Self-Driving Cars of the Imminent and Distant Future

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Sadly, the flying car is still the domain of science fiction. On the bright side, self-driving cars are not only feasible, they're already here. In fact, Google's self-driving cars have logged more than 1.5 million miles of trouble-free driving (clearly those miles don't include a recent incident with a public bus), and can currently be found in California, Texas, Washington, and Arizona. Google is so confident in its self-driving technology that the company makes it easy for the public to follow along with monthly reports. 

Eventually, the lessons learned – and the technology that is developed – will find its way throughout the industry. The gist of this continued development is plain to see; before long, autonomous cars will be an everyday reality. Just as smartphones and texting have transformed the world around us in just a few short years, it's entirely feasible that autonomous car technology could do the same.

But like any technology that is destined to cause a paradigm shift in the way we interact with each other and the world around us, there are still many questions left unanswered and puzzles ready to be solved. The technology may be ready, but are we? Are you willing to strap your toddler into a baby seat and then let the computer do the driving? The self-driving cars of the future are likely to evolve as we evolve with them.

The Promise of the Autonomous Car: A Personal Chauffeur

The ultimate expression of the self-driving car is likely yet to be determined. However, most people probably envision self-driving cars as mobile versions of robotic butlers. Available at our every beck and call, there for us when we need it, and able to take us anywhere we want, leaving the passengers to their own devices. Imagine if your car could drop you off in front of a busy downtown restaurant and then drive around or find its own parking space, only to come and pick you up when your meal was done. Well, that sounds terrific, but we're not there yet!

At the moment, self-driving applications (those that are commercially available, anyway; we're not counting Google's self-driving car) are limited to semi-autonomous auto pilot programs. Though far from being truly autonomous, they are helping both driver and engineer come to terms with what vehicle autonomy really is. Tesla offers auto pilot on its Model S and Model X electric cars, and manufacturers like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz offer or are developing similar technologies. These technologies allow vehicles to maintain speed, steer themselves, alert drivers to potential hazards, and even park themselves. If that much can already be accomplished, perhaps the autonomous personal chauffeur isn't too far away!

Self-driving Taxi Fleets Will Provide Cars on Demand

But the question must be asked: if cars become truly autonomous, do we even need to own them? Companies like Uber, Tesla, Apple and Google think there could be a future in the shared car (as well as autonomous public transportation). Fleets of autonomous cars could be the next natural evolutionary step of a concept already practiced by companies like ZipCar, Car2Go, and Paris and London's electric share car programs. Rather than own cars, why note hire them, on demand? With a smartphone in every pocket, it's easy to see how such a program could work.

Obviously, such autonomous fleets would have to be quite large if everyone gave up on car ownership in the coming decades, but it isn't hard to imagine punching in a request on one's smartphone and having a self-driving car arrive 10 minutes later to take you to your destination. Once you get there, leave the car, close the door, and be on your way. As with Uber and Lyft's current pay structure, you would be billed automatically and that would be that. You wouldn't have to worry about car insurance or even a driver's license. Nor would you have to worry about parking. For all but the most diehard gear heads, it's an attractive idea.

But What of the Obstacles?

Self-driving cars are close. As software, hardware, and technology companies like Qualcomm continue to work on vehicle applications for mobile processors, autonomous cars will continue to become more and more advanced. In fact, the odds are good that at some point in the near future, your car could be the "smartest" thing you own. But there's still much to be determined before your car drives you to work, and not the other way around.

One of the most obvious questions is who should be responsible in the event an autonomous car is involved in a crash. Volvo has already stated that it will take full responsibility in any accident involving one of its self-driving cars, but will other manufacturers follow along? And what of vehicle insurance? If your car is driving you, and not you it, should you still be obligated to purchase and maintain car insurance? Insurance companies are certain to lobby for this, but is it fair or logical? Finally, at what point can an autonomous car be trusted completely? In other words, how far away are we from being able to sit in the back seat of our car on the way to work (rather than having to babysit the wheel and pedals in the off chance the car loses control)? Taking this concept one step further, will cars in the future have steering wheels? At what point do human interfaces in cars become a liability rather than a benefit?

These questions are mostly rhetorical, of course. There is no clear answer. But we will, collectively, need to figure out the answers to these questions and more before autonomous cars become commonplace. In this case, it might not be prudent to jump into the deep end and learn to swim - better to ease into it. The future does show promise though, there can be no denying that. We are on the cusp of one of the biggest milestones in personal transportation since the original automobile was introduced over a century ago. Exciting, to say the least.

RELATED: Cars Of Tomorrow - 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

Any questions? Write me a comment below!

*by andreascy*

Furious 7: The Fast Boys Are Back With An Epic Trailer

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello guys. How are you? If you have been around for the last decade or so then you’ll probably remember a little film called The Fast and The Furious. Here we are 13 years later and the franchise is still going strong! 

Furious 7 has been one of this year’s most anticipated films. The fans are interested to see what new direction the producers are going to take the film, after suffering the loss of one of its main characters; Brian O’ Conner, played by Paul Walker.

Walker was killed in a high-speed car crash in November of 2013 and the producers, finished filming and wrapped up, despite his death. Walker’s brothers were enlisted to help with key scenes in the movie. One can’t help but think of the recent tragedy involving Heath Ledgers passing, during the production of The Dark Night. The cast and crew for Furious 7 has been together for so long and the Vin Diesel, one of the producers, often referred to the crew as "family". Paul, Tyrese and Vin were all very close; both on and off screen.

But... the show must go on right? Fans were treated to a trailer that can only be summed up in one word: EPIC. If the film promises to be as action packed as the preview, then get ready for a visual feast. The movie is set to hit theaters April 2015 and has already generated a huge buzz.

The Plot:

In this film, the team ends up in Tokyo after learning of their friend Han’s death. They meet Sean Boswell who was also friends with Han. Teaming up with Boswell and some extra allies, they set out to find the person responsible for murdering Han. Enter Ian Shaw, played by Jason Statham.

Jason Statham (the older brother of Owen Shaw, the bad guy from Fast 6) joins the Furious 7 entourage as, the new villain that the cast faces off against. As you may have guessed Shaw is hunting the crew down to avenge the death of his younger brother. Statham is a seasoned action movie star and should be able to hold his own when it comes to the action sequences.

Another addition to the cast is Kurt Russell. He is seen for a brief moment in the preview and has a somewhat ominous air about him. From the 3 seconds he’s in the preview, one can already tell that his character is hard to get a bead on. Russell has even said that his character is staged to be suspicious. He can be seen, kind of, mentoring Dominc Toretto in the preview, so the film may play out the misplaced trust notion. This is just speculation, no spoilers. 

With the passing of Paul Walker, one of the most asked questions by the fans is; what is going to be the fate of Brian O’ Conner? It turns out that O’ Conner will get fitting send off. 

Writer Chris Morgan and director James Wan are reworking the script and using previously shot footage of Walker, to give him a suiting farewell. This will still allow the franchise to continue and, if they want to risk it, they can maybe bring O’ Conner back for a cameo or still involve him with the story in some way. There has even been talk of bringing Paul’s brother Cody on, as a new addition to the crew. In the meantime Walker’s other brother Caleb will be filling in for Paul’s scenes.

The whole process is a really fine line to tread. On the one hand there is a movie that needs to be finished, but in a way that leaves the fans satisfied. On the other hand, no one wants to disrespect the memory of Paul Walker. Giving him a “send off into the sunset” seems like a win-win for everyone.

Furious 7 kicks off with action and story right out of the gate. Two members of the crew are now dead and Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) is injured. Fans can only assume that the story is building up to O’ Conner’s farewell. Dark, would be going a bit too far to describe the tone of this movie, perhaps pensive is a bit better. The fans will get a sense that the family Dominic has worked hard to put together, isn’t as ‘bulletproof’ as they used to be.

Despite the passing of Paul Walker being a huge tragedy, the film looks as though it will not disappoint and be a fitting final role. I'm looking forward to this, for sure. Can't wait!

Have you seen all the movies on this list?

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*by andreascy*

Cars Of Tomorrow: 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The cost of gasoline has steadily risen since the economic crash of 2008, and car manufacturers have responded by making more fuel efficient vehicles. Toyota and BMW formally agreed to collaborate on perfecting hydrogen fuel technology in 2013, while Ford, Nissan, and Daimler said they would team up to completely revolutionize fuel cells in their vehicles by 2017, according to the Economist. 

New car technology is usually dictated by economic conditions or public demand. The 1973 oil embargo by several OPEC member nations caused long lines at the pump, while a barrel of oil quadrupled in price within a 12 month period. The following year GM, Ford and Chrysler all made cruise control a mainstream option for their vehicles to help drivers save gas, while lawmakers pushed conservation and domestic energy efforts, including the enactment of the national 55 mph speed limit in 1973. 

The technology of tomorrow will continue to make cars more efficient and safe, and will bring more comfort and convenience to the driver. These three features are the next big advances that will soon be just as common as rear-view mirrors in most U.S.-made vehicles:

Forward Collision Avoidance Systems

Most DMV practice tests online will advise drivers to keep a safe following distance of about 3 seconds between your car and the one ahead of you. But new technology will soon remove human judgment from the driving equation altogether.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates forward-collision avoidance systems reduce crashes by up to 7 percent, and up to 14 percent if they include auto-braking features. An alarm will sound when the system senses the speed and trajectory of a vehicle is likely to lead to some type of collision. The IIHS rates all manufacturer system, from basic to superior, based on its capabilities.

A basic rating, for instance, is given to vehicles that meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's criteria on at least 5 of 7 test runs. There are 74 vehicles with forward-collision avoidance systems, including the 2014 models of the Cadillac ATS, Mercedes C-Class Sedan and Subaru Legacy, that have earned the organization's advanced rating. The 2014 Acura MDX SUV and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cherokee are among the models with superior ratings.

David Zuby, the chief research officer for IIHS, said auto-braking features will help inattentive and older drivers avoid fender benders, and ultimately lower insurance costs.

Camless Engines

A typical four-stroke piston engine utilizes camshafts to run the followers and open the valves that regulate gasoline flow. But if Christian von Koenigsegg of Sweden's Koenigsegg Automotive has his way, camshafts will be a thing of the past by 2020. He told Jalopnik at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that his company has been working on a camless engine for several years and believes it will be the rule rather than the exception for automobiles in the near future.

All the valves in a camless engine will function independently, translating to better fuel efficiency and horse power. Several manufacturers, including BMW, GM, and Ford have been tinkering with the idea, but it appears the technology may still be a few years away from being available to the masses.

Cargines and LaunchPoint Technologies are currently the leaders in camless engines. Brian Paden, the lead designer for the LaunchPoint, told Car-Engineer.com that this type of valve timing technology will increase fuel efficiency by 20 percent, reduce emissions by 10 percent, and improve torque by up to 13 percent.

Hands-Free Driving

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers predicts 60 percent of cars will be connected to the Internet by 2025. This first step is essential to the organization's other major prediction: that 75 percent of vehicles will be self-driving by 2040.

Autonomous cars not only have to be able to communicate with one another, but also with the satellites that safely route them. These vehicles will enable blind individuals, along with the handicapped and elderly, to drive to the grocery store and even take cross-country road trips. Google announced in April that its driverless technology completed over 700,000 miles of driving without an accident.

The National Highway and Safety Administration estimates car accidents cost the country nearly $900 billion a year. The International Organsation for Road Accident Prevention estimates more than 90 percent of accidents are caused by human error. Driverless technology can eliminate most accidents, the need for traffic lights, and lower insurance premiums for all drivers.

Driverless vehicles are currently only being tested in the states of California, Nevada, Michigan, and Florida.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Cars of 2014 Under $60K

Be sure to leave your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback on this kind of research!

*by andreascy*

10 Reasons Why The World Should Go Solar

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Guys, what's up? 7K+ people in this amazing group of News lovers and climbing! So proud to be connected with all of you. We have a better way! 

You’ve probably heard of it; Solar Power. The way to go green by using the sun for electricity and much, much more. 

If you take a serious look into all the possibilities that solar power has to offer, you are going to wonder why the whole world is not running on it yet. Here are the 10 reasons why the world should go solar:

1. It saves you money

One of the things that make Solar Power stand out is how on the long haul you are going to save money. Sure, getting them might be a bit expensive, but after a few years your wallet is going to thank you. Money saved can go up to $2400 a year (for homeowners) and up to $6000 a year (for business owners). You could take the family to Disney for that money. 

2. Solar energy is a way to escape the hold countries have on other countries

A lot of natural resources like oil, coal and gas are imported into our country from other countries. This means that when something happens in those countries, like lets say a war, we could potentially be cut off from supplies. Solar Power does not face that problem as it is possible in any country anywhere. 

3. It’s better for the climate 

Critics have pointed out that by making solar panels certain chemicals are released into out atmosphere that form a bigger danger than carbon dioxide. What they fail to mention is that more carbon dioxide is released into the air per day from all over the world than the chemicals used to make solar panels. For solar panels this is a one time thing, once it’s made it’s made and no chemicals are released anymore and that’s better for the climate than your car ever will be. 

4. Jobs 

If there is more solar power used there will also be more jobs for people out there. Especially in this economy those are needed, as unemployment rates are still on the rise in almost all of the countries across the globe. By creating a bigger market for solar power you will also be creating more jobs for more people. 

5. The sun isn’t going to run out of light 

Another of the pros of solar power is the fact that the sun won’t be running out of light anytime soon. However we will be through natural resources like oil and gas eventually. 

6. It has many purposes 

Solar power can be used in an infinite number of ways. The only thing that’s limiting us is our creativity. Currently there are satellites in our inner and outer atmosphere completely powered by solar power. Cars that break speed records are powered by solar power. In Africa water is being distilled by solar power.. Well, isn't that awesome?!

7. It’s easily integratable into your home or community 

Your house probably already has a roof where you can place solar panels, but even for those of us who live in apartment buildings there are great options available. By placing a field with solar panels inside a community, or outside a town when you need more space, you can easily generate enough energy for a whole neighbourhood. Which brings me onto my next point..

8. It’s usable everywhere 

Any country and any person in the world could live off of solar power. It could easily change the world and save a lot of people who are currently dying because of the lack of electricity, heating or drinkable water. 

9. Solar powered roads 

Not that long ago a huge online fundraiser for solar roadways was held. They got way more than their original goal of $1 million and no wonder. Solar Roadways are freaking awesome and here’s why; They will make driving safer for people and for animals, because they light up when anything walks over them, heat up in cold areas so the roads are not snowy and more. Plus they are very durable and take way less maintenance than those asphalt roads. Want to know more about this amazing project? 

Check them out here.

10. Low maintenance

Solar Power is low maintenance. Did you know that solar panels only have to be cleaned a few times a year? With everything you get out of them that’s just a small price to pay. Once your installation is up, there is almost nothing to do to maintain the installation.

The Bottom Line is: Solar Power has the power to change the world and it’s all up to us whether or not we take all the opportunities it has to offer to make this world a better one. 

SEE ALSO: CNETTV : Robots Pivot Solar Panels to face the Sun by QBotix

Have a nice week! If you liked this post please leave your good comments in the box below.

*by andreascy*

Top 10 Best Cars of 2014 Under $60K

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Oh, cars. We can't live without them anymore in the modern age. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some have so many different luxuries and safety add-ons that can make your car suitable for your every need. 

Whether you have a large family or are on your own, there will always be a car for you. Need a few suggestions of the best cars of 2014? Here they come (Hint: The prices are all from the sites of the car brands):

1. Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

This hybrid comes in three versions. The comfortline (SE), the SEL and the highline (SEL Premium). Both are beautiful cars with a classy and beautiful interior that gives off a nice and professional feel. 

You only use 42 mpg and because of both the high comfort and the space you have it’s a great car to go on long trips with. 

The SE costs $27,645, the SEL costs $30,245 and the SEL Premium costs $31,895.

2. Mazda 3 4-Door

The Mazda 3 is an amazing car that perfectly shows what Mazda is capable of without it’s former part owner Ford backing it up. 

This elegant and innovative car is lighter than its former versions, which makes it faster. The cabin has an interface that will limit all your distractions with a simple but modern main screen. 

The best thing? It’s affordable at $16,945.

3. Subaru Forester

After it’s 2014 redesign this small SUV has climbed to the top of its class. It has both a lot of space and big windows and doors, while remaining user friendly with simple controls. 

You have an absolutely wonderful driving position in this car and not that expensive for an SUV with a price at $22,195.

4. Honda Odyssey

This beautiful car is one of the most complete family cars you could ever wish for. 

With enough capacity to seat 8 people and a great fit for child seats, this is the minivan you need when you have a big family. The car itself is very accessible and has a nice and peaceful interior. 

The cost for the LX? $28,825.

5. Dodge Charger SRT8

Are you more of a muscle car type of guy? This Dodge charger is the best muscle car for those who value good performance in a car. 

With it’s bulky yet beautiful design it’s still an eye catcher, though. It pulls up to 60 miles in 4.6 seconds, which is pretty good for the heavier muscle cars. 

You can make this car yours for $26,995.

6. Audi A3

Looking for a more compact yet stylish car? Then the Audi A3 might be something for you. This car has a somewhat professional look and even though it’s a compact car it still has quite a big amount of space. 

With a simple, but gorgeous dashboard with the newest technology and a classy interior it’s definitively a good car for anyone. 

You can buy it for $29,900. 

7. Nissan Rogue

This crossover is also an amazing family car. With a capacity of 7 passengers your whole family will be able to fit in this beautiful car. 

Not only that, but the designers actually made sure that you will be able to reach your baby, by letting the second row slide forward 9 inches. Parking will be no worry thanks to the Around View Monitor. 

This car costs $22,790.

8. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe 1LT

Classy and fast, that’s definitely a way to describe this gorgeous car. This sports car at it’s seventh edition has both a high performance and one of the best appearances. 

With a sleek, chic and unique interior it’s a great car for fans of Chevrolet. 

The price of this beautiful car? $53,000, which makes it the most expensive car of the list. 

9. Ford Fiesta 4-Door S Sedan

This is Ford’s smallest Sedan, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in a both balanced and quiet ride. This car is a good fit for those out there who are single, or who have a small family. 

The interior is a little more classy than the price suggest, because at $14,100 it’s the least expensive of the list.

10. Nissan 370Z 2-Door Coupe

Single, or have no children? Want a absolutely stunning car with a rooftop that’s foldable? This Nissan is just what you are looking for. 

This is the perfect car to use for romantic rides along the beach on a warm day. 

The price? Only $29,990!

Every year our editors create a list of vehicle models that are under $60K, then we choose ten standouts. Choosing a good car is easier than ever, but choosing the best car keeps getting trickier. Make an informed buying decision by investigating their rankings before heading to the dealership. If you need some extra help then there is no reason to stress. If you have any questions we can help you to shorten the process. 

Andreas also posted: 5 Top Tech Toys For Your Car

Liked our post? Get in the know. Make sure you like and share so others can find us.

*by andreascy*

Five Modern Car Safety Technologies That Make Safer Roads

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The roads today are safer to drive on as compared to the past years. With the advancements in technology, car manufacturers are now equipping cars with high-end safety features that can prevent and lower the risk of car accidents. While purchasing a vehicle with these safety features can keep you and other people around you safe, it is still important to be a responsible driver when you're on the road.

The latest car safety features are very intelligent. It can even help impaired drivers avoid car collisions and other road hazards. But despite the modern cars' ability to reduce car accidents, this doesn't give drivers the excuse to drive recklessly on the road. More importantly, these car safety features don't encourage driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated.

Automatic Seatbelts

This feature may not be the latest in car safety equipment, but it is still very important. Drivers and passengers are required to buckle-up once they get on the vehicle; however, this can be easily forgotten. This is where the automatic seatbelts come in handy. It serves as a guarantee that the driver and passengers are strapped in once the vehicle is in motion. You should know that the use of seatbelts have saved over 15,000 lives every year. To this end, automatic seatbelts should not be taken for granted.

Cruise Control And Collision Monitoring System

The latest cruise control not only maintains constant speed, it also uses sensors that can detect when a collision is imminent. In fact, the cruise control in modern vehicles can adjust the throttle and brakes to ensure that the vehicle is always at a safe distance from the car in front of it. If the car senses a possible collision, it will either warn you or it will brake hard, tighten the seatbelt, and veer your vehicle to its original cruising speed to avoid getting into an accident. All these are done by the system without your input.

Lane Departure Warning System

This system judges the incoming traffic's speed and distance and warns you of possible danger if you change your lanes. It also warns you if your vehicle is veering off the right lane, which is very useful when you are distracted or if you are drowsy. The warning may come in the form of a seat or steering wheel vibration, or an alarm. Remember that drifting away from the right lane can result to fatal accidents. If your vehicle is equipped with this latest car safety feature, you can be assured that your vehicle will stay in the right course.

Driver Status Monitoring

This system works hand-in-hand with the lane departure warning system. It monitors your head position, eye activity, and your body posture to determine whether you are falling asleep and the car is behaving erratically through the use of sensors in your seat and internal camera. This system will then give a warning if you take your eyes off the road or if you fall asleep.

Blind Spot Alert System

Every car has some form of blind spot. This is the area where driver has reduced visibility; thus, they are unable to see vehicles that are traveling in adjacent lanes. Thankfully, more and more vehicles now have a blind spot alert system which uses a sensor to warn you if you are about to hit another vehicle. This system will prevent you from changing lanes if there is an incoming vehicle in your blind spot.

We've listed some of the latest car safety technologies that promote safe driving. We hope you liked our post so please, let us know your story down below in the comments and subscribe on our Newsletters to get cool stuff, gadgets & digital news straight to your inbox. We scrape the net for the best and gather all those goodies in one place.

*by andreascy*

Teen In The Driver's Seat - How To Prevent Common Road Accidents Using Modern Apps

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Because driving is such a common activity, some people forget how dangerous it can be to be behind the wheel. Teens are especially naive. They usually forget to consider the risks that come with driving, and many of them even think that accidents can never happen to them. But the reality is that accidents can happen to anyone, and most especially to teens. Their inexperience makes them more vulnerable when driving. Binge drinking is also more common in teens these days, which further increases the risk. 

There are several ways to protect your teen from accidents and from getting arrested for DUI. One is through proper education and training. Second is by making use of modern tools to prevent problems. Today, for instance, there are now so many apps that can be easily downloaded and used by teenagers. With the vast options out there, you can easily find certain applications that have been created to help thwart DUI problems. Below are a few examples:

Apps for Distracted Driving

When people drive, there are times when they can't help but answer their phones or check their emails, and the like. Doing something else while manning a vehicle is known as distracted driving, and this is one of the most common causes of fatal car crashes. Why? Drivers who take their attention off the road, such as when they text someone while driving, will not be able to react quickly if needed because their hands may not be on the wheel or their eyes are focused somewhere else. Luckily, there are apps that can help reduce distracted driving, such as Sprint Drive First, Textecution and DriveSafe.ly, to name a few.

Apps That Gauge BAC

It is hard to measure the blood alcohol content without a breathalyzer. Luckily, more and more apps are being created to help assess a person's BAC. But when using these apps, it's important to understand that these may not as accurate as a breathalyzer. Some, like Breathaleyes, evaluate the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, which is often observed in inebriated individuals. Others can help you take note of how many drinks you've had. Then, there are also apps with detachable devices that can help you determine if you're fit to drive or not. An example is the Breathometer, which you plug into your smartphone if you want to measure your BAC. The BACtrack works in an almost similar manner, with you pairing the app with the BACtrack mobile breathalyzer.

Apps That Curb Speeding

No one wants a speeding ticket, and, thankfully, there are apps that can help you keep track of how fast you're going. My Tracks is a great app for this. Whatever you're doing that gets you from point A to point B, like walking, jogging, biking or driving, this app can help you determine your speed and location. Another way to use this app is to corroborate the findings of the police just in case you're stopped for speeding. If your gadget tells you that you're following the speed limit but the police tell you that you're not, then you can have the devices checked to see which one is providing correct results. The Slow Down app is another creation that can help train you to follow speed limits. The app slows down the music on your iPhone, for instance, once you exceed the speed limit, and it stops altogether if you go past 10 miles more than the stated threshold.

SEE ALSO: 5 Modern Car Safety Technologies That Make Safer Roads

We have done a lot of research about automobile accident prevention. We also write about auto claims and other legal issues that are of concern to car accident victims. Subscribe on our newsletter for more!

*by andreascy*

Transportation Options While Vacationing

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Taking a vacation with family or friends can be great fun, but all of the different transportation options can cause confusion over the way to get around. 

Whether you hop on a minibus or you rent a car, each option has benefits and drawbacks, depending on the situation. Here are some suggestions for transportation options away from home that will leave you moving smoothly wherever you go.

Renting a Car

This is one of the most common forms of transportation used while traveling. But is it right for your trip?

If you plan to be traveling long distances each day on your trip, renting a car can be the greatest way to move around. Most rental car services offer low daily rates, or will even consider offering a flat rate for the entire period you travel. Of course, the gas costs will be covered by you, but many rental services provide renters with choices between cars - opt for a hybrid, or any other car that gets good mileage. Some services even offer cheaper rates on weekdays than on weekends, so plan your trip well in advance to get the best deal.

When it comes to insurance, be very wary. Rental insurance prices are often extremely inflated, and often times a driver's personal automobile insurance already covers all of the same things as the rental insurance. Before purchasing rental insurance through a service, check with your current insurance provider to see if it's the right choice - it may save you a lot of money.

Taking the Bus/Taking a Taxi

If you're traveling to a location where public transportation is cheap and efficient, and if you don't need to travel long distances, consider taking the bus or riding on a metro. Often times you can purchase passes for a week or even a month, significantly cutting down the costs of transportation. In many cities and towns parking can also be a problem, thus making a rental car more difficult to use - in this case, opt for riding the bus around town so as to not worry about a car. 

If you're trying to get somewhere at night, forgo the bus for an official taxi. While taxis might be slightly more expensive, they offer safer transportation than a public bus or metro, and will take you exactly where you need to be.

Use Your Feet

An often overlooked form of transportation while on vacation, walking can offer benefits that far surpass any other way. Walking allows you to exercise while away from home, it saves a lot of money on transportation costs, and it allows you to see your destination of choice from a different perspective.

And you must consider the location to which you're traveling. If you're trying to get from Paris to Hamburg, or even San Francisco to Los Angeles in a few days, walking might not be your best option. But if you have a whole week to explore downtown Budapest, or if your entire trip is in Salt Lake City, put on a pair of walking shoes and see all of the sites you can.

Time to Get Away

Going on a vacation can be great fun for you and your friends or family, but make sure you plan accordingly before leaving. Whether you ride the bus, rent a car, or simply walk around town, find out the best transportation option for you to have the trip of a lifetime.

As travel enthusiasts, here at THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY we always encourage our readers to explore new areas when traveling. Let us know how can we help you with your next trip. 😉

*by andreascy*