Buffalo Auto Accident Injury Blog - William Mattar Lawyers

Supplemental Spousal Liability Insurance

2011-08-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

By: Sara Wallitt, Esq. - Attorney at The Law Offices of William Mattar

Imagine that you are a passenger in your spouse’s vehicle and your spouse runs a red light, causing an accident. You suffer very serious injuries in this collision. Under many standard insurance policies in New York State, a spouse is not permitted to make a claim against their spouse’s policy. Unless Supplemental Coverage was obtained, a recovery may not be obtainable for the bodily injuries sustained in the accident.

It is therefore important that you and your spouse consider obtaining Supplemental Spousal Liability Insurance through your auto policy. Many insurance companies will not automatically provide this coverage, but they are required to offer you the opportunity to purchase it if you wish. The cost is rather minimal and, in my opinion, is well worth it, as it will enable you to recover if you are injured in an accident for which your spouse is at fault. After all, who are you in the car with more often than your spouse?

I suggest that you review your automobile insurance policy to determine if you have already purchased Supplemental Spousal Liability Insurance. If you have not, I recommend that you contact your insurance agent and add this very important coverage to your policy.

The lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices are willing to review your car insurance policy with you to provide an overview of your policy. This way you will have a starting point for questions to ask your insurance agent. Give us a call at 444-4444.

What is a “serious injury” and how is it relevant to my car accident case?

2011-08-04T14:15:00.000-04:00

By: Jaclyn S. Wanemaker, Esq. - Attorney at The Law Offices of William Mattar

A person injured in a car accident must satisfy at least one of the below categories of “serious injury” to successfully bring a claim for injuries in New York. The term “serious injury” is defined by New York State Insurance Law Section 5102 (d) as a personal injury that results in:

- death;

- dismemberment;

- significant disfigurement;

- a fracture;

- loss of fetus;

- permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function or system;

- permanent consequential limitation of use of body organ or member;

- significant limitation of use of a body function or system; or

- a medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than 90 days during the 180 days immediately following the occurrence of the injury or impairment.

As you’ll see, the first few categories are more objective, whereas the latter are more subjective and leave room for interpretation. Courts interpret the categories of “serious injury” and report their decisions in what is known as case law. Case law is continuously changing as new decisions are reported by the Courts. Attorneys who handle car accident cases should be familiar with recent decisions and can perform legal research to find case law applicable to your situation.

If you would like to consult with one of the attorneys at the Law Office of William Mattar, please call us at (716) 444-4444 or visit WilliamMattar.com.

"Ithaca is Gorges"... And Affordable According to AARP

2011-07-27T14:56:00.000-04:00

Whether you're from Western NY, Central NY, Upstate NY, the City; us New Yorkers know what a great state we live in. Residents should be proud of its beauty and historic elements. From the bright lights of NYC to the gorgeous Finger Lakes region, New York is definitely something to brag about.

Ithaca, tucked neatly into the Finger Lakes region, is well-known for its beautiful landscape. Along with being a breathtaking area, its cost of living is also very reasonable. Check out the article below from AARP, naming Ithaca as one of the top 10 Most Affordable Places to Retire!

http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/livable-communities/info-07-2011/affordable-cities.html

Heat Wave Continues in WNY and Many Other Areas

2011-07-22T15:34:00.000-04:00

In this blistering heat, there is more to be concerned about than just feeling uncomfortable. People, and animals, can fall victim to heat stroke due to rising temperatures.

Take a look at this article below from MSNBC that talks about recent weather activity on the East Coast and in the Midwest parts of the U.S. Be sure to keep hydrated and stay safe!

(Click this link to see the article online along with photos of the heat wave - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43851978/ns/weather?gt1=43001)

East Coast A.M. Commute in the 90's; Triple Digits Coming

'It's not just about discomfort' but 'survival,' says health expert; 29 states under heat alert

Msnbc.com staff and news service reports

BOSTON — It felt like 96 in Boston, and that was just during the morning commute, as the East Coast braced for searing triple-digit temperatures later Friday.

The National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings and advisories for 29 states in the country's mid-section and along the East Coast.

The heat has roasted communities across the Midwest for nearly a week. Already responsible for at least 22 deaths, the heat wave moved east on Thursday.

Meteorologists also warned of poor air quality in numerous cities in the northeast, with a code red air quality — designated as unhealthy for all people — forecast for Baltimore and Washington, D.C., according to the Weather Channel's Mark Avery.

"In this heat, it's not just about discomfort," Latoya White, executive director of Health Leads, a program run out of Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., told The Washington Post.

She told the paper that for many people it's about "survival."

The unrelenting heat prompted power provider Consolidated Edison to reduce voltage in some New York neighborhoods overnight, a so-called brownout.

The company said increased use of air conditioners could push power usage to an all-time record on Friday, although Con Ed and other power companies said they had enough electricity to meet demand.
The thermometer during Boston's morning commute hit 88 degrees, with a heat index of 96 degrees, and the mercury was expected to climb relentlessly through the day.

"It only gets worse from here," said meteorologist Alan Dunham with the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass.

"We're looking at a high air temperature of about 102 with a heat index value up to 108," he said of the Boston area.

New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and other major East Coast metropolises likewise faced stifling heat and should expect to come close to or surpass record highs, according to AccuWeather.com.

Boston's forecast was expected to fall just two degrees shy of its highest temperature on record, 104 degrees set in 1911.

"Today in the Midwest and the Northeast, it's not only record heat, but the humidity is unusually high as well. It's kind of a double-whammy," said AccuWeather.com senior meteorologist Tom Kines.
Cities up and down the East Coast opened cooling centers and extended public pool hours to offer residents some relief.

On top of the heat, areas of southern coastal New England were warned about unhealthy air quality due to high levels of smog.

By the weekend, most of New England will cool off, but the Mid-Atlantic is expected to stay "hot and miserable" through early next week, Kines said.

In parts of the Midwest and in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, the heat will also linger, he added.
The combined heat and humidity could spike the heat index or "real feel" of the warmth to 115 degrees through Saturday.

By early Thursday afternoon in New York City, the thermometer hit 91 but it felt more like 112, according to Accuweather.com.

According to the Weather Channel, these searing temperatures in the Big Apple are rare: Central Park has only registered 57 days of triple-digit heat since 1870. The city of Rochester, N.Y., was bracing for its first day of heat of more than 100 degrees since 1953, the Weather Channel said.

Other cities watching their local heat indexes rise into the triple digits because of the oppressive mix of high temperatures and humidity included — among others — Tulsa, St. Louis, Buffalo, and Washington, D.C.

In Chicago, where a five-day heat wave in 1995 killed hundreds, the city on Thursday endured a fifth consecutive day of abnormally high temperatures with the heat index hitting 110 in the early afternoon — and forecasters warned the heat wave could continue into the weekend.

Unhealthy smog levels triggered by the heat were reported in Chicago, where residents were asked by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to reduce polluting activities such as idling cars and mowing lawns.

Cattle 'starving'

In Oklahoma, where the heat has exacerbated a severe drought, Gov. Mary Fallin said she planned to ease commercial vehicle restrictions to speed delivery of hay and other feed to cattle whose grazing areas have been destroyed by the weather.

"We have cattle that are starving," Fallin told Reuters, "and we have certain areas of the state where we need to get the hay delivered to the farmers and the ranchers and the cattlemen."

With the promise of refreshing ocean breezes, Boston's whale-watching ships and high speed tourist boats sold out their trips by mid-morning on Thursday.

Cooling centers in Richmond, Va., and New York welcomed overheated residents and a truck labeled "Water Fountain on the Go" cruised Manhattan streets, offering to refill empty water bottles to keep residents hydrated.

By the weekend the heat was expected to cover nearly 50 percent of the country and impact nearly half the population, according to AccuWeather.com forecaster Mary Yoon.

"What makes this heat wave so impressive is the pure size and longevity," said Yoon.

Longstanding records in Philadelphia and other cities may melt away by Friday, when the mercury was expected to spike, according to meteorologist Meghan Evans of AccuWeather.com.

"Do not take this threat lightly," the NWS warned in a statement on its website, noting the extreme temperatures are particularly dangerous for the elderly and the very young.

"The length of this heat wave will pose a very real and dangerous health risk to these at-risk groups and those that do not have access to air conditioning," the statement said.

Most of the 22 deaths linked to the high temperatures have occurred in the Midwest.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Each Summer Children Die in Hot Cars

2011-07-12T13:47:00.000-04:00

Humid WNY summers can be brutal, and with today being one of the hottest days of the year, it's a good time to read about car safety. Focusing specifically on the temperature of the interior of your car and making sure NO children, pets, or others are ever left unattended in the blistering heat.

The below article from ABC News talks about how many children have died in 2011 after becoming trapped in a hot car, and also gives helpful safety and prevention tips. One of the most important tips being "if you see an unattended child in a car, dial 911 IMMEDIATELY."

Please take a moment to read the below article and remember to always practice safety in your everyday lives.

Every Summer Kids Die in Hot Car Trunks

By ELISABETH LEAMY

July 12, 2011

There are heat advisories in big chunks of the country this week thanks to triple digit temperatures a good time for a reminder that at least 20 children have already died after becoming trapped in hot cars this year. Three of those recent deaths were somewhere that can be completely preventable: the trunk of the car.

Oklahoma, last week. An 8-year-old boy is exploring the 1998 Chevy Cavalier his parents just bought, when he gets stuck in the trunk and dies in the heat.

"They don't know the dangers of it -- being in a closed vehicle," said Sondra Lockyer, the boy's aunt.
Indiana, last month. Two brothers climb into the trunk of their mom's 2000 Chevrolet Malibu and also die.

"I have a problem with that," said Janette Fennel of the advocacy group Kids and Cars.
Fennel feels ill every time she hears about a new case.

"I felt, why didn't I push harder? Why didn't I just absolutely not stop?" said Fennel.
Kids and Cars has repeatedly called on General Motors to recall its older vehicles and install trunk safety releases that allow people inside to escape.

Starting in 2002, all cars were required to have a glow-in-the-dark safety release inside the trunk. You just pull the latch, and the trunk opens.

Fennel says no one has ever died in the trunk of a newer vehicle that has a safety release.
"Those children, I feel very certain, would be alive today if there had been a trunk release in that vehicle."

GM makes more cars than any other company, so accidents are bound to happen in its vehicles. In a statement, GM put the responsibility back on parents, saying it has "worked...to alert parents and caregivers to the dangers of leaving children unattended in or around vehicles." We asked if GM plans to issue a recall, and the answer was 'No.'

If your vehicle was built before 2002, chances are there is no easy way to escape from inside the trunk. But in this economy, we want to make our cars last. So here are some safety tips:

Teach kids that cars are not toys and don't let them play in or around them.

Keep your car locked, even when it's parked at home in your garage or driveway.
Some cars have a switch in the trunk that allows you to turn off the remote function, so your trunk will only open with a key, which is much harder for small children to maneuver.

Some people get an extra keyless remote and keep it in their trunk.
You can buy a trunk safety release retrofit kit for $10 from Kids and Cars. Click here for more information.

Leaving children in the passenger compartment of the car is another tragic occurrence every summer. Here's prevention advice offered by Safe Kids:

If you see an unattended child in a car, dial 911 immediately.
Never leave a baby unattended in a vehicle, even with the window slightly open.
Place something that you will need at your next stop - for example, a purse, lunch, gym bag or briefcase - on the floor of the backseat where the child is sitting. This simple act could prevent you from accidentally forgetting your child if he or she is sleeping.
Be especially careful if you change your routine for dropping off babies at child care. Have a plan that if your child is late for child care, you will be called within a few minutes.
Watch children closely around vehicles, particularly when loading and unloading. Check to ensure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Do not overlook sleeping babies.

After the June deaths of two Indiana boys, General Motors provided the following statement to Good Morning America:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Indiana boys' family and we are deeply saddened by their loss.

Keeping children safe in and around vehicles is a priority for General Motors. For more than 15 years, we have worked with Safe Kids Worldwide to provide vital child passenger safety information to parents and caregivers in communities across the country. One important part of these efforts is to alert parents and caregivers to the dangers of leaving children unattended in or around vehicles. Increasing awareness and education is critical since millions of vehicles of varying makes and models without trunk latches are still in the marketplace. Since 2001, interior trunk releases have been provided standard in all GM passenger vehicles with trunks.

As always, we encourage parents and caregivers to visit www.safekids.org for tips on how to help keep kids safe in the warm weather months and throughout the year."

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/ConsumerNews/summer-kids-die-hot-car-trunks/story?id=14049363

Rochester Tops List of 10 Most Affordable Places to Live

2011-07-06T16:43:00.000-04:00

Check out the below blurb from MSN that talks about how Rochester, NY landed in the number one spot on a list of the 10 Most Livable Bargain Markets. Click here to check out what other cities made the cut!

1. Rochester, N.Y.

Rochester provides a lot of bang for your buck. It has big-city culture, a highly educated population, picturesque scenery, affordable housing and an expanding high-tech job base.

The city of Rochester anchors a 90-mile stretch of Lake Ontario shoreline, which serves as its northern border. Affluent suburbs Pittsford to the south and Webster along the shore are populated with workers from companies such as Kodak, Bausch & Lomb and Xerox.

Although it lost many jobs to the Sunbelt in the past few decades, it has now diversified its economy and is adding jobs in health care, food and beverage manufacturing and technology, including alternative energy, as well as in higher education.

"It's not any one thing growing the economy now; it's all of these things," says Mark Peterson, CEO of the Greater Rochester Enterprise, an economic-development organization.

Indeed, the Brooking Institution's MetroMonitor ranked Rochester among the 10 strongest performing metros in the recovery.

Small to midsize technology firms are locating here in part because of the universities, including the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester, which provide a highly educated work force.

And there is increasingly more for graduates to do, with the city pouring $1 billion into revitalizing its downtown in the next three years.

There's also the Finger Lakes to the south of Rochester for recreation and wine tasting, and trails for hikers and bikers, including the towpath of the Erie Canal.

It has some of the cleanest air in the country, and a high concentration of physicians and specialists, thanks to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

There's likely no road-rage epidemic here, as commutes are blissfully short, compared to other cities.
"I have a 12-minute commute to my downtown office," Peterson says. "You can work a full day here and still make it home for the soccer game and home for dinner."

Cons: High state income and property taxes, an aging population in some suburbs and cold winters.

Population: 1.02 million
Affordability index: 2.2
Unemployment: 7.72%
Job growth: -0.9%
Median home price: $115,700
Cost-of-living index: 90.8
Median household income: $52,600
Average commute time: 22.8 minutes
Commutes longer than an hour: 3.27%

http://realestate.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=29305981#2

UNYTS Donate Life Blood Drive Next Thursday!

2011-06-23T16:47:00.000-04:00

William Mattar Law Offices is participating in the UNYTS Donate Life Challenge! On Thursday, June 30th our office will be hosing a blood drive benefiting the Rotary Club of Williamsville. Stop by our principal office at 6720 Main Street in Williamsville to donate blood. The UNYTS Donate Life Express truck will be parked at our building from 10am until 2pm.

Check out the poster below for all the details!

The Amanda Hansen Foundation's Annual Golf Tournament

2011-06-21T11:43:00.000-04:00

Just this past January we partnered up with the Amanda Hansen Foundation and Tops Friendly Markets to give away thousands of dollars worth of CO detectors. The event was a great success and really helped to educate the community on keeping their homes safe.

The main goal of the Amanda Hansen Foundation is to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide in the home. Carbon monoxide is often called the "silent killer" because it is odorless, colorless and tasteless. So, if you do not have one yet, be sure to get a CO detector for your home immediately.

We're showing our support again by being a proud sponsor of the 2011 Annual Golf Tournament benefiting the Amanda Hansen Foundation. The tournament will take place next week, Wednesday, June 29th. Check out the brochure below for information about the Foundation as well as all the details for the tournament.

AM Buffalo - Talking About the "Cube"

2011-06-15T13:51:00.001-04:00

I had a great time chatting with Linda Pellegrino yesterday morning about our brand new website, WilliamMattar.com. Check out the video below. Also, be sure to swing by our new site to spin the cube and let us know what you think!

Spin the Cube at WilliamMattar.com!

2011-06-07T15:10:00.000-04:00

Just last week we launched our brand-new, revolutionary website, WilliamMattar.com. This new site is innovative and very interactive. Not only will you find important information you'd need if you've recently been hurt in a car, but you'll also find lots of other fun stuff.

The site focuses on a three-dimensional cube with six visible sides. Each side of the cube contains pertinent information for site visitors. Whether you're stopping by to learn about what to do after an auto injury, or you just want to play a game or two, WilliamMattar.com is the place to go.

So, take some time to "spin the cube" and check out everything there is to explore on our new site!

New Labels Make It Easier for Car Buyers to Compare Fuel Efficiency

2011-05-25T14:50:00.000-04:00

What is the most important thing you look for when shopping for a new car? Make, model, color, price? One of the biggest deciding factors that people take into consideration nowadays is fuel efficiency. Although Hybrids and electric cars are sometimes a bit more pricey, they could end up saving you money in the long run.

Check out the article below from Reuters that talks about the new labeling on window stickers that conveniently helps consumers compare fuel savings.

New car labels feature more on fuel savings

9:38am EDT

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fuel economy labeling unveiled on Wednesday includes information on plug-in electric cars and highlights other advanced technologies aimed at reducing oil use and tailpipe emissions.

The redesigned window stickers required on all 2013 models will allow consumers in showrooms to quickly and more easily compare fuel savings of vehicles in the same or different class, whether they rely on gasoline or are powered by gas/electric hybrid systems.

"Today's car buyers want the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance," said Lisa Jackson, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA developed new labels with the Transportation Department as part of rules adopted last year requiring a 42 percent jump in average efficiency to 35.5 miles per gallon for 2012-2016 vehicles.
The agencies plan a follow-on requirement in September for 2017-2025 cars and trucks that could push efficiency goals to 60 mpg, a target automakers would probably resist if proposed.

Automakers, who supported the new labels, are overhauling their product lines to meet U.S. government and consumer demands that they offer more efficiency and reduce pollution. U.S. passenger vehicles account for about 20 percent of the nation's carbon emissions and about 44 percent of its oil consumption, figures show.

Many cars on the road today already meet or exceed the 2016 standard. U.S. and overseas car companies are accelerating output of hybrids and are beginning to introduce vehicles that run only on electricity for everyday driving.

The EPA labels, which were required by Congress, allow consumers to compare cost advantages of different technologies and for the first time include information on electric cars.

For instance, they post estimates of how much fuel or electricity it takes to drive 100 miles, and how much time it takes to charge a plug-in vehicle, like the mainly electric Chevrolet Volt sedan made by General Motors Co or the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

The most fuel-efficient cars and trucks, however, still represent a fraction of overall U.S. vehicle sales. Less fuel-efficient and more powerful pickups and sport utilities remain enormously popular with American motorists.

(Reporting by John Crawley; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/25/us-autos-fuel-idUSTRE74O44020110525

Think "Green" When Washing Your Car

2011-05-17T13:54:00.000-04:00

There are countless ways to save energy, conserve water, or just be "green" all around. Now more than ever, it's important to always keep the environment in mind throughout your daily life. Think twice before printing that three-page-long email, flip the light switch when leaving a room, and conserve water by taking quicker showers. These are only a few of the ways to be environmentally conscious in your everyday life.

With summer just around the corner, everyone will be tidying up their vehicles for the warm weather. Check out the below article from MSN that delves into the most environmentally friendly way to wash your car!

The Right, Eco-Friendly Way to Wash Your Car

How to keep your car clean and looking good without hurting the environment or the vehicle's paint job.

By Marc Lachapelle of MSN Autos

Hand- washing a car remains the most effective way to keep your vehicle clean, but it is not the most environmentally friendly way to go.

Preserving the environment is a major concern these days, especially when it comes to automobiles. This even applies to something as seemingly mundane as preserving your vehicle's appearance. How and where you wash your car does make a difference. The matter is never more critical than in spring, when most proud car owners are busy washing off the effects of winter's unrelenting assault before it takes a toll on their pride and joy's looks, integrity and mechanical well-being.

Making a habit of keeping your vehicle as clean as possible, inside and out, will reap great benefits. A sparkling-clean car will not only flatter the eye and the owner's ego, it will also help the vehicle last longer and stay in better shape, thus improving resale value.

The question here is: What is the best and most eco-friendly way to achieve and sustain vehicular cleanliness?

Routine Cleaning

Dirt, road salt, tar and various other forms of gunk, goo and residue are your car's worst enemies. Keeping them off your vehicle's bodywork, year-round, is the basic challenge. Hand-washing a car remains the best and most effective way to do this, but it must be done the right way, and even then it is not the most environmentally friendly way to go.

These days the "greenest" way to wash your car is to run it through an automatic car wash. Studies show that a session in the car wash uses roughly half the water the average owner would use while washing it at home with the traditional bucket and hose. Commercial car-wash systems are also required, by law, to contain and collect the water used during the wash. So are professional detailers. The waste water is then cleaned and, in most cases, used again.

Automatic car-wash systems even get the nod from car-care professionals, especially when it comes to routine cleanings. David Lee, owner and operator of L.A. Detail, based in Toronto, offers thorough detailing services, but he freely admits to using commercial car-wash systems for his personal vehicle and says he finds them both useful and practical.

However, Lee is also quick to point out that not all systems are equally safe and effective. He favors the high-pressure, no-contact systems and warns against using systems with rotating brushes or moplike, moving felt mats. It's hard to assess how well-maintained these systems are, and your car's paint finish might be at the mercy of the grit that was scrubbed off the crusty old jalopy that passed through the wash just before your car. And paint could be at risk even in the best-maintained systems because of the friction generated by the brushes and mats.

High-pressure systems also are useful in performing the most difficult of tasks: cleaning off as much dirt and salt as possible from your vehicle's undercarriage, fender liners and rocker panels. The operation is entirely worth the extra couple of dollars, Lee says. "The best approach is to run your vehicle through a car wash regularly to keep the dirt from building up and digging into the surface," he says.

Lee adds that brush-free systems are at their best when only a light wash is needed. Frequency then becomes the key. Their weak point is glass, "so I always use the squeegee on glass surfaces before running my vehicle through," he says.

The Dirty Job

For really dirty jobs, the best and most effective way to wash a vehicle still involves elbow grease. That's how pro detailers do it to this day. It's the only way some dirt and residue can be removed. Clay, for instance, can leave a hazy, brownish film that will resist a high-pressure brushless car wash.

While hand-washing might get your vehicle the cleanest, it can be far from environmentally friendly. The main culprits are the excessive use of water and the release of harmful substances such as soap residue, oil, acid and metal particles into the sewer system while washing and rinsing. Some cities and states have banned home car washing for these reasons. Others do so indirectly by forbidding all use of tap water outdoors to preserve dwindling supplies during hot spells.

If you plan to wash at home, your first move is to get automotive soap and cleaners that are biodegradable and nontoxic. Even then, you should avoid washing over pavement, which would let the wash water drain into a sewer, storm drain or ditch that would then let it seep into the water system. Make sure to wash over grass or gravel that will absorb the water into the ground to reduce or eliminate the environmental impact.

Hand-Wash the Right Way

The golden rule for hand-washing, Lee says, is to be "as gentle as possible" to avoid scratching or etching the finish. Make sure your car is cool and parked in the shade. You should also wash in the shade to keep the surface from drying out instantly and leaving soap streaks and scratches.

Fill two buckets with tap water. The first gets the soap, with the right dilution ratio, and the second is for rinsing dirt and particles off thoroughly as you go over the car, section by section, moving from top to bottom. Leave the rocker panels and wheels, always the dirtiest bits, for last. Otherwise, the grit from these areas will get stuck in the cleaning rags and scratch the finish off your car as you rub it clean.

Your first step it to give your car the best possible rinse to remove as much of the dirt, dust and grime as possible. Pressure washers do a good job. Lee's team uses and recommends them. "They get dirt out of the nooks and crannies and save a lot of water, too, since pressure does most of the job," he says.

You should use two soft mittens or natural sponges for washing. The first only touches the painted surfaces and the second only the wheels, tires and other dirtiest bits. Rinse them in the second bucket as much as needed to get rid of the slightest grain of sand or dirt. Work in sections that you rinse with the hose as you go. Turn the water off between rinses to avoid waste.

Lee gives the nod to the traditional chamois, be it natural or synthetic, to dry the car afterward. Let the chamois soak thoroughly before use and rinse it frequently. Another pro tip is to use the moist chamois to wipe hazy deposits from the instrument panel and the inside of the windshield once the exterior is done.

A good spring cleaning should also include the floors, where a lot of grit, grime, salt and water has accumulated, often leaving a nasty crust where it dries. An excellent tool for this operation is a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. First, vacuum up as much of the dry stuff as you can. If deposits remain, scrub them with a brush, hot water and some vinegar, but do so sparingly. Then vacuum again quickly. Do not use too much water; it will dissolve the salt, and the resulting mixture will seep under the carpet and never dry. The result might be a rusted floor pan. The door jambs and sills should also be cleaned, this time with lukewarm water and soap.

Additional Steps

Once your car shines after that spring cleaning, you will want to wax it for protection against the elements, including the scorching summer sun. Lee says that the two-stage approach of applying a pre-cleaner compound first and then a protective wax is worth the extra effort.

You can also use "dressing" products on your tires. "Use the clear, petroleum-based type that seems to 'nourish' the rubber," Lee says. It is best to apply it with a cloth instead of spraying it on to avoid getting the stuff on your alloy wheels, where it becomes "a dust magnet." And you should wipe off the excess after a few minutes. Indeed, if the oily liquid mixes with brake dust and spins off onto rocker panels and fenders, it can permanently damage the paint.

These additional steps will help preserve the long-term appearance and value of your prized possession. And a clean car always runs nicer, doesn't it?

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1184306&page=0

AAA and Noco Team Up to Help WNY and CNY Save on Gas!

2011-05-11T10:18:00.000-04:00

I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about gas prices on the rise, and even more tired of having to pay a fortune at the pump. If you are a Western or Central New Yorker, you'll be happy to hear that AAA and Noco are teaming up to save you some serious dough. Check out the article below from CSNews.com that highlights this great program.

NOCO Express, AAA Partner for Fuel Savings

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- With the peak driving season upon us, NOCO Express and AAA Western and Central New York have teamed up to offer a fuel savings and rewards program to Western New York AAA members.

The "AAA & NOCO Fuel Advantage" will save drivers three cents on every gallon of gas purchased when they swipe their AAA membership card at participating NOCO Express stations. In addition, AAA members will earn reward points -- 10 points for every gallon of gas purchased and 20 points for every dollar spent inside a NOCO Express store -- redeemable for free NOCO Express gift cards.

This is good news for drivers as a regular gallon of gas in New York was recorded at $4.163 as of this morning, according to AAA.

"As a locally owned and operated company, we know that the high cost of gasoline is impacting the budgets of families throughout the region, including the families of our 700 employees," said Michael F. Newman, executive vice president, NOCO Energy Corp. "We are doing our best to find ways to provide savings to our customers in these very difficult market conditions and the program we are partnering with AAA Western and Central New York is one way we are trying to bring some relief."

The "AAA & NOCO Fuel Advantage" is the first savings program between the two. The organizations have formed a long-term discount partnership that allows future savings opportunities and additional benefits for AAA members and NOCO Express customers.

"With the average cost of self-serve regular currently over $4 a gallon, motorists are looking for ways to save," explained Tom Chestnut, president and chief executive officer of AAA Western and Central New York. "The cost of gasoline impacts the family budget, and AAA understands how important it is to offset higher costs by taking advantage of every available discount."

http://www.csnews.com/top-story-noco_express__aaa_partner_for_fuel_savings-58678.html

New York Among States With Highest Gas Prices

2011-04-26T11:23:00.000-04:00

With gas prices constantly on the rise, you may want to think twice about that road trip and opt for a "stay-cation" close to home. New Yorkers are paying some of the highest gas prices in the country along with seven other states. Check out this AP article below from ABC News.

Gasoline Rises to $3.87 Per Gallon

By CHRIS KAHN AP Energy Writer

NEW YORK April 26, 2011 (AP)

Gas pump prices continue to climb, hitting $3.87 per gallon on Tuesday, though experts say the national average should fall as Americans drive less.

Retail gasoline prices have increased for 35 straight days. They're above $4 per gallon in California, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Alaska and Hawaii.

Pump prices, which have followed oil higher this year, got another boost on Tuesday after three Texas oil refineries lost power. Oil analyst Tom Kloza says the shutdowns may have cut off 300,000 barrels of daily production.

Gasoline futures increased 3 cents to $3.3097 per gallon in morning trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Benchmark crude rose 5 cents to $112.23 per barrel.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=13459318

Wear Your Seatbelt for a Chance to Win a FREE Vacation from William Mattar!

2011-04-07T13:15:00.000-04:00

Do you buckle up when driving or riding in a motor vehicle? If you answered "Yes," then you could enter for a chance to win a FREE trip for four people to Fern Resort in Ontario.

Wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death. That is why our firm has the William Mattar Buckle Your Belt Program, a 4Safety initiative. For all the details visit mattar.com. If you promise to wear your seatbelt every time you are traveling the roads, then you can enter into a drawing to win the trip to Fern Resort or one of many other great prizes including Darien Lake season passes, Pizza Plant gift certificates, Rochester Knighthawks & Rochester Americans tickets, a gift basket from Capello Salon, and more!

Remember, seatbelts help save lives. So, 4Safety, buckle your belt!

New Technology Disables Cell Phone Capabilities While Driving

2011-04-05T12:03:00.000-04:00

Distracted driving is becoming more and more common nowadays. One of the most dangerous ways to become distracted while driving is by using a mobile device. Here at the Law Office of William Mattar we have several safety initiatives, one of which encourages people to avoid texting while driving.

Numerous states have passed laws prohibiting hand held cell phone use while driving. Check out the below AP article from ABC News that talks about a new type of device that disables cell phone capabilities while a car is in motion.

RI Lawmaker: Device Can Stop Texting While Driving

Rhode Islanders caught texting and driving would have to install device to jam phones in car

By DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. April 5, 2011 (AP)

Rhode Island may enlist some high-tech help in the fight against texting while driving: a device that jams most cell phone capabilities when a vehicle's engine is running.

A state lawmaker has proposed legislation to require those caught texting while driving to install such a device. The equipment is wired to a vehicle's engine and alerts the driver's cell phone when the engine is on. Software installed on the phone then disables texting or email capabilities. Phones without the software aren't affected.

Several companies manufacture the technology. Rhode Island would be the first state to require its use for those found in violation of a texting-while-driving ban. A House committee plans to review the proposal Wednesday.

"Texting while driving is such a dangerous thing to do," Rep. Charlene Lima, D-Cranston, said. "This would make sure a person who has been found guilty of doing this won't do it again."

The idea occurred to Lima after she watched a segment about the technology on a morning news show. She said the idea is a natural extension of ignition interlock technology, which prevents those convicted of drunk driving from operating their vehicle if they've been drinking.

Lima said she also wants to require the devices on police and fire vehicles and in the driver's seats of buses and other public transportation.

If lawmakers endorse Lima's proposal, the state will be able to choose from several products in a burgeoning field.

Taser International Inc., the maker of the Taser stun gun, launched a technology two months ago that allows parents to control children's cell phone use while driving. The system prohibits texting or emailing while the phone user's car is moving. It can be modified to only accept phone calls from certain numbers, or to block all calls while the car is moving. Calls to 911 are still allowed.

"We have a number of people at the company that have teenage drivers at home and it made them want to look into this," said Doug Fallon, project manager at Taser. "Traffic collisions are the No. 1 killer of teens. Cell phones are a big problem. This takes that temptation away."

Taser's product retails for $249.95, with a monthly $14.95 service charge.

Competing products detect when a phone is traveling at high speeds and automatically disable texting and emailing abilities. Another works by detecting when a vehicle is put in gear.

But even manufacturers acknowledge the technology isn't perfect. Virtually all the products will only work with the user's phone and car. The technology doesn't work on iPhones or most older-style cell phones.

"It's a solution, but it's not foolproof by any means," said John Fischer, CEO of Try Safety First Inc., a company that developed its own version of the technology. "A smart kid could uninstall it."
Rhode Island outlawed texting while driving two years ago. Violators now face an $85 fine.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=13298953

"Megabus" to Serve Western New Yorkers

2011-03-29T15:22:00.000-04:00

With gas prices on the rise it's hard to find affordable means of travel. If you'd like to take a road trip but don't want to spend big bucks, consider the Megabus. One-way tickets can be purchased at prices as low as $1! Check out the article below from WGRZ.

Megabus Expands Service to Buffalo
Written by Christie Witt

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Megabus.com transportation service is using Pittsburgh to bring service to nine new cities.

Company officials say Pittsburgh will be the hub for service to Erie, Detroit, Toronto, Buffalo, Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo in Ohio. Pittsburgh already has service to New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, Harrisburg and State College.

Seats can be booked starting Tuesday. Service will begin on May 11 with trips originating under the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Travelers who book well in advance can get one-way fares as low as $1.

http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/116141/13/Megabus-Expands-Service-to-Buffalo

Wearing Your Seatbelt Can Win You Some GREAT Prizes

2011-03-17T10:17:00.000-04:00

Do you make the smart decision to buckle up every time you ride in a motor vehicle? If so, then you can enter the William Mattar "Buckle Your Belt" Campaign for a chance to win a trip for four to Fern Resort in Ontario, or one of many other great prizes.

Wearing a seatbelt significantly lowers your risk of getting hurt and can possibly save your life in a car accident. It's a quick and simple task to "click it" as soon as you enter a vehicle. So, please be sure to ALWAYS practice seatbelt safety!

For more information and to register for the William Mattar "Buckle Your Belt" Campaign, follow this link - http://www.mattar.com/buckle-info.php.

William Mattar Elected As President of Western New York Village Preservation Foundation

2011-02-28T16:33:00.000-05:00

The Village Preservation Foundation has once again elected local attorney William Mattar as the organization’s President for 2011. Mr. Mattar has been actively involved in the foundation since its inception and has held the position of President since 2000.

The Village Preservation Foundation hosts yearly celebrations and fundraising events that showcase local area businesses and provide fun for the entire family while displaying the area’s history and culture. The Foundation also hosts the ever-popular local Farmer’s Market and is responsible for the beautification of areas in the local community.

Along with William Mattar as President, the Village Preservation Foundation also elected Ted Young, from Ed Young’s Hardware, as Treasurer and George J. Measer III, from Bee Group Newspapers, as Secretary. The Foundation’s Board of Directors include: William Mattar, Ted Young, George J. Measer III, Ellie Grenauer, Edward Marecki, Wendy Reynolds and Ronald Daniels.

About The Village Preservation Foundation

The Village Preservation Foundation was established in 1999. It was created to inform the public about the culture and history of Western New York. The foundation conducts, sponsors and promotes public events that celebrate the culture and history of the community. Another goal of the foundation is to preserve, protect, promote and beautify public areas.

FREE CO Detector Event Was a Success!

2011-01-25T15:50:00.000-05:00

In support of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness Month, William Mattar Law Offices teamed up with The Amanda Hansen Foundation and Tops Friendly Markets to give away thousands of dollars worth of CO detectors. On Sunday, January 23rd, hundreds of "Buffalonians" lined up at Tops on Niagara Street to received their FREE CO detectors.

The event took place from 10am-2pm. However, lines grew up and down the isles of the supermarket well before 10:00. The first person in line arrived at 7:30am!

The event as a whole was a great success. We gave away over $10,000 worth of CO detectors to hundreds of community members. It was great to partner up with the Amanda Hansen Foundation and Tops to spread the word about the importance of having a CO detector in every home.


Hundreds of people lined up at Tops Friendly Markets on Niagara Street to get their FREE CO Detectors.

Tops Store Manager, Mike Shanahan (Left) presents a donation check to Kim and Ken Hansen, who established The Amanda Hansen Foundation in memory of their daughter.

William Mattar (Right) presents a donation check to Ken and Kim Hansen, who established The Amanda Hansen Foundation in memory of their daughter.

Would You Spend Thousands on a Rental Car?

2011-01-13T14:10:00.000-05:00

Check out this article and slideshow from MSN.com that highlights some of the most outrageous, exotic rental cars:

The Most Radical Rental Cars

By Claire Martin of MSN Autos

Things like gull-wing doors, teak paneling and $450,000 price tags don't make sense for most people's everyday car. But exotic-car rental agencies nationwide offer the chance to sample brands such as Bentley, McLaren and Bugatti for a day without having to lay down hundreds of thousands of dollars. These are among the most expensive rentals in the country, but they may provide you with your one shot at testing the limits of a supercar, pulling 2g around a turn or lounging on yards of natural leather. Here are the top exotic car rentals in the nation and where you can get them.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=1172856&icid=autos_1697&GT1=22007

Continuing Our Safety Initiatives Into the New Year

2010-12-23T16:37:00.000-05:00

Here at William Mattar Law Offices, not only are we committed to helping those injured in auto accidents, but we're also committed to keeping Western New Yorkers safe.

Drinking and driving is always a major concern, especially on big party nights such as New Years Eve. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of people are killed each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. These fatalities accounted for 32% of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States in 2009. That equals out to an average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 48 minutes.

There is no "safe limit" when it comes to drinking and driving. Therefore, whenever you go out for the night, it is important to always have a reliable designated driver if you plan on drinking.

We are happy to be partnering with Designated Drivers of Buffalo for the third year in a row to sponsor FREE rides home on New Years Eve. The William Mattar Safe Ride Home Program offers a FREE ride home for both you and your car from 12:00am-4:00am on January 1st (New Years Eve night). For all the details visit mattar.com and click on the Safe Ride logo in the right column.

In addition, January is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Awareness Month in the state of New York. We will be teaming up with local non-profit organization, The Amanda Hansen Foundation, and Tops Friendly Markets to give away thousands of dollars worth of CO detectors. We'll be giving these away on Sunday, January 23rd from 10:00am-2:00pm at Tops on Niagara Street in Buffalo. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for further details!

Check out our segment on this morning's AM BUFFALO! -
http://www.wkbw.com/programming/am-buffalo/video/Attorney-William-Mattar---Safe-Ride-Home-Program---December-23rd-112386464.html

Attorney William K. Mattar (left) and AM Buffalo's Jon Summers

'Tis the Season for Giving!

2010-12-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

It is that special time of year when we all love to open our hearts to those less fortunate. People throughout the country are showing their holiday spirit by helping families in need through the Salvation Army.

The staff here at William Mattar Law Offices is doing their part to help a local family. The employee participation was overwhelming. We put together boxes upon boxes of great gifts that are sure to brighten this family's Holiday.

The spirit of giving is contagious, so we encourage everyone to "catch the bug" and help out their communities. From buying gifts for those less fortunate to donating time as a volunteer, every little bit helps. So get out there and let your Holiday spirit shine.

Happy Holidays to all!

Tips for Toy Safety

2010-12-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

December is Toy Safety Month and, as we all know, the Holiday shopping season is in full gear. There are many things to keep in mind when shopping for toys. Be sure to follow the below guidelines from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission when searching for gifts for your little ones this season and throughout the year. These and many other helpful tips can be found at www.cpsc.gov.

WHEN BUYING TOYS

Choosing toys with care. Keep in mind the child's age, interests and skill level.

Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages.

Make sure that all directions or instructions are clear -- to you, and, when appropriate, to the child. Plastic wrappings on toys should be discarded at once before they become deadly playthings.

Be a label reader. Look for and heed age recommendations, such as "Not recommended for children under three". Look for other safety labels including: "Flame retardant/Flame resistant" on fabric products and "Washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed toys and dolls.

WHEN MAINTAINING TOYS

Check all toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. A damaged or dangerous toy should be thrown away or repaired immediately.

Edges on wooden toys that might have become sharp or surfaces covered with splinters should be sanded smooth. When repainting toys and toy boxes, avoid using leftover paint, unless purchased recently, since older paints may contain more lead than new paint, which is regulated by CPSC. Examine all outdoor toys regularly for rust or weak parts that could become hazardous.

WHEN STORING TOYS

Teach children to put their toys safely away on shelves or in a toy chest after playing to prevent trips and falls.

Toy boxes, too, should be checked for safety. Use a toy chest that has a lid that will stay open in any position to which it is raised, and will not fall unexpectedly on a child. For extra safety, be sure there are ventilation holes for fresh air. Watch for sharp edges that could cut and hinges that could pinch or squeeze. See that toys used outdoors are stored after play -- rain or dew can rust or damage a variety of toys and toy parts creating hazards.

SHARP EDGES

New toys intended for children under eight years of age should, by regulation, be free of sharp glass and metal edges.

With use, however, older toys may break, exposing cutting edges.

SMALL PARTS

Older toys can break to reveal parts small enough to be swallowed or to become lodged in a child's windpipe, ears or nose. The law bans small parts in new toys intended for children under three. This includes removable small eyes and noses on stuffed toys and dolls, and small, removable squeakers on squeeze toys.

LOUD NOISES

Toy caps and some noisemaking guns and other toys can produce sounds at noise levels that can damage hearing. The law requires the following label on boxes of caps producing noise above a certain level: "WARNING -- Do not fire closer than one foot to the ear. Do not use indoors." Caps producing noise that can injure a child's hearing are banned.

CORDS AND STRINGS

Toys with long strings or cords may be dangerous for infants and very young children. The cords may become wrapped around an infant's neck, causing strangulation. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or ribbons in cribs or playpens where children can become entangled. Remove crib gyms for the crib when the child can pull up on hands and knees; some children have strangled when they fell across crib gyms stretched across the crib.

SHARP POINTS

Toys which have been broken may have dangerous points or prongs. Stuffed toys may have wires inside the toy which could cut or stab if exposed. A CPSC regulation prohibits sharp points in new toys and other articles intended for use by children under eight years of age.

PROPELLED OBJECTS

Projectiles -- guided missiles and similar flying toys -- can be turned into weapons and can injure eyes in particular. Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby or sporting equipment that have sharp points. Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective tips intended to prevent injury. Check to be sure the tips are secure. Avoid those dart guns or other toys which might be capable of firing articles not intended for use in the toy, such as pencils or nails.

ALL TOYS ARE NOT FOR ALL CHILDREN

Keep toys designed for older children out of the hands of little ones. Follow labels that give age recommendations -- some toys are recommended for older children because they may be hazardous in the hands of a younger child. Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger brothers and sisters.

Even balloons, when uninflated or broken, can choke or suffocate if young children try to swallow them. More children have suffocated on uninflated balloons and pieces of broken balloons than on any other type of toy.

ELECTRIC TOYS

Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or misused can shock or burn. Electric toys must meet mandatory requirements for maximum surface temperatures, electrical construction and prominent warning labels. Electric toys with heating elements are recommended only for children over eight years old. Children should be taught to use electric toys properly, cautiously and under adult supervision.

INFANT TOYS

Infant toys, such as rattles, squeeze toys, and teethers, should be large enough so that they cannot enter and become lodged in an infant's throat.

Holiday Travel Tips

2010-11-23T16:43:00.000-05:00

The Holiday season not only brings thanks and joy, it also brings backed up traffic and frustrated travelers. Remember to stay calm and do not stress out while driving. Avoid distractions and always keep your focus on the road.

Furthermore, we all know that the roads are not the only place to get caught up. Air travel can be a nightmare, so take a look at these great tips below from ABC News to help your Thanksgiving travel plans run as smoothly as possible.

Seven Tips for Smooth Thanksgiving Travel

By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ

Nov. 22, 2010

Traveling this Thanksgiving? Expect the roads and airports to be significantly more crowded than last year, thanks in part to an improving economy.

Roughly 42.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from their home this holiday, according to AAA. That's 11.4 percent more than last year.

To help avoid car trouble and unnecessary delays during holiday travel, AAA recommends drivers check their tire treads, tire pressure, wiper blades and battery connections.

While the vast majority of those travelers will be driving, it's those who take to the skies that often deal with the most headaches and heartache. Sure, nobody likes bumper-to-bumper traffic, but would you rather be stuck in traffic in your car or having airport security do a thorough pat-down of your privates?

Besides, it seems that every year the rules of the airport change ever so slightly. (Most people drive every day and the rules of the road really don't change.)

And for fliers, there is some good news: the government is once again opening up some military air space to help speed commercial flights.

Stay Up to Date on the Latest Travel Trends from ABC News on Twitter

So with all that in mind, we reached out to Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor at Travelocity to answer seven commonly-asked questions about flying during Thanksgiving.

#1: May I Bring My Turkey?

The short answer here is yes, though you might get some strange looks at security. Keep in mind, however, your turkey (or whatever other food you bring on the aircraft) must be part of your carry-on luggage and must not take up more than the free one bag and one carry-on item allotted by every domestic airline except Spirit (which charges for carry-on luggage). Remember, though, that the TSA still allows no more than 3 ounces of liquid in any one container, so your turkey cannot be soaking in brine, getting itself ready for dinner at grandma's house.

#2: How Long Do I Really Need to Get Though Security?

Provided you have checked in online before your flight (see question three), you can arrive at security one hour before your domestic flight and most likely be just fine. But, just to be on the safe side, you might want to leave yourself an extra half-hour during a busy travel weekend like Thanksgiving. If you choose not to check in online, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time to be ready for long lines at the check-in counter, which are in addition to the lines at security. Arrive at the airport two hours before all international flights.

#3: How Do I Make Sure I Don't Get Bumped From My Flight?

There is no guaranteed way to avoid getting bumped, but there are certainly ways to minimize your chances. First and foremost, reserve a seat when you purchase your flight online, rather than letting one be randomly assigned to you at a later date. Next, check in online on your carrier's website up to 24 hours before your flight. Often, when a flight is oversold and no one is willing to give up their seat, the airline will bump the person or people who checked in last. Finally, get to the gate as early as possible (see question two; this is when that extra half-hour might come in handy) and reconfirm your seat with the gate agent.

#4: What If I Miss My Connection?

Typically when you miss a connection, the airline just puts you on the next flight to your destination. During a peak travel period like Thanksgiving, however, that might not be so simple because planes are flying very full and you'll have to wait for a flight with an available seat. The easiest way to not miss a connection is to book a direct flight in the first place. If that's not possible, leave a minimum of two hours to make your connecting flight to protect against any delays on the first leg of your trip.

If you've already purchased your flight and you're worried the connecting time is too tight, visit your airport's website to see a map of the airport to get a lay of the land. Then ask your flight attendant on your first flight to tell you what gate your next flight is using. This can save you several minutes of searching for your gate. Finally, if you do miss your connection and it looks as if it is going to be a while before the airline finds you an empty seat to your destination, it's time to be flexible. Be willing to travel to airports near your destination -- for example, Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami, or Charleston instead of Savannah -- if there are empty seats.

#5: What Should I Keep With Me in Case We Get Stranded on the Tarmac?

It is very unlikely that you'll get stranded on the tarmac. However, make sure you're prepared for the worst-case scenario over Thanksgiving weekend and every other time you fly. Keep on your person at all times a fully charged cell phone, all medications, water (purchased post-security) and a snack. If you're traveling with children, make sure they have formula (this is an exception to the TSA liquid rule), diapers and activities to keep them amused. Bottom line -- if you can't live without it, don't put it in your checked luggage, because once it's checked you're not going to see it again until you get to your destination.

#6: Can I Bring Gifts Along?

Yes, but be aware that wrapped gifts may be opened at security. Use gift bags or wait until you arrive at your destination before wrapping presents. And of course, anything you carry on the plane counts towards your allotted one carry-on bag and one personal item.

#7: How Much Will It Cost My Family to Check Our Bags?

That, of course, depends on how many bags you check. Most airlines charge $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second on domestic flights. Exceptions are JetBlue, which allows one free checked bag, and Southwest, which allows two. Generally speaking, a family of four, each checking one bag, will pay a total of $200 round-trip in bag charges. Some airlines offer small discounts -- usually $3 per bag -- if you pay online before your flight.

Your bag must not weigh more than 50 pounds or measure more than 62 inches. Otherwise, it will be subject to overweight and/or oversized bag fees. On international flights, you're often allowed to check one bag free of charge, but check your carrier's website for specifics.

Keep in mind that every ticketed passenger (including a small child) is entitled to one regulation-size carry-on bag and one personal item for free, except on Spirit. Regulation size is generally 45 linear inches or less; you can figure this number out by adding the width plus the length plus the height.

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/thanksgiving-holiday-travel-tips-traffic-flight-delays-ruin/story?id=12195296