For parents, safety is a primary concern when they pack their kids in the car, whether to head to school or take a family trip. Yet many are still engaging in dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, according to a recent survey from the University of Michigan.

The findings indicated that nearly 90 percent of of the 600 surveyed parents have diverted their attention from the road to focus on some form of technology while their kids were in the car within the past month. Drivers who don't restrain their youngsters in the proper safety seats, such as boosters for those 4 to 7 years old, were 2.5 times more likely to engage in distracting behaviors. On the other end of the spectrum, drivers who wore seatbelts were far more likely to secure their children in age-appropriate safety restraints.

"Lots of attention has been given to distracted teen drivers. However, our results indicate parents are frequently distracted while driving their 1- to 12-year-old children, and these distracted drivers were more likely to have been in a crash," said study author Dr. Michelle L. Macy, a clinical lecturer in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Michigan and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. 

Something as seemingly insignificant as sending a text from behind the wheel can make a crash 23 times more likely, according to Distraction.gov. To keep their kids safe, drivers should make sure to avoid distractions, which include not just using technology, but also eating or drinking, adjusting the radio and interacting with passengers. Those who have a tendency to reach for their phones may want to instead let their kids play games on the devices while they drive.

The type of car parents drive can also contribute to their family's safety on the road. Parents in the market for used cars, trucks or SUVs can find safe, reliable models at New Jersey State Auto Auction.

As the weather warms up, many drivers are getting ready to trade in or sell their current cars and get behind the wheel of something different. Not only are the summer months a popular time to buy a car, but the 2013 summer season may be the best time for motorists to purchase used cars in five years, according to Jean Chatzky, the financial editor for NBC's "Today" show.

"Summer time is typically when car sales, especially used car sales, kick into high gear," said Larry Gamache, communication director at Carfax. "As the economic recovery continues, it's likely that more people will take advantage of an increased supply of used cars and great deals being offered at dealerships throughout the season. Just remember that finding a great used car takes research and patience."

If you're planning to buy a car soon, the most important thing to remember is to be thorough in your research. Carfax recommends considering certified pre-owned (CPO) models, as they are backed by the manufacturer and undergo inspections before they can be sold, giving you added reassurance that you won't encounter hidden issues as soon as you drive off the lot.

You should also look into safety and reliability ratings, overall cost of ownership and even reviews from other drivers to determine which car would be best for you. Once you have narrowed down your selection, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to test drive a few models. It's a good idea to try out similar options to make sure the one you want is, in fact, the right car for your needs.

NJ Auto Auction has a wide selection of used makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is Carfax certified. 

When the weather warms up, convertible owners are taking their tops off to enjoy the warm sunshine while they drive, and motorcyclists are also returning to the roads in large numbers. The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) designates May as Motorcycle Awareness Month to remind motorists of the importance of keeping an eye out for these two-wheeled vehicles.

It is important that drivers treat motorcycles with the same respect they would any larger vehicle by giving them plenty of space and never following too closely. This is especially important when it comes to distractions behind the wheel, as these dangerous behaviors have been linked to numerous crashes involving motorcycles. According to Distraction.gov, reading a text message takes an average of 4.6 seconds, which is the same amount of time it takes to drive the length of a football field at 55 mph.

"One of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes is the fact that drivers don't see motorcycles," said AMA president and CEO Rob Dingman. "Drivers tell themselves to watch for cars, trucks, buses and pedestrians, but they don't always tell themselves to look for motorcycles. We want to change that."

Motorists should be extra vigilant when scanning the roadways to spot motorcycles. Checking twice before turning or changing lanes is a good practice, as these vehicles can easily hide in blind spots. Simply knowing they are on the road as well can be enough to encourage drivers to be more cautious, which has the potential to prevent accidents and save lives. Drivers should also remember that, while motorcycles are much smaller than cars, they deserve the same amount of space. Car owners should never attempt to share a lane with motorcyclists.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of their next vehicle in time for summer can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs.

Car shoppers have a lot to look for in a potential vehicle. There's often a long list of features drivers want their next ride to have, and a recent survey from NADAguides.com, an online guide to cars, focused on the attributes buyers thought were the most important. 

Topping the list was fuel economy, with people interested in cars finding it more important than those shopping for trucks. Vehicle design was a distant second, as more drivers are placing an emphasis on the look of a car to distinguish it from similar models. 

"The fact that car shoppers ranked vehicle design so highly is a reflection of the ongoing parity we've seen in the areas of quality, dependability and efficiency among the brands," said Jonathan Banks of the NADA Used Car Guide. "As we've seen from the success of Hyundai and Kia over the past few years, inspirational design can change how consumers view a brand and act as a catalyst to increase new vehicle sales." 

It seems like drivers are aware of the costs of certain vehicles, and as such they try to balance out their needs with budgets. Many drivers ranked ownership costs as an important factor to consider when shopping for cars, as they want to limit how much they spend on regular maintenance or repairs. Luckily, lightly used cars tend to offer great dependability that won't break the bank, and some more recent pre-owned models can provide high quality at a low price. 

NJ State Auto Auction has CARFAX certified vehicles that can meet the requirements of any driver. Low-cost cars, trucks and vans are available at the lot, giving prospective buyers access to automobiles that can provide an affordable service.

Young drivers face a lot of dangers on the roads, both from outside and self-imposed distractions. As if it wasn't difficult enough to drive safely, these new learners have to deal with adjusting to the basics of the road and acclimating themselves to some unfamiliar situations. There are a few things parents and other adults can do to keep these young drivers safe when they're behind the wheel, as long as they're ready to put in a little bit of effort. 

According to the Insurance Information Institute, although Memorial Day to Labor Day is the most dangerous time for teens to drive, they can be protected through a combination of safe vehicles, positive habits and heightened awareness. Taking a driver's education class may be helpful for these new motorists, as it provides information needed to make good, quick decisions on the roads, while learning about the dangers of distracted driving is also beneficial. 

Much of the work to keep a young driver safe falls to the parents. 

"Parents should consider whether their child is ready to drive," said Loretta Worters, vice president of the III. "… Keep in mind teens do not all reach the appropriate level of maturity to handle a drivers license at the same time. Parents should consider whether their children are easily distracted, nervous or risk takers before allowing them to get a license or even a learners permit." 

If you've decided that your child is ready to handle the rigors of the road, the next step is choosing a safe car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can find a number of vehicles that provide safety and security for drivers of any age. With a lot full of CARFAX certified cars, trucks and vans, you can find the perfect vehicle for teaching a teen how to drive, as well as one that will offer plenty of comfort and quality performance. 

There is a negative stigma surrounding older drivers, but new research shows that the senior population of motorists is actually much safer behind the wheel than many believe. A survey of more than 7,000 seniors by AAA, the American Occupational Therapy Association and AARP found that more than one-third have made efforts to keep their driving skills sharp and nine out of 10 older motorists wear their seat belts every time they drive.

As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age at a rate of about 10,000 daily, many people have raised concerns for road safety because people's abilities to operate vehicles can deteriorate with age. Things like vision loss and slowed reactions times may threaten a senior's driving skills, but many older drivers are seeking education and training to stay safe behind the wheel.

"The silver tsunami is often unfairly dubbed as risky and dangerous. These data tell us that they practice safe driving behaviors and that more than a third of older drivers have actively sought out and participated in programs to improve their skills," said Jake Nelson, AAA's director of traffic safety advocacy and research. He also indicated that drivers in their 80s are less likely to get into accidents than motorists in their teens and early 20s.

The research group offers a program called CarFit as a refresher course for seniors. The initiative, which often takes place at community events, targets problematic areas for senior drivers. The top four areas of focus were improper distance from the steering wheel, improper seat height, adequate and safe views from side mirrors and improper head restraint height.

Older adults looking to get behind the wheel of safe, reliable used cars can check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, so it is easy for seniors to find the ride they're looking for.

As the economy rebounds, people across the U.S. expect many areas of the public sphere to improve, and this extends to transportation. In fact, the majority of American drivers believe transportation needs to be an area of focus for the federal government. 

According to a poll from AAA, about 62 percent of U.S. drivers think more federal funding should be used to fix public roads. These motorists recognize that faulty streets can lead to car damage and the need for repairs, as well as traffic congestion and accidents, and one of the only ways to decrease these negative occurrences is by investing in roadways. 

"Most Americans recognize the need for increased transportation funding because they drive over potholes and bumpy roads every day," said Robert L. Darbelnet, president of AAA. "Unfortunately … policymakers and transportation advocates are failing to connect with the public on the practical concerns that matter most to motorists. Motorists want to hear about how their elected officials can improve their daily commute by repairing the pothole down the street or the bumpy road around the corner." 

Despite the overwhelming desire to have roads repaired, the funding for these public projects is dwindling. According to Stateline, the National Highway Trust Fund is rapidly decreasing and may be wiped out by 2015. If the government wants to continue investing federal money in the roads, it will have to raise gas taxes, tolls or find a source of funds elsewhere. 

Until roads across the nation are fixed, drivers will have to rely on cars that offer superior safety features and dependability. There are many of these vehicles at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has CARFAX certified cars, trucks and vans available for purchase. Drivers can find automobiles that perform well and require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for driving on roads across New Jersey and the country. 

Distracted Driving Awareness Month is almost at an end, but new revelations about practices behind the wheel continue to come to light. The latest updates are courtesy of a study from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, which found that drivers who use voice-to-text tools instead of traditional texting lose just as much focus when driving as their counterparts texting traditionally. 

Results from the study showed that, in each case, drivers took about twice as long to react to a situation as they did when they were driving with no distractions. In fact, using voice-to-text tools took even longer than regular texting, as drivers often had to correct mistakes in translation, which kept their eyes off the road for an even greater amount of time. 

"You're still using your mind to try to think of what you're trying to say, and that by proxy causes some driving impairment, and that decreases your response time," Christina Yager, the study's author, told Reuters. "… Every day, new technologies come out, and it is important to educate the public that even these seemingly new distractions are still distractions, and it will help people be safer when they get into the vehicle." 

It takes more than positive driving practices to keep you safe on the roads. The features that vehicles are equipped with is just as important, so shoppers need to be on the lookout for the best options when searching for their next car. Drivers who turn to NJ Auto Auction for their vehicle-buying needs can take advantage of a wide selection of CARFAX certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which are ready and able to provide a safe experience on the road. 

Whenever gas prices go up, consumers' wallets ache, but as they adjust to the gradual increases, their perceptions change. A recent AAA study found that only 46 percent of drivers in the U.S. feel the cost of fuel is too high at $3.00 per gallon, which isn't too bad, considering the average gas prices have been hovering around and above that mark for more than a year. On the other hand, 90 percent of drivers feel that $4.00 per gallon is too high a price.

"It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, but now that is standard at stations nationwide," said Robert L. Darbelnet, president and CEO of AAA. "Today's average consumer feels a breaking point on high gas prices closer to $3.50 per gallon, and expensive prices have forced many motorists to change their driving habits."

Approximately two-thirds of drivers handle expensive fill-ups at the pump by adjusting their other lifestyle habits. Driving less ranked as the most popular way to get the most out of each drop, as 86 percent of respondents adopted this behavior when fuel prices rose. Cutting back on shopping and dining out followed closely for 71 percent of drivers. More than half of drivers (54 percent) chose to drive more fuel efficient models to combat the increased cost of fuel. Other methods of dealing with expensive gas prices included delaying major purchases, working closer to home, carpooling and using public transportation.

If you are looking to save money at the pump, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs. There are plenty of fuel efficient, pre-owned models available today, such as the 2008 Honda Civic. FelEconomy.gov reports the baseline model got a combined 29 miles per gallon, and Honda even offered a hybrid version that got an estimated 42 mpg combined.

There's something about the classic red sports car that's hard to match. Perhaps that's why Ford decided to celebrate a milestone with its Mustang with just that – a cherry red model rolling off the production line. The iconic vehicle was the 1 millionth made at the manufacturer's Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Detroit, Mich., and was created the same week the brand celebrated its 49th anniversary. 

To honor the milestone, the plant built a red 2014 Mustang convertible and drove it off the line to much fanfare. The plant only began operations in 2004, continuing the tradition of producing the top machine. 

"Mustang is one of the most beloved nameplates in the industry, with fans around the world and throughout Ford Motor Company," said Rah Nair, group vice president of global product development, as quoted by Auto World News. 

With the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang right around the corner – and the 50th year of continuous production now underway – the brand is gearing up to celebrate. Drivers can likely expect a special edition Mustang as well as a next-generation automobile, although there's no word on when these designs will be made public, The Detroit Free Press reports. However, Ford has revealed that 50 other companies will be joining the efforts, releasing special custom products, such as jackets, watches and videogames, to commemorate the anniversary. 

The Mustang is a dream car for many drivers. Whether you're looking for a specific model or just a new sports car to enhance your time on the road, you can find the right vehicle at New Jersey Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX certified cars that could just be your next great ride.