2012

In response to rising insurance costs and serious road accidents, motorists in London reportedly want car manufacturers to start installing new in-car safety technology. In a poll, many motorists reported wanting in-car blood alcohol level detectors and cameras to provide recorded evidence in the event of a crash. Others would also like to see satellite… read more

According to a study on in-car internet, many drivers in the United States believe such a thing could not only cause much distraction while driving, but invade their privacy, as internet connectivity could provide information to companies on a driver’s location and driving habits. However, companies such as Apple suggest that moderate internet integration into… read more

General Motors has taken WiFi to a whole new level. By allowing smart phones to communicate with one another, cars with the WiFi technology can detect pedestrians on the road, leading to a safer driving environment. While the technology itself is not unheard of, GM takes it a step further than everyone else by allowing… read more

The Dorel Juvenile Group is boasting about new car seat technology that has a shell which contains foam filled with hexagonal holes.  Designers say this best deflects the energy around the child passenger. The inspiration for this technology came from looking at the cockpit of an IndyCar. 30-plus designers worked on this new seat thanks… read more

In a new editorial, an author discusses how new technology in vehicles actually may not be increasing safety. According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, new safety systems apparently have not appreciably decreased the number of accidents. In light of this surprising information, some believe that manufacturers would do better… read more

To reduce the chances of suffering death or injury in a traffic accident, a new report recommends purchasing a vehicle with five of the most important modern safety features:  Electronic Stability Control, antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, shoulder/lap seatbelts for the rear seats, and a collision warning system. Many older vehicles don’t have these lifesaving… read more

Indiana news station WISH-TV reports on a new high temperature alarm being installed in the cars of the Noblesville Police Department’s K-9 unit. The installations are a response to the recent death of a police dog in a hot squad car in Arizona. Although each alarm costs about $1,000 to install, the K-9 unit officers… read more

Tired of potholes?  Officials and residents in the city of Boston certainly are.  A spokesperson for the public works department says that, on average, crews have to repair about 19,000 such driving hazards every single year.  But officials are hoping that a new app can be used to cut down on costs and make the… read more

Starting January 1 of next year, drivers in California will be allowed to text while driving ONLY if it is being done hands-free through a voice command application. A CHP officer commenting on the new law made it very clear that fines will still be issued if a driver is seen holding the cell phone…. read more

Research indicates that men value safety less then women when purchasing a new car. The study, conducted by Opinion Matters, finds that 47% of men focus more on performace factors such as speed and technology while women are typically more interested in safety (60%) and comfort (58%). Economically, safety is still paramount, because safer cars… read more

The Mazda MX-5 sportscar is going to be tweaked in time for release in England this year, and it hosts some new features that safety-conscious consumers might want to hear about.  There will be a new bumper design that aims to increase aerodynamics and protect pedestrians in the event of a collision. The throttle pedal… read more

To combat the rising number of drivers using their phones behind the wheel, RIM has reportedly developed a lock that prevents texting while the phone is moving at a certain speed. Unfortunately, the feature has an ironic flaw: it can be unlocked by correctly retyping a given phrase through CAPTCHA, which is exactly the kind… read more