Drivers in the Mid-Atlantic have a lot on their plate. In addition to dealing with extreme inclement weather and heavy hordes of traffic, they also have to battle distractions found within the car. Other passengers and electronics can be detrimental to safe driving, causing countless distractions and putting people at risk. As a result, a large amount of motorists are turning to new technology to help them focus on the roads. 

Understanding local laws
One of the most important things drivers can do is pay attention to the laws in their area. For instance, people in New Jersey who are caught using a hand-held device will face a hefty fine. Repeat offenders may even have their license suspended or reviewed. By staying up to date on regulations and standards, drivers can proactively practice safe driving and take advantage of advanced technologies.

"Laws on using cellphones while driving vary from state to state," said Stephanie Rahlfs, attorney-editor at FindLaw.com. "So it's important to know the applicable law in the state where you are driving. This is particularly important because cellphone laws are primary enforcement laws, meaning an officer can issue a citation for illegal use of a cellphone without any other traffic offense taking place."

Hands-free is the way to go
FindLaw.com recently conducted a survey to determine how Americans feel about electronics. The study reported that about half of U.S. drivers support laws that restrict drivers to only using hands-free cellphones. Approximately 42 percent of people think there should be a total ban on phone usage, while the other 8 percent don't want any type of restrictions. 

Keeping your hands on the wheel is important, which is why many drivers search for ways to minimize distractions. A great way to do this is with hands-free technology. Car features such as infotainment systems make it easy to follow driving directions, receive phone calls or complete other assorted tasks. While these amenities may seem like extra perks when you're shopping around, they can be a major advantage for drivers who want to stay within the law. 

Anyone looking for a vehicle with advanced tech capabilities should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot houses hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, many of which have top-notch features that help drivers stay focused on the roads. 

When people shop for used cars, they typically look at a few key areas of interest. Price, fuel efficiency, repair costs and other related factors all play a role in how a prospective buyer looks at a potential purchase. But these qualities are not the only ones that matter. In fact, drivers are increasingly looking away from financial matters. 

Drivers change their strategies
When motorists are truly strapped for cash, price dictates the final decision. Nowadays, however, people are choosing their rides based on more than just the price tag. The latest AutoTrader.com survey, the 2015 Automotive Buyer Influence Study, reported that many car buyers are looking for a ride because they want one, not necessarily because they need it. Approximately 61 percent of shoppers say their most recent purchase was something they wanted.

"This is another great indicator for the overall state of the automotive industry," said Jared Rowe, president of AutoTrader.com. "When consumers start to make big purchases out of desire rather than necessity, they are clearly showing more confidence about their personal financial situations."

Features dictate the decisions 
Many of these drivers don't even have a specific model in mind – they just want to get behind the wheel. The AutoTrader.com survey found that almost two-thirds of motorists don't have a set budget and instead begin researching potential cars before deciding on a price point. This method allows shoppers to zero in on certain features that appeal to them and make informed decisions based on their desires. 

Although some may think these amenities raise the price, the current landscape is very hospitable to shoppers. As more people look for new cars, they are trading in older models, which in turn floods the used car market with high-quality options. So if drivers know where to look, they can find used models loaded with attractive features – all at a price they'll like. 

How to handle finances
Even motorists under a tight budget have the freedom to find vehicles with the features they want. Once drivers select a used car from the hundreds present at New Jersey State Auto Auction, they can work with the team at the financing department to acquire auto loans and credit approval. That enables motorists to stay within a budget while still getting behind the wheel of the car they want. 

Car maintenance and repairs can be a major drain on drivers. They are often costly and time consuming, which results in many motorists putting the tasks off for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same holds true for recall notices. Although dealerships may offer to fix recall problems for free, many drivers don't bother having their vehicles looked at. In today's auto industry, that can be incredibly risky and short-sighted. 

Recalls becoming more common
Motorists experienced a record number of recalls in 2014. The New York Times reported that more than 60 million cars were recalled throughout the year – more than double the previous record high in 2004. That is troubling on its own, but many drivers are not having the issues fixed.

A recent report from Carfax found that about 46 million vehicles across the U.S. have at least one safety recall that has never been addressed. The biggest risk is with minivans and SUVs: As many as 1 in 3 vans and 1 in 5 SUVs have an outstanding recall. Approximately 5 million of these cars were bought and sold throughout the year, indicating that buyers are ignoring vehicle history and potential problems. 

Mid-Atlantic drivers must be aware
Drivers in New Jersey and surrounding states need to stay on top of their game with regard to recalls. According to the Carfax report, New Jersey is one of the states with the highest ratios of unfixed cars in the nation, only beat by West Virginia, Michigan, Mississippi and Wyoming. Additionally, Pennsylvania and New York are among the top five states with the largest number of unaddressed recalls. 

Know the vehicle history
With recalls and the corresponding lack of repairs staking a claim as one of the most important issues in the auto industry, it's essential for drivers to pay attention to the problems. That starts with examining a vehicle's history and ensuring any recalls have been addressed. You'll also have to look to the future. Make sure to complete any and all required paperwork so you know you can be contacted in the event there's a bug found on your make and model. 

At New Jersey State Auto Auction, the auction lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans. You'll be able to take a look at the vehicle history of each model and make sure there are no outstanding issues. 

Shopping for a used car can be a headache and a half. Buyers often have to hunt high and low for the best deals, conducting a lot of in-depth research along the way. However, the process doesn't have to be this complicated. Some recent trends throughout the industry have pointed to a more streamlined process taking over, and much of the credit can be given to smart consumers and eager dealerships. 

People are conducting more research
To help make the entire process go faster, many drivers are making an effort to educate themselves as best they can. AutoTrader also noted that about 71 percent of used-car buyers wind up purchasing the vehicle they had in mind when they arrived at the lot, despite the fact that less than 30 percent have a specific model in mind when they start shopping. That's because they are doing more research than ever before. 

"Over the past several years of conducting this study, we've seen significant changes in car buyers' behaviors, particularly in how they are arriving at their purchase decisions," said Jared Rowe, president of AutoTrader.com. "The Internet is providing an unprecedented level of transparency for car shoppers, enabling them to make informed car buying decisions that they can be confident about."

The average buyer now spends about 16.6 hours shopping around for a car, with the bulk of that time spent online. Not only can people read professional reviews and compare vehicles, but they can even start the bidding process online, which limits the amount of time they have to spend at the dealership. 

Shoppers want a fast process
One of the most important factors for individuals is how fast the car buying experience is. According to data from AutoTrader, customer satisfaction peaks when the process takes about 90 minutes or less. As time drags on, people get unhappy, with satisfaction dropping to a below-average mark once the clock hits 2.5 hours.

Speed is a priority at NJ State Auto Auction. The facility offers same-day purchasing for customers, and the financing department is able to provide guaranteed credit approval as well. These two perks combine to make finalizing a deal incredibly easy for motorists, who can then drive off the lot behind the wheel of their new ride.

New cars are ordinarily expensive, but recent trends have sent prices surging beyond what is normally expected. While this may seem irrelevant for people shopping for used cars, it's still important for drivers to know, as many of the financial aspects are tied together. 

In December 2014, the average cost of brand new car models continued to rise, according to a report from Requisite Press, LLC. The data indicated that a combination of consumer confidence, low gas prices and many credit options led to climbing price of new cars. 

Prices go up in December
According to the NADA Used Car Guide, the high cost of new vehicles is beginning to affect the used car market as well. A surge of quality trade-ins, which are being sent to used car lots as owners purchase new models, has raised the average price of these pre-owned vehicles. 

"For the first time in 20 years, wholesale auction prices of used vehicles actually increased during December," said Jonathan Banks, an executive analyst for NADA Used Car Guide. "The 0.3 percent increase during the month is significant … since the average price for December the last 10 years has seen a 1.4 percent drop." 

Although the month of December saw prices grow, there are many opportunities at the beginning of 2015 for drivers to save, Requisite Press, LLC reported. An increasing supply of used cars, as well as more subprime loan offers, should help to get drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle they want. 

What you can do
The good news for drivers is that they don't have to place excessive limitations on themselves when they shop for used cars just because of high prices. USA Today noted that high demand is raising many expenses related to these pre-owned vehicles, but the sheer number of used cars on the market should keep prices in check. The NADA Used Car Guide reported that the low cost of fuel and upcoming tax refund checks will likely make a purchase more attainable. 

Those who are smart enough to go to a facility like NJ State Auto Auction can capitalize on lower prices and affordable financing options. With the help of an in-house financing department, drivers can get guaranteed credit approval, allowing them to purchase the car they want without throwing off their entire budget. 

What do you think of when you imagine your dream car? For some, the thoughts may revolve around slick exteriors, revving engines and bold colors. Other drivers may have some simpler ideas that focus more on affordability and reliability. No matter what you think, there's one common theme that's probably not present: stopping at gas stations. Interrupting the smooth sailing of the open road to spend money on fuel isn't a fun experience, which is why many drivers are opting for models that boast impressive fuel efficiency. 

Fuel efficiency plays a role
A recent study from J.D. Power detailed the factors that drivers consider as they look for cars. Among the most important aspects is fuel efficiency. In fact, gas mileage is the second-most popular reason drivers reject a possible purchase and is the deciding factor for about 14 percent of final decisions. 

Lower gas prices may encourage some people to look at larger vehicles that need a little more fuel to run, but for many drivers, it's only a short-term solution. Although the average price of a gallon of gas in the U.S. is down to $2.13, the potential savings aren't enough to get motorists to take a leap of faith. 

"Consumers know that, although gas prices are low today, the cost of fuel will likely increase during the time they own their vehicle," said Arianne Walker, senior director, automotive media and marketing at J.D. Power. "Clearly, consumers are considering the total cost of ownership when selecting their new vehicle." 

Price still reigns supreme
Ultimately, the majority of drivers still make the decision based on the price of a vehicle. But sticking to a budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. At NJ State Auto Auction, shoppers can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans until they find one that tickles their fancy. Then they can embark on the buying process in whatever way they want, whether it involves bidding for the vehicle or making an immediate offer to drive the car right off the lot. 

The team at NJ State Auto knows that budgets matter. That's why interested buyers can receive help from the on-site financing department. These experts can get you same-day, guaranteed credit approval, allowing you to quickly get behind the wheel of your ride without coughing up a ton of cash. 

When you find a car you love, it's tough to give it up. But once the engine sputters out and the ignition no longer responds, you have to move on. The question is: What type of vehicle do you look at next? If you really loved one of your previous cars, you may find yourself gravitating toward that make or model. That customer loyalty is a phenomenon was recently studied by IHS Automotive. 

Popular brands breed loyal customers
The organization analyzed data regarding vehicle registrations, tracking how many drivers stuck with the same automaker or model when making a switch. Ford was named the brand with the most loyal customers, as it had the highest percentage of drivers stick with its vehicles year after year. 

Ford's win is especially impressive when considering the individual segment winners. While the automaker may not have had any models excel in this area, its customers were among the most loyal to certain makes, meaning that they like to stick with what they know. 

Models that stand out 
A few models managed to earn accolades for inspiring driver loyalty. For instance, people who drove a Honda Accord often stayed behind the wheel of this sedan – in fact, it was recognized as having the highest model loyalty among midsize cars. This is the second year in a row the Accord has claimed this honor. 

"Customer loyalty is one of the key measurements of product excellence and customer satisfaction," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This recognition from IHS Automotive in the hyper-competitive mid-size segment is further proof that Accord continues to check all the boxes for the American car buyer." 

Other models that made a splash in their respective segments included the Chevrolet Silverado, Kia Soul, Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Tacoma and the Dodge Challenger. 

Finding a happy medium
You may want to stay behind the wheel of a certain car, but because of budgets and other factors, it's not always easy. But NJ State Auto Auction is dedicated to helping drivers get the used cars they want. Not only can you browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, but you are also able to receive help from the financing department, which could assist you in securing the model you want. 

Shopping around for a used car can be overwhelming for drivers – especially those who are desperate to stick to a budget. That's why it's helpful to keep a few tips and tricks in mind as you browse for vehicles. However, even that can be a problem, as there's a lot of information floating around. You can navigate these waters by keeping some key ideas in mind. 

Snatch up great deals
Carlypso, a new technology-based company focusing on car sales, recently released a study detailing some of the current trends in the auto industry. One of the biggest pieces of advice the organization had was to act quickly when you come across a good deal. If you can find a vehicle that's being offered below market value, you should pounce on it. According to the report, these cars usually sell within about 10 days of hitting the market, so there's no time to waste. The better the deal, the faster you need to move: For every 1 percent drop in price, the average speed of sale jumps by nearly 1.5 days, Carlypso reported. 

Wait out bad prices
Maybe you have a car in mind, but the price isn't exactly what you want. You have a few options in this case. Carlypso recommended waiting it out. According to the organization, used cars often enter the market at a seller-friendly price. When that doesn't garner a lot of attention, the price may drop, with some sellers even decreasing the sticker price as many as three times. Of course, this may not be much of a problem when you use an auto auction. That allows you to name your own price and only bid what you think the car is worth – a move that has potential to save you big time. 

Be smart to save money
The most important thing to do is remain calm and think through each decision. Luckily, that's easy at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot offers hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, with the majority of these vehicles boasting low prices. It even has an in-house financing department ready to help drivers figure out how they will afford a used car and secure credit approval. Best of all, the finance team knows how to do all of this quickly, allowing you to jump on any deals you find. 

With 2014 in the rearview mirror, it's time to look ahead to what 2015 has in store. This is especially true for the automotive industry, which had a stellar year for sales. Drivers were able to reap many of the benefits of these strong 12 months, as many dealerships offered low costs lower costs, special incentives and high quality – perks that are normally reserved for people who are willing to fork over a ton of cash for new models.

Now, however, motorists can tap into the many advantages provided by some of the most popular used cars on the market. But first, they have to figure out which used cars are the most sought-after. 

The biggest used vehicles of 2014
AutoTrader analyzed data to determine which models garnered the most attention throughout 2014. According to the results, the most popular used vehicle of the year was the Ford F-150. That's not surprising, as the pickup truck has reigned supreme as the most popular purchase in the U.S. for several years. 

What may come as a shock is the number of large trucks and SUVs that ranked highly among used car buyers. Just behind the Ford F-150 were the Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and even the Ford F-250 managed to snag a spot in the top five. Also demanding plenty of attention was the Ram 1500 pickup, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota Tacoma. 

"Lower gas prices and many new or refreshed entries also helped boost new truck popularity, particularly in the back half of the year," said Michelle Krebs, an AutoTrader.com senior analyst.

Looking ahead to 2015
While those vehicles may have been popular in 2014, there's no telling what trends could take root in the upcoming year. Regardless of what happens to the auto industry or the economy, however, drivers can find just what they're looking for at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans available for sale. 

Even if you're not the type of driver who wants to be behind the wheel of a large SUV or pickup truck, you can find exactly what you're looking for at a competitive price. Your needs may vary depending on your situation and the market, but no matter what, you can be sure you're getting a good deal at NJ State Auto Auction. 

Daydreaming about a new car? Then you might need a harsh dose of reality. Not only are new models expensive, but the features they come with may not be worth the investment – or the ensuing years of loan payments and debt. 

New technology still has glitches 
A report from AAA, conducted with the Automobile Club of Southern California, noted that many crash-prevention technologies still have problems that take away from their effectiveness. The study found that blind-spot monitoring systems, for instance, often struggled to identify motorcycles. The technology also failed to work correctly at high speeds or on highways, giving the driver little notice of road dangers. 

Similarly, there were issues with lane-departure warnings, which are supposed to let drivers know about nearby cars coming into their lane. Subpar road conditions – such as faded lane lines, construction zones or confusing intersections – interfere with the system. As problems arise with these technologies, many car owners get fed up and choose to ignore the alerts altogether. 

"Some blind-spot monitoring systems we tested had a short detection range, which meant that a vehicle was already in the blind spot before the alert came on," said Megan McKernan, the manager of automotive engineering at the Automobile Club of Southern California. "The lane-departure warning system on several vehicles experienced false-positive and miss-detections, which resulted in an inconsistent driver warning. This can be annoying and could result in the driver disabling the system due to the false alerts." 

Get the best used cars
Instead of throwing away money on a new car that doesn't live up to your expectations, find a used car that does. New Jersey Auto Auction is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, and one of these options could be your next ride. With so many high-quality vehicles at low prices, it's easy to find a model to meet your needs. Many even have some of the features you want – without the high price tag or surprise glitches. 

Not all new car features are bad, but many of the best amenities can be found in used vehicles. Cars that are only a few years old often have the must-have features you want in a ride, so be sure to do your research and find the best fit.