Hurricane season brings battering winds, torrential rains and potentially dangerous wet and flooded roads. These hurricane safe driving tips could save a life - yours, a passenger, pedestrian or those in another vehicle. Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. This does more than simply increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you. It also lets the … [Read more...]
Ebola virus and flu shots
It’s important to get a flu shot every year. Getting a flu shot is especially important this year because of Ebola. No, a flu shot absolutely positively will not protect you from Ebola. But since the first symptoms of Ebola and flu are similar, a flu shot will at least protect you from worrying that it is Ebola. Most flu shots are covered under the Affordable Care Act, also known as … [Read more...]
2014 Formula One racing season and Michael Schumacher update
When the 2014 Formula One racing season gets underway today in Australia, the thoughts of many drivers, pit crews and fans will be with top-winning driver Michael Schumacher, who has been in a medically-induced coma since a skiing accident in France in December 2013. EuroSport reports there are small, encouraging signs of improvement in his condition. But with such little news from the … [Read more...]
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week
Within the next decade, there will be 40 million drivers in the USA over the age of 65. Normal aging affects our physical, mental and sensory abilities that affect how safely we drive. December 2-6, 2013 is Older Driver Safety Awareness week, sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Here are some things to consider to make your driving more comfortable and keep you driving … [Read more...]
Safest 2013, 2014 small cars
Drum roll please! ecoXplorer has a new newsletter. Sign up for free to stay up to date on green travel, green cars, and saving the green in your wallet on both. Click here to sign up, or via the "Subscribe Me" box on the upper right of this page, above the familiar icons for our Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest pages. All small cars are easy on the budget, especially at the gas station. … [Read more...]
Alcohol and hot weather don’t mix
Alcohol and hot weather can be an especially dangerous mix. Drinking impairs judgment and increases risk-taking any time. In hot weather, you add the potential risk of heat stroke caused by dehydration. That's because alcohol lowers the body's tolerance for heat and acts as a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose more fluid than without drinking. Also, a dehydrated person is likely to … [Read more...]
Get your car ready for summer travel
One of the great joys of summer is the family road trip. Make sure Old Breakdown doesn't live up to its name by taking some simple steps to avoid potential problems that could ruin your vacation. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions. Check the brake system and make sure the battery connection is … [Read more...]
Vacation spots that cause weight gain
Where you go on vacation can determine how much weight you gain. Surprisingly, the legendary rich food of France, the all-you-can-eat buffets in Las Vegas, or the beer and pretzels in Germany, did not top the list. The destination with the largest weight gain is Greece, where the average adult puts on three pounds over a ten-day holiday. At least, that's the conclusion of travel operators … [Read more...]
Go Further With Ford green living trend conference
Normally, the automotive events I attend, which include test drives of the newest models, are just for us automotive writers. But Ford has a different idea. Their Go Further With Ford safety, environment and design trend conference at company headquarters in Dearborn this month included an interesting mix of writers and bloggers on fashion, technology, design, home decorating, architecture … [Read more...]
Best 2011 Cars Under $20,000: 2011 Kia Optima Mid-Size Sedan
The all-new 2011 Kia Optima has been collecting notable awards that would be impressive even for a sedan that costs a good bit more than this class-leading, family friendly, fuel efficient sedan with a starting price of $18,995. Most important for my money is that the 2011 Kia Optima is the first Korean-built vehicle to achieve the top safety rating under new, more stringent government … [Read more...]