“A driver’s license or identification card has always been a trusted source for establishing a person’s true identity,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch. “We are steadfast in our resolve to combat counterfeit forms of identification, which ultimately jeopardize lives and hold great potential for harm to our national security.”

The contrast to other holograms, which are generally colorful and less consistently visible in environments with varied lighting, is meant to ease the detection of false licenses and forgeries. Pennsylvania licenses already incorporated holographic overlays of county names and other features embedded in each card.

License Security Features

The change has been adopted because older holograms have proven too easy to imitate. A PENNDOT spokesperson reportedly indicated the high-resolution and monochromatic nature of the new feature should aid enforcement, which can be difficult due to the circumstances in which licenses are generally inspected.

Implementing the New Feature

PENNDOT has chosen to implement the new licenses over time, issuing them to new licensees and whenever a driver renews an old license. As a result, the process of disseminating them to all the state’s drivers will take some time, although the agency has indicated drivers are welcome to renew early in order to receive one of the updated cards.

The same security feature will also be used in new state identification cards for non-drivers. State officials have indicated they believe the change could make it easier for police officers, airport security personnel, bartenders and others to identify genuine licenses and differentiate between them and fakes.

Effects of the Change

If the alteration has the desired effect, then those driving illegally, attempting to purchase alcohol while underage and engaged in similar activities may be identified more easily. More effective enforcement could cut down on underage drinking and driving, improving safety on the roads.

Given that young drivers are considered the most at-risk group statistically, an improvement in road safety among the demographic could substantially lower traffic crashes and resulting injuries and damage. This could improve safety and lower auto insurance rates, among other effects, by cutting down on unsafe driving practices. Other states may follow Pennsylvania’s example, spreading these effects widely.

“The burdens associated with congestion are top of mind for many Americans as they travel to and from work each day,” said AAA Chicago president Brad Roeber. “However, at $300 billion annually, crashes cost our society more than three times the amount of congestion. This report further underscores the importance of a long-term, multi-year federal transportation bill that will provide the necessary and sustained investments that lead to better and safer roads for all Americans.”

The study, conducted by Cambridge Systematics, found the annual, per person cost of the nation’s vehicle accidents to be approximately $1,522, while congestion costs only $590 per person by comparison.

Congestion Costs

To determine the expense of congestion, researchers used data from the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) Urban Mobility Report, which estimates how much congestion delays commuters, the extent of congestion during “rush hour” and the rest of the typical work day, and the economic impact delays have on businesses. Researchers noted the effect is not uniform, since businesses that rely on prompt or rapid deliveries are likely to suffer more than their counterparts from congestion, but others lose productivity as well. At the very least, they may indirectly experience decreased effectiveness and lost work hours due to employees caught in traffic.

Crashes and Collisions

Researchers calculating the economic price of crashes took into account not only the direct cost of repairing vehicles and treating injured drivers and passengers, but also looked at other expenses. For example, crashes occupy medical and emergency services and may reduce quality of life and household productivity.

Lost earnings may add financial strain, require long-term care, or impose funeral expenses and permanently reduce a household’s earning ability if an accident is fatal. Higher accident rates can also impose increased car insurance costs on individuals, families and residents of geographical areas.

Crash and Congestion Comparisons

Roeber noted almost 33,000 people die on the nation’s roads each year, which amounts to 635 per week. As a result, AAA suggests additional steps must be taken to promote traffic safety, and that the issue is more pressing than the problem of congestion.

The report found that, even in large cities where traffic congestion is worst, crash costs were nearly double those of congestion. Examining smaller urban areas revealed a larger disparity, with crashes costing as much as six times more than congestion.

When looking at car insurance policies, the deductible is one of the most important features to consider. Essentially, a deductible is the amount the policyholder will pay when an insured loss occurs. If an insured car sustains damage covered by the policy that is worth a certain amount, the owner will pay the deductible and the insurer will cover the rest of the cost.

For example, if a car insurance policy has a deductible of $500, and the vehicle takes $7,000 worth of damage, the owner would pay $500 and the insurer would cover the other $6,500. For damages worth $500 or less, the insurer would not contribute to the repair costs. Deductibles vary between policies and insurers.

Deductible Amounts

Deductibles are frequently a specific dollar amount, but that is not always the case. They may also be calculated as a percentage of the damages, which changes the calculations. For relatively small accidents, a percentage might mean paying less than a fixed deductible. As the expense of the accident increases, however, the deductible will increase at the same pace, which may mean paying more in serious cases.

If a policy stipulated a 10 percent deductible and a car took damages worth $7,000, then the owner would have to pay $700 while the insurer paid $6,300. If damages were only $400, however, the insured would pay only $40. Which is the better option can be difficult to determine.

Deductibles and Premiums

Higher insurance deductibles are often featured in policies with lower premiums. This allows insurance providers to remain profitable and stay in business, but also presents consumers with a choice. Paying higher premiums on a regular basis will likely mean less of a financial burden if an accident occurs, whereas a higher deductible will mean less money regularly spent to maintain a policy.

This means that if someone were to avoid car accidents and collisions completely, the high-deductible policy would be ideal, because premiums are lower. Since accidents are by definition not entirely under the driver’s control, however, assuming that they will not occur may be unwise.

Factors Influencing Deductibles

Car insurance is regulated by state governments, which may have laws restricting deductible amounts. In general, a range of deductibles will be available to consumers. One important exception to deductibles is liability claims.

Typically, according to the Insurance Information Institute, deductibles apply to collision and comprehensive coverage but not liability. Coverage for accidents involving uninsured and underinsured motorists may also have no deductible.

Parents may be particularly concerned about their teens that are going to begin driving in the winter, MetLife noted recently. The combination of inexperience behind the wheel and poor driving conditions resulting from rain, snow and ice can instill fear when teens begin pushing to learn how to drive or ask to borrow a car.

With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting that vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for those between 15 and 20 years old, responsible for about one-third of fatalities in that age group, the worry is understandable.

Evaluating a Driver’s Readiness

Car Insurance provider Allstate notes some parents may have difficulty teaching and find having another trusted adult instruct their teen is a better choice. When interacting, parents should ensure they give new drivers the opportunity to evaluate and correct their own mistakes and praise them for good performance as well as pointing out flaws in their child’s driving. Talking to a teen too much may also serve as an unintentional distraction.

According to MetLife, parents may benefit from taking a turn as a passenger before teaching. If not, the change in viewpoint might affect their perceptions without them realizing it. They can also take the lead by demonstrating good safety habits, such as not texting or talking on cellphones while behind the wheel.

Helping Teen Drivers Learn

MetLife notes patience, preparation and a consistent approach can help parents have a major impact on how their teens drive. Reinforcing proper driving behaviors, such as turning, yielding and obeying speed limits appropriately can reduce the chance of teens getting into collisions.

“Numerous studies show that learning good driving habits with a seasoned driver is a very effective way to decrease the likelihood of crashes and fatalities for teens. This is especially important during bad weather months, when good driving is of the utmost importance,” said MetLife Auto and Home president Bill Moore.

Changing Auto Insurance Rates and Needs

When teens do begin to drive, they will need to either purchase their own auto insurance coverage or be added to their parents’ policies. Young drivers typically have higher auto insurance rates, and teens may be more careful if they are aware of the financial costs speeding and other violations can impose by causing those rates to climb higher.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s 2011 safety culture survey reveals that, in the past month, about one-third of respondents got behind the wheel when sufficiently tired that they had trouble keeping their eyes open, despite 96 percent saying drowsy driving is an unacceptable behavior.

A 2005 poll by the National Sleep Foundation determined that 60 percent of drivers would admit to driving while sleepy in the past year, and 37 percent confessed they had fallen asleep while doing so. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated about 100,000 crashes each year result from sleepiness and drowsy driving, if not more.

Dangers of Drowsy Driving

A 2010 study by the AAA Foundation indicated one out of every six deadly crashes involves a drowsy driver, and one out of eight results in serious injury. This suggested drowsy driving may be more common or more dangerous than previously shown by research. Like other impairments, drowsiness lowers a driver’s reaction time and negatively impacts vision and judgment. The more common the habit becomes, the stronger its negative impact on health, safety and auto insurance rates is likely to be.

“Although the vast majority of drivers recognize the serious threat of drowsy driving, a ‘Do as I Say, Not as I Do’ attitude exists when getting behind the wheel. Drowsy driving kills, just as sure as drunk, drugged and distracted driving does,” said AAA Foundation president and CEO Peter Kissinger.

Avoiding Drowsy Driving

Drivers who find they have difficulty keeping their heads up and eyes open and focused, yawn or become aware of other behavioral signs of sleep should stop driving if necessary. AAA suggests motorists get at least 7 hours of sleep before long trips, schedule breaks at least every 2 hours or 100 miles and allow a half-hour for caffeine to take effect if drinking beverages to stay awake.

The organization also suggests drivers plan overnight stops when going long distances and try to match their timing to their sleep schedule instead of staying behind the wheel at hours they are accustomed to sleeping through. Switching off with another driver can help keep whoever is behind the wheel fresh, and having a passenger to talk to may also help keep the mind focused and sharp.

Accuracy of Drowsy Driving Data

CNN Health blogger Dr. Lisa Shives suggested that drowsy driving is likely under-reported, for several reasons. Unlike drunk driving, there is not necessarily a simple test to evaluate drowsiness. She also noted that after crashes, especially fatal ones, it can be impossible to determine whether those involved were drowsy behind the wheel. In addition, she notes, drowsy driving is more likely to occur when there are no passengers, so there is no one else to evaluate the driver’s state.

Drivers in Oklahoma are now beginning to see the effects of a new law implemented starting November 1st, which limits the amount uninsured drivers can recover in most accidents. The state already mandates that drivers have auto insurance coverage, and those in compliance will not be directly affected unless in an accident involving an uninsured driver.

Reasons for the Change

Supporters of the new law hope the change will encourage some previously uninsured drivers to re-think their position and secure policies. In significant numbers, uninsured drivers may increase the premium costs paid by complying drivers, since they have no insurance to help defray the cost of accidents in which they are involved. Greater policy enrollment, therefore, may reduce car insurance rates statewide if uninsured drivers do decide to secure coverage. A number of other states have similar laws.

Effects on Uninsured and Complying Drivers

Drivers caught in an accident they did not cause can still recover medical care and property damage costs, as well as income loss caused by the accident. Uninsured drivers will be unable to collect “pain and suffering” damages from now on, except in special cases. If the accident was caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, for example, they may be able to do so.

Supporters of the law believe this will encourage uninsured drivers, who make up an estimated 25 percent of Oklahoma motorists according to Farmers Insurance, to secure liability coverage for their own vehicles. This would improve compliance with mandatory auto insurance requirements and reduce the number of uninsured drivers in the state.

Oklahoma Driving Law Changes

Another measure took effect in the state at the same time, imposing tougher penalties for driving under the influence. This bill, which proponents say will save lives, passed the state legislature with a strong majority and requires the installation of an interlocking ignition device in vehicles belonging to those convicted of driving under the influence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state such devices may reduce repeat offenses by two-thirds and fatalities by 30 percent.

Such a device will be installed for 18 months if a driver is convicted with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher. Subsequent convictions may result in the device being installed for up to five years, and driver’s licenses will be marked.

According to the Allstate Good Hands Roadside Assistance Survey, 45 percent of American drivers plan on going on a drive at least two hours long this holiday season. Separate research by AAA suggests this Thanksgiving will see 42.5 million Americans travel at least 50 miles from home, 4 percent more than last year.

According to AAA, this is the first significant increase in holiday travel this year, occurring largely because Americans who have been skipping travel now feel the desire to see their families more strongly than they feel economic worries. Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day all saw reduced or stable traffic this year, according to AAA, but pent-up demand is beginning to take effect as the end of 2011 approaches.

Preparations for Distance Driving

Despite the significant length of travel distance and the likelihood of cold weather, many drivers may not be prepared to encounter problems while travelling. The Allstate survey found 95 percent of drivers have a spare tire and 93 percent have a jack and tire iron, but many did not go beyond these basic preparations.

More than two-thirds of the survey’s respondents indicated they keep a flashlight, jumper cables and a cell phone charger, and about 60 percent carried an automotive toolkit. Most, however, did not keep items such as warm blankets, water, food and emergency flares, indicating they expect to find help before such items become necessary.

Roadside Assistance and Alternatives

Most American drivers indicated they would not call roadside assistance in the event of a car problem close to home, instead turning to friends and family, fixing the problem themselves, asking a passing motorist to help or contacting police or other emergency services.

Many more were inclined to turn to roadside assistance when further away from home, and 61 percent were subscribed to such a service. Whether through an auto insurance provider or other organization, this was more common among households with higher incomes and newer cars.

Probability of Problems

The survey found 84 percent of drivers did not believe it was likely they would suffer a mechanical breakdown or other difficulty that would prevent them from driving their car. The belief was almost as common among those who have experienced such a problem in the past, but may not accurately reflect the truth.

According to researchers, 79 percent of Americans have suffered a flat tire, almost as many have had a dead car battery and more than two-thirds have been in an accident or found their car would not start. Many have lost keys, run out of gas or had some other problem that could not be solved without help. Drivers may wish to reconsider the odds and prepare themselves and their cars before going on long holiday trips.

The Nonprofit Car Care Council (CCC) recently recommended drivers have their car’s battery checked before winter weather sets in to avoid being stranded in cold, poor conditions. The CCC noted all batteries eventually need replacement, even if it is an infrequent requirement. Like most maintenance needs, the exact time it will become pressing cannot be predicted, so wise motorists may want to have this important vehicle component checked now.

This may be especially true for those who expect to drive a significant distance home for the holidays, or otherwise take lengthy trips. Winter can be hard on batteries because the cold thickens engine oil, forcing the battery to work harder in order to start a vehicle.

Common Battery Problems

According to the CCC, most batteries which develop problems do so because of overcharging or excessive heat. Overcharging may occur due to a faulty voltage regulator or other charging system component, and can cause the battery to charge too quickly. This may cause the battery to stop working more quickly than it should from regular wear and tear, but the problem can be slow compared to other difficulties.

Overheating, on the other hand, may evaporate battery fluid and damage the internal structure of the battery itself. Battery life can be improved if a vehicle owner ensures charging takes place at the correct rate. Either way, having the battery tested before long drives or particularly important trips can be helpful.

Standard Battery Care and Maintenance

Depending on the type of battery in a vehicle, the CCC notes, there may be other steps to take. For example, if the component requires topping off, it should be checked often and distilled water added when necessary. This is a step more typically needed in hot weather, however.

All batteries should be kept clean. Corrosion and dirt can interfere with proper function due to their effects on insulation and conduction of electricity. In some cases, dirt can drain battery power. If a battery does need to be replaced, then the new one should always have a rating at least as high as that specified for the vehicle.

Other Car Care Suggestions

Drivers may wish to check up on other important components as well. The Car Care Council suggests brake systems be checked annually to ensure proper functioning. Various fluids, such as engine oil, antifreeze, windshield solvent and transmission fluid should be examined by a knowledgeable individual such as a professional technician. Another component which may be key in winter is the heating and ventilation system, important for defrosting as well as comfort.

The first impression people receive of new vehicles is based on their external appearance, but that does not help motorists to determine whether a car will drive well or be a good buy. Whether looking at new or used cars, one of the most important ways to get a sense of the vehicle is usually the test drive. The financial commitment of buying a car, the importance of vehicle safety and the amount of time many drivers spend in their vehicles make careful evaluation a wise course.

Before a Test Drive

Automotive experts with AAA recommend drivers begin evaluation before the test drive stage, researching a vehicle to find out about its safety features, performance and resale value. Between this initial search and the actual test drive, motorists should carefully examine the size of a vehicle, trunk space, and condition of doors and other parts that can be easily inspected.

If these factors reveal problems, it may mean drivers should skip to the next vehicle. Another tactic is to take a ride as a passenger, which allows the potential buyer to focus on the smoothness of the ride, comfort and other considerations. When the time comes to sit behind the wheel, drivers can check the legroom, mirrors and visibility.

During the Test Drive

An ideal test drive, according to AAA, tries out different road surfaces. This might include city roads, freeways, and more winding routes as well. Depending on where a driver generally travels, it might be appropriate to briefly drive on a gravel road if possible.

Moving over different types of roads also affords an opportunity to evaluate the car’s performance in their respective driving styles. City driving may incorporate more frequent halts, for example, and drivers can develop an understanding of how the car performs during merging or passing maneuvers.

Other things to observe include the handling during different turns and lane changes, braking effectiveness, noise made by the vehicle and the smoothness of the transmission.

After a Test Drive

At the end, if not before, drivers can see how easy it is to park the vehicle. If it has blind spots or other problematic traits, it’s better to find out in advance when there is time to judge whether they are an inconvenience or a danger. The test drive may be the main factor in decision-making, but there is still time for additional research afterward. Drivers will likely want to get an estimate on the car insurance costs associated with a given model before making a final decision. J.D. Power and Associates notes drivers should be prepared to take some time after the test drive to consider their decision, rather than rushing to make a purchase right away.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and other agency officials recently examined a number of connected vehicle safety technologies, which may decrease the incidence of collisions significantly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates they may affect as many as 80 percent of vehicle crashes not involving impaired drivers.

In particular, accidents which occur while drivers are attempting to switch lanes or navigate intersections might be reduced. The government studied these technologies as part of the four-day Driver Acceptance Clinic in Orlando, part of a larger six-month program in which the NHTSA collaborates with other Department agencies, such as the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA).

Safety Progress

Past efforts to improve safety have resulted in the development and implementation of safety devices such as seatbelts and anti-lock brakes, as well as assessment and improvement of vehicle structures to promote crash safety.

“Thanks to the efforts of automakers and the safety community traffic fatalities have reached historic lows. Despite these great strides though, more than 32,000 people are still killed on our nation’s roads every year. That’s why we must remain vigilant in our effort to improve safety,” said Secretary LaHood.

New Technologies

Connected vehicle technologies allow automobiles to communicate, serving as warnings when a collision may be imminent. For example, the drivers of two vehicles drifting into dangerous proximity might receive a collision warning, or a driver preparing to switch lanes could choose not to when he becomes aware of a signal not to pass based on his own car’s communications with an approaching vehicle in the passing lane.

Another potential safety message might warn that a vehicle ahead has suddenly come to a stop, so the driver can react sooner and begin braking appropriately. RITA Acting Administrator Greg Winfree noted that while past safety technologies have improved crash survivability, this generation focuses on avoiding collisions in the first place.

Effects on Safety

With their potential for significantly reducing the occurrence of many common types of collisions, these technologies are likely to see implementation as soon as they are sufficiently reliable. At that point, their inclusion in new vehicles may be federally mandated, as has been the case with past innovations. The fact that connected vehicle safety technologies benefit from multiple cars using them may make this even more likely. It is also possible that drivers who choose to use the technologies might find themselves with lower auto insurance rates as a result of the change.