Hands Free Law

Handheld Ban MapThe Hands Free Law is all around us, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York & Connecticut all have it.

Do you know what it means for you?

I found this information about NH from http://www.handsfreenh.com

 

 

 

No use of hand-held electronic devices capable of providing voice or data communication while driving or temporarily halted in traffic for a stop sign or traffic signal or other momentary delays

  • This includes cell phones, GPS, tablets, iPods, iPads or other devices that require data entry
  • Emergency calls to 911 or other public safety agencies will be allowed
  • Bluetooth or other hands-free electronic devices will be allowed
  • One hand non-cellular 2-way radio use will be allowed
  • Teen drivers under the age of 18 will not be allowed to use any electronic devices (hand-held or not) except to report an emergency. Anyone violating this will be subject to penalties and license suspension or revocation.
  • If your vehicle is not equipped with Bluetooth functionality, auto service centers can install after-market systems or over the ear devices can be purchased at retailers such as Staples, Best Buy or your cell phone carrier.

Why is the NH Law Important?

  • During the past 4 years, 116 fatal crashes in New Hampshire were caused by distraction
  • The increasing use of electronic devices is fast becoming the primary distraction
  • While texting, a driver is 23 times more likely to crash
  • Sending or receiving a text distracts the driver for almost 5 seconds
  • At 50 miles per hour, we travel longer than the length of a football field during that 5 seconds
  • Even dialing a phone number increases the risk of crashing by 3 times

There is also a lot of information about Massachusetts Highway Safety at    http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/bystate/ma.html

 

 

Safe Used Cars For Teen Drivers

Scott found this online and we thought we would share its from usedcars.about.com

    hompage_red_car

   Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15-20 year olds and

more than half of teens who die in crashes are passengers, most of whom are not

wearing a seatbelt. Also studies have shown that a young driver’s chance of getting

in a fatal accident doubles when a teen passenger is in the car. With 3 or more

passengers, the risk quadruples.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created a list of the safes cars for teen drivers

based on model year 2010

Large Cars: Buick Lacrosse, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80

Midsize Cars: Audi A3, Chevy Malibu, Chrysler Sebring (4 door), Mercedes C class

Subaru Legacy and Outback, VW Jetta and Passat Sedans, Volvo C30

Small Cars: Honda Civic (4 door), Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, Subaru Impreza (Not WRX), VW Golf

Midsize SUVs:Dodge Journey, Subaru Tribeca, Volvo XC60 and XC90

Small SUVs: Honda Element, Jeep Patriot, Subaru Forester

Again we just found this info interesting and if you do have any questions you could

always give us a call.

What does E.S.P. stand for?

I know this is in the “About Us” tab but wanted to talk about Eddie  a little more.

eddie_plaza_wider

E.S.P. Auto is named after Edward Stanley Plaza, who was Dan & Kevin’s Uncle. At the time of his passing, Chris and Kevin worked for Eddie at his garage (Northampton St. Garage) which was located approx. where Cernak Buick parking lot is now. After Eddie passed away Chris & Kevin contacted Kevin’s brother Dan to come work with them and they opened E.S.P. Auto at its current location. That was 22 years ago already.