Back to School Driving Safety Tips

The Holmes Body Shop mission statement is simple, "We're here to help". Since 1974 our job has been to repair a vehicle after it's been involved in an accident. Cars we can fix, the precious cargo on the inside is for ALL of us to look after. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an important campaign to keep little-ones safe in and around vehicles. It's called, Keeping our children safe: inside and out. The next couple of newsletters will be in support of the NHTSA's efforts to educate the public on vehicle safety as it relates to our kids. Please read below for important information on the dangers of a child left in a vehicle. With our temperatures just beginning to reach summertime levels, this information is timely.

Tips For Drivers

All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving. Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits. Be alert for school zones that have a reduced speed limit at designated times of the day. Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop. Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school. When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to or away from school and may not be thinking about getting there safely. Tips for Parents Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules. Don't text or talk on your cell phone while driving. Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop. Provide your children with bright clothing so motorists can easily see them. If your child is under four years old and weighs less than 40 pounds, make sure the child is properly buckled up in a weight-appropriate child safety seat in the back seat. Children, ages 4 to 8, weighing over 40 pounds and measuring four feet nine inches or less should ride in a booster seat. In addition, safety experts advise that all children under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat. Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all traffic laws. Discourage them from texting or talking on a cell phone while driving. Tips for Students Always buckle up when riding in a car. Be sure to remove your backpack before getting in the vehicle. Never buckle your safety belt with your backpack on. Always ride in the back seat. It's the safest place for young people. Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike. If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus. Never wait for the school bus in the roadway. If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. It's extremely important for you to use sidewalk when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road, and always walk facing traffic. Always cross at cross walks, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and crossing guard instructions. Cross railroad tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals. Do not walk, run or ride your bicycle down railroad tracks. It's illegal and dangerous. Teen drivers should avoid speeding and distractions while driving, such as texting, talking on cell phones, eating and adjusting the radio. Teens are also reminded never to overload their vehicle; everyone riding in a vehicle must use a safety belt. Be a good role model for your younger brothers, sisters and friends, and help them learn and follow vehicle safety rules.

The Holmes Body Shop mission statement is simple, "We're here to help". Since 1974 our job has been to repair a vehicle after it's been involved in an accident. Cars we can fix, the precious cargo on the inside is for ALL of us to look after. The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has an important campaign to keep little-ones safe in and around vehicles. It's called, Keeping our children safe: inside and out. The next couple of newsletters will be in support of the NHTSA's efforts to educate the public on vehicle safety as it relates to our kids. Please read below for important information on the dangers of a child left in a vehicle. With our temperatures just beginning to reach summertime levels, this information is timely.


You live by your daily routine and it helps you get things done. Be extra careful, though, if you have to change any part of that routine. This is more likely to happen when you, or caregiver who helps with your children, forgets that a child is in the back seat. This can and does happen when you break a well-established routine.

Disasters happen quickly
At other times, you are on your way home and realize you need to stop in at the store and pick up one or two things for dinner. So, you leave your child unattended, thinking, "I'll just run into the store for a minute." Even cool temperatures in the 60s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110° Fahrenheit inside your car. The inside temperature can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

Some children die in hot cars after climbing into an unlocked vehicle without an adults' knowledge. Once in the vehicle, they may become confused by the door opening mechanism or trapped in the trunk, and unable to get out before heatstroke occurs.

Prevention Tips

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse or partner who drops them off, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:
  • Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;
  • Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or
  • Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.
• Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.
• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

What you need to know, now

• Vehicles heat up quickly - even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s° Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.
• Children's bodies overheat easily, and infants and children under four years of age are among those at greatest risk for heat-related illness.
• Children's bodies absorb more heat on a hot day than an adult. Also, children are less able to lower their body heat by sweating. When a body cannot sweat enough, the body temperature rises rapidly.
  • In fact, when left in a hot vehicle, a young child's body temperature may increase three to five times as fast an adult. High body temperatures can cause permanent injury or even death.

Dangers of extreme heat

• Symptoms of heatstroke: Warning signs vary but may include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, a throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, being grouchy, or acting strangely.
• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Gas Saving Tips

Please enjoy the gas saving tips from Holmes Body Shop and Holmes Powersports below as you embark on your Summer Season Travels. Remember, we're here to help with any of your vehicle repair needs.

Save Gas without Driving Less

Driving Habits

How you accelerate can affect your gas mileage. Plan trips to avoid any construction or where there's a great deal of stop-and-go driving. Also, use cruise control on the highway to ensure a consistent speed.

Gas Flow (Combustion)

Making sure your flow of gas is not blocked is vital to getting the most gas for your money. Optimal use of your gasoline is helped through removal of deposits on your fuel injectors. Deposits have been found to start forming in as few as 1,500 miles. Studies have shown that deposits can decrease your fuel efficiency by as much as 11 percent. One great way to keep harmful deposits from accumulating in your fuel system is to use a product like STP® Gas Treatment, which contains Jet fuel, regularly when you fill up.

Tire Pressure

According to industry sources, under-inflated tires cut fuel economy by as much as two percent for each missing pound of pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, your engine will have to work harder to push your vehicle. Keep in mind that warm tires can give an inaccurate reading because heat build-up increases tire pressure. Make sure to check your tires' air pressure when they haven't been driven for more than a mile. Berke cautions to make sure your tires are inflated in accordance with your owner's manual; over-inflating will result in a harder ride.

Weight

Make sure the weight in you car is properly distributed. Don't carry a lot of weight on top of your car, and if you do, make sure to use a carrier so that the weight will be more evenly distributed. Also, carry only the basic emergency equipment and items you really need in your trunk.

Aerodynamics

The amount of resistance put on your car can have an effect on the fuel economy. The faster you drive, the more aerodynamic drag increases. Remove bike racks or carriers when they are not being used-they can add unnecessary resistance to your vehicle.

How to select the right Body Shop!

We're in the Los Angeles area, so that means a large majority of the general public drives an automobile. It's important to have certain resources on hand which relate to the car. Things such as insurance companies, auto dealers and automotive parts stores are all important businesses to have close by should an individual need their assistance. However, perhaps the most important business contact an individual should have is an auto body shop. As a good auto body shop is important for your car repairs and pocketbook there are a few ways an individual should go about selecting the best auto body shop in their area. Of course at Holmes Body Shop, We're here to help, but even if you don't choose us, we want you to find the right one for you. Here are some tips for choosing the place that will repair your vehicle:
Consider RecommendationsSince many individuals use auto body shops, it is highly likely that you will know someone else who has also used a local auto body shop. As a result, asking for recommendations from friends and family members is a great way to select the perfect auto body shop. There are a few different reasons why considering recommendations is a good step to take prior to settling on a particular body shop. First, friends and family members will be able to state whether they have had a favorable experience with a particular auto body shop or not. Not only will they be able to comment on the overall cost of services but how the staff handled their automobile situation as well. This is a great point of reference when you are trying to find a shop that does good body work while charging a fair price. Another reason to consider asking for recommendations from friends and family members with regard to choosing an auto body shop is to make sure that the company you are considering dealing with will treat the customer in an honest and fair manner. As any individual who has to put their car in the shop wants it to go as smoothly as possible, asking for recommendations with regard to auto body shops will help because you will be able to find a good shop with reasonable prices.Have an Auto Body Shop Picked Out Before it is Necessary to Use OneBecause an inoperative car, due to an accident or otherwise, is already a stressful situation, one does not want to face any additional stress by having to find an auto body shop to fix their car at the last minute. For this reason, it is a good idea to have an auto body shop picked out before you even need one. This is also beneficial as the you can check out the shop beforehand and ask questions of the staff, such as do they offer towing to their facility, for example, and receive answers to other important questions. Here is a guide to keep handy to be prepared BEFORE an ACCIDENT.WarrantiesAnother factor to consider when wondering how to choose an auto body shop is whether or not the auto body shop offers warranty on any of its parts or services. Since warranties are frequently offered in auto body shops, if one shop doesn't offer many warranties or any warranties at all, then you may very well wish to keep looking for an auto body shop that does offer warranties on its parts and/or services. When a shop offers warranties you can see the shop is confident in their work and will do a good job. At Holmes Body Shop, when the repair is over, We're still here to help! Here is a link to our lifetime warranty .Payment AcceptedAnother factor which may be a determining one when choosing an auto body shop is what types of payment the shop accepts for auto body repair. If the auto body shop only accepts cash and checks in limited instances which must be paid up front, then perhaps considering another auto body shop which accepts many different forms of payment, such as a variety of credit cards, may be the best bet. In addition, auto body shops, like Holmes Body Shop may sometimes offer Payment Plans which can work out well for those who are on a strict budget yet need to have their automobile repaired as soon as possible. Choosing the right auto body shop is a very important decision to make. By considering the previously mentioned tips when choosing an auto body shop, it may just help you choose the best possible one.

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What to do in case of an accident

The average driver is involved in some kind of accident once every 7 to 10 years. If you have never experienced it, being involved in an accident can be a very educational event. A little study time in advance can be very helpful in getting through it. Please read this guide and be prepared. If you're ever involved in an accident, you'll be armed with valuble information.

Action Plan to Deal with Accidents:
1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Glove Compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Also, keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies handy. Drivers can keep this free fill-in-the-blanks accident information form in their glove compartment. You should have in your vehicle a kit that includes a flashlight, reusable camera and accident documentation instructions. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares should be kept in the trunk.
2. Keep Safety First. Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone's safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible.
3. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
4. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened.
5. File An Accident Report. Although law enforcement officers in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
6. Know What Your Insurance Covers. The whole insurance process will be easier following your accident if you know the details of your coverage. For example, don't wait until after an accident to find out that your policy doesn't automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. Generally, for only a dollar or two extra each month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it is stolen. Check your policy for specifics.
The final question in dealing with an accident is usually who will pay for the damages? If the accident was minor, you and the other drivers may decide to handle the damages yourselves without the involvement of an insurance company. But this isn't always the best idea, for several reasons.
While the other driver may agree to pay for the damage to your car on the day of the accident, he may see the repair bills and decide it's too high. At this point, time has passed and your insurance company will have more difficulty piecing together the evidence if you file a claim.
Also, keep in mind that you have no way of knowing whether another driver will change his mind and report the accident to his insurance company. He may even claim injuries that weren't apparent at the scene of the accident. This means that your insurance company may end up paying him a hefty settlement, or worse yet, you could be dragged into a lawsuit. So make sure that your company has your version of what happened and check your policy — if the damages paid out by your insurance company are below a certain amount, the accident may not be considered chargeable. And you will avoid the penalty of a premium hike.
Auto accidents take a tremendous toll on everyone involved, both financially and emotionally. If you're one of the lucky ones who have thus far avoided a serious accident, hopefully the tips on prevention will help keep it that way. The chances are high, though, that at some point you will be involved in a minor accident. Just keep your head and make safety your primary concern. You'll have plenty of time to deal with the consequences later.

Holmes Powersports Open House

Holmes Body Shop also repairs motorcycles that have been in an accident. What was once considered a total loss can now be repaired. With our special frame measuring and straightening equipment, motorcycle repair is a whole new thing. We'd love you you to come take a look, have a little food and drink, and enjoy an evening with us. It's FREE. We just need and RSVP by noon on Thursday, 1.20.2011. Check out the invite below for information about the event. Hope you can join us!

Safe Driving on Icy Roads

Usually we don't need to think about driving on icy roads in Southern California. But with the crazy weather we have been having, it might be helpful to get a primmer on Driving Safely on Icy Roads. If you get into an accident, we're here to help, but maybe these tips will help keep your vehicle out of the body shop this season.

Driving safely on icy roads
Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
If your rear wheels skid...
Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
If your front wheels skid...
Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
If you get stuck...
Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
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