Tag Archives: Safety

Teen Driving Safety

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Automobile accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States. Statistics show that in 2010, approximately 2,700 teens were killed and almost 282,000 were treated for injuries, giving them the highest average annual crash and traffic violation rates of any other age group. What causes teenage drivers to be such risky drivers? According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, there are several risk factors. They include:

  • Poor hazard detection
  • Low risk perception
  • Higher risk taking
  • Lack of seat belt use
  • Lack of skill
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Distractions
  • Carrying passengers
  • Night driving

The NHTSA believes there are proven methods to help teens become safer drivers, and have developed strategies to prevent motor vehicle related deaths and injuries. In July 1998, California enacted a new law that requires all new teen drivers to obtain drivers licenses through a three-step process. Research suggests that these graduated drivers licensing (GDL) programs can reduce accidents by up to 40%, by allowing teens to get their initial driving experience under low risk conditions. Under the program, step one includes:

  • The student must drive with an adult over 25 years of age or with a licensed instructor.
  • New drivers must complete a 6 hour drivers training course.
  • He or she must keep a clean driving record.
  • A zero tolerance towards alcohol must be followed.
  • Effective July 2008, a ban on all devices, with or without hands free capability, must be followed by drivers under 18 years.

Once the student is ready to move on to the second step, they will receive a provisional license. Under the provisional license the driver must be older than 16 and have passed a behind the wheel driving test. For the first 12 months, or until the driver is 18, they are not allowed passengers under the age of 20 or to drive between the hours of 11 P.M. – 5 A.M. unless a licensed driver 25 years or older is present.

A full-privilege license may be granted after the driver successfully undergoes the first two steps for the proper amount of time and there are no outstanding DMV or court-ordered restrictions, suspensions, or probation’s on the driver’s record. The NHTSA encourages parents to work with their teenagers and monitor their driving to ensure their safety and the safety of everyone on the road.

Mercedes Benz Potential Engine Fires

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According to Mercedes-Benz, in house testing to replicate a worst case scenario frontal crash, has uncovered a problem that could result in an engine fire. Testing of certain 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles manufactured from December 19, 2011, through May 31, 2012, showed that if the air conditioner refrigerant line should rupture, the gaseous mixture released into the engine compartment could ignite and quickly spread. Mercedes will be asking owners of these vehicles to bring them in to have the refrigerant and all associated lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

BMW Possible Engine Failure

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BMW will be contacting drivers of certain 2013 BMW M5 and 2013 BMW M6 coupe and convertibles high performance vehicles with twin turbocharged V8 engines. According to reports filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles may be equipped with an oil pump that may fail because of a problem with the manufacturing process. The oil pump drive shaft could separate from the rotor starving the engine of oil. If the vehicle is not pulled over immediately, the engine will overheat and eventually seize. BMW will be notifying customers of the the problem starting this month, and will replace the oil pump free of charge. Owners wanting more information may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

Posted in BMW.

Nissan And Suzuki Suspension Problem

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Nissan and Suzuki are contacting owners of certain vehicles manufactured between June 19, 2012 to July 12, 2012, because they may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that do not meed the required design hardness specifications. The hub could wear prematurely and could break, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. The vehicles affected by this recall include:

Toyota Driver Window Switch Problem

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Toyota will be notifying approximately 2.5 million owners of certain 2007-2009 model vehicles of a problem with the power window switch in the drivers side door. According to Toyota, an incorrect window switch lubricant was used which could result in the switch components to wear unevenly. Drivers may notice the switch feeling “sticky”, and if they try to use a commercial lubricant to fix the problem, the switch could melt, possibly causing a fire. Dealerships will require about one hour to inspect the switch and apply a special fluorine grease. Owners wanting more information about the problem can call Toyota’s customer service center at 800-331-4331. The vehicles involved in this recall include:

  • 2007-2008 Yaris
  • 2007-2009 RAV4
  • 2007-2009 Tundra
  • 2007-2009 Camry
  • 2007-2009 Camry Hybrid
  • 2008-2009 Scion XD
  • 2008-2009 Scion XA
  • 2008-2009 Sequoia
  • 2008 Highlander
  • 2008 Highlander Hybrid
  • 2009 Corolla
  • 2009 Matrix

Honda CR-V Door Switch Fire Hazard

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Honda will be contacting owners of certain 2002-2006 Honda CR-V crossover SUV’s because of a problem with the driver side power window switch. Honda said that moisture getting in to the drivers door could cause damage to the master power switch causing it to overheat and possibly ignite. There have not been any accidents or injuries related to the problem, but five inside door fires have already been reported. Honda is asking owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem is fixed, because a fire could start even when the ignition is off. Owners wanting more information may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Chevy Sonic Turn Signal Malfunction

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General Motors (GM) is warning customer’s of certain 2013 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles about a problem that could leave drivers unaware that their turn signals are not functioning. When a turn signal lamp fails to operate, the Body Control Module (BCM) is suppose to detect the condition and warn the driver of the problem. A programing error in the BCM system may fail to warn the driver and if the problem goes unfixed, other drivers will not know that the vehicle is turning. This could increase the risk of an accident. Owners wanting more information can contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Auto Rental Companies Agree On Recall Plan

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Almost eight years after Cally Houck lost her two daughters in a car accident involving a rental vehicle with a recall on it, the five biggest car rental companies in the nation have agreed to support legislation that makes it illegal to rent or sell recalled vehicles. The historic agreement represents 93% of the rental car industry: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Dollar Thrifty and National. Law makers announced the agreement on Thursday saying that they expect the Senate will pass the bill later this year.

  • The bill requires companies to stop renting vehicles within 24 hours of receiving a safety recall notice or within 48 hours if the recall involved more than 5,000 vehicles in a company’s fleet. The vehicles will not be rented or sold until the safety defects are repaired.
  • The companies agreed to back the legislation after some revisions, including allowing the rental of a car if there was a manufacturer approved temporary step that eliminated the safety risk until parts were available.
  • Companies also would be allowed to sell a damaged recalled vehicle as junk.
  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will have authority to investigate and police rental car companies’ recall safety practices.

While the senators praised Houck’s advocacy along with automotive safety groups that pushed the issue, she thanked the lawmakers and industry “in memory of my treasured daughters.”