Teens are at higher risk of getting into motor vehicle accidents than any other demographic of drivers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorists between the ages of 16 and 19 are three times more likely to get into crashes than older drivers. Car wrecks are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and recent reports have shown the rate of accidents is on the rise for this age group.

Recent research from the Ford's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program found that parents play an integral role in how their teens operate vehicles. Not only can parents teach their youngsters the rules of the road, but they should also set a good example by always obeying the laws and observing safe driving practices when behind the wheel.

"By setting a good example behind the wheel, parents can increase the chances their children will adopt safe driving practices," said Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "While state laws and educational programs are critical, ultimately, parents are the most critical component to keep their teen drivers safe."

DSFL recommends parents talk to their teens openly about driving and dangerous behaviors like drinking and driving. They should also spend time practicing with their kids during the learning process. It would be a good idea to make it clear that unsafe practices, whether not using seatbelts or texting while driving, will result in punishment. Parents should also abstain from unsafe practices, such as speeding, engaging in distracted behaviors like eating and drinking behind the wheel and operating a cellphone​ to enusre their kids follow the same rules.

It's also important to make sure kids are driving safe vehicles, and parents can take their teen drivers to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, giving parents additional assurance that their youngsters will be driving reliable vehicles.

With high gas prices and a growing concern for the environment, more drivers than ever before are placing emphasis on fuel economy when they buy new and used cars. The need for even better fuel efficiency is highlighted by the most recent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that require all automakers to have a fleetwide economy of 54.4 miles per gallon by 2025. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a report that indicates the industry is moving in the right direction.

"Today's report shows that we are making strides toward saving families money at the pump reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cleaning up the air we breathe," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "The historic steps taken by the Obama administration to improve fuel economy and reduce our dependence on foreign oil are accelerating this process, will spur economic growth and will create high-quality domestic jobs in cutting edge industries across America."

From 2007 to 2012, the EPA found overall fuel economy values improved by 16 percent, marking the highest average fuel economy of 23.8 mpg. The report also showed that carbon dioxide emissions have dropped 13 percent over the same five-year period. 

Things are expected to continue improving, as the Obama administration established the National Clean Car Program, which includes the new CAFE standards as well as efforts to continue cutting back greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on gasoline.

Those who are in the market for vehicles, whether new or pre-owned, have plenty of options if they want something that will get the most out of every drop of gas. Drivers looking for used models can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models.

Learning to drive is a rite of passage into adulthood, but many young motorists and their parents may be unaware of just how dangerous it can be for a new driver to get behind the wheel. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and teens are three times more likely to get into fatal accidents than drivers 20 and older.

A recent survey conducted by The Allstate Foundation indicates that more than two-thirds of parents expressed their regret in not spending more time teaching their teens about driving in high-risk situations, such as traffic jams and bad weather. Helping someone learn to drive can be a difficult task, but Allstate will be lending a hand with the launch of its new program, "Drive it Home." The initiative will offer vital information to teens and parents through the use of videos and graphics.

"We know from our research that parents are the No. 1 source of information for teen drivers, yet 40 percent don't know car crashes are the leading case of death for teens," said Vicky Dinges, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Allstate. "Drive it Home can help protect teen drivers, educate parents on the crucial role they play in the driving process, and help ensure our sons and daughters return home each and every night."

Once young drivers are armed with the know-how to stay safe behind the wheel, they will need a car that offers the utmost of safety. There are plenty of used cars that feature technology like lane departure warnings and backup assist, and drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models.

When you're in the market for a used car, you might feel overwhelmed with all of your options and wonder how you can possibly weed through years' worth of makes and models to find the right vehicle for your budget. Thankfully industry experts often compile lists of the best vehicles for certain criteria, and Consumer Reports recently released its picks for the Best & Worst Used Cars for model years 2003 through 2012. This list can help drivers see which cars, trucks and SUVs are worth considering and which might be better to avoid.

"With so many choices, shopping for a used car can be overwhelming," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports. "Our report provides a much-needed cheat sheet that Americans can refer to for help getting the best and most reliable used car that fits their budget."

Drivers who are looking to spend less than $20,000 on their next vehicles can check out models like the 2009 Mazda CX-9 and the 2007 and 2008 Honda Pilot. These choices offer ample seating, legroom and storage space, making them good choices for big families. Those on the lookout for fuel efficient vehicles can find hybrid models that are reliable and affordable, such as the 2010 and 2011 Toyota Prius, which Consumer Reports indicates has the best mileage of any used, non-plug-in, five-passenger model.

Models drivers may want to avoid include the Kia Sorento with a V6 engine, Mini Cooper S and Ford Explorer with a V6 and four-wheel drive. These and other models on Consumer Reports' "Worst" list rated poorly due to continued reliability ratings that fell well below the average.

Lists like this can help vehicle shoppers pare down their options in the search for used cars. Once they've eliminated all but a few options, drivers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to see some of the possibilities firsthand and take them for test drives before making a final decision.

In the years before the recession, it was commonplace for drivers to buy new vehicles every one to three years, but after the economic downturn, fewer Americans can still afford to do this. In fact, the Car Care Council suggests it could be a smarter financial move to put off trading in your current car for a new vehicle. Instead, it can be better to spend money on maintenance and repairs for the car you own now, and allocate the funds you would spend on car payments to more pertinent needs, such as credit card debt.

"Hanging on to your current vehicle allows you to redirect money you would spend on a new car to pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills, beef up savings or even take a road trip vacation," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one new car payment, consumers could cover an entire year's worth of basic maintenance."

Eventually, drivers will need to replace their current rides, but they don't have to break the bank on a new car. there are plenty of used cars, trucks and SUVs that offer many of the same safety and entertainment features as new models, and they're more affordable. It doesn't hurt that the depreciation rate of a used car is well below that of a new one, which means you'll get more money back when you're ready to sell or trade in the used model. Drivers in the market to replace their vehicles can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models.