Drivers have to be aware of many issues when they're on the road, but the problems don't end when their car is parked. Vehicle thefts are a very real problem, and motorists should be taking steps to prevent this problem from arising. This even extends to holidays. A recently released study from the National Crime Information Center and the National Insurance Crime Bureau looked at trends in stolen vehicle reports across 11 major U.S. holidays and celebrations in 2012. 

According to the data, the worst day for thefts was New Year's Day. More than 2,220 cars were reported stolen Jan. 1, which edged out days like Labor Day, New Year's Eve and Memorial Day. However, this still was not as bad as other days throughout the year. There were 64 other dates that had more vehicles stolen, with the highest numbers recorded June 1, July 23 and Aug. 1. 

The best holiday with regard to vehicle thefts was Christmas, when only 1,432 cars were reported stolen. That was just ahead of Valentine's Day and Thanksgiving, which were the next-lowest days on the list. The Dec. 25 holiday boasted the lowest car theft total of any day in 2012, holiday or otherwise. 

In total, the number of vehicles stolen on the 11 holidays in 2012 reached 21,325. That is a 2.5 percent increase over 2011, when 20,800 automobiles were reported stolen on the same days. 

Whether you find yourself the victim of a car theft or simply want to take preventative measures to avoid the situation, you should consider heading to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot boasts hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which offer advanced technology and great features that could enhance your driving experience. 

Owning a car can be expensive, which is why so many motorists take steps to reduce the cost of purchasing and operating a vehicle. One of the easiest ways to do this is by choosing a used car, as you can find excellent value and high quality without busting your budget. Another way to reduce the bottom line is by carpooling. 

According to Edmunds.com, carpools offer plenty of advantages to everyone involved. For one, they frequently save time, as groups can use the high-occupancy vehicle lanes, which typically have fewer cars than others. In addition to time, carpools also saved all participants money. AAA reported that one-third of drivers involved in a carpool did so to cut back on fuel costs, and when those savings were combined with things like depreciation and maintenance expenses, car owners recouped thousands of dollars per year. 

The New Jersey Department of Transportation recommends carpooling as a way to reduce costs, vehicle wear and tear, and stress. With so many drivers commuting in and out of New York City each day, as well as to other nearby metro areas, there are plenty of opportunities to share the burden of driving and save yourself time, money and aggravation in the process. 

When you need a vehicle that is capable of handling multiple passengers, whether they are friends, family members or coworkers, you may have to invest in a used car. Luckily, places like the New Jersey State Auto Auction are well equipped to meet your needs. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars for sale, and you could find your next ride among these options. Whether you carpool every day or save it for special occasions, you'll want an automobile that can keep up with your needs, and you can find it at this auction lot. 

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous practices happening on the roads. Whether motorists are talking on cellphones, looking up directions or even struggling to find a suitable song on the radio, they often engage in activities that take their eyes and attention off the road. Recent studies show that one occurrence may be more dangerous than others, however: driving with children. 

The Monash University Accident Research Center in Australia recently conducted a study to see how distracted drivers get when they have their kids in the backseat. After monitoring a dozen families for several weeks, the researchers found that driving with children in the car was 12 times more dangerous than using a cellphone behind the wheel. Parents frequently watched kids playing in the rearview mirror, turned to pass toys or snacks, engaged in conversation or attempted to play with children.

All of these seemingly harmless acts led to a driver taking his or her eyes off the road for a significant amount of time. During a normal 16-minute drive, parents were not focused on the road for approximately three and a half minutes. 

To cut down on the distraction children pose to drivers, many families look for vehicles that have features even the youngest passengers can appreciate. Infotainment systems with DVD players and viewing screens are a popular option for many, as it aids motorists in keeping kids occupied. Similarly, having a vehicle with excess storage space in convenient locations is also helpful. These compartments can be used to store toys, snacks and other forms of entertainment for children. 

Anyone looking for a used car that has plenty of family-oriented features will want to look for options at NJ State Auto Auction. This lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which have amenities that can keep all passengers safe and happy. 

There are a lot of factors that go into shopping for a used car, and sometimes the most important aspects are on the outside. Although drivers want to find a vehicle that offers dependability and excellent fuel economy, it is just as important to select a car that is comfortable and fits an individual's personality. Much of that comes down to color, which makes the exterior paint a significant consideration. 

A recent year-long study from iSeeCars.com looked at the color preferences of men and women. The website found that women were more likely to be interested in practical, neutral tones, such as silver, brown, gold or beige. Many of these hues are popular for minivans or SUVs, which could reflect the women's desire to find a family friendly option.

Conversely, men were drawn to bolder tones like red, orange, black, white and green. These colors are commonly associated with sporty vehicles, which may demonstrate that men are looking to find fun automobiles. 

"It's one thing to say you like a color car and another to actually move forward in the used car shopping process to contact the seller about that color car," said Phony Ly, CEO of iSeeCars.com. "… These study results could suggest that women are more practical in their choices. For the most part, they may just want to buy a reasonably priced car that safely drives them around. On the other hand, for men, perhaps they may be a bit more idealistic about cars, preferring something that has speed and is fun to drive." 

Searching for a used car involves more than just looking at the paint color. Drivers who want to browse through a selection of high-quality options can head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any of which could be a viable option for buyers.