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Get Home Faster and Safer Using Proven Defensive Driving Skills

Alyse Speyer — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:00:00 -0700

Driving on the freeway in gridlock traffic in southern California is no fun at all. Throw in a few disgruntled workers, teenagers and road ragers and the freeway could be a very dangerous place. Every day on the road I see people getting cut off, swerving in and out of lanes, yelling, racing, not signaling, tailgating, etc. Unfortunately for Americans, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTA) reported more than 41,000 deaths from car accidents in the US in 2007. For many of us, this is a scary reality. Since I graduated college, I see more and more people driving aggressively and putting others at risk. Commuting to a regular job is nowhere near the same as any summer job commute. Joining the real world means taking on more responsibility, and it begins with your car.

Behind the Wheel in Vietnam
Being an avid traveler, I spent several months in Southeast Asia after college. Watching the driving culture there is quite a sight. If you’ve ever been to Vietnam, you know that crossing the street can have serious consequences as you sidestep through a sea of motorcycles flecked with trucks and cars. Despite the chaos on the roads in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), one thing that makes it seem much safer, once you get over the initial shock, is the defensive driving tactics.

Honk Your Way Out Of Trouble
Imagine driving in your car on unpaved roads with tight turns and no road markers while sharing the road with hundreds of motorcyclists. Not enough stress? How about sharing the road with stray dogs and cats, herds of cattle and loose chickens? Luckily, many of us don’t have to deal with these conditions on a regular bases. Nevertheless, one of the best defenses you hav e in your car is your horn. In Vietnam and most of the Southeast, car horns are essential for alerting motorists of oncoming traffic as well as a useful tool in shooing farm animals out of the way. The horn is a useful tool in defensive driving and should not be used to deafen the drive that rudely cut you off. We need to remember to keep our cool no matter how bad the traffic or the drivers are.

Yield on Yellow
In Los Angeles, many police officers turn a blind eye to cars stranded in the middle of an intersection for left-hand turns. However, in many states, including California, it is illegal to inch your car into the intersection even if you are making a left turn. That means if the light turns red and you are still making your turn, you could end up with a moving violation. So to help out our fellow motorists, don’t floor it when you see a yellow light. Gage your time and consider yielding those last few seconds to the cars turning left.

Get Home Faster – Right Right Right!
Getting used to a full-time job after four years of full-time partying in college can add stress and push younger drivers into more aggressive methods. One useful tip for getting home faster is to avoid all left turns in general. In cities that have heavy traffic, turning right three times is faster and safer. Not to mention you can avoid moving violations associated with left turns.

Don’t believe me? In 2006, UPS began implementing a right turn policy for all their drivers because it saves miles gas and money and makes sure their packages arrive on time. The company now uses software that maps out routes omitting all left turns.

As the rock band Zebrahead wrote in their song: “two wrongs don’t make a right, but three rights make a left.”

De-stress Your Commute
Driving defensively can help save lives. Consider taking a few extra moments to plan out your travel time. Look into various routes or think about waiting for traffic to subside. Taking an interest in your driving habits and using these tips can help ease traffic related stress and turn your drive time into a more positive experience. Life’s too short to waste time and stress on transportation. Take a deep breath and enjoy your drive.

By Alyse Speyer
AskPatty Contributor

Alyse Speyer has a BA in Literature from the College of Creative Studies in the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has several published poems in the 2008 Spectrum and a short story published on UnderThisRedRock.com. She was also an editor for 2008 Into the Teeth of the Wind, a UCSB poetry publication. She speaks Spanish, French and has an understanding of Catalan. Alyse currently works as a freelance copywriter and blogger and writes for a variety of fields. She specializes in Search Engine Marketing and Optimization, web copy and editing.

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Get Your Car Washed by an Elephant. Really!

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:36:29 -0700

It seems as if everybody is familiar with the Elephant Car Wash chain. They've got ten locations on the west coast, and Elephant Car Wash's iconic neon elephant sign has been a Seattle landmark since 1951.

Of course, for the attendees at these Elephant Car Wash locations, that elephant is just a symbol that identified these stores used the first automatic hands-free machines - representing a "new" technology that cleaned cars more safely and reliably than previous carwashes that utilized plastic bristle brushes and human labor.

Flash forward 50 years, to this other elephant carwash in Oregon, which uses REAL LIVE ELEPHANTS to wash cars! Check out the Wildlife Safari in Eugene, Oregon, which features a drive through car wash run by a team of elephants, specially trained in automotive, er, detailing...

The threesome take turns interacting with guests and their cars, sucking water into their long, slender trunks before showering it upon waiting vehicles, then using their snouts to grip a sponge and scrub windows! For many visitors who have never seen a real elephant before, it's not just an awesome wash, but an awesome experience. According to Foxnews.com "You'd be amazed," explains Katie Alayan, an elephant trainer. "People start crying when they see an elephant for the first time. It can have a powerful impact."

Dinah Wilson, another of Wildlife Safari's full-time elephant trainers, says the elephants have the intelligence of a preschool child, and having such activities keeps them stimulated. "Part of our job is teaching them new things not to let them get bored," she says. Lest any animal rights activists complain about animal abuse, positive reinforcement is crucial to the elephants' development. If they remain active, elephants can reach the age of 80, maybe even older, explains Wilson.

The fun new attraction at the wild animal park costs visitors $20. Don't expect them to be spotless when the giant creatures are done with their wet fun: in fact Wilson jokes they are "Guaranteed NOT to get your car clean!"

If you'll be traveling in the Eugene, Oregon, area this summer, take a trip to the Wildlife Safari and get your car washed by the elephants. They're not pink, and they're definitely not hands-free, but they certainly do promise $20 worth of fun!

creative commons pink elephant sign photo by kakisky at morguefile; brown elephant photo by somadjinn at morgefile

Jody DeVere
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Ask Patty's Female Friendly Blog Carnival: July 8, 2009

Brandy S — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:33:53 -0700

There's so much happening in the automotive world, whether it's exciting reports about amazing women in the industry, fun car news, or news about our Certified Female Friendly dealers and retailers, we've got something here for everyone. Have you got female friendly news or interesting automotive tidbits to share? Email Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com or use the form at the end to include your own blog bits in our next carnival!

Arthur St. Antoine unexpectedly became a crash test dummy when the BMW 335d he was driving was hit from behind by an inattentive teenaged driver. "Had it been a side impact," said the author "at only slightly higher speed, my lights could've gone out forever. As it was, I was damn lucky. Lucky, too, to be securely belted into a sturdy BMW." Read more about the experience and find out how the driver and vehicles fared at Motor Trend.

Some of us dream that our government will use our tax dollars to correct errors in the signage over our roadways. Others fix it themselves. According to LA Traffic and Transportation Examiner David Saler, one such vigilante of commuter justice is artist Richard Ankrom: The artist could never accept the pathetic signage provided by Caltrans for drivers approaching the 5 North from the 110 North in downtown Los Angeles, so he made and installed his own. They've been in place now for more than seven years!

Suzuki has created a "Free Gas for Summer" program that offers buyers of a new Suzuki SX4 Sedan or Crossover a stored value debit card in the amount of $270 or $290 dollars that can be used for fuel purchases. On top of this deal, Suzuki is offering $2,000 in customer cash on all 2009 SX4 models equipped with manual transmission.

Hey have you seen these awesome sculptures made entirely from used tires? If you've ever wondered what becomes of your used tires once they've served their intended purpose, Jalopnik says if your tires are lucky, they might end up like one of these 15 fantastic pieces of used tire artwork. Creative artists have transformed used tires into elephants, spiders, sharks, and much more! Check them out at Jalopnik!

autoMedia.com reports that Hyundai will honor Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) credits at its dealers nationwide, well ahead of then the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expected to have sorted out the program details. In addition, Hyundai continues to offer its job-loss protection program, Hyundai Assurance, 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, along with its new Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock, which offers a year's worth of gas at a guaranteed price of $1.49 per gallon.

If fuel prices concern you, then we know you want to know more about fuel efficiency standards. With this in mind, and because petroleum products are a finite resource, the Obama administration has proposed new fuel efficiency standards. We all like the idea of better gas mileage so that we get more for our money, but what do the proposed fuel efficiency standards really mean for you? Read more about it at extragasmileage.com

CERTIFIED FEMALE FRIENDLY DEALERS AND RETAILERS IN THE NEWS
Are you shopping for a car? An Ask Patty certified dealership guarantees that the experience of purchasing and maintaining a vehicle will be a pleasant one. Ask Patty trained and certified dealers are held to a high level of customer satisfaction with women consumers. Congratulations and many thanks to these dealerships for going the extra mile to create an inviting and comfortable environment where women feel safe and welcome! Please support these dealerships which have recently become Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly and are offering special programs and features especially for women consumers! And be sure to let them know you found them at AskPatty.com!

Speaking of the new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), Certified Female Friendly Dealer, Premier Hyundai of Milwaukie, Oregon, is among the first dealerships in the country to begin participating in the CARS/Cash for Clunkers program. Are you searching for a Certified Female Friendly Hyundai Dealer? Be sure to tour their website, which greets visitors with a cool digital tourguide to welcome users and help them find the right car at the right price.

Certified Female Friendly Dealer Smith Stokes Automotive of Reidsville, North Carolina, is working in partnership with Rockingham Animal Shelter to present a fun Animal-Palooza event this coming Saturday, July 11. The event supoorts the Rockingham County Animal Shelter 'Drive 4 Shelter Campaign,' which runs through October 17th, 2009. During the campaign, Smith Stokes is selling $2.00 Raffle Tickets that will give visitors the opportunity to win a beautiful 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Pickup Truck donated by Smith Stokes to help the Rockingham County Animal Shelter continue to do their great work!

Blood is needed all over the United States, so join the Blood Drive at Jon Lancaster Toyota from 9am to 2pm on July 22, 2009! Potbelly Sandwich Works is donating cookies and food vouchers throughout the day, so please spread the word about their blood drive to friends and family; blood is in short supply and with your help many people's lives can be saved. Also, if you will be participating in the Bike MS: Toyota Best Dam Bike Ride 2009, be sure to attend the Rider Packet Pick-up at Jon Lancaster Toyota on July 22, 2009. They are planning an afternoon packed with fun product demonstrations as well as an opportunity to win bike equipment! Stop by in and sign up to win a MAG + rear wheel trainer from Cycle Ops and biking equipment from Planet Bike. The two-day TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride 2009 is August 1 & 2, 2009, with legs from Pewaukee to Whitewater and Whitewater to Madison. Want to know more about what's going on with the Madison, Wisconsin, Certified Female Friendly dealership? Then subscribe to their awesome monthly newsletter which is full of interesting factoids, as well as great info about Toyota cars and special events at the dealership.

Checkered Flag Auto Group, in Southern Virginia, houses a complete line-up of fuel-efficient new vehicles, including being Toyota, Scion, Honda, Hyundai, VW, MINI, and smart. However, you'd be surprised to know they offer more luxurious vehicles which also fall into the definition of fuel efficient: BMW, Audi, Jaguar, and even Porsche! In fact, over 90% of the new vehicles at Checkered Flag qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program according to the US Government. Aside from just having the vehicles for the CARS Program, Checkered Flag has been selected by cashforclunkersfacts.com and clunkersva.com as the exclusive Southern Virginia dealership to help people gathering information on those two sites. Checkered Flag volunteered its Customer Care Center to answer CARS Program (Cash for Clunkers) questions for both information sites, and continues to do so now. You can contact them directly about the programs at 757 687-3431. Since June 25th, the Customer Care Center has answered more than 500 calls from Virginia Beach residents alone. According to Alex Snyder, Director of eCommerce for Checkered Flag, "I have personally spoken to quite a few people who sound as though they will pitch a tent in front of our doors as soon as they hear registration has opened. I just hope the NHTSA gets things done before July 24th!"

"It has generated a great deal of curiosity," said Steve Snyder, Senior Vice President of Checkered Flag, about the CARS Program "I think it is going to help the whole industry." When the NHTSA opens dealership registration for the CARS Program you can be assured the Checkered Flag Auto Group will be first in line!

In addition to their own green movement at A+ Japanese Auto Repair's shop, they strive to create awareness and support for their vendors, clients and local businesses so that they too can go green. They've have switched out all 252 lights to energy efficient lighting and added four skylights to eliminate the need for some lighting. We also recycle just about everything. They use both sides of paper whenever possible and use a fleet of Prius vehicles to shuttle clients. As part of their EcoTuesday program, they encourage green businesses to come together to talk about ways to make things better for our environment. A+ Japanese Auto Repair is one of nine companies nationwide to offer the Hymotion Plug In Conversion by A123 Systems, and have already converted ten Priuses so far. Please visit them at www.650595cars.com/certified-green/ for more information.

And that's it for this edition of AskPatty's Certified Female Friendly Blog Carnival! Make sure to submit your article for our next "Automotive Advice for Women Blog Carnival" using the online form or by emailing Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com.

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor

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Michael Jackson's last ride through Los Angeles

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:02:46 -0700

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop took his last ride through Los Angeles today, starting early this morning with a funeral caravan from his family's home in Encino, California, escorted by police guards across the 101 freeway to a private service held at Forest Lawn cemetery in Hollywood Hills. The ceremony was intended to be a solemn event for close family and friends, but was surrounded by paparazzi and news crews on the ground and in as many as 20 helicopters above.

Traffic was affected throughout Los Angeles during the morning rush hour, and through the remainder of the day. Many of the streets around the Staples center have been shutdown or re-routed today to handle the expected onslaught of giant crowds. In addition to those holding tickets to be allowed inside the venues, officials are expecting hundreds of thousands of others to make their own pilgrimage to the surrounding downtown areas. According to LAist.com, "The area around Staples Center will be shut down to traffic and controlled by about 1,400 LAPD officers assigned to manage the crowds." Police surrounded the Staples Center in cars, on foot, by Segway, and on horseback to manage the crowds, which respectfully gathered to attend the public memorial service, and who mingled in the surrounding areas to pay their last respects to the popular singer.

Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Lionel Richie, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, John Mayer, Queen Latifah, the Andrae Crouch Choir, and Brooke Shields were scheduled to participate in the public event held at Staples Center in Los Angeles. An online lottery was held over the weekend for 17,500 free tickets for the memorial services: 11,000 at Staples Center and 6,500 tickets for the Nokia Theatre, where the event was simulcast on large video screens. The event was also be broadcast on NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC and E! Entertainment.

The Los Angeles Metro transportation system has re-routed numerous bus lines on because of street closures around the Staples Center. Commuting Metro patrons are expecting delays to all downtown area bus lines and needed to plan for additional travel time. According to LAist ""We're going to run the blue line until told not to," explained Metro Spokesman Rick Jager. "The biggest impact is the busses because they've cornered off a large area." Over 50 bus lines will be re-routed (details below). "We're really urging people to plan ahead... There will probably be a lot of delays," said Jager.

If you're a Los Angeles area commuter and need assistance figuring out how your route has been affected, Metro has posted affected route schedules at www.metro.net/ http://www.metro.net/news_info/press/Metro_109.htm saying "Due to the proximity of the event area, Metro Blue Line passengers should note that the Metro Blue Line Pico Station may have to be closed or service may have to be suspended north of the Metro Blue Line Grand Station for unknown periods of time on Tuesday, July 7. Metro will make every effort to maintain Metro Blue Line service in this area throughout the day. Metro Blue Line patrons are asked to plan accordingly. Metro Rail services will be operating on regular weekday schedules."

Most locals understand this is the typical situation in a city like Los Angeles, where cars are such a focus. The already bad traffic can so easily be brought to a standstill. Be patient out on the roadways and on public transportation today, folks.

Rest in peace, Michael.

Jody DeVere
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Why Synthetic Motor Oils Are Recommended for Today's Advanced Automotive Engine Technologies, Part 2

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:00:00 -0700

As we said in Part 1 of this report, many of today's high-powered engine designs and advanced technologies have high-performance lubrication needs that make using a fully synthetic motor oil a far better option than relying on a conventional, mineral-based oil.

Last week, we discussed the specific needs of engines whose performance are boosted by turbochargers, which operate at extremely high temperatures, and direct-injected gasoline (GDI) engines. This week, we're discussing how synthetic oils are especially beneficial in hybrid propulsion systems, engines using variable component technologies, and 'clean' diesel technologies.

Say 'Hi' to Hybrids
Of all the new engine technologies to hit the passenger vehicle market in the past decade, hybrids probably have received the most attention.

The main benefits of hybrid cars are their ability to deliver advanced fuel economy and lower emissions, compared to a traditional gasoline engine.

Hybrids are vehicles that use two or more power sources, typically an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. This is the most common combination of technologies used in hybrid passenger vehicles.

With the benefit of two power sources, today's hybrid vehicles are designed to deliver the same performance and drivability one would expect with a traditional gasoline-powered-engine car. In addition, the electric motor power source for hybrid cars helps deliver the economic and environmental benefits of reduced emissions and increased fuel economy.

In terms of maintenance, fully synthetic lubricants, such as Mobil 1, offer the same performance benefits to hybrid vehicles as they do to traditional engines, including, better overall engine protection. They offer the best way to ensure long-term engine cleanliness to help maintain the excellent fuel economy that hybrid engines provide.

Variable Component Technologies
Many of today's new engines incorporate what is called "variable technology." Certain engine components that were traditionally fixed with respect to geometry and/or timing are now designed to adjust, based on the needs of the vehicle. The result is that components like valves, camshafts, turbochargers, oil pumps, etc., automatically adjust to optimize the efficiency, and hence fuel economy, of the engine operation. These variable systems are typically actuated hydraulically, and it is often the engine oil that is used as the hydraulic fluid. Beyond lubricating and protecting engine parts, engine oil now has an additional function and serves as the hydraulic fluid to operate some of these variable systems.

As with any hydraulic fluid, it is extremely important that an excessive amount of air is not entrained in the oil during operation. This can cause the variable component(s) to malfunction, leading to inefficient operation and possible engine problems.

Because engine oil naturally becomes aerated as it functions throughout the engine, there is a strong chance that air will be present in the oil as it returns to the sump. So, using an oil that can quickly release the air prior to it being called upon to operate these variable systems is important. Synthetic motor oils, such as Mobil 1, are well designed to handle engine oil aeration and hence, are ideal for engines with variable valve timing to provide maximum performance and protection.

If your owner's manual states that your vehicle requires synthetic oil, do not step down to mineral oils to save money; doing so could actually damage your engine and possibly shorten the engine's life.

A Wide Range of 'Clean' Diesel Technologies
Today, there are many types of "clean" diesel technologies that are being incorporated into the global automotive marketplace, with leading OEMs, ambitious upstart companies, and enterprising entrepreneurs all developing and advancing various technologies related to the reduction and control of emissions.

The demand for "clean" diesel engines has been on a dramatic upswing, for several reasons.
Many types of diesel engine offer significant fuel economy benefits over gasoline engines. For example, diesel engines that use emission control technologies typically produce less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, while running just as well as gasoline-powered cars.
Though the rise in demand for "clean" diesel engines is largely coming from Europe, in response to more stringent European emission requirements, nearly every major OEM is working to expand its diesel offering. In addition, European oil drain intervals typically range from 15,000 kilometers - up to 30,000 km (9,300 miles to 18,600 miles), higher than other parts of the world.

For all diesel engines, there is a higher degree of thermal stress placed on the engine oil, particularly in the piston / cylinder zone. The result is that engine oils must be able to withstand the heat to adequately protect against piston deposits and cylinder wear. Additionally, the increasing use of biofuels has had indirect consequences for the engine oil and the engine protection that it provides. The primary lubricant concern is excessive fuel dilution, as bio-materials have been shown to cause oil to break down more rapidly than usual, which can lead to increased deposits and wear. Fortunately, premium synthetic oils such as Mobil 1 are better equipped to resist degradation, hence keeping diesel engines performing as intended.

In Summary, over the next 10 to 20 years, the technology evolution for engine design is likely continue at an even more rapid rate, further changing the automotive marketplace and putting more emphasis than ever on the value that synthetic motor oils can deliver.

By Kevin Chinn

Kevin is an engine oil technical advisor for ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company. He is a member of the Mobil 1 Research Team based at the company's Paulsboro Technology Center in Paulsboro, New Jersey.

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Visually Impaired Man Unleashes His 'Inner Mustang' From Ford Mustang's Driver's Seat

Brandy S — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:03:00 -0700

With the warm Arizona wind pelting his forehead and his entire body vibrating from the mighty roar of the engine, Roger Keeney took a brand-new 2010 Ford Mustang convertible on an amazing ride, doing donuts on the pavement and amassing speeds of up to 90 mph.

This would be a thrill for anybody, but what makes this truly remarkable is the fact that Keeney has been blind for the past 20 years.

Sixty-two-year-old Keeney, who lives in Athens, Georgia, won the chance to drive the new 2010 Mustang by participating in "The '10 Unleashed" promotion, which asked people to describe their ultimate Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less. A video diary chronicling his extraordinary ride is live now at www.the2010mustang.com.

"When I got the phone call from Ford saying that I had won, I thought someone was playing a joke on me," said Keeney, who lost his sight in a farming accident.

It was definitely not a joke, says Ford Car Communications Manager Patricia Piedrahita.

"Without a doubt, his essay caught our attention," she said. "His submission hinted that he may be blind, so we had to talk to him to learn more. Upon speaking to him we knew he would help us see the Mustang from a different point of view."

In early May, Ford flew Keeney down to the expansive Ford Proving Grounds just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. With safety their number one concern, the Mustang team arranged for former professional racer Tommy Kendall to ride shotgun in the car.

"Tommy said, 'When you were a teenager, did you ever do donuts?' And I said, 'Yeah.' So I got it rolling a bit in first gear, cranked it hard to the left and revved it up and popped it and did three donuts before we stopped. When we stopped, we could hear the camera crew cheering from clear across the field. I was in awe of both the car and the experience, it was truly a dream come true."

"The most life-changing thing you can do for folks with disabilities is put them in a situation that everyone else has told them is impossible. The experience for me in the Mustang with Tommy Kendall next to me and driving that wonderful automobile was really great," Keeney added.

The rush and exhilaration of Keeney's dream come true is brought to life through the video chapters available for viewing at www.the2010mustang.com.

Through August 15, consumers will have the opportunity to live out their ultimate experience behind the wheel of a 2010 Ford Mustang - whether drifting in Japan like world champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr. or customizing a new Mustang using Ford Racing Performance Parts.

Consumers are asked to submit their own Mustang dream experience by answering the following question "if you could unleash your Mustang side, how would you do it?" in 250 words or less via Ford's "The '10 Unleashed" site at www.the2010mustang.com. Written submissions will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness, and execution of idea. Winning submissions will be selected every few weeks, and winners will be able to turn their Mustang experience into reality.

In all, Ford will provide ten once-in-a-lifetime experiences, with four created by Ford and six created by consumers. It's not too late for you to submit your own ultimate Mustang dream experience!!

From the the Ford Newsroom
By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor

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A Reminder to Not Drive Drunk This Fourth of July

AskPatty - Automotive Advice for Women — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:55:33 -0700

The Century Council sent me an innovative eCard for the July 4th holiday that reminds viewers to stay safe this Independence Day and not drive drunk. Click below to start the video, or you can also view the eCard here at The Century Council.

I first learned about The Century Council and its efforts to stop underage drinking when we reported on the organization's support of Brandon Silveria and his "Make the Right Choice" Program. The Century Council is a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking; through educational efforts such as the Silveria lecture and video program, The Century Council educates students across the country about the hazards of underage drinking and driving.

The special Fourth of July eCard demonstrates some activities that might happen on a typical July 4th day - a burger flips on a grill, a flag waves, somebody tosses a horseshoe. But it ends with images of what happens when someone has too much to drink, gets in their car, and puts lives in danger.

Perhaps you or somebody you know has been affected by a drunk driver? Just over 15 years ago, my husband lost control of his Corvette on a mountain road after a few beers and died instantly of a head injury. He was just 38 and left me a widow with young children to raise. Not long after that, I was hit by a drunk driver with five children in her car while returning with my own children from a family Thanksgiving celebration. The moment of that impact will be imbedded in my soul forever: Three of her five child passengers were killed instantly. The woman driver killed her only daughter and all three of her sister's children. She survived along with a two-year-old in a car seat and one other young boy cousin.

I hope this eCard will serve as a reminder to all our readers to stay safe this Fourth of July (and every day) and NEVER drive drunk. If you click on the link to view the eCard at the Century Council, it will also allow you to send the eCard to a friend, and even post it to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July from all of us at AskPatty!

Jody DeVere
President and CEO
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http://www.carblabber.com

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