Tag Archives: Automobile Safety

Desktop On The Dashboard

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Even after all the talk about distracted drivers and products developed to make less distractions, Intel and Google are hoping to bring your desktop to the dashboard. At the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, they displayed 10 inch screens above the gearshift displaying high definition videos, 3-D maps and web pages. These “infotainment systems” will hit the market this year and are likely to become standard equipment in a wide range of auto’s before long. They prevent drivers from watching video and using some other functions while the car is moving, but they can still pull up content as varied as restaurant reviews and the covers of music albums with the tap of a finger.

Nicholas A. Ashford, a professor of technology and policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says “This is irresponsible at best and pernicious at worst. Unfortunately and sadly, it is a continuation of the pursuit of profit over safety — for both drivers and pedestrians.” The technology and car companies say that safety remains a priority.

Ford Sync’s New Rival Kia UVO

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Earlier I talked about Fords new hands free infotainment service, ‘Sync’, and how it is going to make our roads a little safer by giving drivers less distractions. Next week, Kia Motors Corp. will introduce ‘UVO’, a North American competitor to Ford Motor’s Sync. Ford’s exclusive contract with Microsoft expired at the end of 2008 and in May of that year, Microsoft announced that Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group would develop a voice-controlled infotainment system for the North American market. Fiat Auto Group also uses Microsoft technology to power its infotainment service, called Blue&Me.

Like Sync, UVO is based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, known as the Windows Embedded Auto Software Platform. Spokesmen for Kia and Microsoft say the Kia version will have features unique to the South Korean automaker. UVO will debut on an unnamed Kia vehicle sometime in 2010. The automaker will not release specifics until it formally introduces UVO at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Ford and Microsoft In ‘Sync’

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With concerns about distracted drivers causing automobile accidents, Microsoft has created Sync, a voice controlled in car system where there is no LCD screen distracting you from the road. Push a button on the steering wheel, tell the system what you want and your request is confirmed by a robotic female voice.

Sync is Ford’s voice-controlled in-car system for wireless hands-free operation of a cell phone and for playing music from a connected MP3 player. Automated calls for 911 assistance in the event of an air bag deployment are also part of the Sync package Ford has been adding features to Sync since its introduction. The latest version includes built-in GPS navigation with spoken turn-by-turn directions; traffic updates; recorded news and sports articles; and vehicle health reports.

There is no monthly fees for the first three years (Ford has not determined whether fees may be applicable after that), and drivers do not need to pay extra for a data cell phone plan. The system sends information over a voice channel of the driver’s phone.

Though the system is quite simple to use, drivers do need to learn Sync’s preset commands which means either reading the manual or waiting for prompts from the interactive voice menu. People who have tried the system say they are never 100% comfortable with only voice commands and having passengers in the vehicle make it difficult to have a conversation and follow directions at the same time. Like all new technology, Sync has it’s glitches but hopefully with more testing it can become a tool in making our roads a little safer.

Get Your Teen On the Right Track When Learning to Drive

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Here are some facts about teens and driving:

-Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of teen death in the United States
-Six thousand teens die each year in traffic accidents.
-Teens are 10 times more likely to die in a vehicle accident than the average driver.
-a teenager is injured in a motor vehicle accident every 15 minutes.

The best way for a teenager to learn to drive, is to practice “avoidance and survivability.”

“Avoidance” means to avoid distractions when driving — talking or texting on cell phones, talking to a friend in the car, eating or paying more attention to the stereo.

“Survivability” is simple….”Buckle Up”! In many accidents involving teens, the teen has been ejected through the windshield because they were not wearing their seat belts

The standards for teens to get a drivers license is higher today than it was when we were learning to drive. Many states now require at least 30 hours behind the wheel before issuing a license. (Most veteran driving instructors suggest at least 40 hours practice). Since most schools provide only about 5-6 hours of driving training most of the responsibility is on the parent.

Here are some tips to help you help your teen become a better driver.

When you first take your teen out, start in an area where there is very little traffic. Picking a familiar area makes it easier and more comfortable for the driver and teacher. Avoid talking down to your student or loosing patience with them, the extra stress can only hurt the learning process. Give directions well in advance. As your teen becomes more comfortable behind the wheel, less instruction will be needed and you can increase the responsibilities of your teen. Eventually taking them driving at night and then in poor weather.

Teaching your teen to drive starts before your teen even starts to drive. Hopefully, by watching your driving techniques your child should have already picked up some ‘good’ habits. Ultimately, parents should make the best teachers for their kids, but if this is not possible, there are many public and private companies offering driving instruction.

Toyota Recalls Gas Pedals in Biggest Recall Ever

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Sept. 29, 2009, Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Toyota’s largest recall ever. The recall covers Toyota and Lexus models, including Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks, Camry, Prius, Avalon, Lexus ES and IS cars. The problem allegedly caused more than a dozen fatalities and resulted in more than 100 formal complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The action addresses the unintended acceleration of some vehicles, which Toyota previously blamed on floor mats becoming trapped between the drivers’ feet and the gas pedal. Toyota continues to ask owners of the recalled vehicles to remove driver’s side floor mats until the company provides additional information.

Toyota Motor Corp. Dealers will begin repairs in January by shortening the gas pedals as a temporary measure. Replacement pedals and a new brake system should be available in April 2010 on some of 3.8 million vehicles recalled.

For 2005 through 2010 model year Toyota Avalons, 2007 through 2010 Camry and Lexus ES350, the automaker will reconfigure the floor surface beneath the pedal to create more space between the pedal and the floor. The brake over-ride system that will be offered on the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES and IS models should ensure the car stops if both the accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time. Many of the reported incidents involved sudden increases in speed when the cruise control system is engaged. Drivers have reported that their brakes could not stop their vehicles when they experienced the phenomenon.

Toyota intends to make the brake over-ride feature standard throughout the Toyota and Lexus product lines beginning in January 2010.

What are the between TSB’s and Recalls?

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TSB’s (Technical Service Bulletins) are documents issued by a car manufacturer to it’s dealerships which advises fixes for a known defect or problem. The TSB’s give both the car owner and dealers information about what may happen with a particular model or vehicle. TSB’s are intended to assist the dealerships with ongoing repairs. The notices are not compulsory so the dealer or car maker do not have to make the repairs or even let the consumer know about them.

Recalls are mandatory and generally relate to safety concerns or emission problems. The government has determined there is a potential design flaw and may be unsafe and dangerous. The manufacturer is required to issue an official recall notice and the government mandates that the car makers make specific repairs to the exact make and model. The government requires that you be notified by mail by the manufacturer.

Think the car you are driving may be a lemon? Call the California Lemon Law firm, Delsack and Associates to have your questions answered. 888-395-3666 (888-Ex-Lemon).