Christina's Traffic Blog

Construction Update: November 19, 2009

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:02:11 GMT

In order to make it easy for you to prepare for construction on your travels I have compiled a list of current construction projects and closures seperated by county, along with a detailed description of each project's purpose. If you want to know about construction that is not mentioned here, feel free to send me an email and I will be happy to add it. CLoren@CBS.com Thank you to MDX & FDOT for always keeping us up to date.

Find out where your Turnpike Toll Money Goes:

http://cbs4.com/local/Turnpike.Tolls.Toll.2.1319866.html

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

SR 874 – Don Shula Expressway

Ramp Closure

The exit ramp from southbound SR 874 to northbound SW 107^th Avenue will be closed for bridge construction. The closure will take place daily beginning Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (MDX Project No. 87404).

Detour: Motorists wishing to access northbound SW 107^th Avenue should continue on southbound SR 874. Exit at SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway) and turn left. Turn right on SW 108^th Avenue (East Perimeter Road). Turn right on SW 100^th Street and turn left to access northbound SW 107^th Avenue.

Ramp Closure

The entrance ramp to northbound SR 874 from westbound SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway) will be closed for sound barrier wall construction and striping activities. The closure will take place daily beginning Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (MDX Project No. 87404).

Detour: Motorists wishing to access northbound SR 874 are advised to follow posted detour signs. Continue west on SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway) and turn right on SW 108^th Avenue (East Perimeter Road). Turn right on SW 100^th Street. Turn right on SW 107^th Avenue. Turn left on SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway) to access the entrance ramp to northbound SR 874.

Mainline Closure

Alternate lanes on southbound and northbound SR 874 will be closed between SW 88^th Street (Kendall Drive) and SW 112^th Street for temporary barrier wall installation and lighting improvements. The closure will take place nightly beginning Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13 from 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. (MDX Project No. 87404).

Traffic Shift – Mainline Closures

To facilitate drainage construction activities along the southbound portion of SR 874, southbound travel will be shifted across the median to northbound travel lanes as follows:

The left lane on southbound SR 874 will be closed from just south of SW 72^nd Street (Sunset Drive) to SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway). Traffic on westbound SR 878 will be reduced to one lane at the merger of SR 878 with SR 874. Just south of the merger of SR 878 with SR 874, traffic will be reduced to one lane which will be re-directed, via a temporary median crossover, to the left lane on northbound SR 874. Northbound SR 874 will be reduced to two right lanes from just south of SW 104^thStreet (Killian Parkway) to just south of SW 88th Street (Kendall Drive).

Traffic on southbound SR 874 will return to the normal configuration just south of SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway). Access to the exit ramp from southbound SR 874 to SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway) will be maintained. Traffic on northbound SR 874 will return to the normal configuration just south of the exit to SW 88^th Street (Kendall Drive). Motorists are advised to observe the posted reduced speed limit while traveling through the construction zone. The traffic shift will take place on Friday, November 13 at 9 p.m.; traffic will return to the normal pattern on Monday, November 16 at 5:30 a.m. (MDX Project No. 87404).

As a result of the traffic shift to help facilitate drainage construction on SR 874, the following ramp closures will take place:

Ramp Closure

The right lane on the entrance ramp to northbound SR 874 from eastbound SW 104^th Street (Killian Parkway) will close on Friday, November 13 at 9 p.m. and will re-open on Monday, November 16 at 5:30 a.m. (MDX Project No. 87404).

Ramp Closure

The exit ramp from southbound SR 874 to northbound SW 107^th Avenue will close on Friday, November 13 at 9 p.m. and will re-open on Monday, November 16 at 5:30 a.m. (MDX Project No. 87404).

Ramp Closure

The entrance ramp to southbound SR 874 from SW 88^th Street (Kendall Drive) will close on Friday, November 13 at 9 p.m. and will re-open on Monday, November 16 at 5:30 a.m. (MDX Project No. 87404).

Detour: Motorists wishing to access southbound SR 874 from eastbound or westbound SW 88^th Street (Kendall Drive) should detour through southbound SW 107^th Avenue. Continue on southbound SW 107^th Avenue to access the ramp to southbound SR 874.

SunPass Lane Closure

The right high-speed SunPass lane at the southbound SR 874 toll plaza will be closed for maintenance activities. The closure will take place during daytime hours on Thursday, November 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (MDX Maintenance).

SR 836 – Dolphin Expressway

Ramp Closure

The exit ramp from westbound SR 836 to southbound NW 42^nd Avenue (LeJeune Road) will be closed to perform repairs to existing guardrail. The closure will take place overnight on Wednesday, November 4 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (MDX Maintenance).

Detour: Motorists wishing to access southbound NW 42^nd Avenue (LeJeune Road) should exit SR 836 at NW 57^th Avenue. Perform a U-Turn at NW 11^th Street to access eastbound SR 836. Continue on eastbound SR 836 to access the exit ramp to southbound NW 42^nd Avenue (LeJeune Road).

Mainline Closure

The Miami-Dade Expressway Authority will perform a moving operation on eastbound and westbound SR 836 just west of NW 45^th Avenue for survey activities. Motorists should be aware that traffic in alternate lanes may periodically be slowed to a gradual stop and are advised to proceed with caution. The moving operation will take place nightly beginning Monday, November 2 through Friday, November 6 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (MDX Project No. 83622).

Mainline Closure

The right lane on eastbound and westbound SR 836 will be closed from just west of NW 45^th Avenue for underground utility installation. The closure will take place nightly beginning Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (MDX Project No. 83622).

Mainline Closure

The left high-speed SunPass lanes on eastbound SR 836 will be closed at the mainline toll plaza near NW 17^th Avenue for maintenance activities. The closure will take place overnight on Wednesday, November 4 from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. (MDX Maintenance).

SR 836 – Dolphin Expressway

Mainline Closure

The right lane on westbound SR 836 will be closed from just west of NW 45^th Avenue for utility installation. The closure will take place nightly beginning Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (MDX Project No. 83622).

Mainline Closure

The left lane on westbound SR 836 will be closed just east of the NW 97^th Avenue toll plaza for lighting improvements. The closure will take place during daytime hours on Saturday, November 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (MDX Project No. 30017).

Mainline Closure

The right lane on westbound SR 836 will be closed between NW 87^th Avenue and NW 107^th Avenue to perform repairs to the overhead signs. The closure will take place nightly beginning Wednesday, November 11 through Sunday, November 15 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (MDX Maintenance).

SunPass Lane Closure

Alternate high-speed SunPass lanes at the eastbound SR 836 toll plaza at NW 17^th Avenue will be closed for maintenance activities. The closure will take place overnight on Thursday, November 12 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (MDX Maintenance).

SR 112 – Airport Expressway

Mainline Closure

The right lane on westbound SR 112 will be closed west of the NW 27^th Avenue entrance lane to perform repairs to existing light poles. The closure will take place overnight on Sunday, November 1 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. (MDX Maintenance).

Mainline Closure

Alternate lanes on eastbound SR 112 will be closed at NW 27^th Avenue for barrier wall improvements. The closure will take place on Monday, November 2 at 7 a.m. and will re-open on Tuesday, November 3 at 5 p.m. (MDX Project No. 30019).

Mainline Closure

Alternate lanes on westbound SR 112 will be closed at NW 22^nd Avenue for barrier wall improvements. The closure will take place on Tuesday, November 3 at 9 p.m. and will re-open on Wednesday, November 4 at 5 p.m.; lanes will close again on Wednesday, November 4 at 9 p.m. and will re-open on Thursday, November 5 at 5 p.m. (MDX Project No. 30019).

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

TURNPIKE – MILLING AND RESURFACING PROJECTS (MILEPOST 0-9, 11-16 & 20-22)

·         The right lane and shoulder will be closed on various segments of the southbound Turnpike between S. Dixie Highway/U.S. 1 (Exit 1) and Allapattah Road (Exit 9) from 8 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, through Thursday, Nov. 5.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Construction is underway to remove the existing pavement and to resurface and restripe various segments of the Turnpike: from the U.S. 1 (Exit 1) to Allapattah Road (Exit 9). The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2010. Approximate cost: $5.5 million.

HOMESTEAD and BIRD ROAD TOLL PLAZAS (MILEPOST 10 AND MILEPOST 23)

·         One northbound or southbound SunPass-only open road tolling lane may be closed at either the Homestead or Bird Road toll plaza between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, through Thursday, Nov. 5, as work crews obtain soil samples.

OKEECHOBEE TOLL PLAZA OPEN ROAD TOLLING AND NW 74TH STREET INTERCHANGE (MILEPOST 32)

·         One Turnpike lane in each direction will be closed north and south of the Okeechobee toll plaza from 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, through Thursday, Nov. 5, for drainage inspections and maintenance of traffic activities. At least one lane in each direction will remain open.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Okeechobee mainline toll plaza will be converted into an open-road tolling plaza that will allow motorists with SunPass to travel at highway speeds while their toll is collected via SunPass equipment overhead ... no gates, no tollbooths. Cash-paying motorists will pull off the highway onto ramps with traditional tollbooths and then merge back onto the travel lanes. A new SunPass-only interchange is under construction at Northwest 74^th Street. Construction began in January 2007 and is scheduled for completion in the spring 2010. Approximate cost: $64.8 million.

TURNPIKE – BRIDGE PAINTING AT MIAMI GARDENS DRIVE

·         One or two lanes in either direction on Miami Gardens Drive will be closed overnight beneath the Turnpike overpass from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, through Thursday, Nov. 5. Two lanes in each direction will remain open between 7 and 11 p.m.; one lane in each direction will remain open between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

·         One lane in each direction also may be closed on Miami Gardens Drive, beneath the Turnpike overpass, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project consists of cleaning and painting the Turnpike bridge over Miami Gardens Drive. Work began in late August and is scheduled for completion by the end of January 2010. Approximate cost: $260,000.

BROWARD COUNTY

I-595 EXPRESS CORRIDOR TRAFFIC IMPACT REPORT November 1 – November 6

FORT LAUDERDALE – Eastbound S.R. 84 will undergo one rolling lane closure between Hiatus Road and Pine Island Road, nightly, from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning on Monday, November 2 and ending on Wednesday, November 4.

Westbound S.R. 84 will undergo one rolling lane closure between Hiatus Road and Pine Island Road, nightly, from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning on Wednesday, November 4 and ending on Friday, November 6.

MPS3D will be collecting measurements throughout the corridor to use during the design phase of the I-595 Express Corridor Improvements Project.

BROWARD COUNTY

TURNPIKE WIDENING – GRIFFIN ROAD TO SUNRISE BOULEVARD (MILEPOST 53 to 58)

· One to two lanes in both directions will be closed periodically on the Turnpike between Griffin Road (Exit 53) and Sunrise Boulevard (Exit 58) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, November 1, through Friday, November 6.

Interchanges affected:

· Periodic, off peak, night time lane closures both eastbound and westbound on I-595 under the Turnpike from Sunday, November 1, through Friday, November 6.

· Sunrise Blvd (Exit 58) southbound exit will be closed Tuesday, November 2 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

TURNPIKE WIDENING – SUNRISE BOULEVARD TO ATLANTIC BOULEVARD (MILEPOST 58 to 66)

· One to two lanes in both directions will be closed periodically on the Turnpike between Sunrise Boulevard (Exit 58) and Atlantic Boulevard (Exit 66) from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, November 1, through Friday, November 6.

Local road affected:

· Periodic, off peak, night time lane closures in both directions on Commercial Boulevard from Sunday, November 1, through Friday, November 6.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project is a multi-million dollar construction program to widen Florida’s Turnpike in Broward County, an additional travel lane is being added to both the northbound and southbound directions. There are three active phases in progress from Griffin Road (Exit 53) and Atlantic Boulevard (Exit 66). Approximate project cost: $260 million.

TURNPIKE – ONE MILE SOUTH OF SAWGRASS INTERCHANGE (MILEPOST 70.0 to 70.5)

· One or two lanes in both directions will be closed periodically on the Turnpike north of Sample Road (Exit 69) and south of Glades Road (Exit 75) from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday, November 1, through Friday, November 6.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Broward County is extending Wiles Road to Powerline Road by constructing a bridge over the Turnpike.

U.S. Dept. Of Energy - Fuel Saving Ideas

Wed, 27 May 2009 06:45:44 GMT

If you are someone trying to cut down on fuel costs, here are some fantastic fuel saving tips that you can implement immediately to start saving money at the pump. Driving your vehicle more efficiently will also make you a safer driver, as taking it easy and avoiding a lead foot will lead to better fuel economy in your vehicle. If we were all to slow it down and drive like proverbial "grannies" we could cut down overall gas consumption in this country significantly. Decreasing overall demand will increase the supply of oil available for sale on the market and prices in turn will come down. In Theory ;)

Drive Sensibly

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

	Fuel Economy Benefit:	5-33%
	Equivalent Gasoline Savings:	$0.10-$0.69/gallon

Observe the Speed Limit

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.

You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas.

Observing the speed limit is also safer.

	Fuel Economy Benefit:	7-23%
	Equivalent Gasoline Savings:	$0.15-$0.48/gallon

Remove Excess Weight

Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

	Fuel Economy Benefit:	1-2%/100 lbs
	Equivalent Gasoline Savings:	$0.02-$0.04/gallon

Avoid Excessive Idling

Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control

Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Use Overdrive Gears

When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

Goodyear's Wet Driving Tips

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:32:46 GMT

Rainy weather interrupted this morning's commute and all of our major north to south highways: I-95, Florida's Turnpike, I-75, & SR-826 saw heavier than normal delays due to accidents. Driving through terrential downpours is not uncommon here in South Florida and it can be intense and terrifying when you completely lose visibility from what feels like a waterfall coming down on your windshield. It is impossible to account for what other drivers do, but there are ways that you can safegaurd yourself to prevent accidents from happening in a sticky situation, even if you are not the driver at fault. Here are some great driving tips to prepare you for our rainy season:

1. Routinely check your tires...

Always check your tires before you hit the road. Make sure you do the following routine maintenance: Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, door-post, and glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual. The number listed on the side of the tyre is not the recommended air pressure for your tyre -- it is the maximum air pressure for the tyre. You should check your tyre's air pressure at least once a month. Check the tyre's tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids and aquaplaning.

2. Slow down.

As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tyre's tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.

3. Know how to recover from a skid.

Skids can happen even to the most cautious drivers. If your car does skid, remember not to slam on the brakes. Do not pump the brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead, apply firm, steady pressure to the brakes and steer the car in the direction of the skid.

4. Keep your distance from the car ahead.

Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls - steering, clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and can easily slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, rear lights, brake lights and turn indicators are working properly. It takes about three times longer to brake on wet roads than it does on dry roads. As more distance is required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

5. Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.

Avoid using your brakes. Whenever possible, slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator. Turn your headlights on, even in a light rain. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights, you should turn them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.

6. Prepare for your journey.

7. Learn how to avoid and deal with aquaplaning.

Aquaplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires and the road. At this point, your car can be completely out of contact with the road, and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane, or even off the road. To avoid aquaplaning, keep your tires properly inflated, maintain good tread on your tires and replace them when necessary, slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tyre tracks left by the cars in front of you. If you find yourself aquaplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the accelerator until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do so gently with light pumping actions. If your car has ABS, then brake normally; the car's computer will mimic a pumping action, when necessary.

8. If the rain becomes too heavy, stop!

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades, allowing an almost continuous sheet of water to flow over the screen. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers.

9. First rains make the road very slippery.

The first rains always make the roads the most difficult to drive on, as the mud and oil on the dry road combines with the water and forms a rather slippery layer. Drivers are likely to experience reduced control, and are cautioned to be extra careful for the first half-hour after it begins to rain.

10. Cloudy weather reduces visibility.

Use extra caution when passing other vehicles.

11. Dry your brakes after driving through standing water.

If you have driven through standing water deep enough to get your brake shoes wet, apply the brakes lightly to dry them.

12. Don't drive while fatigued.

Stop at least every couple of hours or every hundred miles to rest.

Smart Car Blog

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:49:05 GMT

For the month of February I am testing out a 2009 Smart Car to check out whether or not it is a feasible automobile for South Florida. I went to the Smart Center in Coral Gables and enthusiastically traded out my 1994 Lexus ES 300 (Oldie but goodie) for a convertible cherry red Smart ForTwo. Now this is a tiny ride, so before embarking on this brave endeavor I researched the safety of my new charriot that would carry me from Broward to Dade and hopefully the Keys over the next month. Here's what I found:

Pretty durable judging by that test.

So far I have had some pretty interesting experiences in the Smart Car. Everywhere I go people are intrigued by the petit automobile and there are certainly a great deal of laughs and smiles from my fellow drivers. Children love this car. Kids probably figure since they are small like the car, they could easily drive it.

Katie likes the Smart Car.

Smart Car Blog

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:43:54 GMT

Feb 26, 2009

This video shows just how fast the Smart Car can take off. The undersized auto accelerates like a jack rabbit because it's so light. I really like that about this car, It can travel at speeds of 90mph+. I still have some reservations about driving on the highway due to minor blindspot issues, but overall I have enjoyed this experience and really do like the Smart Car. If you are a good driver you can handle this vehicle in any driving situation.

"SMARVETTE"

"SMARBORGHINI"

"SMORSCHE" . . . and the original picture that was photoshopped.

Feb 19, 2009

You may have seen these pictures of new model Smart Cars, unfortunately they are fakes. I will admit, I was pretty excited picturing myself cruising down Ocean Drive in a "Smarborghini."

February 11, 2009

Most of the time, driving around South Florida in the Smart Car is quite fun. People generally smile and wave at me while I'm behind the wheel, and since I am friendly myself, I will happily wave back. In a safe area, I'll even "toot toot" the horn as people pass by.Today, however,a dark cloud of uncertainty followed me around in the Smart Car. It was then that I had to question these friendly antics and replace them with an unnerving sense of doubt. A man in a truck pulled up along side me on the Palmetto and waved. I smiled and waved back as usual, but after that I just coundn't shake him. He proceeded to get behind me and followed me all the way to my exit. So, as you may imagine, I was hoping that we just so "happend" to be headed in the same direction. At this point my antenna went up and I became leary of the impending situation. While approaching the first stoplight on 8th St. I was able to zip around and he wound up stopped in front of me. Just when I thought I was out of the woods,he get's out of his car, walks over to me and taps on my driver's side window. Shakily I rolled it down and he told me in a friendly tone, that he was following me because it appeared as if my wheel was about to fall off and he wanted to fix it. I told him I would follow him, but when he turned, I just kept on going. This whole situation startled me to my core and although I wanted to, I did not trust him. As I continued driving I was on edge thinking there could be a a real problem with the tire. I decided to take a chance and cautiously made my way to a safe destination. When I arrived, I checked the tire, it was in perfect condition.

This woman likes the horn as much as I do.

February 10, 2009

Filled up with gas for the first time. Ten days into the test run, so not too bad considering that I drive all over South Florida on a weekly basis. So how much to fill 'er up? With an eight gallon tank, premium gas a must . . . $17.50. Pretty good when you consider the long term savings. So let's do the math. Of course, gas prices are always changing, but for argument sake, let's say gas prices are set at a fixed cost. At $17.50 per tank, re-fueling every ten days, I would spend an average of $638.75 per year on gas. Here's the breakdown: Since there are 365 days in a year I would have to fill up 36.5 times at an average price of $17.50 per tank. So 36.5 fillups x $17.50 per tank = $638.75 per year on gas. Now, let's try it with my 1994 V6 Lexus, which costs about $44.00 every ten days per tank. 36.5 x $44.00= $1606.00. Almost a $1000 savings in gas each year. Pretty amazing when you look at it like that! Guess it makes sense as to why these cars are so popular in Europe where in Paris, for instance, gas can get as expensive as $8.75 per gallon of regular.
February 7, 2009

Today I had an opportunity to do weather, live from Tropical Park with South Florida's "bravest." The 2nd Annual Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Expo was a blast. Of course I had to make an entrance, so I rolled into the park in the Smart Car, top dropped, with "Bad To The Bone" blaring out of the speakers. With heads already turned, mouths dropped when I parked on the highest hill in park. The car fit so perfectly perched on this hill that people were walking up to it as though it were it's own exhibit.

February 2, 2009

I took the Smart Car on the highway for the first time today; I-95 to be specific and it was a little nerve racking to say the least. Getting onto the highway was by far the scariest even though there was no congestion at the time. Cars were zoooming by me, even in the slow lane. Merging into the center lane was a breeze but the initial uncertainty of not knowing what to expect from this little convertible, had me on edge...especially at 60mph. When all was said and done, it was not that bad. Thankfully I arrived at my destination in one piece. At least I now know what it will feel like next time I'm on the highway.

Likes so far:

The car sits up high, so you are at eye level with trucks and have great windshield visibility.

Great gas mileage.

Beeping the horn is exhilirating because the sound suits the car so well.

I like seeing people smile and laugh so I must admit, the attention is fun.

Air conditioner, heater, stereo with MP3 capabilities, seat warmers and fog lights all work great.

The headlights are very bright and really give great night perspective.

Dislikes so far:

Blindspot issues. Not in the Smart Car itself, but the vehicle is so small that it's easy for others to miss you.

Engine is a three cylinder with a small transmission so as car is shifting gears it is noticeable at first.