Biggest Killer of ATV Riders

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are becoming more popular every year. So, too, are accidents. Several hundred riders die and over 100,000 are injured annually. The causes are varied from defects in equipment to when nature isn't cooperative. But by far, the biggest cause is rider error.
Rider error can be in the form of lack of proper gear. The helmet is the most important, yet often riders presume a ball cap will shield them from harm. Goggles prevent eye injuries from debris and branches. Long sleeves and gloves prevent abrasions.
Many riders have never looked at the warning stickers on the fenders which warn them not to carry two riders unless the ATV was designed for it. Having the back end overloaded is a sure way to precipitate a backflip while going up a hill. Or they will ride on roadways and be struck by an auto. Or they will be drinking alcohol and poor judgment will prevail.
Many times children are on ATVs (sometimes called quads) that are too large or powerful for them to handle. They are even more prone than adults are to attempt extreme maneuvers or climbing a slope or traversing unstable terrain that is unsafe. Too often, this results in tragedy.
Much of this can be remedied by taking safety courses which are offered free by the manufacturers upon the purchase of a new quad. Surprisingly, only about one-third of new purchasers take up the offer.
As to actually killing riders, there is one situation that happens to overwhelmingly cause the most deaths. That is a rollover. Quads can weigh from 350 to over 900 pounds. One on top of a rider can easily pin them in sand or mud, or even under water or against a tree. But many times, they get a crushed skull or broken bones or spine.
One might think this will usually only happen if the rider is hot-dogging along a narrow trail, but that thought is wrong. In fact, 75% of all major accidents happen loading and unloading from a pickup bed or high trailer. Why is this?
Usually ramps are used for the quad's wheels to travel on going up or down. On a trailer, it's easy to move the wrong way slightly and come off where there is no ramp. Or, many times the ramps are short and the pickup tailgate is high. This means a steep angle of climb which is difficult. But even when longer ramps are used, there can be a problem.
What happens is that as the quad goes up the ramp, the wheels try to spin the ramp back away from the tailgate. When this happens, there is a space at the top of the ramps and they fall down. At that moment, the quad's front wheels may be on the tailgate and the rear wheels fall causing the quad to do a backflip-often landing on top of the rider. If only one ramp falls, the quad falls back and sideways-not much easier on the rider.
When the quad is being unloaded, it is being backed off the pickup and as its weight (remember, you are adding to the weight since you are on the seat) is transferred to the ramps, the tailgate rises and allows a gap at the top of the ramp. Then the ramp falls off. Now if the rider is way down on the ramp and close to the ground, then maybe no foul. But if the rider is high up still, or comes off the side of the ramp, then, again, the quad flips backward and/or sideways and lands on the rider. And, let me tell you, even if you aren't squashed, you still get quite a thrill!
The easiest way to prevent this loading/unloading hazard is pretty simple, although amazingly often disregarded. It's to use retention straps or chain to hold the ramps against the tailgate. The most effective way is to position them near the top portion of the ramp and as straight back to the truck, or bumper, as possible. If you are using nylon straps, you should check them regularly to make sure they aren't stress separating.
It is also a good habit to be wearing a helmet during this maneuver, too, for obvious reason.
Remember, three-fourths of all serious injuries are caused loading and unloading, so if you aren't on a trailer close to the ground where you can just push your quad off safely, then use the straps.
Accidents can sure ruin your day.
Ron Kelley

Used Automobile Dealers Facing Tough Market Amid New Car Competition

Years ago, it appeared that purchasing a used automobile was a prudent and practical thing to do because it was much more affordable compared to acquiring a brand new vehicle. Fast forward to 2013, industry experts concur that used car dealerships are having a difficult time in this market as potential car owners are shifting towards new rather than used.
Speaking with The Nation in September, Somchai Trakulpirom, general manager of Master Certified Used Cars, noted that the used car industry needs to make adjustments in its business model and provide better offers than what is presently being offered by their counterparts.
The difficult market, for instance, is suggesting that consumers are buying because of the attractive promotions that are being listed, such as zero down payment, low interest, inexpensive bi-weekly or monthly payments and other special promotions - stronger offers are even expected as dealerships attempt to clear out their inventories.
Most of these heightened promotions have been running since the summer and have been fueled because of the federal government's first-car-buy initiative launched last year. Dealers are looking to build upon its new car sales growth it has been experiencing for quite a while now.
In addition, with the rise of smaller, smart cars, they're maintaining a price that is just as affordable as a superior, used vehicle model: the Chevrolet Spark LS is $12,995, Smart ForTwo Pure is $13,240 and the Nissan Versa S Sedan is $12,780.
Anuchart Deeprasert of the Thai Hire Purchase Association reported that finance lenders have found a 20 percent reduction in used car loans - other estimates suggest as much as 30 percent. However, the organization did say that it expects used car purchases to return to normal growth sometime next year.
Furthermore, used vehicles, according to Trakulpirom, consist of a depreciation rate of between 10 and 25 percent. This means bad debts equates to fewer loans and financial institutions are becoming fastidious in approving loans due to the large number of high rate of bad debts.
"For example, the first-car-buyer scheme, which at first looked attractive because of the increased production volume and cash flow, has been responsible for stealing future demand," Trakulpirom told the news media outlet. "Some buyers made purchases under the scheme to make a direct profit, while some buyers who would not be able to afford a vehicle in normal conditions are now facing difficulties in paying the monthly installments, and are allowing the vehicles to be repossessed by the finance companies, resulting in a large number of bad debts."
He added: "If finance companies have a large number of repossessed vehicles, they will be more careful with loan approvals and deny more applications. Demand for used cars is now controlled by financing requirements."
Last month, forecasters and analysts predicted softer prices and an enhanced used vehicle selection in 2014. This is due in part to the sheer number of eight- to 12-year-old cars that currently need to be replaced. Although most concur that prices of used vehicles will not plummet, it is believed that smaller and mid-sized cars will experience the highest price drop because of competition in that market base.
Nevertheless, with the Motor Expo 2013 gearing up, auto manufacturers and dealers may unite and increase its promotions, such as a low-down-payment offer for civil servants and state-enterprise officers as well as even a grace period.
The sales of 98,000 vehicles per month are surely an incentive for both manufacturer and dealer to persist in running these campaigns to draw in more consumers throughout 2014.

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Motorcycle Accidents: Knowing The Facts And Taking Precaution

From Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones, to Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda in Easy Rider, there has always been a certain culture, image or mystique surrounding motorcycles. Ask any motorcycle rider what they love about riding and you will get answers like: I love the wind in my face, there's nothing like the feeling of freedom on the open road, it's the best way to see the country, the power and sense of speed is exhilarating, it's fun and it's an adrenaline rush. Some may even say, "It's the risk and danger of it."
Whether riding a tricked out Harley, a classic Indian or just a daily commuter, there is just something about cruising down the highway or zipping through town on a motorcycle. In today's economy of high gas prices, they can offer an affordable alternative when filling up at the pump. But there is also another side to motorcycles: accidents.
There is a saying among motorcyclists: "If you ride long enough, it's not if you're going to have an accident, it's when". And when those accidents happen they are far more likely to cause severe injury or death. Statistics show that on a per-mile driven basis, there are 35 times more deaths among motorcycle riders than automobile drivers. In Emergency Rooms, a dark term for motorcycles is donor cycles. That's a pretty alarming and the statistics bear closer examination, so let's break it down.

• 56% of motorcycle deaths involve collisions with other vehicles
• 78% of those deaths are from head-on collisions with automobiles or trucks
• 25% of motorcycle deaths involve hitting a fixed object
• 75% of motorcycle accidents involve the rider not properly negotiating a curve
• Half of all motorcycle accidents involve speed and/or alcohol

Here's one more statistic that may not be so surprising. "Super sport" motorcycles - the high powered machines that are built on a lightweight racing frame modified for street use - have a four times higher death rate than conventional motorcycles. These bikes can reach speeds of over 160 miles per hour and are most often driven by male riders under thirty years of age. Insane speed, plus testosterone, plus youthful, poor judgment can be a lethal combination.
Yes those are sobering statistics, but it doesn't mean anyone who owns a motorcycle should put it up for sale immediately or send it off the salvage yard to be crushed. There are ways to reduce the risk of becoming a statistic and continue to enjoy your two-wheeled fun machine. It just involves taking a few precautions and using a healthy dose of common sense.
First and foremost, protect yourself.

• Always wear an approved helmet - no exceptions! 37% of riders who died when not wearing a helmet would have probably survived had they worn one.
• Wear eye protection: face shield, goggles or sun glasses
• Wear protective clothing: full finger gloves, long pants, boots, and motorcycle jackets made of leather or other protective material. Some jackets have built-in padding and even body armor.
• Wear bright colors, even if it's just your helmet
• Maintain your bike
• Be aware of road hazards like pot holes, loose gravel, wet pavement and animals
• Take a safety class

Second, don't just pay attention. Be vigilant! Not everyone on the road is motorcycle conscious and not everyone out there is motorcycle friendly. Drive defensively and never assume other drivers notice or even see you. Remember, the widest part of you and your motorcycle is probably the handlebars. The most common comment made by drivers after a collision with a motorcycle is, "I didn't see it."
Finally, and it should go without saying, never ever ride after you've been drinking. Even a small lapse in reaction time or judgment can be disastrous - even fatal.
Motorcycles can be dangerous and are by design not as safe as being inside an automobile. But that doesn't mean they can't be a fun way to get around. Know the risks, protect yourself and always be alert and watchful. Like Steppenwolf song said, "Get your motor runnin', head out on the highway!" And always, be careful out there.

The Minnesota personal injury lawyers and attorneys of Sieben Polk in Minneapolis MN have successfully represented over 50,000 cases in Minnesota including litigation on behalf of motorcycle accident victims.

The Benefits of Buying From Used Car Dealerships

When it comes to buying a previously owned vehicle, buying from used car dealerships is typically safer than purchasing an automobile from a private seller. Buying a previously owned vehicle over a used one provides the consumer with a variety of benefits. While there are a huge amount of listings for private sellers located everywhere from local newspapers to the Internet, buying from a dealer will give you more protection than buying privately. Many dealers offer certifications and other protections. Plus, you will get the assurance that comes with seeing the automobile in person, test driving it, and having it checked by a mechanic before you purchase, while buying on the Internet may not give you all of those reassurances.
Used car dealerships cannot legally sell you a broken car, which is not completely true when buying privately. A vehicle must meet certain quality standards before a dealer can sell it to you. A vehicle that has a basic mechanical issue or problem that causes it to not operate properly such as brakes that don't function or broken shocks, cannot be sold by used car dealerships. It is also not in the interest of dealers, which are businesses, to sell improperly operating vehicles. Some vehicles may be sold "as is," in which case you should take extra precautions before you hand over any of your money. Dealers also sell vehicles that are "certified," meaning that the automobile has gone through some kind of thorough inspection, and it may come with a warranty.
Although buying from a private seller is often cheaper, there are more risks associated with doing so. The vehicle could be stolen, or it could be damaged in some way that may not be immediately evident or detectable. If when purchasing from a private seller you come across any damage or problems down the line, you will need to be sure that you have evidence and that you have a way of contacting the seller.
Used car dealerships can also help you with the process of transferring all of the associated paperwork involved with ownership, and they also may be able to help you with financing. Some even accept trade-ins. It is pretty unlikely that you will find any kind of deal even close when buying privately. Plus, when buying from a dealer, you will not need to have several meetings with people you do not know and go through the process of having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic, and test-driving the vehicle over and over again. Used car dealerships simply give you a variety of benefits you will not find elsewhere.

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Start Preparing for Summer Motorcycle Rides

When summer comes around, the weather heats up tremendously, sometimes to dangerous levels. For motorcycle riders, being so exposed to the weather and without the advantage of air conditioning or shade, preparing for the summer heat and glare is critical.
Here are a few tips and items to take along to protect yourself from the heat and still enjoy your summer bike rides:
Choose Your Route Carefully
You'll want to try to map out your route to maximize shade and avoid full exposure to the sun. You can do this by choosing roads and highways that run through areas with lots of trees or tall buildings that will block the sun for you. You can also plan your route at certain times of the day to minimize full exposure to the sun, like riding in the mornings and evenings instead of the mid-day sun. You'll also want to consider the glare you'll be encountering when riding to the west. You may be riding directly into the sun and may encounter lots of glare. Don't let your eyes go unprotected by choosing a good pair of polarized motorcycle goggles and/or a helmet with a full face mask. Something else to avoid in your route is too many stop lights. When you start and stop too much, your engine may overheat and you may be stuck on the side of a busy road with little protection from the sun. You'll also want to avoid super busy areas, like freeways or places where there are frequent traffic jams. Getting into a traffic jam in the hot sun, can be dangerous for a motorcycle rider. You always want to avoid traffic jams.
Essentials
There are a few items that you absolutely must take along with you when riding in the summer heat.
First and foremost, you want to carry plenty of water with you. While you don't need gallons and gallons, you want to have enough to get you through 1 or 2 days for sure. You also want to have some vessels for getting water from a spigot or water fountain if needed. You may also find it handy to have a method to filter or sterilize water, such as water from a stream, river, lake or creek, especially if you are riding in a rural area. There are now water bottles with filters built in that you can buy.
You want to have your cell phone, of course. So you can call for help if needed. You also want to have a cell phone charger or solar charger for the cell phone, just in case you get stuck somewhere and your battery is drained.
You also want to carry some items to protect you from the sun should you break down, like an umbrella or tarp.
Riding Gear
There is now specialized gear available especially for keeping motorcycle riders comfortable and safe in the heat. These include special "cool suits", which direct heat away from the body. There are also gloves and pants that are made especially for hot weather. Lastly, there are now special vented helmets available, that allow your head to be protected, but for air to get through and cool your head.

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Car Body Repairs and the Modern Day Techniques

Even a fuel-efficient car, which stays in good condition for most of the time, might need some critical repairs as time progress. The paint might fade out and the car may develop minor scratches, dings and dents. Such damages are hard to fix using waxing. This is technicians are constantly seeking for effective ways of an auto body repair.
Completely Matching Auto Paint
No matter the car demands a complete body painting or an area wise painting for fixing dents or dings, the new paint must completely match with the original paint. Bodywork professionals these days, use a photo-spectrometer to find out the exact colour tone. This computerized paint matching system finds out the exact colour tone to that of the auto. Once they find the exact colour, they paint the auto and dry it to give it a uniform look.
Paint-free Dent Restoration Technique
Dents or dings normally show up on the vehicle when it collides with another vehicle (on the road) or with a hard surface. Dents normally develop at the angular or curved car surfaces. Even though such problems are easily noticeable, they are quite hard to fix. Paint-free dent restoration technique is the best method to fix such problems. Bodywork professionals have the necessary tools to push the dents, till they get back to the normal state. The technicians fix the impairment without doing any damage to the car paint. The auto mechanics normally use spray-filling technique for fixing the inaccessible dents.
Body Frame Restoration
When cars collide with another vehicle or heavy block on the road, it succumb major structural damage to the frame. In such cases, one must use a frame straightening method. They use a computerized equipment (featuring an ultrasound technology), to calculate the frame alignment error. Then a laser beam aligns the frame accurately to its original state.
Smart Repair Technique
This technique is extremely effective for repairing minor dings or chipped paints. It is a lot harder as compared to the other techniques. This technique only repairs or covers the affected area. It mostly suits the brand new vehicles as they have minor damages on the body while the major body part stays fresh and glossy. Some garages also give a mobile service, and can carry out the repairs at your home itself. With such garages, you do not have to wait too long, before you can use the vehicle again.
With recent advancements in auto body repair, getting a quality accident repair service is no longer difficult.

Daniel RK Smith writes for Armstrong Bodyshop, a premium accident Repair Centre in East Grinstead. With their quality car Body Repairs in East Grinstead

A Few Motorcycle Safety Tips To Consider

There is nothing quite like experiencing the world at a fast rate of speed. Add to that sensation the freedom of going fast on two wheels, and you will get one of the primary reasons why people venture forward on a motorcycle. If you are planning on learning how to ride, or you want to hit the open road on a tour or just want to invest in this option, you should definitely think about safety as well. It may not be a popular subject to discuss, but it's definitely something that is worth noting, especially in these modern times. The following are a few motorcycle safety tips that you should definitely consider if you're going to enjoy the wide open road on just a couple of wheels.
Wear a Helmet - Perhaps the most compelling thing that you can do when riding, even if you're in a state that doesn't have a law is to wear a helmet. Protecting your head from injury is the number one thing that you absolutely have to do in these modern times. Do not ride without one, even if you feel that you're an expert and are experienced with riding. This will be detrimental in every way if you crash, especially if you hit your head. Imagine your skull like a watermelon and you'll see a very important reason why it should be the first thing that you think about when riding.
Gloves - Riding a motorcycle of any type will come with some problems in the long term. Whether it's your hand's sweating, or the sun beating down on them, you'll find that to get the most comfort out of getting on board with this type of ride, you will need to wear gloves. The main purpose is to allow for a bit more grip on the handles, and to allow for a bit of protection in case you have to put your hands down for any reason. You may find some padded options that will give you a level of protection in an accident.
Goggles or Facemask - Riding through tight curves, and wide open spaces can be the most intriguing and adventurous thing that you do, but make sure that you wear some sort of ocular protection. When you're venturing out into the open you will not only be hitting buts, but you will hit dirt, debris and dust that can easily blind you at such a high rate of velocity. Do not go out without some semblance of protection, because you will not enjoy the consequences that will hit you fast. The discomfort of losing eyesight through such a simple manner is evidence enough to ensure that you take this tip to heart.
The above are just a few tips that you should definitely consider when dealing with safety. Riding safe is not only a matter that is for your health, but the health of any rider that is with you. Don't play with your life, get a helmet, goggles, and gloves when getting on board two wheels and hitting the open road today.

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