1. The driver must first be more aware of the road he/she is driving on and check the weather reports prior to leaving onto a journey and specially a long-distance drive.
The Departmental Transportation offers a road-condition hotline, where drivers can look up there specific areas and determine the conditions standing in their paths.

2. It’s important to pack a travel safety kit while commuting in wintery times.
Items of importance: A cell phone, extra food, water, an ice scraper, cat litter (providing traction), radio, flashlights, blankets, hand warmers, extra jackets, and some chains. Having the right necessities will come in handy in case of an emergency and should never be ignored.

3. Slow down! This is one of the most important steps, because drivers in the rain all seem to think it’s the same as regular summer day.
It’s not! To avoid hydroplaning you can’t be too careful, and staying off your lead food is the only surefire way to make this happen. Be smart and slow down while driving in the rain, snow, or icy conditions.

4. Keep your hands free.
Emergencies happen and it’s up to you to not be texting your friend, especially while a loved one is in your car. A good rule is to not use your phone or have anything in your hand while driving in wintery conditions, and this includes coffee

5. Keep your tires properly inflated.
Tires do not work for maneuvering in the snow without air, so keep them properly inflated.

6. Do not drink and drive.
Reaction time and alcohol do not blend together, so be sure to minimize your chances of an accident by not drinking and keeping your awareness level high.

Emily is a blogger and contributing insurance writer for Policy Expert contents insurance topics and safety tips for keeping your health and assets safe.

Manufacturers Weigh In

A 23% increase was enjoyed by Hyundai while USA’s division of Mercedes Benz report a 28% sales gain. Honda and Toyota seem to have stalled a bit in comparison to their rival Nissan whose Japanese made cars are selling at a rate that is 18% increased. After four years a 27% rise in sales is being savored by the Chrysler group; and though Ford’s shares have dropped their sales have risen 6%. Shares fell for General Motors is well and they reported a mere 2% sales gain. But all in all things do seem to be on the rise where car sales are concerned. Maybe people have been driving around their old clunkers for so long that they are finally falling apart. Maybe it’s undeniably time to invest in a new car… It could just be that simple. Couldn’t it?

What Do the ‘Experts’ Say?

The auto news experts tell us that an average of 7.5% increase was seen in auto sales as of late, when it comes to light vehicles. When compared to pickup trucks, SUV’s and minivans the average rises only slightly to 7.6%. All major manufacturers of automobiles reported a gain of some kind (even if their shares did the opposite); so apparently auto sales truly are on the rise. I mean the experts set it so it must be true. 2009’s government sponsored Cash For Clunkers was the last time that there was this kind of rise in auto sales numbers and percentages.

The upturn in auto sales is clearly defined by not just percentages but by a price as well. Individual transaction prices have increased over $1300 per car since last year at the same time. There you have it.

Promotional Items and Giveaways

One way to attract customers is to offer free promotional items just for visiting your car dealership and looking around at cars for sale. People love to receive free items, especially when it is something that they often need but don’t have handy. Examples of popular promotional items include:

• accessories for cars (ice scrapers, travel mugs)

• mini-flashlight keychains

• pocket planners

• digital pedometer

• tote bags

• mini-coolers

• promotional sports bottles

In addition, you can have the name of your company imprinted on each promotional item. By giving away things that people use around others, you can allow your business to reach more potential customers who want to know more about the generous business giving away such nifty items.

Commercials and Videos

The cost of producing a thirty-second local commercial advertising your car dealership can be done for less than $1,000, but that is not including the air time you must purchase from television stations to have it aired. Commercials that are inventive and feature a catchy jingle,however, are powerful ways to promote a business. Making a video and promoting it on YouTube or Facebook is another method that reaches hundreds to thousands of people, depending on how it is marketed and if it is recommended to others. The trick in creating an effective commercial is using those thirty seconds to advertise your car dealership as offering the best sales, customer service and merchandise available in that area. It takes a little ingenuity and creativity but if it is done right, it is worth the time, expense and effort.

Promoting a car dealership can be accomplished using all kinds of media outlets in addition to promotional giveaways and advertising sales events. Most are fairly easy to implement and require minimal expenditures.

Although some hatchbacks were successful throughout US auto history, many were not. There are dozens of failed attempts to get the public enthused about the hatchback. After the dust has settled, there remains a list of the top ten hatchbacks that should never be forgotten (or maybe they should, you decide).

The list begins with the Chevy Corsica Hatchback, a horrible car that lasted two years between 1989 and 1991. We continue with the Fiat Strada, and then the Mercury LN7. The Mitsubishi Cordia comes next, the name a combination of cordite and diamond. Another Mitsubishi, the Precis (pronounced precious?). Followed by the Oldsmobile Firenza (I actually like this one). The famous Pontiac Grand Prix comes next, with its new Aerocoupe body shell for use in NASCAR. Then the Renault Encore, and the Sterling 827. Last, and most definitely not least, the Subaru GL.

Some like the VW golf and the Toyota Prius have made their mark, brilliantly, and in good form. But many have failed. As cars get smaller with time, we may see new inventive ways of using the hatchback.