Did You Say “Hot Rod” or “Hot Dog”?

Coming Soon to a Supermarket Near You!

Hot Dog! What a car! Who is having the most fun here? The driver or everyone gawking on the street?

 

Consider Donating Your Old Car to Charity

Thinking of buying a new car or truck?

Ancira Auto Group in San Antonio, Texas can help you.

Thinking your old car or truck isn’t worth much as a trade in?

If you expect to get very little money for your trade-in, consider donating your old car to a charity instead.

There are benefits in doing so. In many cases, you may get a tax credit for it. In every case, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that some less fortunate person now has the car he/she needs to get around.

Here are several well-known charities that accept car donations. There may be many more.

Salvation Army:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

For detailed information on how to donate your vehicle, call 1-800-SA-TRUCK or visit:

http://satruck.org/donation-value-guide/automobiles

American Cancer Society: Cars For A Cure Program

For detailed information, visit:

https://www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate/OtherWaystoGive/cars-for-a-c…

If you need assistance or would like clarification of this process, please call 888-227-5500 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST or send an e-mail to Betty A Coco, Director – National Cars For A Cure, at betty.coco@cancer.org.

American Heart Association:

1–888–242–2271

According to the web site: Whether your vehicle is a late model sedan, a classic collectable, an unfinished project, or an old clunker gathering dust in the driveway, your contribution turns any vehicle into a valuable donation for the American Heart Association.

For more information, visit:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Giving/ForIndividuals/OtherWaystoGive…

and https://www.auto-donation.com/used-car-donation-donate.aspx?charCod…

National Kidney Foundation: 1–800–488–2277 or visit:

http://www.kidney.org/support/kidneycars/index.cfm

In Massachusetts only, Special Olympics: 1–800–590–1600 or visit:

www.specialolympicsma.org and http://www.recycleforgold.org/

 

Tips for Purchasing and Adapting a Vehicle for Disabled Drivers

So many U.S. Veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with disabilities. It’s extremely important for them, as well as for others with disabilities, to be able to easily purchase and maintain vehicles with adaptive devices.

Ancira Auto Group in San Antonio, Texas, can assist you in your shopping and purchasing process.

Here are some basic steps to facilitate your goal of getting the right vehicle for you:

Evaluate Your Needs

1. Consult with your physician to make sure you are physically and psychologically prepared to drive. Being evaluated too soon after an injury or other trauma may indicate the need for adaptive equipment you will not need in the future.

2. Find a qualified evaluator. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) www.aded.net maintains a database of certified driver rehabilitation specialists throughout the country. Your insurance company may pay for the evaluation. Find out if you need a physician’s prescription or other documentation to receive benefits.

3. Review the evaluator’s report containing specific recommendations on driving requirements or restrictions, and a complete list of recommended vehicle modifications.

Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities

A vehicle with adaptive equipment can range between $20,000 to $80,000, so, it pays to investigate public and private opportunities for financial assistance:

• Your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Nonprofit associations that advocate for individuals with disabilities.
• Your private health insurance or workers’ compensation.
• Car and truck manufacturers with rebate or reimbursement plans for modified vehicles. (Check with dealers in your area.)
• Tax credits
o Some states waive the sales tax for adaptive devices if you have a doctor’s prescription for their use.
o You may be able to claim medical deductions on your federal income tax return.

Licensing Requirements

Check with your state’s registry of motor vehicles. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a permit or license because you have a disability. However, you may receive a restricted license, based on your use of adaptive devices.

Select the Right Vehicle

Selecting a vehicle for modification requires collaboration among you, your evaluator, and a qualified vehicle modification dealer. Although the purchase or lease of a vehicle is your responsibility, making sure the vehicle can be properly modified is the responsibility of the vehicle modification dealer. Be aware that you will need insurance while your vehicle is being modified, even though it is off the road.

The following questions can help with new vehicle selection and/or modifying a vehicle you already own:

• Does the necessary adaptive equipment require a van, or will another passenger vehicle suffice?
• Can the vehicle accommodate the equipment that needs to be installed?
• Will there be enough space to accommodate your family or other passengers once the vehicle is modified?
• Is there adequate parking space at home and at work for the vehicle and for loading/unloading a wheelchair?
• Is there adequate parking space to maneuver if you use a walker?
• What additional options are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle?

If a third party is paying for the vehicle, adaptive devices, or modification costs, find out if there are any limitations or restrictions on what is covered.

Note: Always get a written statement on what a funding agency will pay before making your purchase.

Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle

Even a half inch change in the lowering of a van floor can affect a driver’s ability to use equipment or to have an unobstructed view of the road. So, take time to find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle.

Begin with a phone inquiry and ask these questions:

• Is the dealer a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has vehicle conversion standards?
• Do they work with evaluators?
• Will they look at your vehicle before you purchase it elsewhere?
• Do they require a prescription from a physician or other driver evaluation specialist?
• How long will it take before they can start work on your vehicle?
• Do they provide training on how to use the adaptive equipment?
• What type of training has the staff received?
• What type of warranty do they provide on their work?
• Do they provide ongoing service and maintenance?
• Do they stock replacement parts?
• How much will the modification cost?
• Will they accept third party payment?
• How long will it take to modify the vehicle?
• Can the equipment be transferred to a new vehicle in the future?
• Will they need to modify existing safety features to install the adaptive equipment?

While your vehicle is being modified, you will, most likely, need to be available for fittings. This avoids additional waiting time for adjustments once the equipment is fully installed. Without proper fittings you may have problems with the safe operation of the vehicle and have to go back for adjustments.

Note: Some State Agencies specify the dealer you must use if you want reimbursement.

Training on the Use of New Equipment

Both new and experienced drivers need training on how to safely use new adaptive equipment. Your equipment dealer and evaluator should provide information and off-road instruction. You will also need to practice driving under the instruction of a qualified driving instructor until you both feel comfortable with your skills. Bring a family member or other significant person who drives to all your training sessions. It’s important to have someone else who can drive your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Some state vocational rehabilitation departments pay for driver training under specified circumstances. At a minimum, their staff can help you locate a qualified instructor. If your evaluator does not provide on-the-road instruction, ask him or her for a recommendation. You can also inquire at your local motor vehicle administration office.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance may be mandatory for compliance with the terms of your warranty. Some warranties specify a time period during which adaptive equipment must be inspected. These “check ups” for equipment may differ from those for your vehicle. Make sure you or your modifier submits all warranty cards for all equipment to ensure coverage and so manufacturers can contact you in case of a recall.

For more information visit:

http://www.nmeda.org/

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/nllic_topic/0706_driving.html

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/brochure/brochure.html

 

Ancira Wants You To Know About The Birthday Register Website!

Want free birthday gifts? This is your site! Why not celebrate your birthday with a gift certificate from your local merchant. You will receive gifts such as a free
dinner, round of golf, movie, car wash and much more.

It’s as easy as this.

Choose 1 gift from each category until you reach 5. Then enter your information and you’re done! Your information is private and will never leave the site. This site
benefits the birthday person and merchants. What better way for local merchants
to receive new visitors! Also, nothing is better than making a person happy on
their special day.

 

Ancira Enterprises Named Largest Minority-Owned Business in San Antonio

Teamwork, like this, is an everyday occurrence at Ancira

The San Antonio Business Journal has named Ancira Enterprises, Inc., the largest San Antonio Minority-Owned Business, as ranked by 2009 local gross revenues.

Ancira Enterprises operates 11 automobile dealerships in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Alvarado, Floresville and Boerne, Texas. It employs over 500 people. Its gross local revenues for 2009 were $375 million.

Listed in second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively are: The Alamo Travel Group, LP; Thos. S. Byrne Ltd. General Contractor/Construction; M2Technology, an IT solution provider; and Journeyman Construction.

April Ancira, Vice President of Ancira Auto Group, says the secret to the company’s success lies in top management’s ability to pick great employees and foster teamwork. It lies in the enthusiasm and hard work that everyone at Ancira puts into their jobs.

“We’ve been in business since 1972 and my Dad, Ernesto Ancira, Jr., has worked hard, set an example and surrounded himself with really good people. He has hired the right person to do each job.”

“People servicing other people — that’s what business is all about,” says April. “He recruited the best to take care of our customers.”

“Finding good people is really tough,” she adds. “You need to find the ones that mirror your level of integrity and the way you want to take care of other folks. It’s probably the toughest job that any manager has and our entire management team at all 11 sites has done a really good job of it.”

Besides Ernesto and April, Ernesto’s brother Gilbert Ancira, Internet Director in Ancira’s Internet Department, is also a family member in the business.

The trio treat their staff like family. “We’ve stayed really family-oriented in that if there’s an issue, there’s not a lot of red tape you have to go through to resolve it. Management has an open door policy.”

“Our orientation at Ancira Auto is: Let’s take care of our customers, our employees and our community. It’s just the way we handle things from a family-owned business perspective. It’s a philosophy like that that has made my Dad so successful and the company successful.”

 

Record-Breaking Decline in U.S. Traffic Fatalities

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland says “Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns.”

Photo Courtesy of NHTSA

U.S. highway deaths fell to 33,808 for 2009 — the lowest number since 1950.

The record-breaking decline in traffic fatalities occurred even while estimated vehicle miles traveled in 2009 increased by 0.2 percent over 2008 levels.

In Texas, total fatalities were 3071 in 2009, compared with 3476 in 2008. Alcohol-related fatalities were 1235 in 2009, compared with 1310 in 2008.

To see a chart on a state by state basis, visit:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811363.pdf

and scroll down to Table #8.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood released the updated 2009 fatality and injury data in a press release September 9.

According to the press release:

2009 saw the lowest fatality and injury rates ever recorded: 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009, compared to 1.26 deaths for 2008.

Fatalities declined in all categories of vehicles including motorcycles, which saw fatalities fall by 850 from 2008, breaking an 11-year cycle of annual increases.

“At the Department of Transportation, we are laser-focused on our top priority: safety,” said Secretary LaHood. “Today’s announcement shows that America’s roads are the safest they’ve ever been. But they must be safer. And we will not rest until they are.”

As part of the Department’s campaign to reduce traffic fatalities, Secretary LaHood is holding a National Distracted Driving Summit this week in Washington, D.C. The Secretary is bringing together leading transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry representatives, researchers and victims affected by distraction-related crashes to address challenges and identify opportunities for national anti-distracted driving efforts. This follows the first summit Secretary LaHood held in the Fall of 2009 that sparked a national conversation about texting and talking on cell phones while driving.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study based on 2006 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 3 and 34.

In addition to the record-breaking drop in fatalities, the number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009 declined for a 10th straight year in a row, falling an estimated 5.5 percent from 2008, according to NHTSA data released.

Alcohol impaired driving fatalities declined by 7.4 percent in 2009 – 10,839 compared to 11,711 reported in 2008. Overall, 33 states and Puerto Rico experienced a decline in the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2009 compared to 2008.

“Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “But we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving. We will continue to work with our state partners to strictly enforce both seat belt use and anti-drunk driving laws across this nation, every day and every night.”

Forty-one states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico all had reductions in fatalities, led by Florida (with 422 fewer fatalities) and Texas (with 405 fewer fatalities).

For more information about this and other national highway news, visit:

www.nhtsa.gov

and

http://www.nhtsa.gov/PR/DOT-165-10

 

Proper Use of Seatbelts and Air Bags Protect Pregnant Drivers and their Unborn Children

Wearing a seat-belt properly is extremely important for pregnant drivers

One of the leading causes of death to unborn children is the death of pregnant women in automobile crashes, according to Edmunds.com.

Researchers estimate the number of deaths in the U.S. is approximately 400 each year.

That said, there isn’t definitive data, and the number of deaths could be even higher. Federal car crash databases don’t regularly mention whether drivers or occupants involved in crashes were pregnant, and death certificates of fetuses don’t always cite whether the mother-to-be was in a car crash.

Some studies show that seatbelts and airbags can pose risks to a fetus, but only if the seatbelt is worn incorrectly or the pregnant driver is positioned too close to the steering wheel when the airbag deploys.

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women wear a three-point safety belt and not disconnect the air bag.

If the seatbelt is worn incorrectly, the steering wheel or dashboard may injure a pregnant woman. If the pregnant woman sits too close to the airbag, it will hit with too much force, when it deploys in an accident.

To reduce these risks, pregnant women should do the following:

For pregnant passengers sitting in the front seat:

• Move the front seat as far back as possible.
• On a three-point safety belt, always position the lap belt portion as low on the abdomen as possible. The shoulder belt should be routed over the sternum.
• Leave the air bag operational.

For pregnant drivers:

• On a three-point safety belt, always position the lap belt portion as low on the abdomen as possible. The shoulder belt should be routed over the sternum.
• Leave the air bag operational.
• Drive a vehicle that allows the most clearance between the steering wheel and abdomen.
• Remove or adjust coats to make sure they do not interfere with low placement of the lap belt.
• Minimize driving in hazardous conditions, such as in bad weather or on icy roads.
• Position the steering wheel to maximize abdomen-to-wheel clearance, while aiming it more toward the chest than the head.
• When possible, ride as a passenger rather than drive to avoid potential contact with the steering wheel.

Car manufacturers have been making it easier for everyone to wear belts properly. Since the 1998 model year, cars with upper seatbelts that come out of the B-pillar (on the side of the car) are also required to have adjustable anchors. This helps everyone, from the tallest to the shortest — to the most pregnant — driver and passenger to keep belts from cutting into their necks or riding across their chests.

Current car designs facilitate comfortable positioning of the steering wheel, enabling even pregnant women to adjust the steering wheel in a way that keeps them from sitting too close to the air bag.

Adjustable steering wheels, particularly ones that telescope in and out, can be especially helpful for drivers of varying sizes — and stages of pregnancy. Even lower-end models often have manual devices that can help point the center of the steering wheel away from the abdomen and toward the chest.

Adjustable pedals, now available in many models, can help shorter pregnant women drive more easily without sitting too close to the airbag.

For more information on this subject, visit:

http://www.familycar.com/articles/laurenfix/drivingwhilepregnent.htm

http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1589_1711_4587-49794–,00….

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/womenfamilies/articles/122967/article…

http://pregnantdriver.lboro.ac.uk/

To see if Texas uses primary or secondary enforcement to enforce its seat belt laws, visit:

http://www.iihs.org/laws/SafetyBeltUse.aspx

 

National Child Passenger Safety Week – Sept. 19 to 25

By Maureen Condon

Buckle Up for Safety!
Photo Courtesy of the National Centers for Disease Control

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared Sept. 19 to 25 National Child Passenger Safety Week.

NHTSA estimates that nearly 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child automotive safety restraints.

The NHTSA has a web site with a locator that lets you enter your state or your zip code to find the child safety seat inspection stations nearest you.

At these stations, certified technicians will inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly install and use it. At some stations, an appointment is necessary. At others, you can walk right in and ask for help.

Some stations have Spanish-speaking technicians to assist you, and you can specify this when searching for an inspection station near you.

For Texas residents, visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/Index.cfm

Enter Texas or your zip code, and you will get a listing of the designated child safety seat inspection stations near you.

For more information, visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS

For the link to find the inspection stations, visit:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/Index.cfm

 

You Can’t Miss This Sign!

This 50-foot-tall sign for Wilkin’s Oklahoma Truck Supply, along Interstate 35, south of Tonkawa, OK is eye-catching to say the least.

It gives a whole new meaning to rigging your truck!

And, itís just impossible to pass on the highway… without a friendly salute with your horn!

 

Finding the Best Car to Fit Your Lifestyle in the San Antonio Area

By Maureen Condon

Is Your lifestyle family-oriented? sports-oriented?

It’s always helpful to consult the experts, online or in person, before buying a new car.

Typically, you check what the experts have to say about safety ratings, price, maintenance costs, and warranties — all the standard measurements.

But how about checking in with the experts to see what’s the best car for your lifestyle?

• Do you use your car mostly for family travel and errands in your San Antonio area?

• Do you use your car mostly for sports and fun outdoors? Are you an off roader, a weekend athlete, a sun lover or just a person who wants to have fun driving?

• Are you mostly concerned with commuting issues – like safety features, gas mileage, reliability and driving comfort — because you spend so many of your non-working hours commuting?

• Are you a construction worker, electrician, plumber or other on-the-go type of worker who needs reliable transportation that can double as a staging area for your job?

• Are you the boss in the corner office who needs to look the part, especially when pulling into the company parking lot?

• Are you more concerned about the environment and your impact on it, than anything else?

Whatever your lifestyle and concerns, now there’s an easy way to consult the experts on this topic. Visit: http://www.cars.com/go/criteriaSearch/lifestyles.jsp

Click on the lifestyle that best matches your own, and you’ll get a complete rundown on makes and models that are best suited to you.