If you love the movies, TV, video gaming, comics, music and celebrities, you will love our collection of the Best 50 Entertainment Blogs. To view any of our selection, click on the title of the blog and witness the magic of the Internet open each one´s home page in front of you. Read, enjoy and tell all your friends!

Best Film and TV Entertainment Blogs

Deadline – Deadline focuses on the high achievers in film and TV, with special attention paid to those shows in line for a major award. Good for breaking industry news and forthcoming movie trailers.

Vulture – Advertising that it is a blog which “devours culture”, Vulture provides up-to-the-minute news and information about what is hot on the screens – both big and small – and in the music industry.

Huffington Post – The entertainment section on the world´s most “powerful” blog has all the buzz from Hollywood, and covers what is new in the world of movies, TV, celebs, arts and music.

Movie Web – The ultimate guide to what´s on where and what´s coming in the future – not just on the big screen, but on TV and in a DVD rental store near you soon. Hosts a lively and informed forum

First Showing – Steps off the Boulevard occasionally to provide news about some of the independent film companies and what is in production elsewhere. Justifiably has a massive social media following

TV Overmind – Exclusively TV blog which contains listings, previews and updates on what´s on, what will be on and what you may have missed. Well written and well worth a look if you watch a lot of TV

No White Noise – Fantastically independent TV review blog written by contributors who reveal their true thoughts about what happened on the previous night´s viewing. A lot of fun to read

Spoilers Guide – Want to know what happens next on your favorite TV show? Tune into Spoilers Guide and use their customizable home page to find out what happens next on just the shows you watch

Buddy TV – 32 of the most popular TV shows are featured in this comprehensive blog which covers storylines, actors, news, and an extensive image gallery. Find out how much you know about a show with the Buddy TV games

TV Tree – A great TV blog with a difference. TV Tree delves into the backgrounds of TV stars, looks back at how they started their careers and highlights pop culture references that may be hidden from the unwary viewer

Best Video Gaming Entertainment Blogs

JoyStiq – JoyStiq showcases the latest and most innovative accessories for video gamers and offers links to other blogs´ game reviews. Regular podcasts add to the comprehensive content on the site.

PlayStation Blog – The top destination for everything PlayStation!  The chance to communicate with games developers and give your own opinion of what should be included in the new releases is awesome.

Eurogamer – Covering practically every video game platform, Eurogamer presents the news from the point of view of a staff who actually enjoy video gaming rather than write about it for an occupation

Kotaku – More than just another review site, Kotaku introduces politics into video game blogging alongside news about new releases, apps and culture. Very readable and very different- yet very educated!

Screen Rant – As good as this blog is for breaking movie news and trailers, scroll down the home page to find one of the most comprehensive video gaming news blogs. Honest reviews of games on all gaming platforms

Major Nelson – Major Nelson is the official X-Box gaming blog from where you can read reviews, download previews of X-Box games and, if you like them – buy the full version. Do not miss the exclusive offers which are unavailable elsewhere.

Shack News – Goes beyond being a “regular” review video game site by offering videos of the games in action and a cheat page for practically every game you have ever heard in formats that you may not have!

Venture Beat – Very orientated towards video gaming technology and business, but has some interesting social comments about gamers in general and details of game apps for SmartPhones.

Touch Arcade – Video Gaming goes mobile with plenty of honest reviews, screenshots and downloads of the most popular video games for the iPhone. A useful forum will help you out if you get stuck

Respawn Action – Sick of reading video gaming blogs which are the jack of all trades and master of none? Respawn Action focuses solely on first person/third-person shoot-ups and does it well.

Best Comic Entertainment Blogs

Bleeding Cool – A top comic blog for anybody interested in comics – the printed variety, not those chaps who tell jokes! Also carries advanced warning of the top comic conventions

Splash Page – MTV´s own dedicated comic web blog carries news about the latest action movies involving characters from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image Comics – “When comics and movies collide … …”

Comic Book Resources – This blog does exactly what it says on the cover – a great resource for anybody and everybody which a love of comics. Great images and video trailers accompany educated and enthusiastic text

Comics Beat – Comics Beat is a comprehensive resource for current comics and current comic sales. An “Ask Heidi” feature enables you to ask “anything” to Comics Beat´s editor-in-chief, Heidi MacDonald.

Comics Worth Reading – How you establish what comics are worth reading may be a matter of opinion, but Johanna Draper Carlson and her staff steer away from Marvel and DC to bring independent views on Manga and comics written by women

Forbidden Planet – Forbidden Planet is a UK-based blog which covers international news but focuses mainly on European comic-cons. Good links to other sites including those of writers and artists

Newsarama – Excellent comic news blog which provides advanced warning of the most anticipated comics of the year, links to digital comics and announcements in respect of forthcoming comic-cons

DC Women Kicking Ass – Just what we needed on Capitol Hill! No! Wait! It´s about women from DC Comics licking ass, and Marvel and some more. Fun for women and scary for men with commitment issues!

Comic Bastards – An attention grabbing name is supported by attention captivating reviews of the latest comic releases. Weighted towards Dark Horse publications more than any other, but it gives you a break from constant superheroes!

Manga Bookshelf – Not as dedicated to Manga as you might be lead to believe, Manga Bookshelf provides reviews on all natured of animated books from modern day classics to old masters.

Best Music Entertainment Blogs

Rap-Up – The universally acclaimed music blog for rappers and rap musicians has a superb TV section to accompany the music news and “Rap-Up Radio” for first hand access to the latest rap releases`

FlavorWire – Although carrying news about the other elements of entertainment within its pages, FlavorWire excels in its music coverage and the educated critique of its writers and those who comment on the articles.

Idolator – Popular due to its writer´s opinionated music news and reviews coverage – no more so than in the “wtf?” section in which music celebs are treated with a little more contempt than they deserve

Popp and Hiss – The L.A. Times music and entertainment blog may well be more mainstream than some of its rivals in the blogosphere, but it does get some of the biggest names in the music industry talking to it

Boombox – Very much geared towards Hip-Hop and R&B (what else would you get from a blog entitled “Boombox”) but do not expect anything beyond mainstream as the site is an extension of AOL Music

GAC – GAC stands for Great American Country and the tag cloud on the right hand side of the home page provides you with a comprehensive list of today´s finest country performers for easy reference.

Zeibiz – A good all-round entertainment blog has a stand-out music section which includes the latest news about artists and what they are recording. The site could do with extending its concert section, but at least it has one!

Stereogum – A great blog providing news, interviews and MP3 downloads of the best Indie music currently available. Don´t miss the concert review section which includes videos of some of the bands in action

Consequence of Sound – A comprehensive blog reviewing new releases in all genres of musical entertainment with extensive festival coverage and an eclectic mixture of feature articles

Clash Music – A good blog which generally avoids the mainstream music scene to provide reviews and interviews with some of America´s rising stars. Shame about the gig guide, but maybe the editors are reading this and will do something about it!

Best Celebrity Watch Entertainment Blogs

Just Jared – J2, and its teen site J2 Jr, are acknowledged as two of the world´s leading entertainment news and gossips sites. Plenty to satisfy celeb-watchers and keep the conversation alive around the water cooler

Gossip Cop – A fantastically entertaining blog which accompanies each story with a “Rumor Monitor” so you can immediately see just how much credence you should place in each article

Hollywood Life – The paparazzi were made for Hollywood Life –rich in pictures and news about the stars and what they have been up to. Claims to be the leading publication for Hollywood exclusives

Pop Sugar – Pop Sugar manages to get a stack of interviews with all the “right” people and the great thing is that they actually ask the questions that we want to hear the answers to!

TMZ – Often controversial but never dull, “Thirty Mile Zone” has now extended its coverage beyond Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan to include gossip about other celebrities passing through Sunset Boulevard

Celebitchy – An all-claws-out attack on big name celebrities – whether they deserve it or not! Celebitchy brings out the worst in its readers as well, and we defy you not to start nodding along to some of the authors´ scratchings.

Celebrity Gossip – Never miss out on the latest news about your favorite star with Celebrity Gossip´s celebrity search engine. Gossip Centre TV also ensures that you can hear every word from your heroes and not just what is reported

Oh No They Didn´t – ONTD purports to be a live gossip web magazine which reports celebrity gossip as it happens. Plenty of commentators add fire to the contributor´s rumors and ruminations in this lively blog

Reality Tea – Nice to see a blog with a focus on those celebrities we watch on the TV rather than those we catch every two years in a blockbuster movie. Everybody is included of course, but just nicely weighted to the characters we see every day.

Girls Talkin´ Smack – Very tongue in cheek blog mostly comprised of “Five Celebrities Who [insert outrageous event]”. A bit heavy with advertising, but worth it for the “lol” content

Fortunately we have the 50 Best Science Blogs to provide regular updates on those areas of science which are most important to us. Many of these blogs make such compelling reading that you could lose days of your life browsing through the articles and explanations of how we may be living in the future. Hopefully they will make each of us a little more knowledgeable about our world – and worlds above us!

Mesmerizing Science Blogs

Wired Science – An absolutely fascinating “Oddbox” of scientific news collected from elsewhere on the web. Inventions, discoveries and theories can all be found on the Wired Science blog.

Geekosystem – A neat collection of captivating science news from other blogs is complimented by the best of the humorous science videos on the Internet. Hours of fun!

Not Rocket Science – Everything under the sun is contained in this well-written and entertaining blog. Only start to read if you have several spare hours at your disposal!

ZME Science – ZME Science is a great science blog for those who know a little or nothing about the way in which science works and probably do not want to. Just some really interesting stories!

Panda´s Thumb – The original Panda´s Thumb was a 1987 book by Stephen Jay Gold which proposed a number of new evolutionary theories. This blog keeps those theories ticking over in a very entertaining way.

Uncertain Principals – A very funny blog from the author of “How to Teach Physics to Your Dog” (Chad Orzel) which combines physics (naturally!), politics and pop culture.

Quantum Day – Another science blog for those who wish they had paid attention at school. Quantum Day explains the science behind space travel, photodynamic therapy and popping champagne corks in an understandable and amusing way.

Smithsonian Science – Quite a remarkable blog covering practically every conceivable science topic under the sun and beyond into the universe. Well-written and (obviously) factual

Earth Science – Earth Science “Picture of the Day” (EPOD) goes back more than a decade and provides fantastic pictures of the nature that exists on our planet with short captions explaining what makes the picture so special.

The Curious Cat – The Curious Cat investigates science and engineering with a “cool” sense of humor, adding touches of educational research, economics and health care for good measure.

Out of This World Science Blogs

Universe Today – Want to know what is going on above your head? Universe Today provides the latest news on satellites, planets, comets and everything else filling up the night sky.

Bad Astronomy – Philip Plait is an ex-Hubble engineer who brings astronomy down to Earth and lights up his blog with a great sense of humor and some amazing time lapse videos.

NASA Space Flight – Not solely concerned with NASA programs, Chris Bergin and his team also provide news on the International space programs being undertaken by the Europeans, Russians and Chinese

Starts With a Bang – SwaB is an incredible blog compiled by theoretical astrophysicist Ethan Siegal which explores the relationship between time, space and the universe. Easy to understand and a pleasure to read.

365 Days of Astronomy – 365 Days is project launched as part of the 2009 Year of Astronomy and for three years has presented a daily podcast on astronomical events. New contributors are welcome!

Dear Astronomer: – Dear Astronomer is not an agony column for dysfunctional star-gazers, but does have an excellent “Ask an Astronomer” feature among its superb and enthralling content!

Parabolic Arc – A news-packed blog which is now five years old and focus on space, tourism and space-tourism. Contains an extensive reading list for further research

AARTScope – A smashing astrophotography blog which combines news, video and photography from outer space. Plenty of information for the amateur astronomer to sink his or her teeth into.

Astro Blogger – A really interesting blog by Ian Musgrave about the Southern Hemisphere skies. Less light population equals more to look at, and Ian compliments his great writing with some fantastic photography.

We Are All in the Gutter – An out of this world science blog which tales the breath away. Well-written and interesting, this astro blog is accompanied by fantastic images and captivating videos.

Science Meets Science Blogs

Next Big Future – A popular and well-subscribed blog combining political, economic and sociological science to suggest where the decisions of today will take us in the future

Rationally Speaking – Professor Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher at the City University of New York, delivers a provocative blog on “Scientism” and its place in the modern world. Confrontational? You decide!

Skeptical Science – A skeptical look at what scientists are telling us about the impact of various sciences on the environment and their impact on global warming. Can everything be that bad?

Real Climate – This blog which promises to provide “Climate Science from Climate Scientists” has an incredibly comprehensive “Wiki” section which is an invaluable resource for everyone interested in science

Sandwalk – Darwinology meets modern biology in this great evolutionary biochemical blog written by Larry Moran. Make sure you read how Darwin´s quotes from over century ago are relevant today

The Reference Frame – Czech author, Lubos Motl Pilsen, provides excellent coverage of phenomenology from an astrophysicist´s point of view with a dash of mathematics, philosophy and stringy quantum gravity

The Spittoon – At first glance this blog is all about DNA and genealogy, but on further investigation it divulges into medicine, health and culture. Organizes regular meet-ups for its readers

Science Codex – Science Codex is a comprehensive blog mixing news and views on celestial science with science happening on the ground and technological advances that will change the science of the future.

Rise Earth – Very difficult to categorize this blog. Rise Earth is spiritual mixture of cosmology, biology and science, with some very defined attitudes towards all three. Both thought-provoking and provocative!

Science Progress – A potentially dangerous meeting of minds as the exact science of technology encounters politics. Not as negative as one might think and well worth a read.

Science and Technology Blogs

Ars Technica – All the 50 Best Science Blogs revolve around technology, but some just stand out for their depth of technological information – Ars Technica being one of the best!

Extreme Tech – Extreme tech also deserves a mention if you are interested in the science of communication technology, computers, advanced gaming and the Internet

PhysOrg – A wondrously comprehensive blog with major strengths in its reporting of technology news, PhyOrg also manages to look at the business connections behind the innovations.

Discover Magazine – A comprehensive science blog which has an excellent technology section which includes some of the more outrageous items you may not find elsewhere

Geeks Are Sexy – A somewhat ambitious attempt to combine technology, science and social news results in a comic book style approach to science – light-hearted in a serious kind of way

Foresight – The Foresight Institute publishes this regular blog with news about nanotechnology, robotics and artificial intelligence. Loads of information about future technology

High Power Rocketry – High Power Rocketry is a superb science blog which not only contains content about rocket technology but some of the finitely accurate devices that control them.

Google LatLong – Google´s own blog about how to get the most out of Google Earth with news about which geographical areas are being updated on the program and the new stuff you can do with GE.

Fellow Geek – Great clips of news from the world of technology featuring a cosmopolitan blend of gadgetry, science and culture. Check out the “Beyond” section for some of the more whacky content

Sustainable Design Update – Possibly the word “Fascinating” has been overused in our 50 Best Science Blogs, but if you are finding it time-consuming to read all the blogs (we did!) do not miss this one out!

Science News Blogs

Science Mag – All the blogs featured in this list are news blogs in one respect or another, but the daddy of them all is the news blog produced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Medical Health News – More suited for those who wish to follow a healthy lifestyle than pharmacologists, Medical Health News is updated hourly and presented in a magazine format.

Space Politics – Although Space Politics is a space travel blog without pictures the site provides an important insight into the politics behind past space programs and those of the future. Readable.

Physics Today – The “Newspicks” section of this website selects some of the most interesting physics-related news articles of the day. Plenty of content on space travel, nuclear policy and climate change.

UFO Blogger – UFO Blogger could come under its own category of “Science meets Conspiracy Theory” and is a must read for all devotees of “Alien Planet”. Frequently updated with news of UFO sightings

Brain Posts – A comprehensive blog frequently updated about medical advances in the field of neurology. Most neurological conditions can be researched using the handy search facility.

The Guardian – One of the UK´s leading national dailies has an excellent science news blog covering the biggest science stories with expert analysis and commentary.

Xcomony – “X” marks the spots for this technological blog which focuses specifically on news coming out of Seattle, Boston, New York. San Francisco, San Diego and Detroit

Eurekalert – Eurakalert claims to be the leading web site for breaking science news since 1996. Looking through the sites depth of information, we find that claim hard to deny.

L.A. Times – Similar to the UK´s “Guardian”, the L.A. Times publishes a comprehensive and analytical guide to technological news and includes its own reviews of new technological releases.

Photo by: ~W~

It’s a known fact that car accidents occur every day. In fact, flying has always been traditionally known as the safer mode of transportation over driving a vehicle. While you may have never been in an accident yourself, there are a lot of errors that could be made to cause one. Let’s look at 75 mistakes that are known to cause accidents.

Car Maintenance

Car maintenance issues have long been known to cause accidents on the road. Here are some issues you could run into on the road based on maintenance problems.

1. Bad wipers: Windshield wipers seem like such a trivial item on your vehicle, but if they don’t function properly or are too old, they could make it impossible to see on the road.

2. Low tires: If you have one tire that is lower than others, you are more susceptible to a blow-out, which can make you lose control of the vehicle.

3. Bald tires: In rain, snow and ice, tires that no longer have tread are more likely to slide uncontrollably.

4. Bad alignment: It’s important to always ensure that your car’s alignment is correct. Failure to do so could result in the car veering out of your lane.

5. Failing brakes: Whether your brake pads are worn down or your brakes are leaking fluid, failure to have them repaired could mean an inability to stop your vehicle.

6. Oil changes: As you probably know, when an engine runs out of oil, it shuts down. This is why it’s important to have your oil changed regularly and to ensure there are no leaks in the engine.

7. Failing alternator: A failing alternator drains your battery and can sometimes cause vehicle shutdowns while out and about. That’s why a battery light should always equal mechanic visit.

8. Headlight and taillight outages: When bulbs in your headlights or taillights burn out, drivers at night often cannot see your vehicle head on or from the back.

9. Brake light outages: If your brake lights burn out, drivers cannot tell whether you’re braking and could run into you from the back.

10. Turn signal outages: It’s important to always replace your turn signal bulbs since they inform drivers in front and behind you of lane switches and full turns.

11. Snow tires: If you know you’ll be traveling in a snowy area, have your car fitted with snow tires or chains to avoid getting stuck in snow or sliding into other cars.

12. Other maintenance issues: There are a number of additional issues that could cause your car to stall or lose control on the road, which is why regular car maintenance is crucial to a safe driving experience.

Distractions

13. Yelling at the kids: Turning around to tell your child to sit down could easily result in a dangerous crash.

14. Applying makeup: Taking a few seconds to apply lipstick in the rearview mirror could result in an unexpected fender bender.

15. Drinking coffee: You might think that taking the sip of espresso on the way to work won’t hurt, but if a little spills on your pants, that brief distraction could result in an accident.

16. Eating a meal: Unwrapping your burger or trying to apply ketchup can easily distract you. If you’re not careful, it could cause an accident.

17. Reaching into your glove compartment: The few seconds it takes to reach over and open your glove compartment is enough to lose sight of the road..

18. Talking on the phone: It’s easy to lose focus when on the phone, even when staring at the road, which is why experts suggest pulling over to make a call.

19. Staring at an accident: Accidents are definitely attention-grabbing experiences, but if you’re not careful, the next accident everyone gawks at will be your own.

20. Texting a buddy: In order to text someone, you have to remove your eyes from the road, making it a no brainer that this activity can cause an accident.

21. Switching CDs: Switching CDs requires that you switch your focus and even drive with one hand, making it difficult to drive defensively when necessary.

22. Changing the radio station: Switching radio stations may seem harmless, but this quick movement can distract you enough to miss the car that has swerved in front of you.

23. Music volume: The volume of your radio can serve as a huge distraction on the road, which is why many cars automatically turn the volume down when you slow your vehicle.

24. TVs operating in the back: If your kids are watching TVs in the back of the car, it’s important to keep your attention on the road, no matter how tempted you are to listen.

25. Adjusting your seat: Making seat adjustments while in route could easily result in an inability to accelerate or brake properly.

26. Flirting with pedestrians: Believe it or not, a high number of accidents are caused by guys flirting with pretty ladies walking down the street!

Driving Behavior

Aside from being distracted while on the road, sometimes your lack of basic driving skills can cause accidents if you’re not careful.

27. Not coming to a complete stop: Stop signs require that you complete brake the vehicle. If you don’t, a person with the right of way could bolt out and hit you before you know it.

28. Failure to yield: As with coming to a complete stop, if you see a yield sign, it’s important to slow and look both ways. Failure to do so could result in an unexpected crash.

29. Failure to signal: Signaling when switching lanes or making a turn is critical in safe driving as it communicates your movements on the road to other drivers.

30. Driving while medicated: If you take medication that warns of drowsiness, absolutely do not get behind the wheel.

31. Ignoring blind spots: When it comes to blind spots, looking through your mirrors just isn’t enough. Take time to turn your head and look past the blind spot to avoid running into a car next to you.

32. Forgetting to adjust your mirrors: Mirror adjustments are crucial to safe driving as they ensure you can see most of the vehicles around you while behind the wheel.

33. Misjudging parallel parking: Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether your car can fit into a spot when parallel parking. If you’re not certain, ask for help or simply find a new spot.

34. Trailing other vehicles too closely: Riding too closely to another vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Try to always remain several car lengths behind other cars to make sure you have time to brake.

35. Road rage: Getting angry over the actions of other drivers is never a good idea. But taking the actions to the level of arguing or trailing drivers increases your chances of an accident.

36. Driving while sleepy: If you need to travel at night, it’s good to take a nap before driving. But if you must travel, drink plenty of coffee, call a friend and pull over if you find you’re too sleepy to drive.

37. Improper use of emergency brakes: If you’ve parked on a steep hill, it’s important to use your emergency brake so that your car won’t roll backwards or forwards into other cars.

38. Ignoring changes in roadway surfaces: Sometimes roadway surfaces can switch from smooth to bumpy in an instant. Be sure to slow down appropriately if you notice a sudden change.

39. Not paying attention to road signs: Road signs are meant to give you instructions while behind the wheel. Not paying attention to them increases the odds of you colliding with someone or something.

40. Driving while intoxicated: You already know that driving while intoxicated is one of the biggest causes of accidents. So if you’re thinking of doing it, remember this one word: Don’t.

41. Not looking both ways, even on green: When crossing an intersection, it’s important to look both ways to anticipate cars that sometimes jump out unexpectedly.

42. Failure to use brights in dark areas: It’s critical that you turn on your bright headlights in areas where no other lights are present. Animals or people could run onto the road and it’s easier to see them with the extra lights.

43. Failure to turn off brights when cars are approaching: If an oncoming vehicle is headed your way, it’s just as important to turn off your brights as they could block the other driver’s view of the road.

44. Not watching for pedestrians in crosswalks: Making right turns can be dangerous, especially if you don’t look carefully to see if a pedestrian who has the right-of-way is attempting to cross.

45. Ignoring school buses and emergency vehicles: Drivers are required to stop for school buses and pull over for emergency vehicles. Ignoring either rule could cause problems on the road.

46. Improper use of hazard lights: If you must pull over to the shoulder or are sitting in a stalled vehicle in the middle of the road, turn on your hazard lights to alert drivers that you cannot move your car.

47. Not keeping an eye out for animals: If an area is aware of wild animal crossings, signs are normally posted. Pay close attention to these signs to avoid hitting an animal that wanders onto the road.

Natural Disasters

While it’s impossible to control the weather, we can control our reaction to various natural events. Here are some common mistakes made during bad weather.

48. Driving too fast in rain: Many drivers forget that cars can hydroplane at 30 mph causing the car to slide. When the roads are wet, it’s important to slow down.

49. Ignoring windy days: Some think that wind doesn’t affect cars, but in actuality, wind can push heavy cars into other lanes unexpectedly.

50. Misjudging sleet and freezing rain: Sleet and freezing rain can easily look like a mere wet spot. But these patches are as slick as ice and can spin a car out of control in seconds.

51. Traveling on unplowed roads: If a road you plan to travel on has not been slow-plowed, avoid it to prevent getting stuck or sliding into parked cars.

52. Driving through large puddles: Puddles that look shallow are difficult to judge and driving through one could cause your car to stall, resulting in you being rear-ended by another vehicle.

53. Incomplete snow removal: When clearing snow and ice from your car, be sure to get it all from the roof and hood so it doesn’t slide onto your windows and block your view.

54. Not pulling over in bad weather: Sometimes heavy snow or rain blocks your view of the road. If you can no longer see the lanes or cars around you, now’s the time to slow down and carefully pull over.

55. Driving in fog: If you know that you’re facing a foggy drive, it’s good to wait until it lifts. But if you’re already driving, slow down (and pull over if you can) then wait until the fog lifts.

56. Failing rocks: If you’re driving through the mountains, you could encounter failing rocks, so be on the lookout for these natural occurrences that are tough to avoid.

57. Not slowing on wet bridges: Very often, you’ll see signs on bridges that read “Bridge freezes when wet.” Be sure to slow down if you’re traveling over a bridge in cold weather to avoid sliding.

58. Driving near downed wires: After a severe storm, sometimes electrical wires may be laying in the road. Failure to properly avoid these wires while being aware of traffic could result in a crash.

59. Ignoring weather reports: Meteorologists very often warn drivers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Heed these warnings to avoid major accidents.

Poor Road Design and Maintenance

Often times, the mistakes we encounter that cause accidents are not our own. Poor road designs and maintenance can also create dangerous conditions.

60. Malfunctioning traffic control devices: Power outages sometimes cause street lights to stop operating. In these instances, pay close attention to signs and officers directing traffic.

61. Potholes: A major cause of tire blowouts and loss of control at the wheel are moderate to deep potholes.

62. Confusing intersections: Some intersections are poorly designed with streetlights placed in odd positions that could leave drivers confused.

63. Insufficient guardrails: It’s well-known that some parts of the country lack guardrails, making drivers nervous. If traveling in these areas, careful and defensive driving is a must.

64. Road construction: Sometimes road construction can take your car on a number of unexpected detours. Pay close attention to signs to ensure you’re as safe as possible.

65. Malfunctioning railroad crossings: It’s not too much to assume that railroad crossings may not always function properly. To ensure you aren’t the victim of this unusual error, be sure to look both ways before crossing railroad tracks.

66. Traffic flow: Two-lane roads often create traffic congestion that lead to bender fenders and head-on collisions. When traveling on these roads, it’s important to turn up your defensive driving skills.

67. Mismanaged roadway identification signs: Sometimes a previous accident or mischievous teens can affect road signs that can cause wrong turns and subsequent accidents.

Miscellaneous Issues

A few other issues not covered in other sections include:

68. Failing GPS: We’ve grown reliant on GPS systems, but sometimes they can give us the wrong directions. So always keep back up directions to avoid wrong turns that could lead to collisions.

69. Red light cameras: Red light cameras have increased anxiety in drivers who don’t want tickets. This is why it’s good to keep a safe distance from drivers who might brake suddenly at yellow lights.

70. Not properly securing car seats: If you fail to secure your child’s car seat, he or she might crawl out, forcing you to quickly turn around and increasing your chances of losing control of the car.

71. Forgetting to properly defrost the car: When you leave in the morning, it’s important to defrost the car fully to maintain clear views from all windows when driving.

72. Having an active animal in the vehicle: If you have a dog or cat in your car, be sure to train them to sit still so that sudden movements won’t startle you into losing control of the car.

73. Police pullovers: When a police officer has a car pulled over, he often sits out a little in the road. Be sure to carefully pull into the next lane to avoid hitting the police car or officer.

74. Stalled vehicles: If you see a stalled vehicle in the road or on the shoulder, slow down and keep a safe distance to avoid an accident from that or another car.

75. Unexpected objects in the road: Sometimes objects fall from trucks or other cars that you could easily drive into. Always remain alert when driving to carefully and safely avoid those objects—or other cars while moving from the objects.

Subscribing to one or more of the best auto blogs can keep you up-to-date with what is going on and provide an insight into what the cars our children will be driving may look like. Whereas many of the auto blogs featured below are news orientated, we have tried to select those which offer a variety of subject matter to appeal to the most comprehensive of motoring tastes.

Auto News Blogs

Auto Guide – The Auto Guide news pages feature up to the minute news about top end vehicles coming onto the market as well as details of some of more exclusive vehicles you may not find covered elsewhere.

Car Scoop – In addition to the Car Scoop´s fantastic “Spied” series, scoops include fascinating news on vehicle safety (or the lack of it) and the site also provides excellent coverage of international motor shows.

Motorlogy – There is not a great deal of news on this auto blog that you could not find elsewhere, but the resources section is pretty good and, if you have an imported car, the car spares section may come in handy too!

Motorward – Basically an advanced news site about the latest models to come onto the market which also provides an excellent DIY resource for some of the more basic repairs you can make to you own car.

Car Envy – A Canadian auto blog featuring news and reviews from north of the border. Not only of interest to our neighbors, this site provides a personal view on much of the auto news it presents

Woman on Wheels – Another Canadian auto blog, but this time from the perspective of Jil McIntosh – a freelance writer and member of the Automobile Journalists of Canada who is not scared of getting her hands dirty – as you will see!

Car Gurus – Incredibly, 15,000 Americans have lost more than $45 million due to car scams. Make sure you read this blog to ensure that you are not next! (Car Gurus contains other news and features as well).

Motorists.org – Motorists is the National Motorists Association own blog and brings essential news on issues such as speed traps and tolls. The NMA fights for motorist´s rights throughout the country, so there may well be a campaign near you to support.

Tyre Smoke – Tyre Smoke is a community news site based in the UK (as the spelling would suggest) that publishes interesting snippets of news that does not always make it to the US auto news blogs

Daily Torque – This appropriately name auto blog has excellent news coverage accompanied by some mouth-watering images and videos. A little biased towards the Eastern market, but still worth reading.

Auto Review Blogs

egmCartech – A fantastic car review site which not only writes about the new cars coming onto the market but produces videos so that readers can judge each vehicles performance for themselves.

Kicking Tires – A nice blend of news and car show events is accompanied by videos reviews of new releases. A little reliant on manufacturers´ data, but a good read nonetheless.

Paul Tan – Paul is a Malaysian motor journalist who provides reviews on cars originating from his home country and those adjacent to it. Often well ahead of the domestic market, this is a blog well worth reviewing.

AutoBlog – Details of all the new automobile releases are complimented by stories concerning some of the more unusual vehicles you probably will not find motoring thru your neighborhood.

Autosbox – A huge database of new cars on the market, with more than 500 vehicles comprehensively reviewed. A handy search facility means that you do not have to search for hours to find the review you want.

Automoblog – Automoblog is a comprehensive motoring blog which extends its reviews to more practical cars as well as the high performers. Also contains a parts and accessories resource

Cars Fresh – More than just another auto review site, Cars Fresh investigates some of the technology driving the newer cars and industry news about future releases which are not yet always public information.

Car 2 Release Date – An interesting attempt to provide more technical data than most sites almost works. Possibly the problem exists because of the vast range of vehicles C2RD tries to cover.

Global Test Driver – Great reviews and some fantastic stories from around the globe concerning test drive results, auto shows and leaked spy shots. The site also has a handy used car search – just in case you were looking

Carmansion – Predominantly an auto review site which also covers a little car release news and has a feature on modified cars. A good site to review the latest developments without getting too deep.

Brand Specific Auto Blogs

Motoring File – Motoring File contains news, reviews and blog reports on road trips conducted in a Mini. Although the content is mini-orientated, the volume of it is anything but – with a comprehensive database of mini cars stretching back three generations.

Benz Insider – Benz Insider is a fantastic resource for anything Mercedes Benz – with an archive of articles that dates back to 2006 covering everything from classic machines of the past to the concept Benz´s of tomorrow

Cars VW – Although not strictly sticking to the pitch, Cars VW has a huge database of information on the Volkswagen range of vehicles, with separate sections dedicated to Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Bentley and … … … Skoda!

StangNet – Everything for the Mustang fanatic can be found inside the pages of StangNet – Mustang videos, Mustang apparel, and Mustang classifieds. There is even a forum for Mustang enthusiasts to exchange views and a look forward to the 2013 Mustang 201X.

Stanford Allen – Sure, Stanford Allen is an auto dealership in Detroit, but if you wanted to know anything about Chevrolets and Cadillacs – here is the place to look. Top information in bit-sized chunks, well categorized and easy to read.

Servicing Stop Audi – Among the blatant PR for Audi there are some interesting articles and features about the car manufacturer´s most recent history. Also includes useful servicing tips if you are an Audi owner.

Auto Racing Blogs

Top Speed – Top Speed contains a huge amount of information relating to high performance cars both on the road and on the track. Also covers motorcycles for those who prefer their speed on two wheels

GT Spirit – GT Spirit is a comprehensive news and video blog which features exclusive road tests and spy shots of some of the most highly rated (and highly desired) vehicles on the planet.

Motoring Exposure – The site which “makes James Bond look boring” is full of fantastically fast autos – both factory issue and privately tuned. Make sure to check out the lifestyle pages for some really cool “exposure” apps.

Auto X Pert – Although claiming to cover the auto industry as a whole, much of the focus in this UK produced web site is on auto racing news, cars and drivers. Also included for its must-read “Top 10 Road Movies” feature

SUV Tracker – If off-road racing is your thing, this is the blog for you. News and spy-shots of upcoming SUV releases are handily categorized for ease of access with the odd entertaining article thrown in for good measure.

Speed Sport Life – Along with the usual range of top end vehicle reviews, Speed Sport Life provides videos of some of the more interesting  -and speediest – sports cars on the market

Oneighturbo – An auto racing bog for lovers of very fast cars, Oneighturbo provides industry racing news from the leading performance car manufacturers with a fantastic video and picture gallery

Skidd Mark – Skidd Mark is the auto racing section of the “Drivers Republic” and you can guarantee that the road tests in its pages are all from firsthand experience. Check out Skidd Player – the site´s own TV channel for some excellent racing covering.

0-60 Mag – The Auto Racing blogs just get better! It is fair to say that 0-60 Mag features the vehicles that most of us can only dream about. The site often features girls that most of us can only dream about too!

Green Auto Motoring Blogs

AutoBlog Green – The environmentally aware pages of the AutoBlog web site feature both the serious and the whacky sides of protecting the planet from the excessive use of fossil fuels.

Inhabitat – The automotive pages on this environmental lifestyle web site make fascinating reading in terms of the performance figures being produced by EVs and Hybrids. The site also has a noteworthy perspective on the merits of green motoring.

Earth Techling – Environmentally friendly transportation news is presented on this green web site with a focus on the practicalities of running vehicles which use alternative power sources.

Green Car Congress – Neatly presented blog which won Tree Hugger´s “Best of Green” award last year presents sustainable mobility news in a conveniently navigable format.

Eco Auto Ninja – Reviews and news relating to EVs and Hybrids, with video test-drives and interviews with ecologically friendly car owners to enable an opinion from those who drive them day-to-day.

The College Driver – The College Driver is intended to be a comprehensive news and reviews blog, but the pages on green auto motoring are so good that they are worthy on inclusion in this category as a stand-alone item.

Hybrid Car Blog – Superb commentary of the state of the hybrid market in America, with opinions on why the market is not expanding as quickly as it should and news on initiatives to accelerate the growth.

DIY Electric Car – Fancy an EV but do not want to get rid of your existing auto? Here is a blog that will take you through a step-by-step conversion. You advised to read the excellent pros and cons of an auto conversion before you start!

Green Packs – Wonderfully laid out green auto motoring blog with a focus on design and technology. The site´s presents other environmental lifestyle ideas, so even if you are not ready to purchase an EV or convert your existing car, this site should provide interesting reading for almost everybody.

Classic Autos Blogs

Jalopnik – A superb source of information for some of the classic cars available on the market, where to find them and how much they cost. Other news is also featured in this entertaining web site with links to some of the more outlandish items that do not appear elsewhere in the blogosphere.

Hemmings – Hemmings claims to be the world´s largest collector-car marketplace and finds some of the rarest models in existence. Excellent reading for anybody who has been driving since the sixties, the site also hosts a free stolen car section to help recover classic cars which have been robbed.

Bring a Trailer – An auto blog for the most obsessive classic car enthusiast which brings news of classic autos in all conditions (hence the title of the site!). The site´s substantial readership also contributes with discoveries of their own.

Celebrity Cars Blog – Classic autos need not originate from the middle of the last century in order to be designated “classic”. Just take a look at some of the automobiles driven by those with celebrity status for an alternative view of what comprises a classic auto.

Go 4 Old Cars – Sadly thin on content, but what has been published on this blog is fascinating. If you are interested in automobile history, this is a must-read classic auto blog on the cars your grandfather would have driven when your father was a kid!

The Truth About Cars – An auto review site with a difference, covering some of the more outrageous vehicles to be found on the streets, current motoring news and a superb “Curbside Classics” feature

Even if you draw the line at some “Green” manifestos, being environmentally aware is a good thing, and our Best 50 Green Blogs steer clear of the politics wherever possible, to present a selection of readable blogs on the little changes that we can make to our lifestyles so that when we shrug off our mortal coil, we leave the planet a nicer place than we found it.

Green News Blogs

Grist – Multi-contributor environmental news with a twist. Provocative, informative and humorous, Grist provides bite-sized chunks of green news which attracts much educated commentary from its readers.

New Geography – Promoted as a blog about where we live and how to make it better, New Geography is a great resource for urban environment issues such as population, pollution and politics – all from a green point of view

Consumer Energy Report – Colossal amounts of news from around the globe about energy issues and climate change. Although not politically orientated, it seems that writers have to be members of the “Doomsday” party to get published

350.Org – 350 relates to the number of parts of carbon dioxide per million that scientists say we need to limit the atmosphere to for the planet to survive. This blog reports on the hands-on approach to reach that target

Clean Energy Authority – A little bit of a shop window, but the blog does have a considerable amount of news about solar power advancements and highlights notable locations where solar power installations are being set up

Greenspace – The L.A. Times provides an excellent blog on environmental issues in and around California. Even if you are not from the most densely populated State, this excellent blog is worthy of a read.

Environment 360 – The good, the bad and the sad news about our environment is reported in this blog by the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Easy to read, but hard to understand how it has been allowed to happen.

The Understory – A blog produced by the Rainforest Action network which focuses on the destruction of our planet by large corporations in search of the greenback, and reports on how like-minded individuals can group together for positive action.

Council on Environmental Quality – The White House´s own blog enables you to read what the powers at the top think about the environment, or at least what they want you to think they think about the environment

The 9 Billion – News on all aspects of the environment, from China´s growth in venture capitalism to school dinner pizzas. Particularly quick to get out news on climate change and how we should be preparing for it.

Green Business Blogs

Clean Techies – As well as focusing on many of the new technological advances with green energy, Green Techies takes a look at how the companies making these advances work, and reveals what´s in it for them

Biofuels Digest – The Biofuels Digest is the most widely read biofuels daily in the world. Mostly geared at business, the blog is not a bad read if you are looking for optimism about the future of our planet – even if the business news is not always so cheerful!

Econbrowser – Primarily an economics news feed for business, but hit the “environment” tag and there magically appears before your eyes news and commentary about the economic s of green business and the effect of global warming

Zero Hedge – To call Zero Hedge “anti-establishment” might be a bit too strong, but it certainly has leanings towards “responsible investment”. The link from finance to environment (via oil) is not ignored in this prolific blog

Money Morning – Green businesses will want to keep an eye on this blog and its awareness what is happening in the alternative fuel industries. Also good to see that it includes environmental issues in many of its financial reports

Green Chip Stocks – This blog presents a far more positive approach to the environment and action being taken to save it. “A new generation of wealth” is the tag-line, but investments of this nature will have benefits for all mankind

Alternative Energy Stocks – A genuine guide to stocks and shares in the alternative energy market, how market influences will affect their performance and forecasting their future yields based on past historic trends

Investment U – Although a general commodity trading web site, Investment U includes a useful guide to how to start trading, and features on the sustainable markets of the future, biotechnology and emerging alternative energy markets.

Green Issues Blogs

Switchboard – Switchboard is the staff blog from the Natural Resources Defense Council and features a diverse range of topics from global warming to green enterprise. A lot for conservationists to absorb in this educated blog.

Real Climate – Written by “climate scientists”, Real Climate provides readers with the science behind global warming and publishes the real news behind the doom and gloom headlines. A little heavy to get into, but worth the effort.

Planet Save – “How to Green Your Life” is a must-read section of this blog for anybody who wants to find out more about why there is a green movement. Activism, politics and climate change are just three of the important topics also covered in this well written blog.

Red, Green and Blue – RGB is big on “Occupy” but acknowledges that changes can be made without public shows of dissatisfaction and suggests many minor actions that people can take that will make a difference to their environment

Knowledge Problem – Michael Giberson shows that we have the knowledge to resolve the problems of an energy crisis and prevent global warming, but suggests that we are going about applying that knowledge in the wrong way.

Nuclear Notes – Mark Flanagan keeps readers up to date about the nuclear fuel industry both home and abroad and perpetuates the debate about whether solar, wind or nuclear power represents the cheapest, safest long-term fuel option.

Skeptical Science – An excellent blog edited by John Cook who lives in Queensland, Australia. If anybody has a growing problem with the climate, it is the Australians, but John tales a skeptical look at the misinformation being posted elsewhere

It´s Getting Hot in Here – What started as a community project has grown into the Youth Climate Movement. A good deal of pro-active opposition to climate damage is reported among the articles which appear on the blog.

Circle of Blue – Updates and reports on the global freshwater crisis from members of the Pacific Institute. Podcasts, videos and infographics suggest that this is one of the biggest environmental issues of our time.

Energy Refuge – A generally green blog providing news, views and commentary on environmentally friendly lifestyles. The links to related posts on Energy Refuge are well used in order that readers can see how a story develops.

Climate Resistance – Ben Pile argues that the true threat of global warming is being hidden from the man-in-the-street by a censorship program. It might sound like a conspiracy theory, but Ben backs his comments up with fact

Moms Clean Air Force – If there is anybody better to clean up a mess than your mom, you had better send them round! Tackling issues such as asthma, mercury poisoning and leukemia, the MCAF fight tirelessly to improve the air that their kids breathe

Green Technology Blogs

Clean Technica – At first glimpse, this looks like a blog for the boys – with shiny high speed trains and wind turbines on which you can land a helicopter – but there are also unmissable guides to why we should be harnessing the power of the sun and the wind

Next Big Future – Scientifically advanced blog which looks at the green macro-environment and the technology which is shaping it. A fascinating read if you have a little understanding of the physics behind the innovations.

Green Prophet – An amazing variety of news from all over the world on green issues, but what made our eyes open wide was the substantial volume of “cleantech” information available on the site. A good browse irrespective of your specific green interests!

Nuclear Green Revolution – There is a certain passion about this blog which will appeal to many readers. Achieving safe, clean nuclear power is a goal we should all hope for and Charles Barton explains the options and debunks the myths about nuclear power.

EcoGeek – Fascinating blog presented by Megan Treacy and Philip Proefrock on some of the applications which are now being put into place to save on the use of natural fuels. Less geeky than you might imagine!

Brave New Climate – A superb nuclear power blog by Barry Brook, which is technical in concept but easy to read, and which extends the comparisons between alternative sources of fuel to new levels – eye-catching design and thought provoking content!

Intercon – Tyler is a New York City architect who blogs about new concepts in design and technology which reduce our dependency on traditional fuel sources. Good commentary on how the little picture has an influence on the bigger one

Green Patent Blog – A blog which examines the legal side of the new technology being introduce onto the general market. Will green patents and licenses limit the amount of new technology production in the future?

ZME Science – A great little blog which introduces itself as “It´s not rocket science” and then proceeds to explain in plain terms a lot of the science behind innovations in the green market. A must-read for those who want to know “why?”

Science Progress – Interesting blog which does not quite meet us with its banner of “where science, technology and politics meet” and instead questions the ethics and morality of some of today´s green issues and tomorrows answers.

Green Transportation Blogs

Green Packs – Everything from helicopters which fly themselves to electronically powered bicycles which can help you climb hills in the incredible blog. Well researched and supported by videos wherever possible

Earth Techling – Get all the latest information about electric vehicles, the improvements that are being made to their performance and how car manufacturers are aiming to make them a viable alternative to gas powered vehicles.

Inhabitat – Inhabitat offers ideas on how to change the world by design. New design buildings, new design gadgets and, most of all, new design cars. This blog does not ignore the technology behind the design – so it is not all pretty pictures

Green Car Congress – Making mobility sustainable is the key aim of this web blog, which highlights improvements to current gas-driven vehicles as well as promoting hydrogen cell, biofuel and electric vehicles

Autoblog Green – A fantastic source of information about what 48 different automobile manufacturers are doing to create a cleaner, greener atmosphere and a list of the upcoming motor shows at which their cars will be revealed.

T4 America – The Transport for America campaign wants a Federal transportation system put in place – not any old transportation system, but one which reduces the need for private modes of transport and enables communities to thrive.

Gas 2.0 – Cool cars and a classic take on some of the more innovative EVs take pride of place in this brilliant blog. As well as EVs, you can get the latest info on MPGs and electrically powered ATVs accompanied by some excellent pictures

Automoblog – No every car blog has to focus on alternative power sources for it to be environmentally friendly. Automoblog highlights many of the energy (and cost) saving features of the “regular” vehicles which are being launched

Tuvie – Pick your way through this blog! Designs for the future of transportation from the nearly practical to the incredibly outrageous. Readers are also invited to send their own concept ideas in for review.

Hybrid Car Blog – The Hybrid Sale blog overlaps into electric vehicles, and focuses on some of the other non-environmental reasons for people buying hybrid cars – safety, comfort, looks and tax credits!

1. Create a Clear Budget

With the price of gas higher than it’s ever been and other costs, you want to take time to create a car budget before you ever set foot on a dealership lot.

2. Know the Type of Car You Need

Notice that the subheading reads the type of car you “need,” not “want.” You may be intrigued by the flashy SUV that burns 12 mpg, but can you really afford it? If you have a big family and need space, by all means, purchase the car you need, but if you can get away with a gas-friendly economy car, why not take this route instead?

3. Check Consumer Guides

Before buying a car, it’s a must that you check consumer guides such as Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports to find out which vehicles have the best reputations and which are considered the best buys for the money.

4. Find Out What Cars Have Been Recalled

It’s also important to research vehicles to find out which have been recalled in the past. This is not to say that you should never purchase a vehicle with a recall history, but you do need to note what problems vehicles have had and whether those problems have been resolved.

5. Research Dealership History

Another important step is researching the history of dealerships you’re considering for purchase. Check the Better Business Bureau and other consumer sites to find customer complaints so that you don’t find yourself purchasing a car from a dealer with a history of selling lemons.

6. Save a Reasonable Down Payment

In your budget should be a section that calculates how much money you want to set aside for your down payment. While dealerships often let drivers purchase cars with nothing down, the more money you use on a down payment, the lower your monthly costs will be.

7. Shop Around for Auto Insurance

Car insurance can be a major expense when owning a car, especially if you are financing the vehicle. This is because lenders own the vehicle until you’ve paid the balance in full, requiring that you keep full coverage (liability, comprehensive and collision) on the vehicle to protect it in the meantime. To ensure you don’t pay too much on all car costs, it’s good to first shop around for affordable car insurance.

8. Check with Your Local Bank for a Loan

It has become a common practice for prospective car buyers to visit a dealership for a loan, but often times, those loans come with high interest rates because the dealer is providing you with the convenience of an on-site lender. So before working out financing through a dealership, consider visiting your local bank or credit union to see if you can acquire a low-cost loan.

9. Shop ‘Till You Drop

Buying a car is not a decision to be made in haste. Instead, you should spend time visiting numerous dealerships online and in person to find vehicle options that work for you.

10. Consider Optional Equipment When Pricing

If you are looking to purchase a new car then it’s important that you think about the costs associated with optional equipment, including improved audio components, leather seats and even added safety features.

11. Ask about the Warranty

If your car comes without a warranty, you will have to pay for all vehicle issues out of pocket. Different vehicles carry different manufacturer and dealer warranties that vary from bumper-to-bumper to limited repairs. It’s important to check with the dealer to find out about the warranty associated with the vehicle you’re interested in to avoid high costs for a vehicle you just purchased.

12. Explore Manufacturer and Dealer Incentives

Both manufacturers and dealers often offer incentives such as zero-percent financing or $2,500 cash back. It’s important to research these incentives before visiting a dealership because there may be requirements involved such as financing with the dealership or having a prime credit score.

13. Check for Liens and other Issues

If you’re buying a used car, it’s critical that you check the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the car to find out the vehicle history, which will include there being existing liens on the car or even information on whether it’s been floods. This is especially important when working with a private seller.

14. Think about the Big Picture

Most times, if you work with a dealer for financing, the salesperson will ask you to pick a car based on the monthly payment. But it’s better to think about how much you want to spend on the car overall, including title, registration and plates, to help decide the vehicle you want to buy.

15. Understand Lemon Laws

Lemon laws are rules that prevent shady car salespeople from selling junk cars. The rules vary from state to state, so it’s important that you research the laws for your state if you intend to purchase a used vehicle.

16. Find Out Your Car’s Trade-in Value

Before you head to a dealership, you want to know the value of your trade-in. A car salesperson can easily lowball you, and of course, this can result in you losing money on your purchase.

17. Run Your Own Credit Check

Whether you’re planning to finance a vehicle through a dealership or local bank, your credit will be a determining factor in how much of a loan you’re eligible for and what your interest rate will be. Take time to run your own credit check then find out how your reports and scores will impact your loan so that you don’t get taken advantage of by a lender who wants to underestimate your credit.

18. Ask Friends for Vehicle and Dealership Recommendations

If you’ve had friends and family with successful experiences with both cars and dealerships, ask for their advice to increase your chances of having a car-buying experience you’re happy with.

19. Make an Appointment with the Dealer

Most people have grown accustomed to showing up on a car lot and gaining a salesperson’s full attention, but if you’re serious about buying a car, it’s a good idea to set an appointment. This way, the salesperson can be prepared to assist you fully and you can feel comfortable that you’ve had time to prepare for negotiations.

20. Know Your Current Loan’s Standing

If you are currently in the middle of a long-term loan (60- or 72-month term) then you could be upside down, meaning you owe more on your loan than the car is worth. If you are in this predicament, you may have to pay the first loan balance or roll it into the new loan. Keep this in mind before you buy because it could affect your decision to move forward with the purchase.

21. Test Drive Vehicles

There’s no way that you should purchase a car without first getting into that very vehicle and test driving it. You need to know that it feels comfortable and handles well when you’re behind the wheel. You can only find this out by test driving it.

22. Take the Car to a Mechanic

If a dealership knows you are serious about buying a car, it will allow you to take the car for an extended period of time (usually they will photocopy your license and insurance first). Take this opportunity run it by your trusted mechanic where it can be hooked up to diagnostic machines to ensure it’s in good condition.

23. Negotiate

Any car expert will tell you that failing to negotiate for the car you want is a big no-no. Dealerships are always willing to negotiate on a price, so make sure to look at the cost comparable cars in your area are selling for then offer a low number. If the seller snaps up your offer with no fight, you’ve paid too much. And if you can’t seem to negotiate a price that makes you comfortable, don’t be afraid to walk away.

24. Stand Your Ground

You want to go into a dealership already sure of your budget and confident about what you want to purchase. A dealer may want to put you in a car he or she chooses, but it’s important to stand your ground on every aspect of the purchase to find success when buying a car.

25. Consider Your Alternatives

Finally, before you decide to go out and buy a car, it’s important that you consider all other financial alternatives. Do you live in an area with sufficient public transportation? Can you work out a car pool agreement with co-workers? If you don’t have to take on this major expense then it’s good to look at your alternatives.

Add This Graphic To Your Website for Free

</p> <p><a href="http://www.autoinsurancecomparison.org/what-does-your-car-says-about-you/"><br /> <img src="http://images.autoinsurancecomparison.org/whatyourcarsaysaboutyou.jpg" border="0" alt="Car Thoughts" width="500" /><br /> </a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoinsurancecomparison.org/what-does-your-car-says-about-you/">What does your car say about you?? </a> by <a href="http://www.autoinsurancecomparison.org/" >Auto Insurance Comparison</a>.org</p> <p>

Tweet

Add This Graphic To Your Website for Free

</p> <p><a href="http://www.autoinsurancecomparison.org/the-history-of-transportation/"><br /> <img src="http://images.autoinsurancecomparison.org/historyoftransportation.jpg" border="0" alt="History of Getting from Point a to be" width="500" /><br /> </a></p> <p><a href="http://www.autoinsurancecomparison.org/the-history-of-transportation/">History of Transportation </a> by <a href="http://www.autoinsurancecomparison.org/" >Auto Insurance Comparison</a>.org</p> <p>

Tweet

Comparing Quotes for Business Auto Insurance

Business owners may have compared quotes for auto insurance for their vehicles for personal use, and they can do the same thing for their business auto insurance. Not every insurance company offers business auto insurance, so it can be more difficult to find a policy.

Business owners who go straight to a comparison website won’t have to search for the fewer auto insurance companies that sell business auto insurance. The comparison website does this searching and it quickly finds several quotes for its clients to compare.

The hard work of finding the right auto insurance companies will have been done for them. Business owners will only have to call the companies that have given them the best rates, and concentrate on the ways that they can save even more money on their business auto insurance rates online.

Amount of Liability Coverage

One way to decrease business auto insurance rates is to set high limits on liability coverage. The limits that people will set for their business will be different for different circumstances, but there is a general agreement that business owners need at least $500,000 liability coverage on every one of their vehicles.

Some people might think that $500,000 on each vehicle can be an expensive prospect, but it doesn’t necessarily have to work out that way. As people choose higher limits, the policies actually become cheaper.

Other Ways to Save Money on Business Auto Insurance

Business auto insurance requires that business owners pay a deductible. The highest deductibles give people the lowest premiums but business owners must be sure that they can afford to pay the deductible if there is a car accident. If the deductible is too high, business owners really haven’t saved themselves or the business any money.

Pay Premiums by the Year

Paying premiums monthly will add interest fees and administrative costs to the price of the premium. If business owners choose to pay their premiums once per year, they can receive at least 10 percent off of their premiums.

Place Personal and Commercial Auto Insurance with One Company

Business owners often have personal vehicles to insure as well as their business vehicles. If these business owners find an auto insurance company through the comparison website that offers a good quote, the company may also sell personal auto insurance policies. If this is the case, business owners can switch their personal policies to the new company and receive a discount for buying two different types of insurance coverage with one company.

Only Hire the Best Drivers

Before hiring a driver, business owners can make sure to obtain each applicant’s driving record. Doing this will ensure that they only hire the best drivers. The insurance companies will also ask for these driving records and they will judge commercial drivers the same way they judge private drivers. Those with the best driving records will be considered to be the lowest risks.

Give Your Employees Continuous Training

Business owners that hire people to drive for them have a couple of good reasons to require that their drivers take safe driving courses to save money on auto insurance. One is that these courses will help them be better drivers, but the other is that auto insurance companies will give these business owners a discount. Companies that show insurance companies that they take safety seriously are less of a risk, so their premiums can be lower.

Add Safety Devices to the Vehicles

Anything that makes the vehicles safer for the people riding in them such as automatic seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes protect the driver and any passengers from sustaining serious injuries. Reducing injuries will reduce the need for people to file bodily injury claims; the auto insurance company has less risk as a result, and the company receives a discount.

Bundling Insurance Policies

Business owners that are lucky enough to just be starting their businesses or those who have other business policies that are about to expire can seek to purchase their business auto insurance with their other business liability policies. By doing this, some insurance companies can lower their clients’ rates by up to 20 percent.

Keep the Business Going

Business owners can qualify for a discount if they remain in business for at least three years. Insurance companies always have the intention of insuring people they believe will remain with them for years to come. A business that has shown longevity can be trusted to continue to be around to pay their premiums.

Use the Comparison Website Today

When business owners are ready to purchase their business auto insurance, they don’t have to worry that it will take up too much of their time. They can go the comparison website and obtain their quotes from multiple auto insurance companies without having to leave their offices or be on the telephone for hours. They will be back to the other important parts of their business in less time than they could have ever expected.

The State of Michigan requires that every driver have two no-fault policies in place when operating a motor vehicle. This includes a Personal Injury Protection policy, commonly referred to as a PIP, and a Property Protection Insurance policy, or PPI. It is also necessary for the Michigan driver to carry a classic liability policy of 20/40/10, as well.

A Personal Injury Protection policy in Michigan requires that the driver have enough coverage to pay all of the medical expenses that may be incurred as a result of an automobile accident plus three years of compensation for any lost pay or services. Currently the maximum amount that can be paid for lost income or the death that may result from an accident is $4,713 each month a maximum of 36 months. Having a good health insurance policy in place or requesting a deductible on your insurance premium can reduce the premium that you may be required to pay. The Property Protection Insurance policy pays up to one million dollars for any damage to property when the accident occurs within the state of Michigan.

The classic liability policy of 20/40/10 that is mandatory for drivers to have on their Michigan automobile insurance coverage provides protection for the driver if they were to be sued following an accident. The break down of this policy is as follows:

* Bodily Injury Liability Coverage of $20,000 per person or $40,000 per accident
* Property damage Liability Coverage of $10,000
* Coverage for Personal Injuries for the Driver

Michigan Auto Insurance Laws

The State of Michigan requires that every driver carry at least basic no fault insurance coverage on their vehicle. This type of policy provides for the minimum insurance requirements set-up by the state. Drivers that fail to have this coverage or are unable to produce proof of having this insurance coverage in the event of being stopped by a police officer or being involved in an accident face hefty fines and punishments. The court may find you guilty of a civil infraction and suspend your license for at least 30 days or until the driver is able to provide proof of coverage to the court.

Michigan Auto Insurance Coverage

The Basic No-Fault Insurance Coverage required by the state of Michigan does not pay for any type of damage or repairs to your own vehicle when you are involved in an accident. There are situations in which an owner of a vehicle can collect for damage caused when their vehicle is properly parked and another driver causes damage to their vehicle. The other driver’s insurance coverage may pay for your vehicle to be repaired if this is a coverage on their policy.

There are additional collision policies that can be purchased through your insurance agency to provide coverage to your vehicle should you need repairs as a result of an accident or other damage caused to your vehicle. These policies vary as to how much compensation can be collected or how much you will need to pay as a deductible. Some of these collision policies also carry exclusions as to what is covered.

Cheap Michigan Auto Insurance Quotes

Most insurance agencies that provide insurance coverage to Michigan drivers will give you free quotes on the policies that they will handle for you. The premiums for these insurance policies can be substantially different from one another in cost. Most insurance agents have certain discount programs that can drastically decrease the premiums that you will need to pay for your insurance coverage. Some of the discounts can be found for good students, years of clean driving and belonging to certain groups or organizations such as a credit union.

There are online insurance agents as well that will provide quotes for free. Some sites specialize in providing you with the opportunity to compare quotes from several different insurance providers conveniently on one site.

Michigan Auto Insurance Ratings

Most insurance companies that you will find when looking for Michigan Auto Insurance coverage have certain ratings that they will look at when providing you with a quote on your premium. Some of the ratings that weigh the most on the cost of your insurance premium includes a credit score rating, your driver’s rating and employment ratings. Insurance companies have a right to base the amount of your premiums on these specific ratings if they choose to do so. This is because these agencies feel as though these ratings are a good determining factor as to the driver’s level of responsibility, reputability and character. This is one area that has been disputed and debated since it was allowed into law.

Michigan Auto Insurance Rates

Depending on many different factors Michigan drivers can expect to pay an average of $400 to $900 on their insurance coverage premiums every six months. There are different payment options available through different insurance agents. Common payment methods available to drivers include a 50/50 payment, which allows them to pay half of the premium amount immediately and the remaining half after three months. Another common payment plan is a bi-monthly payment plan with a payment for two months of coverage being due prior to the covered period of time. There are a few agents that will allow monthly payment plans should you be willing to allow them to draw the amount of your payment from a checking account or credit card. Some insurance companies give their customers discounts if they pay their entire 6 month premium at one time. This discount can be as much as 1/3 of the premium cost.

Michigan Auto Insurance Companies

There is a wide variety of Michigan Auto Insurance Companies that are available to the drivers of this state. Some things that you will want to look at when making your selection on which company to go with includes the reputability of the company in your area, the cost of their premium packages and the history that you may have with a specific company. It is always advisable to find an insurance company with the intention of having a lengthy relationship with them. Switching from one insurance company to another can actually have negative results on your premium expenses.