The new road risk - texting

It's more than multi-tasking, it's a dangerous distraction. Driving while texting (DWT?) is making headlines as drivers and the government weigh in on this roadway threat. A recent Harris Interactive poll found that 91 percent of surveyed Americans say that driving while text messaging is as dangerous as driving after a few drinks. It's not illegal like DWI, but it may be soon.

Currently, only Washington State has passed a law making it illegal to text and drive. More states are considering a similar ban, including New York, New Jersey, Oregon, and California. Nine out of 10 Americans in the Harris poll said they would support laws banning driving while texting. However, the same poll found that two thirds read messages while driving and more than half of them admit to sending messages from the driver's seat. So, it seems that people know the potential hazards, but find it hard to resist the temptation to stay connected. Many of us are driving under the influence of technology.

Findings from a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)/Virginia Tech 100-car study found that "glances totaling more than two seconds for any purpose increase near-crash/crash risk by at least two times [than] that of normal baseline driving." Click here to read the full report (in PDF format).

Teens tend to be the group with the most risky driving habits. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds, according to NHTSA. A survey by AAA and Seventeen magazine found 61 percent of teens admit to risky driving. Forty-six percent of them say they text message and 51 percent talk on the phone while driving. A 2005 Melbourne Monash University study found that young drivers who text message take their eyes off the road four times more than other drivers and would veer out of their lane 63 percent more frequently.

In July, five teens were killed in an upstate New York crash. It was discovered that text messages were sent just prior to the accident. While it may not have been the primary cause of the accident, it may have been a contributor. The combination of teen driving inexperience and distraction can be a deadly mix.

Texting is a relatively new technology, and its use in the driver's seat is becoming more prevalent, but hand-held phone use while driving has been the center of controversy since cell phones became a necessary mainstream accessory over a decade ago. This technology has been both a lifesaving device and a risk. According to a 2006 Pew Internet survey, 74 percent of Americans say they have used their hand-held device in an emergency and received help. However, other studies have shown that motorists who use cell phones while driving are four times as likely to get into a crash.

In July 2008, California will likely become the fourth state to ban driving with hand-held phones. Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia currently have these laws in place. Sixteen states and DC restrict the use of phones by young drivers. Many other states are considering legislation, as well. Outside the United States, nationwide cell-phone driving bans are more common. Many countries around the world have banned this risky behavior completely, including Australia, France, Egypt, Russia, Israel, Japan, and England.

In a previous blog, we discussed tips to reduce driver distraction. Whether new laws are needed, self-regulation, or stricter parenting for teen drivers, we can all agree that cell phones can be a distraction and that accidents from them can be prevented. A cell phone is a valuable tool in an emergency, but knowing when and how to use it can be the difference between life saving and life threatening.

--Liza Barth

Road trip tips for traveling with your dog

For millions of dog owners, family vacations often begin after a trip to the boarding kennel. With proper planning, preparation, and training, however, your dog can enjoy getaways by car with the entire family. There are countless hotels, parks, recreation spots, and even amusement parks across the country that welcome pets. And kids often enjoy having the family dog along for companionship and entertainment.

Below are some tips to help keep your canine friend happy, health, and safe on a road trip.

• To reduce your dog's anxiety (and chance of destructive chewing) while on the road, give him an appropriate chew toy. There are a number of hollow rubber or plastic toys available that are perfect for stuffing with treats to keep your dog entertained.
• Although a dog may love to have the wind in his face, an animal can suffer eye damage and even vision loss from road debris and insects.
• Be aware of the temperature where the animal is positioned. If necessary, open a window or adjust the air conditioning to prevent overheating and/or dehydration. Direct sun might adversely affect dark-colored dogs, particularly in the summer, even when the car is moving and the air is cooler. You may need to install sunshades on the side windows.
• Don't leave the dog in the car if you will be away from it for a while. Cars can heat up fast when left in the sun. If you're going to an amusement park, zoo, or other place where your dog is unwelcome, try to find a nearby kennel to board the dog while you're occupied. Always have the dog's rabies and other vaccination records with you so that you can show them to the kennel staff. Plan ahead, though, because many kennels are booked in advance for the summer. And if you plan to spend many days where the dog can't visit, consider leaving the dog in a kennel closer to home.
• When you're traveling put a piece of tape on the dog's tags with a local phone number or cell-phone number in case the dog gets loose. Your home number won't be much help to someone who finds the dog while you're traveling.
• If shopping for a new vehicle, inquire about available pet travel aids. Some carmakers might offer customized accessories for owners who travel with their pets.

For more information, read “Vacation travel for dogs.”

How to safely pack your car for a road trip

Whether you are going on a road trip for the weekend, moving to a new house, or need to pick up your student from college, it's important to keep driving safety in mind when packing up your vehicle.

Not all SUVs and minivans are created equal
Just because you own an SUV or minivan doesn't mean it can be loaded to the roof. Maximum load capacity, which is the maximum amount of passenger and cargo weight that a vehicle is designed to handle, varies greatly from vehicle to vehicle, even within a model range. For small SUVs, capacity can span from a low of 675 pounds for the Honda Element to 1,230 pounds for the Chevrolet Equinox. In the Element, four large adults--without luggage--could exceed the payload rating. Among midsize SUVs, the Nissan Murano only can carry 860 pounds, while the Land Rover LR3 tops out at 1,475 pounds. Minivan capacities can vary significantly, as well. The load capacity is specified in the owner's manual.

Put the heaviest items up front
Make sure the heaviest items are put as far forward in the cargo area as possible, and keep them on the floor. In all vehicles, and SUVs in particular, it is important to keep the heaviest items towards the center of the vehicle. This reduces the potential adverse effect on handling that could be caused by the cargo weight; significant weight at the back could compress the rear springs and reduce the weight over the front wheels, impacting steering and braking. Further, this strategy helps keep the overall center of gravity lower, reducing the likelihood of a rollover.

Secure loose items
To prevent cargo from flying around during a sudden stop, pack smaller items into boxes and strap down larger ones using the car's cargo anchors. Make sure items from the cargo section will not strike passengers in an emergency situation. Refrain from loading large items--or even small, loose items--on the top of your cargo pile, as these can become dangerous projectiles in a panic stop or a crash.

Rear visibility is important
Make sure that you don't stack your belongings so high that you can't see out. An obscured rear window makes driving difficult and creates considerable risk when reversing. Without rearward visibility, there is no telling what you might run in to--even a child.

Keep essentials handy
Make sure your roadside emergency kit, cell phone, and maps are readily accessible, just in case. Be aware that you may need to unload the cargo area to gain access to a spare tire.

Tire maintenance and pressure is important
Visually inspect your tires before preparing for a trip. Make sure there are no sidewall bulges and there is no indication of tread damage or extreme wear, such as chunked tread, exposed steel belts, punctures, or sidewall cuts. Confirm the tires are properly inflated for carrying people and cargo, making adjustments as necessary. The recommended inflation pressure usually can be found on the driver's side doorjamb, inside of the fuel-filler door, or in the owner's manual. Be sure to use these inflation pressure numbers, not the maximum pressure figure on the tire sidewall.

Learn more in our Road Trip special section.

Save on a clearance-priced new car

As the model year transitions from 2007 to 2008, a slew of clearance sales compete for car-buyers' attention. Choosing the right car from hundreds of available models is complicated by the big decision to save on a discounted, '07 car or buy the latest car fresh from the factory.

On the surface, many of these Labor Day weekend deals look attractive, especially for models that are not significantly changed for 2008. However, Consumer Reports Auto Price Service's analysis shows that there is even more potential savings than shoppers may realize.

Reviewing the 2007 incentives, we have seen hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in hidden dealer incentives. Car shoppers who claim their rebate, and perhaps even take advantage of reduced-rate financing, may be thrilled with their deal. However, they could be leaving significant money on the table.

The customer cash incentives come from the manufacturer, leaving the dealer to still earn money above their invoice price, plus a holdback fee, which the manufacturer pays the dealer and sometimes a manufacturer-to-dealer incentive. The holdback fee and manufacturer-to-dealer incentives are typically unadvertised. This means dealers may not be making big sacrifices to move old stock, and there could be more negotiation room.

Learn more in "How to drive a great, end-of-summer new car deal."

And check the Best New Car Deals on CR-recommended models.

Shop smart, and you could be driving a great deal this holiday weekend.

--Jeff Bartlett

U.S. gas prices - August 27, 2007

From coast to coast, U.S. gas prices drop.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$2.75	↓ .04
Diesel fuel/gallon	$2.86	↓ .01

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$2.70	↓ -.04
-New England	$2.73	↓ -.06
-Central Atlantic	$2.72	↓ -.04
-Lower Atlantic	$2.67	↓ -.02
Midwest	$2.84	↓ -.03
Gulf Coast	$2.65	↓ -.03
Rocky Mountain	$2.81	↓ -.03
West Coast	$2.77	↓ -.07
-California	$2.79	↓ -.07

Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/27/07

Bully about the return of Taurus

What’s in a name? Apparently a lot if that name is Taurus. Ford saw fit to rename their updated Five Hundred to Taurus after just three model years. But the name Taurus means a lot of different things.

To some, it harkens back to the aerodynamic 1986 sedan that was a revelation, eclipsing the domestic (and most foreign) family sedan competition. However, to others it conjures up an outdated car that went ten years without a major redesign, selling mostly to rental fleets. Either way you look at it, Alan Mulally, the recently hired CEO of Ford, reasons that Ford spent hundreds of millions of dollars advertising the Taurus name over the last 20 years. That level of recognition – good or bad – simply couldn’t be matched by "Five Hundred."

The Five Hundred, and now the Taurus, is the answer to the decades-old question, WWWCD? (What would Ward Cleaver drive?) The Taurus now has decent power from its new 3.5-liter engine, crash test results are excellent (it’s a IIHS Top Safety Pick), you can finally get stability control (but c’mon Ford, it should be standard), and there is plenty of room for Wally and the Beav to bring Eddie Haskell along. It’s a very practical car with big doors and a high seating position, emphasizing ease-of-use over flash. Even though it now has more chrome bits outside, the Taurus still remains a very conservative sedan, one that blends in. (Even though Ward drove a Plymouth Fury on the show, there’s no way he’d be driving a Chrysler 300C or Dodge Charger today. Maybe that flashy convertible-driving Mike Brady, but not steady Ward….)

Ward also knew his way with a dollar, and the Taurus would fit his sensibilities there, too. Our Taurus Limited, well-equipped with power heated leather seats and an optional sunroof and ESC, tallied a sticker price of $28,985 before a $1000 rebate, and it wasn’t hard getting more money off from that.

We’ll be testing the Taurus next to some other recently introduced family sedans, including the new Honda Accord, early in our 2008 test program. (Ford Motor Company images shown.)

--Tom Mutchler

By coincidence, The Detroit News published a related report on 8/24 ("Mulally challenges Ford marketing, vehicle branding") with a quote that relates to Tom's point and the reader comments:

• Ford has changed model names too frequently for no good reason, Mulally said during a dinner with reporters Wednesday.

  "I can remember saying to my team, 'How do you pick these names? It seems to me you just put out another product every year, you kill the last year's one, you look in the dictionary and find another word that starts with E or F and you slap it on it,' " he said.

--Jeff Bartlett, added 8/28/07

Why are gas prices going down?

Gas prices are continuing to decline, as they have been for much of the summer. Not that we're complaining, it's just that forecasts warned about a possible surge in prices in August and we have been bracing ourselves for the hit.

So, why are they continuing to go down?
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) had reported that gas prices may go up in August if weather disrupts refinery operations, but it hasn't happened yet. Looking at past trends, prices don't consistently increase in August. Since the beginning of the decade, gas prices rose in 2001, 2003, and 2005. They were steady in 2000, 2002, and 2004, and declined in 2006 and so far this year, as well.

Then what would cause a surge?
According to the EIA, weather is one influence. Late summer starts the hurricane season, which runs the risk of impacting refinery operations through power outages.

As people hit the road to try to sneak in their last vacation before school starts, the potential rise in consumer demand can elevate prices.

Another factor is how the prices were earlier in the summer. High prices at the beginning of the season can encourage extra supply to be produced and imported. If the supply becomes abundant, prices move down so long as the demand doesn't continue to meet it. This occurred last year and is happening again this year.

All this means good news for those vacationers trying to enjoy the last bit of summer. Get out now and enjoy a little relief in your wallet before the surge in demand drives prices back up again. And the roller-coaster ride continues...

--Liza Barth

Consumer Reports Crash-In Theater, now showing more than 200 videos

More than 200 vehicles are shown at ConsumerReports.org/crashtest undergoing crash test evaluation by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These free videos bring crash test ratings to life, showing the vehicle and occupant damage in detail.

A valuable tool for car owners and shoppers, the all-in-one crash test player allows viewers to select a make, model, and year range to see how a vehicle performs. This can provide valuable insight into a current model, as well as help narrow down choices for a new model.

In watching a few videos, it becomes clear that:

• Even with the best vehicles, an accident is a brutal event.
• There are good and bad performing models in every car category.
• Side and curtain air bags can make a big difference, but results vary.
• Choosing a poor performing model creates unnecessary risk for you and your family.
• It is hard to make assumptions about a vehicle or class without watching the tests. Even premium models, for example, can return Marginal performance.

See how your model fares in the IIHS tests.

Learn more about how tests are performed in "Crash test 101."

For complete safety ratings, including IIHS test results, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test result, and Consumer Reports dynamic test data and ratings, visit the Model Overview pages, searched by pull-down menu on any Cars index page, or from the A-Z index.

--Jeff Bartlett

Taking the full-sized SUV hybrids to the streets

Not all big SUVs have to get bad gas mileage, according to General Motors. I guess it depends on what you consider bad.

The General is rolling out its latest hybrid system--its first full hybrids--on full-sized three-ton SUVs this fall. The automaker estimates the new Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon "Two-Mode" hybrid SUVs will get about 20 mpg, city or highway. Indeed, driving around New York city last month, making no attempt at maximizing fuel economy, the trip computer showed 19 mpg. Feathering the gas to maximize driving on the batteries brought that up to an indicated 24 mpg. Our sophisticated fuel economy testing has shown differences between real-world MPG and what trip computers project. Basically, we'll believe it when we see it (or, in this case, test it).

That's not bad for a full-sized SUV, but it's worse than any hybrid we've tested before. When you consider the performance, 20 mpg starts sounding better, though. These are the first hybrids with full-sized towing ability (6,800 pounds--a little less than a typical Tahoe's 7,200-pounds). And GM says they can accelerate from 0-60 in about 8 seconds.

All this is accomplished by GM's new full-hybrid system that uses two electric motors inside the transmission to allow the trucks to shut off and restart the gas engine at stoplights, accelerate from a stop silently on electric power, recharge the batteries while braking, and use the electric power to assist the engine at higher speeds. Like most hybrids, the CVT (continuously-variable transmission) has an infinite range of gear ratios. For heavy-duty work the transmission shifts into a traditional direct drive mode with four stepped gears just like a traditional four-speed automatic. The hybrid system adds 400 pounds to the Tahoe's curb weight. Partially offset by other weight savings, that pushes the Tahoe hybrid's total to about 6,000 pounds.

Unlike other Tahoes, which are mostly powered by a 5.3-liter V8,the two-mode hybrids use GM's larger 6.0-liter gasoline V8 with cylinder deactivation, which shuts off four cylinders when their power isn't needed (this feature is also on the 5.3). The biggest fuel economy benefit on the highway comes from the electric motor keeping the V8 engine operating on four cylinders more than other Tahoes. In other GM trucks and SUVs we've driven with this technology, it's very difficult to keep the engines in four-cylinder mode except when going downhill or decelerating. In the two-mode hybrid, we were able to cruise most of 100 blocks down New York's West Side Highway at 60 miles per hour on four cylinders.

The price premium for the hybrid hasn't been announced. No GMC Yukon Denali or top-level Tahoe LTZ will be available.

If the 20 mpg figure ends up being comparable to our 14 mpg our non-hybrid test Tahoe returned, it will represent a huge improvement. However, most minivans can return similar mileage overall and better on the highway, ride better, and have more space inside. The only real advantage is for buyers who need towing ability and want better mileage than a typical full-sized SUV during most of their driving when they're not towing.

I wonder how many buyers interested in paying a premium to be green will get a thrill from the acceleration. Does the world really need another 6,000 pound SUV that can hit 60 mph in 8 seconds, hybrid or otherwise? And is that what hybrid buyers want?

Post your comments below. We're interested in your take.

--Eric Evarts

U.S. gas prices

Gas prices are mixed this week.

National retail fuel price averages

Price

Change from last week

Regular gasoline/gallon	$2.79	↑ .02
Diesel fuel/gallon	$2.87	↑ .02

Regional regular gasoline prices

Price

Change from last week

East Coast	$2.73	↓ -.02
-New England	$2.79	↓ -.04
-Central Atlantic	$2.76	↓ -.03
-Lower Atlantic	$2.69	↓ -.01
Midwest	$2.87	↑ .10
Gulf Coast	$2.68	0
Rocky Mountain	$2.84	↓ -.04
West Coast	$2.82	↓ -.06
-California	$2.86	↓ -.07

Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/19/07