Technological Advances for Gas Pedals Increase Automobile Safety

When it comes to driving, it’s only a matter of a split second between successful application of brakes, and a disaster due to a delay. The importance of a car’s braking system can’t be overestimated. The automotive parts supplier might just have struck gold by developing a foot pedal that communicates with the driver to keep the occupants safe.

The consequences of car crashes need no introduction and they can range from minor bruises to fatalities, or lifelong debility. However, the startling fact is that many car accidents still occur well over a 100 years past the automobile’s invention. The US alone witnessed about 6,420,000 auto accidents in 2005, costing over US$ 230 Billion, about 3 million injuries and killing 42,000 people.

If the drivers had access to a system that could actually prompt them to release the accelerator and be prepared to brake, a lot of accidents perhaps could have been averted. This technology might not just be wishful thinking anymore as a new pedal called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP) actually does make collision warning happen. The pedal, whenever it senses danger, is programed to sound a warning to the driver by vibrating and generating counter pressure, hence signaling the driver to release the gas pedal and be ready to press the brakes.

Such pedals should come in handy during most dangerous circumstances, but should be especially useful in avoiding rear-end collisions. Most of which happen because the driver in the front, brakes abruptly, while the trailing driver is caught unawares. However, the trailing driver can avoid a collision only if she is alert at that point of time. And if not, because she was distracted, it spells a catastrophe. Hence in such a situation if the accelerator pedal itself prompts the driver to take the foot off the gas pedal and push the brakes, initiating the braking system, the consequence would probably be desirable.

Buying a Car? Know the Safety Features First!

It’s important for consumers shopping for a new or used car to know what car safety features to look for in order to ensure that the vehicle is safe. There are quite a few online car safety guides for car owners and buyers to go to learn more about the safety features of a particular vehicle. Guides offer an overview of the features that effect the safety of a vehicle the most. Kelly Blue Book, located online at www.kbb.com, provides unbiased and accurate information to consumers including pricing for new, used, and trade-in vehicles. This guide to car safety outlines what consumers should consider before making a vehicle purchase. The ability to adjust and be comfortable are important features, along with handling and stability, the restraint system, front/side air bags, audible warning devices, anti-lock brakes, front and side impact protection, and traction control. Other factors to look out for are whether it’s four wheel drive, front wheel drive, or rear wheel drive.

According to CNN Money at www.money.cnn.com, cruise control is more important to some consumers than side air bags (a safety feature people need but don’t want to pay for). Many buyers overlook car safety features, and auto companies tout their crash test ratings and advanced safety features because they believe that safety sells. According to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, anti-lock brakes came in fourth in desirability after air conditioning, a radio and a CD player. More focus should be emphasized on finding out which cars have which safety features, instead of color and cruise control when shopping for a new or used vehicle. With rising gas prices, consumers also may want to keep in mind economy and gas usage in addition to the car’s safety features.

It’s a good idea to test drive a vehicle at night to check visibility of headlights, make sure the seat belts fit comfortably well, and that head restraints, roof structures, and windshield designs don’t interfere with the driver’s ability to see.

Other important car safety features that buyer should pay particular attention to are front/side air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, all-wheel drive, and electronic stability control (designed to assist drivers in maintaining control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers). New car safety features are ever increasing, and many are included as standard equipment or available for purchase as an option. To learn more about available car safety features, visit www.auto.msn.com, www.carsdirect.com, www.kbb.com, or www.travelers.com for reliable consumer car buying information.

Roadside Safety Tips If Your Car Breaks Down

One of the most dangerous parts of having car trouble on the road is that when it happens, your attention immediately shifts from driving or traffic, to the problem, and that can lead to accidents. Thus, it’s good to keep some safety tips in mind if your car breaks down.

The first thing is to notice that something has gone wrong; your engine might be overheating, you’ve run out of oil, or maybe you have a flat tire. Whatever it is, accept the fact that something bad is happening so that you can get your car out of traffic as quickly and safely as you possibly can. Then, don’t panic, do your best to move in a safe manner to the lane that is closest to the shoulder, then ease onto the shoulder. If you can’t get the vehicle out of traffic, wait until no cars are coming and then try to get away from the car, because if it gets hit, you don’t want to be in it. Also, be aware of the other passengers in your car, do whatever you can to help them get out of the car and away from traffic as well.

If you are able to pull your car off the road, do so as far as is humanly possible from the road; many cars and people are struck alongside roadways because other drivers fail to see them in time. Next, get yourself and your passengers out of the car. Get the passengers to all exit the vehicle on the side that is the farthest from traffic, so that won’t be getting out next to speeding vehicles. Then, get all your passengers to get even farther off the road if possible. Being anywhere near a broken down vehicle on a roadway is a very dangerous place to be.

Then, call for help; whether it’s AAA, a local garage or whatever. Call the police if you have too. Call someone to come tow your vehicle to wherever it will be repaired. If it’s a flat, only change it next to the roadway if there is a lot of room between the car and the road. And if its possible, you might want to try turning the car around so that the flat tire is facing away from traffic so you won’t be working so close to the road.

If you have flares, use them. Better is if you have some red flags on a pole that you can put near your vehicle so that cars coming can see your car sooner. Also, put on your blinkers. In short, do whatever you can to alert other drivers to the fact that your car is broken down on the side of the road.

And then, just wait for someone to come help you.

Back To School Safety Tips

As parents or caregivers, it is important that you take time to sit down with your children and make sure they know how to stay safe.

Summer is nearly over and everyone has headed back to school. Just like teachers, books, and homework go hand in hand with the school year, so should safety. The following tips were provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

Tips for those riding the bus:

While waiting for the bus, take five giant steps back from the curb until the bus has stopped completely.

- Inside the bus, stay seated at all times.

- Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never throw anything out of the bus window.

- Always hold on to the bus handrails when you are getting on or off the bus so you don’t fall.

- Be careful that clothing, book bags, and key rings don’t get caught in the handrails or doors

- When getting off the bus, go to the closest sidewalk or side of the road and take five giant steps away from the bus.

- If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. If you bend over to pick it up, the bus driver may not be able to see you.

Walking to school safely:

- Children under age 10 should never cross a street without a grown-up.

- Choose a safe route to school. Look for the most direct route with the fewest street crossings.

- When crossing the street, stop at the curb or edge of the road.

- Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before crossing.

- Keep looking left and right until you are safely across the street – and remember to walk, not run.

- Follow all traffic signals and markings.

- Don’t enter the street from between parked cars or from behind bushes or shrubs. Drivers might not be able to see you.

If you will be riding a bicycle to school:

- If you are old enough to ride alone, plan a safe route to school and have a grown-up ride with you the first few times.

- Children under 10 shouldn’t ride on the road without a grown-up.

- Be sure that your helmet fits. It should sit even on top of the head – not rocking in any direction and always fasten the safety strap.

- Learn the proper hand signals and use them when you turn or stop.

- Walk, do not ride your bike across the street.

- Come to a complete stop before entering driveways, paths or sidewalks, then look left, right and left again for bikes, cars or pedestrians heading your way.

- Do not ride at night.

And last, but not least, if you are riding in a car to school the safest place to be if you are 12 years old or younger is in the back seat buckled up safely. Remember, you should be in a booster seat until you are eight years old and weigh 80 pounds.

Automobile crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for children 14 and under with almost 2,000 deaths in 2005. Inappropriately restrained children are nearly three and a half times more likely to be seriously injured in motor vehicle-related crashes. In 2007, more than 178,000 children ages 14 and under were injured occupants in a motor vehicle crash.

Riding in a motor vehicle:

- Children ages 12 and under should ride buckled up in the back seat in a child safety seat, booster seat or safety belt.

- Infants should ride in a rear-facing infant seat until they are at least one-year old and weigh at least 20 pounds.

- Use a convertible or forward-facing safety seat until the child outgrows it – up to about four and when the child weighs 40 pounds.

- All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4-feet 9 inches tall.

Adult safety belts alone do not sufficiently protect children weighing less than 80 pounds from injury in a crash. Children can’t ride comfortably and remain properly restrained until they are tall enough for the knees to bend over the edge of the seat when their backs are resting firmly against the back seat.

If the shoulder portion of the lap-shoulder belt comes across the neck, rather than the chest, they should be in a

How Secure Is Towing A Camper

There's nothing better than a family vacation, than hitting the road with a caravan in tow. During this option, you can enjoy some of the greatest freedoms can never offer him a price. The towing of a camper requires a special touch and certainly a lot of attention to detail.

Before you head out, there are things about driving a camper you need know. To avoid solving your camper and your vacation dreams go up in smoke, you should follow these steps:Suggestions:

Ensure that the correct vehicle for the job? Towing a trailer behind a two-seater sports giant can not be the best idea. Make sure you know the towing capacity of the car you plan on driving the weight of the camper. Could it be that it is necessary to reduce a vehicle to tow handle, or even rent the plans for the camper. In both cases, it is safe to play and the pull of mathematics.

Make sure you have the hook right? Not all joints are equal. You mustto know what kind of clutch is for your camper and / or a trailer and have installed is recommended. RV Sales Center can usually help on this front.

Keep in mind the weight if the package? It 's too attractive to be a camper at the edge of the pack before going on vacation. Although this may seem like a good idea, can cause problems. Keep weight in mind and try to form the load will certainly not be exceeded. Also make sure to distribute the weight inside the camper with about 60Percent front and 40 percent in the rear. Better yet, pack only the essentials for maintaining the appropriate weight campers.

Safe products carefully? All items are subject packaged in a mobile home before moving trawlers and even decreasing. Attention, are properly fastened to face roughness of the road.

Consider carefully brake systems? Make sure that the brakes of the towing vehicle to the task. It 's a good idea to have visited before going on tour. It can also berecommends that the braking system have even installed a separate trailer. Some states require.

Make sure the lamps? Every state in America requires followers have driven signaling systems. This means, stop lights and direction indicators. If these are not installed, make sure you understand. Test before leaving on a regular basis and if they are on the road.

take extra precautions? During a hitch, Barra do is usually the task, additional safety chainsnot a bad idea. This is simply a second connection between the trailer and towing vehicle.

Get the complete motor vehicle inspected? Beyond the braking system is very wise idea to ensure that the towing vehicle to travel. This means that fluids and filters checked and also check the tire pressure correct and performance.

Drive carefully? Towing a caravan is a lot of work for the car or truck in question. Drive carefully and be sure to leave enough spacebetween you and vehicles ahead of you. Stay within speed limits and never forget that a car or truck is a motor home towing much more than it seems.

family vacations, which include motor homes give you the freedom to go where you really want. Do not take the time to get everything set up with security in mind before you pull. Some precautions can help, a journey that is safe, solid and enjoyable.