Put the mascara down and step away from the cellphone: How NOT to become a statistic

Want to lower your chances of getting into a car accident? Stop grooming behind the wheel. Men, no more electric shaving!  Ladies, put the makeup down. Driving with these types of distractions, along with eating or using your cell phone significantly increases your chances of getting into an accident. Finish grooming before you leave the house– because it’s never worth the risk.

Take a Road Trip Off of the Beaten Path

 

Taking a summer road trip is a national rite of passage in the U.S. While many people stick to a planned out route, some decide to stray from their voice-activated navigation systems and take unexpected detours. Check out the following for a list of scenic destinations that stray off the beaten path.

Columbia River Scenic Highway, Ore.

Unlike most highways, this nearly century-old route was built purely for scenery, and it truly delivers big time. "It's just a fantastic drive and the landscape is breathtaking," Jensen says. The 75-mile winding ride from The Dalles to Troutdale starts east of Portland, taking in the sights of the Columbia Gorge. Along the way, passengers are treated to waterfalls, mountain views and plenty of pull-offs, so the driver can enjoy it too.

Route 66, Illinois to California

From the Grapes of Wrath to pop music to the early days of television, the Mother Road is linked to the American psyche. "It touches on some of the greatest mythology in American," Jensen says. "It's Manifest Destiny." While much of the Midwest-to-Pacific route has been swallowed up by interstates, many places still preserve the original two-lane highway. "The scenery is inspiring," Jensen says, particularly the portion across the Southwest. "Every other street scene reminds you of Rain Man or some other movie."

Hill Country Hideaways, Texas

This central region of the Lone Star State provides the Texas the world knows from the movies, with deep canyons, swift rivers and undulating sagebrush plains. "It's wonderfully winding roads and proper two-lane highways," says Jensen, who recommends making a loop of state highways 335, 336 and 337. "It's the middle of nowhere. It's an elemental landscape."

Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana

There's no better way to appreciate the power of the mighty Mississippi River than driving its length from north to south. "From Mark Twain to Bob Dylan to Muddy Waters, it has a place in the national psyche. It's where the West begins," Jensen says. He suggests breaking up the trip into pieces, from the unexpected hilly terrain in Wisconsin and Iowa, to the Delta region from Memphis to New Orleans.

Pacific Coast Highway, San Luis Obispo to Monterey, Calif.

While California's Route 1 runs most the length of the state, Jensen calls this middle section the sweet spot, featuring the stunning scenery of Big Sur, where it twists through seaside cliffs. The stretch also passes near the wine country of Paso Robles, and the arty town of Carmel. "There are mountains, oceans and thin strip of asphalt in between, that's it. You feel like you have the whole continent at your back when you watch the sunset over the Pacific." The trip works either way, but the driver will have the best view if you head south to north.

Overseas Highway, Miami to Key West, Fla.

Driving this 120-mile route connecting the Florida Keys with bridges and causeways is like piloting a hovercraft across the ocean, Jensen says. Originally developed for the Florida East Coast Railway, the route was wiped out by a hurricane in 1935 and converted to a highway. "It's you and the water half the time. You feel like you're floating. It's a wonderful sensory experience." Although it can be driven in just a few hours, take your time to stop at seafood dives and tourist traps along the way. "There are fish and chips and cold beer and that's always a pleasure."

Million Dollar Highway, Silverton to Ouray, Colo.

This section of U.S. Highway 550 climbs more than two miles above sea level as it twists its way between two historic gold-mining towns. Some say the route's nickname comes from the road's fill dirt, which came from mine waste later discovered to contain gold ore. , while others insist it cost a million dollars a mile to build. "It's literally breath-taking because of the attitude, but it's a beautiful part of the world, an amazing drive with a great name and it deserves it," Jensen says. The road is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, offering the chance for more exploration.

Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

This Appalachian beautyfest starts just two hours west of Washington, D.C., and slowly winds its way along ridge lines and near historic towns as it traces the mountain range. With low speed limits, you have time to soak in the scenery along the 105-mile drive in Shenandoah National Park. Then connect with the parkway, which continues for another 469 miles on the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The highlight for many is the famed Linn Cove Viaduct, an engineering marvel that winds through the treetops along the road's highest section.

The Loneliest Road, Nevada 

The section of U.S. Highway 50 earned its name because it passes through a largely barren uninhabited region. However, the road offers plenty of distractions as it follows the Pony Express route, skirting mining camps and crossing mountain ranges covered with juniper and pine forests. "The actual driving surface is excellent. And there are gas stations and cafes along the way." Jensen says.


****usatoday.com

 

Don't Be a Road Hog: How to Safely Share the Road With Truckers.

We've all driven next to them; whether it be on the highway or on a simple suburban road, trucks are everywhere. While many people fear the 18-wheelers traveling the nation's highways, we're here to put your mind at ease. Follow these simple road-rules in order to avoid a collision and make it easier to share the road with a semi.

1.  Never Ride in a Trucker's Blind Spots. 

Trucks have large blind spots to the right and rear of the vehicle. Smaller blind spots exist on the right front corner and mid-left side of the truck. The worst thing a driver can do is chug along in the trucker's blind spot, where he cannot be seen. If you're going to pass a truck, do it and get it over with. Don't sit alongside with the cruise control set 1 mph faster than the truck is traveling.

2. Never Cut-off a Semi. 

Don't try to sneak into a small gap in traffic ahead of a truck. Don't get in front of a truck and then brake to make a turn. Trucks take as much as three times the distance to stop as the average passenger car, and you're only risking your own life by cutting a truck off and then slowing down in front of it.

3. Be Patient while they are reversing.

Motorists need to understand that it takes time and concentration to back a 48-foot trailer up without hitting anything. Sometimes a truck driver needs to make several attempts to reverse into tight quarters. Keep your cool and let the trucker do their job.

Old School Road Trip Activities

If you're on a road trip and you're looking for activities that don't involve the iPad or a television, look no further! Below we've listed some great group games.

• I Spy.
• Audiobooks on CD such as Harry Potter.
• Find a car with license plate from every state
• Bring aluminum foil and have everyone fold them into different animals.
• Give each child a disposable camera and challenge them to take the best photos on the ride.

What Does Your Car's Color Say About Your Personality?

It has been said that your car's color can say a lot about your personality; whether you're simple and sophisticated, or artistic and bold, or elegant and under-spoken, it can be argued that your everyday vehicle can say a lot about you as a whole. So tell us, what does your car color say about you?

Black: Powerful, Classic, Elegant - You are a bold and powerful person, and likely your wardrobe matches your car's color in reflecting it. You are elegant in everything that you do and believe "you can't beat the classics".

White: Pure, Pristine, Direct - Likely you are a very clean, organized person. Your passengers would better hope they remember to grab their trash out of the car before they leave, otherwise they can expect an earful from you about maintaining your car's pristine state.

Pearl: Glamorous and Exciting - You aren't too flashy, but you aren't too boring either. You've got yourself together but you'd like to make sure everyone else knows there is a part of you that isn't afraid to cut loose every now and again.

Silver: Futuristic and Prestigious - You're a forward thinker. You tend to value the finer things in life. Regular colors are just a bit too plain for your personality.

Red: Sensual, Dynamic, and Outgoing - Always on the lookout for a good time. You probably tend to be a bit outspoken, but it is the reason why you are appreciated by the people around you. You're a true social butterfly.

Gray: Practical and Pragmatic - Cool, calm, and collected, you are. You're likely a very logical person and a great thinker. Not usually very quick to excite.

Blue: Calm and Faithful, yet Confident and Authoritative - There is a lot to be said about people who drive blue cars, however, most tend to be very calm and collected individuals. Do not confuse these people with pushovers, though, these types of people tend to be very opinionated and steadfast.

Orange: Unique, Artistic, and Complex - You are an artist. You are not afraid to let your freak flag fly and are probably not often concerned how you come off to other people. And why should you be? You're too busy being you to worry about other people's opinions, and that's a good thing!

Brown: Powerful, yet Down-To-Earth - You're a very "grounded" individual, pun intended. You are not fazed by over-the-top antics but rather appreciate the finer things in life. You are a very neutral person.

Yellow: Joyful, Humorous - You're that guy or gal in your circle of friends who is always making everyone laugh and is generally a hoot to be around. You've got a very sunny disposition that tends to brighten up the lives of those around you.

Green: Well-Balanced, Organic - Leading a life of indulgence and excesses is just not something you are concerned with. You would rather concern yourself with what you can do for other's around you. You are generally a very compassionate and self-aware person.

Gold: Intelligent and Warm - Contrary to most of gold's usual implications, you are a warm and intelligent person. You value attention but you are not in others' faces about it all the time. You crave comfort.