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Safe Driving Tips for Teens

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Administrator

Teen Driving Deaths on the Rise; Parents Can Help Reverse Trend

Parents play a key role in teens’ decisions on safe driving. Research for Ford’s Driving Skills for Life program (DSFL) shows teens tend to emulate how their parents drive.

Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for American teens. There were more than 3,000 teen fatalities in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In 2013, Ford Driving Skills for Life will reach about 200 high schools with its safe driving materials, thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

WALDORF, MARYLAND, 4/10/13 – Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for American teens. In recent weeks, a number of crashes involving teen drivers have led to more than a dozen teenagers tragically losing their lives. And a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows that teen driver fatalities are on the rise among 16-17-year-old drivers.

“By setting a good example behind the wheel, parents can increase the chances their children will adopt safe driving practices,” said Greg Basiliko General Manager of Waldorf Ford. “While state laws and educational programs are critical, ultimately, parents are the most critical component to keep their teen drivers safe.”

Parents can help reverse that trend. Research done for Ford’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program shows teens tend to emulate how their parents drive. In fact, more than three quarters of teens and tweens surveyed say they rely heavily on their parents’ advice when they start to drive.

Tips for parents

Experts from Ford Driving Skills for Life have tips on what parents can do to help their teens be better drivers:

Engage in the driving process – As teens get closer to earning/acquiring their learner’s permit, parents should actively engage with them about driving. Talk about safe driving behaviors, practice with them, seek educational opportunities, and be clear that unsafe actions won’t be tolerated.
Buckle up – It’s the law, and if parents don’t wear their seat belts, their teen is more likely to do the same. In a crash, a person not buckled up is much more likely to be injured or killed than someone wearing a seat belt.
Never speed – Research done for Ford Driving Skills for Life shows that if parents speed, their teens are more likely to do the same. Excessive speed continues to be a factor in about one third of all traffic deaths nationally.
Don’t drive distracted – By setting a tough “no distractions” rule for their teens and modeling this same behavior, parents send the message that distracted driving will not be tolerated.
Don’t follow too closely – Parents should keep the proper distance from the car in front of them. Rear end collisions are common and preventable.
Always scan ahead for hazards– Parents should remind their teens to be aware of what is going on around them by scanning to the right and left as they drive
Limit the number of passengers – Research shows young drivers can easily be distracted by just one additional passenger – increasing the risk of a crash exponentially. Many graduated driver’s license programs restrict the number of passengers as a condition of issuing an early license or permit; parents should enforce those restrictions.
Never drink and drive – Parents should remind teens that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.

Ford Driving Skills for Life

In addition to hands-on clinics, Ford Driving Skills for Life will reach an additional 150 high schools with its safe driving materials, Web-based learning, partnerships with state highway safety agencies, fun contests and free educational materials for parents and teachers.

You can find more information online at DrivingSkillsForLife.com.

Visit Waldorf Ford at 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601 or call 888-284-1463.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival – March 20th – April 14th, 2013

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Administrator

Erik Abel has been named Official Artist for the 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival

The Nations Greatest Springtime Celebration

Looking for something to do to Celebrate Spring? Why not visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates spring in Washington, DC, the gift of the cherry blossom trees, and the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.

“Today’s National Cherry Blossom Festival has grown from modest beginnings into the nation’s greatest springtime celebration. Over the years, millions have participated in Festival events and viewed the flowering cherry trees. In 2012, the Festival expanded to five weeks (from 16 days in recent previous years) to provide a grand tribute to the 100-year anniversary of the gift of trees. Today, more than 1.5 million people visit Washington, DC each year to admire the blossoming cherry trees and participate in diverse programming that heralds spring in the nation’s capital. The Festival produces and coordinates daily events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Events are primarily free and open to the public.” – http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Visit us at Waldorf Ford located at 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601. Or Visit us at http://www.waldorfford.com!

AAA Auto Buying Experts Choose Ford Fusion and Flex Among Top Vehicles for Commuters

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Administrator

WALDORF, Maryland, 4/2/13– After evaluating hundreds of vehicles each year for fuel efficiency, comfort and overall performance, AAA Auto Buying experts have selected their 2013 top vehicle picks for commuters. Both the 2013 Ford Fusion and 2013 Ford Flex have been honored with being chosen by AAA in their respective categories of top sedans and crossovers. With an average commute of 25 minutes each way and gas prices hovering about $3.50 per gallon since February, selecting the right vehicle can make a commute more enjoyable and lower expenses.

“We’re proud to have made AAA’s list with two great picks in the Ford Fusion and Ford Flex,” said Greg Basiliko. “We welcome the community to experience these wonderful products first-hand by stopping by our dealership for a test drive anytime.”

To learn more about AAA’s top commuter picks, please follow the link below: http://newsroom.aaa.com/2013/03/aaa-auto-buying-experts-select-top-vehicles-for-commuters/

Waldorf Ford is located at 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldorf MD 20601. Phone: 888-284-1463 and http://www.waldorfford.com.

The Easter Bunny is Headed to the Humane Society of Charles County!

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Administrator

Waldorf Ford, Dodge, & Pre-Owned Volunteers for The Humane Society of Charles County!

About this photo: Humane Society Directors Leah and Nora promoting The Dog Gone Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday, March 30th, 2013 from 2pm-5pm.

About this photo: IT Director for Kody Holdings – Mike Fitzgerald directing the video shoot. He volunteers at The Humane Society once a month to shoot pet adoption videos.

Waldorf Ford, Dodge, & Pre-Owned‘s IT Director, Mike Fitzgerald spent an afternoon with The Humane Society of Charles County to help promote The Dog Gone Easter Hunt. The visit consisted of taping the directors of the Charles County Humane Society to discuss The Dog Gone Easter Event. He also taped pet adoption videos for which he volunteers every month to help friendly and adorable puppies, dogs, kittens, cats, and pocket pets find a loving and responsible home and family!

About this photo: Take a look at just a few of our adoptable animals for this month. As always please give us a call or stop by to see all of the animals we have available for adoption. Please call us at 301-645-8181.

These videos also help promote awareness about The Humane Society. The Humane Society was established in 1978 approximately 34 years ago. It has a dual mission of “Promoting the humane treatment of animals and of fostering a respect for all life, both animal and human.” ~The Humane Society website http://www.humanesocietycc.org/.

About this photo: Spring is Kitten Season! Take a look at just a few of our adoptable animals for this month. As always please give us a call or stop by to see all of the animals we have available for adoption. Please call us at 301-645-8181.

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Benefits of Buying Used Vehicles – Guest Blogger Eric M. Carter

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Administrator

Editor’s Note: Welcome our guest blogger Eric M. Carter! He is a Sales Consultant here at the Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned Center, located in Waldorf, Maryland. He has been with us for since 2002. He is originally from Washington, DC and graduated from Largo High School in Largo, Maryland. Mr. Carter stays very busy with this family. His youngest daughter is a national celebrity! If you are familiar with the 2013 Super Bowl Champions – The Baltimore Ravens and our much-loved retired linebacker Ray Lewis, you may remember this VISA credit card commercial titled “Visa NFL: Ray Lewis’s Toughest Interview Yet.” The little girl interviewing “Ray Ray” is Mr. Carter’s daughter. He shows true dedication and heart in everything he does. From being a beloved father of five children (4 girls and 1 boy) and devoted husband, to informing and supporting all of his customers throughout their buying process; Eric prides himself on providing his customers with the Best Sales Experience. Eric has been in the automotive industry for 11 years and his knowledge is expansive. Please make sure to stop by to see him for help. He enjoys exceeding all of his customer’s expectations!

Benefits of Buying Used vs. New

1st reason: Used cars cost less.

They’ve got a few miles on them and they’ve been around the block a few times but for the money you’ll save, that’s no big deal!

When buying used, prices are often softer than new and that means you you’ll be able to stretch your dollar further. If you need a big car for your family, or want a lot of options like a top of the line stereo but can’t afford that option in a new car, you’ll likely be able to afford it in the used car market even among newer used cars that are less than three years old.

2nd reason: Save on insurance.

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Usually, insurance costs are higher for a new car of the same model sold used. Buy used and get a lower quote – it is as simple as that!

3rd Reason: Less depreciation.

The moment you drive a new car off the lot it loses value. A car doesn’t offer the same kind of investment a home does, it will continue to lose value over time. But if you’ve purchased a used car, then you’re already paying less and your loss over time will be less.

The reason for this is that the original owner has already absorbed the largest depreciation hit, so you don’t have to. Finally, another reason there is less depreciation is that you didn’t start at the higher brand new price like in a new vehicle.

4th Reason: Reliability.

Consider the value of a used car between one and three years old. It still may run like a new car or even better since all the bugs from the manufacturer most likely have been worked out.

For example, a slightly used car has had all those little things fixed from recalls, or for air conditioner components, to a lemon of a stereo of which otherwise is a great car. Also, a slightly used car will have plenty of life and will run well for many years to come just so that it is properly maintained just like a new car.

Finally: Making the choice to buy.

So, if your still debating on whether to buy a used vehicle start with asking questions. Begin comparing prices and inquiring about the financing opportunities. But whatever you do, it is always best to buy used from a dealer verse an individual seller. Buying from a dealer is better because if you ever have any further questions you have a place to go back to!

Visit Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned for more information on this story. Waldorf Ford & Dodge Pre-Owned is located at 2430 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601 or call toll-free at (800) 883-2818.