Ask Patty Blog Carnival Week Around the Auto World: April 23

It seems as if April Fools Day was just here yesterday, and now the end of the month is quickly approaching. So, before April slips away, let us take this opportunity to remind you about some not-so-foolish things. Like how important it is to wear your seatbelt and other ways you can improve your safety as well as the environment.

Consumer Reports reminds us that driving can be dangerous and seatbelts are an important part of our vehicular safety. Using New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine's recent accident as an example, CR emphasizes this "very public case where a seatbelt could have reduced injury should serve as a reminder to all who drive or ride in a car--buckle up and slow down."



The Specialty Equipment Market Association asks "Are gas prices really causing shifts in the vehicles consumers buy?" Saying that even though another volatile gas-price season is here, and automakers are being pressured by consumers to build more fuel-efficient vehicles, it appears consumers are saying one thing and doing another.


Designophy.com evaluates the style and substance of the top 10 luxury cars driven by women, stating that subtlety, sophistication, and safety are among the attributes that matter most to women who buy luxury cars. And of course, we gals know horsepower has its place, too.


According to the Detroit Free Press, the future of automotive safety is going to shift from surviving crashes to avoiding them altogether. The challenge is convincing customers they need the technology, says Nicole Nason, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Read more at freep.com


Buick will offer two new safety-enhancing technologies that could serve as an extra set of "eyes" for drivers, helping them to avoid a collision caused by an inadvertent lane change or by colliding with a vehicle in the side blind spot while changing lanes. Read more about the safety technologies that will be available on all 2008 Buick Lucerne sedan models this summer in this article at Huliq.com

The Silicon Valley Blogger at thedigeratilife.com asks whether you really know how much it costs to own your car?
If you don't, there's a very informative article about it here.


We saw lots of green links this week in celebration of Earth Day, including a blog from DivineCaroline with a survey that reveals women's opinions and behaviors about living "green" and this one at AskPatty.com about how you can have a positive effect on the environment.


Finally, have you got a Second Life? In that case, come visit us at the AskPatty store on Pontiac's Motorati Island. We have a lounge area with music and capuccinos and freshly baked cookies! Hang out with Patty and chat over tea and coffee!



That's it for this week! Thank you for all of your submissions! Please remember to submit your article next week using the online form or by emailing Breanne at Breanne@askpatty.com.