2012

A new ruling has just been passed that could affect everyone who shares the road with a big rig truck. Every two years, commercial drivers are required to submit to a medical examination with the Department of Transporation.  Around three million of these are performed every year in order to make sure that the driver’s… read more

A new service being offered seeks to help automobile owners get recall announcements that could end up saving their lives. The measure is being called the Auto Recall Alert Service, and it is being offered by the North Carolina Consumers Council, a non-profit organization.  Supporters of the organization and the new service claim that this… read more

A problem that could cause a bicycle to be unable to stop has prompted the recall of hundreds of units. This recall affects those bicycles equipped with Tektro TL-83 bicycle brake levers produced in China and imported by the Morgan Hill, California-based Specialized Bicycle Components.  Around 600 units are affected by the defect, which concerns… read more

Several hundred 2012 Toyota Tacoma trucks are being recalled due to the noted tire and loading information being incorrect in regard to spare tire size and cold inflation pressure. The information is contained within a placard that is placed on the vehicle.  As this placard is incorrect, the vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor… read more

I often talk about the dangers of texting while behind the wheel of an automobile, but a new study sheds some light on a practice that could be just as dangerous. A new article in a journal called Human Factors shows that a process as seemingly simple as choosing a song from an MP3 player… read more

Hot on the heels of a Texas campaign designed to raise awareness about motorcycle safety, the city of Houston has launched an initiative that aims to get people talking about that go-to public menace:  texting while driving. The campaign is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department, the Fire Department, State Farm Insurance, and… read more

Studies have shown that rear-view cameras can save a number of lives if they are installed on vehicles across the country, but when can we expect this to become commonplace? A new report discusses the benefits of such devices as well as difficulties that are preventing extensive installation.  It quotes statistics which show that a… read more

I have another recall announcement to share with you this afternoon. Public Bikes Inc., based right out of our city of San Francisco, has announced a recall of 4,100 2010, 2011, and 2012 bicycles.  The bikes were available at a number of Public Bikes dealers across the country, including the company’s home city and 16… read more

A new study conducted by Australian researchers focusing on the habits of truckers could have far reaching implications for the entire world. The most startling statistics that researchers uncovered involve the prevalence of the condition known as sleep apnea in long-haul Australian truckers.  Published in the journal SLEEP, the results have shown that a whopping… read more

Webasto Product North America Inc. is recalling some of their Hollandia passenger vehicles due to a defect detected in the sunroof supplied by Restyling Concepts.  The specific vehicles in question are Hollandia 600, 700, and TVS 900.  Five units are affected by this particular recall. The problem that has been brought to light involves gradual… read more

Pennsylvania is doing its part to make local roads safer for bicyclists. On April 2, a law will go into effect that is designed to improve the flow of traffic while keeping bike riders safe from harm.  Residents of the state are being encouraged to learn more about the new rules being instituted so that… read more

In many states, it’s necessary for convicted drunk drivers to have ignition interlock devices installed in their cars.  These devices require persons to blow into a tube that can detect the presence of alcohol on their breath.  But lawmakers are looking to explore whether these items should become a requirement in all vehicles. The federal… read more