Apple is one of the biggest names in innovative technology – offering everything from computers to music players, phones and tablets – and the industry leader recently announced it would be bringing its technology to the automotive world. The Apple keynote at the Worldwide Developer's Conference included the introduction of Siri to your car.

Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iOS Software, introduced the new Eyes Free feature that will be added to many new cars. A number of brands are already on board to incorporate the technology into their vehicles, including BMW, General Motors, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler, Honda and more. This does not mean cars will have the voice-activated service built in, but there will be a button installed on the steering wheel that enables Siri in an iPod, iPhone or iPad that has the technology.

AutoBlog points out Ford is not one of the automakers in line to integrate its Sync infotainment systems with Apple, likely because the software it uses is Microsoft-based.

Siri allows users to do a variety of things simply by stating them aloud, from checking the weather, to sending a text message or searching for a business. The integration of Apple's Siri program into commercial vehicles may reduce the risk of distracted driving, as apart from pushing one button, drivers don't need to take their eyes off the road or move their hands from the steering wheel.

While talking to passengers and infotainment systems are considered a form of distracted driving, it's pretty clear in-car technology is here to stay. So finding ways to improve safety such as including an easy-access Siri button is a viable option for the future of driving.

The news source indicates automakers will begin rolling out cars equipped with Siri over the next year. Drivers looking to purchase used cars in New Jersey may not be able to find Siri technology in older models, but many used vehicles have modern safety and infotainment technology.

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors motorists engage in these days, and with more and more devices being introduced into modern vehicles, the risks are only increasing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports drivers using handheld devices behind the wheel are four times more likely to be involved in crashes than those who do not, and texting while driving makes a driver 23 times more likely to be in an accident.

While the dangers of taking focus off the road are clear, only 39 states have passed legislation to make distracted driving a punishable offense. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released the Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving, and the first order of business is to get the remaining 11 states on board with enforcing laws that will discourage distracted driving and reduce the number of car accidents.

The initiative will focus on raising awareness of the dangers by improving driver education courses and providing drivers with guidelines on how to prevent distracted driving. LaHood also indicated the agency will work with automakers to create new guidelines for safer use of in-car distractions like infotainment systems and GPS navigation devices.

There are a number of smartphone applications that block phone service when traveling above a certain speed, and may in-car infotainment systems limit their service when the vehicle is in motion. While the dangers of distracted driving are well known, many surveys still show a surprising amount of drivers are engaging in this act.

Paying attention to driving and ignoring distractions can greatly reduce the risk of getting into a car accident, and choosing a vehicle with high safety ratings and good visibility can also help. Those looking for safe, reliable used cars in NJ can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of models that are all CARFAX certified.

For the parents of young children, picking out a family-friendly vehicle is of the utmost importance, whether they're buying a new model or a used car in New Jersey. With so many options to choose from it can be a difficult decision, but Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com recently offered their picks for the best family cars to make the process a bit easier.

Many families are looking for cars that have high gas mileage. Not only will they be environmentally friendly, but such models may also help drivers save considerable money at the pump. There are a variety of options to choose from but according to Parents and Edmunds, the Toyota Prius V stands above the rest. The newer variation on the popular hybrid, the Prius V offers the same excellent fuel-efficiency while also providing more room, which is perfect for families.

Although fuel-efficient cars are popular these days, larger vehicles such as crossovers have also become a hot choice. In particular, the Honda CR-V is an excellent crossover choice for families. Not only is it an affordable pick, but experts also point to the fact that it is one of the safest such vehicles as rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Of course, there are other cars besides crossovers and hybrids. The two publications say that families looking for a sedan should choose a Volkswagen Passat, while others searching for a larger vehicle may want to consider a Toyota Sienna.

Regardless of what vehicle you choose, if you're looking for a used model you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, you'll be sure to find the car that's right for you.

Visibility is important on the road, but side-view and rearview mirrors only offer limited fields of vision. While engineers have developed safety technology such as blind spot warning systems, this is not the only solution to give drivers more awareness of their surroundings. Dr. R. Andrew Hicks, a mathematics professor at Drexel University, set out to develop a side-view mirror that would provide a wider scope and his quest was successful.

A traditional side-view mirror is a flat surface that provides about a 15 to 17 degree view behind the side of the car. Hicks found a way to create a distorted surface that reflects a field of vision roughly 45 degrees using a mathematical algorithm. Regular distorted mirrors can offer a wider view, but they warp the image and alter the perceived distance, but Hicks' design all but eliminates this issue.

"Imagine that the mirror's surface is made of many smaller mirrors turned to different angles, like a disco ball." Hicks explained. "The algorithm is a set of calculations to manipulate the direction of each face of the metaphorical disco ball so that each ray of light bouncing off the mirror shows the driver a wide, but not too distorted, picture of the scene behind him."

The mirror is not constructed like a disco ball, but has a "smooth, nonuniform curve." Hicks recently got approval for a patent on his design, and while regulations in the U.S. will prohibit the mirrors from being factory installed in cars, drivers may soon be able to purchase and install these mirrors themselves. This means drivers looking to buy used cars in NJ can take action against those pesky blind spots.

Whether motorists want to install aftermarket products or just get their current cars tuned up, they can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center for all their automotive needs.

Gas prices have been falling across the nation for the past few weeks. AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report reports the average cost of a gallon of gas in the U.S. is about $3.56, but some areas are in better shape than others. While states like California and New York are still seeing prices closer to $4, other states – including New Jersey – are being treated to prices that fall below the $3.50 mark. New Jersey's daily average on Thursday, June 7, was $3.46.

The Associated Press reports this week the average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded is down 4 cents over last week to $3.53, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic reports. This is a week-over-week improvement most Jersey drivers are happy about, and also vastly better compared to what people were paying at the pump this time last year in the Garden State – $3.77. Drivers in New Jersey have been treated to dropping gas prices for the past eight weeks, and the news source indicates the improving conditions for motorists stem from a decline in the cost of crude oil as well as an easing of tensions in the Middle East.

While gas prices are falling, drivers may still want to find fuel efficient used cars in New Jersey when it comes time to trade in their current model. There are plenty of vehicles available that don't guzzle gasoline, and New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a variety of such models. Plus, every car at NJ Auto is CARFAX certified, so car shoppers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.

Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a used car this summer may want to hold off on the purchase for a few months. Industry experts are predicting this fall will be a great time to buy a used car in New Jersey or elsewhere as the spike in prices that occurred earlier this year will start to reverse course.

Used car prices are already on the way down. Analysts from the National Automobile Dealers Association say the cost of small and midsize used cars may drop by as much as 5 percent during June, with another 2 to 3 percent drop expected for July, according to CBS MoneyWatch. By the time August and September roll around, consumers may be able to pick up a pretty good deal on a pre-owned vehicle.

There are a few reasons why used car prices are starting to decline after a spike earlier this year. Perhaps most significantly, gas prices are on the way down, so the demand for fuel-efficient used vehicles has begun to wind down. Additionally, because people were holding on to their cars longer the stock of used cars was low. Now that new car sales are on the rise, more people are turning their old models in.

According to MoneyWatch, there are certain cars that may be especially affordable in the coming months. The cost of a used 2009 Toyota Prius had risen sharply due to increased demand, but analysts expect it to drop considerably by fall, providing an excellent fuel-efficient option.

If you can't wait until the fall and still want to find a used car that won't break the bank, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide variety of makes and models, all at affordable prices, you'll be sure to leave the lot happy.

Maintenance and repairs are as much as part of car ownership costs as insurance and gasoline, but many drivers can lose money when it comes to mechanical work on their cars. AutoMD.com, an online repair resource, recently published a list of the top 10 costly mistakes drivers make when it comes to car repairs and maintenance.

First was putting off tuneups and minor repairs. Preventative maintenance can improve the overall performance of the car to reduce the risk of repairs and improve fuel economy, which can save drivers money in the long run. This includes everything from keeping an eye on tire pressure to changing the oil and filters or getting an alignment.

Ignoring minor fixes likely won't affect your ability to drive the car – not at first, anyway. When you don't address a small issue, it will likely worsen and turn into a major repair that could wind up costing more than just getting the original problem fixed.

"At AutoMD.com we are always looking for ways to help car owners save precious dollars while keeping their vehicles running safely," said Brian Hafer, the website's vice president of marketing. "This is why our experts have put together a list of simple tips to help pre-empt costly auto repair mistakes. By following this advice, car owners can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on auto repairs."

When you have work done on your vehicle and the mechanic tells you a part needs to be replaced, you should be sure to get the original part back. This will ensure you're not being charged for work that was never done if you're unlucky enough to bring your car to an untrustworthy mechanic. The automotive experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center will diagnose your vehicle and make necessary repairs without trying to pull the wool over your eyes.