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AAA Foundation study shows increased risk of depression and entry into long-term care facilities among former older drivers

ORLANDO, Fla., (July 23, 2015) – Older adults who have stopped driving are almost two times more likely to suffer from depression and nearly five times as likely to enter a long-term care facility than those who remain behind the wheel, according to a new report released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Columbia University.  The study examined older adults who have permanently given up driving and the impact it has on their health and mental well-being. The importance of understanding the effects this lifestyle change has on older adults is essential, as the number of drivers aged 65 and older continues to increase in the United States with nearly 81 percent of the 39.5 million seniors in this age group still behind the wheel.

Ever wondered what exactly makes a car a hybrid vehicle? While consumers benefit from the improved fuel economy, hybrids give automakers a way to meet ever-tightening Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements and proposed limits on carbon dioxide emissions. Hybrids have been in the U.S. market since late 1999 and there's a growing used hybrid market that's attracting buyers in search of fuel-efficient cars without a higher price tag.

The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in fewer emissions being generated. These savings are primarily achieved by three elements of a typical hybrid design:

1. Relying on both the engine and the electric motors for peak power needs, resulting in a smaller engine sized more for average usage rather than peak power usage. A smaller engine can have less internal losses and lower weight.
2. Having significant battery storage capacity to store and reuse recaptured energy, especially in stop-and-go traffic typical of the city driving cycle.
3. Recapturing significant amounts of energy during braking that are normally wasted as heat. This regenerative braking reduces vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into electricity, depending upon the power rating of the motor/generator.

So just how many hybrid vehicles are registered in Maricopa County? Should you replace a battery if purchasing a used hybrid car? Is it possible to regenerate a battery inside of a used hybrid car? Listen to the Bumper to Bumper Radio clip above to find out more.

Hybrid Automobile and Car Battery Information | Phoenix AZ Hybrid Car Repair Shops

(WASHINGTON, August 24, 2015) Average U.S. gas prices today are at the lowest levels for this time of year since 2004 due to the steep decline in the cost of crude oil. Gas prices have dropped recently despite ongoing refinery problems, and prices should continue to fall this autumn due to declining demand and the switchover to winter-blend gasoline. Today’s national average price of gas is $2.59 per gallon, which is eight cents less than a week ago and 84 cents less than a year ago. Pump prices are now 21 cents per gallon below the 2015 peak price reached on June 15.

BP’s largest crude distillation unit at its Whiting, Indiana refinery remains out of commission, due to a malfunction reported on August 8 that triggered dramatically higher prices in the Great Lakes region. Repairs to the unit are reported to be ongoing, and the company has yet to release a date they expect the unit to return to production. However, BP has purchased additional fuel supply and met all of its contractual requirements to date. Although regional supply is still uncertain due to the outage, prices in the region have moved lower over the past week as speculation has built that supply issues might not be as dire as first worried.

Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach joins Fox & Friends with three amazing convertibles: the 2016 Jaguar F-Type, the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider and the 2015 Ford Mustang GT. Check out these unbelievably beautiful vehicles side-by-side.

Back-to-school season is the ideal time to review your ABCs; the ABCs of car care, that is. The Car Care Council recommends that motorists brush up on their auto care knowledge to make sure their vehicle is operating at its most efficient level before the school year carpool crunch and the onset of fall and winter weather.

The ABCs of basic car care include:

    • A – Always follow a vehicle service schedule. 

    • B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem.

    • C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home.

“Many people simply don’t take the time to care for their vehicle properly,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By following these three simple steps, motorists will not only protect their second largest investment, but they will be able to address minor repairs before they become more complicated, expensive repairs.”

Educators applaud the program’s influence in reducing injuries and fatalities among school children age 5 to 14

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 25, 2015) – Since 1920, the AAA School Safety Patrol Program has been instrumental in helping students get to and from school safely. As the program marks its 95th anniversary, Patrollers across North America and in 30 countries will take their post for another school year, wearing their familiar ‘Lectric Lime belt or vest.

“The AAA School Safety Patrol Program relies on student volunteers to assist their classmates at crossings, carpool areas and bus loading and unloading zones,” said AAA Traffic Safety Advocacy Project Manager Rhonda Shah. “Patrollers receive comprehensive training in the fundamentals of traffic safety, working, in many cases, with local law enforcement. They do not direct traffic, but they help students understand when it is safe to enter roadways,” Shah said.

Your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, can help you know if your vehicle is subject to a recall.

Do you wait too long to fill up your gas tank! It may cost you more money in the long run. Automotive expert Lauren Fix, The Car Coach explains how running on empty can damage your car and lead to big costs.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month in September, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds motorists of the importance of the three Ps of auto care to make sure their vehicle is ready for the unexpected.

• Preventative – Reduce the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble by following a vehicle service schedule and performing routine maintenance. The Car Care Council’s free personalized schedule and email reminder service is a simple way to help you take better care of your vehicle.

• Proactive: If you find your vehicle needs repairs, be sure to address them in a timely manner to avoid more extensive work down the road. Before traveling longer distances, perform a pre-trip inspection before your journey begins so you have an opportunity to have any repairs made by a trusted technician before hitting the road.

• Prepared: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case an unexpected situation arises. The kit should include jumper cables, a road atlas, first-aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, water, non-perishable food and blankets. Be sure your cell phone is fully charged and order a free copy of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Guide for your glove box.

(WASHINGTON, August 31, 2105)- Pump prices continue to drop and most drivers should pay the lowest gas prices for Labor Day weekend since 2004. The national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has fallen for 14 consecutive days for a total of 20 cents per gallon. Today’s average price of $2.47 per gallon marks a savings of 12 cents per gallon compared to one week ago and 18 cents per gallon versus one month ago. Drivers nationwide continue to benefit from the relatively low price of crude oil with today’s average about 96 cents per gallon less than a year ago.