all cell phone use by drivers, so be
sure you know if these laws apply
where you live. If it’s permissible to
use a cell, always use a hands-free
device so you can keep your hands
on the wheel and your eyes on the
road. Learn how to pair your phone
with the car’s Bluetooth system.
Don’t even think about texting while
driving (no, not even at stoplights).
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How to get an honest
quote for an car repair
Search the Web to get an estimate for how much the repair
should cost. Search online for garages with high customer ratings
and ask friends for recommended
garages. Call the garage and ask for
a ballpark estimate and let the garage know you are contacting other
places for their best quote. Use your
on whom to trust.
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How to buy a new car
Don’t just wander onto
a dealership’s car lot. Instead, contact the Internet department of several
dealerships to get multiple
quotes and compare these
with Edmunds.com’s True
Market Value price for the car
you’re interested in. Make sure
you check incentives and rebates.
Follow up with phone calls to t these
dealerships to verify the terms of
their offers. Finally, ask if the dealership to deliver the car to your
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What to do after an accident
If the car is drivable and there
are no serious injuries, turn on your
dent. Exchange insurance information with the other driver but refrain
from discussing the accident and
who is at fault. Make notes and use
your cell phone’s camera to take
pictures of the cars involved.
9
Driving in rain and snow
Reduce your
speed and
leave more
room between your vehicle and
those in front of you. Understand
how to handle skids. If possible,
practice reacting to skidding in safe
conditions, such as a snow-covered
empty parking lot. Understand that
a car might hydroplane on a rain
puddle on the road and learn how
to react to driving with reduced traction and visibility.
10
How to avoid road rage
situations
Understand the severe consequences to you, your car and your
driving record when minor disagreements escalate to life-threatening
situations. When someone offends
you, take a deep breath and know
that your anger will dissolve in minutes. Don’t anger other drivers by
cutting them off or tailgating. If you’ve inadvertently angered another
driver, don’t get drawn
into interacting with
them. Ignore them or,
if necessary, change
your route. Finally, repeat this phrase: It’s
just not worth it. ?
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