New Feature: Broken Down

So I had an idea for a new feature: My dad always told me to take notice of all the cars broken down on the side of the highway when we go driving, and when it comes time for you to buy a car, don't buy what you saw broken down. Sounds simple, but this is good advice - We live in a day and age where you can't really believe reliability surveys from any car manufacturer, and sometimes a really-real-world test is what you see on the side of the road.

So what spurred this? well today, it was the 2007 Nissan Versa in the right lane of the lower level of the GWB at a dead stop, which I nearly hit at 60 MPH. Bad place to stop, even with your hazards flashing. I have heard not -so-good things about the Versa, especially given Nissan's legendary reliability of the bulletproof VQ motors. Guess I'll keep an eye out for more of them.

So from now on, I am going to report on what I see broken down, and perhaps chart it out using some crazy Excel skills at the end of the year for a completely unscientific test.

Put the damn phone down

Only twice today was I nearly sideswiped by someone texting while driving. The geniuses in Albany only recently made it illegal. It also isn't like there is a stereotype for this - The asses on the blackberries are just as bad as the high school girls who can barely drive as is. Seriously though, this should be license suspension. But heres a great video from the other side of the pond.

lots of miles, one bad pothole

What a long weekend. Logged in probably close to 500 miles of driving this weekend visiting family and friends. Traffic wasn't that bad. I have to work most of this week, and I expect it to be light for the most part in the mornings, and a bit heavier on the way home. Holiday traffic patters are sometimes hard to call because of the amount of inexperienced drivers are on the road yield a larger percentage of accidents, which equal delays. but overall, its a lot lighter.

I am also sorry to report that i didn't get either the X5 or the 98 Suby Legacy GT 5 speed I asked for this Christmas.

Also, be on the lookout for a huge pothole that has opened up on the ramp from the Grand Central to Clearview. it's one of those thats barely noticeable until your on top of it, and next thing you know, you need a new rim.

Hidden Gem - Rt. 46

Massive inbound GWB delays? This is a secret that I’m not sure I should be sharing. When coming from NJ on the Western spur of 95N, take Rt. 46 eastbound when you know traffic is bad on the other approaches. The on Ramp might look like its backed up, but the reward is usually about 30 minutes off of your commute, and it drops you off with easy access to both levels of the GWB. Good to know on weekends, when the tolls are backed up with tourists, this route is usually free and clear.

map

[http://bit.ly/8dsBJT]