Misconceptions about collisions (and what's REALLY going on behind the wheel)

According to Transport Canada, there were over 120,000 collisions in Canada in 2009 (the last full year that statistics are available for). That's approximately 13 or 14 every single hour, or slightly more than one every five minutes.

Now, you might be thinking to yourself: "I'm not going to get into a collision; I'm a safe driver". But many people who say that have two misconceptions that they are not considering.

1. First, no one ever plans to get into a collision. So deciding not to get into a collision isn't really a "decision" you can make.
2. Second, collisions don't just happen because two unsafe drivers crash into each other. They happen when one unsafe driver crashes into a safe driver or when one safe driver loses control of their vehicle and crashes into another safe driver.

Collisions occur because of a combination of factors, and not all of those factors are entirely controlled by the person sitting in the driver's seat:

• The environment can make it difficult to be aware of what's going on around you. For example, fog can limit your ability to see very far or lightning can momentarily blind you.
• The environment can foil your quick and accurate reactions. For example, icy roads can keep you driving straight even when you're doing your best to turn.
• Numerous distractions can cause you to react a second or two too late. Even if you're not on your cell phone or yelling at the kids in the back seat, it can be easy to take your attention from the road to shift gears or turn on the air conditioning or reach for your coffee. That second or two makes all the difference.
• In the milliseconds before a collision, your mind unconsciously evaluates as many possibilities as it can to protect you. That's why you might automatically steer away from the potential collision or brake suddenly or even stiffen your body as a natural response to the danger. And sometimes, a collision with a car might have been your preferred unconscious response to some other potential collision (such as a collision with a cyclist who is not protected in a cage of steel).
• Other drivers – unsafe drivers – drive on the same roads you do but don't take into consideration all of the rules of the road that you do. If even half of the collisions in 2009 were the result of an unsafe driver crashing into a safe driver, that's still 60,000 safe drivers who were in collisions!

As you can see, even a great driver who decides that they are so safe they can't get into a collision can still find themselves in a scenario where a collision is inevitable in spite of their safe driving. When a collision like that occurs, it's no longer about how safe your driving is but rather it's about the safety features in your car.
After your collision, bring your car to Boyd Autobody & Glass for repairs. We'll work hard to restore your car to pre-collision condition and we'll restore the safety features that are built into your car to protect you in case of another collision… so you can get back onto the road safely.

Top Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start

Top Reasons Why Your Car Won't Start

There's nothing like that sinking feeling when you turn the key in the ignition, nothing happens. And since a car is a big group of complicated systems – with each one connected to several other systems – it can be daunting to know where to start. Fortunately, there are a few common reasons and these are a good place to start.

Here are a few of the top reasons why your car won't start.

Immobilizer. Many cars are equipped with immobilizer devices and those devices are engaged and disengaged through computer chips embedded in the key or a key fob. Unfortunately, those chips aren't always durable when they're jammed into your pocket with your cellphone, chewing gum, and coins. Check to make sure the immobilizer light isn't flashing.

Fuel. You have enough fuel in the car, right? And it's not in a big pool under the car, right? That might seem like a silly question to ask but it's a good first place to check. If you've tried starting the car and you smell fuel – but there isn't any under the car – it's possible that the engine has been flooded (by inadvertently pressing the gas pedal too soon).

Transmission. Sometimes, it's as simple as your transmission isn't fully in "Park" (even though the stick shift seems to be). Put on the parking brake, turn the key slightly, put the transmission in neutral and try again.

Battery. Like any other battery, your car's battery carries a charge and can lose its power over time. This can be hastened by leaving lights on. Try turning on your headlights and seeing if they come on. If not, you might need a jumpstart.

Connections. Canadian roads can be rough and winters can be harsh, so wires that connect one part of the car to another can loosen and corrode. Lift your hood and check to make sure everything is connected and that each connection is clean.

Fuses. You're probably familiar with fuses in your house. If you plug too many things into them at once, they can blow. The same thing can happen to your car. Pull out your owner's manual and check those fuses.

If you're still not sure what it could be, try lifting the hood so you can watch, listen, and smell what's going on. Your senses could give you a clue as to what the problem might be. Of course, there are many reasons why your car may not start and if none of these work, seek the help of a professional mechanic to analyze and fix the problem.