An automobile consumer safety blog
From the monthly archives:
Being prepared in an emergency, or even if it is less dire and you just become stranded, is an important part of being a responsible driver. Now it is likely that many motorists will have a mobile phone or GPS, so the idea of being stranded seems practically impossible, but it is not out of the realm [...]
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The results are in on the most unsafe vehicles of 2009. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have released their findings for the crash tests that they have performed on all of the 2009 models; according to Forbes.com’s interpretation of the results, American-made vehicles litter the bottom of [...]
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The deep and full-of-bravado voice on the Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram commercials is used to lead people to believe that it is a tough vehicle built for working, hauling and being generally macho. Those two 2009s models along with the Nissan Titan have recently received marks on side crash tests that make you realize there [...]
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Several years back Congress charged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the task of not only collecting traffic and collision data (which they had already been doing), but also data on car-related injuries or fatalities that occurred in nontraffic or noncrash situations. For example, accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
The 2007 statistics are in and NHTSA’s [...]
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GPS systems can be distracting - especially for new users. Images change and catch the eye, options need to be selected, voices come from nowhere. That is distracting. Period. It might save time, but it is important that people remain diligent when using these devices. Safety first, right! The device shouldn’t be programmed by the driver when the vehicle [...]
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Snowy areas in the winter months are notorious for producing a slew of windshield replacements. There have been many times where a giant truck sends a pebble toward the windshield in front of me and gives me a good startle. These dings - good for a window installer, bad for the driver’s pocketbook.
A crack that obstructs the driver is [...]
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Driving in rain, snow or ice can be extremely tricky. Not every tip will work 100% of the time, so stay cautious and attentive, especially when driving in inclememt weather.
Tips for driving in rain:
Drive more slowly than usual. On the highway hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 miles an hour.
Back off from the [...]
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When a flat or blowout occurs on the side of the road, taking a few steps to keep you and your passengers safe is a vital step to the tire changing process.
When possible, pull off of the road entirely to a flat surface such as a parking lot or driveway. If you are on the [...]
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Starting January 2009, GM vehicles with valid OnStar memberships will be equipped with the Stolen Vehicle Slowdown technology. Stolen Vehicle Slowdown (or SVS) allows OnStar’s systems (GPS, cellular technology and the OnStar call center) to electronically reduce acceleration in a car that has been reported stolen. Carjackers beware. It is now possible for the law to take the joy out of [...]
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In many professions experts have to continue their education; university professors need to keep publishing to stay current, nurses and doctors need to learn the latest medical developments, etc. However, hundreds of thousands of us drive vehicles, weighing upwards of 1,500 pounds, without ever having done more than a few classes and never again looking [...]
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