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Significance of the Data Kelley Blue Book predicts that new-car sales and leasing slumps of recent years will impact used-car values for years to come In response to supply reductions, average value of 1- to 3-year-old used vehicle has increased from $15K in 2008 to more than $23K in 2011, nearly16% each year It will […]
Catalytic Converter Thefts on the Rise in U.K.
Thieves and organized criminals in the U.K. are targeting vehicle catalytic converters for their precious metal value. If properly recycled, they can be worth between £50 and £100. A new catalytic converter can cost more than £2,000 to retrofit. Keeping vehicles garaged or parked in well-lit, camera-monitored areas is the best advice. Several companies offer indelible marking which can render the parts less attractive to thieves.
Wright Express, Pep Boys Launch Fleet Services Program
Wright Express and Pep Boys have teamed to launch the Pep Boys Fleet Services Program. Pep Boys will offer business customers a proprietary charge card for automotive tires, maintenance, repairs, parts and accessories and is launching a co-branded universal fleet card program, which can be used at over 180,000 Wright Express accepting locations. Pep Boys Universal Fleet Card offers custom card controls and a secure driver identification requirement that tracks fueling transactions.
Many Truck Drivers Bewildered by CSA Safety Rules
A survey of 4500 truck drivers conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute indicates a low understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's CSA system. Almost 80% of drivers surveyed said the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability program which began in December would not reduce the number of truck-involved crashes. Among other findings, about 22% saw an increase in safety awareness while 10% felt there was a decrease in safety behaviors and 68% observed no changes. The ATA says the survey shows the more educated drivers are about CSA, the more likely they are to support it.
U.K.’s IAM Says Young Drivers Need Training to Avoid Crashes
A report issued by U.K. road safety charity IAM says young drivers under age 20 are 15 percent more likely to crash than older drivers because of mistakes at the wheel or reacting badly to risks on the road. Contributing factors in crashes by younger drivers include loss of control, traveling too fast for road conditions, exceeding the speed limit, and sudden braking. Alcohol was a factor in 4.6 percent of crashes for the 17-24 age group compared to three percent for the 25-69 age groups. Young car drivers made up 27 percent of all car driver fatalities, and more than 2000 were killed or seriously injured in 2009.
