I intend to purchase a hybrid vehicle here in Washington and I was told that I can save on car insurance using that type of car. How much savings can it cost me for having a hybrid vehicle?

Phil

Kennewick, WA

Car manufacturers are aware that various kinds of hybrids are popular so they are bringing in a lot of new models to meet with an increasing customer crave for hybrid automobiles that match their way of living. And as each hybrid automobile help save the ecosystem, the hybrid car that you intend to purchase in Washington will aid in saving you money as well.

To make having a hybrid vehicle reasonably priced for most people, car insurance providers come about with ground-breaking answers to pay in return for those environmental-friendly motorists. For instance, there are new insurance programs which give bonus to motorists who own or lease hybrid automobiles through providing discounts on their car insurance premiums. Some car insurance providers offer up to 10 percent discount on car insurance premiums to hybrid car owners. They say that giving incentive to customers who have green behavior is their response to the adjustment of customer attitudes toward vehicles. While we are in front of increasing gas prices and environmental issues, car manufacturers are exerting effort to sustain the emerging demand for hybrid cars. The fame of hybrid car would most probably remain to rush forward with new gas economy standards arranged to go into operation in the US in 2017.

Hi, my name is Reid and I live in Renton, Washington and I really like driving but I don’t drink and drive. Is it true that we can judge a driver’s impairment just by looking at their personal appearance or behavior?

Reid

Renton, WA

One of the cues of alcohol impairment is actually one or more of a set of indicators related to the personal behavior or appearance of a driver. There are a lot of indicators which include driving with one’s face close to the windshield, gripping the steering wheel tightly, staring straight ahead with eyes fixed and slouching in the seat. Some police officers routinely scrutinize the faces of motorists in oncoming traffic and look for the indicators of impairment.

Having thick and/or slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol on the breath, fumbling with a wallet to get the driver’s license, flushed face, unsteady gait, difficulty following directions and leaning on the car for support are other personal behaviors and appearance that show a driver is impaired. Some of these like having slurred speech, odor of alcohol and bloodshot eyes are encountered so often that some officers are already trained to expect them and include them in their arrest reports even if they are not actually present. If you notice a driver in Renton, Washington who appears to be impaired, research showed that there is an excellent chance that you are correct in your judgment.

We are preparing for the possible costs that my son has to pay if he gets convicted for his DUI charge here in Washington. What are the things that we can expect to pay for and do you know how much total cost would it be?

Bunny

Lakewood, WA

The national average for costs in relation to a first offense DUI conviction could exceed $20,000. Like some things, that cost could be much higher in the state of Washington. The absolute cost could include posting bail, vehicle towing, car damage (your car and anyone else involved), property damage, DUI fines, lost wages due to jail or prison, attorney fees, hiring expert witnesses to testify at trial, appealing the case if your son receives an unfavorable verdict and higher insurance rates. If your son gets convicted for DUI in Lakewood, Washington, the costs would be any of the aforementioned or it could also be all of them.

The most important thing on that list would be the higher insurance rates because this is a long-term cost. Motorists generally pay high insurance rates after a DUI for at least three years. Let me remind you that your son’s best weapon would be a competent DUI attorney. He needs a DUI attorney who not only knows the game, but also has already perfected his strategy at winning it.