For all the owners of Toyota Tundra trucks, it would be advisable to make a periodic check of your chassis. Reports have it that some owners have been complaining about severe frame rust which may eventually lead to broken brake lines and loosening spare tires. The year models affected are 2000 and 2001 and covers about 218,000 vehicles. There have already been reports of underbody-mounted spare tire separations from the rear crossmember and broken brake lines. Fortunately, no accidents have been reported yet so take the initiative and check or observe these parts from time to time.

If investigations reveal that these are indeed Toyota’s fault once again, it may become the second recall after the celebrated floormat design unintended acceleration defect. Worse, it can really dampen the brand image of Toyota, something it doesn’t need right now with their floundering sales due to the recession.

(Source) Press

Tags: acceleration, Accidents, brand image, chassis, floormat, initiative, investigations, models, rear crossmember, recession, rust proofing, separations, spare tire, spare tires, Toyota, toyota tundra, trucks

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Volvo is making sure that their new model scheduled for release in 2010 will be filled with safety features both for the driver and the pedestrians. As most people seek safer cars these days, avoiding accidents and injuries to people on the road may yet take turn for the better with the new Volvo S60’s new Automatic Braking Technology.

The Automatic Braking System will be able to detect pedestrians who walk in front of the car and avoid impacts at speeds below 15MPH. To make this possible, the system is made up of key parts such as a radar unit at the front grill and a camera by the rear view mirror. In short, the system acts as a reliable alternative just in case a driver would overlook the presence of people around the vehicle.

Volvo’s Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Safety will debut on the Volvo S60 in 2010.

(Source) Auto India

Tags: Accidents, automatic braking system, full auto, India, new model, pedestrian safety, pedestrians, presence, radar unit, Rear View Mirror, safer cars, safety features, Volvo, volvo s60

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One thing about electric cars, their silence is golden. Motorists often clamored for old gas-powered vehicles to be silenced but it didn’t seem to work. With their engines, it may be hard back then. But with electric vehicles all that may change now.

Now while that issue may have been resolved. Do remember that not all people may necessarily be giving a thumbs up to this. As far as commuters are concerned, the blind rely on their hearing to cross the street. And with a quiet vehicle, mishaps may happen so what could be a resolution?

It seems that Nissan and Toyota has come up with a solution and it is not irritating to the ear. Rather, it is an artificial sound that blind people can hear whenever an electric vehicle is approaching. To some motorists it may be silly but I guess it won’t be if you talk about safety. No one in his right mind would want to be accountable for accidents, especially if blind people are concerned.

(Source) The Korea Herald

Tags: Accidents, commuters, electric cars, electric vehicle, electric vehicles, motorists, Nissan, silence, Toyota

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The technology shown by the Survival Consultants International people may be geared towards the military vehicles but I wouldn’t be surprised it the same technology would soon be applied to commercial and private vehicles. With the world getting to be a dangerous place to live in, it is apparent that advanced modes of safety has become a need with reference to world terrorism.

We are aware of airbags and how they are set off once cars get into accidents or collisions. With this new technology, the airbags were designed to withstands blasts for military personnel which could be typified to the various bombings which has been plaguing the world. No one can tell when such would hit the public but perhaps a safer interior airbag system of the same nature would be suitable.

The key here is the sensor, allowing the system to make use of the light sensors to ignite the airbags to safeguard the vehicle passengers. Leave it to the car manufacturers to pick up a thing or two from this and apply it to the modern day vehicle. It is something that will really be useful.

(Source) Dvice

Tags: Accidents, airbags, Armor, blasts, bombings, car manufacturers, Cars, collisions, dangerous place, glimpse, light sensors, military personnel, military vehicles, modes, new technology, private vehicles, survival, vehicle passengers, world terrorism

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Car owners who have been victimized by the crisis should try to look for cheaper alternatives rather than have no insurance for their car at all. It is a fact that a lot of car owners have passed on car insurance expense due to cost. But to be safe in the unpredictable roads and streets, perhaps seeking a cheaper costing insurance policy would be better.

Remember, no one can tell when accidents or the need for aid will be needed. And while many are taking the natural route, safer driving, bear in mind that this does not guarantee you from accidents or untoward mishaps. Besides, consider the worst case scenario where your car gets in an accident or a wreck. Wouldn’t that be more costly for repairs or maybe even expensive if you had to change your car as a whole?

You just have to be realistic and look at the extremes. They can happen to you or your car and there is nothing more valuable other than safety which money cannot compensate.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, car insurance, car owners, cheaper insurance, extremes, insurance expense, insurance policy, money

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Summer is here and most people are on vacation. All except some workers who may be busy doing some construction or related public repair work that takes advantage of the vacation period. Hence, motorists should be careful when passing by these areas.

Accidents or untoward mishaps may ensue. Avoiding the potholes or the workers themselves needs the proper alertness of drivers. One wrong navigational tactic could lead to serious injuries and of course unscheduled car repairs.

“Given the backlog of transportation needs across the country, AAA advocated dedicating a portion of the economic recovery funds to transportation,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “It’s important for the driving public to be aware of the increased construction activity and to adjust to changing driving conditions and work zones when they encounter them, especially during this peak travel period,” added Darbelnet.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, driving conditions, economic recovery, motorists, peak travel, potholes, recovery funds, that takes advantage, travel period, vacation period, work zones

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Cars have become safer by the day thanks to technology. And if there is one part of technology which deserves recognition, it is that of the safety that cars now carry. We have seen the birth of airbags and Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) and now the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

How does ESC work?

The system detects the point when a car is about to go into a slide and applies precisely measured amounts of braking force to each wheel, so as to correct or prevent the slide.
It should be pointed out, however, that ESC is not a replacement for responsible and safe driving and those sentiments are shared by car insurance companies, including Saga. It will not be able to prevent all potential accidents, although research results are more than encouraging.

And with safer cars, car insurance claims diminish as well. This is because the probability of being caught in accidents have become lower thanks to these safety enhancements. And you can be assured that for the years to come, more safety features for vehicles will be coming out as well as car manufacturing companies vie for safer cars to distribute in the market.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, airbags, braking systems, car insurance claims, car insurance companies, electronic stability control, Insurance, manufacturing companies, market source, probability, safe driving, safer cars, safety enhancements, safety features, saga, sentiments

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For the drivers who need some safety tips and reminders, here is another one that should remind you of safety while driving. Despite the repeated warnings on the hazards of using your mobile phones while driving, some need to be reminded again and again. With the approved patent of ZoomSafer, new support for avoiding distracts while driving is now a reality.

ZoomSafer’s patented technology activates automatically when driving, reminds users to be safe, and applies preferences to manage communications including suppressing unwanted calls, messages, and alerts as well as automatically notifying friends, family, co-workers, and social networks of their status and location.

Now, drivers don’t have to recall or continue to be hardheads on the road. With this new technology, an ally when it comes to warning people who may call or wonder where you are will be up and transmitted. The only thing left is to determine how you can control yourself as self-discipline is certainly one of the obstacles that supports such privileges, something that many choose to ignore thus leading to untoward accidents every now and then. However with ZoomSafer, all that is bound to change.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, ally, co workers, driving technology, friends family, mobile phones, new technology, obstacles, patented technology, privileges, reminders, safety tips, self discipline, social networks, technology patent

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Analyze your car expenses and you may find a glaring figure that is associated with the car insurance premiums you are paying. Now, ask yourself, do I need car insurance? Well it depends. It largely lies on the type of driver you are, defensive or high risk. Of the two, the latter obviously needs car insurance coverage since he is most likely prone to accidents and potential injuries.

But for some people, the consistency and use of having car insurance seems to be wearing off. Some are dropping it and deem it as unnecessary, particularly now that the times are hard and everyone is tightening their belts. It is a risk, but for some people, the solution is just to drive safely or limit your trips to avoid needing it.

However, here are some facts you should know if you decide to drop your car insurance:

1. Driving without car insurance is a crime
2. Your auto insurance rates will increase when you reinstate your policy
3. You very well may incur stiff penalties

Hence, given these facts, would it be wise to overlook insurance? While many see it as something that covers the car only, you may end up losing a lot more (not to mention spend more) if you are not aware of the things that can happen if you drop it.

Penalties for failing to maintain car insurance can range from a fine, to a suspended license, to jail time. If you get caught, your car or license plates could be impounded until you can pay the fine. Then, you have to pay another fee to reinstate your registration.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, auto insurance rates, belts, car expenses, car insurance coverage, car insurance premiums, consistency, high risk, Insurance, jail time, license plates, registration source, stiff penalties

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Anyone who is wary of car insurance would really love to be residing in Connecticut right now. Though perhaps some local car insurance companies can pick up a thing or two from their car insurance program, it is something that makes sense. Overall, car insurance should not be too expensive. In fact, molding it to perhaps a comfort zone giving the slightest probability of accidents seem to be ideal for the modern driver.

That is exactly what Progress devised with their MyRate car insurance package. They put their consumers at the helm when it comes to identifying the extent of the insurance coverage. While it may look to save them on cost, it could also backfire if they are not being honest on how severe they need car insurance. But then again, it is similar to “You only get what you pay for”.

MyRate uses Progressive’s patented technology to put consumers in control of their auto insurance rates. Drivers who choose to sign up for MyRate receive a device that plugs into a port in their car and measures how, how much and when the car is being driven. Cars driven less often, in less risky ways, and at less risky times of day can receive a lower premium.

So in the end, it is all about knowing yourself better as a driver. Insurance is seen as excess baggage for most but it really helps particularly when you meet unfortunate incidents so don’t take it for granted!

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, auto insurance rates, car insurance companies, comfort zone, Connecticut, consumers, driver insurance, excess baggage, insurance coverage, insurance package, insurance program, probability, unfortunate incidents

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After Michelin comes Goodyear tires which for its part pushes for the tire care that should be practiced by motorists today. Being a key factor towards vehicle performance and safety, tires need the attention as much as possible to be assured of a great running care that likewise becomes a crucial area as far as driver and passenger safety is concerned.

Tire pressure is important. While many would prefer larger tire pressure gauges, be reminded that they can play a vital role in the force that tires have to deal with, especially if vehicular weight is uneven. If a tire cannot withstand the pressure, chances are it may explode and provide serious hazards such as accidents especially for cars that are running.

“Checking tires for proper inflation and tread condition is one of the most critical – and easiest – maintenance procedures for a consumer,” said Joey Viselli, Goodyear brand director. “It doesn’t take much time or sophisticated equipment. Drivers can check their tires by themselves, or any of our retail outlets would be happy to provide the service.”

Goodyear recommends that motorists should check tire inflation at least monthly or before a long trip. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum limit stamped on a tire sidewall.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, good year, goodyear, goodyear tires, long trip, maintenance procedures, maximum limit, michelin, motorists, passenger safety, placard, proper inflation, retail outlets, sophisticated equipment, tire care, tire inflation, tire pressure, tire sidewall, vehicle manufacturer, vehicle performance

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Overtaking, driving too close or honking like crazy are only some of the reasons why a driver would suddenly lose his cool. For daily drivers, it seems that the need to hold their temper has become a critical part in car driving safety often leading to accidents or something even uglier like physical altercations.

A person does not realize the effects of such road rage habits. For one, there is nothing to gain by being first or showing off your driving skills. There is no prize to be won nor should there be anything to compete on. Hence, the lack of driving education and courtesy is apparent, especially for drivers who have not yet met accidents. Normally, it is only then would they heed their mistakes and then drive defensively which should always be the case.

Here are some things you may want to consider to avoid aggressive driving as enumerated by AAA:

Don’t offend

• Signal when changing lanes and merging. Avoid cutting off other drivers.
• Do not drive slowly in the left lane. If faster traffic wants to pass, move to the right lane.
• Allow a two to four second space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you to prevent tailgating.
• Keep your hands on the wheel. Obscene gestures often incite other drivers.

Don’t engage

• Do not take other driver’s actions personally. There may be a reason why another driver is speeding or driving erratically.
• Give aggressive drivers lots of space.
• Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers.
• Get help. If possible, drive to a safe public place where you can park and call police. Going to your home leads a potentially violent person to where you live.
• Do not get out of your car.

Adjust your behavior

• Forget winning; driving is not a contest.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. Eliminate your need to rush.
• Practice relaxation. Soothing music and deep breathing help you arrive at your destination in a calmer frame of mind.
• If you find yourself driving angrily on a regular basis, ask for help. An anger management course may dramatically change your attitude.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, aggressive driving, changing lanes, deep breathing, driving education, driving safety, eye contact, frame of mind, hands on the wheel, obscene gestures, physical altercations, practice relaxation, road rage, soothing music, temper, traffic, violent person

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There is no doubt about it. Technology has played a major role in saving lives as far as car collisions and accidents are concerned. Score one for the advancements on how to improve the safety of drivers and passengers as far as deformations, accessories and measurements should such things happen.

This is further justified with claims by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to their report, vehicles with Automatic Crash Notification Systems have improved the potential of whittling down the number of accidents and deaths from car mishaps.

The technology, developed by OnStar, transmits exact locations and the characteristics of the crash from the vehicle to emergency personnel. This crucial information helps rescue crews to administer the right type of aid at the scene and provide the trauma center with valuable information as well. The system can also be used to help determine if the occupants need to go to a Level One Trauma Center or if they can get the right care at a typical emergency room.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, car collisions, centers for disease control, centers for disease control and prevention, crash, deaths, disease control and prevention, emergency room, level one trauma center, measurements, notification systems, occupants, OnStar, rescue crews, score one

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Truck collisions and accidents have their share of issues, particularly when it is time to make claims. This time however, a Claims InSite has been opened, aiming to strike down the long wait and complement its North America truck collision repair centers.

Claims InSite is a unique solution designed to facilitate management of the entire accident process in real time, from incident reporting to ensuring vehicles are repaired in a quick, efficient and cost-effective manner. The solution also identifies the right collision repair centers and finds the best locations for chassis, body and trailer repairs, complete vehicle refinishing, and frame and alignment work for commercial trucks and vehicles via a national network.

When an accident occurs, Penske customers can call the 24-hour, seven-day per week Claims InSite national call center for assistance. Claims specialists gather claim information, including incident details from the driver, vehicle photos and police reports, and upload it to a Web-based management system. As details regarding repairs and insurance claims are processed, customers can track progress in real-time through the password-protected site, located at MyFleetAtPenske.com.

(Source) Press

Tags: Accidents, alignment work, chassis, collision repair, commercial trucks, Insurance, insurance claims, management system, national call center, north america, police reports, real time, trailer repairs, truck collision, truck collisions, truck leasing, unique solution, vehicle photos, web based management

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About 259,119 Toyota Camry’s from China have been recalled for problems regarding their brakes. Toyota Motor Corp.’s auto-making joint venture in China with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. is recalling 259,119 Camry sedans due to brake problems, according to a statement posted on China’s product safety regulator’s Web site.

The vehicles were produced between May 15, 2006, and March 3, 2008. In affected cars, a flaw in the braking system may cause the braking distance to increase and may lead to accidents Toyota also has an auto-making joint venture in China with China FAW Group Corp.

(Source) WSJ

Tags: Accidents, automobile, brakes, braking distance, braking system, Cars, guangzhou, safety regulator, sedans, Toyota, toyota camry, toyota motor, toyota motor corp

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