Is texting while driving really worse than drunk driving?

 

Texting, or short message service (SMS), is a quick form of communication that allows users to send 160 characters or less to and from their cell phones and smartphones. A study by the Pew Research group in 2009 and 2010 reported that out of the number of Americans who have cellphones, 58 percent of adults and 66 percent of teens use them to text. With these high percentages of Americans using text messaging every year, many are bringing the habit along with them when they drive. The same Pew study showed that 34 percent of teens who use their phone for texting said they've done it while driving, and 47 percent of adults who texted said they had done it while driving, too.

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that almost 6,000 fatalities and over half of a million injuries were due to accidents caused by drivers who were distracted. The study wasn't focused on texting, but it does show the seriousness of driving while distracted. Like many other driving distractions, texting involves a certain amount of mental attention as well as physical application which may be why 28 states have banned drivers from texting while operating a vehicle.

But is there really proof that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving? Even though research is just now being done to measure the effects of texting while driving, some in the automotive industry and others in research circles say that texting is definitely more dangerous than drunk driving. Mainly because taking a driver's eyes off the road significantly cuts down on his or her ability to react to changes.

Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/texting-while-driving-worse-than-drunk-driving.htm

The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle

Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council.

“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

1. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

1. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

1. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

1. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

1. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

1. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

1. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

1. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

1. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

The Car Care Council has introduced a newcustomserviceschedule. The personalized schedule and e-mail reminder service is a free resource to help motorists drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.

Article courtesy of: http://www.carcare.org/2012/04/car-care-the-key-to-a-long-lasting-vehicle/

Old Bill’s Fun Run For Charities 2012 Presented by the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole

Old Bill’s Fun Run 2012 will be held at Jackson Town Square on September 8^th at 10AM. Participants run or walk 2K, 5K or 10K in competitive or recreational categories. There will be costumes, music, a free brunch and awards.  Register for the run/walk here by September 7^th at 5PM.

Mr. and Mrs. Old Bill generously provide the first $500,000 in matching funds. The Community Foundation raises additional matching funds from individuals, businesses and organizations in the community, known as Co-Challengers and Friends of the Match. When all the gifts have been recorded and acknowledged – approximately four weeks after the run – the Community Foundation calculates the match percentage based on the total amount of match money available relative to the total amount of designated contributions, up to $25,000 for each organization. All eligible participating organizations receive the same percentage match on the first $25,000 in designated contributions they raise. The match percentage will be announced at the Awards Party on October 22, 2012. 

100% of all designated contributions are passed on to eligible organizations that donors recommend (subject to the Community Foundation’s variance power) along with a match percentage on the first $25,000 raised on their behalf. 20% of the matching pool is allocated to the Foundation’s Competitive Grants program for the coming year, providing a year-long opportunity for organizations to apply for grant support. To successfully produce the event each year, the Foundation assesses a 5% administrative fee from the match pool. 

Over the past fifteen years, the event has helped local charities raise nearly $83 million and has touched the lives of thousands.

Information courtesy of: http://www.cfjacksonhole.org/old-bills-fun-run/

How to Use Jumper Cables

Owning a working set of jumper cables -- and knowing how to use them -- is a must for drivers. Since using jumper cables incorrectly can be dangerous, follow every step precisely. Most jumper cables have an instruction card or label so you can make sure you're connecting them the right way.

● Find a car to serve as the boosting car.

● Park the two cars -- the dead car and the boosting car -- close to one another, making sure that they're not touching each other.

● Make sure both cars' engines are turned off, and both cars are in park.

● Clamp the red jumper cable (i.e. the positive cable) to the dead car's positive battery terminal, which is marked with a "+." Make sure that the clamp is firmly connected to the battery.

● Clamp the other end of the red jumper cable to the booster car's positive battery terminal, also marked with a "+." Make sure that the clamp is firmly connected to the battery.

● Clamp the black jumper cable (i.e. the negative cable) to the booster car's negative battery terminal, which is marked with a " - ". Make sure that the clamp is firmly connected to the battery.

● Clamp the other end of the black jumper cable to a bare, metal surface on the engine of the dead car. This can be a bolt or a screw. This provides grounding for the jump start [source: Brauer].

● Ensure that the jumper cables are not touching any engine parts.

● Start the booster car's engine and let it idle for a few minutes.

● Start the dead car's engine and let it idle for a few minutes.

● Disconnect the black jumper cable from the once-stalled engine. Then disconnect the black jumper cable from the booster car.

● Remove the red jumper cable from the booster car. Then remove the red jumper cable from the once-stalled car.

If this process doesn't work, the dead car's problem may not be with the battery. That's when it's time to call a tow truck or roadside service provider.

Article courtesy of: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/how-to-use-jumper-cables.htm

Teton Motors Scramble This Saturday!

We're proud to sponsor another great golf tournament by the Star Valley Ranch Association. The Teton Motors Scramble will be taking place Saturday, August 4th and will feature a Hole-In-One contest, where anyone who hits a legitimate hole-in-one on a specific hole will win a new Subaru! Also, everyone who "hits the green" will have the opportunity to pull a prize from the prize bucket (prizes range in value from $5 - $200). And everyone who participates in the tournament receives a 10% off service coupon as well. Don't miss out!

Music on Main

The Stone Foxes rocked last night! Check out the upcoming bands performing at Music on Main!

Thursday, August 2nd at 6 PM is Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys

Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys have quickly become the act to watch on the zydeco circuit. Brimming with coy sensuality, Rosie’s music is fresh and daring while still retaining its links to its bayou Creole heritage. Rosie has a rare combination of talent, not only in the zydeco world, but in any musical genre. She can write top-notch award winning songs, hang with the best of them on her instrument, and can sing circles around her peers. Rosie is among the few zydeco artists who still sing and write some of their own material in Creole French.

Thursday, August 9th at 6 PM is Carrie Rodriguez

Rodriguez’ journey from teenage violin student to touring the world with the likes of Chip Taylor  (famed songwriter of “Wild Thing), Lucinda Williams and Alejandro Escovedo, has resulted in a prodigious output of recordings – eight albums in as many years. Carrie brings incredible talent, energy, and entertainment to the stage. A joy for all!

Thursday, August 16th at 6 PM is Young Dubliners

Seamlessly blending their rock and Celtic influences into a high energy, anthemic and lyrically poignant mix, the band whose lineup since 2002 includes co-founder Keith Roberts (vocals, guitar), fellow Dubliner Brendan Holmes (bass, vocals), American-born members Bob Boulding (guitar, vocals), Chas Waltz (violin, keyboards, harp, mandolin, vocals) and Dave Ingraham (drums, percussion)—jumps energetically from ballad to barn burner, documenting as they go the vibrant yet chaotic world they find themselves in. 

Information courtesy of: http://tetonvalleyfoundation.org/culture/music-on-main/

2014 Chevrolet Impala features crash avoidance technology on all angles

Here are the active safety features on the 2014 Impala designed to help drivers avoid crashes:

• Full-speed-range adaptive cruise control – Radar technology senses ahead and adjusts the Impala’s speed from a complete stop to full acceleration. It is the first application in a Chevrolet.
• Collision mitigation braking – Another Chevy first: Radar technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver. If the driver does not appear to react quickly enough or doesn’t react at all, this feature intervenes to apply the brakes in an effort to avoid the crash.
• Forward collision alert – Camera technology detects a possible crash threat and alerts the driver visually and audibly, giving him or her time to stop and/or change course. If a crash occurs, the Impala is equipped with OnStar, and a specially trained advisor is connected to the vehicle. If the driver requests help or can’t answer, emergency responders are sent to the precise GPS location.
• Lane departure warning – A camera-based lane-detection system identifies traffic lane markings and provides audible alerts in cases of unintended lane changes.
• Side blind zone alert – Using radar sensors on both sides of the vehicle, the system “looks” for other vehicles in the blind zone areas of the Impala and indicates their presence with LED-lit symbols in the outside mirrors.
• · Rear cross traffic alert – Based on the radar sensors of side blind zone alert, it warns the driver of vehicles in traffic when backing out of a parking spot – including angled parking. Visual and audible alerts are triggered if moving vehicles are detected.
• Rear vision camera with dynamic guidelines – With a display in the center stack infotainment system, the camera provides a view of objects directly behind the Impala, while the dynamic guidelines provide a reference that helps make parking and other maneuvers easier.
• Rear park assist – Uses sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects directly behind the vehicle and provides an alert for the driver.
• Brake pre-fill feature – Another Chevy first: Radar technology detects a possible crash threat and the system increases the hydraulic pressure in the brake lines, anticipating a driver’s hard braking. This quickens the response time and shortens stopping distances (included with 20-inch wheels on uplevel models).
• Hill hold/start assist – On hills, applies the brakes for about 1.5 seconds to prevent the car from rolling when the driver moves his or her foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal.

Read more: http://www.egmcartech.com/2012/06/29/2014-chevrolet-impala-features-crash-avoidance-technology-on-all-angles/