The first day of school is right around the corner, and while parents are packing backpacks and making lunches, drivers around the country need to start paying extra attention to pedestrians. Across the country, there are more than 55 million children heading back to class, and roughly 13 percent of these kids walk or ride bikes to school. It can be difficult to spot pedestrians while driving, especially when they are hidden behind parked cars and other obstructions in a driver's line of vision. This danger increases when a person is shorter, as is the case with most school children. For that reason, AAA is urging drivers to take extra precautions in the morning and afternoons when children will be making their way to and from school.

"More than 1,200 children lost their lives during these after-school hours between 2000 and 2010. And although we've seen a steady decrease in the number of tragedies each year, it's important to remember that one death is one too many," said Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, Traffic Safety Advocacy manager for AAA.

The agency recommends drivers resist the urge to put the pedal to the metal, as speed limits in school zones are reduced to protect kids. Plus, a car traveling 25 miles per hour is 66 percent less likely to kill an individual on impact than if it were going 35 miles per hour. AAA also recommends reducing distractions to ensure the driver's eyes are on the road. Even if their eyes leave the road for a second, this can be enough time for a child to step into the roadway.

Drivers should also make sure to check all their blind spots before backing up, keep an eye out for bicycles and always come to a full stop to check for kids nearing or in crosswalks. Adhering to these safety tips can help eliminate the risk of a child being hit by a car when schools open their doors for the year.

Drivers in need of a reliable ride to get the kids to school safely all year can head to NJ Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, motorists are sure to find a ride that suits their needs.

There are many different aspects of buying a car, from applying for auto loans to selecting the right vehicle. It is important for drivers to consider and research all their options before finalizing the sale, and this includes the test drive. Driving a car allows the prospective buyer to get a feel for the car and determine if they will be comfortable and happy behind the wheel for the next few years – or longer.

However, the Detroit Free Press reports that more than 10 percent of car shoppers don't test drive before they buy, according to the results of a new study. The main reason so many motorists skip this crucial step is because they have access to the internet. They can go online and read reviews by other drivers to find out things they could easily experience themselves by getting behind the wheel. While this information is invaluable in the search for the right car, there's no way for a driver to be sure they'll truly enjoy the vehicle unless they drive it themselves.

Relying on the opinions of others to choose a car is a lot like choosing not to try a food because a friend claimed to not like it. Just because one person doesn't enjoy a vehicle, doesn't mean the prospective buyer is going to feel the same way, which is much of the reason why there are so many different makes and models on the road today. If a person buys a car based on the reviews they read online and wind up hating the way it handles around corners or finds the seat to be uncomfortable, they're going to be less than pleased.

Once drivers have narrowed down their selection, they can head over to NJ State Auto and test drive a variety of makes and models. It's always a good idea to try out similar models to the vehicle a person wants to ensure they're making the right choice.

There is a direct relationship between current gas prices and the fuel economy of cars being sold – when fuel is expensive, car shoppers look for fuel efficient options. Despite a general shift toward more fuel-efficient vehicles, drivers put less emphasis on this concern when gas prices drop. According to a recent report by TrueCar.com, the average fuel economy of new cars sold in July 2012 was 23.1 miles per gallon (MPG). This is higher than the average fuel economy during the same period last year (21.6 MPG) and just higher than the average in May of this year (23.0 MPG).

"There is a very strong correlation, nearly 71 percent, between TrueMPG and average gas prices since January of 2010, indicating that prices at the pump influence consumer preferences," said Jesse Toprak, vice president of market intelligence at TrueCar.com. "Manufacturers have been responding by offering a larger mix of smaller vehicles and improving efficiencies on their existing larger vehicles, as evidenced by the significant improvement in TrueMPG in the recent years."

The cost of fuel spiked in early summer and then began to fall slightly month-over-month, which could explain why fuel economy became less of a concern for some drivers. This average will likely fall in coming years, despite consumer behavior, as manufacturers work to meet federally issued fuel economy guidelines. By 2025, all car companies must have a fleetwide fuel economy average of 54.5 MPG. Until then, drivers don't have to buy new cars to take advantage of vehicles with good fuel economy. NJ Auto Auction carries a variety of makes and models, from subcompact cars to hybrid options. Plus, every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so buyers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

Many drivers place a great deal of emphasis on style and design when choosing a vehicle, especially younger motorists. New drivers and their parents may have a hard time finding a car that fits both of their requirements, but Kelley Blue Book recently compiled its list of the 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012 to helps young drivers and their parents find reliable and affordable rides that are also fun and exciting. The vehicles on the list are all from the 2012 model year.

"From funky hatchbacks to stylish sedans, all of KBB.com's 10 Best Back-to-School Cars of 2012 are affordable, safe and reliable, not to mention fun to drive and fuel efficient," said Jack Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. "Most importantly, these vehicles fulfill the often distinctively different set of new-car criteria of both parents and students, striking a healthy balance. Parents will be amazed at the sheer selection of amenity-laden student-friendly new cars available today for less than $16,000."

The 2012 Kia Soul was chosen for this list, as it's got a modern and eye-catching style that young drivers will love. It's also fuel-efficient so drivers will save at the pump and won't need to bug their parents for gas money as often. The Chevrolet Sonic, which came on the market last year to replace the Cruze, is small and fuel efficient, but still has plenty of room for passengers. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and has amenities such as touch-screen navigation, and hands-free technology so kids can check in with their parents without taking their hands or eyes off the wheel. Mazda's Mazda3, Hyundai
Accent and Nissan Versa also made the list.

Drivers don't have to buy brand new cars to get a good deal, as New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide variety of used makes and models at affordable prices.

When hybrid cars first emerged on the market, most drivers were hesitant to accept the alternative technology, but now more consumers are embracing the idea than ever before. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive found nearly one-third of car owners are interested in buying a hybrid model as their next ride.

The Harris Poll surveyed 2,634 American adults over the age of 18, nearly 2,000 of whom own or lease their own vehicles. Approximately 23 percent of respondents said their opinion of hybrid technology and their interest in it has improved since last year, but this response is not uniform across all generations. Those under 35 were more interested in hybrid vehicles (32 percent) than those over 67 (only 15 percent).

"This survey shows that automakers are starting to win over consumer confidence in hybrid vehicles, especially with younger drivers," said Mike Chadsey, vice president and automotive solutions consultant for Harris Interactive. "While this appears to be driven in large part by personal economic needs to reduce fuel expenses, automakers seem to be making a strong case for the performance and reliability of hybrid vehicles compared to traditional options."

The survey did find that more than half of drivers (59 percent) are still more inclined to stick with traditional engine types. The individuals who would consider hybrid cars claimed the option seemed viable due to fuel costs (55 percent).

Regardless of the type of car a driver wants, New Jersey State Auto carried a wide selection of makes and models, all at affordable prices. It carries everything from large SUVs with less than ideal fuel economy to more economic options like conservative subcompacts and alternative options such as the Toyota Prius. Plus, every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle.

Cars that could drive themselves were once strictly reserved for science fiction, but now they actually exist, and work. Driverless cars are still in the testing phase, but they're being tested on the same roadways used by drivers in traditional cars. A report by KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, and the Center for Automotive Research found the introduction of self-driving vehicles to the mainstream market could spawn an industry-wide revolution.

After speaking with technologists, automotive industry experts and regulators as well as examining research and data surrounding these autonomous vehicles, the study authors concluded that many drivers will likely embrace the new technology. Driverless cars hold the potential to make the roads safer by reducing traffic accidents and crash-related injuries and fatalities. They could also greatly reduce the amount of traffic jams, which will likely please all travelers, whether they're behind the wheel of an autonomous automobile or a regular car.

"For the past 100 years, the automotive industry has been a force for innovation and economic growth," said coauthor of the report Gary Silberg, national automotive industry leader for KPMG LLP. "Now the pace of innovation is speeding up and the industry is on the brink of a new technological revolution with 'self-driving' vehicles. If they become a mainstream reality, it would be profoundly disruptive to the automotive ecosystem and may have far-reaching implications for the traditional automotive value chain and beyond."

Drivers who can't wait for autonomous cars to be available can find a variety of cars to choose from at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers will know they're getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride, even if it can't drive itself.

Child safety is of the utmost concern for parents. Yet a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan found only a very small percentage of children are properly restrained in safety seats when riding in vehicles.

According to Guidelines for Child Passenger Safety issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2011, all children under 2 years of age should be placed in rear-facing seats. Past the age of 2, children should still use car seats until they exceed the maximum weight and height, and after that, kids should be placed in booster seats until the regular seat belt can be worn comfortably. Children should also be restricted to sitting in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old, according to the official guidelines.

However, the study found very few children are following these rules. Less than 2 percent are using booster seats past age 7, a number of children between 6 and 13 are allowed to sit in the front seat, and many youngsters between 1 and 2 do not sit in rear-facing safety seats.

"The most important finding from this study is that…overall few children are using the restraints recommended for their age group, and many children over five are sitting in the front seat," said study co-author Dr. Michelle L. Macy of the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan.

The proper safety restraint system is crucial for a child's safety on the road, and the car they are in plays a role as well. Parents in the market for cars can research the vehicles they're interested in to determine their safety ratings before making a choice. Once they have narrowed down their options, they can head over to NJ Auto Auction, which carries a wide variety of used makes and models. Plus, every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers can leave the lot knowing they're behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

Nearly every major automaker already has an electric or hybrid option in their lineups. In some cases, these vehicles are stand-alone models, but more automakers are offering electric versions of their standard vehicles, including Toyota. The Japanese automaker recently announced details and pricing for the new RAV4 EV.

The electric crossover SUV has an estimated driving range of about 100 miles and takes about six hours to fully charge. The engine battery was designed by Tesla Motors, a company at the forefront of EV technology. It only took 22 months for Toyota and Tesla to put the RAV4 EV together, and it premiered at the Electric Vehicle Symposium in May 2012. Now, the electric car is slated to reach dealers in California by the end of the summer.

"The RAV4 EV's driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the gas powered RAV4 V6," said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "Arriving fully equipped with an MSRP of $49,800, with available combined federal and state incentives of up to $10,000, the RAV4 is a practical, versatile option for the EV enthusiast."

With such a hefty price tag, not every driver will be able to consider purchasing the new RAV4 EV. However, drivers shopping with a stricter budget still have options. EVs and hybrid cars have been on the market for a few years, which means some of these vehicles have made their way onto used lots. Drivers can check out the options at NJ State Auto, as the dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

The debate about whether diesel or petroleum fuel is best continues on, as fuel costs and vehicle price tags are fluctuating factors. However, when it comes to fuel economy diesel is typically the victor. This much is true especially for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI, which was just rated as the most fuel efficient convertible in America, at least on the highway, according to AutoBlog.

The diesel-powered car gets an impressive 41 miles per gallon on the highway, the best among comparable cabriolets. In fact, the Smart Fortwo drop-top is the only one that comes close with a 38-mpg highway fuel economy, Motor Trend reports. While the Volkswagen has the best highway mileage, it only gets an estimated 21 mpg in the city. This translates to a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg, which is less impressive than the Smart Fortwo's 36-mpg combined rating. The latter car has a city mileage of 34 mpg.

Drivers looking for a car they plan on driving almost exclusively on the highway may be interested in the Beetle TDI's impressive mileage. But those who plan to spend at least some time on city streets may want to consider other fuel efficient options.

Car shoppers looking for a car with a decent fuel economy may want to head over to New Jersey State Auto. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models. Drivers will be able to find cars of all kinds here, even if they are looking for an alternative fuel model, such as a Toyota Prius of a diesel-powered car. Plus, every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so buyers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.

While lists of the best new cars are quite common, automotive industry publications don't often pay as much attention to the used vehicle market. However, many drivers prefer to purchase used for a variety of reasons: they're less expensive than new, they have a lower depreciation rate and you can often find amenities on used vehicles that you'd have to pay extra for if they were new. In order to help used car shoppers navigate the wide selection of options available, U.S. News and World Report recently compiled a list of nearly 600 used models from the 2009 through 2011 model years.

"In addition to the rankings, our reviews provide a balanced summary of each used car so consumers can make an informed purchase decision," said Page Deaton, managing editor of Autos for U.S. News and World Report. "Over time, we'll expand the Used Car Rankings to include additional vehicles and model years."

The news source ranks vehicles by class as well as budget. For instance, a driver with a $14,000 budget in the market for a small car would be able to browse a selection of vehicles in the $12,000-$15,000 range. The 2009 and 2010 Honda Fit, 2010 Ford Fiesta and 2009 Scion tC are just a few of the models in this range. There are also hybrid options, large cars, luxury vehicles, hatchbacks, SUVs and more, making this an excellent resource for drivers researching their next vehicle.

When it comes time to test drive and buy, drivers can head to NJ Auto Auction. The dealer carries a variety of makes and models at affordable pricing. Plus, every car is CARFAX certified, so shoppers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.