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The Top 4 Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Arizona

Auto accidents happen every day throughout the state of Arizona. The experience of being in one yourself is frightening, especially when injuries are involved. More than half of all road traffic deaths occur among people between the ages of 16 and 44. In 2018 alone Arizona reported more than 127,000 motor vehicle accidents. To keep yourself safe as a driver, it is important to understand the top 4 most common causes of car accidents in Arizona.

most common causes of car accidents phoenix, az
  1. Speed Violations. Failing to obey the posted speeding regulation is the biggest cause of car accidents in Arizona. You will be in a hurry from time to time, like being late for work or an appointment. But it is never worth the risk to drive in speeds exceeding the posted limits. These speeding regulations are put in place to protect both yourself and others who are driving or walking on the roadways. Accidents related to speeding violations accounted for 33 percent of all Arizona auto accidents in 2018. Speeding is one of the most preventable causes of Arizona auto accidents.
  2. Distracted Driving. Using your cell phone while driving, not looking at the road because of music playing in your car, or some other form of distraction is another dangerous driving habit that causes accidents. Arizona just recently became the 48th state to ban cell phone use while driving. The amount of Arizona auto accidents caused from distracted driving in 2018 is estimated to be 25 percent. These accidents are totally preventable if you always make sure to keep your eyes on the road.
  3. Failure to Yield. It is imperative that you pay close attention to traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs. The Arizona state legislature thoroughly explains the right of way laws. This includes yielding to other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Car crashes in Arizona resulting from failure to yield accounted for 17 percent of auto accidents in 2018. According to Arizona laws, drivers should adhere to the following guidelines:
    • Two Vehicles at an Intersection. When two vehicles approach the same intersection from different streets at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right of way. The only exception to this rule is when a driver is entering a highway and when the vehicle on the left is travelling on a continuing street, and the driver on the right is on a road that ends, like when entering a highway.
    • Controlled Intersections. Motorists must obey all traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs at a controlled intersection. Always look before entering an intersection and carefully drive through a green light at a steady speed. If you come to an intersection with a stop sign, come to a complete stop, and make sure the path is clear before continuing to drive.
    • Uncontrolled Intersections. An uncontrolled intersection is one that doesn’t have a traffic light or stop sign, or the traffic signal is inoperative. You should approach this intersection as if it is a 4-way stop. If two vehicles enter the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right.
  • Impaired Driving. Driving under the influence of recreational or prescription drugs and alcohol continues to be a big cause of disastrous auto accidents in Arizona. You are responsible for knowing the legal blood alcohol content level in Arizona of 0.08 percent, and subsequent penalties for receiving a DUI. Driving while impaired severely limits your driving abilities and reaction times and is also one of the leading causes of driving fatalities. Alcohol related crashes accounted for 3.7 percent of all Arizona car accidents, and 26 percent of all fatal accidents in 2018. If you are going to go out and drink, be sure to have a designated driver with you.

These are the most common causes of car accidents in Arizona. The auto experts at Virginia Auto Service want to ensure the safety of every one of our customers, and the people in our community. If you are in the Phoenix area and have any care or repair needs for your vehicle, give Virginia Auto Service a call at 602-266-0200 or schedule an appointment with us online at your convenience.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix

Three Common Heat Related Car-Problems in Phoenix, Arizona

With summer temperatures in Phoenix regularly exceeding 100 degrees, your vehicle is undergoing a lot of excess wear and tear. It is best to do some preventative maintenance checks throughout the summer and make some special considerations to keep your car functioning optimally. Here are 3 common car problems often experienced in Phoenix, Arizona’s summer heat.

common heat related car problems phoenix, az
  • Blowing out a tire. As the air temperature increases, so does the pressure in your car’s tires. A change in internal air pressure can make tires more susceptible to getting blown out while you are driving. To avoid tire problems in the summer heat, do the following:
    • Keep tires properly inflated. A big difference between daytime and night-time summer temperatures can cause the air pressure in your tires to fluctuate. Check the air pressure in your tires, making sure the pressure doesn’t exceed the recommended amount based on your vehicle’s manufacturer recommendation. Because tire pressure is so critical in the summer in Arizona, you should check your car’s tires daily, first thing in the morning.
    • Check tires for wear and tear. Asphalt on the roadways can reach scalding temperatures in the summer. You should regularly inspect your tires for loss of tread, punctures, bulges, or tears. Replace faulty tires immediately.
    • Clean and treat tires and wheels. Regularly applying a good tire dressing will protect your tires from dry rot or cracking on the scalding hot roadways.
  • Damaged hoses and belts. Hot temperatures will increase the likelihood that one of your car’s belts or hoses is faulty. You can look under the hood to check for any problems.
    • Check the belts for cracks, fraying, or dry rotting. Look to see if the rubber has any spots with a slick or glazed appearance that can cause the belts to slip. When the engine is cool, gently pull on the belts to check the tension level. There should be no more than one half to one inch of give.
    • Check the hoses for any cracks, bulges, or leaks. Squeeze the hoses near the clamps with your thumb and forefinger. Feel for any soft spots and look to see if any fluid is leaking. It you see a hardened, glassy surface on any of the hoses, this is a sign of heat damage. Replace any faulty belts or hoses right away.
  • Battery problems. Summer temperatures can damage the wiring and speed up corrosion of your car’s battery. Extreme heat can also damage the internal structure of the battery by causing fluids to evaporate. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and then clean them with a wire brush. You should also look for any signs of swelling in the battery case. The voltage of the battery should be checked by an automotive professional to make sure that it falls within the desired range. Since a faulty battery can cause problems to your car’s electrical system, be sure to replace it immediately.

Virginia Auto Service will take care of all your summer auto service and repair needs in Phoenix, Arizona. We have won some prestigious awards that recognized us for our leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Just schedule an appointment online or call us at (602)-266-0200.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix

Arizona Teen Drivers Laws: What Parents and Teens Need to Know

Getting a driver’s license is a milestone in every Arizona teenager’s life. However, as parents we are responsible to make sure our teen drivers understand and comply with Arizona driving laws for teenagers.

Road safety tips for teenage drivers

Here’s our list of seven rules for teen drivers in Arizona.  

1. Cellphone use is prohibited

According to Arizona teen driver laws, use of a wireless communication device is prohibited except in an emergency. This, however, is subject to two conditions:

  • When it is impossible to stop the vehicle.
  • If stopping the vehicle can lead to an additional emergency or if it presents a road safety hazard.

Passenger limits:  How many passengers can a 16-year-old driver have in Arizona?

Teenage driving laws in Arizona limit the number of passengers to just one non-family member under 18 for the first six months, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian riding in the front passenger seat. 

2. Teen seatbelt laws:

Every time you take the family out or if your child takes the car, make sure you remind them and all the other passengers in the car to strap on their seatbelts.

Arizona driving laws are very strict in this respect – passengers always must wear their seatbelts. Make sure your teen follows this rule every time they get behind the wheel.

3. Drinking and Driving

Driving under the influence is against the law no matter what age you are.  

There can be no compromise on drinking and driving – make sure your teen understands and follows this rule. If they do consume alcohol, ensure your teen calls you for a ride – you can talk about their actions and the consequence of their actions once they are safe and back at home.

4. Arizona Teen Driver Curfew

Most parents prefer to set an early curfew especially when their teen has just gotten their driver’s license and over a period, they extend the curfew.

It is important to remember that while driving after dark can be dangerous for even seasoned drivers, the risks are far higher for new drivers or teenage/young drivers.

In Arizona, newly licensed teens are not permitted to drive between midnight and 5 am in the morning barring a few exceptions including the following:

  • If a parent or legal guardian accompanies them and is seated in the front seat.
  • If it is an emergency.
  • If they are driving to work or going back home from school or a religious activity.

5. Speeding Laws

All drivers are subject to speed laws in Arizona. Speed thrills but it can also kill. Not to mention, it can also lead to fines and the revoking of your driving privileges if you are caught.

A good way to ensure your teen sticks to speed limits is by telling them that they are responsible for paying for speeding tickets they get. In addition, receiving a motor vehicle violation in most cases will surely increase the cost of car insurance.

6. Important Note About Revoked Licenses

Teen driving laws in Arizona are very specific. If a teen driver is found to be guilty of deliberate negligence or misconduct, in addition to the extension of certain driving restrictions beyond the mandatory six months period, their licenses can be revoked.

The Importance of Routine Car Maintenance

Last but not the least, while it’s not a law, we highly recommend educate your teen driver on the importance of routine maintenance as a way of keeping their car in good condition and safe for driving. A few things they should know about include:

  • Checking the fuel level. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road in a Phoenix summer or any time of the year for that matter.
  • Checking other fluids such as brake fluid, oil, power steering fluid among others.
  • Checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure every month.
  • Checking the tires for any external/visual damage every week.
  • Keeping the car clean as well as ensuring the mirrors and windows are clean as well.
  • Checking the car manual for important tasks such as changing the oil, the reasons for the “check engine light” flashing, or to watch out for signs of car trouble like uncommon noises or odors.
  • It is equally important to advise them on when they need to visit a professional car technician – either for routine maintenance or for repairs.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

Are you facing any kind of car trouble? If yes, you can visit us at Virginia Auto Service for a speedy resolution. You can also reach us at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix Tagged With: laws, safety, teen drivers

10 Fall Festivals and Activities Near Phoenix, AZ

Fall in Phoenix, AZ is warm, sunny and remarkably pleasant. Because of this, there are numerous fun festivals and activities that take place. We have put together a list of 10 fall festivals and activities taking place near Phoenix in 2017.

Arizona State Fair

Where: Arizona State Fair Grounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ

When: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 6 – 29

Admission: $10 Adults, $5 Children 5-13 & Seniors 55+ (Children under 5 get in free.)

Website: https://azstatefair.com/

The Arizona State Fair attracts over 1 million guests annually to rank as the 3rd highest attended state fair in the country and in the top 15 of North American Fairs. It features professional midway rides and games by Ray Cammack Shows, unique Fair foods, livestock and animal attractions, national headline and local entertainment, special shopping vendors, and various contests. There is something for everyone at the Arizona State Fair! Check the website for details on this year’s concert series!

Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular

Where: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 North Pima Road Scottsdale, AZ

When: October 27, 2017 to October 28, 2017, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Admission: $15 adults; $10 children 3-12

Website: http://srfballoonfestivals.com/

The annual Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular offers a safe, fun and memorable trick-or-treat experience. The whole family will love this festival featuring nightly firework shows, live music, a pumpkin patch and a free KidsZone. Over 20 resplendent hot air balloons brighten the sky as they participate in the world’s longest continuous glow at over 3 hours. Tethered balloon rides are offered as well at an additional cost. Candy stations will be serving up more than 4,000 pounds of candy to trick-or-treaters. Older children and adults will enjoy the Free Haunted Trail manned by local high school students featuring surprises around every corner. Enjoy shopping in the Spooktacular Marketplace for arts, crafts and merchandise from local shops, or sip and savour beverages and holiday-themed foods from dozens of on-site vendors. Don’t forget to dress up for the nightly costume contests for kids, adults and groups.

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party

Where: Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road Queen Creek, AZ

When: Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 5 – 29, Thursdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Admission: $20.00 (includes tax) at the gate or $15.00 at any FRY’S (children 2 & under free)

Website:

Voted by Phoenix Magazine, New Times, Sunset Magazine and numerous others as THE Best FALL Family event in the Valley!!! Schnepf Farms offers fun fall activities like hay rides, a 4-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, pig races and, of course, chili. Enjoy party food like a burger, chili dinner or succotash. Take a spin on exciting rides or the farm’s train. Friday and Saturday nights, you can enjoy a firework show. Don’t forget to purchase your Halloween pumpkin from the pumpkin patch during your visit.

Pumpkin Days and Corn Maze at Tolmachoff Farms

Where: Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ

When: October 11 – 15, October 17 – 22, October 24 – 29, Closed Monday. Tuesday–Thursday 12 p.m.–8 p.m.; Friday 12 p.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Admission: $12 for ages 2 and up

Website: http://www.tolmachoff-farms.com/

Let the unforgettable fall season memories began at Tolmachoff Farms and experience the ultimate holiday outing where there is something for the whole family: Great big pumpkin patch, 6-acre family corn maze with a new theme every year (search for pieces of your map as you walk through), mini corn maze (perfect for the little ones), haunted corn maze (Do you have the courage to enter?). Other activities include a petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid, corn box, adult/child pedal cart track, jumping pillow and much more.

Halloween Party and Ghost Hunt Night Hike

Where: Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. Goodyear, AZ

When: October 21, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Admission: $6 Vehicle Entry

Website:

Celebrate the spookiest day of the year with Estrella. They’ll have music and dancing, games, crafts, live creepy crawlies and trick-or-treating at Estrella’s Nature Center. Fun and surprises are around every corner. Please come in costume. Stick around after the party if you’d like for a ghost hunt night hike!

Harvest Fest at the Pioneer Living History Museum

Where: Pioneer Living History Museum, 3901 W. Pioneer Road Phoenix, AZ

When: Recurring weekly on Sunday and Saturday from October 14, 2017, to October 29, 2017, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: $10 online; $24 at gates. Children 2 and under are free.

Website: https://pioneeraz.org/harvest-fest/

A pumpkin patch, hay rides, gold panning, BB Gun Range, pumpkin bowling and more games, food and live music is only a hint of what you and your family will enjoy at Harvest Fest 2017! View the calendar and activities page on their website for a comprehensive list of events.

Strange Garden

Where: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ

When: October 27, 2017 to October 28, 2017, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Admission: Free with paid garden admission ($24.95 adults, $12.95 youth) or membership.

Website:

Join the Desert Botanical Garden at Strange Garden and encounter weird sights, fun tricks and enchanting creatures. Look out for our Mad Botanists as they dazzle you with tales of fascinating and peculiar plants. Dance ‘til you drop with groovy ghouls at the Spooktacular Monster Bash.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden

Where: Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street Carefree, AZ

When: Recurring daily October 20-29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Admission: Free

Website:

Enjoy whimsical pumpkin carvings from master sculptor Ray Villafane. The Enchanted Pumpkin Garden is open to the public and woven throughout the 4-acre Carefree Desert Gardens. This one-of-a-kind event celebrates incredible artistry and the enchantment of the Halloween season and there is no other exhibit like it in the country. Stroll the 4-acre exhibit and discover whimsical pumpkin characters keeping time with the Carefree Sundial. We encourage people to visit more than once as the exhibits changed daily with newly carved pumpkins. There will be magical activities for both kids and adults as well as culinary delights and autumnal refreshments- including a craft beer garden and live music on the weekends.

Howl-o-Ween at the Phoenix Zoo

Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway Papago Park Phoenix, AZ

When: October 27-28, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Admission: $12.95 general admission (Children 2 and under are free)

Website:

Whether you’re looking for scary tricks or sweet treats, Howl-O-Ween is a delightfully spooky event for all ages. All activities are broken down as either Merry or Scary. Those listed as Merry are appropriate for all ages and those listed as Scary are for guests eight years and older who like a good scare! Please be aware of the activity’s description before participating. Tickets are limited. Don’t miss out… purchase yours before they disappear!

A-Scarium Halloween Weekend at OdySea Aquarium

Where: OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via de Ventura Scottsdale, AZ

When: October 27, 2017, to October 29, 2017, Regular business hours

Admission: Complimentary with paid admission

Website: https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/

Guests are invited to a special Halloween weekend event at the OdySea Aquarium October 27-29, beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday and running through the weekend. Professor Slithers returns with creepy crawly animals and his myth-busting assistants while Spooky Skeleton and Ghost Divers can be seen diving in SeaTREK and other exhibits. Complimentary tricks and treats for kids under 12 years of age will be offered in addition to themed exhibits throughout. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the holiday festivities.

See VisitPhoenix.com for a list of more fall festivities and Halloween shenanigans happening around Phoenix in 2017.

At Virginia Auto Service, we care a lot about the community in which we reside. We hope you enjoy the festivities we have listed and make many lasting memories with your family this Fall season. If you need help making sure your vehicle is up to the task of getting you to all the Fall fun safely call on us. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Holiday/Seasonal, Just For Fun, Things To Do In Arizona Tagged With: Corn Mazes in Phoenix, Fall Festivals in Phoenix, Fall in Phoenix, Phoenix

The Importance of Driving Safely in School Zones

Now that school is back in session for most children in the Phoenix metropolitan area, motorists will need to start paying close attention to the roadways for school zones. School zones are meant to keep children safe as they arrive at and leave school. However, there are times when these zones are a risk for both pedestrians and motorists.

Every school year, over 55 million children across the United States head back to school. According to AAA, around 13 percent of those children are usually walking or biking to their classes. Others may pass through the school zone after exiting a bus or caregiver’s vehicle. The chaos of the busy school zone may be dangerous to children. Nancy Pullen-Seufert, associate director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School, says, “There’s a lot of activity that happens between arrival time and dismissal time that can be distracting, and that’s the piece that can make it risky for young pedestrians.” It would also seem that motorists, even those who are dropping off their most precious cargo, need a refresher course on the rules of school zone driving.

A study found that two-thirds of drivers exceed the posted speed limit during the 30-minute period before and after school.  Automated photo enforcement measures discovered that 78 percent of drivers sped in school zones, and 82 percent of drivers passed a school bus illegally. A report by Safe Kids Worldwide shows that motorists often violate stop sign rules at intersections in school zones and residential neighborhoods, with 45 percent failing to come to a complete stop, 37 percent rolling through the stop sign, and seven percent failing to slow down. According to AAA, the most dangerous time for the school zone and beyond is after school from 3-4 p.m. It is during this window that more school-aged pedestrians are killed by motorists than any other time of day.

The problem with motorists speeding in school zones had gotten so bad, some municipalities- including several in the Phoenix metropolitan area- have installed speed cameras to catch and ticket those who violate the speed limit in school zones. Kate Carr, CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide states, “In places where that’s happened, there’s been a decrease in injuries and fatalities associated with kids who are walking in school zones.”

According to the most recent year for which data is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of traffic fatalities among pedestrians age 14 and younger went down from 391 fatalities in 2002 to 230 in 2011. The downward trend is good news, however, in 2011, an estimated 11,000 pedestrians age 14 and younger were injured in traffic accidents overall.

Motorists need to keep in mind, that it takes children a while to learn to cross the street safely. They don’t always cross where or when they should, and are not completely aware of the dangers in doing this. Information provided by the NHTSA shows that in 2011 nearly 79 percent of pedestrian fatalities among children ages 14 and younger occurred at non-intersection locations, such as between parked cars or crossing the road in the middle. Motorists should approach a school zone with the mindset that it is most likely that most of the people walking there are unaware of the laws and are unfamiliar with the operation of an automobile. James Solomon, program development and training director of defensive driving courses for the National Safety Council stresses, “Kids don’t know how long it takes to stop a car. None of that is in their thinking.”

Between 2007 and 2012, there was a 25 percent increase in pedestrian injuries for teens between the ages of 16 and 19, according to a report by Safe Kids Worldwide. This increase of injuries in this age range is likely related to the increased use of smartphones, mp3 players, and iPods stealing their focus away from the hazards of the world around them. Concerned with the upward trend of pedestrian injuries in this age range, Safe Kids conducted an observational study of 34,000 middle school and high school students walking in school zones. The study found that one in five high school students and one in eight middle school kids were, in fact, distracted by a mobile device. For this reason, motorists need to not only watch the roads closely in the school zones of younger children but those of tweens and teens as well. Carr, of Safe Kids Worldwide says, “We know that distraction is a big issue for drivers, but there’s been less focus on the issue of distraction for pedestrians. We need to teach our kids that a mobile device shouldn’t be used when crossing the street.”

Speed cameras, crosswalks, stop signs, flashing lights, and crossing guards can only offer so much protection for school children. Motorists need to be aware of their surroundings and follow the driving laws in the school zone.

Safe Driving Tips for School Zones

Always expect the unexpected, especially around young children. James Solomon of the National Safety Council says, “Children run and play. They can come from anywhere.” Remain alert.

Stop properly. When you come to a stop sign or crosswalk be sure to come to a complete stop. Remember, it is illegal to pass through a stationary stop sign or one that is held by a crossing guard. In school zones, any charges or fines you may face are usually doubled.  In school zones, motorists should fully stop at the stop sign, before they reach the crosswalk area. Never block a crosswalk as it can force kids to walk around your vehicle, which could put them in danger. Solomon advises that drivers,” wait a bit before driving through after the crossing guard clears the intersection. There are always one or two children lagging behind that are now going to run through the crosswalk to catch up with the rest of the group.”

Observe the speed limit. State law, specifically Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 28-797, provides a uniform application of 15 mph school zone traffic control for elementary and middle schools (kindergarten through eighth grades) at authorized school crossings meeting certain minimum criteria. The limit near most high schools is posted no higher than 25 mph. Nancy Pullen-Seufert of the National Center for Safe Routes to School says, “The faster you are going, the more likely you are to injure a pedestrian and to injure them more seriously.” According to the NHTSA, five percent of pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 20 mph suffer a fatality. The fatality number increases to 45 percent when hit by a vehicle going 30 mph, and to 80 percent for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph. The NHTSA goes on to state that driving faster also means longer stopping distances. For example, when you are traveling 20 mph it takes you around 69 feet to come to a complete stop. At 30 mph, it takes you 123 feet to stop, nearly double the distance.

Stay off electronic devices. Distractions, like talking on your cell phone, have been proven to reduce a driver’s reaction time. Looking away from the road for only two seconds can double your chances of crashing. Texting while driving has been proven to be as dangerous as driving drunk. Kate Carr of Safe Kids Worldwide says, “The ability to multi-task is a myth. If you are going to drive your child to school, drive your child to school. Leave the cell phone in a place where you aren’t going to be distracted.” Remain vigilant and able to navigate the school zone completely prepared to handle any situation that may arise.

Make eye contact with pedestrians. When you see a pedestrian that looks like they may want to cross the road, make eye contact with them so that you know you have been seen. “If you haven’t made eye contact with them, assume that they haven’t seen you and that they are just going to keep on going,” says Carr.

Don’t pass school buses. In all 50 states, it is illegal to pass a school bus on undivided roadways when it is stopped to load or unload children. The National Safety Council states that most children who die in a bus-related accident are pedestrians between the ages of four and seven who are either hit by the bus or motorists passing the school bus illegally. Laws will vary from state to state regarding passing a school bus on a divided roadway when the bus is traveling in the opposite direction. No matter what, all vehicles behind the bus must stop. Today, many school buses are equipped with rear cameras to catch motorists who illegally pass them.

Watch for bus warning lights. When there are yellow flashing lights on the bus that means that the bus is preparing to stop and let children on or off, and you need to give it room to do so. When the light is red it means that children are currently loading or unloading. At no time when the lights are red or yellow should you attempt to pass the bus.

Give the buses plenty of space for loading and unloading. Kids are at most risk of being hit by a car with in the 10 feet around the bus.

Drop kids off at the school, not across the street. Pullen-Seufert of the National Center for Safe Routes to School says, “Oftentimes parents get very tempted to drop their child off across the street from the school and tell their child to just run across the street. And we really, really don’t want drivers to do that. Any time any pedestrian of any age is crossing the road, they are at a greater risk.”

Take an alternate route. If you are not a parent responsible for picking up or dropping off a child, it may be best to avoid driving in a school zone altogether to avoid any frustrations.

Treat each child as if they were your own. It’s not only impatient motorists who are running late for work that are responsible for school zone accidents. Parents are just as likely to break school zone rules when they are picking up or dropping off their children. Keep in mind that even though your child has been picked up or dropped off safely, there are others still out with the possibility of being injured. Stay vigilant and follow the school zone rules and keep these children safe. You know you would want other parents to do the same for your children.

Report any hazards or dangers you notice. Should you have a “near miss” with a child, let someone at the school or authorities know how it happened. You may be alerting them of an area that could be dangerous in the school zone. Solomon of the National Safety Council says, “You need to find whoever is in charge if it’s a crossing guard, a law enforcement agent or school staff. You need to safely park the vehicle and explain what happened. Sooner or later, enough near-misses mean someone gets hit.”

At Virginia Auto Service, we care about the community we live in and want nothing more than to make it as safe as possible. We hope you find these safety tips for driving in a school zone to be helpful. For more information on school zones in Arizona check out the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) web page. For further advice on how you can keep child pedestrians and bicyclists safe in school zones, you can refer to the National Safety Council’s “Back to School Safety Tips for Motorists.”

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Driving Tips, Road Safety Tagged With: driving safely in school zones, driving safety, safe driving, school zone safety, school zones

How to Stay Safe on the Road in a Dust Storm

It’s monsoon season in Phoenix, AZ and that means motorists could potentially have a run-in with a heavy dust storm. Often our dust storms are extremely dense and can severely limit motorists visibility. It is important for your safety, and the safety of others, that you know what to do if you happen to encounter a dust storm on your travels.

There are two major kinds of dust-related hazards Arizona drivers face: dust storms/haboobs and dust channels. But what is the difference?

  • Dust storm– Easy to avoid as the massive height and span are seen miles in the distance giving motorists plenty of opportunity to exit the roadway or choose another route.
  • Dust channel– These consist of blowing dust that whips across the roadway engulfing your vehicle in low or no visibility without warning. These fast-moving blowing dust events can result in serious crashes because they give motorists little or no time to respond.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), while blowing dust can occur anywhere in Arizona, there’s a stretch of Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson where dust channels often suddenly develop, so ADOT is currently installing a first-of-its-kind dust detection zone from mileposts 209-219. They state that nearly half of all blowing dust-related crashes that occur on I-10 occur within a half-mile of milepost 214, northwest of Picacho Peak.

In 2012, ADOT began the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” campaign to emphasize the importance of driving safety during a dust storm. These are their tips:

  1. Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  2. If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  3. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway — do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  4. Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  5. Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  6. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  7. Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  8. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We hope these tips, provided by ADOT, help you stay safer this monsoon and dust-storm season. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Driving Tips, Holiday/Seasonal, Road Safety Tagged With: ADOT, Arizona Department of Transportation, drive safely in a dust storm, driving in a dust storm, dust storm safety

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Monsoons

Ready or not, here they come! Though the monsoons have been slow to start this year, they are on their way. Make sure you take the extra time Mother Nature has given you this monsoon season to help ready your vehicle for the dust storms and torrential downpours headed your way.

Driving during the monsoons poses bigger risks just a longer commute. In fact, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, more than 5,000 crashes occurred in 2015 due to rain in Arizona. For this reason, it is important that you have your vehicle ready to handle the roads as safely as possible.

Before the monsoons start, check off these seven items on your vehicle maintenance to-do list:

  1. Check your tires. Make sure your tires are rotated and aligned every 6,000 miles. Check for the proper inflation levels, your vehicle specific recommended psi can be found in your owner’s manual. The tire pressure should be checked at least once a month. Inspect your tire tread and replace your tire if it is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less. Don’t forget to inspect your spare!
  2. Change your wiper blades. The wipers are an often-overlooked safety feature of the vehicle. They are what allow motorists to see the road clearly in a storm. It is recommended that you check your wiper blades every six months and replace them once a year, or whenever you notice a decrease in visibility. Replacing wipers before the start of the monsoons is a good idea, as being caught in a storm with failing wipers can be extremely dangerous.
  3. Inspect the battery. A dead battery is not a pleasant experience, especially during monsoon season. Check that the battery is clean and free of corrosion and that everything is tightly secured. Have your battery tested to make sure it is properly holding its charge. If your battery is over three years old, you may want to consider having it replaced. Remember to never handle a battery unless you know how to do so safely.
  4. Check the lights. Visibility is extremely important during the monsoons. You need to make sure you can see, and that you are seen. Make sure all exterior lights (head, tail, reverse, and indicator) are working correctly. Repair cloudy headlight lenses, and for even better visibility, consider using high-intensity halogen headlights.
  5. Inspect your belts and hoses. Make sure there are no cracks, tears, or glazing, and that everything is tightened properly. Summer heat is hard on the hoses and belts so it is important to monitor them closely this time of year to avoid any potential damage.
  6. Check the air filters. It is dusty this time of year, which is hard on both your cabin and engine air filters. Have them checked then replace if needed.
  7. Inspect your brakes. Being able to stop safely is extremely important at all times, however, in inclement weather conditions, we rely even more heavily on the abilities of our brakes. Before the rains start, have a brake expert inspect your brakes to make sure they are in top condition. Your life and the life of other motorists depends on it.

Virginia Auto Service is here to help you make sure you are driving a vehicle that can safely handle monsoon weather conditions. We are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Related Posts:

  • 14 Monsoon Road Safety Tips
  • Improve Visibility by Taking Care of Your Windshield Wipers
  • How to Check Your Car for Water Damage
  • How to Get Your Car Unstuck from Mud

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Car Care, Holiday/Seasonal, Maintenance Tagged With: auto care, Auto repair Phoenix, Car repair Phoenix, monsoon auto maintenance checklist, monsoon season, Phoenix Arizona auto maintenance, vehicle monsoon preparedness

9 Spring Break Activities for Families Near Phoenix, AZ

Spring break is headed our way! Not everyone can get out of town for the kids’ vacation from school, so we have put together a list of nine things you can do as a family that are nearby.

  1. Cactus League Spring Training Baseball Game– Various Locations

The Cactus League has long been a cherished Arizona tradition for locals, tourists and, of course, baseball fans! The Cactus League spring training season is underway as players from 15 Major League Baseball teams report to their respective stadiums around the Valley. The Phoenix area is home to 15 teams and 10 stadiums. Five of the facilities host two teams every spring. You can find available games on this schedule.

  1. Arizona Renaissance Festival– Gold Canyon

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is a Renaissance-themed amusement park and fair in Arizona located east of the Phoenix metro area near Gold Canyon. Open now, Saturdays and Sundays thru April 2nd, 2017 from 10 am to 6 pm.

  1. Makutu’s Island– Chandler

Anchored by a huge tree with tunnels and slides, this indoor playground also has an arcade and pizzeria. Recommended Attire:  Long sleeve shirts and pants so they don’t get a burn going down the slides. Parents can accompany the child thru the play area for 5 years and younger. Kids under 3 may enjoy quieter weekdays and the toddler area. You can also register your children for their special spring break camp. If you go to the AZ Renaissance Festival, hold on to your ticket! It can be used to receive 10% off your entrance fee. Offer valid thru June 30, 2017.

  1. Sea Life Aquarium– Tempe

An aquarium built for kids, Sea Life offers family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures. SEA LIFE Arizona and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Arizona will offer one free child ticket with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket when guests show their AZ Ren Fest Ticket Stubs. Valid through April 30, 2017. OR, save around $5 when you purchase your tickets in advance online. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center combination tickets are also available.

  1. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center– Tempe

Located right across from the Sea Life Aquarium in the Arizona Mills Mall, jump inside the world’s biggest box of LEGO ® bricks at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, an indoor kids’ attraction with 4D cinema, rides and more! Make a day of it and purchase Sea Life/ LEGOLAND® combination tickets.

  1. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Phoenix-Scottsdale

Kierland is a family-friendly resort, offering many activities to enjoy. They offer Villa accommodations as well as traditional rooms. Kierland also has a water area including an 110-foot waterslide, FlowRider, lazy river, a shallow pool for the little ones, and water splash area.  Cabanas are available for rent.

  1. AMC Dine-In Theatre Esplanade 14– Phoenix

The perfect way to experience dinner and a movie. Reserve your seat and enjoy a made-from-scratch menu prepared fresh by their chefs, plus a full bar. Just push the service button at your seat to order. Kids get a kick out of pressing the red button on their counter and ordering soda refills. This is a great way to take a break and relax.

  1. Arizona Grand Water Park– Phoenix

The Arizona Grand Resort and Spa is a luxury hotel situated in Phoenix, AZ.  In 2014 it was voted as the #1 Staycation Spot in Arizona and it is also the only AAA Four Diamond All Suite Resort in Arizona. The Arizona Grand is home to their very own Oasis Water Park, voted by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s Top 10 Water Parks. Kids will love spending time going up and down the slides, floating around the lazy river, playing in the wave pool, and just hanging out in the splash parks.

 

For more fun ideas read the following posts:

  • Cool Down: 14 Fun Phoenix Splash Pads and Water Parks
  • 12 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids

For high-quality auto repair services, give the experts at Virginia Auto Service a try. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

 

 

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Just For Fun, Things To Do In Arizona Tagged With: Phoenix Arizona Spring Break, Spring break, spring break Phoenix

48 Interesting Facts About Arizona

Everyone knows that February 14th is special for lovers, but for Arizona, it holds another important meaning. It was 105 years ago, on February 14, 1912, that Arizona became the 48th state in the Union.

To honor our home state on its birthday, we thought it would be fun to share some facts about it. Some you may know, others you may not, in any case, it is all good fun.

Here are 48 interesting facts about Arizona:
  1. Arizona was the last of the contiguous United States to be made a state.
  2. A person from Arizona is called an Arizonan.
  3. Cattle, cotton, copper, citrus, and climate -also known as the five C’s– were the building blocks of Arizona.
  4. Arizona leads the nation in copper production.
  5. The geographic center of Arizona is 55 miles (89 kilometers) southeast of Prescott.
  6. The Capitol building’s roof is made up of enough copper to make 4.8 million pennies.
  7. Ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment granted women the right to vote across the United States. However, in Arizona, women earned the right to vote eight years earlier in November of 1912.
  8. Arizona has the largest percentage of Native American lands, with nearly one-fourth of the state being reservation land.
  9. There are currently 22 sovereign American Indian communities in Arizona.
  10. Arizona is the sixth largest state, in area, falling behind Alaska, Texas, California, Montana and New Mexico. Arizona is close to 114,000 square miles. It is around 340 miles wide and 400 miles in length.
  11. All six states of New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) plus the state of Pennsylvania would fit inside of Arizona.
  12. Only about 17 percent of Arizona is privately owned. The rest of the state consists of forest and park lands, state trust lands, and Native American reservations.
  13. Of the 50 states, Arizona is the 15th most populous with over 6.7 million people.
  14. The world’s best-preserved meteor crater is found in Winslow, Arizona.
  15. You won’t find any dinosaur fossils in the walls of the Grand Canyon because the rocks are a lot older than the oldest known dinosaurs. There are, however, fossils of things like corals, crinoids, sponges, and trilobites.
  16. Arizona’s last volcanic eruption occurred between D. 1080 and 1150, creating Sunset Crater near Flagstaff.
  17. Because of its diverse geography and climate, Arizona can yield both the highest and lowest temperatures in the country on the same day.
  18. In Phoenix and Tucson, the sun shines 85 percent of the year. That is even more than Hawaii and Florida.
  19. The official state gemstone of Arizona is Turquoise.
  20. The Arizona Trout can only be found in Arizona and is also the official state fish.
  21. The official state tree is the Palo Verde. The name means “green stick.”
  22. Arizona’s official state flower is the saguaro cactus blossom. The flower usually blooms on the tips of the saguaro cactus during the months of May and June.
  23. The official state bird of Arizona is the cactus wren, which loves to build their nests in the protection of the thorny arms of the saguaro cactus.
  24. The saguaro cactus is the largest American cactus, and it is also considered endangered. If you cut down endangered cactus like the saguaro in Arizona, you could face up to a year behind bars.
  25. With 13 species of rattlesnake residing in Arizona, it has more rattlesnake species than any other state. The Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake is the official state reptile.
  26. Arizona is famous for the Petrified Forest, so it comes as no surprise that petrified wood is the official state fossil.
  27. Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time year-round and does not observe daylight savings time, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, located in the northeast corner of the state. The only other state that does not observe daylight savings time is Hawaii.
  28. The World’s Oldest Rodeo is held in Prescott, Arizona every July. The oldest continuous rodeo is in Payson.
  29. Arizona, along with Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, is a part of the Four Corners. A place in the United States where a person can stand in four states and the same time.
  30. There are three national parks, six state forests, 18 national monuments (more than any other state), and 28 state parks in Arizona.
  31. Kitts Peak National Observatory, near Tucson, is the home of the world’s largest solar telescope.
  32. The largest unbroken Ponderosa pine forest in the U.S. is in Arizona. Around one-fourth of the state is covered by forest growth.
  33. The West’s most famous shoot-out, the gunfight at the O.K. Corral, took place in Tombstone, Arizona. It lasted for only around 30 seconds.
  34. There are more golf courses than Scotland and more mountains than Switzerland located in Arizona.
  35. The Southern Pacific Railroad connected Arizona with the eastern states in 1926.
  36. The original London Bridge now calls Arizona home. It was shipped stone-by-stone and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City.
  37. The name “Arizona” originated from the Spanish name, Arizonac, which in turn derived from the O’odham name “alĭ ṣonak” (meaning “small spring”).
  38. The two largest man-made lakes in the U.S. are found in Arizona- Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
  39. The Arizona flag has 13 rays of red and gold/yellow on its top half, symbolizing the original 13 states in the Union as well as Arizona’s sunsets. The copper star at the center of the flag represents Arizona’s copper mining industry. The blue one the bottom half represents the Colorado River. The red and blue shades on the Arizona flag are the same as the red and blue found on the flag of the United States.
  40. The hottest recorded temperature in Arizona was 128 degrees in Lake Havasu City on June 29, 1994.
  41. The coldest recorded temperature in Arizona was -40 degrees, recorded January 7, 1971, at Hawley Lake.
  42. With 3,928 mountain peaks and summits, Arizona has more mountains than any of the other mountain states (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming).
  43. Humphrey’s Peak is Arizona’s highest point, coming in at 12,633 feet.
  44. The Four Peaks area of the Matzanal Mountains produces top-quality amethysts.
  45. Phoenix originated as a hay camp to supply Camp McDowell in 1866.
  46. The Tonto Natural Bridge, near Payson, is thought to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. The bridge was discovered in 1877 and is 400 feet long and 183 feet high.
  47. It is unlawful to refuse a person a glass of water in Arizona.
  48. The land area that is now known as Arizona had the Castilian and Burgundian flags of Spain, the Mexican flag, and the Confederate flag flown over it at one point in time.

As you can see, we love Arizona. More than that, we love the people of Arizona, and we take pride in our part in keeping them safe on the roads. For high-quality auto repair services, give the experts at Virginia Auto Service a try. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Just For Fun, Uncategorized Tagged With: About Arizona, Arizona Facts, Interesting Facts About Arizona

Move Over When You See Those Flashing Lights

Did you know that one tow truck driver is killed every six days on the road? Or that 23 highway workers and one law enforcement officer are killed every month and five firefighters are killed every year? It was for this reason that Arizona initiated the “Move Over Law,” ARS 28-775E-1-2, in 2005.

According to moveoveraz.com, the law is a measure designed to protect the lives of everyone who uses our roadways. The law requires all drivers to move over one lane to create a safe margin of space when passing by any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road.

As stated above, the law took effect in 2005 in order to reduce injuries and fatalities to law-enforcement officers and emergency responders assisting the public. It was later enhanced in July 2011 to protect everyone, including stranded motorists, tow truck drivers, roadside assistance providers and road work and maintenance crews, as well as emergency responders and law enforcement officers. The new slogan is “Move over. Every car, every time.”

The law recognizes that there may be times when it is not safe for the motorist to move over. In those situations, the driver should slow down -between 15 to 20 miles below the posted speed limit- and proceed with caution. Drivers should watch for people or objects that could enter their travel lane, and be prepared to stop.

Arizona’s Move Over law applies to all public roads and highways statewide, including local roads and surface streets, interstates, parkways and state highways. It can be enforced by any law-enforcement officer, including local police, county sheriff’s deputies and Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers.

Failure to comply with the law is a moving violation. Fines vary by jurisdiction but can range from $150 to $650.

So, remember…

  • MOVE Over when you see any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of any road or highway.
  • SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION if you cannot move over.
  • Not obeying the law is a moving violation punishable by fines; worse, you or someone else could be injured or killed.

Virginia Auto Service loves to help you with your vehicle and safety in any way we can, we hope you find this post helpful.  For high-quality auto repair services, give the experts at Virginia Auto Service a try. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Filed Under: About Arizona/Phoenix, Driving Tips, Road Safety Tagged With: driving law, driving safety, move over az, move over law

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Auto Repair Phoenix, AZ
386 E. Virginia Ave | Phoenix, AZ 85004
(On 7th Street between McDowell & Thomas)
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