Texas Goverment Debates Over Texting Ban

Lawmakers met earlier this week to begin work on House Bill 63, filed by state Rep. Tom Craddick, designed to ban texting while driving. The state Legislature will review statistics suggesting that bans in other states have not reduced accidents and are difficult to enforce, and discussing ways to make the proposed law more effective if it passes in Texas.

It's obvious that as society become more immersed in a technological world of devices and constant communication, that it can have an effect on the attention of a driver to focus on the road rather than their blackberry. "When I see someone swerve, I no longer think, 'Hey, look at that drunk guy,'" State Rep. Eddie Lucio III said. "I think, 'He's texting.'"

Last month, Rick Perry's deputy press secretary Josh Havens said the governor “continues to believe that texting while driving is reckless and irresponsible” and that “the key to dissuading drivers from texting while driving is information and education, not government micromanagement.”

25 Texas cities currently have bans over texting and driving while in the city limits. There is also a law in place prohibiting anyone under 18 from using telecommunications device while driving.

Read more about the lawmakers debate on a texting ban.

Deciphering Your Check Engine Light

When the "Check Engine" light comes on in your car, it's usually followed by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. But the truth of the matter is it means you need to visit a mechanic to determine the cause of the light and prevent future damage.

The Check Engine light — is a signal from the car's engine computer that something isn't right. If there is any change in the car's performance, any mechanical noises, smoke from the tailpipe or electrical smells, stop the car and call for immediate assistance. If there are none of these symptoms, restart the car and if the light maintains on then you'll need to visit a mechanic to diagnose the problem.

Car's made after 1996, have a standardized system under a protocol called OBD-II, which stipulated a standardized list of diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) and mandated that all cars provide a universal connector to access this information. It's usually located under the steering column and is easy to access, if you take your car to any mechanic they will have a code reader that connects to this standardized on board diagnostics (OBD) port and transmits a code to diagnose the problem. For more information about engine light coding there are helpful websites such as Engine Light Help.

CarMD published a list of the five most common Check Engine light codes:

• O2 sensor (part of the emissions system, monitoring and helping adjust the air-fuel mixture)
• Loose gas cap
• Catalytic converter
• Mass air flow sensor (monitoring the amount of air mixed in the fuel injection system)
• Spark plug wires

In summary, just because the check engine light comes on does not mean that you have a costly repair ahead of you, what it does indicate is that there is something that isn't right. The light indicates the need for you to take your car in to a mechanic or service department as soon as possible to find out exactly what is wrong and to prevent further damage. Orr Nissan of Greenville service department's trained mechanics will solve the problem and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

How To: NissanConnect

How to Pair a phone, or other Bluetooth capable device, using NissanConnect with Navigation, available for the 2013 Nissan Altima, 2013 Nissan Sentra, Nissan Titan, Nissan Frontier, Nissan Xterra and NV200.

21st-Century SHIFT_

Over the past decade a SHIFT_ has been made. Nissan has nearly doubled the number of models offered and nearly doubled its sales. In 10 years, the diverse lineup has grown to include Nissan's first full-sized truck, all-new hybrid technology and a 21st-Century supercar. And this is only the beginning of what's to come.

Nissan believes that cars should change the world and the way we move through it. As we embark on a new decade, Nissan's manifesto is to build vehicles that are more efficient, more beautiful, more inspiring and more human than ever before. That is our commitment to you.

Nissan Now

Get to Nissan Now and score big savings on our most innovative lineup, ever. Get great offers on fuel-efficient sedans, versatile crossovers, durable trucks, and capable SUVs. With all-new models, now is the time to get big savings on the Nissan you want. Time is running out. Event ends soon. Hurry in to Orr Nissan of Greenville Now!

The Nissan Green Program

The Nissan Green Program promotes activities not only in development and manufacturing departments associated with the production of automobiles, but also in sales, service, and all other departments company-wide. In specific terms, this program ensures that environmental action plans are formulated, that targets and aims relating to business activities and associated indirectly with the environment are set for mid-term, long-term, and yearly periods, and that every possible effort is made to achieve sustainable improvement.

2013 Nissan Quest

The 2013 Nissan Quest has standard front-wheel drive, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist, an electronic stability system with traction control, a blind spot warning system and six airbags, 260-horsepower.

"Without question, the seven-seat Quest is my favorite minivan to drive. Not only does it glide over bumps in the road, but it has more than enough power with its 3.5-liter V-6 engine to pull its weight -- even when packed to the gills with children and child-safety seats." Breann Ahara wrote in a NewsDay review article.

"Nissan deserves major kudos for its intuitive navigation and audio systems. I especially liked the way the large, easy-to-read buttons were laid out." Breann Ahara, NewsDay.

Hot on the Lot: 2013 370Z Coupe

2013 Nissan 370Z Coupe: 2-door 7-speed automatic coupe in brilliant silver metalic. Nissan intelligent key keyless entry and ignition system, aluminum Wheels, Head Airbag, Heated Mirrors. In addition it gets 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. This 370Z Coupe is the perfect combination of sporty and class. Come test drive it today!

Red-Light Camera Controversy

Red-light cameras are now common across Texas, with at least 35 cities using them to monitor intersections. Over the past two decades, red-light cameras have become familiar as hundreds of cities and towns across the country have installed these high-tech camera systems to catch people rolling through right turns or driving through intersections on a light that's already turned red.

The initial reason for the cameras was based on statistical data that showed almost half of all car crashes that cause injuries happen at intersections, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In order to decrease the number of crashes in intersections, red-light cameras offer tickets as the punishment handed down fr breaking the law. Drivers who run red lights are responsible for about 2 percent of all fatal accidents a year. In 2009, that number equaled 676 fatalities, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

There's also little disagreement that red-light cameras work. One example of research supporting that assertion is a June 2011 report by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University. It found that cameras at 275 state intersections they studied were effective in reducing crashes.

According to the Texas Tribune, some red-light camera in Dallas earn upwards of $650,000 in annual revenue. Wile these cameras are decreasing the number of crashes, they have become cash-cows for cities.

So we must ask, what's you opinion on the matter? Do you believe that red-light cameras are safety devices that keep our roads safer, or just another revenue for city government?

Oil Change and Inspections Special

Since it is a new year, it means one thing: inspection stickers begin to expire. So we here at Orr Nissan of Greenville are offering you a deal that is too good to be true. Come stop by our service department and for $24.95 we will change your oil and and give you a free inspection. Visit our website for more service deals!