I see children standing up in cars, looking out the back window or just sitting on laps. Don’t parents know that in an accident the body of an unrestrained child becomes a projectile, bouncing around the interior of the car? A child can be thrown from the car or through a window or windshield and fatally injured, and occupants of the vehicle can be hurt by a child impacting their heads or necks. Apparently, some people still have not gotten the message.

Are car seats too expensive? Or are people just plain lazy?

There are different types of car seat, usually varying depending on the size, age or weight of the child. Remember to buy a new car seat - old car seats may not have the latest safety features or may have been compromised in an accident.

Infant car seats - only face the rear; usually used in the back seat; may be used as an infant carrier and may be attachable to a stroller.

Convertible car seats - Used in the rear; when your child gets older may change into a forward-facing car seat or even a booster seat.

Booster seats - the last step before your child can wear a regular seat belt; used with the car’s seatbelt.

It is important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions about how to attach the car seat. Also, you always want to send in the car seat’s registration form, so you are notified if the manufacturer recalls the seat for any defect. If your child is wearing a heavy coat, make certain that the harness straps are tight. Make sure to tighten the straps when your child wears lesser outerwear (when the weather warms up). Some safety agencies recommend removing your child’s outerwear in the car, so that the child can be fastened securely into the car seat.

Do not re-use a car seat after a serious accident - one that causes severe damage to the car. Get a new one.

Common car seat mistakes:

Placing child in wrong size car seat for his weight/size;

Placing a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of the car;
Not making sure the harness is tightened correctly;

Positioning the harness chest clip incorrectly;

Not using the latch correctly.

Not just a safety issue, it’s the law. Below I summarize New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 1229-c. For specific questions, consult the statute. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in this state unless:

(1) all back seat passengers under the age of four are restrained in a specially designed seat which is either permanently affixed or is affixed to such vehicle by a safety belt,

(2) all back seat passengers of such vehicle who are age four or older but under age seven are restrained in an appropriate child restraint system (+ combination lap and shoulder harness belts)

(3) all front seat passengers (a) under the age of sixteen are restrained by a safety belt; or (b) if they are under the age of four, by a specially designed seat which is either permanently affixed or affixed to such vehicle by a safety belt, or children who are age four or older but under age seven are restrained in an appropriate child restraint system (+ combination lap and shoulder harness belts)

The rule changes somewhat if: the passenger four or younger weighs more than 40 pounds, or if the car is not equipped with shoulder harness belts, or if all the lap and shoulder belts are already in use by other children in the car

No person shall operate a motor vehicle unless such person is restrained by an approved safety belt. No person sixteen years of age or over shall be a passenger in the front seat of a motor vehicle unless such person is restrained by an approved safety belt.

This section shall not apply to taxis, liveries, and buses other than school buses EXCEPT no person shall operate a school bus unless all passengers under the age of four are restrained in a specially designed detachable or removable seat, or another approved restraining device.

These days cars a lasting much longer than they used to do with so many people cutting back on finances many families are considering buying a used car.
Smart consumers know that buying a used car can be a much better deal than buying a new one if you know what you are doing.

Here are some tips that you can use to make sure you get the most out of your used car purchase.

1. Due Diligence

When you make any major purchase, it’s Important for you to do some research and purchasing a used car is no different. If you do the right research you’ll know the perfect make and model that suits your needs. You’ll also be able to determine the fair market value of this type of car and therefore, you’ll know when you’re getting a good deal at the used car lot.

In addition you’ll be able to research Important details about the car, like recalls her things to look for and used models that may help when evaluating used cars and negotiating deals.

2. Check Out The Car

when you find a car that you like, it is wise to check the car’s history. This will give you Information regarding the repairs as well as any problems with the car. You can do this for a small fee online and it can save you from buying a car that’s been in a flood or other major disaster. You won’t want to buy a car that’s been a major accident that could’ve damaged or bent the frame and it may be impossible to tell by just looking at the car so checking on the history is vital. You can find out the history of any car by going to Carfax.com.

3. Think Safety

In order to keep your family safe in the car, you want to consider the safety features of any used car you going to buy. Obviously, the newer model cars will have more safety features. According to reports, 80% of traffic accidents are made worse because the cars lacked safety features.

4. Check the Documentation

You should check out the documents included with the used car cheerfully. Make sure that the cars are not stolen or that there were no liens on the vehicle and also be sure to check that the signature on the bill of sale is the actual possessor of the car.

5. Car Inspection

Before you make any deals on the used car, you must inspect the entire car. Look for Ross to especially around the wheel wells in the frame and carefully scrutinize it for any damage. Don’t forget to check the tires, and the interior as well. If you don’t know much about cars, you can always asked to take it to your mechanic for inspection. Anybody on the up and up selling a car should not object to this. If any flaws are found, and then you can use this as negotiating leverage and lost the flaws are so major that you no longer want the car.

Buying a used car can take a bit more work than buying a new one as there are many things to check out. However, doing your due diligence will make sure that you get a great used-car at a fraction of the cost you could buy new one for and that will last for years to come.

The ever-surging cost of gasoline has driven consumers to more affordable and fuel-efficient cars. And with summer’s busy driving season fast approaching, there’s no doubt that this will be more significant. That is why the editors at NADAguides.com — a leading vehicle pricing and information website – recently announced their Top Vehicles of Summer 2007.

According to NADAguides.com, the vehicles they chose for this list make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price and overall ’summer-driving-and-travel’ appeal — whether you’re traveling, towing, hauling or just plain enjoying the ride.

If you’re out for a new car this summer it may be good to check out the list:

(Source: NADAguides.com}

Top New Hybrid — 2007 Toyota Prius (60/51) MSRP: $22,175

The 2007 Toyota Prius is a four-door five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 110 horsepower gasoline engine coupled with a battery-powered electric motor. According to EPA estimates, the Prius achieves 60 MPG City and 51 MPG Highway.

“In addition to excellent fuel economy, the Prius offers larger passenger and cargo space than most of its competitors,” said Don Christy Jr., president and CEO, NADAguides.com. “We also appreciated the Prius’ long list of safety features and its MSRP of $22,175, a deal compared to equally-equipped four-door sedans.”

Top New Convertible — 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (25/30) MSRP: $20,585

“Not only does the Mazda MX-5 offer stylish, fun-in-the-sun driving, we liked its affordable price tag and its great fuel economy,” said Christy. “We were especially fond of its fast-revving engine and its incredible handling.”

The MX-5 comes available with a retractable hardtop and features 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission, 170 with the manual. Other features include side airbags and ABS brakes.

Top New Truck — 2007 Ford Ranger (24/29) MSRP: $13,970

With EPA estimates of 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway, and with an MSRP of $13,970 for the base 2WD model, the 2007 Ford Ranger easily made the NADAguides.com Top Summer Vehicles of 2007 list.

“It’s extremely hard to find a brand new vehicle that offers the utility of a pick-up truck with the efficiency and affordability of a compact car,” said Christy. “Not only is the Ranger an excellent value to buy and own, we liked its styling too.”

Top New SUV — 2007 Jeep Compass (24/27) MSRP: $20,175

Considered a ‘car-type’ SUV, the 2007 Jeep Compass made the grade for its excellent fuel economy rating (24 City/27 Highway), considered one of the best in the SUV category today, as well as its affordable price tag at $20,175 for the base model. “Any way you slice it, the Jeep Compass is one heck of a ride,” said Christy.

“From its affordability to its styling to its long list of standard equipment and safety features, we were impressed.” The Compass features a 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, ABS brakes and traction/antiskid control.

Top Minivan — 2007 Honda Odyssey (17/24) MSRP: $25,645

“Not only does the Odyssey feature one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category, it was our Editors’ favorite minivan in terms of styling and ride,” said Christy.

The 2007 Honda Odyssey features (along with top of the line parts including Honda brake rotor), a 244 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and plenty of comfort and convenience features, including cruise control, keyless entry and a variety of power controls, as well as front, side-body and side-head airbags, ABS brakes and traction control.

For more information regarding these and other vehicles on the market today, log onto http://www.nadaguides.com/. The website also offers a 2007 new car buying guide, car prices, car buying reviews, car quotes, used car prices and classic car prices, including a wealth of additional pricing and specification information for motorcycles, boats, RVs, classic cars, vans and van conversions.

About NADAguides.com

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company’s consumer website, NADAguides.com, offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 74-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.

Because of the increasing cost of gasoline as well as the fast approaching of summer’s busy driving season, consumers are becoming to be more economical when buying car. In connection to this, the NADAguides.com, a leading vehicle pricing and information website, announced on June 21 their Top Vehicles for Summer 2007.

According to the website, their choices make the grade when it comes to fuel efficiency, affordable purchase price and overall ’summer-driving-and-travel’ appeal when traveling, towing, hauling or just merely enjoying the ride.

Their complete list includes the following:

Top New Hybrid — 2007 Toyota Prius (60/51) MSRP: $22,175

A four-door five-passenger gas/electric hybrid car, the 2007 Toyota Prius is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 110 horsepower gasoline engine mated with a battery-powered electric motor. It achieves the EPA estimates of 60 MPG City and 51 MPG Highway. Don Christy Jr., the president and CEO, NADAguides.com, said that aside from its quality fuel economy, the Prius offers larger passenger and cargo space than most of its rivals. He added that their site also appreciated the car’s streak list of safety features plus the $22,175 MSRP (a deal compared to equally-equipped four-door sedans).

Top New Convertible — 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (25/30) MSRP: $20,585

Christy commented that this car offers stylish fun-in-the-sun driving, affordable low-priced tag and amazing fuel economy. They were particularly fond of MX-5 Miata’s engine with fast revolution and its fascinating handling. Featuring 166 horsepower with the automatic transmission (170 with the manual), side airbags and ABS brakes, this car is available with a retractable hardtop.

Top New Truck — 2007 Ford Ranger (24/29) MSRP: $13,970 (base 2WD model)

Christy said that it is indeed difficult to find a brand new vehicle that offers the uses of a pick-up truck with the efficiency as well as the affordability of a compact car. This is the reason why this car with 24 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway EPA estimates easily made it to their list. He added that the Ranger offers a great value to buy and own and excellent styling.

Top New SUV — 2007 Jeep Compass (24/27) MSRP: $20,175 (base model)

With EPA estimates of 24 City/27 Highway, the 2007 Jeep Compass, according to Christy, gives a heck ride. The President/CEO said that they were stunned by the car’s affordability, styling, and long list of standard equipment and safety gadgets. The Compass offers 172 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, ABS brakes and traction/antiskid control.

Top Minivan — 2007 Honda Odyssey (17/24) MSRP: $25,645

According to Christy, the Odyssey features one of the best EPA ratings in the minivan category so it was their editors’ favorite minivan with regard styling and ride. It features a 244 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Honda, co-maker of Acura high performance parts, built the 2007 Odyssey with a long list of comfort and convenience features that includes cruise control, keyless entry and a variety of power controls, front, side-body and side-head airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control.

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information regarding new and used cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. Throughout its 74-years in the industry, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the honored authority for vehicle valuations.