When I was first learning how to drive, cell phones were just starting to be a thing. They were set up like a regular house phone with buttons on it. Real buttons. If you wanted to text, which was another mind blowing concept, there were only 10 buttons. This means that you had to actually click the “1” button 3 times to get the letter c. Texting took a lot of focus, and SO much time. For this reason, texting and driving wasn’t something that was exactly convenient, or safe. That didn’t stop people from doing it, however. It was exciting to be able to be constantly connected with friends, so gradually, the practice did become more popular.

As you can imagine, texting and driving was the cause of a number of accidents. As technology advanced, touch screens became available and texting became easier, and unfortunately so did texting and driving. While it became easier to text and drive, it didn’t get any safer. At no point in time should you be taking your focus off of the road ahead, no matter how cute that cat video is, and I promise you it probably is super cute. We want to be able to say, hey, just wait to read the text till you get home, or wait to answer that phone call when you get home, but the fear of being left out is pretty strong.

Over the last few years, texting and driving has become an all out epidemic. In response, a number of pretty awesome apps have become available to provide a middle ground between our need to stay connected and the laws of the road serving to keep us safe. At Destination Nissan you have the option to get NissanConnect, an “integrated audio, navigation[*], and communication system that connects with your smartphone to enhance your driving experience, and help minimize distractions. Controlled through a dash-mounted, centrally located screen, NissanConnect is available with hands-free calling and texting, streaming audio, navigation, a collection of popular smartphone apps, and lots more.”

If your vehicle isn’t equipped with NissanConnect, you can also check out these apps to keep your driving focused and safe.   

1. DriveSafe.ly: Instead of completely blocking your incoming messages, DriveSafe.ly actually reads your text messages, calls or emails aloud. By reading to you, the app eliminates that urge to grab your phone and take your eyes off the road for a split second. Best of all, it automatically responds to recipients for you (with a pre-set response) or allows you to respond by voice, totally hands-free.

2. DriveScribe: It’s about time we were rewarded for safe driving. DriveScribe’s app measures and evaluates your driving performance by giving you points, based on how well you stay within the speed limit and obey traffic signals. Users can redeem points for gift cards and discounts at certain stores. If you are interested in your driving patterns as well, the app tracks distance driven, average speed, maps of routes driven and descriptions of your violations (if any).

3. Text-STAR: Part auto-text responder, part digital personal assistant, Text-STAR aims to get you where you need to go without any distractions. Able to sense motion, the app disables texting when you drive 10 mph or more. It also allows you to schedule auto reply texts in advance, if you plan to be busy at a later time, whether you are driving or doing something else.

*Driving is serious business. Only use features when safe to do so. App availability is dependent upon vehicle model, trim level, packaging, and/or options. See NissanUSA.com/connect for complete app availability details. Never program while driving. GPS mapping may not be detailed in all areas or reflect current road status. Compatible smartphone required. Cellular network and GPS signals not available in all areas and/or at all times. Technology is evolving, and changes by independent companies are not within Nissan’s control. Nissan is not responsible for associated costs that may be required for continued operation due to cellular network termination (including equipment upgrades, if available, or roaming charges on alternative networks) or other third party changes. Should a third party provider terminate/restrict service, service may be terminated without notice and with no liability to Nissan and its agents or affiliates. Subscription Agreement required and terms and conditions of Subscription Agreement apply. See www.NissanUSA.com/connect for details. Text rates and/or data usage may apply.

Windshield wipers, the unsung heroes of driving safety. These poor little guys don’t get nearly the credit they are due, but let me tell you. After all the rain the Capital District has gotten these past few weeks, I don’t quite know what I would do without my precious little wiper blades. Me wants them. Me NEEEEEDS them. Alas, they aren’t even considered a safety feature, but, my friend, they do play a big part in drivers’ safety.

I wear these big old glasses so vision is questionable for me on a good day, much less a day where the windshield is shrouded in… weather. It’s challenging to drive as safely as you may want to when you can’t even clearly see the road through your windshield. Dirt and grime are really tough on your wipers and can wear them down. In addition, all that buildup can reduce your visibility which can definitely be a hazard. Replace your wipers for a clear view of the road.

Do you know when to replace your windshield wipers? Unfortunately, they can’t tell you that they are a bit beat and need to be replaced, well not in so many words at least. The general guideline is every six months or 6,000 miles. With the way mother nature has been acting lately, it may need to be sooner than that. Those poor wipers are really getting a beating. Either way, it’s time to replace your wiper blades if you notice any of the following:

• Windshield streaking or smearing

• Screeching or squeaking noises

• Rubber blades that are split or worn

• Bent frames

When it comes to picking the right wiper blade for your needs, there are a few factors to consider. If one of your wipers gives you trouble, it’s best to replace both for peak performance. This way ½ of your window isn’t left a debris covered mess while the other looks basically polished. You might be thinking, “Gee I only REALLY need to replace the refill (The little rubber-wiping bit) instead of the entire blade”. But honestly, that’s more hassle than it’s worth. Buying the whole thing is only a little bit more expensive and you will be far less frazzled.

Another thing to consider is that you need to know the size your car needs. No, wiper blades are not one size fits all. I learned that the hard way. So to save yourself the embarrassment of trying to install wiper blades that were the wrong size. To find the size that you need, you can look in your car’s owner’s manual, measure the blades yourself or ask your friends at Destination Nissan to help you out.

Once you know the size, you need to decide on a blade type. Again, I too was shocked that there were options. Here is what you can choose from:

• Traditional: Most cars use this affordable option.

• Beam: These higher-cost blades are known for their performance, durability, and aerodynamic design.

• Winter: These are designed to keep the wiper free of ice and snow.

Replacing windshield wipers is fairly simple, but steps vary depending on your vehicle’s type of wiper. Your owner’s manual should walk you through the process. Once you’ve installed the blades, test them right away to ensure they work properly. If however, you are not confident in your ability to install your own, your friends at Destination Nissan will be more than happy to help you with that too.

Picture it, Albany 2009. Freshly graduated from Albany High and my 18-year-old self felt on top of the world. I had just left home after showering to get ready for dinner with my parents. As was typical for me, I was running late so I was making a strong attempt at putting winged eyeliner on in the car on my way. The music was blaring, It was my new favorite Beyonce anthem “Single Ladies” so naturally, I was scream singing at the top of my lungs. My hands were busy applying a perfect wing so I was driving with my knees (a healthy blend of sorcery and stupidity). When the car in front of me stopped fast for a kid who sprinted across the road to grab a basket ball, everything that followed happened so fast it’s almost a blur. I dropped my eyeliner, grabbed the wheel, slammed on the brakes and swerved the car to the right….right into a shrub.

The front of my car was all dented and a bit crunched, but other than a quick glance I didn’t really look at the car. Fortunately, I didn’t hit the other car, the other car didn’t hit the kid and everyone was totally fine…except that shrub. RIP Shrub. I went up to the door of the person who’s lawn I just accosted to apologize for the shrub and offered to pay for the damage as it was 100% my fault that I hit the darn thing. I then proceeded to drive my car the remaining 40 minutes to the restaurant for dinner with my parents.

After dinner, my parents saw my car and I, unfortunately, had to tell them what happened. My dad went over to the car to actually look at the thing and noted that part of the underside of my car had gotten loose when I hit the shrub and was dragging on the road the 40 minutes to the restaurant. He then tells me that I probably should have called to get my car towed, but because I was young and foolish, I was more concerned about getting to dinner on time. This little accident cost me about 4 grand. It would have only been 2 grand if I didn’t drive the darn thing to the restaurant. 2 grand is still a HUGE chunk of change, but it’s significantly cheaper than the 4 grand I had to come up with. Which, by the way, I just finished paying my parents back for.

Now, already there are several bits that need commenting on. As you can tell, when I was a teen, I was not exactly a cautious or even safe driver. I made SO MANY unsafe choices and very likely should have died at least 10 times. At least. Since then I have learned from my mistakes and I like to think I am a safe driver these days, but it was rough for a bit there.

What have we learned, thing 1: a perfectly crisp winged line can not and should not be accomplished in the car. Leave the makeup for home. Thing 2: driving with your knees is LITERALLY NEVER a good idea. Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. And lastly, if you get into an accident, it’s better safe than sorry and have your car towed than end up with double the damage and cost you would have had if you just towed your car.

Be safe out there, friends. Think before you drive. If you were in an accident and need a trustworthy place to get your car checked out, stop by Destination Nissan and we will get you back on the road!