost of a replacement tire has jumped nearly $40 over the past ten years, getting more use out of your tires makes a lot of sense.

You always want your best tires on the front. A blowout in the rear is dangerous and problematic, but a blowout on the front is more likely to lead to a car accident. You also need the traction on the front for stopping much more than you need traction on the rear for acceleration. To further extend the mileage you get from your tires, it is important to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 7,500 miles to even out the wear.

For our drivers that live in warmer areas, remember that tires tend to age faster in warmer climates.

Knowing how to take care of your tires will help you save money, protect you and others. 1-800-411-Pain recommends to take five minutes a week to check and care for your tires to increased tire life, improved economy, increased safety, and peace of mind. Additionally, making your tires last as long as possible is the environmentally sound thing to do. Unfortunately car accidents still can happen. and when they do 411 Pain is there for you.

For more of the latest information on driver safety and accident news, visit www.411Pain-News.com. Robert Lewin, owner of 1-800-411-Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seat belt. 

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411 Pain Car Accident Facts you should know

If you follow the 411 Pain blogs, we have always highlighted and emphasized the importance of safe driving practices. 411 Pain is continuously updating our readers about car accident prevention, laws that affect drivers and recommendations on how to be safe on the roads. Here are some interesting car accident facts that one should know and consider every time they get in a car.

• Your chances of getting into a car accident while talking on a cellphone increases by 400%.

• About 40% of crashes that are fatal involve alcohol. If the accident takes place between 12am - 3am goes up to about 75%.

• Statistics suggest that male drivers cause twice as many accidents as female drivers.

• The most deadly car accidents are when a vehicle rolls over.

• Individuals between 16-20 have a higher chance of being injured or killed in a car accident over any other age group.

• Most car accidents occur within 5 miles from home.

• Car accidents are the most common and most deadly source of personal injury in the world.

• Cars that are more likely to be involved in a car accident are, sports cars and hatchbacks.

• Each year, approximately 300,000 teenagers are injured in a car accident. In the US alone 5,000 teenagers die each year, which averages to 14 teenagers a day.

• Driving with other teenage passengers increases the risk for an accident. The risk increases for every additional teenager passenger in the car.

• 2 out of every 3 teenagers killed in car accident in 2011 were males.

• The average text message takes 4.6 seconds to write and send. If you took your eyes off the road that time, while driving at 55 miles per hour the distance would be the length of a football field.

• The time you spent reading this list, there have been 4 car accidents. Statistics indicate that a person is injured in a car accident every 14 seconds and that every 12 minutes a car accident is fatal.

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Remember, car accidents can happen for many reasons and at any moment. 1-800-411-Pain would like to see the roads become a safer place for all drivers. This is why we continue to provide readers with the latest information on driver safety and accident statistics. 1-800-411-Pain is dedicated to keeping motorists informed with ways in which they can make driving a safer activity.  

Robert Lewin, owner of 411Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to

always wear your seat belt.

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Police Officer Involved in Fatal Car Accident While Escorting Presidential Motorcade

At 411 Pain we here about a lot of accidents in our community and how they affect the lives of those involved. We were sad to hear that 20-year veteran Jupiter police officer, Bruce St. Laurent, was killed last Sunday when his motorcycle was struck while on duty.

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According to the Sheriff's spokeswoman the Jupiter police officer St. Laurent was assigned to the presidential motorcade traveling from a campaign event in Palm Beach County. He was  fatally struck on Interstate 95 as he was preparing to close access to the highway from the on-ramp as the presidential motorcade neared. He was hit by a white Ford F-150 pickup, and the impact pushed him and the motorcycle into a guardrail.

The accident happened around 4:40 p.m. on the southbound entrance ramp at 45th Street to Interstate 95. Immediately officer St. Laurent was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

A former officer of the year, Bruce St. Laurent is survived by his wife of over 30 years and their four children.  He was awarded with a Distinguished Service Award by the Traffic Safety Committee in 2005. Fellow officers knew Bruce as a generous man, who often played Santa Claus for the local community.

A car accident can happen to anyone at any time. 1-800-411-Pain would like to see the roads become a safer place for all drivers including the men and women of law enforcement. This is why they continue to provide drivers with the latest information on driver safety and accident statistics. 1-800-411-Pain is dedicated to keeping motorists informed with ways in which they can make driving a safer activity.  

     

Robert Lewin, owner of 1-800-411-Pain, reminds you not to text and drive and to

always wear your seat belt.

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411 Pain : FHP defends actions during multiple car crash

At 411 Pain we are continuously informing our readers about auto related incidents occurring on our streets and highways, in order to keep them updated regarding car safety and any change in laws.

A few months ago we reported an accident that occurred on Jan. 29, which involved numerous cars crashing into each other along Interstate 75 near Gainesville due to a mix of fog and smoke. Unfortunately the consequences of this accident were 11 people dying and few dozen sustaining injuries. 

After the incident many questions arouse on who was to blame. As smoke mixed with fog visibility  decreased The Florida Highway Patrol closed the road in order to avoid any disasters. But after they began seeing it clear up, they believed it was safe to reopen.  Many people held the FHP responsible due to their lack of control and poor decision-making. Because of these accusations the Florida Highway Patrol issued a report on August 10th defending its actions taken the day of the fatal crashes; suggesting that irregular weather and drivers mistakes made it unlikely that any amount of planning or procedure could have prevented the deaths. FHP laid significant blame on drivers themselves, not law enforcement.

As many as a dozen victims of the collisions are planning to sue the Florida Highway Patrol and many of the investigations are still pending.

This story demonstrates just how quickly a car accident can occur and how much damage can happen with no warning. As a company dedicated to driver safety, 1-800-411-Pain strongly advises drivers to pay attention when driving and operating a vehicle. Even small distractions can lead to fatal accidents.

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For more of the latest information regarding accident statistics and driver safety, visit www.411Pain-News.com Robert Lewin, owner of 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive, and to always wear a seat belt.

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Drinking & Driving 411 Pain Awareness

Drinking & Driving 411 Pain Awareness

It’s always sad to hear stories of people getting injured in car accidents. Unfortunately it is very common. However it’s even sadder to find out they were the cause of driving under the influence of alcohol. Cdc.gov reports that there are thirty alcohol related fatalities every day in the United States. This is the equivalent of one fatality every 48 minutes. Most of these accidents are caused by drivers negligence or being under the influence of substances.

Most recently we heard about six people that were sent to the hospital following a three-car accident in Las Vegas on May 20, 2012. The accident occurred at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Nellis Boulevard. Authorities believe that alcohol may have been a factor. Fortunately the victims in Vegas came out ok, but not everyone is so lucky. It’s very common to read about individuals seriously getting injured or loosing their lives in vehicle related incidents. At 411 Pain we strive to educate individuals off all ages on safe driving practices, and encourage exercising them on a daily basis.

Like this story we see hundreds everyday, at 411Pain we strongly discourage the consumption of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. As a company dedicated to safer driving practices, 1 800 411 Pain recommends adhering to all road laws. Creating programs that educate, not just drivers but all individuals in avoiding situations where people get into vehicles while intoxicated.   Not only is drinking and driving irresponsible and dangerous, it is also illegal. Serious repercussions await individuals who are convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Help make the roads a safer place for everyone. Do not drink and drive.

For more of the latest information on driver safety and accident news, visit www.411Pain-News.com. Robert Lewin, owner of 1 800 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seat belt.

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Six Car Accident Injures Two

A six-car accident in Lansing Township, Michigan resulted in two people being transported to the hospital on May 15, 2012. Police say the accident occurred when a vehicle traveling southbound rear-ended another vehicle. This caused a chain reaction of collisions, resulting in six vehicles being involved in the accident. Reports say that officials closed traffic in the inside lane of U.S. 127. The condition of the individuals transported to the hospital was said to be stable. 1 800 411 Pain recommends being an attentive driver at all times. A mistake as simple as taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds can be devastating.

    1 800 411 Pain would like to see the roads a safer place for everyone. This is why they strongly encourage motorists to stay alert and to drive as cautiously as possible. For more of the latest information on driver safety and accident news, visit www.411Pain-News.com. Robert Lewin, owner of 1 800 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seat belt. 

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Drunk Driver Faces Multiple Charges

Twenty six year old James Sopuch has been charged with driving while intoxicated following an accident in which he hit another vehicle and knocked down a utility pole. Officials say that Sopuch was traveling over the speed limit when he collided with a Saturn in his Chevy Blazer. When police arrived on the scene, Sopuch was trapped in his vehicle. The Bayview Volunteer Fire Company removed Sopuch from the wreck. He was then transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries. Neither Steven Senecal, the driver of the Saturn, nor his passenger Julianna Monfredo, was injured in the accident. In addition to DUI, Sopuch will be charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain his lane and failure to wear a seatbelt.

  1 800 411 Pain is against driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other performance altering substances. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. This story shows how reckless and unpredictable a drunk driver can be. All three individuals involved were very fortunate that there were no fatalities or serious injuries. As a company devoted to educating drivers on safer driving habits, 1 800 411 Pain encourages motorists to adhere to all driving laws.

For more of the latest information on driver safety and accident news, visit www.411Pain-News.com. Robert Lewin, owner of 1 800 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seat belt. 

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Fatality Rates Among Inexperienced Drivers

Studies have shown that young drivers (under 21) are at a significantly higher risk of being involved in traffic accidents when passengers under 21 are present. Much like cell phones, teenage passengers can be extremely distracting. This can be disastrous for an inexperienced driver.    

“At age 17 or younger, a driver’s chances of being involved in a fatal car accident increases by 44 percent when a passenger under the age of 21 is present.  The chances are doubled when two passengers under 21 are present and quadrupled with the presence of three or more. When a passenger 35 or older is present, fatality rates decrease dramatically. Fatality rates are lowered by as much as 62 percent when a passenger over 35 is present (SeattleTimes.com).” 1 800 411 Pain strongly recommends the presence of an experienced driver when young drivers are traveling with friends. Friends can be extremely distracting and a young, inexperienced driver may have difficulty juggling the attention of their peers while trying to focus on the road.     

In an effort to reduce the number of fatal car accidents among young drivers, many states are considering laws that will prevent drivers under 21 from traveling with passengers who are also under 21 unless someone over 21 is present. As a company dedicated to safer driving practices and trends, 1 800 411 Pain’s goal is to see the roads a safer place to travel. Auto accidents are far too common these days. 1 800 411 Pain appreciates the opportunity to be in a position to help motorists become safer, more alert drivers.  

   For more of the latest information on driver safety and accident news, visit www.411Pain-News.com. Robert Lewin, owner of 1 800 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seat belt. 

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Drunk Driver Faces Multiple Charges

Twenty six year old James Sopuch has been charged with driving while intoxicated following an accident in which he hit another vehicle and knocked down a utility pole. Officials say that Sopuch was traveling over the speed limit when he collided with a Saturn in his Chevy Blazer. When police arrived on the scene, Sopuch was trapped in his vehicle. The Bayview Volunteer Fire Company removed Sopuch from the wreck. He was then transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries. Neither Steven Senecal, the driver of the Saturn, nor his passenger Julianna Monfredo, was injured in the accident. In addition to DUI, Sopuch will be charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain his lane and failure to wear a seatbelt.

  1 800 411 Pain is against driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other performance altering substances. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. This story shows how reckless and unpredictable a drunk driver can be. All three individuals involved were very fortunate that there were no fatalities or serious injuries. As a company devoted to educating drivers on safer driving habits, 1 800 411 Pain encourages motorists to adhere to all driving laws.

For more of the latest information on driver safety and accident news, visit www.411Pain-News.com. Robert Lewin, owner of 1 800 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seat belt. 

Like 411 Pain on Facebook

Connect to 411 Pain on LinkedIn

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Three People Sent to Hospital After Two Car Accident

Three people were rushed to the hospital following a two-car accident on April 16, 2012. When fire rescue arrived to the accident scene, “They found a Toyota Prius on its side with three occupants pinned inside (KPTV.com).” Firefighters had to apply recently acquired skills developed to aid rescue crews with removing occupants from electrically powered cars. The process involved “Disconnecting and de-energizing the hybrid vehicle's electrical lines to prevent being shocked in the process of removing the victims from the vehicle (KPTV.com).” This procedure protects both the firefighters and the vehicle’s occupants.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities associated with this accident. The only occupant unaccounted for is a small, black dog named Zorro. He fled the accident scene and remains missing. The owners are asking that he be returned to a shelter if he is found. Zorro has an electric chip, so his owners would be notified immediately if he is returned to a shelter.

411 Pain would like to remind you to stay alert and drive as safely as possible. Many accidents could be avoided if drivers were not so distracted. 411 Pain strongly recommends avoiding using cell phones, eating, or engaging in any other types of distracting activities while driving. Stay focused on the road and drive as safely as possible.

         For more of the latest information on driving safety and accident statistics, visit www.411Pain-News.com. Robert Lewin, owner of 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seatbelt. 

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Connect to 411 Pain on LinkedIn

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