It is no surprise that SUVs are among the most popular cars in the United States. SUVs provide amble room, and can handle adverse driving conditions and surfaces. They are the perfect vehicle for the busy family on the go. There are a number of problems with SUVs, however, that need to be kept in mind while purchasing any new vehicle in order to ensure that you can purchase the very best SUV for you and your family.
Poteneial problems with SUVs
Fuel economy is always a concern when buying a new SUV. The average SUV is 33 per cent less fuel efficient that the average passenger car; with rising fuel prices, that can translate into an expensive drive. For instance, if you drive 15,000 miles a year with gas prices at $1.15 a gallon, you will end up spending an extra $420 a year on gas.
SUVs also have an unfortunate tendency to roll over during accidents. SUVs are more likely to roll over because they are far heavier than normal care and ride higher, on average, 8 inches higher than passenger cars. This has likely led to higher levels of fatal accidents in SUV crashes than passenger car crashes. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that rollovers accounted for 37 per cent of all fatal SUV crashes, as compared to only 15 per cent for passenger cars.
SUVs also usually result in higher insurance bills, thanks to the increased safety risk, higher maintenance costs, and the overall popularity of SUVs. On survey showed that SUV owners would pay between 5 and 19 per cent more for their car insurance because they own a SUV.
Which is the Best SUV for Yor Family?
How do you pick the best SUV from the over 80 different SUV models available for sale in the United States? The first step is to identify whether you want a small or full-sized SUV, and whether you will he content with a basic model, or if you want to go all out for a luxury model. Finding the perfect SUV is as much about finding a vehicle your pocket book is comfortable with as it is finding a vehicle that you are comfortable driving.
As with buying any type of car, the most important step in buying a SUV is research. You need to arrive at the car lot prepared, or the salespersons will be able to sell you something you do not really need or want. When you get your research done before you start looking at cars, you will be able to figure out what extras and options you actually need. So, read consumer magazines, look through message boards by current drivers, ask friends and family. It is only once you have done your research and have a general idea what you are looking for, you can start looking at cars.
You have to be sure you are absolutely comfortable with the SUV. There are a lot of models available for you as a consumer, so you do not have to content yourself car you are not truly excited about owning. Take your time, and ask a lot of questions about its safety features and fuel economy. If the salesperson does not have the answers you like or need, go somewhere else.
Of course, before signing any deal to pay for the SUV, be sure to take it for a spin. If you plan to take the SUV off-road, get the salesperson to take you somewhere where you can test this functionality. If you are buying the SUV to make the bumpy trip down your cottage laneway, you are not going to fully experience what that drive will be like by taking a smooth and straight drive down the freeway.
Tamiflu, whose common scientific name is oseltamivir, is part of a family of flu fighting medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. Tamilflu is used in the treatment of infections caused by both the influenza A and influenza B viruses. Tamiflu, which requires a prescription, can be used both to treat the flu if taken soon after symptoms appear, or to prevent the flu.
The difference between Tamiflu and a vaccine is that Tamiflu helps your immune system be in a position to fight off the advance of the viral infection, whereas a vaccine is just a straight injection of dead influenza that causes your immune system to produce antibodies to fight off the virus itself.
Tamiflu demand has skyrocketed over the past year for several reasons. There was a shortage of available flu vaccine during flu season 2005, with in some cases only enough for senior citizens or those with more vulnerable immune conditions being able to get vaccinated.
Also, the U.S. government was concerned that an outbreak of bird flu in the United States could leave the U.S. short on flu vaccines, causing them to hold back supplies just in case of an outbreak. However, the bird flu is different form human influenza.
Bird Flu is much harder to transmit than human influenza, requiring very close physical contact to spread the disease. Bird flu has been observed in countries where humans and animals are in close contact. There have been roughly 70 deaths worldwide and approximately 130 infections since 2005.
It is possible that bird flu will infect someone who is already carrying the human influenza strain, and that the two viruses will swap genetic material, causing the bird flu to spread like a deadlier version of human influenza. A highly virulent straight of bird flu could create a pandemic for the world, as did the Spanish Flu virus of the early 1900's that killed 20 to 50 million people worldwide.
The bird flu is associated with the influenza A strain H5N1 flu virus. Although not the same as the Spanish flu virus, the current avian flu strain does share many similarities with the Spanish flu strain. Initial studies have shown that Tamiflu may be effective in helping to fight the effects of this flu virus if the medication is taken very early after flu symptoms appear. As a result, the demand for Tamiflu has skyrocketed.
A Swiss drug maker, F. Hoffman La-Roche Ltd., currently has a tight hold on the manufacturing of Tamiflu. Biolyse Pharma Corp., when turned down in its bid to try to enter the Tamiflu marketplace, had decided as of December of 2005 to attempt to mass produce several tons of shikimic acid, which is the main ingredient in Tamiflu, from the needles of discarded Christmas trees, as well as other pine, fir, and spruce trees. Such trees are the main source of shikimic acid.
Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is one of several medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Flu shots are still the best way to prevent someone from developing the flu, but as of right now there is no known vaccine for the bird flu. The CDC has announced that development of a vaccine has begun.
Both Stephen Dolan & Jim Pretin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stephen Dolan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acupuncture Chiropractor, Gardening and Ideas for Remodeling. Steve Dolan loves vehicles of all typess. Click to find out more. If you have an accident click. Stephen Dolan's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.
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