Seat belt use in the United States has reached its highest level since the Federal government began regular national surveys in 1994, according to a study released by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"The best way folks can protect themselves in their cars is by wearing a seat belt," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Whether you're a driver or passenger, in the front seat or back, the simple act of wearing a seat belt significantly reduces the risk of fatality and major injury in a crash."

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach® tells how the technology this year is really aimed at de-stressing the driving experience so that everyone can get to the destination they want. See new features in vehicles such as virtual cockpit, gesture control, cabin watch and activity key at the 2017 New York International Auto Show.

ORLANDO, Fla. (April 4, 2017) – According to a new AAA survey, 64 million American drivers would not be able to pay for an unexpected vehicle repair without going into debt, indicating that some drivers may underestimate the full cost of owning and operating a vehicle. Because some car repairs are unavoidable, and the average repair bill is between $500 and $600, AAA urges drivers to save at least $50 a month for unforeseen expenses, and identify a trusted repair facility before trouble strikes.

“The average cost of owning and operating a vehicle is more than $8,500 a year, and AAA has found that millions of Americans are failing to set aside a car care fund to pay for the upkeep of their cars,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “To avoid a surprise down the road, drivers should budget for monthly payments, insurance premiums, fuel costs and the inevitable expenses of routine maintenance and repair.”

Whether you have a gas-powered car, an electric or a hybrid car, your battery can suffer in cold winter weather. Lauren Fix, The Car Coach® provides tips on how to protect your car's battery and improve your fuel economy in the cold temperatures.

China is the largest automotive market in the world. Plug in hybrids are important for their culture, and also the environment. Plug in vehicles are not only popular in the United States, but also across the world. Learn more about going electric, autonomous vehicles and world wide car tech trends with The Car Coach®, Lauren Fix.