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BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. pedestrian population is on the rise, increasing by 24 million people between 2005 and 2010 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). With 4,302 pedestrian fatalities reported in 2010 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), protecting the walking masses is an important issue. In an effort to raise awareness and identify best practices for keeping pedestrians safe, Liberty Mutual Insurance released the Liberty Mutual Insurance Pedestrian Safety Index, ranking America's 15 safest pedestrian cities, based on city statistics and residents' and commuters' perceptions of safety.

Seattle rose to the top of the list as the safest U.S. city for pedestrians. With more than 108,000 residents commuting on foot or by public transportation each day, the city has less than 10 pedestrian fatalities each year. These impressive statistics are likely the result of a number of safety programs the city has put in place in recent years. From the "Safest Route to School" Program, which keeps the youngest Seattleites safe with 501 new crosswalks, improved school walking routes and school zone speed cameras, to the "Be Super Safe" campaign aimed at eliminating dangerous driving behaviors, Seattle has made pedestrian safety a top priority. Seattle residents agree, with 96 percent of those surveyed reporting feeling that the city is safe for pedestrians and 97 percent saying that the city is proactive in ensuring pedestrian safety.

All new cars sold in the US now MUST have an EDR (Event Data Recorder), also known as a "black box." Who owns the information that it records every 20 seconds and how hard is it for insurance companies or the government to get their hands on your car's data?

Courtesy of FOX Business News
Aired: 9/02/2014

During the month of October, we will be offering free brake pads at Desert Car Care! You pay labor and any additional parts and we contribute 10% to The Cleveland Clinic.

As a follow up with ABC News "20/20" going undercover at mechanic shops, Frank Leutz with Desert Car Care gives you a few pointers to enable you to be empowered before you go in and see your next mechanic and eliminate the fear.

Desert Car Care and ABC15 News discuss with Frank Leutz the importance of keeping your cars cabin air filters clean.

GM CEO Mary Barra says the ignition switch scandal is now behind the company. Meanwhile General Motors is planning a new gizmo for hands-free driving. Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach discusses the future of GM with Gerri Willis as well as the technology race toward autonomous cars.

As gas prices continue to drop, motorists should take advantage of their savings at the pump and invest it back into their vehicles. By spending a little now to increase fuel efficiency, drivers can multiply fuel savings and save more money at the pump, says the Car Care Council.

Experience behind the wheel may matter more than age when it comes to the safety of young-adult drivers, according to two new studies by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. These results suggest that states could reduce road crashes, fatalities and injuries by extending graduated driver licensing (GDL) laws to novice drivers beyond age 17. AAA is promoting this research as part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, which takes place from Oct. 19-25.

Consumers have leveraged the changing of the clocks to remember important but infrequent tasks like replacing smoke alarm batteries. AAA suggests motorists also use this event as a reminder to check their vehicle for winter readiness.

New fluid technologies and engine designs have combined to reduce the burden of properly maintaining today’s vehicles. Fewer trips to the repair facility, however, may put motorists at risk of missing clues that could head off safety issues or expensive repairs.

“Every vehicle has a unique maintenance schedule, but many automakers are extending service intervals for vehicle fluids,” says John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Less maintenance improves the cost of vehicle ownership, but fewer visits to the repair facility means the technician will have fewer opportunities to check your vehicle for signs of wear. It’s important for motorists to conduct monthly safety inspections to identify issues before they escalate.”

Examples of new fluid service intervals include: