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Latest News From Bumper to Bumper Radio

Addressing Changes in Driving Comfort Early Can Keep Older Adults Driving Safer, Longer

Lack of comfort or confidence on the road can cause older adults to make unnecessary changes or reduce their driving

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 7, 2019) – Older adults with discomfort or low confidence while driving are adjusting their driving patterns to avoid driving at night, on the freeway, in afternoon rush hour traffic, or in unfamiliar areas, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Some of the self-regulated changes older drivers make can be unnecessary and do not always improve safety. In order to extend their mobility and reduce risk on the road, AAA recommends older drivers consult a healthcare professional when feelings of driving discomfort arise.

“When older drivers become uncomfortable in certain driving situations, some may assume they have to live with the discomfort while others unnecessarily reduce their mobility,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “By addressing issues of discomfort early, older drivers can learn more about age-related changes to their body and discuss strategies with their healthcare provider to best compensate for declines.”

Researchers from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) to evaluate how an older drivers’ (ages 65-79) comfort level on the road affects their driving behaviors. Using GPS data loggers to track driving patterns, they found that older drivers who report lower comfort driving at night, during afternoon rush hour, on the freeway and in unfamiliar areas also self-regulated their behavior to reduce or avoid driving in those situations.

While self-regulation is often the best solution to allow older drivers to continue driving safely, some changes can create unintended consequences on the roadway. For example, using side streets to avoid the freeway can also increase an older drivers’ risk of a crash by increasing the distance traveled and their exposure on the road.

“Older drivers should not let physical discomfort and low confidence limit their mobility or safety, especially when your doctor may help you find ways to address these issues,” said Rhonda Shah, AAA manager of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Community Impact. “Oftentimes, simple adjustments to your vehicle, a driver refresher course or a change to your prescription medications can improve comfort and safety behind the wheel. The key is to speak up about it.”

Dates:

Friday – Sunday, November 15-17

Location:

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Overview:

The Goodguys 22nd Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals presented by Barrett—Jackson is a giant three-day American hot-rodding festival featuring over 3,000 hot rods, customs, classics, street rods, muscle cars & trick trucks through 1987 vintage. It is the 2019 season finale and is the ultimate gathering of cool cars, cool people and good times.

Highlights:

• Vendor midway featuring commercial exhibits and a tractor trailer midway

• The Goodguys Top 12 cars and trucks of 2019 presented by Meguiar’s, Snap-on and RaceDeck

• Goodguys AutoCross featuring the AutoCross Finale—The Duel in the Desertpresented by BF Goodrich, Clayton Machine Works, Speedway Motors, K&N, andTremec Builder’s Choice Awards selected by Hot Rods by Dean

• Burn out Competition

• Model Car show

• Giant used auto parts swap meet and cars-for-sale area

• Saturday specialty parking areas, including Mighty Muscle, Homebuilt Heaven, Air Cooled Corral, Camaro Corral and more!

Harley-Davidson's® First Adventure Touring and Streetfighter Models Debut with All-New Revolution® Max Engines

Models Beckon a New Era of Middleweight Capability, Performance, and Attitude from Harley-Davidson

- 2021 Harley-Davidson Pan America™ adventure touring and Bronx™ streetfighter models available in late 2020

- New Harley-Davidson 975cc and 1250cc Revolution® Max - the powerful all-new liquid-cooled V-Twin engines

- Horsepower and torque range announced

- New partnerships with Brembo® and Michelin® support middleweight development

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 5, 2019 -- Displayed for the first time publicly at EICMA in Milan, Harley-Davidson® (NYSE: HOG) is showcasing two all-new middleweight motorcycles, including the release of information surrounding the latest signature Harley-Davidson® V-Twin engine – the Revolution® Max. The powerful all-new 60-degree V-Twin has been designed for a new range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles in two different guises – 1250cc in the new Harley-Davidson Pan America™ and 975cc in the Harley-Davidson® Bronx™. Harley-Davidson® first announced expansion into new segments including new middleweight offerings in its More Roads to Harley-Davidson® accelerated plan for growth in July 2018. These exhilarating new models will both launch in late 2020 extending the iconic brand into new market segment.


Pan America™

The Harley-Davidson Pan America™ is an all-new advanced adventure touring multi-purpose motorcycle equal parts campfire, wanderlust, and grit. The Pan America™ is a two-wheel multi-tool built to endure, designed to explore, and engineered for the unknown.

Bronx™

The new Harley-Davidson® Revolution® Max powertrain is also at the heart of an all new Bronx™. This middleweight streetfighter model rolls with an unapologetic attitude and performance to match.

Powering both the new Pan America™ and Bronx models is the new liquid-cooled 975cc and 1,250cc Revolution® Max engine. Created to power a range of new Harley-Davidson® models, the Revolution® Max is designed to offer flexible performance with a broad powerband that builds to a surge of high-RPM power. Minimizing weight and maximizing performance, the Revolution® Max provides a narrow powertrain profile that is integrated into the motorcycle as a stressed member of the frame to enhance center of gravity and handling. The fully balanced powertrain has an internal counter balancer that mitigates primary engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability. Its design is bold and contoured, classic and contemporary, strong and svelte – a representation of Harley-Davidson® performance and style.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 5, 2019 --

Nominate a U.S Armed Forces veteran with a personal video explaining why they are a "Gladiator" for a chance for them to win an all-new 2020 Jeep® Gladiator Rubicon

Submissions for "Jeep Gladiator to Gladiator" accepted from Tuesday, November 5 through Saturday, November 30 at jeepgladiatortogladiator.com

Social contest will also be featured across the Jeep brand's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels

Winner of the contest to be announced in early December by Purple Heart recipient and wounded warrior Noah Galloway

 


This Veterans Day, the Jeep® brand, with Purple Heart recipient and U.S. Army veteran Noah Galloway, celebrates the veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with the launch of the "Jeep® Gladiator to Gladiator" digital and social contest, giving consumers an opportunity to nominate one veteran for a chance to win an all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.

To enter, participants must submit a personal 60-second (or less) video explaining why the veteran of their choice is a "Gladiator" in their life. The video will be judged by the Jeep brand, with Galloway, who will choose the winner. Submissions will be accepted Tuesday, November 5 through Thursday, November 30 at jeepgladiatortogladiator.com. The winner will be announced in early December.

"The Jeep brand's long-standing legacy of supporting our armed forces goes back nearly 80 years," said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. "This year, with Purple Heart recipient and combat veteran Noah Galloway, we wanted to find a way to honor those who have selflessly served our country. Our 'Gladiator to Gladiator' initiative gives our Jeep brand fans and followers the opportunity to acknowledge the veterans in their lives and give one the chance to take home an all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon."

Jump in Gasoline Demand Drives Down Stocks, but National Average Remains Flat on the Week

Gasoline demand numbers look more like summer than fall in the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest reports. However, despite the high demand rate and a draw in U.S stocks, the national average held steady on the week at $2.60.

“Gas prices continue to fluctuate across the country, though on the week the majority of states saw prices only increase or decrease by one or two cents,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson. “The largest volatility at the pump continues to be seen in the West Coast & Rockies states along with a handful of states in the Great Lakes and Central region.”

Today’s average is six cents cheaper than last month and 16-cents cheaper than last year at this time.

Quick Stats

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Michigan (-9 cents), Ohio (+8 cents), Idaho (+7 cents), Illinois (-5 cents), Utah (+5 cents), Indiana (+5 cents), Florida (+4 cents), Kentucky (+4 cents), Georgia (+4 cents) and Delaware (+4 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Louisiana ($2.22), Mississippi ($2.22), Texas ($2.24), South Carolina ($2.26), Missouri ($2.27), Alabama ($2.27), Virginia ($2.29), Arkansas ($2.30), Oklahoma ($2.30) and Tennessee ($2.30).


West Coast

Pump prices in the West Coast region are stabilizing after the region underwent planned and unplanned refinery maintenance over the past few weeks. Reduced supply in the region, amid robust demand, put pressure on pump prices, but the pressure has decreased over the past week as a result of imports and increased production from regional refineries. Prices are expected to continue stabilizing this week, assuming no new supply disruptions occur.

California ($4.07) and Hawaii ($3.65) are the most expensive markets in the country. Washington ($3.42), Nevada ($3.36), Oregon ($3.33), Alaska ($3.17) and Arizona ($2.90) follow. Alaska (+3 cents) and California (+1 cent) saw the largest increases in the region, while Nevada (-2 cents) saw the largest decrease on the week.

The EIA report for the week ending October 25, showed that total West Coast gasoline stocks increased slightly from 26.25 million bbl to 26.44 million bbl. The current level is approximately 500,000 bbl lower than this same time last year. Increased gasoline supplies will likely help to stabilize pump prices this week in the region.

Bumper Audio Clip of the Week

Bumper to Bumper helps a listener diagnose a brake issue with their Toyota Rav4.