The Most Expensive SUVs To Fix After A Rear End Collision
by: Jeff Mohr
You know when I was first learning to drive, my dad would jokingly say, “back-up until it sounds expensive”. Well, back in those days – the 50’s and 60’s - you actually could do that. You could smack into something and there would hardly be a dent or scratch in the old Chevy wagon. But don’t try that today. According to the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), the most expensive mid size SUV that they ever had to fix after the 5 mph “rear into pole” crash test was the 2000 Isuzu Trooper. That’s 5 mph folks…just above walking speed, and the vehicle sustained $3,317 damage! Part of the reason for all this damage is that the spare tire hangs on the end gate. When the vehicle encounters something like a pole or another vehicle the spare tire crushes the end gate, blows out the rear window and in some instances, pulls the side fender wells in. Between 1999 and 2003, out of the 10 most expensive SUVs to fix from that same crash test (that we could find records on) as tested by the IIHS, 7 of them had the spare tire hanging on the end gate. Those vehicles (and the damage they sustained) included the Isuzu Trooper ($3,317), Mitsubishi Montero ($2,961), Toyota RAV4 ($2,719), Honda CR-V (2.727), Land Rover Freelander ($2,096), Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 ($2,175) and the Jeep Liberty ($1,627). Brian O’Neill of the IIHS probably said it best: “SUVs may be advertised as rugged. Manufacturers tell potential buyers they can drive these vehicles anywhere adventure leads them. But consumers can expect big repair bills if they're unlucky enough to bump these so-called rugged vehicles into something at slow speeds." It’s been 27 Years since the consumer has had 5 mph bumpers (1982) – now we only have 2.5 mph bumpers – and, only on passenger cars. There are NO federal bumper standards for pickup trucks, SUVs or mini vans which is one of the reasons they do so poorly. Even on the standards for passenger cars, the rules allow for unlimited damage to the bumper. According to Jeff Mohr, CEO of Mohr Mfg and the experts at superbumper.com, “the average cost to fix a full size pickup truck bumper from the 5 mph “rear into pole” collision is $1,618, and that’s in 2004 prices. And some pickup trucks and SUVs don’t even get tested because the IIHS only tests the most popular vehicles.” Now the IIHS has eliminated the rear into pole test because most automakers complained that it was not a “fair” test. But there’s one heck of lot of parking lot poles out there just waiting to walk into your vehicle. The IIHS also found that some of the automakers were cheating by adding extra energy absorbing material right where the vehicle would hit the pole. Today, the lightest tap from a vehicle can leave damage from $450 to over $2,000 damage. The average cost to repair a plastic bumper is $450 and the average cost to replace a plastic bumper is $900. And if you have a vehicle with a backup alarm you’re looking at twice that amount. A backup alarm might help you from hitting something but it don’t help in the rear end collision. There are over 12 million rear-end collisions in the USA every year – both reported and unreported and over 8 million plastic bumpers are replaced each year. The rear end collision accounts for 38% of all the dollars paid for automobile claims and you can’t afford to make a claim any more. The typical insurance premium will increase 40% if a claim is made. There are thousands of tailgaters, uninsured motorists, distracted drivers, inattentive cell phone users, drivers with poor judgment, text messengers and lousy-stinking parallel parkers out there just trying to wreck your vehicle, cripple your family, steal your deductible and jeopardize your insurance. “There are products on the market today that can help you fight back says Jeff Mohr. Do your homework and start protecting your family, vehicle and insurance – you can’t afford not to”.
About The Author
Jeff is CEO of Mohr Mfg - http://www.superbumper.com - and is an expert in rear end collisions. His company makes portable, energy absorbing, spare safety bumpers that protect your vehicle from rear-end collision damage, reduce whiplash injuries, shield your gas tank from under-ride and eliminate parking lot and parallel parking dents and dings.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Absolute Fool
Only An Absolute Fool Would Buy Another Receiver Hitch Toy If They Read This!
by: Jeff Mohr
You’ve seen them. The toys that proliferate the vehicles with receiver hitches! You’ve probably got one or two – I do. Hitch covers, lighted hitch covers, hitch steps, lighted hitch steps, propellers, cartoon characters, and the list goes on. Your receiver hitch was built to haul heavy trailers and it has a tremendous amount of strength. Do you have any idea how much strength it has? In 2002, The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety conducted its two 5 mph rear crash tests – the “rear into pole” and “rear into flat barrier” tests on the Chevrolet Blazer at its testing facility in VA. What happened was that the Blazer received NO damage in either of the crash tests – that’s right – NO damage! So why would it have received no damage when all the other SUVs in this crash test suffered thousands of dollars of damage in the same two tests? Because the Blazer comes standard with a receiver hitch and it just happens to protrude beyond the bumper. When the tests were conducted, the receiver hitch hit the pole or barrier before they had a chance to damage the vehicle. In order to get any crash damage at all the Institute decided to offset the crash slightly for the “rear into pole” test so that the pole hit the bumper and not the hitch resulting in $753 damage. Why am I telling you this? What the Institute actually found is that some receiver hitches can take an impact up to 5 mph with no damage the vehicle. And, since 75% of all rear end collisions are less than 10 mph why would you fill it up with toys? Of course the problem is that most of the time the receiver hitch is behind and below the bumper so you have to hit the cheesy bumper and expensive sheet metal before you hit the hitch. Lots of people leave their ball mount inside their receiver hitch to ward off some of the damage it they’re hit from the rear. But, according to Jeff Mohr, CEO of Mohr Mfg and superbumper.com: “the major drawbacks for leaving your ball mount in are that it may be illegal in some states and it will impale anything you back into when you’re parallel parking, (so that strategy could backfire on you and end up costing you money). Also, it’s only 2” wide so it does not cover much area and, if it’s hit it will bend your receiver hitch because there’s no give while transferring all of the impact energy directly to the vehicle and occupants. And on unibody vehicles it will tear the floor pan because it doesn’t absorb any crash energy.” There are other products on the market today that can utilize the strength of your receiver hitch, are energy absorbing and will protect your family, vehicle and insurance better then the typical ball mount. There are thousands of uninsured, distracted, inattentive drivers, drivers with poor judgment and lousy-stinking parallel parkers out there just trying to wreck your vehicle, cripple your family, steal your deductible and jeopardize your insurance. And, since you pull a trailer less than 1% of the time, it makes sense to use the other 99% of the time to protect your rear – and not fill it up with toys.
About The Author
Jeff is CEO of Mohr Mfg - http://www.superbumper.com The company makes portable, energy absorbing, spare safety bumpers that protect your vehicle from rear-end collision damage, reduce whiplash injuries, shield your gas tank from under-ride and eliminate parking lot and parallel parking dents and dings.
by: Jeff Mohr
You’ve seen them. The toys that proliferate the vehicles with receiver hitches! You’ve probably got one or two – I do. Hitch covers, lighted hitch covers, hitch steps, lighted hitch steps, propellers, cartoon characters, and the list goes on. Your receiver hitch was built to haul heavy trailers and it has a tremendous amount of strength. Do you have any idea how much strength it has? In 2002, The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety conducted its two 5 mph rear crash tests – the “rear into pole” and “rear into flat barrier” tests on the Chevrolet Blazer at its testing facility in VA. What happened was that the Blazer received NO damage in either of the crash tests – that’s right – NO damage! So why would it have received no damage when all the other SUVs in this crash test suffered thousands of dollars of damage in the same two tests? Because the Blazer comes standard with a receiver hitch and it just happens to protrude beyond the bumper. When the tests were conducted, the receiver hitch hit the pole or barrier before they had a chance to damage the vehicle. In order to get any crash damage at all the Institute decided to offset the crash slightly for the “rear into pole” test so that the pole hit the bumper and not the hitch resulting in $753 damage. Why am I telling you this? What the Institute actually found is that some receiver hitches can take an impact up to 5 mph with no damage the vehicle. And, since 75% of all rear end collisions are less than 10 mph why would you fill it up with toys? Of course the problem is that most of the time the receiver hitch is behind and below the bumper so you have to hit the cheesy bumper and expensive sheet metal before you hit the hitch. Lots of people leave their ball mount inside their receiver hitch to ward off some of the damage it they’re hit from the rear. But, according to Jeff Mohr, CEO of Mohr Mfg and superbumper.com: “the major drawbacks for leaving your ball mount in are that it may be illegal in some states and it will impale anything you back into when you’re parallel parking, (so that strategy could backfire on you and end up costing you money). Also, it’s only 2” wide so it does not cover much area and, if it’s hit it will bend your receiver hitch because there’s no give while transferring all of the impact energy directly to the vehicle and occupants. And on unibody vehicles it will tear the floor pan because it doesn’t absorb any crash energy.” There are other products on the market today that can utilize the strength of your receiver hitch, are energy absorbing and will protect your family, vehicle and insurance better then the typical ball mount. There are thousands of uninsured, distracted, inattentive drivers, drivers with poor judgment and lousy-stinking parallel parkers out there just trying to wreck your vehicle, cripple your family, steal your deductible and jeopardize your insurance. And, since you pull a trailer less than 1% of the time, it makes sense to use the other 99% of the time to protect your rear – and not fill it up with toys.
About The Author
Jeff is CEO of Mohr Mfg - http://www.superbumper.com The company makes portable, energy absorbing, spare safety bumpers that protect your vehicle from rear-end collision damage, reduce whiplash injuries, shield your gas tank from under-ride and eliminate parking lot and parallel parking dents and dings.
Friday, July 4, 2008
After Have A Car Accident
The Secrets To Protecting Yourself After You Have A Car Accident
by: Gary E Rosenberg
No one plans to have an accident. But, you can be prepared if one should happen. 1. Before you have an accident, keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone,as well as a pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk. 2. If you have an accident: Stop. Do not drive away from the scene! You can be charged with "hit and run" even if the accident wasn't your fault if it involves a pedestrian, a moving car, or even a parked car or someone's property. 3. Move vehicles to safety. Make every effort to prevent further accidents. You may be liable for damages to approaching vehicles unless they are properly warned. Do not move your car too far. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles, if possible. If your car can't be driven, have the emergency responders call a tow truck. Get the name, address and telephone number of the towing company and, if you can, find out where it is taking your car. 4. Move people to safety. Check for injuries. Everyone who can walk should move to safety. 5. Call for help. As soon as you can get to a telephone, call 911. Explain the situation and give the exact location of the accident, so that help can arrive quickly. Be sure to mention whether you need an ambulance or a fire engine. Don't hang up until the operator tells you it is okay to. 6. Cooperate with the authorities. In New York State if you are involved in a vehicle accident causing injury to person or property, you are required to stop and give your name, address, and show your driver's license and insurance identification card to the person who is injured or whose property is damaged, or to a police officer. If such information isn't available at the scene of the accident, it must be given to the nearest police station or judicial officer as soon as possible. Be sure to cooperate with the police officer investigating the case. But,stick to the facts. For instance, if you were driving 30 miles an hour, say so. Do not say, "I wasn't speeding." 7. Tell the police the truth. Follow police instructions carefully. Note the officer's name and precinct number, command, or barracks. Ask how you can get a copy of the police accident report. 8. But don't admit fault. Do not volunteer any information about who was to blame for the accident. You may think you are in the wrong and then learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are. You should first talk to your insurance agent, your lawyer, or both. Anything you say to the police or the other driver can be used against you later. Do not agree to pay for damages or sign any paper except a traffic ticket until you check with your insurance company or lawyer. 9. Document what happened. Make a note of the details of the accident, including date and time, road conditions, weather conditions and speed of all other cars involved. It also is a good idea to draw a diagram of the accident showing the position and direction of the cars justprior to and after the accident: make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. 10. Take photographs. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. (Use a cell phone's camera if you have nothing else.) Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident. Take your own photographs even if the police take photographs or you believe that your mechanic or insurance company will take them. Photograph: (a) any broken parts, inside or outside the vehicle such as dashboard, windshield, seat, broken glass or lenses, bumper that fell off, etc.; (b) vehicle license plates; (c) skid marks; (d) street signs; and, (e) injuries to persons involved in the accident. Take the photos from different angles and positions. Take more photographs than you think you'll need. ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE WATCH FOR TRAFFIC. 11. Exchange information. Exchange the following information after the accident: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, take down the name and address for each individual. If possible, obtain the names of the insurance companies and the policy numbers covering the other autos in the accident. In New York State, it's the law to carry an insurance policy information card in every vehicle. These cards can be your source for such information. 12. Get witness information. If there are witnesses, try to get their names, addresses and telephone numbers; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened. Request that they talk to the police before leaving. If they refuse to identify themselves, jot down the license plate numbers of their automobiles. Do not discuss the accident with the witnesses. Do not give their names to anyone but the police, your attorney or your insurance company. 13. Report to your insurance company. Remember to call your insurance company or insurance broker immediately after the accident. Don't forget to send written notice to your insurance company as soon as possible. The notice should include the time, place and circumstances of the accident. If you fail to notify your insurance company of the accident in writing within a reasonable time, this could be grounds for the company's denying any obligation to protect your interests in the event a claim is made against you. Also, make sure your report contains the names of all injured persons and drivers and the names of all available witnesses. 14. Report to Albany. The law requires that the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident in New York State in which a person is killed or injured or one in which damage to the property of any person, in a written report with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. If the operator is unable to make such a report, another participant must make it. Remember to keep copies for your records. This report form, known as an MV-104, may be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles or its website (over the Internet). Often, your insurance company, insurance broker or attorney can send you the form. 15. Call an attorney. Consult an attorney who is experienced in accident cases if you or a loved one is hurt. Ask lots of questions.
About The Author
Gary E Rosenberg FREE books and reports! For more information about New York car accidents and personal injury request Gary Rosenberg's FREE book: Warning! Things That Can Destroy Your CarAccident Case (And the Insurance Companies Already Know These Things), at http://www.GreatLegalBooks.com . For more information and FREE reports, visit my website, http://www.GaryRosenberg-Law.com.
by: Gary E Rosenberg
No one plans to have an accident. But, you can be prepared if one should happen. 1. Before you have an accident, keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone,as well as a pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk. 2. If you have an accident: Stop. Do not drive away from the scene! You can be charged with "hit and run" even if the accident wasn't your fault if it involves a pedestrian, a moving car, or even a parked car or someone's property. 3. Move vehicles to safety. Make every effort to prevent further accidents. You may be liable for damages to approaching vehicles unless they are properly warned. Do not move your car too far. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles, if possible. If your car can't be driven, have the emergency responders call a tow truck. Get the name, address and telephone number of the towing company and, if you can, find out where it is taking your car. 4. Move people to safety. Check for injuries. Everyone who can walk should move to safety. 5. Call for help. As soon as you can get to a telephone, call 911. Explain the situation and give the exact location of the accident, so that help can arrive quickly. Be sure to mention whether you need an ambulance or a fire engine. Don't hang up until the operator tells you it is okay to. 6. Cooperate with the authorities. In New York State if you are involved in a vehicle accident causing injury to person or property, you are required to stop and give your name, address, and show your driver's license and insurance identification card to the person who is injured or whose property is damaged, or to a police officer. If such information isn't available at the scene of the accident, it must be given to the nearest police station or judicial officer as soon as possible. Be sure to cooperate with the police officer investigating the case. But,stick to the facts. For instance, if you were driving 30 miles an hour, say so. Do not say, "I wasn't speeding." 7. Tell the police the truth. Follow police instructions carefully. Note the officer's name and precinct number, command, or barracks. Ask how you can get a copy of the police accident report. 8. But don't admit fault. Do not volunteer any information about who was to blame for the accident. You may think you are in the wrong and then learn that the other driver is as much or more to blame than you are. You should first talk to your insurance agent, your lawyer, or both. Anything you say to the police or the other driver can be used against you later. Do not agree to pay for damages or sign any paper except a traffic ticket until you check with your insurance company or lawyer. 9. Document what happened. Make a note of the details of the accident, including date and time, road conditions, weather conditions and speed of all other cars involved. It also is a good idea to draw a diagram of the accident showing the position and direction of the cars justprior to and after the accident: make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. 10. Take photographs. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. (Use a cell phone's camera if you have nothing else.) Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident. Take your own photographs even if the police take photographs or you believe that your mechanic or insurance company will take them. Photograph: (a) any broken parts, inside or outside the vehicle such as dashboard, windshield, seat, broken glass or lenses, bumper that fell off, etc.; (b) vehicle license plates; (c) skid marks; (d) street signs; and, (e) injuries to persons involved in the accident. Take the photos from different angles and positions. Take more photographs than you think you'll need. ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE WATCH FOR TRAFFIC. 11. Exchange information. Exchange the following information after the accident: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, take down the name and address for each individual. If possible, obtain the names of the insurance companies and the policy numbers covering the other autos in the accident. In New York State, it's the law to carry an insurance policy information card in every vehicle. These cards can be your source for such information. 12. Get witness information. If there are witnesses, try to get their names, addresses and telephone numbers; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened. Request that they talk to the police before leaving. If they refuse to identify themselves, jot down the license plate numbers of their automobiles. Do not discuss the accident with the witnesses. Do not give their names to anyone but the police, your attorney or your insurance company. 13. Report to your insurance company. Remember to call your insurance company or insurance broker immediately after the accident. Don't forget to send written notice to your insurance company as soon as possible. The notice should include the time, place and circumstances of the accident. If you fail to notify your insurance company of the accident in writing within a reasonable time, this could be grounds for the company's denying any obligation to protect your interests in the event a claim is made against you. Also, make sure your report contains the names of all injured persons and drivers and the names of all available witnesses. 14. Report to Albany. The law requires that the operator of a vehicle involved in an accident in New York State in which a person is killed or injured or one in which damage to the property of any person, in a written report with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. If the operator is unable to make such a report, another participant must make it. Remember to keep copies for your records. This report form, known as an MV-104, may be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles or its website (over the Internet). Often, your insurance company, insurance broker or attorney can send you the form. 15. Call an attorney. Consult an attorney who is experienced in accident cases if you or a loved one is hurt. Ask lots of questions.
About The Author
Gary E Rosenberg FREE books and reports! For more information about New York car accidents and personal injury request Gary Rosenberg's FREE book: Warning! Things That Can Destroy Your CarAccident Case (And the Insurance Companies Already Know These Things), at http://www.GreatLegalBooks.com . For more information and FREE reports, visit my website, http://www.GaryRosenberg-Law.com.
Having A Good Auto Fuel Economy
The Many Pay Offs And Benefits To You From Having A Good Auto Fuel Economy
by: Benji O. Anosike
Judging by several public opinion polls and surveys periodically conducted among motorists and consumers by reliable national polling organizations, automobile gas costs and prices have been at the very top of the consumer concerns in Canada and the United States in recent years. Clearly, high and escalating cost of fuel are a great source of worry and concern by the consumers in these countries, and most consumers would love nothing better than to have them in the lower range today, as in the yester years. In deed, just about everybody and every institution in the society, including the government of the day, frequently tell us that having lower prices and costs for fuel would be just about the most desirable and beneficial thing for the society and for almost everybody - economically, politically, and militarily. Just recently, only in December 2007, the U.S. Congress enacted, and President Bush signed into law, the "Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007," designed to tackle precisely that very same concern - reducing the average driver's demand and usage of fuel by requiring that the driver meet a fuel economy standard of 35 MPG (miles per gallon) by the year 2020. That will mean an increase of 40 percent in fuel economy over current situation, literally meaning a savings of some 40 percent in the fuel costs of the average driver compared to today. Fine. But does everybody, do most motorists, know the reason why, exactly, it is really good and beneficial that the average motorist or consumer should have good fuel economy in his or her driving, any way - aside from just the obvious economic reason or benefit that it would save you fuel and put more money in your pocket? Following below, are some of the most significant reasons and benefits, aside from simply the personal economic or financial benefit accruing to the individual motorist, why it will still pay you, any way, to have a life of good fuel economy any way, regardless. A. SURE, IT IS (IN PART) ABOUT MONEY First, to be sure, a prime reason why American and Canadian motorists seek fuel economy for their vehicle rides, has to do significantly or largely with money — to save money in their fuel costs. At a time when gas prices are near record highs in America and Canada, it is, rather quite understandable that many people would be searching for ways to "beat the pump" to make gas money go a little bit longer. Recent news reports saturate the newspapers and the news media and airways daily, with stories about the economic woes and horrors of motorists "at the pump" who face escalating gas prices. American drivers, from Los Angeles, California, to New York, and from Michigan to Florida, and in between, who were formerly used to spending about $30 a week to fill up a 15-gallon tank a year or two ago, are today now said to be spending some $50 or more, thus cutting painfully deeper and deeper into their already overstretched home budgets. While in Canada, from Ottawa and Newfoundland to British Columbia, and from Nunavuit to Mannitoba Winnipeg, the pump prices for the motorists have reached as high as Canadian $1.25 per litre (the equivalent of about $5 a gallon for the U.S.) only recently. Clearly, then, the simple logic and commonsense is quite understandable that one major reason why the contemporary American and Canadian motorists would want — and do want — to find ways to have a higher or better fuel economy, is for economic reasons: namely, to make some real savings in the hopefully lesser amount of fuel they use in the operation of their vehicles, as well as in the escalating and increasingly crushing prices and costs of fuel. A money savings of up to $1,500 per year in fuel costs could be a major reward you get, for example, by choosing to purchase the latest most efficient vehicle of the year in a particular class, according to the latest U.S. EPA/DOE estimate! Not a small (money) saving by any means or calculations whatsoever! However, there are more reasons and benefits. It is more than just that. B. IT'S MORE THAN JUST SAVING MONEY, THOUGH 1. Strengthens the National Energy Security But seeking to attain, or actually attaining, fuel economy and fuel savings, are NOT all about or only about money, however. Or, about personal money savings that go back into one's own personal pocket. Rather, attaining that goal achieves an even higher "reward" and purpose — a national, patriotic, and more "strategic" purpose for America and/or Canada. In deed, for the Mother Earth! How? Simply by making it more feasible for us to start the process of climbing out of one big, dangerous, and increasingly entrenched, critical national security problem that North America has today — it's called the problem of "American dependence on foreign oil." For example, by recent estimates of the Washington Post, the U.S. citizens use 24 % more gas today than they did some 17 years ago in 1990 — thanks to the 84 million gas-guzzling SUV's they are now driving these days. A whole 24% more! In fact, this "strategic" or public benefit or purpose, rather than merely private or personal benefit or purpose, is the major reason advanced by U.S. Congress and President Bush only recently, in December 2007, when the Congress enacted, and President Bush signed into law, the "Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007" — a law designed to increase the supply of alternative fuel sources (of at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022), and to reduce the average driver's demand and usage of fuel by requiring that the driver meet a fuel economy standard of 35 MPG (miles per gallon) by 2020. 2. America's Increasing Dependence on Foreign Oil But, get this. That is only counting since 1990! What about going a little further back before then? A May 2007 report by the NBC's Today Show featuring John Hofmeister, the Chairman of the Shell Oil Company, stated that in 1973 when the Middle East oil producers embargoed oil shipments to the United States in response to the Yom Kippur War, "At that time the country imported about 35 percent of its oil. Since then and through six different Presidents, America's dependence on foreign oil has increased to more than 60 percent." More than 60 percent — since 1973! But, get this connection: this 60-percent-plus figure in the amount of total oil usage by Americans today, is also largely imported, particularly from the Middle East. And consequently, what this means is that America remains increasingly "oil dependent" on foreign countries. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, at least more than 50 percent of the oil used to produce the gasoline you put in your tank today is imported. The bottom line: America and American consumers continue to be increasingly vulnerable to (i.e., slavishly dependent on) foreign countries and sources for their economic and strategic life and the security of the nation, in terms of what price they'll pay for gasoline at any given point in time, or when they'll get a supply of gasoline or not, or even whether they'll get it or not, or under what terms and conditions, and so on. Here's the point here, therefore. To put it in simple terms, the fact is that, a an individual motorist, any the gas-saving methods and measures you can find and employ which can actually reduce the amount of gas wastage you have and can economize and save on your gasoline usage, will translate directly into strengthening our national energy security as Americans and Canadians by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Petroleum imports cost Americans about $4.4 billion per week (the U.S. Department of Energy figures). That's money, or a part thereof, that could be used to fuel our own American economy — in whole or in part. 3. Protects the Environment and Our Earth Finally, saving gas, or having a better fuel economy, has yet another major dividend for the larger society and the humankind that is far more than just your personal pocketbook — it's good for the environment. Burning fossil fuel (meaning mostly gasoline and diesel that are the kinds of fuel used in automobiles), creates a whole host of environmental problems, such as adding 'greenhouse' gases, mostly carbon dioxide or CO2, to the Earth's atmosphere, creating air pollution and smog, contributing to global warming and climate change. Consequently, having a good fuel economy in the operation of your vehicle, and using fuel more efficiently in that process, serves as well to protect the air, the land, water, and the wildlife around us, and to improve the quality of lives over all. Vehicles with lower fuel economy burn more fuel, creating more CO2. By expert estimate, for every gallon of gasoline your vehicle consumes (burns), about 20 pounds of CO2 (170cu. Ft) is spewed into the atmosphere. Consequently, when you reduce gas wastage and save on your gasoline usage (by employing the methods outlined in Anosike fuel-savings manual for that), you also automatically reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide your vehicle burns or puts into the atmosphere — meaning that you directly reduce your own personal contribution to the above-described environmental problems and to global climate change. For example, it has been estimated by experts that just by engaging in one single act, namely, opting to buy a vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon, rather than 20, you can prevent the release of about 17 tons (260,000 cu. Ft.) of greenhouse gases into this Mother Earth over the lifetime of your vehicle. Consider that! SUMMARY Summed up very simply, the task of attaining better fuel economy or of using less gas for your vehicle, is not just good for your pocketbook. It is, even just as importantly, if not more so, also good for our nations, as well as for our environment, and our Planet Earth. What could be a better or more noble purpose and objective overall, for a society, or for a member of that society! That's even all the more cogent reasons why it pays very highly for you, as an individual and an American or Canadian, or as just plain human being in the world, that you should begin very seriously to engage in a credible program and behavior of effective green living, fuel-savings and fuel economy - the types that are fully outlined in the chapters of the manual mentioned below in author's box.
About The Author
Benji O. Anosike, Ph.D., is an environmentalist and leader in the U.S."drive green" movement, and a best-selling author of over 24 books about self-help and cost-saving consumer techniques. His latest book, "Boost Your Auto Fuel Economy and Cut Your Gas Costs by At Least 50%, Guaranteed," exposes bogus fuel-saving remedies, and explores advanced automotive science that has been tested and proven to increase fuel economy and help motorists save money. For more on the author or his works, or to learn more about his latest book, please visit: http://www.GetAutoFuelSavings.Org
by: Benji O. Anosike
Judging by several public opinion polls and surveys periodically conducted among motorists and consumers by reliable national polling organizations, automobile gas costs and prices have been at the very top of the consumer concerns in Canada and the United States in recent years. Clearly, high and escalating cost of fuel are a great source of worry and concern by the consumers in these countries, and most consumers would love nothing better than to have them in the lower range today, as in the yester years. In deed, just about everybody and every institution in the society, including the government of the day, frequently tell us that having lower prices and costs for fuel would be just about the most desirable and beneficial thing for the society and for almost everybody - economically, politically, and militarily. Just recently, only in December 2007, the U.S. Congress enacted, and President Bush signed into law, the "Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007," designed to tackle precisely that very same concern - reducing the average driver's demand and usage of fuel by requiring that the driver meet a fuel economy standard of 35 MPG (miles per gallon) by the year 2020. That will mean an increase of 40 percent in fuel economy over current situation, literally meaning a savings of some 40 percent in the fuel costs of the average driver compared to today. Fine. But does everybody, do most motorists, know the reason why, exactly, it is really good and beneficial that the average motorist or consumer should have good fuel economy in his or her driving, any way - aside from just the obvious economic reason or benefit that it would save you fuel and put more money in your pocket? Following below, are some of the most significant reasons and benefits, aside from simply the personal economic or financial benefit accruing to the individual motorist, why it will still pay you, any way, to have a life of good fuel economy any way, regardless. A. SURE, IT IS (IN PART) ABOUT MONEY First, to be sure, a prime reason why American and Canadian motorists seek fuel economy for their vehicle rides, has to do significantly or largely with money — to save money in their fuel costs. At a time when gas prices are near record highs in America and Canada, it is, rather quite understandable that many people would be searching for ways to "beat the pump" to make gas money go a little bit longer. Recent news reports saturate the newspapers and the news media and airways daily, with stories about the economic woes and horrors of motorists "at the pump" who face escalating gas prices. American drivers, from Los Angeles, California, to New York, and from Michigan to Florida, and in between, who were formerly used to spending about $30 a week to fill up a 15-gallon tank a year or two ago, are today now said to be spending some $50 or more, thus cutting painfully deeper and deeper into their already overstretched home budgets. While in Canada, from Ottawa and Newfoundland to British Columbia, and from Nunavuit to Mannitoba Winnipeg, the pump prices for the motorists have reached as high as Canadian $1.25 per litre (the equivalent of about $5 a gallon for the U.S.) only recently. Clearly, then, the simple logic and commonsense is quite understandable that one major reason why the contemporary American and Canadian motorists would want — and do want — to find ways to have a higher or better fuel economy, is for economic reasons: namely, to make some real savings in the hopefully lesser amount of fuel they use in the operation of their vehicles, as well as in the escalating and increasingly crushing prices and costs of fuel. A money savings of up to $1,500 per year in fuel costs could be a major reward you get, for example, by choosing to purchase the latest most efficient vehicle of the year in a particular class, according to the latest U.S. EPA/DOE estimate! Not a small (money) saving by any means or calculations whatsoever! However, there are more reasons and benefits. It is more than just that. B. IT'S MORE THAN JUST SAVING MONEY, THOUGH 1. Strengthens the National Energy Security But seeking to attain, or actually attaining, fuel economy and fuel savings, are NOT all about or only about money, however. Or, about personal money savings that go back into one's own personal pocket. Rather, attaining that goal achieves an even higher "reward" and purpose — a national, patriotic, and more "strategic" purpose for America and/or Canada. In deed, for the Mother Earth! How? Simply by making it more feasible for us to start the process of climbing out of one big, dangerous, and increasingly entrenched, critical national security problem that North America has today — it's called the problem of "American dependence on foreign oil." For example, by recent estimates of the Washington Post, the U.S. citizens use 24 % more gas today than they did some 17 years ago in 1990 — thanks to the 84 million gas-guzzling SUV's they are now driving these days. A whole 24% more! In fact, this "strategic" or public benefit or purpose, rather than merely private or personal benefit or purpose, is the major reason advanced by U.S. Congress and President Bush only recently, in December 2007, when the Congress enacted, and President Bush signed into law, the "Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007" — a law designed to increase the supply of alternative fuel sources (of at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel by 2022), and to reduce the average driver's demand and usage of fuel by requiring that the driver meet a fuel economy standard of 35 MPG (miles per gallon) by 2020. 2. America's Increasing Dependence on Foreign Oil But, get this. That is only counting since 1990! What about going a little further back before then? A May 2007 report by the NBC's Today Show featuring John Hofmeister, the Chairman of the Shell Oil Company, stated that in 1973 when the Middle East oil producers embargoed oil shipments to the United States in response to the Yom Kippur War, "At that time the country imported about 35 percent of its oil. Since then and through six different Presidents, America's dependence on foreign oil has increased to more than 60 percent." More than 60 percent — since 1973! But, get this connection: this 60-percent-plus figure in the amount of total oil usage by Americans today, is also largely imported, particularly from the Middle East. And consequently, what this means is that America remains increasingly "oil dependent" on foreign countries. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, at least more than 50 percent of the oil used to produce the gasoline you put in your tank today is imported. The bottom line: America and American consumers continue to be increasingly vulnerable to (i.e., slavishly dependent on) foreign countries and sources for their economic and strategic life and the security of the nation, in terms of what price they'll pay for gasoline at any given point in time, or when they'll get a supply of gasoline or not, or even whether they'll get it or not, or under what terms and conditions, and so on. Here's the point here, therefore. To put it in simple terms, the fact is that, a an individual motorist, any the gas-saving methods and measures you can find and employ which can actually reduce the amount of gas wastage you have and can economize and save on your gasoline usage, will translate directly into strengthening our national energy security as Americans and Canadians by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Petroleum imports cost Americans about $4.4 billion per week (the U.S. Department of Energy figures). That's money, or a part thereof, that could be used to fuel our own American economy — in whole or in part. 3. Protects the Environment and Our Earth Finally, saving gas, or having a better fuel economy, has yet another major dividend for the larger society and the humankind that is far more than just your personal pocketbook — it's good for the environment. Burning fossil fuel (meaning mostly gasoline and diesel that are the kinds of fuel used in automobiles), creates a whole host of environmental problems, such as adding 'greenhouse' gases, mostly carbon dioxide or CO2, to the Earth's atmosphere, creating air pollution and smog, contributing to global warming and climate change. Consequently, having a good fuel economy in the operation of your vehicle, and using fuel more efficiently in that process, serves as well to protect the air, the land, water, and the wildlife around us, and to improve the quality of lives over all. Vehicles with lower fuel economy burn more fuel, creating more CO2. By expert estimate, for every gallon of gasoline your vehicle consumes (burns), about 20 pounds of CO2 (170cu. Ft) is spewed into the atmosphere. Consequently, when you reduce gas wastage and save on your gasoline usage (by employing the methods outlined in Anosike fuel-savings manual for that), you also automatically reduce the amount of Carbon Dioxide your vehicle burns or puts into the atmosphere — meaning that you directly reduce your own personal contribution to the above-described environmental problems and to global climate change. For example, it has been estimated by experts that just by engaging in one single act, namely, opting to buy a vehicle that achieves 25 miles per gallon, rather than 20, you can prevent the release of about 17 tons (260,000 cu. Ft.) of greenhouse gases into this Mother Earth over the lifetime of your vehicle. Consider that! SUMMARY Summed up very simply, the task of attaining better fuel economy or of using less gas for your vehicle, is not just good for your pocketbook. It is, even just as importantly, if not more so, also good for our nations, as well as for our environment, and our Planet Earth. What could be a better or more noble purpose and objective overall, for a society, or for a member of that society! That's even all the more cogent reasons why it pays very highly for you, as an individual and an American or Canadian, or as just plain human being in the world, that you should begin very seriously to engage in a credible program and behavior of effective green living, fuel-savings and fuel economy - the types that are fully outlined in the chapters of the manual mentioned below in author's box.
About The Author
Benji O. Anosike, Ph.D., is an environmentalist and leader in the U.S."drive green" movement, and a best-selling author of over 24 books about self-help and cost-saving consumer techniques. His latest book, "Boost Your Auto Fuel Economy and Cut Your Gas Costs by At Least 50%, Guaranteed," exposes bogus fuel-saving remedies, and explores advanced automotive science that has been tested and proven to increase fuel economy and help motorists save money. For more on the author or his works, or to learn more about his latest book, please visit: http://www.GetAutoFuelSavings.Org
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