Albuquerque police are seizing more and more cars from suspected drunk drivers. And they say the recession is fueling the sales of those cars.

Two years ago, APD seized 2,059 vehicles from DWIs, and the auctions brought in more than $900,000 for the police department. Last year, they seized 2,161 vehicles and made more than $1.3 million from the ones that were sold at auctions.

And the trend is still going up this year.

“Right now, we’re looking at close to a 14 percent increase in the number of impoundments,” said Chief Safety Officer Pete Dinelli.

The money from the vehicles sold at the police auctions goes back into the seizure program and to educate drivers on DWI.

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Raleigh – Lawmakers took a first step today toward requiring insurance coverage for mo-peds, over objections that it could eliminate one of the few means of transportation for motorists with histories of drunken-driving.

“I’d hate like the dickens to fix it where people can’t get to work,” said Sen. Martin Nesbitt, an Asheville Democrat.

Sen. Tom Apodaca, a Hendersonville Republican, agreed that the bill that passed its first committee hearing today could keep those who have lost their licenses for driving while impaired off the roads. In fact, that’s why he supports it.

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The Texas Senate has approved two measures aimed at reducing drunk-driving fatalities in Texas. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Texas was second only to California in 2007 in traffic fatalities as a result of alcohol. Under the bills, police officers would have more tools to catch drunk drivers.

The first, SB 261, would expand the circumstances under which a driver can be compelled to give a blood or breath sample. Under current law, a person can only be required to take a breathalyzer or blood test without a court order if they are involved in an accident that results in death or serious injury. The bill by Greenville Senator Bob Deuell would add four more situations that would require a person to take a breath or blood test.

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ALBANY — As the legislative session drew to a close last June, a bill that would affect every New York driver was quietly introduced.

It allowed insurance companies to hike auto insurance premiums by as much as 5% a year without state approval.

At the time, New York had the second-highest premiums in the nation.

Still, there were no public hearings and little public debate — and it took just 12 days for the measure to become law.

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According to the National Safety Council, vehicle death rates are three times higher at night than during the day. And while car manufacturers continue to make safer cars, new technology is helping to light the way.

Almost 90% of a driver’s reaction depends on vision and experts say more light is always better. High Intensity Discharge lighting, also known as HID, delivers three times the light of a conventional halogen headlight. The light is also used in a more efficient way, increasing overall luminosity and improving nighttime visibility.

LED lights are another alternative for safer lighting solutions. Unlike conventional light sources, LEDs reach full brightness in a few thousandths of a second; giving drivers more reaction time when the car in front of them hits the brakes. In addition to being brighter, these lights are also smaller, lighter and use less electricity.

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Certified Used Cars do Well in Down Market

February 2009 (Medialink) – It’s no secret that new car sales in the U.S. have been in a steep decline for several months as people worry about their financial future. But many of us still need a new, if not “brand new” car, and interest is peaking on used cars, as people look to replace their current vehicles. And the category of certified pre-owned vehicles are doing unexpectedly and exceptionally well.

Unlike regular used cars, certified pre-owned cars are attractive, because they have an added warranty of some kind. But beware, say experts, not all warranties are equal. Any used car dealer can claim that a used car is certified and offer an extended service agreement. Intellichoice.com recommends you look for a vehicle that’s backed by a warranty from the original manufacturer, because that means the vehicle has been inspected and refurbished to “like new” standards determined by that manufacturer.

As you might expect, certified used vehicles often cost more than the equivalent used car or truck, but consumers who might have been looking to buy a new car want the peace of mind that a warranty gives. Most manufacturers offer a certified used vehicle program through their dealers. You can find out more by going to manufacturer web sites.

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It is unfortunate that everyone has failed to see what is the problem here. There are many reckless drivers out there who should not have been allowed to drive in the first place. With vehicles zig-zagging along the expressways or making high-speed turns in carparks, there are simply too many drivers out there who think they are Lewis Hamiltons.

Instead of promoting more responsible driving, we point fingers at lawyers or motor workshops. Why? I have seen so many reckless drivers and there are those who say: “Why worry? I’m insured.”

The truth is, we need a radical change to the way we buy motor insurance.

The existing no-claims discount is good to reward drivers who have not filed any claims. But it is not a true reward for those who have not had a single accident in many years, because the savings are peanuts. This is especially so when the insurer raises the premium across the board. Why should this group of drivers be punished when they have driven carefully all this while?

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March 2009 (Medialink) – Most new car buyers need to borrow to pay for a new car, but the mortgage meltdown has tightened available credit, and has also led to dramatically lower new car sales.

Despite challenging credit conditions in the auto industry over the past year, carmakers say financing availability has improved in 2009 as banks have received financial relief from the government. So credit-worthy buyers are getting approved.

The good news, according to Edmunds.com, is that now is a fantastic time to shop for a new car. Most manufacturers are offering great deals, making new cars better deals than many used cars.

To ensure getting great financing options like zero percent offers, or bank or credit union loans, Edmunds advises checking your credit rating before you shop, and make as big a down payment as you can.

GM Total Confidence Plan to Provide Buyer Assurance

From automobiles to condos, assurance plans are making it easier for consumers to make big purchases in a tough economy. The latest, General Motors’ Total Confidence Plan, promises to protect a customer’s paycheck, investment, vehicle and family.

The new plan protects customers in case of job loss by providing up to $500 a month for payments, for up to nine months. The package also protects the resale value of the car, after half the payments have been made, should it become worth less than the balance of the loan.

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ANCHOR LEAD: Many Americans have taken a hit in this troubled economy. And for a lot of them, despite their travel needs, a new car may not seem to be within their reach. Mike Morris has more on a major announcement from one automaker to help Americans hit by hard times stay on the road to recovery.

SCRIPT: Newsbreak, I’m Mike Morris. Rolling out of a dealership with a new car may seem like a fantasy to many Americans worried about a stable paycheck. Mark LaNeve, a VP with G.M. North America, says they intend to show the American public a newfound confidence in that dream with their new protection plan, called “G.M. Total Confidence.”

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