There have been so many advancements in automotive technology in the past few years, and many of them have been in the safety department. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently reported forward collision avoidance systems in particular have made a noticeable impact on the reduction of traffic accidents. The agency examined insurance claim data for cars equipped with a variety of safety technology features

"As more automakers offer advanced technologies on their vehicles, insurance data provide an early glimpse of how these features perform in the real world," said Matt Moore, vice president of IIHS affiliate Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). "So far, forward collision technology is reducing claims, particularly for damage to other vehicles, and adaptive headlights are having an even bigger impact than we had anticipated."

For example, Mercedes and Acura models equipped with forward collision warning had an accident rate 14 percent lower than those without the technology. Lane departure warnings were shown to actually increase the risk of accidents, and blind spot detection and park assist did not have a measurable impact on driver safety.

Even with advanced safety technology, some car crashes are still unavoidable. After a car accident, you may need to get some repair work done on your vehicle to get it back on the road. You can head over to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction for all your repair needs. The experts can address bodywork, engine damage and any other work your car will need. If your vehicle is totaled in a crash, NJ State Auto can help you find a new ride. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models all at affordable prices.

The roads tend to get a little bit more crowded around the holidays, and this July Fourth will be no different, even though it falls in the middle of the week. In fact, the Wednesday holiday is part of the reason AAA expects a higher volume of travelers to take to the roads from Tuesday, July 3 through to Sunday, July 8. The automotive organization predicts an estimated 1.3 million New Jersey residents will travel at least 50 miles during the Independence Day holiday period, which is 4.1 percent higher than last year. Those planning to drive account for 84 percent of New Jerseyans who will travel for the holiday.

"The extra time, coupled with falling gas prices have helped encourage travelers to hit to roadway in force," said Cathleen Lewis, director of public affairs for AAA New Jersey Automobile Club. "While travelers continue to seek ways to economize, the longer holiday period allows for longer trips."

This estimate does not account for out-of-state travelers who will surely be contributing to the congestion on the roadways. With so many cars on the roads this week, it is especially important for drivers to put safety first. Checking tire pressure before hitting the road can help make the journey safer and improve fuel efficiency, as having too little air in the tires makes the car work harder and use more gas.

It is also a good idea to check fluid levels, from the oil and coolant to the windshield washer fluid, prior to a long journey. Low levels can be topped off, but you might want to consider taking the car to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction in Jersey City if you suspect a leak. The experts at the shop can inspect your vehicle and make necessary repairs so you'll be safer en route to your vacation destination this week.

Patriotism tends to get a big boost around Independence Day, and Americans everywhere are thinking more about their country when it comes to the vehicles they drive. To determine the "most American" cars, the annual American-Made Index report by Cars.com looks at a variety of factors for the top-selling vehicles. The report accounts for U.S. sales as well as where the cars are assembled, and brand doesn't have as much to do with how American a vehicle is as you might think.

The Toyota Camry has been the number one car on the index for the past four years, and the Japanese manufacturer has two other vehicles in the top 10 list – the Sienna and the Tundra. The Camry and Sienna are both assembled in Indiana, and the Tundra is built in Texas, which means the Japanese automaker has built plants and created jobs in America.

"For most car shoppers, how 'American' a vehicle is doesn't impact their final purchase," said Cars.com editor-in-chief Patrick Olsen. "However, according to a Cars.com survey we conducted in May, nearly 25 percent do prefer to buy American and nearly half of those people would be swayed to buy a foreign make if they knew it was assembled in the U.S. We do our index every year to make sure shoppers who do factor this into their purchase decision have the right information."

There were some American brands on the index, and General Motors had the highest showing with the Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave all making the grade. The Jeep Liberty and Ford F-150 also came in as top-rated "American" cars.

If you're looking to get behind the wheel of a vehicle this Independence Day, you can head to New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of makes and models, from American brands to those based overseas and built on U.S. soil, so you can be sure to find a patriotic ride.

An uncertain economy has made consumers especially wary of prices for everything from used cars to groceries. While that may still be the case, a recent survey found when it comes to vehicles, there's something that trumps their price tags. Researchers say motorists still place a car's safety above everything else.

The findings come as the result of a Swapalease.com survey and reveal that around 60 percent of respondents said safety was the most important criteria of a new or used car. That placed it well above other factors including style and appearance, which came in at a distant second with 30 percent. About 12 percent said luxury and convenience were important while 9 percent cited electronics.

"Safety has long been high on the list for prospective car buyers or lessees, and our survey shows that changing times don't always change people's priorities," said Scot Hall, executive vice president of operations at Swapaslease.com. "Thanks to today's technology, we have an ever-growing list of features that make cars safer than ever before."

The study also delved into what safety features were most important to consumers. Blind spot warning systems proved to be the most popular, which was interesting to some analysts because the feature is one of the most expensive available in the industry. Hands-free calling and  back-up cameras were also well represented.

There's nothing saying you can't get a safe and affordable used car, and at New Jersey State Auto Auction that is certainly the case. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, you'll be able to find the car that offers you the greatest peace of mind.

Cars that drive themselves are already being tested by numerous companies such as Google and Nissan, but many are concerned with both how people will adapt when their vehicles begin to take over certain driving tasks. General Motors recently examined how driver behavior changes when they are behind the wheel of vehicles that offer semi-autonomous features such as self-steering and forward collision alert. They found motorists were 126 percent more attentive to the task of driving when they had safety systems and self-driving tools available to them.

"Drivers are already engaging in risky behavior, and are likely to continue doing so given the prevalence of smartphones and other portable electronics, so why not make it safer for them and the people around them?" asked study author Dr. Eddy Llaneras of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. "Offering some form of vehicle automation with the proper safeguards might be better than what is happening on our roads today."

It is not likely fully autonomous cars will be available to the public anytime soon, but technology intended to assist drivers is already beginning to become commonplace in new vehicles. The equipment is being implemented to improve safety, and is not meant as a way for drivers to take their focus off the road completely. There will still be a need for drivers to pay attention, at least for now.

Motorists who would prefer something a bit more tradition can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the dealer's wide selection of makes and models. Some newer used vehicles feature modern safety technology, such as brake assist and lane departure warnings, and all the vehicles on the lot are CARFAX certified, so car shoppers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle.