Friday, February 28, 2014

New Law in Georgia to Combat Slow Driving in the Left Lane

The state of Georgia will soon have some new laws to combat those left lane loungers.  Just a quick look at the comment section of this article and it will be apparent just how pervasive a problem this is and how unaware most American drivers are.  Many of the commentators are offended that they do not have the right to sit in the left lane doing the speed limit.  These drivers feel that if their speedometer indicates they are driving at or below the speed limit, they can hang out in the left lane.  There isn't even a thought that their speedometer may not be 100 percent accurate due to mechanical issues, tire size or tire wear, or that the other vehicles on the road may be faced with an emergency.  It doesn't matter what your opinion is of those that travel or appear to be traveling above the posted speed limit is because it is not your job to use your vehicle to enforce traffic regulations.
  The biggest risk these left lane loungers present is the unsafe conditions created by other vehicles attempting to navigate around their road block.  They force vehicles to overtake on the right side of the road, make multiple lane changes and also back up traffic for miles.  Because these other drivers behind them have to apply their brakes to slow down, they create an accordion effect of increased braking by subsequent drivers.  When you see a large line of cars and brake lights, the standard and safe reaction is to apply your brakes, further adding to the traffic and creating a dangerous condition. There is a huge risk that the large trucks and heavy vehicles on the road, unable to brake as quickly, will rear end those vehicles stopping for the left lane loungers.
   It's unfortunate that the government needs to get involved with creating more laws and penalties just to elicit safe and courteous driving etiquette.   American drivers need more training in the rules of the road and probably a better license testing process.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

GM Recall now includes 842,000 vehicles.

The list of vehicles on the GM recall has been expanded to 842,000 vehicles including the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 built from through 2007 model years; Saturn Ion compacts built from 2003 to 2007, Chevrolet HHR SUV/Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky sports cars from 2006 and 2007.
  If you own one of these or know someone that does, make sure to see a dealer. This issue is affecting the electrical systems and is believed to have caused multiple accidents and at least 13 deaths.  Some of the airbags of those vehicles failed to deploy during the accident.  

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Cars and Coffee Wilmington's March Meet

The Wilmington Cars and Coffee with be holding their March meet this weekend at the Wilmington Chili's.  It's a great opportunity to check out some cool cars from all different makes, models and years while enjoy some coffee, doughnuts and socializing with fellow gear heads. Check out their Facebook page event here.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

The Joy of Super Car Ownership - Video Log Part 2

Rob Ferretti, from Superspeeders and his YouTube Channel superspeedersRob have published their second video in their "Owning a Ferrari" series.  Check it out to see the headaches, dedication and some slightly deep pockets needed to maintain and drive a finicky Italian Super Car.


Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Jay Leno's Garage - 25 Years of Miata

   Jay Leno's Garage just published a great video celebrating the 25 Years of Miata.  He met with the designers and talked about how the vehicle was designed in Irvin California for sports car enthusiasts.  The Miata was never and will never be the fastest car out there but it will always be a great driver's car.

Check out the video below and then head over to the Official Jay Leno's Garage site for more info and to join the discussion.


Thursday, February 6, 2014

84th International Geneva Motor Show 6-16 March 2014

The 84th International Geneva Motor Show is less than a month away.  The show will run from 6 to 16 March and as always, there are sure to be a few interesting concept cars and world premiers.
  The only downside I've ever experienced with the Geneva motor show is the extreme cost associated.  Good luck trying to find a place to sleep for less than a few hundred dollars.  If you do, expect a long drive and expensive parking at the show.  Unlike the shows in Paris and Frankfurt, Switzerland is a very expensive country and there are not many ways to do this one cheap.


Thursday, January 30, 2014

Smoking Tire's Latest; 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera S - Worth Every Penny

The Smoking Tire just released this video review of the 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera S on the street.  Just a week or so ago, they released a track drive of this car and if you haven't seen it yet, head on over to their YouTube channel and check it out.




Monday, January 27, 2014

Audi 2014 Big Game Commercial - Doberhuahua

Check out the latest from Audi, their new commercial for the super bowl.


Sad News from Michael Schumacher's Doctors Today

Autoblog.com and a few other websites are reporting some sad news this morning regarding Michale Schumacher.  According to reports from a medical conference, Schumacher's condition was a topic of discuss, particularly in regards to the duration of his medically inducted coma.  Anything beyond eight days is very dangerous and Michael has been in a coma since the end of December.
  We are all hopefully that Schumacher will be able to win this fight, but as the days pass by, unfortunately, that seems less and less likely.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Friday, January 24, 2014

Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee: Todd Barry

The latest episode of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee features Todd Barry.  Check it out below.


Top Gear Season 21 Sneak Preview

We've known for a few weeks now that series 21 of Top Gear will premiere on the 2nd of February (Super Bowl Sunday) but haven't has a clear of a picture what's in store until now.  Check out all the photos on the topgear.com website.


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Wilmington North Carolina Home Owner's Association DUI stop

  The Truth About Cars recently published an article about an individual in Wilmington North Carolina that
was stopped by a Home Owner's Association (HOA) Security Guard for speeding through the HOA's neighborhood.  The Security Guard (from a private company, not a sworn law enforcement officer) smelled alcohol and called for assistance from the University Police.  Because the Univesity Police didn't have jurisdiction off campus, they had to call the Wilmington Police.  The Police charged the driver with DUI and carrying a concealed weapon.
   The driver was able to appeal the case by arguing that the security guard had no proper training in DUI or speed enforcement.  The courts initially agreed but that decision has now been overturned.
  The bottom line of this is that HOA Security Guards are legally able to conduct traffic stops that a sworn police officer would not be able to conduct.  So according to the author over at TTAC, "we all can."  While I don't completely agree with that argument, this court ruling should give all North Carolina residents, particularly Wilmington, cause to second guess their HOA and security firms hired by them.  Could this same argument be used for one of these private companies to enter and search your residence? possibly!
  Check out the full article and discussion over at TTAC