Older Drivers and Emerging Vehicle Safety Technologies

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are well over 2 million licensed drivers in the United States over 85 years of age, and with the impending “silver tsunami”, that number is expected to grow significantly over the next several years.  Seniors are living longer and are more active than ever before.  This is the first generation in which almost everybody earned a driver’s license during adolescence and has been driving ever since.

Today’s 85 year old driver probably began driving at around the age of 15 or 16, which dates the start of one’s driving career back to 1943-44, at the height of WWII.  In 1943, the Pentagon was completed and became the largest office building in the world, Franklin D. Roosevelt was president and there were only 48 states in the Union.  Gasoline prices rose to 18 cents a gallon, and construction on the country’s first interstate highway would not begin for another 13 years.  It would be another 26 years before seatbelts would start appearing in cars.

In January, 2013, FoxNews reported on Edythe Kirchmaier, a great-grandmother from California, in an article titled “105-year-old California woman relieved to pass driver’s test with flying colors”.  Mrs. Kirchmaier took her driver’s test the day after she turned 105, making her driver’s license valid until 2017.

Just last month, New Zealand’s Bob Edwards turned 105 years old, and is considered to be that country’s oldest driver.  Mr. Edwards says he has been driving for 88 years and has “no plans to get out from behind the wheel”.

In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s Older Driver Five Year Strategic Plan (2012-1017), they estimate that by 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers 65 and older.

An Evolution of Vehicle Safety Enhancements

Almost like aviation safety, vehicle safety advancements have made almost unbelievable progress over the past half-century.  Many of us remember when cars were not yet equipped with padded dashboards, lapbelts, rounded door handles, hydraulic brakes, automatic transmissions, or emergency brakes.

Most of us remember the addition of new safety features like back-up lamps, hazard flashers, 3-point safety belts, laminated windshields, airbags, smoother dashboards with recessed controls, bumper shocks, disc brakes, a driver’s side airbag, antilock brakes, GPS, collapsible steering columns and heads-up (HUD) displays.

Many of today’s vehicles are adorned with such advancements as adaptive headlamps, back-up sensors and cameras, adaptive cruise control, a third brake light, traction control systems, electronic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, electronic tire pressure monitoring, advanced navigation systems, hydrophobic windows, crumple zones and safety cells, black box recorders, and smart supplemental restraint systems.

Emerging Vehicle Safety Technologies

And now we are entering what I like to call the Paleo-Jetson era.  Purchase a new vehicle today and you may be equipped with such advances as intelligent brake lights (brake lights that communicate with other vehicles), smart windshields (augmented reality), night vision enhancement, automated parking systems, lane departure warning systems, crash notification and avoidance technologies, electronic blind-spot detection, back-over prevention systems, fatigue warning systems, forward collision warning with auto brake, and now…the advent of self-driving cars.

This is All Good, Right?

There is much debate amongst automobile design engineers, psychologists, industry safety researchers, geriatricians and neurologists, et cetera, on how well the processing abilities of older drivers is going to be able to keep up with the cognitive workload being required by these new technologies.

For example, most crash avoidance technologies rely on drivers to take immediate action.  The effectiveness of these systems depends on whether drivers accept the technologies, understand the information from the reporting systems, and respond appropriately.  Often times, in order to be effective and safe, the processing of these new sensory inputs will need to occur in well under a slit-second of time, and that’s quick.

Fighter Pilot Information Overload

For decades, the military has been conducting research on the experience known as ‘fighter pilot information overload’.  This phenomenon occurs when the pilot becomes so inundated with information produced by intelligence gathering technologies within the cockpit that his or her mind loses its ability to properly analyze the incoming data.  Worse still, sometimes that overload of information can become so intense and overwhelming, and in such a short period of time, that the results can almost immediately turn disastrous.

As drivers, are we going to find themselves overwhelmed by the bombardment of new technology commands such as audio warnings, alerts, tones, and visual cues, et cetera?  Are we entering into an era of ‘older driver’ information overload?

Who Buys These Technologically Advanced Vehicles?

In a 2013 study by the University of Michigan’s Traffic Research Institute (UMTRI), researchers concluded that “Adults under 50 have long been the ideal target group for automobile advertisers, but when it comes to buying new vehicles, older consumers may be a marketer’s best bet.  The emphasis on this relatively older age group is further supported by the expected continuation of the greying of the population and the consequent continuation of the increase in the number of older licensed drivers.”

The automobile industry and the engineers and developers behind these new technologies quickly remind us that these new developments are designed to make vehicular travel safer than it has ever been before, particularly for our growing population of older drivers (aka new car customers).

The Real World

As the developer of the “self-assessment program” for older drivers, I have worked with older drivers that will undoubtedly adapt to these new technologies with ease.  They possess the cognitive abilities to handle these emerging technologies without ever missing a beat.  I know of older drivers that will bask in this new era and would even serve the rest of us very well as instructors for this new gadgetry.

I have, however, worked with just as many older drivers that shouldn’t so much as have the AM radio turned on while driving.

I have ridden shotgun with older drivers that did not realize their outside mirrors were adjustable, or that they could unlock their vehicle by simply pushing on one of the key’s little black buttons.  “Amazing!” one older driver told me after I should him how to unlock the car remotely.  There are drivers who do not know how to activate their four-way flashers in case of an emergency, and have always wondered “what that red triangle button was for”.

I once enjoyed the good fortune of riding with an older driver that asked me “what is that funny clicking sound…is that your phone making that noise?”

“No ma’am” I replied, “that’s your left turn signal…it’s been on now for several miles.”  Acknowledging the error, she promptly turned the left turn signal off and was immediately pleased with herself.  Now we were driving down the road with our right turn signal on, and she seemed to no longer notice that “funny clicking sound”.

I have spent time with more than one older driver that has become lost while driving blocks from their home of 50 years.  When that happens, older drivers seemingly fall apart cognitively.  On more than one occasion I have been with a lost, older driver who has found himself as the lead vehicle stopped at a red traffic signal.  In the mounting confusion, they have sat through the entire green cycle because they were so distracted and confused that they could not process that the signal changed from red to green (this despite the sounding horns from the cars driving around us).

Many older drivers purchase vehicles equipped with in-dash navigation systems to help keep them from getting lost, but have no idea how to so much as turn it on.  “They showed me once, but I forget”.  One elderly gentleman explained that he gets lost often, so his adult children purchased a GPS unit for his dashboard.  He then explained “I don’t use it though; it’s too distracting.”

One has to wonder how this same driver would respond to an emergency audio alert being chirped or chimed from the vehicle’s lane departure warning system.

To say the least, interpreting warnings from multiple systems may be confusing or even completely distracting or overwhelming for some older drivers.  For some older drivers, their insurance agent might be well served to actually raise their client’s premiums (just joking) if their new vehicle is equipped with these fancy, electronic safety “distractions”.

A False Sense of Security?

When these hi-tech vehicles are purchased by an older (or younger!) adult, what training will that person receive in the use of these modern-day advancements?  Will the training be unique to the individual’s cognitive and sensory abilities?  To their vision and hearing?  To their flexibility and reaction-times?

Will the new car owner be required to train for x-amount of hours in a simulator?  Will they receive an on-road demonstration by the salesperson?  Or will the new owner simply be told “Be sure to download the video on how to use your car’s new forward collision warning system…with auto brake!”

Are these new technologies going to cause drivers to rely on emerging safety systems so much that they will feel freer to look away from the road, lessening their defensive driving skills?  Will they give an older driver (and their adult children?) a false sense of security that will encourage driving during weather or traffic conditions that they would not normally subject themselves to?

Successful Morphing of Older Drivers and New Vehicle Technologies

In defense of older drivers, earlier this month the Missouri State University released a study titled “Study shows seniors navigate assistive technology with ease”.  Although the study did not specifically refer to driving, the researchers concluded “Those aged 65 and older are accessing and effectively utilizing technology on a daily basis”.  That’s certainly a good start.  It is also gratifying to know that engineers from our most respected and trusted automobile manufacturers are very well aware of this interfacing concern and are working diligently to improve our likelihood of success in the world of new automobile technologies.

In a 2009 report by the National Academy of Engineering, researchers explain “New in-vehicle systems create particular challenges for older drivers. Paradoxically, even though older drivers may find it more difficult to use these devices, they are likely to be the first to encounter them, because innovations are often initially introduced into high-end cars, which are usually bought by more affluent (and usually older) costumers. Thus the more mature driver population is often the first to encounter still immature systems.”

It is important to remember, too, that the American Automobile Association (AAA) has informed us that seniors are outliving their ability to drive safely by an average of 7-10 years, that’s with or without intelligent brake lights.

Managing the Situation

On January 15, 2009, US Airways pilot Chesley Sullenberger successfully landed Flight 1549 in the frigid, wintery waters of the Hudson River, effectively saving the lives of all 155 passengers and crew members onboard.  Since the “Miracle on the Hudson”, Captain Sullenberger wrote the New York Times best-seller Highest Duty, which is a memoir of his life and of the events surrounding Flight 1549.

In the book’s chapter titled Managing the Situation, Captain Sullenberger writes about the application of emerging technologies in the cockpit.  Sullenberger recounts a conversation he once had with Earl Wiener, Ph.D., a former Air Force pilot turned renowned aviation safety expert.  Dr. Wiener explained that he was once asked to speak at a conference on “the role of the pilot in the automated cockpit”, and offered the following:

“Whether you’re flying by hand or using technology to help, you’re ultimately flying the airplane with your mind.  The question is:  How many different levels of technology do you want to place between your brain and the actual control surfaces?”

There appears to be a strong correlation between Dr. Wiener’s assessment of cockpit technology and the recent advances in emerging automobile technologies, and if nothing else, his comments are certainly cause for further consideration.

Proceeding With Caution

Tom Brokaw referred to older American’s as “Our Greatest Generation”, and he was exactly right.  Conceptually, the older drivers this article refers to includes individuals that fought in for us in world wars, they ended racial segregation, strategically maneuvered our country through the Cold War, put American’s on the moon, built the steel industry, and brought us the Golden Age of Television.

Members of the Greatest Generation includes such icons as Mickey Rooney, Bob Hope, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ross Perot, Jim Nabors, Barbara Walters and Neil Armstrong, and just as importantly…many of our parents or grandparents.  We owe a duty to our older drivers not to leave them behind in the wake of new and advancing technologies.  The adaptation of these new advancements need to involve our older drivers from the very early stages of initial concept, to product development, and lastly to successful training, acceptance, implementation and proper interfacing.

These are very exciting times for new vehicle safety technologies.  The landscape of in-vehicle technologies is changing daily as new components continue to be introduced. These advances, combined with roadway design improvements, the development of advanced traffic management systems, raised awareness and education, and a better understanding of driver factors will all work together to make our highways and communities safer places to live, work and recreate for the next generation.

The meshing of new technologies with current driver skills and abilities must be handled with care for both reasons of safety, and for reasons of taking care of those that have spent their lives laying the ground work so that we could enjoy the development of these new safety technologies in the first place.  We wouldn’t be where we are today without the miraculous achievements of “Our Greatest Generation”.

Article Credit: http://www.legalexaminer.com

Houston Car Dealers

Car Washing for Dummies

How many of us here actually diligently wash our cars regularly? Say once a week? I know I keep telling myself, I must start washing my car more often, I must start washing my car more often.. and I will make it happen soon. With Chinese New Year just around the corner, why not make the effort to wash your car clean and proper so you can proudly take it for visiting?

Also, with the recent case of cars getting stolen at the car wash in Johor Bahru, why not just take to washing your car yourself? Washing your car can seem like a very arduous task, but just think of it as a workout. Clean it well and you don’t have to wash it that often.

Here are some tips for washing your car:

Location:

Wash your car in the shade under a shelter or on a cloudy day. Washing your car in the hot sun is bad for the paint as the cool water will cause the hot surface to contract and might crack the paint.

Washing in a sheltered area also protects you from rain or shine. A cool car surface is essential too, if you are applying sealant or wax after the wash.

Washing the car:

Use a good quality wash mitt or sponge. It is recommended to have a separate one for different sections of the car, so as to reduce the possibility of your car getting scratches or swirl marks.

Check that the windows (and sunroof if you have one) are closed before you start.

Hose the entire car down before you start washing so you can remove surface dirt. If you are using a shared car wash bay, it might be more advisable to use a bucket and a scoop.

For hard-to-reach areas like tyre rims, you may want to use a brush. For the side skirt, which is usually heavily soiled and has large physical sediments like sand and mud, do use a separate sponge.

Rinse the rag often to get rid of grease and dust particles. You can consider having three pails to hold the shampoo – one for non-side skirt areas, one for side skirt area and one for tyre rims.

Use gentle cleansers such as commercial car-washing products, not laundry or dish soap or detergent.

Always use a top-down approach when rinsing and shampooing the car. This is recommended as the flow of shampoo will begin from the top of the car to the side skirt. This will assist you in shampooing the car and flush the physical sediments from top to bottom. It also reduces the probability of getting scratches or swirl marks on your car.

Follow this chronological order:

• Top of the car
• Windscreen/Side Mirror/Windows
• Body (bonnet, side doors and rear)
• Side skirt
• Tyre rims

Following any other order might mean getting large physical sediments trapped in the wash mitt or sponge that might cause scratches or swirl marks when shampooing other areas.

After shampooing the whole car, rinse off with water thoroughly and use a PVA chamois cloth to wipe off the water. It absorbs water well and glides with dragging.

The last step is to use a micro fibre cloth to wipe the car.

Once you are done with the washing, you can consider applying a protective coating such as Permanon Platinum, a nano sealant that will help to protect the car surface.

With these tips on hand, try washing your car now!

Article Credit:http://www.stcars.sg

Kia Forte Sugarland

New Auto Technology Helps Drivers With Limitations

By 2020, there will be 40 million licensed drivers 65 or older, according to estimates from the American Automobile Association. That’s an increase of 11 million in just one decade. As our bodies change with age, everything is affected, including reaction time when we’re behind the wheel, where one saved second can translate into avoiding serious injury or even death.

Last year, 62.3 percent of new-car purchases were made by people at least 50 years old, according to a recent study. Putting these trends together, the auto industry is spending millions of rsearch and development dollars on safety technology that can save the lives of people of any age.

Even if you don’t have problems with vision, mobility or concentration now, when buying (or leasing) a new car, it’s important to anticipate needs that could develop for you or anyone else driving the vehicle over the coming years or decade.

Here are some of the latest advances in car technology that will make your driving safer and more comfortable — and maybe keep you in the driver's seat a bit longer.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road (Your Hands Upon the Wheel)

You may feel competent multitasking when driving, but it is dangerous. A helpful option is a voice-activated dashboard system, available on most new vehicles, which lets you speak your request for navigational guidance, hands-free calling or even the location of the nearest gas station. The MyFord Sync system, in all Fords and Lincolns, also lets you verbally control audio and temperature.

(MORE: Helping Older Drivers Make the Most of Their GPS)

For a more complete view around you, rearview cameras that activate a dashboard navigation system when you shift into reverse can help you park, spot an obstacle (or child) that's near your rear bumper yet out of sight. First introduced a decade ago in certain high-end models, this aid has proved so popular with new car buyers that many manufacturers now include it as standard equipment.

More than 90 percent of Honda’s 2013 lineup offers these devices, including all the CR-Z, Accord and Crosstour models. Beginning with 2012 models, Infiniti started offering a 360-degree-view monitor, which stitches together images by an onboard computer from tiny cameras on all four corners of the car.

Help for Limited Mobility

According to the AAA, our body’s range of motion can decrease by as much as 25 percent by age 60. That affects how easily and how far we can turn around in the driver's seat to check blind spots.

The auto manufacturers have come to the rescue with so-called blind spot monitors, which use radar sensors on both sides of the car to detect other vehicles in the blind-zone area. If you attempt to turn into that lane, the warning system will flash a symbol that lights up on the outside sideview mirrors, on the dash or both.

In the 2013 Buick LaCrosse and 2012 Mazda CX-5 sedans, the systems flash a warning chime if you start pulling out of your lane into the path of a vehicle in your blind spot. The 2012 and ’13 Ford Explorer and Fusion models provide a vibrating alert in the steering wheel (Cadillac offers vibrating seats) and then gently steers the car back into lane if the driver doesn’t. The ’12 and ’13 Infiniti M and M Hybrids warn drifting drivers with a grinding noise similar to going over a highway “drunk bump.”

Although parallel parking normally does not require turning around in your seat, a computerized parking assist system is a great aid if squeezing into a parking space is not one of your best driving skills. Several Ford, Lincoln, Volvo and Lexus models offer this feature as an option. Your car must be equipped with front and rear cameras for parking assist to work. The Ford and Lincoln system is hands-free — you just control gas and brake. 

Help for Drowsy Drivers

An AAA survey found that more than 40 percent of Americans have "fallen asleep or nodded off while driving.” And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 17 percent of all fatal crashes occur as a result of drowsy drivers.

This translates into 1,500 deaths, 71,00 injuries and more than $12 million in property losses. Fortunately, several new systems exist that can literally scare a sleepy driver awake or refocus a distracted driver.

The primary way the auto technology is combatting that disturbing trend is with lane departure systems, which sound an alarm when sensors detect the kind of behavior associated with a snoozing or inattentive driver (e.g., veering into another lane).

(MORE: Q&A: The Dangers of Distracted Driving)

Lane departure systems work via sensors on the front bumpers or headlights that monitor the white or yellow line on a road. Some are linked to blind spot warning systems, depending on whether or how manufacturers have engineered the tiny cameras embedded in sideview mirrors or bumper corners to the on-board computers.

The most sophisticated system to combat dozing is in the Mercedes-Benz, which employs a camera that’s been programmed to recognize a driver’s eyelids that are closing for longer than a blink or a head that’s nodding forward. When detected, the system will emit a warning chime from your stereo speakers or cause your steering wheel or seat to vibrate (depending on make and model).

Automatic Braking Systems

Activated by a driver pressing hard on the brake pedal, anti-lock brakes have been around for decades and have saved countless lives. Today, in vehicles equipped with front-end cameras or radar linked to blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning systems, onboard computers can recognize such dangers as being too close to the car in front of you or to an obstacle on the side of the road, and automatically activate the anti-lock braking system. 

The 2012 Acura RL, MDX and ZDX models have a radar unit in the front grille that monitors the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. The system will speed up or slow down your car based on the flow of traffic. If the sensors determine a collision is unavoidable, the computer applies the brakes and tightens the front seat belts to reduce the impact force. All these safety systems are meant to assist the driver, not replace good driving habits.

Coming Down the Pike

Ford engineers are researching a heart rate monitor built into the steering wheel, similar to the way the heart rate monitor works on a stationary bike at the gym. However, this will not be for health monitoring, but to recognize a stressful driving situation to pre-activate safety systems.

(MORE: 4 Signs That Your Driving Skills Are Declining)

Tips for Aging Drivers

In addition to smart technology, there are wise choices you can make when buying a new car.

Doors: Four-door vehicles are more practical than two-door, since doors on those models are lighter and easier to open.

Seats: Adjustable lumbar support can be varied to support the driver’s back and reduce discomfort by conforming to individual bodies’ shapes and sizes. Additionally, heated seats can ease muscle strain.

Steering wheel: A thick, padded wheel is more comfortable for people with arthritis or gripping issues (or anybody with a long daily commute).

Ignition: Push-button stop-start control is a good option for those who lack the manual dexterity required to turn a key. Some vehicles, like the Chevrolet Volt and Jaguar XJ sedan, also have a push-button parking brake.

Automatic door controls: Whether you are juggling groceries or a squirmy grandchild or don’t have the strength or mobility to pull down a heavy door, automatic cargo door controls can be lifesavers.

Dashboard gauges: Large, clear, easy-to-read numbers on the speedometer and odometer are helpful, as are larger audio and climate controls, especially for drivers with bifocals or progressive lenses or who have glaucoma, cataracts or compromised fine motor skills.

Refresher courses: Obviously these don’t come with new vehicles, but they can help keep your skills sharp and remind you of things you may have forgotten over the decades — and taking one can save you money on your auto insurance. Check with AAA, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or your insurance company for driver improvement courses tailored for aging drivers.

Article Credit: www.nextavenue.org

Oil Change Katy Coupon

How Tesla Is Driving Electric Car Innovation

If you believe Tesla, affordable, long-range electric cars could be here sooner than many think.

I recently took a test drive in one of Tesla’s luxurious Model S electric cars and toured its R&D labs, where it’s developing its battery and recharging technology. The experience left me believing that Tesla has an important edge over its competitors in the race to bring electric cars to the masses.

Tesla’s Model S is expensive (it ranges from $70,000 to over $100,000), but its range is 265 miles, more than triple that of Nissan’s Leaf (75 miles). Within a few years, Tesla hopes to produce much more affordable vehicles—including one that costs $30,000 to $35,000—with a range similar to that of the Model S. Tesla also wants to make electric cars more practical by building a nationwide network of charging stations that can deliver 200 miles of charge in about half an hour—compared to several hours to charge an electric car at an ordinary station today.

For the test drive, I planned a drive from Tesla’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California, into San Francisco, then over to Half Moon Bay for a cruise down the scenic coastal Highway 1 to Santa Cruz. Later, I’d head back north to Fremont for a Tesla factory tour, before returning the car to headquarters—the whole trip would add up to about 230 miles.

When I got to Tesla in Palo Alto to pick up the car, however, I discovered that someone had forgotten to plug it in overnight. The battery gauge read 208 miles—short of the full 265-mile range for the Model S. I could still make my trip, but a stop at a supercharging station was now essential.

Today’s electric vehicles promise several advantages over gas-powered cars. For commuters, there are no trips to the gas station—all you need is an outlet at home or work—and a full charge only costs a couple of dollars. And electric motors, which need only a single gear for all speeds, can also be surprisingly responsive and powerful. What’s more, electric cars use no gasoline and emit no pollution. Even when you factor in the carbon emissions and pollution from the power plants that produce the electricity to power the cars, and from manufacturing and disposal, electric cars produce about 40 percent less carbon dioxide and ozone than conventional cars.

   But for all their attributes, electric cars still are haunted by two damning factors: high costs and less-than-optimal batteries.

That’s where Tesla hopes to make a difference. The company’s innovative battery and charging technology has given it a substantial lead in making batteries cheaper and recharging quicker, and it’s also helping Tesla lower costs faster than its competitors.

At about 10 a.m., I drove out of Tesla’s parking lot, taking advantage of the car’s acceleration—0 to 30 in 1.7 seconds. Throughout the day I passed other cars while climbing steep hills, took curves at speed, and left other cars standing at stoplights.

   But I felt a twinge of anxiety when I noticed just 67 miles of charge left in the battery. The car estimated that I’d arrive at the closest charging station, in Gilroy, with 20 miles to spare—about half what I’d expected to see. I wouldn’t have been worried if I knew I could count on that estimate, but as with any electric car, the actual range varies depending on your driving style, the terrain, and traffic. The Model S shows two different range estimates: one that ticks down gradually, like a fuel gauge, and another that shows how your range would be affected if you kept driving like you have been for the last few minutes. I turned down the air conditioning, dimmed the car’s huge 17-inch touch screen, and eased off the accelerator to conserve some juice. I arrived with 17 miles left in the battery.

Recharging was far easier than I’d expected, having once spent an afternoon charging a Chevrolet Volt at a standard public charging station to get just 30 miles of charge. The car recognized an RFID tag in the charger handle and automatically popped open the outlet door. By the time I’d walked across the parking lot, bought a cheeseburger, and carried it back to the car, the range was already up to 92 miles, plenty to finish the day’s driving. I chatted with a Model S owner for a while and then got back on the road. I returned the car that evening with 129 miles of range left in the battery—more than the fully charged range of battery-electric cars from Toyota, Nissan, Ford, GM, Honda, Fiat, Renault, Mitsubishi, Smart, or Scion, or upcoming electric cars from Mercedes and BMW.

Despite the compelling advances, the same challenges for electric cars remain: cost and range. Because superchargers aren’t on every corner (there are just 16 across the U.S.), if you forget to plug in the car overnight, or there’s a power outage or some other problem, you’re out of luck. If I had been almost anywhere else in the country, or decided to head north rather than south on Highway 1—or if I’d gotten lost—I would have been stuck by the side of the road.

The charging issue is largely a problem of infrastructure. But the biggest technological issue remains the cost of the battery. It’s the cost that limits the capacity on the Model S and keeps 265-mile-range electric cars out of the hands of most people.

The day before my drive, I toured Tesla’s R&D lab in the hills behind Stanford University. The company’s chief technology officer, JB Straubel, showed me versions of Tesla’s Roadster, its first car, and a Model S with everything removed but the frames, wheels, and the electrical propulsion system (which includes the battery, the motor, and the electronics that control them). It was a stark look at how far the company’s come. In the Roadster, the bulky battery takes up the back third of the car. The Model S’s battery and motor seem to have disappeared. Even though the battery stores far more energy, it’s more compact: it’s now a flat slab that sits inconspicuously between the wheels and serves as part of the vehicle’s frame. What’s not obvious is that the cost of the battery, per kilowatt-hour, has also been cut in half.

Straubel pointed to the wide variety of lithium-ion battery cells—the parts of a battery pack that actually store energy—that the company is testing. This included a row of small cylindrical cells about the size of AA batteries—the kind Tesla uses in the Model S.

Tesla’s choice of these small lithium-ion batteries is, arguably, one of its most important strategic gambles. Established automakers have chosen larger battery cells—they make engineering a battery pack simpler, since you need fewer of them. But the larger cells, because they contain more energy, are also more dangerous. So automakers use less energy-dense battery materials that are more resistant to catching fire. Trying to offset the lower energy density, automakers chose flat cells because they pack together more densely, but such cells cost more to manufacture.

By choosing smaller, cylindrical cells, Tesla saved on manufacturing costs—their costs have been driven down by economies of scale for the laptop industry, for which the cells were developed. Tesla could also use the most energy-dense battery materials available, in part because smaller cells are inherently less dangerous. 

And better energy density reduces materials costs. This approach meant Tesla had to develop a way to wire together many thousands of separate cells, compared to several hundred of the larger cells. Straubel also invented a liquid cooling system that snakes between the cells and can remove heat so quickly that a problem with one cell doesn’t spread to the others.

Choosing the smaller, cylindrical cells also gave Tesla more flexibility in packaging the cells. Large, flat cells will deform in a collision and possibly catch fire, so other automakers have had to find places within the car where the battery would be out of the way in a crash. That meant using up some passenger or cargo space. Tesla says it has passed its crash tests without its cells deforming or coolant leaking.

By most estimates, the battery for the Model S that I drove should cost between $42,500 and $55,250, or half the cost of the car. But Straubel indicated that it is already much lower. “They’re way less than half, actually,” he says. “Less than a quarter in most cases.” Straubel says more can be done to lower batter costs. He’s working with cell and materials suppliers to increase energy density more, and he’s changing the shape of the cells in ways that make manufacturing them easier.

Other automakers are taking notice. Dan Akerson, GM’s CEO, has reportedly created a task force to study Tesla. Brett Smith, co-director of manufacturing, engineering, and technology at the Ann-Arbor-based nonprofit Center for Automotive Research, says Tesla has “gone from being the quirky little media darling to being something that is definitely making people in the industry think.”

After recharging at the Gilroy supercharging station, I sped along the highway back toward San Francisco, feeling relieved that I’d been within range of the charging station. As I moved effortlessly through traffic, I couldn’t help feel that electric vehicles are the future, and that Tesla’s strides in batteries and supercharging could bring that future here sooner that I’d thought.

Article Credit: http://www.technologyreview.com

Kia Optima Hybrid Houston

Automatic brakes on the radar as cars get new safety tech

It's hard to put a price on peace of mind. That may be why more new car buyers are opting for collision avoidance systems, one of the automotive industry's latest--and more expensive--safety innovations.

These systems automatically engage the brakes when the vehicle approaches an object too closely, and more automakers are offering them as an option on new models, despite the added costs.

Mercedes-Benz Japan held a test-ride event for the press on Sept. 13 featuring a CLS four-door coupe equipped with such a system. The car traveled at 20 kph toward a wall 40 meters ahead, then automatically slammed on the brakes to stop a few dozen centimeters ahead of it.

The system uses a radar installed in the front of the vehicle to measure the distance to an obstruction. It calculates the distance according to the time it takes the signal to bounce back from the obstruction. The system fully engages the brakes 0.6 seconds before a pending collision.

According to a Mercedes-Benz Japan employee, "It can stop almost every time at speeds of 30 kph or slower."

The automaker first began installing the system in its E-Class, a leading Mercedes-Benz model released in November of last year, and other models have followed suit. At 190,000 yen ($2,400), the system makes for a pricey option, but the company says increasing concern over safety is prompting more customers to choose it.

The success of the partially modified Legacy, a mainstay of the Subaru brand released by Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. in 2010, first drew serious attention to collision avoidance technology. The company's Eyesight system uses a pair of windshield cameras that monitor the view ahead like a set of human eyes, automatically engaging the brakes when it detects an obstacle.

Sales of Eyesight-equipped Legacies have been growing, despite the extra 100,000 yen added to the price tag.

A company publicist said, "If you rear-end another vehicle, the repairs can cost more than 100,000 yen. Some people think of it as an alternative to (paying more) insurance."

According to the company, 70 percent of Legacy buyers now opt for the Eyesight system.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is also joining the trend, adding automatic braking technology to its Outlander sport utility vehicle. Mitsubishi's system uses a radar attached to the front of the vehicle to measure the distance to an obstacle. Though it differs from Fuji Heavy Industries' windshield cameras, Mitsubishi Motors also says its system successfully avoids collisions "almost every time at speeds of 30 kph or slower."

The race to develop rival technologies is heating up.

Mazda Motor Corp. equipped its CX-5 SUV, launched in February, with its own collision avoidance system. Toyota Motor Corp. marketed on Oct. 11 its Lexus LS luxury sedan with its own system.

But none of these systems are perfect, and drivers shouldn't be too confident in them.

The radar technology adopted by Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Motors has a hard time recognizing pedestrians and bicycles in front of the vehicle, and while Fuji Heavy Industries' camera setup can detect them, it performs poorly in fog, heavy rain and other bad weather.

Road conditions, too, must be taken into account, as brakes do not perform as well on roads that are wet or slippery. The systems also cannot completely avoid collisions when driving too fast.

All of the automakers emphasize that at best, this technology helps to make driving safer.

Article Credit: http://ajw.asahi.com

Used Car Dealership Sugarland

Electric cars are clean today and will only get cleaner tomorrow

Uncovering a fraud is uniquely satisfying, which is perhaps why news outlets continue to provide electric car deniers with a platform to proclaim they aren’t as green as they appear. But close examination reveals the latest round of skeptics to be lacking in substance.

Numerous peer-reviewed articles have reached the same conclusion: From cradle to grave, electric cars are the cleanest vehicles on the road today. And unlike cars that rely on oil, the production of which is only getting dirtier over time, the environmental benefits of electric cars will continue to improve as old coal plants are replaced with cleaner sources and manufacturing becomes more efficient as it scales up to meet growing consumer demand.

“Did you account for the pollution from the electricity it takes to power the vehicles?”

This question has been asked and answered. Using today’s average American electricity mix of natural gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, geothermal, and solar, an electric car emits half the amount of harmful carbon pollution per mile as the average new vehicle. In states with cleaner mixes, such as California, it’s only a quarter as much. To find out how clean your electric car would be today, plug your zip code into the EPA’s “Beyond Tailpipe Emissions Calculator.” Those benefits will only improve as the electric grid becomes cleaner over time.

Before the Natural Resources Defense Council began advocating for vehicle electrification, we did our own homework, publishing a two-volume report in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute. The work took almost two years and concluded that a long-term shift to the use of electricity as a transportation fuel provides substantial reductions in carbon pollution and air quality benefits.

It’s essential to take a long view when examining vehicle electrification, because the electric grid doesn’t stand still. Since the time we published that report, the EPA has adopted power plant standards for mercury and other air toxics, ozone-forming emissions, fine particulate pollution, soot, and coal ash; proposed standards for greenhouse gases from new power plants; and has been directed by the president to adopt greenhouse gas standards for existing plants. Meanwhile, 29 states have adopted renewable energy targets to reduce emissions. Driving on renewable electricity is virtually emissions-free.

“Did you account for the resources it takes to build the cars?”

Producing an electric car today requires more resources than producing a conventional vehicle, generally due to the large batteries. However, comparing the efficiency of relatively nascent and small-scale electric vehicle manufacturing to the efficiency of conventional automobile production, which has benefited from more than a century of learning-by-doing, is misleading. Automakers are racing to save money and materials through recycling and more efficient production. Those who win the race will win the market.

Even with today’s technology, on a lifecycle basis, the electric car is still the cleanest option available. Higher emissions from manufacturing are more than offset by the substantial benefits of driving on electricity. We examined six peer-reviewed academic studies and found that in every case, electric vehicles win by a substantial margin, with estimates ranging from 28 to 53 percent lower cradle-to-grave emissions than conventional vehicles today.

Opponents often rely upon the original version of a Norwegian study, which has much higher estimates of emissions associated with the production of electric cars. Those skeptics generally cherry-pick from the original version of that article, and ignore the fact it was corrected post-publication, resulting in its estimate of the comparative emissions benefit rising from 22 percent to 28 percent. In other words, even the source relied upon by skeptics shows a substantial lifecycle advantage for electric cars. The Norwegian study finds the lowest benefit relative to the other articles examined partially because it includes an estimate of emissions associated with the disposal of advanced battery materials that is higher than other studies, which brings us to the next question:

 “What about mining and disposing of the materials needed to make the batteries?”

First off, there is no shortage of the materials needed to make advanced vehicle batteries. A recent article in the Journal of Industrial Ecology concludes, “even with a rapid and widespread adoption of electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, lithium resources are sufficient to support demand until at least the end of this century.” Another analysis of the trade constraints associated with the global lithium market came to a similar conclusion, and noted that even a “five-fold increase of lithium price would not impact the price of battery packs.” Furthermore, companies like Simbol Materials are already finding innovative ways to acquire lithium by harvesting materials from the brine of geothermal power plants — no mining required.

Secondly, advanced vehicle batteries are unlikely to be simply thrown away; they’re too valuable. Even once they’re no longer suitable for automotive use, they retain about 80 percent of their capacity and can be re-purposed to provide grid energy storage to facilitate the integration of variable renewable resources, such as wind and solar. Automotive batteries can also be repurposed to support the electrical grid at the neighborhood level, preventing the need to invest in costly distribution system equipment. Pacific Gas & 

Electric plans to use money saved through the strategic deployment of used battery packs in neighborhoods throughout Northern and Central California to provide electric car drivers with rebates to reduce the purchase price of new electric cars.

Finally, those batteries that aren’t repurposed will likely be recycled. Conventional vehicle manufacturing is one of the most efficient industries in the world — around 95 percent of vehicle parts are recycled, reducing the energy needed to make more parts. It is worth noting that conventional lead-acid car batteries are consistently the most recycled product for which the EPA provides data [PDF], with a recycling rate of 96 percent. Advanced battery recycling could cut associated emissions in half, according to a 2012 study from researchers at Argonne National Laboratory. Companies are already investing in such technologies.

In summary, a sustained and serious examination of the cradle-to-grave impacts of electric cars reveals they are the cleanest option available today, and that the environmental benefits of vehicle electrification will only increase over time. That’s not only good news for the eco-conscious, but for any consumer interested in driving on a cleaner fuel at a price equivalent to buck-a-gallon gasoline.

Article Credit: www.grist.org

Used Car Dealership Houston

Top 6 Future Car Technologies

Top 6 Future Car Technologies:

1. Car Intelligence - Without WIFI in cars many of these other technologies wouldn't be possible. Ford has already launched 'Sync' - a voice activated technology which uses Bluetooth, WIFI and Cloud. Drivers can connect to the cloud using voice controls to get directions, traffic updates, send text messages and make phone calls. In the future connectivity could be used to download episodes of Scooby doo to keep kids occupied or to develop Radio Frequency ID (RFID) Tags that store information about individual drivers so as they approach the car the engine will start, the seat and mirrors will automatically adjust and the radio set to preferred station.
 
2. Car Communication - Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) Communication could help to improve safety by notifying drivers of a person/dog/bike etc they may not have noticed and even automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. V2V Communication would also be able to provide real time traffic updates by sending a signal to the cars ahead in a queue to gather information about the jam.
 
3. Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) - Communication provides information about the surrounding infrastructure such as parking spaces and traffic lights. Living PlanIT joint with McLaren Electronics have developed a platform called 'Urban OS', they currently have an on-going trial with taxis in Portugal which are gathering data about traffic conditions. The idea is that in the future the Urban OS treats the data and communicates it back to drivers - this could result in all signage becoming internal eliminating the need for traffic lights, motorway warning signs etc.
 
4. Airbags to Stop Cars - Since the invention of airbags car manufacturers have concealed them in almost every part of a car to improve safety upon impact. Mercedes are working on a new way to use airbags to make them part of an active safety system - when sensors determine that a collision is inevitable, airbags with a friction coating would deploy from beneath the car increasing the cars stopping power by up to 100%.
 
5. Augmented Reality Dashboards - Some high end cars already have GPS displays on the windshield, but in the future cars will also be able to identify external objects in-front of the driver and display information about them on the windshield, for example, if the driver is approaching a vehicle too quickly a red box will appear on the car and arrows will show the driver how to manoeuvre safely into another lane to avoid collision.
 
6. Energy Storing Body Panels -Exxon Mobil has predicted that half of all new production cars will be hybrids by 2040 - this is great for the environment but hybrid batteries are very heavy and take up a lot of space so a group of nine European manufacturers are researching and testing body panels that can store energy and charge faster than a conventional battery. This could reduce car weight by 15% so the saving in weight would also eliminate wasting energy used to move the heavier car.

It's becoming clear that a car is no longer just an instrument used to get us from A to B and it seems the joy of driving is being threatened by an increased number of flashing lights, beeps and voices. Can technology in cars go too far? Some of these ideas are more obviously beneficial than others, but can turning cars into giant smart phones on wheels really improve safety?

Article Credit: http://www.carhoots.com

Houston Car Dealers

New Car Quality Takes a Hit Due to Technology

Automakers, eager to meet customers' demands for new technology, have been racing to add gadgets to their dashboards, from backup cameras to touch-screen climate controls.

    But an influential survey suggests they need to slow down, because the technology is taking a toll on quality.

Drivers reported more problems with their all-new or redesigned 2011 models than they did the year before, according to J.D. Power and Associates' annual survey of new vehicle quality, released on Thursday. Complaints about audio, entertainment and navigation systems got the bulk of the blame, and are up 28% since 2009.

The survey questioned 78,000 people about problems they had with 2011 model-year vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. Owners reported an average of 107 problems per 100 vehicles. That jumped to 122 problems for cars that were new or redesigned for 2011, up 10% from 2010 model-year cars and trucks.

Overall, automakers got better scores than last year, because many carried over previous models into 2011 without major changes. Lexus, Honda and Acura were the top performers, all with less than 100 problems. 

Dodge was the worst-performing brand.

     But new cars with new technology were a problem. They proved to be the downfall for Ford, which dropped from a fifth-place quality ranking in 2010 to 23rd this year.

Ford launched its My Ford Touch dashboard system on the Ford Edge and Ford Explorer crossovers in the 2011 model year. The system allows drivers to control climate, navigation, entertainment and other features by voice or through a touch screen.

Ford says 73% of owners with My Ford Touch say they're satisfied with the system. The company wants to help drivers do the things they're already doing — making calls, answering texts, playing music — without taking their hands off the wheel.

"This is a trend we can't ignore," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, at an event earlier this week.

But the company acknowledges that My Ford Touch is complex and has been difficult for some buyers to use. Owners have also complained that the system takes a long time to boot up. It also has many glitches, including failing to recognize voice commands or properly link up with mobile phones.
Ford says it has made software updates to improve the system. It is now offering workshops at dealerships to help owners get more familiar with the system.

"We expected mixed quality results this year, after closely listening to our customers. This same feedback now shows that we largely are back on track after addressing near-term quality issues," Ford's Fields said in a statement Thursday.

J.D. Power didn't single out Ford, but said automakers need to be make sure technology is easy for people to operate while they're driving.

"Automakers must ensure that the technology is ready for prime time," said David Sargent, J.D. Power's vice president of global research.

The Toyota brand saw a big leap in quality, jumping 14 spots to seventh place. Toyota's 2010 rankings were hurt by a series of safety recalls. Also, Toyota introduced few new products for 2011, so it didn't experience the glitches other manufacturers did.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus luxury brand moved up three spots to take the lead in the survey from Porsche. Lexus had 73 problems per 100 vehicles. Dodge, the worst performing brand overall, had 137 problems per 100 vehicles.

Cadillac and GMC, both General Motors Co. brands, and Mazda rose into the top ten performers this year. Hyundai, Ford and Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln luxury brand dropped out of the top tier.

Honda was the best performer in segment-level awards. The Fit subcompact, Civic and Insight small cars, Accord midsize car, Element compact crossover, Crosstour midsize crossover and Ridgeline pickup were all the best performers in their segments.

While J.D. Power's rankings are used in advertising and are important to the industry, some critics question whether they show any real statistical difference between automakers.

Lexus' rating, for example, equates to 0.73 problems per vehicle, while the rating for Dodge, which finished last, equals 1.37 problems per vehicle. So on average, less than one problem per vehicle separates the best brand from the worst.

Article Credit: http://www.mainstreet.com

Kia Forte Sugarland

New Car Technology Tells Tailgaters To Back Off

In 2009, more than 30,000 Americans were killed in car crashes. Most of those accidents were avoidable — the result of driver error.

Now, the auto industry wants to cut down on traffic deaths by using vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology.

The technology enables cars in close proximity to one another to share information wirelessly. The premise behind it is that most crashes are avoidable if drivers have enough time to react.

This isn't exactly a new idea. A General Motors film from the 1939 World's Fair imagined a technology similar to what's finally making it onto roads today.

Avoiding Pileups:

In an empty parking lot in Washington, D.C., Ford Motor Company engineer Joe Stinnett demonstrates how its "" technology works today.

He follows two other cars closely — too closely. It's the kind of scenario that often leads to 60-car pileups.

"So, we're just going to drive down to the end of the track here," Stinnett says. "At the end of the track, the lead vehicle is going to hit the brakes. So, you can imagine if this was a foggy or snowy day with limited visibility, this would be even worse."

All three cars are equipped with a small GPS and Wi-Fi unit, just like inside a smart phone.

Ford is investing heavily in the technology and plans to launch a fleet of prototypes equipped with it this spring. The cost is pretty cheap — about $100 per car. And it lets cars communicate things like latitude, longitude and speed with one another at a range of about 1,500 feet.

"They're monitoring the position of all the vehicles around you and determining who is an immediate threat to your vehicle — and what type of threat that vehicle is," Stinnett says.

An alarm sounds in Stinnett's car because he's following the other vehicles too closely.

"So, basically, what you saw was, you saw the lead vehicle's brake lights go off, and then you immediately saw the alert go off in this car — even before you had this vehicle ahead of you, before you saw their brake lights," he says. "So, you get that advanced alert."

Installing The Technology In All Cars:

Ford is working with most of the world's other major automakers to turn this technology into a basic safety feature of every car.

This vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology will be most effective if pretty much every car on the road is equipped with it.

James Sayer, a safety expert at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, says giving drivers a few extra seconds of warning before a crash could dramatically reduce traffic accidents.

"It still is the case that the weakest link is the driver," he says. "The vast majority of errors in driving that lead to crashes are because of the driver. It's rarely the case that the wheel falls off."

Privacy Concerns:

There is one concern about this technology that the auto industry is very sensitive to: privacy.

After all, cars could soon be telling every other nearby car — and who knows who else — details about location, speed and where they've been in the past five minutes.

Ford and other companies are trying to make that data as anonymous as possible.

"The fact that we walk around the streets with smart phones all the time means that, essentially, the phone companies can track where we are if they wanted to, so I think there's lessening concern on the part of the public about the privacy," Sayers says.

Limited trials of vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology will start later this year. If they're a success, the government could mandate that all cars be equipped with these devices before the end of the decade.

Article Credit: http://www.npr.org

Oil Change Katy Coupon

New Automotive Technologies

According to J.D. Power and Associates research, there are 10 new automotive technologies in which car buyers are most interested. Following is a list of the technologies and a brief explanation of how they work:

1. LED Headlights--LED headlights burn brighter and last longer, but are also more expensive. Full LED lighting is typically available only on premium brand vehicles, but LED running lights are now offered on some entry-level models.
2. Natural Language Voice Activation--Voice-recognition technology continues to improve, and is available in a greater variety of languages. Natural language voice activation is designed to recognize normal speech patterns, allowing the driver or vehicle occupants to issue commands outside of a pre-determined list of specific words and phrases, or to compose messages that communications systems can convert into text and send to a recipient.
3. Next-generation Head-up Display--Head-up displays project vehicle data and images onto the windshield for driver reference. The latest versions can be combined with radar-based technologies to help the driver "see" pedestrians and animals ahead on a dark road, even if the headlights don't illuminate them yet.
4. Wireless Connectivity System--Technology that allows the driver and/or passengers to pair smartphones with a vehicle's information and entertainment system, wireless connectivity is offered in a wide range of models, and some also offer mobile Wi-Fi Internet service.
5. Remote Vehicle Diagnostics--The ability to check vehicle system condition remotely, or to operate vehicle systems via smartphone application, is of greater interest to consumers. Some electric and hybrid models allow for cabin pre-conditioning on hot days, ensuring that the car will be cool when you enter it.
6. HD Radio--HD Radio units receive digital AM and FM stations that a standard analog radio cannot, and they offer enhanced capabilities, such as reproducing stations in 5.1 surround sound. Broadcasters use extra channels available on the digital spectrum to expand programming that can only be heard on an HD Radio.
7. Enhanced Collision-Mitigation System--Collision-mitigation systems sound a warning and prepare the braking system to deliver full braking power when the driver reacts to the warning. Enhanced systems can apply the brakes for the driver to stop the vehicle when traveling at low speeds or to slow the vehicle before impact at higher speeds.
8. Surround-view Rear-vision Camera--Rear-vision cameras show what is directly behind a vehicle when it is backing up and gives the driver a 180- to 360-degree view of what is around the vehicle as it backs up, which adds an extra measure of visibility and safety.
9. Personal Assistance Safety Systems--Subscription-based safety systems that can automatically notify authorities of a collision if the air bags deploy, provide the vehicle's location, speed rescue to the scene of the accident, and provide a direct connection to a live operator in the event of an emergency are of interest to consumers.
10. Autonomous Driving Systems--Automakers and Google are exploring autonomous driving systems, which take full control of the vehicle's steering, accelerator, and braking systems. This technology already exists in some cars currently on the market. These vehicles offer self-parking systems that steer a vehicle into a parallel parking space, adaptive cruise control systems that automatically stop and go in heavy traffic, and lane-departure prevention systems that will steer a vehicle back into the intended lane of travel if the driver fails to respond to audible or tactile warnings. Future uses of such radar-based technology are aimed at taking full control of a vehicle.

Article Credit: http://autos.jdpower.com

Kia Optima Hybrid Houston

New car gadgets have drivers drifting

It seems to be happening more often: The car next to you slowly drifts into your lane.

We've all noticed it; maybe we've even been guilty of it.

A wave of new technology is turning our cars into rolling entertainment centers, tempting drivers to take their eyes off the road while they push buttons on their dashboard or tap onscreen displays. It is one more distraction, along with texting and cellphone calls.

"It's maddening when you see someone looking down and they're butting into your lane," said Amber Witte, who commutes from Palm Beach County to Plantation during the week. "Your blood pressure rises when it happens to you, but we've all done it."

When motorists fiddle with their car's gadgets, "they drive slower than normal and tap on the brakes. They'll sometimes drift off course," said Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky.

Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a nonprofit insurer-funded group, said more research should be available later this year on the impact of new technology on distracted driving, including new voice-to-text applications.

The Texas Transportation Institute released a study last week that said sending voice-activated text messages was just as distracting behind the wheel as texts sent by hand.

Federal data shows accidents associated with distracted driving lead to 10 deaths and 1,100 injuries every day.

For every mile you drive, it requires 20 separate decisions to stay on course, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. A driver traveling at 60 mph who looks away for just a second is essentially moving 88 feet with their eyes closed. If you're playing with an app on your dash or choosing music, you could travel the length of a football field without having any idea what's on the road ahead of you.

Careless driving, a broad category that can include distracted driving, regularly is among the top causes of fatal crashes in Broward and Palm Beach counties, according to state traffic-crash data.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said 25,156 crashes were caused in 2011 because of distracted driving. Wysocky said the accuracy of those numbers is questionable because a motorist has to admit to an officer they weren't paying attention.

To help cut down on the problem, the Florida Legislature this year is poised to ban motorists from texting while driving. A ticket could cost first-time offenders $30, plus court costs.

The bill exempts the use of phones to check maps and the use of voice-commands. Drivers would be allowed to text while stopped at a light and talking on a cellphone would not be restricted.

At the same time, the federal government is proposing automakers put stronger limits on drivers' use of in-car touch screens. Cars would be designed to refuse to send texts, tweets or update Facebook while the vehicle is moving.

Under the proposed federal rules, drivers would still be able to pull up addresses on a GPS system. But the rules state such tasks should be accomplished by glancing from the road in two-second spans and by pushing fewer than seven buttons.

The rules would be voluntary and only apply to systems built into new cars by manufacturers. They wouldn't apply to existing cars, mobile devices or voice-activated systems.

"As technology evolves, however, it's clear that distractions behind the wheel don't end with cell phones," U.S. Transportation Secretary Roy LaHood wrote on his blog. "These are common sense guidelines."

But John Saunders, who uses the display in his car to change music while driving from Broward to Miami, says the new rules would be easy to get around.

Article Credit: www.sun-sentinel.com

Used Car Dealership Sugarland

Upcoming Cars Technology: A Future Preview

As a driver, have you ever wondered how to make it more easier, more fun and more comfortable for you to drive your own car that you could almost feel that you're inside your house or your office? Well, I have good news for you people.

Some tech companies are in talks with some car makers for collaboration on productivity and entertainment enhancements for cars in the future.

At the recently concluded Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona, Samsung has announced that they are in collaboration with Toyota to create the Samsung Car Mode Application. The app is said to integrate Samsung's mobile communication tech with Toyota's In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) for connectivity, multimedia capabilities and internet services.

Meanwhile, Mercedes Benz has also announced that they're looking to integrate Apple's Siri into its A-class electronics system called Drive Kit Plus. It will basically let the driver access iPhone apps while driving through voice commands.

Another company, Research In Motion (RIM), have announced that it's going to integrate their Blackberry QNX technology into Porsche.

In summary, we're going to see next-generation GPS, games, videos, photos and web surfing, as well as using only voice commands to change channels on the radio, send texts, make calls, listen to music and create reminders right in the comfort of our own car.

There you have it, folks. Welcome to the future of car technology. Enjoy!

Article Credit: http://technorati.com

Used Car Dealership Houston

Top Threats to the Classic Car Hobby

Set at The Quail Lodge Golf Club during the famed Monterey Classic Car Week, notable industry figures including Michael Kunz, Director of Mercedes-Benz Classic Center; Corky Coker, CEO, Coker Tire; and Wayne Carini, Host of Discovery HD's "Chasing Classic Cars" joined Master of Ceremonies McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty for a discussion on Top Threats to the Classic Car Hobby.

While traditionally historic vehicles have not been the direct focus of attacks, technology and public policy are advancing and developing with a growing bias against the traditional automobile and the combustion engine. Increasingly, historic vehicles are suffering as byproducts of well-intentioned regulatory action or technological evolution. While those in the hobby support cleaner air, safer vehicles, and petroleum independence, broad sweeping, ill-conceived strategies can unintentionally impact the ability to freely use and maintain historic vehicles.

The most immediate threats to the collector car hobby discussed during the panel included:

1. Disappearing Infrastructure - Evolving transportation technology means the skills essential for repairing, restoring and manufacturing parts for historic vehicles might eventually erode if not nurtured and supported. If there is any question about this, one has only to consider how many steam-locomotive technicians work in major cities today. So too, then, may dissolve the capacity to rebuild carburetors, troubleshoot breaker-point ignitions and repair tube radios as these likewise become relics of our industrial past.

2. Environmental Regulations - At a state level there remains keen interest in emissions. Currently, there are 93 bills in 26 different states that deal specifically with emissions. As new cars become increasingly cleaner and the number of cleaner cars on the road grows, the more historic vehicles may shift in status from novelty to nuisance. This means that as state air quality standards get proportionately tighter, the number of cars meeting lower emissions standards will grows; which, in turn, will make older, more polluting vehicles a bigger, more visible target.

3. Alternative Fuels - The US is on track to comply with the federal law requiring us to quadruple our production of alternative fuels by 2020. The EPA and Department of Energy are working jointly to implement the most aggressive alternative fuel production standards that include E-85 and the highest corporate average fuel economy standards. The direct consequence of wide spread, pervasive implementation of alternative fuel on historic vehicle owners is evident- a disappearing fuel infrastructure.

4. Aging Demographic - The average age of the historic vehicle hobbyist is 55. And 75% of the hobby is 46 years old or more. Social, economic and technical forces conspire to divert the interest of youths away from the automobile. If these trends are left unabated we will continue to see the hobby age, declines in the number of enthusiasts and the value of vehicles, clubs will shrink and support services will become scarcer as more enthusiasts exit the hobby than enter it.

Each of the issues outlined during the panel discussions are going to fall under the proactive initiatives of the HVA in North America. The HVA was founded by Hagerty Insurance and appointed by FIVA as their exclusive North American affiliate in October 2009. The HVA will organize and serve the Historic Vehicle Movement in the United States and Canada by coordinating political and practical initiatives that serve the long term interests of its members.

The HVA is actively monitoring regulatory developments, collecting data to establish fact-based positions on issues affecting historic vehicle owners, developing a uniform system to identify and classify historic vehicles, and providing support and resources for all aspects of the historic vehicle lifestyle (clubs, events, museums, businesses and related educational institutions.

Article Credit: http://classiccars.about.com

Kia Optima Hybrid Houston

Used Car Dealership Sugarland