httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL3rfk2iFww

I’m taking a break today from my usual automotive oriented post to write about something that is a very serious issue and a cause I took up and wanted to be a part of. The eradication of Domestic Violence in Ft. Worth, through out Texas and ultimately, our nation.

In the past, Freeman Grapevine has donated to SafeHaven of Tarrant County in efforts to help victims of abuse. I understand that those who fail to take action, or offer support when they can are often to blame as well. While this is a very strong and arguable statement, I feel that the spirit of it is true. Failure to help is just that: failure.

Now, you might not be able to contribute money, or have time to volunteer for DV functions, but you can educate yourself. You never know when the knowledge you possess about DV might actually save someone from a life of pain, or even death.

What is Domestic Violence? Under most state laws, domestic violence is defined as any physical abuse, or threat of abuse, between intimately involved partners, roommates, or family members.

Victims of abuse often internalize their feelings of fear and anger at their situation. More often than not, the victim believes they are to blame for their situation. The classic statement here is: “If I didn’t do….then I wouldn’t get hit”, or: “my partner only abuses me when I do something wrong”, or: “I shouldn’t have made my partner angry enough to hit me”. This dialogue doesn’t only come from the victim, but is often mirrored by the abuser who is always there to reinforce the idea that the abuse is the result of a failure on the part of the victim.

What are the warning signs that often accompany domestic violence cases.

• Injuries and Excuses
• Absences from work or School
• Extremes of Self-Esteem
• Personality Changes
• Fear of Conflict
• Passive-Aggressive Behavior
• Self-Blame
• Isolation and Control Issues
• Stress Related Problems

*for an extensive list with explanations, please check Aardvarc.org*

The only thing that stands to change the domestic violence problem in our state, country and abroad is YOU. If you, or someone you know is being abused, get help. Contact SafeHaven of Tarrant County.

Let’s put an end to Domestic Violence, now!

What is an unsafe or reckless driver? Think of it this way, is it someone who speeds or someone talking on their cell as they blow through a stop sign? It’s obvious the latter.

I’m not going to preach to anyone that ‘Speed Kills’ when it has been proven that speed on it’s own is not the killer. We all exceed the speed limit. It’s when you mix in your in ability to control your vehicle because you lack focus. Basically, it’s speed combined with any of the following

1) Drink or Drugs
2) Dangerous Driving
3) Reckless Driving

…. this is what causes the accidents and kills.

Please, always remember. Be safe, be alert, be cautious and arrive alive.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFLRlAdEo-o

Now the general tone of this video was humorous, but trust me when I tell you that there are plenty more reckless driving videos on the net that I could have pulled up that would have ruined your day. For the time being I hope this video puts some people back in touch with reality when they get behind the wheel.

Focus. Be alert. Know your surroundings, including vehicles, pedestrians and objects. If you refuse to stay vigilant behind the wheel, then you are driving recklessly by default. Please drive carefully.

This is just a friendly reminder from your me and the rest of us at Freeman Grapevine.

If you get pulled over for any reason, know your rights. What you say and what you do matters and can mean the difference between a routine traffic stop or something much worse.

I found a couple of videos that I wanted to share that give really great example of what to do and what not to do during a traffic stop. Remember, you may have had a bad day, you may be really angry, but that Officer is already on edge, don’t give him any reason to be more wary of you than he should be.

Part 1:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmrbNLt7Om8

Part 2:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKPutNg88bA

Basically what it boils down to is common sense. Use your head, be polite, be cordial, be willing to cooperate, but don’t forget your inalienable rights. The burden of proof always is on your side. Good luck.

Can anyone give us any pointers for an experiences you may have had?

I’ve written at least 3 articles in regards to texting and driving, so there’s no need to rehash everything I’ve already said. This post is actually about apps available for your smart phone device. I found this list while doing my research for this blog, so if you find something you can add here, please leave me a comment below.

Anyway, these are the apps I found that I hope you will look into to curb your phone use while driving:

DriveSafe.ly (Free)

This BlackBerry app called DriveSafe.ly reads your incoming text messages and emails to you thanks to its text to speech functionality. You can even create customizable auto-responses for your outgoing messages.

On the Move (Free)

This Android app, called On the Move, was developed to deter avid texters from checking their screens while driving. Acting as an auto-reply tool when you receive a message, On the Move tells the texter that you’re driving with a customized alert.

Otter ($4)

Not only does the Android-based Otter send auto replies to texters when you’re on the road, but you can also build custom quick responses, so you don’t waste time fumbling to text back on your small virtual or QWERTY keyboard.

ShoutOut ($1)

Called ShoutOut, this iPhone app dictates your speech to a text message, then sends it along to your chosen recipient. This app comes with a per-text cost though, with 50 voice-to-text messages costing $2, and 250 voice texts setting you back $5.

Type n Walk ($1)

Meant more for walkers than drivers, the Type n Walk app works with other apps and programs on your iPhone to give you a view of where you’re going so you can stare at your phone all the time. This way, you won’t run into telephone poles, mailboxes, and you know, other people.

Sprint’s Drive First App

Available for $2 a month in the third half of 2011, the Sprint Drive First App will lock up your phone while driving and route all calls to voicemail. Additionally, it will block all text message alerts and send an auto response saying the driver is unavailable, but still give you access to three main contacts, three apps, and GPS.

Again, I don’t want to get on my soapbox again about distracted driving, but if that text is so important that you just can’t stop yourself from texting and driving, I suggest you look into getting one of the apps mentioned above.

Of course, when you get into that fender bender because you were texting and rear-ended the car that suddenly stopped in front of you, you can always bring it into Freeman Grapevine…we see a lot of these types of accidents.

Did you know that a car is stolen in Texas every five and a half minutes. More vehicles are stolen between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. than any other time. In 2003, more than 98,000 vehicles were stolen in Texas.In 2005, more than 93,471 vehicles were stolen in Texas.

In 2009, 76,617 vehicles were stolen in Texas, accounting for an economic loss totaling $736,487,759.  285,501 thefts from motor vehicles including motor vehicle parts offenses occurred in Texas, accounting for an economic loss totaling $220,315,208.
The top five stolen vehicles in Texas are: Ford Pickup, Chevy Pickup, Dodge Pickup, Honda Civic, and the Honda Accord.

Cars are getting more secure these days and thus harder to boost which is why we are seeing the numbers of car thefts decreasing. However, vehicle burglaries and break-ins are increasing due the fact that our cars are now filled with expensive GPS systems, iPods, Smart Phones, computers, handbags and a list of other things that are too hard for a criminal to resist when left out in the open.

Remember, take your valuables in with you or totally conceal them. All of us here at Freeman really want to keep you, your vehicle and valuables safe. Victims are usually the people who are not aware or alert…rendering them an easy target.

Be safe!!!

If you haven’t noticed, gas has been on the rise again and it’s time to go over some ways to keep your car from unnecessarily using too much gas. I filled up my car the other day and it was almost $60! I can’t afford to do that more often than I need to. This is the first in a series of posts about getting the maximum miles per gallon in your vehicle. Up first is tire pressure!

Keeping your tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended setting is important to maintaining a higher MPG and prolonging your tire’s life. When you let your tires ride around with too little pressure, your engine is working harder to turn those wheels, therefore, you’re burning gas when you don’t need to. Most reports that I’ve read have shown anywhere from a 2% to 3% increase in miles per gallon. That may not sound like a lot, but when you stretch it out over the life of your vehicle, it adds up.

SAE International has conducted many test and studies on the effectiveness of tire pressure and one of the most telling findings are as follows:

Subsequently, tire inflation data from 2000 vehicles in six cites were analyzed to determine the extent of passenger car tire underinflation. These data sources were then combined to estimate the nationwide excess fuel consumption, about 600 million gallons per year, due to tire underinflation.

600 million gallons per year! If that’s not reason enough to check and maintain your tire’s air pressure, I don’t know what is.

Check your owner’s manual for the optimal tire pressure for your car and purchase a dependable tire pressure gauge so you can save some money at the pump.