Drive – and park – safely
Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT) – Michigan’s statewide auto theft prevention program and tip line – recommends the following safety tips for car owners:
- Be alert. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings. When they approach their vehicle, they should avoid talking or texting on cell phones, digging for keys or juggling multiple packages.
- Park safely. If possible, drivers should avoid shopping alone after dark. When they do so, they should park in a well-lit area with pedestrian traffic, or in a lot with an attendant. They should avoid parking near objects that block their view of the surrounding area, such as dumpsters, bushes and large vans or trucks. Also, they should avoid parking next to cars with tinted windows that they can’t see through.
- Walk with confidence. Drivers should remember where they park and walk directly to their car, with confidence and purpose. However, if they are alone and/or don’t feel comfortable walking to their car, they should ask retail security personnel for an escort.
- Stow valuables out of sight. Items should be stowed in the trunk, out of sight. Packages never should be left on the seat of the car.
- Move the car. When drivers return to their car to unload packages midway through a shopping trip, they should move their car to another area of the parking lot to deter thieves who may have been watching.
- Use common sense. The car should always be locked, even when the driver is stepping into a store to run a quick errand.
- Keep passengers safe. Criminals are not timid about approaching people in their driveways, and drivers should never leave vulnerable loved ones alone in a vehicle, even for a minute. When unloading groceries and packages at home, they should bring children and the elderly into the house first.
- Don’t take risks. Never argue with a carjacker! Most car-jackings involve a weapon, according to Terri Miller, executive director of HEAT. Rather than resist or argue, drivers are advised to get a good look at the carjacker and what he or she is wearing. If they witness an auto theft or carjacking, drivers should immediately call 911.
Looking to buy?
There are some new kids on the block:
- Hyundai Motor America has introduced a refreshed Elantra GT for the 2016 model year, with updated styling and customer-focused technology and features. Starting at $18,800 (excluding $825 freight charge) and available in dealerships since March, updates include a redesigned grille with horizontal chrome and argent slats; newly styled 17-inch alloy wheels; available ventilated driver’s and passenger’s seat; available next-generation navigation with HD Radio and Apple Siri integration; available next-generation Blue Link system with new connectivity features, such as remote start with climate control and destination search powered by Google.
- The new 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T Shaker and R/T Plus Shaker are available for ordering, including the high-performance 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker The models feature a functional Shaker hood with Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box for improved airflow and performance. When they lift the hood, enthusiasts will also be treated to an under-hood “Shaker” graphic – reminiscent of the 1970s original. Heritage and high-impact exterior colors for the 2015 Dodge Challenger Shaker model range include B5 Blue, Sublime Green and TorRed. Other factory colors include Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White, Pitch Black and Granite Crystal Metallic.
- Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com has named the 2015 Jeep® Patriot and the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited winners of its 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. For a third consecutive year, Jeep Patriot has been named the winner of the lowest 5-Year Cost-to-Own award in the Compact SUV/Crossover category, while the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has earned the lowest 5-Year Cost-to-Own award in the Mid-size SUV/Crossover segment. The 2015 5-Year Cost-to-Own awards honor new vehicles and brands (luxury and non-luxury) with the lowest projected ownership costs, based on Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost-to-Own data for new cars for the initial five-year ownership period. The 2015 Jeep Patriot offers up to 30 mpg highway, and over 30 available safety and security features. The starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $16,695. The 2015 Jeep Wrangler features eight-speaker audio system and an improved sound bar, as well as an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a new subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. It reportedly is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offers a six-speed manual transmission, in addition to its five-speed automatic transmission. The U.S. MSRP starting price is $22,695.
- The 2015 Hyundai Sonata was named the Best Midsize Car for the Money and the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe was named the Best 3-Row SUV for the Money in 2015 by S. News & World Report. The 2015 Hyundai Sonata is said to offer a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, stiffer body structure, better ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness and advanced safety and convenience features. The 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe features an upgraded interior and sportier exterior. It continues to offer front- or all-wheel drive and is equipped with 3.3-liter Lambda II V-6, using gasoline direct injection and Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT). Upgraded safety features for the 2015 model include retuned suspension enhancements and a driver’s blind spot mirror, along with standard safety equipment such as Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System.
Insurance or scam?
Can you trust your car insurance company? Taking time to research different companies and policies could pay off. For instance, in a petition recently filed with the California Department of Insurance, the Consumer Federation of California (CFC) alleges that GEICO illegally deceives and discriminates against unmarried, lower- or moderate-income motorists by quoting them much higher minimum coverage levels than permitted under state law. Reportedly, drivers who are unmarried, not employed in a professional or executive occupation, have not completed college, and are not currently insured are quoted levels between 500 percent and 1,000 percent over than the minimums required under law for good drivers. CFC is calling on the Department of Insurance to enforce insurance and civil rights laws by ordering GEICO to halt these practices and impose penalties, which may include fines and revocation of the company’s license to sell auto insurance.