Wondering why you have so many tickets? What is it that makes you a target? Well get it straight from the source, 3 police agencies and 2 independant traffic experts have compiled a list of violations that traffic police typically keep an eye out for.

Safety on the roads has become a hot topic and with distracted driving becoming a norm, the focus has just begun to shift onto restraining pets while in the vehicle. States are being to take notice and legal action.

• New Jersey: the NJSPCA has the right to stop a driver if they see unsuitable transportation of any animal. The price range for such a ticket is from $250-$1,000. The driver can also face a disorderly person's offence under animal cruelty laws.

• Hawaii: has a law specifically prohibits driving with a pet on one's lap.

• Arizona, Connecticut and Maine: can charge drivers for distracted driving if driving with a pet on the lap.

• Rhode Island: a proposed legislation has been written by Democratic state Rep. Peter Palumbo to classify driving with a dog on the lap as a distracted-driving violation.

• Dog harnesses: these go around the body and clip right into the already existing seat belt.

• Dog safety seats

• Travel crates or carriers

If you or someone you love is injured in an automobile accident please call us toll-free at 1-800-708-LIFE.

The call and advice are free and you are never charged unless we collect money damages for you.  That's No-Win No-Fee!

Remember, we want to be your Lawyer for Life.

As the entire car driving world becomes more fuel economy conscious, automakers are gearing their sights on creating the best fuel efficient cars the world has yet to see. How? Aluminum.

A new bill signed by Governor Rick Snyder yesterday would double the cost an at-fault driver is liable for the car repairs or replacement. Currently the limit is $500, this law would make it $500-$1,000.

Next month Toyota Motor Corporation will officially be announcing a recall on their Lexus GS 350 Sport Sedan models from 2013. The reason for the recall: there is an issue with the variable-ratio steering system that could potentially cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle.

This recall includes cars that were built from December 12, 2011 to February 7, 2012 and will affect 663 vehicles. The car's electronic control unit or ECU is what controls the variable ratio in the steering system. This model's system could be off-center which could result in an accident for the driver. How? If the car is turned off and in park with the steering wheel turned, when the driver restarts the car the center will be off unexpectedly directing the vehicle in a different course than intended.

This system is becoming a more common feature in vehicles. The basis behind it is that the “front wheels turn farther, faster with less steering-wheel movement at slow speeds, such as when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. At cruising speeds the ratio changes to make the steering less sensitive or twitch,” (Lexus Recalls New GS 350s For Faulty Electronic Steering, Jonathan Welsh, The Wall Street Journal,

http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2012/05/23/lexus-recalls-new-gs-350s-for-faulty-electronic-steering/). The system intends to make steering easier on the driver as it adapts to the driving situation based on the vehicle's speed.

Think your car could be one of the models recalled? Call Toyota at 800-331-4331, their Lexus dealers are updating the variable steering for free.

The summer months bring beach days, ice cream treats, warm nights around a bonfire, and unfortunately an increase in auto theft!

Did you know that the top 2 months for car theft are July and August? A lot of thefts can be prevented as 40-50% of all car theft is due to driver error reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). We all think it can't happen to us, but every 33 seconds a car is stolen in the U.S. These few simple steps from the NHTSA could deter a thief from going after your vehicle.

 Remove your keys from the ignition and take your keys with you.

 Lock your vehicle.

 Never hide a second set of keys in your vehicle.

 Park in attended lots.

 If you park in an attended lot, leave only the ignition/door key.

 Park in well-lighted areas.

 Never leave your vehicle running, even if you will only be gone for a minute.

 Completely close all vehicle windows when parking.

 Do not leave valuables in plain sight.

 Park with your wheels turned towards the curb to make your vehicle more difficult to tow away.
 

 If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, backing into your driveway will also make it more difficult for a thief to tow it away.

 Garage your vehicle if you have one and always remember to lock the garage door.

 Do not leave the registration or title in your vehicle.

 Always use your emergency brake when parking, which ensures safety and also makes it difficult for a thief to tow your vehicle away.

 Etch your vehicle identification number on car windows and major parts. This procedure makes vehicles and parts more easily traceable when stolen.

 Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period of time.
 

 Engrave expensive accessories like car stereos, cellular phones, compact disc changers, external speakers, etc., so that the thief will have difficulty disposing of them.

 Drop business cards, address labels or other identification inside vehicle doors to help assist law enforcement in identifying your vehicle or parts.

 Replace easily accessible door lock assemblies.

 Install an anti-theft device or system on your vehicle as an extra deterrent measure.

Not that we all shouldn't be more aware or cautious as to prevent a theft, but listed below are the Top 10 Car Models that were the most desired by thieves in 2008 along with the Top 10 States in the U.S. Where Vehicle Thefts Occurred, (Vehicle Theft Prevention: What Consumers Should Know, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Vehicle-Related+Theft/Theft+Prevention).

Top 10 Cars Stolen in 2008 (in no particular order).

• Dodge Magnum
• Mitsubishi Galant
• Chrysler Sebring
• Chrysler PT Cruise
• Hyundai Azera
• Pontiac Grand Prix
• Chrysler 300
• Chrysler Pacifica
• Hyundai Sonata
• Dodge Charger

Top U.S. States Where Thefts Occur

1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. Illinois
5. Georgia
6. Nevada
7. Maryland
8. North Carolina
9. Arizona
10. Missouri/New Jersey

It probably took you about a minute to read this, during which 2 cars were stolen in the U.S.

Don't let it be you! Bask in your summer fun this year and don't be a victim of car theft!
 

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! And even if you don't ride a motorcycle yourself, you DO share the road with them. Here are some safety reminders to keep you and others safe on the road!

• A motorcycle IS a vehicle with all rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.

• Be sure to give a motorcycle the full lane width.

• Always scan the road for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots when at intersections, making turns, and before switching lanes.

• Make it a habit to always use your turn signal to alert others on the road of your intentions.

• A flashing signal on a motorcycle could be the motorcyclist's way of signaling a turn OR it may be a feature of the bike. Flashing headlights are becoming more common to make the bike more visible to other motorists on the road. So always use caution and wait to see if the motorcyclist intends to turn at the intersection or not.

• Never tailgate a motorcycle (or anyone for that matter!) Give them room to maneuver.

• Try your best not to become distracted while driving. This is important for you and everyone else on the road. (Remember last month was Distracted Driving Awareness Month!)

(Motorists: Watch for, recognize motorcycles,

http://newstrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=29&ArticleID=19069).

These were just a few tips to remind you of how to look for and proceed around motorcycles provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Safe driving!