Valuable Prom Night Driving Tips for Teens and Parents : Bob Ciasulli

Prom season is meant to be celebratory and joyful. Unfortunately it is also a time of unnecessary, and sometimes fatal accidents caused by reckless driving and drinking and driving. Bob Ciasulli brings you the following tips to ensure your children’s safety come prom night.

Hi, I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. Because of my interest in safe driving practices, I’ve put together several tips meant to keep your children safe on prom night.

Sadly, almost 2,000 teenagers die each year from accidents caused by drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, prom season has a disproportionate share of those statistics.

Prom should be a night worth remembering and an opportunity for high school students to celebrate the end of school with their friends.

Around this time of year, there are unfortunately many reports of young prom-goers and teenagers involved in car accidents due to reckless driving, drinking, and partying. Although reports of teen drinking and driving has significantly decreased in the last 20 years (down almost 40% from 1990 to 2005), many teens still find themselves in risky driving situations on prom night. This is true for other situations as well—any scenario when an inexperienced teen driver is distracted by friends, mobile devices, or restrictive and uncomfortable clothing can result in injury or a car accident. Teens, review these following tips to ensure a safe prom night.

Safe Prom Night Driving Tips for Teens:

• Enforce the rule that everyone in your vehicle (including yourself) wear a seatbelt. This is the easiest way to ensure the safety of passengers and can save lives in the event of a high speed or low speed crash.


• Anticipate other drivers on the road—no doubt on prom night there will be many distracted drivers. It’s up to you to drive defensively and protect yourself.


• If you’re the designated driver, do not consume alcohol. If a friend is driving or intends to drive after consuming alcohol, don’t let them drive. It’s not worth the risk. Alcohol impairs your reaction time and coordination.


• Ensure that you know where you’re going. If you’re driving late and night and are unfamiliar with the destination, you may want to review directions or drive by the location beforehand.


• If you’re tired, it can have the same effect on your driving abilities as alcohol. Call home for a ride: your parents would rather pick you up then allow you to place yourself in a risky scenario or dangerous driving situation.


• If you’re wearing an outfit you’re not accustomed to—a prom dress, high heels, a tuxedo, or bulky dress shoes it’s a good idea to bring sneakers or other form of footwear or clothing you feel comfortable driving in. Slamming on the brakes in unfamiliar shoes is dangerous.


• Keep your cell phone with you at all times in case of emergency, but do NOT text or call while driving.

Parents, the following tips are for you:

• If your teen is uncomfortable driving, suggest a limo service or an experienced adult chaperone to serve as a chauffer for the night.


• Too many overexcited teens in one vehicle can be dangerous. Limit passengers per vehicle and you’ll be limiting distractions.


• Find out where your son or daughter is going to be for the night, as well as post-prom parties.

Teens and parents: follow those rules and everyone will have an enjoyable and safe night.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These tips are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.

Bob Ciasulli Offers Summer Heat Safety Tips for Your Car

The most important issue on summer heat safety is that children and pets should never be left unattended in a car. The temperature in a car can get as hot as 200 degrees in a matter of moments. Cracking the window does not prevent the vehicle’s temperature from rising. Leaving a child or a pet in an unattended car is dangerous, illegal and deadly. Report children and pets in hot cars to the police by calling 911.

Service Your Car – Your car should be serviced in the summer months for fluid checks, oil changes, battery fluids, belt checks, wiper blades and tire pressure. These are all service issues that are affected by summer heat temperatures.

Stock Your Car – If you are traveling or just computing to work keep your car stocked with summer heat safety precautions. Some of the things you should have are extra drinking water, towels, cell phone, first aid kit, snacks, and insulated bags for groceries, sunshield, and steering wheel cover.

Leave at Home – any perishable items like fruits, dairy or any valuable that can be tempting to break-ins.

Window Tinting & Sunshields – In areas of extreme heat you may consider tinting windows or always using a sunshield to keep the inside cooler when parked.

Park in the Shade – When possible always try to park in the shade. This will keep the heat in your vehicle cooler.

These tips for summer heat safety and your car can keep your summer travel plans on track without any unforeseen summer heat safety issues that very often arise with extreme summer heat. By using these summer heat safety precautions you’ll be better prepared to handle the heat.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey, and is very interested in promoting safe driving habits. By preparing for summer heat you can avoid serious car problems and keep your family and pets safe in the heat.

Listening to The Noises Your Car : Bob Ciasulli

Myself Bob Ciasulli and I owns numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey. I understand how important purchasing, owning and operating a car can be, and that the value of a car has a lot to do with the type of maintenance it receives. It is never good to ignore a worrisome noise from your car, and this article outlines some of the possible reasons for car noises.

Sometimes your car communicates with you by making a noise, or sometimes it starts feeling different when you do certain things like accelerate, brake or turn sharply. Either way, your car is trying to tell you that it needs maintenance, and you should not ignore your car. If your car starts clicking, grinding, hissing, squealing, rattling, whining, or banging, you need to take action because the problem is not going to go away on its own, and the longer you wait, the more costly the repair will likely be.

Here are some of the sounds and their respective parts. The best bet is to take your car to the mechanic if you notice anything out of the ordinary:

Turning: If your car squeals when turning corners, you need to add air to your tires, but if that sound is more like a clunking or clicking, it could be a problem with the steering. Take it to your mechanic to see if it needs lubrication.Braking: If you step on the brakes and you hear clunk or a squeal, or your car starts shaking, take your car in to check the brakes. The calipers, rotors, pads or shoes on your brakes require periodic attention.

Driving: Another moving part on the engine that requires maintenance is a belt. Belts can make a squealing or flapping noise if they start wearing out. Transmissions also need adjustment occasionally, so if you hear grinding or whirling, take your car in for a checkup. If your car is whining, you may have to check your transmission for wear and tear too.

Dripping: Hoses wear out too. If you hear dripping, hissing or sizzling it could mean you have a leak.

Backfiring or banging: This could mean that you have bad gas, or it could mean that the air-fuel mixture that your catalytic converter is providing is not quite right.

Exhaust: Another spot that wears out is your exhaust system because it is close to the road, moisture, bumps and weather. It can rattle or roar.

Oil: Don’t ignore the lights on your dash. Your oil needs to be changed regularly, or your engine will start tapping or clicking.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey, and is very interested in promoting safe driving habits. By listening to the noises your car makes, and taking action if necessary, you can avoid serious car problems and extend the life of your automobile.

I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. I understand how important purchasing, owning and operating a car can be, and that the value of a car has a lot to do with the type of maintenance it receives. It is never good to ignore a worrisome noise from your car, and this article outlines some of the possible reasons for car noises.

Sometimes your car communicates with you by making a noise, or sometimes it starts feeling different when you do certain things like accelerate, brake or turn sharply. Either way, your car is trying to tell you that it needs maintenance, and you should not ignore your car. If your car starts clicking, grinding, hissing, squealing, rattling, whining, or banging, you need to take action because the problem is not going to go away on its own, and the longer you wait, the more costly the repair will likely be.

Here are some of the sounds and their respective parts. The best bet is to take your car to the mechanic if you notice anything out of the ordinary:

Turning: If your car squeals when turning corners, you need to add air to your tires, but if that sound is more like a clunking or clicking, it could be a problem with the steering. Take it to your mechanic to see if it needs lubrication.

Braking: If you step on the brakes and you hear clunk or a squeal, or your car starts shaking, take your car in to check the brakes. The calipers, rotors, pads or shoes on your brakes require periodic attention.

Driving: Another moving part on the engine that requires maintenance is a belt. Belts can make a squealing or flapping noise if they start wearing out. Transmissions also need adjustment occasionally, so if you hear grinding or whirling, take your car in for a checkup. If your car is whining, you may have to check your transmission for wear and tear too.

Dripping: Hoses wear out too. If you hear dripping, hissing or sizzling it could mean you have a leak.

Backfiring or banging: This could mean that you have bad gas, or it could mean that the air-fuel mixture that your catalytic converter is providing is not quite right.

Exhaust: Another spot that wears out is your exhaust system because it is close to the road, moisture, bumps and weather. It can rattle or roar.

Oil: Don’t ignore the lights on your dash. Your oil needs to be changed regularly, or your engine will start tapping or clicking.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey, and is very interested in promoting safe driving habits. By listening to the noises your car makes, and taking action if necessary, you can avoid serious car problems and extend the life of your automobile.

Bob ciasulli : Valuable Tips on Buying a Safer Car for Your Children

Myself Bob Ciasulli and I owns numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey. Keeping your children’s safety in mind when purchasing a new car can be troublesome as there are so many factors to consider, but buying a new car is an excellent chance for you to take advantage of many great safety features vehicles have to offer, especially when it comes to protecting your children. Hopefully I can shed some light on the matter as to what factors are especially important to keep in mind when shopping around for a new car. Be sure to consider the following vehicle safety features along with crash test and rollover rating results before making your final decision.

Here are some very key questions to consider (concerning child safety) when buying a new car:

• What features does this vehicle have that will help me avoid a crash? For example, ESC (Electronic Stability Control). ESC helps drivers maintain (and sometimes regain) control of their vehicles in dangerous conditions such as snow, rain, and slippery roads. It can also help drivers avoid accidents during extreme steering maneuvers and plays a part in helping drivers escape from situations where their cars are spinning out or plowing out of control.


• How well would this vehicle protect me in a crash? Does it have side air bags? Is the center part of the car well protected? With your kids in mind, this would be a serious safety feature to consider. These two technologies offer great protection for passengers and can save lives. (Of the two million crashes a year that result in injury, the majority are either frontal or side crashes). Side air bags (SAB) protect the head and the chest during side impact crashes.


• How likely is the vehicle to roll over when involved in a crash with another vehicle? More then 10,000 people become injured each year in rollover crashes. This is especially true for passengers who are not wearing their seat belts. By choosing to wear your seat belt, you can reduce your chance of injury by approximately 75%.


• Does the car or van have any advanced safety features that could offer my children or myself any additional protection? Take care and remember to never place a rear facing infant seat in front of an air bag, even if it says “reduced-power” or “advanced”. Children 12 years of age and younger must be in the back seat of your car or van and properly seat belted in. Be aware of the child safety laws in your state, or you may receive a fine. Children must be placed in child safety seats that are appropriate for their size, weight, and age. In the state of New Jersey, children seven years and younger and less than 80 pounds must be in the rear seat.

Remember, a heavier vehicle will usually protect you better in a crash, particularly in the case of two-vehicle crashes.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates numerous car dealerships in northern New Jersey and Bob Ciasulli is very interested in automotive maintenance and vehicle safety. His tips on buying a safer car for your children are based on his own observations and government statistics.

How to Avoid a Drunk Driving Disaster : Bob Ciasulli

Hi, I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. I’d like to bring the following drunk driving information to your attention.

Knowing the law can empower you to protect your safety and the safety of your friends and loved ones. The following article contains helpful information regarding drunk driving and how you can ensure your safety on the road.

In the State of New Jersey, an individual is guilty of drunk driving if he/she operates a car, truck, or motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater. “BAC” refers to how much alcohol is in your blood. What many people forget is that even if your BAC is 0.08 or below, you can still be convicted of driving under the influence. Remember—even consuming a very small amount of alcohol can severely decrease your reaction time, affect your judgment, vision, and alertness behind the wheel as well. If your alcohol consumption affects your driving ability, you can be convicted of drunk driving.

If you believe you are intoxicated, do not get in your vehicle. You’re at a much greater risk of highway injury, involvement in a car accident, causing injury to others, or death. You’ll face having your license suspended or revoked, your license plates confiscated, fines, and possible jail time. These injuries and risks are totally preventable, although they take the lives of many each year. Protect yourself. Don’t drink and drive and don’t get into a vehicle driven by anyone who’s under the influence.

How to Protect Yourself and Avoid Driving While Drunk:

• Always have a designated driver. If nobody wants to drive, volunteer yourself. Your safety is in your own hands.


• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts save lives.


• Drive defensively, anticipating the reactions of the cars around you.


• Don’t travel late at night Saturday or Sunday, i.e. after midnight.


• Do not drive on winding, rural roads.


• Ensure that your vehicle has an airbag.


• If you’re tired, do NOT drive. Being tired has the same effect on an individual as alcohol. Both effect decisions, reaction time, and judgment. Drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel cause approximately 70,000 deaths a year.


• Avoid other distractions, such as phone calls, texts, eating while driving, and other harmful behaviors.


• Drive in wide highways and roadways with plenty of space, i.e. 4 lane highways.

How to Avoid Drinking Too Much:

• Whether you’re going out or drinking at home, know your alcohol limit. Most individuals can consume one alcoholic drink an hour without feeling any negative effects. Never drink on an empty stomach and eat food while you’re drinking, preferably food with protein, such as meat, nuts, or cheese. This will prevent you from getting too drunk too quickly.


• Enjoy your drink. Resist the urge to participate in “chugging” or “drinking” games.


• Space our your drinks mindfully, and drink juice and water in between.


• Don’t just sit there! When you’re standing, mingling, or dancing, you’ll drink less overall and remain aware of your state.


• I cannot stress how important it is to not drink and drive. Never let anyone get behind the wheel when they’ve had too much to drunk, including yourself. Protect your friends and loved ones from the dangers of drunk driving. Read Part 2 of my “Drunk Driving Article” for more drunk driving safety.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.

Bob Ciasulli : Keeping Your Family and Elderly Loved Ones Safe on the Road

Hi, I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. The following article discusses issues related to senior driving and how you, your family, and your elderly loved ones can remain safe on the roads. Elderly driving is an issue worth discussing as both State Legislature and families argue the best course of action to keep everyone safe. Although elderly folks are the most careful and experienced driver demographic, they can and do cause harm to themselves and other motorists. Experience is one thing, but not paying attention and delayed reaction time are the main factors in accidents caused by elderly people. Safe driving can prove to be a challenge for some older drivers, though many healthy elderly individuals do drive carefully and avoid risky decisions.

Banning all older drivers from the roads is an extreme measure and not one I personally condone, but the fact is that although many older drivers are careful and competent, a number of them can’t see or hear as well as others, and can’t make quick decisions on the roads. Some states have already begun to administer driving tests for motorists over 70, with the goal to ensure the safety of the elderly drivers and other vehicles on the roads. Rhode Island requires drivers 70 years of age and older to renew their license every two years by passing a vision test. Half the states have passed restrictions on elderly drivers and require them to have their vision checked frequently. Very few, Illinois and New Hampshire included, require road tests for citizens 75 and older.

Statistics indicate that teens are more at risk then seniors, even if the seniors suffer from physical or mental problems. For instance, in the year 2008, the teen death rate was 13% out of every 100,000 drivers though only 9% for senior citizens 70 years old and older. Although not a physical condition, Alzheimer’s, dementia, memory loss, and other diseases associated with old age do impair driving ability. There are cases where elderly individuals attempt to drive to a local store or restaurant and end up hundreds of miles away. Sometimes they can become lost and disoriented on shorter driving trips as well.

If you have an elderly friend or loved one who’s having difficulty driving, address the issue with sensitivity. The best way to tackle this issue is to confront your elderly friend, relative, or loved one and find out how they feel about their driving ability. They may feel relief when you bring it up.

If your loved one is in denial and unwilling to hand over the keys, know the warning signs and take the time to talk to them. Many seniors take it upon themselves to limit their travel as they don’t feel safe driving long distances, on highways, or in the dark. Encourage them to take a vision or driving assessment test to find out how qualified they are to drive. Engaging in a discussion can help keep them safe.

Here are signs that your elderly parent or loved one should not be on the roads:

• They have frequent fender benders, near misses, or are involved in a minor accident.


• If your loved one gets lost frequently on the road, even while driving familiar routes or if they frequently call and ask you for directions, you are right to be concerned.


• They forget to put on their turn signal, drive dangerously under the speed limit, and don’t stop at stop signs.

If your elderly loved one is competent driver, here are a few adjustments you can make to ensure his or her comfort and coordination:

• They should be sitting at least 10 inches (or more) away from the steering wheel.


• Ensure that their seat belt is resting across the hips, not the stomach, as that could result in internal injuries given an accident should occur.


• Adjust the seat belt so the top strap sits between the collarbone and shoulder.


• Re-adjust the rearview mirror so they have a clear view of the entire rear window.


• Adjust the seat so the driver’s eyeline is a few inches above the steering wheel.


• The steering wheel should be a few inches above the knee when foot is on the gas pedal.

Those small adjustments can make a difference in the safety and comfort of your loved one.

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These driving tips in New Jersey are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.