You hear the siren and glance in the rear-view mirror. Sure enough, flashing blue lights are glaring back at you. Maybe you rolled through a stop sign, driven a little too fast or thought you could make one quick phone call without your hands-free device. You might not even know why you’re being stopped, but it’s time to pull over.

No one likes to be stopped by the police, but there are things you can do to make the encounter less stressful and more favorable.

Motorcycles can conjure up classic images of the California lifestyle, from cruising the Pacific Coast Highway to touring Route 66.
 
For many riders, however, motorcycles are more than just image – they’ve become an affordable alternative to conventional four-wheelers.

In general, motorcycles are less expensive to buy, run, maintain and insure than cars.

Having one more for the road might cost you more than you think. Everyone knows drinking and driving is a dangerous choice – causing injuries, property damage and even death – but most people don’t calculate the financial consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The potential costs of a DUI are staggering.  From court costs, fines and attorneys' fees, to traffic school, probation and higher insurance premiums, you can expect to pay $10,000 or more for the experience.

California law mandates that any child under the age of six or weighing less than 60 pounds must be secured in a child safety/booster seat in the rear seat of the car. Although the California Highway Patrol estimates a child’s injury risk is reduced by 33 percent when moved from the front seat to the back, many parents are still not following the law.

California is a state built around the car culture, relying on cars to build businesses, travel, shop and provide a mobile independence. But there comes a time when knowledge and experience behind the wheel is offset by an inevitable decline in physical ability.