Category Archives: Safe Driving

Dallas Fort Worth Buick GMC: 5 Steps For Child Proofing Your Car

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child proofing your car, brake pads, Buick Dealer, buying used car, dallas Buick Dealer, dallas flooded cars, Dallas GMC Dealer, dallas GMC Truck, dallas new car, dallas Used Car, dallas Used Truck, dallas Used Truck. New Car, DFW Buick, dfw car dealer, dfw gmc, drivers test, Fort Worth Buick, fort worth gmc, Fort Worth Truck Dealer, Ft. Worth Buick, Ft. Worth car dealer, ft. worth gmc, GMC Dealer, GMC Truck, Used Car, Used TruckKids, Kids, Kids, Freeman Grapevine loves kids. After all, we do sell some of the best family vehicles on the market in Buick and GMC. But, did you know that there are things you can do to child proof your car much in the same way you would your home? If you have kids yourself you probably already know this. However, if you are a new parent, you may have to live and learn before you realize that there are certain things you can do to help make your car a comfortable and safe place to be. I’m hoping to give you a little “heads-up” first.

There are 5 important things you can do to child proof your car.

1. Car seat: this is a no-brainer. It must fit your child and be anchored properly in the vehicle itself. A poorly secured seat can be just as much of a hazard a just plopping your child down and driving off. Read your owner’s manual for proper installation. If you are unsure, swing be Freeman Grapevine and we can put it in for you. Also keep in mind that your child must fit in that seat, so if you are trying to cram your toddler into a newborn sized car seat, you are creating a hazard.time for a bigger seat.

2. Keep them distracted: Having an unruly or overly playful child in the back can be a distraction to you and affect your focus on the road, so distract them back. Most new vehicles have options for entertainment systems, think about getting one in your new car. If you aren’t in the market for a new vehicle, iPods, soft books and soft toys are your best bet. The bottom line here is that if you have to correct any behavior while driving, you are setting yourself up for a potential problem.

3. Limit clutter and remove loose objects: these things become dangerous projectiles if you are ever in a collision with your child in the car. A 1lb toy can emit a lot of velocity and pressure if your car comes to a dead stop. So it stands to reason that a 10lb object can be deadly. If you don’t need it for that trip, just take it out.

4. Communicate: After your child grows past his or her toddler stage, the begin to be more inquisitive and interested in things such as door handles and automatic window buttons. Make it clear to your child, when they are the appropriate age, that while in the car, they need to obey the rules of riding in the car. For starters, tell your child: don’t scream; don’t throw; and don’t unfasten your seat belt. He or she might not always listen, but it’s important to at least try.

5. Obey the Rules of the Road: This one is for you, Mom and Dad.  Be a safe driver. Leave a few minutes early so don’t have to rush. Don’t speed up to catch a yellow light. Don’t talk on your cell phone, eat a sandwich while you drive, or blast Bon Jovi on the radio. You have a child in the car and you can greatly improve his or her well being by simply being a safe driver.

If you have any questions or insights on this subject, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment or drop me a line at Freeman Grapevine.

Pass Your Driving Test, Learn Your Signs: The Road Itself Is, Literally, An Information Highway

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One of the coolest memories I have was the day I passed my driver’s test and got my license. It was a big day. It was also a big responsibility. I was in command of large vehicle with a lot of power. I remember how easy it was to get on the gas and almost let it get away for me. In addition to that, the road had to have my utmost, undivided attention. I was constantly being fed information, by signs, signals and situations.

Just take a look at the 121/114 interchange in front of Freeman Grapevine. You can’t drive 20 feet without be fed some kind of information. The video below highlights one of the most focused on portions of your written exam: sings and signals.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua2tkqp4DYQ

Dallas teen drivers, if you happen to be reading this, I’m going to give you a little hint about your exam. Learn your signs and signals. They will be a predominant factor of both your written and practical driving test. So, hit those books kids, because we want you to pass those exams and get your first car at Freeman Grapevine.

Recent Flooding in Dallas Causes Damage to Cars

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Note: Washington isn't "driving" across the Potomac

So, we had some pretty precarious storms the other day here in the Metroplex. We saw a lot of rain here at Freeman Grapevine, and I know for a fact that there were numerous road closings due to heavy flooding. Yet, for some strange reason, I always see flooded out cars on these same roads.

Here’s the skinny, if you think that a road, feeder, highway or byway is flooded, then don’t try to cross. Don’t tempt fate, because if you do, you could end up like this person.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok5nnV2cUXk

Now that was a pretty dumb thing to do. As much as you might like to think you have the ground clearance to pass safely through flooded streets, you probably don’t. The fact of the matter is that you are risking a very, very, hefty repair fee if you try to brave flooded streets. Don’t be that guy! Some of the costs for repairing a flooded engine, at times, costs more than the vehicle is worth.

Here’s a good gauge. If you can’t see the top of the curb, the water is to high. It WILL back up into your exhaust system, and it WILL cost thousands of dollars to repair. You are much better not even attempting to cross a flooded intersection or drive on a flooded street. Remember, your Buick or GMC isn’t a boat. Apparently some people in the Metroplex seem to forget that on a regular basis. Which, quite honestly, is beyond me.

If you’ve attempted and failed your “Great River Crossing”, you can bring your Dallas Buick, or GMC into Freeman Grapevine for repair. Hopefully you won’t attempt to re-enact Washington’s Crossing of the Potomac again.

Dallas Fort Worth: Tornadoes and Being Caught In Your Car On The Road

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httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l2EdA9K1E0&feature=related

Those were 50 foot trailers that were being hurled in the air like paper. Imagine if you would have been in your car at that moment, at that spot. It’s sad to say, but your tiny little vehicle has no chance when combating such a violent storm.

As we all know, many of these tornadic disturbances happen suddenly and seemingly, without warning. What would you do if you saw one of these coming your way? Out run it? Park under a bridge? Get out of your car and take shelter under the girders of a bridge? “No” to all of the above. Unfortunately there are just a few things you can do.

From weather.com

  • Do not drive during tornado conditions.
  • Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
  • Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
  • If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

The bottom line is that you are at the mercy of the storm. The only precautions you can take are the one’s mentioned above and your best bet is to get indoor immediately. If you know that there is the potential for violent storms, just stay home.

After watching that video and hearing all of the stories for local customers, family and friends, this storm could have been much more deadly. Freeman Grapevine is thankful that, as of now, no one was killed. Remember, storms like these can pop up without warning in North Texas. It’s storm season. Drive safely and err on the side of caution, always.

North Texas Buick GMC Dealer Warns About Texas Weather

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All of us here at Freeman Grapevine agree on one thing, living in Texas and specifically, the DFW area, we are prone to violent and often times destructive weather. This can happen almost any month during the year, but when Spring rolls around the mixture of cooler rising air colliding with warmer Gulf Coast air is a prime atmosphere for generating torrential downpours and the ever dreaded…TORNADO!

There are a few things to know when stuck out in these conditions. I’ve been caught in 3 tornado conditions when driving and each was more terrifying than the rest. Kind of like this guy. This video was taken the weekend of October 24th, 2010.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5gzVE5wlkA

According to cnn: Authorities in northeast Texas were assessing damage Monday morning after a tornado destroyed homes, knocked train cars off their tracks and injured at least four people.

Five homes in Rice, Texas, were destroyed as 125 mph winds whipped through a seven-mile swath of Navarro County Sunday evening, said Eric Meyers, the county’s emergency management coordinator.

Meyers rode out the tornado inside a vehicle and videotaped the twister as it tore the roof off a school about a block away.


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“The sheer power was just amazing,” Meyers said in an interview Monday on CNN’s “American Morning” program.

If you are in your car, find shelter immediately.

Be alert to what is happening outside as well. Here are some of the things that people describe when they tell about a tornado experience:

  • A sickly greenish or greenish black color to the sky.
  • If there is a watch or warning posted, then the fall of hail should be considered as a real danger sign. Hail can be common in some areas, however, and usually has no tornadic activity along with it.
  • A strange quiet that occurs within or shortly after the thunderstorm.
  • Clouds moving by very fast, especially in a rotating pattern or converging toward one area of the sky.
  • A sound a little like a waterfall or rushing air at first, but turning into a roar as it comes closer. The sound of a tornado has been likened to that of both railroad trains and jets.
  • Debris dropping from the sky.
  • An obvious “funnel-shaped” cloud that is rotating, or debris such as branches or leaves being pulled upwards, even if no funnel cloud is visible.

If you see a tornado and it is not moving to the right or to the left relative to trees or power poles in the distance, it may be moving towards you! Remember that although tornadoes usually move from southwest to northeast, they also move towards the east, the southeast, the north, and even northwest.

Finally, if you are in a car, and you can see a tornado forming or approaching, you should leave the car and take shelter as above. You may think you can escape from the tornado by driving away from it, but you can’t know what you may be driving into! A tornado can blow a car off a road, pick a car up and hurl it, or tumble a car over and over. Many people have been killed in cars while they were trying to outrun the tornado, and although it is sometimes possible to escape, it is generally not a good idea.

An underpass may seem like a safe place, but may not be. While videos show people surviving under an underpass, those tornadoes have been weak. No one knows how survivable an underpass is in a strong or violent tornado. The debris flying under the underpass could be very deadly… head for a ditch.

Also, if you have had any recent hail damage for the recent storms, Freeman Grapevine can take the dings out and get that Buick, or GMC looking good as new.

Texas Laws Cracking Down On Cell Use In Cars

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Freeman Grapevine knows that one of the most recently developed and dangerous habits that drivers do is talking, or texting while driving. Arlington, TX knows it. Apparently they are cracking down hard on using your cell while driving.  There are electronic signs placed in high traffic areas warning drivers that it is now illegal to text and drive in Arlington. Apparently, with more information coming out on the amount of accidents and fatalities caused by using your phone while driving, law enforcement offices across the country have stepped up efforts to cut down on phone use while driving.  Last year, a pilot program was started in New York and Connecticut to see if high visibility enforcement of these laws to stop drivings from continuing these practices.

Results have come back from these programs, and they look to be very promising.  Consumer Reports has a story about the program, and the results that have come from them.

A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that after four enforcement waves, running for a year starting in April 2010, hand-held cell phone use while driving dropped 57 percent in Hartford and 32 percent in Syracuse. Texting while driving declined 72 percent in Hartford and 32 percent in Syracuse. (The difference may be partially attributed to New York state’s texting law being a secondary offense, meaning police must pull over the driver for another offense, whereas in Connecticut it is a primary offense.) This information was determined through cell phone use observed by NHTSA before and after each wave.

The government agency also surveyed the public on their knowledge of the distracted driving program and found that awareness of the main “Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other” slogan increased from 5 percent before to 54 percent after the waves in Hartford and 5 percent before and 29 percent after in Syracuse. After the program, 71 percent of respondents in Hartford heard about the stepped up police enforcement and 76 percent in Syracuse.

After the one-year program, Syracuse police issued 9,587 tickets to drivers who were talking or texting on cell phones behind the wheel and police in Hartford issued 9,658 tickets.

This program may be implemented across the country, so be sure that you know the consequences if you are caught driving while texting or talking.

All of us here at Freeman Grapevine are serious about driving safety. You can’t pay attention to the road if you are paying attention to your phone. Be smart.

Freeman Grapevine: DFW Winter Driving tips

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So far, this winter has been fairly moderate, but it’s still just the beginning and here in Texas, particularly Dallas and Fort Worth, cars fall easy prey to our sudden cold snaps. So, in keeping with the Boy Scouts motto, “Always Be Prepared” here’s just a little refresher on driving in foul Winter weather.

For those not used to navigating ice and snow covered roads, which is ALL of us, this can be, with little, doubt the most dangerous driving time of the year. Even those of you that have been raised in the Northern and Midwest states could take a few minutes and reflect upon some good safety tips and make sure we keep our precious cargo safe.

Getting Winter Ready

  1. Check you fluids — It is very important to have a well supplied anti-freeeze  resorvoir in cold weather. Wiper fluid is also often consumed in large quantities, and don’t just use water or it will freeze on you.
  2. Tires and Brakes – A good set of well tread tires can be the difference of being in the ditch or safely on the asphalt. Pressure must be kept up as well, since cold weather promotes flatter tires. Anti-lock brakes are the best for winter, but you should always have good brake pads for icy stops.
  3. Wipers- Nothing beats a set of maintained wipers in a blizzard or sleet storm. Rain-X is also a valid choice for extreme climate conditions.
  4. Battery and Engine — Good clean battery posts and a good charged battery are a must when starting in cold weather. Engine tune-ups and regular oil changes also are a must for reliable winter travel.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmiPM-eXAjs

But that’s not all folks, there are a few other key points to remember.

  • Stay home if you can, as there is no substitution for safety
  • Know your route — research road closures and delays
  • Have plenty of fuel — this will provide much needed warmth
  • Have a well stocked safety kit — flashlights, jumper cables, water, etc
  • Cell phone – communications are important when stranded
  • Drive safely — keep plenty of space between you and cars or obstacles

You can stay safe during these winter months! See Freeman Grapevine with questions and feel free to share your driving experiences.

Dallas GMC Dealer’s take on surviving an accident Financially

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Have you been in an accident in your new car recently, are you suffering pain as a result of your car accident and it wasn’t your fault? Does this sound like an advertisement for an ambulance chasing lawyer? Well, regardless if it does or not, the fact of the matter is that this Dallas GMC Dealer believes you may have a good compensation claim against the other party.

Now, I hope you are never in a car accident accident and if you were I really hope that you don’t have to go through the stressful experience of a lawsuit of some kind. However, this is real life and things happen…here’s what to do if they do.

Many compensation personal injury solicitors now work on a No Win No Fee basis meaning you don’t need to pay them a penny for their services. If you win your case you will not have to pay their legal costs and the fees and cost for helped you will be collected from the other party. If you lose your case , it is very likely to get nothing, that’s why they mostly take cases on they believe will win.

In regards to insurance, any medical costs from the hospital, health care and also any medicine you’ve had to purchase can probably be claimed. If any other costs have arose from this car accident then make it clear when you speak to your lawyer, they will need to know the full facts of the accident as well as the pain and costs you have or are suffering from.

Remember, every car accident compensation claim is completely different from any other. It depends on the injuries that were caused, any costs or medical treatment, time off work needed and much more. As well as the time it took them to close the case. It could take a few months or a couple of years, so just keep this in mind when choosing your compensation claim lawyer, get a good one.

Some good questions to ask are :

• Will I get the ‘whole’ of my compensation? If yes… continue
• Will I need to pay a fee? If no… continue
• Do you recover costs from the other side (i.e. people at fault)? If yes… continue
• Would I need to pay anyone any money once my claim is settled? If no… proceed.

Again,  Freeman Grapevine hopes you never have to experience any of the above. However, if you do, know that you have recourse to file claim against the offending party. Be wise in your choice of lawyer, he should have your best interest in mind…not his.

Forth Worth, Check Out This Car With Four Horns!

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An English man invented the car horn back in 1910 which is now required by law that every vehicle have one. Horns are mainly used to warn other Grapevine cars that you are there or that they are getting too close in order to prevent a collision.

There are tow type of people who use their horns. The one’s who use their horns when the person in front of them is not paying full attention to a green light, or just to give a little warning when an inattentive driver is moving into their lane.

Of course, this is TEXAS and there are those who really like to use their horn to honk at just about everyone for anything they deem is worth honking about! Which leads me to this guy in the video that you should really watch:

httpv://youtu.be/LtMYUinvzRA

Sure traffic can be downright frustrating, but this guy takes dealing with his traffic frustrations to a whole new level. And by new level I mean a little on the crazy side! I just had to share this video because as a driver on the road too, this would pretty much freak me out.

This guy just has a little too much time on his hands. At first I thought it was pretty funny, but now imagining if I were driving on the roads and came into contact with him and his horns I don’t think it would be quite so funny.

In fact road rage has become quite a problem these days.  If you ever find yourself in a situation where the other driver is exhibiting signs of road rage, here some some things to do to get yourself safely out the situation or possibly create a hostile driving environment.

  • Be careful if you use your horn. You don’t know how others will react to it and using it could end you up in an unpleasant situation.
  • Avoid eye contact with the other driver. Making eye contact can convey the message of mutual aggression.
  • Don’t show any physical reaction to the other driver like putting your hands up, yelling, etc.
  • Keep control of your own temper and remain as calm as possible.
  • Try to increase the distance between you and the aggressive driver.

If you do ever find yourself confronted with an angry, aggressive driver it’s best to just let them have their way even though you may not even be a fault.  Taking the high road in this situation is the safest thing you can do. Always try to practice good driving habits and be courteous to other fellow drivers.

If you have any tips you’d like to share to get out of road rage situation we would love to hear from you! Post your comment below or come tell us at Freeman Grapevine today!

 

 

GMC Adds a Front Center Air Bag for Even More Protection, Ft.Worth!

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At Freeman Grapevine, we know that you depend on your vehicle for a lot of things namely, transportation. However, another very important feature of a vehicle that is often taken into consideration before buying a new car is safety. Besides providing the some of Fort Worth’s best vehicles, GMC is also highly in tune with providing the most comprehensive safety system in the automotive industry.

Just recently GMC announced that it will offer a new layer of protection during collisions in their crossover vehicles. The new air bag will be centrally-mounted and is said to protect occupants in side-impact crashes better than before.

The new air bag will be located in the space between the driver’s and front passenger’s seats and will deploy during a  side collisions.

Check out the video demonstrating a crash without the airbag and a crash with the air bag:

httpv://youtu.be/2YOEwNPCKH8

Now, after watching that I’ll bet you are hoping that GM will extend it’s new air bag technology to other models.  I know I am. Look closely, that air bag can really save someone from some serious side whip lash.

GMC is leading the pack when it comes to the new air bag as it’s an industry first that is providing protection between drivers and front passengers.

By 2013, GM plans to have this new air bag as standard equipment on it’s crossover vehicles including the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. This new air bag is not required by federal safety standards, but I have a feeling that with such a great safety advance, that will change.

Hopefully GMCs in Fort Worth will have the air bag before 2013, but we are keeping our fingers crossed that they will come out sooner than later.

What do you think about this new air bag technology?  We’d love to hear from  you. Just post your comment below or swing by Freeman Grapevine today!