Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Look Up

http://defensivedrivinghabits.blogspot.com/2012/
If you haven't heard, Utah has some new laws. One of them might be a little hard to follow, if you're an avid multi-tasker like me. However, it might also save your life.  

So let's break it down:

"To focus on the road, to focus on your driving, that's the main intent," said Sgt. Todd Royce, of the UHP, referring to the new cellphone and mobile device restrictions that go into effect May 13.
If you don't already use a hand-free system (the built in blue-tooth capability was one of my absolute favorite features of the new Honda CRV I test drove!) for your cell phone when you drive, it's time to look into that, or plan to stop using your mobile device altogether behind the wheel.  
Texting while driving is already illegal. But current Utah law does not specifically ban us from doing all kinds of other distracting things with our phones — like searching the Web, picking a song, or even dialing a phone number. Starting May 13, that's all illegal.
Utah will essentially have a handheld ban with a few exceptions. The new law bans us from using a cellphone or laptop to send texts, emails or instant messages. You cannot dial phone numbers, access the Web, take or view pictures or video, or enter data into your mobile device.
You can, however, still dial your phone with your hands during a medical emergency, reporting a safety hazard, or reporting criminal activity. On the job law enforcement and emergency personnel are also allowed to use their hands.
We are allowed to use our cellphones and other mobile devices using voice-operated technology, and other systems that are physically or electronically integrated into the car, such as Bluetooth.
We can still use our mobile devices to view GPS, and other mapping programs. We can also still talk with our phones up against our faces. But you have to use voice commands to dial the number.
"We feel it will save some lives out there on the roadway," said Royce.
Eleven people died last year on Utah roads in crashes attributed to distracted driving.
Troopers will be on the lookout for people manipulating their cellphones in any way.
"You're probably see a lot of warnings and a lot of education done," Royce said of when the law first goes into effect.
But, when troopers and other police officers start writing tickets, it's a class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $100, or a class B misdemeanor if you cause someone else to get hurt.
Even though you will still be able to use your phone with these new restrictions, Robert Hull, UDOT director of traffic and safety, says setting the phone aside while you drive is always the safest practice.
"The ultimate responsible driving behavior is 100 percent focus on your driving," Hull said.
It is not illegal to use a headset while driving in Utah, so that's an option for some drivers, as long as you're not working the phone with your hands. Of course, you can always pull over, or get off the road when it's safe, to use your phone." Source: KSL.com
The bottom line:  Put down your phone, look up, and drive safely!  

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

5 Reasons You Should NEVER Drive a Honda Odyssey | Winning Entry

When our good ol pickup bit the dust 4 years ago, my husband and I went looking for the best family-friendly, used vehicle we could afford. It seemed like a no-brainer to go with the 2002 Honda Odyssey. After all, it has an average customer rating of 4.5/5 stars on edmunds.com and is ranked first in its segment by CarandDriver.com. But it didnt take us long after signing the paperwork to discover the Odysseys awful secrets.


1. Heated Seats

Listen, Honda, I live in Utah for a reasonthe average temperature in the winter is 32 degrees. It’s my choice to drive in a frozen tundra, it should be my choice whether or not I want my buns toasty warm. Granted, I can turn the heat off, but once it’s on I’m too warm to reach over and push the button, basically removing my agency.

2. Seating for 7

Who, in their right mind, would want to drive with six other people? Not me! I like riding solo as much as possible. But when Honda puts all those extra cushy seats in the Odyssey, people assume you want to haul them around. Listen kids, just because theres room in the van, doesnt mean I need to drive you to school.

3. Folding Backseat

Granted, this could be an advantage if you dont want to drive people around (see reason 2), but its a great disadvantage when your husband shops at Home Depot. Do you realize how much paint and wood can fit in a van when the backseat folds down into the floor? Take my word for it. Its a lot. Just to return the favor, I might see how many Nordstrom bags can fit in the same space.

4. V-6 Engine

I live in a small town with small vehicles. Its bad for my image to sit at a stoplight next to Joan Schmo and have her know by the sound of my powerful engine I could take her in a drag race. Not that I would go zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. Thats just pretentious.

5. Automatic Sliding Doors

Honda is contributing to the nations obesity epidemic one automatic sliding door at a time. Gone are the days of building your biceps by opening and closing heavy van doors. Now I push a button on the remote and they open without any exertion on my part. With as flabby as my arms are getting, a gym membership should have been included the Odysseys purchase price.   


Jill Swensen blogs at Being Spiffy where she tells the tales of her people. Said people include her husband and three children. When not blogging, you can find Jill carting her family around the thoroughfares of Utah, searching for adventures and the perfect fountain Dr Pepper.

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