The Safety of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Electric and hybrid vehicles have been around since 2000 and the number of consumers has grown since then. But while these cars are known to be fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly, many are still apprehensive about giving them a try. Common Concerns with Electric and Hybrid Cars One common concern … Continued
Car manufacturers strive to improve vehicle safety features. In the New York International Auto Show held in April 2015, Consumer Reports specialist Mike Quincy said they think that safety is an absolute priority among buyers. While there is an interest for safety features among buyers, a survey conducted by the University of Iowa revealed that … Continued
A recent study revealed that U.S. drivers are not that interested in self-driving cars, yet. Researchers Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle of the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute conducted a survey among drivers to determine their preferences about riding in self-driving vehicles. The survey received 505 responses. Survey results The main findings from the … Continued
One day vehicles will no longer allow drunk drivers to get on the road and drive. This is the possibility that researchers are looking into for the system they’re currently developing. This system is being compared to seat belts in terms of its potential in saving lives. Related: Drunk Driving In Kentucky Takes Lives How … Continued
Google has always been open about the developments in their self-driving cars. The latest from the tech giant is that some of their self-driving cars were involved in 11 minor accidents over a six year period. The director of Google’s self-driving car program described all 11 accidents as minor. No one was injured and damage … Continued
Toyota recently unveiled new and affordable safety features at the 2015 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). These systems have the ability to automatically brake the vehicle to help avoid collisions. Known as the “Toyota Safety Sense and Lexus Safety System,” these technologies are set to roll out across most passenger models and grades in … Continued
Electric vehicle manufacturer Telsa has recently announced updates to its Model S electric car. This update could result to an earlier release of a self-driving system. If you’re wondering what this software update is about, CEO Elon Musk explains that this will allow Tesla cars to keep track of the closest charging stations. This is … Continued
It’s clear to see; it’s only a matter of time before self-driving cars invade the market. Leading car manufacturing companies are gearing toward a generation where cars require minimal supervision from human drivers to run. From Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, to Nissan, each has a version of how futuristic cars should be. Packed with sensors, … Continued
The latest self-driving prototype car that Google unveiled eliminates human drivers from the picture. With Google’s self-driving car, starting the car is as easy as pushing a button. The next thing passengers will know is they’re off to their destination. Here’s a link from the Google Self-Driving Car Project Team, from their YouTube page. It … Continued
These days, automakers are incorporating infrared technology on their car models for night vision. For instants, the German vehicle manufacturer BMW’s X5 is equipped with an infrared sensor on the center stack. It’s neat how far car technology has advanced. However, we all could use some tips on how to drive safely at night. Driving … Continued
Soon, we’ll probably see cars talking, not just in animated films, but on actual roads. In July 2013, I talked about the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute conducting a pilot project called Vehicle to Vehicle Communication (V2V). I also said that we would have to wait until the end of 2013 to know whether … Continued
In a previous post, we talked about technology being perceived as the solution to curb distracted driving. Is this really the way to prevent the use of cell phones while driving? Apple believes it is. Related: The More Technology, the Better? Apple CarPlay For the past few months, we’ve been hearing a lot about tech … Continued
Car aesthetics go beyond what we see on the outside. It also includes the price of a car. Consumer Reports (CR) created a list they released in 2014 that told buyers which cars to avoid. Yes, you heard it right. The same team who makes recommendations on which vehicles are a good deal is also … Continued
Vehicles are considered one of the biggest investments a person can make in their lifetime. For one, it can be really costly. When things cost a lot, you want them to last. So, longevity is a crucial determinant whether a buyer would pick a car or not. Related: Americans Aren’t Driving Anymore? Car longevity study … Continued
Previously, we talked about a California woman who received a ticket for wearing Google Glass. Yes, it’s kind of a futuristic issue for lawmakers, officials and Kentucky drivers like us. However, there’s no way we can push it aside when we already see it becoming a legal issue. Related: Google Glass, Distracted Driving or Improved … Continued
Ford is expecting to keep its title as the best-selling vehicle brand in North America, surpassing Toyota and Grand Motors. In 2013, Ford sold over 2.4 million vehicles and is expecting to solidify its lead with record sales of the Escape, Fusion and Fiesta adding to the huge demand for Focus. Ford also holds the … Continued
It was reported that California, Nevada, Florida and the District of Columbia took the wheel on driverless cars. These four states have set ground rules for self-driving cars and allowed automakers to test these vehicles on roads. Indeed, self-driving cars are here and among those are: Infiniti, Mercedes- Benz, Lexus and Acura. Related: States Take … Continued
Many of you know the idea of the start-stop technology in cars. If you don’t, let me explain. Everyone wants to save gas and save money, so a new technology called start-stop was introduced. What this technology does is when your car is at a complete stop for more than a few seconds, the engine … Continued
Talking vehicles are no longer an elusive dream for both car manufacturers and owners. Researchers at the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute developed a pilot project called Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication (V2V). This project was viewed by many as the start of us seeing self-driving cars. Related: McKinsey Study: Self-Driving Cars Big Help To Commuters Detection … Continued
One text or call could wreck it all. However, one phone car mount can keep your phone out of your hands. A phone car mount can be attached on your dashboard or window. This simple device can ensure safe driving to a great extent. If you are one of the 84% worldwide who cannot go … Continued
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, is becoming increasingly concerned with the large number of dangerous auto accidents. The NHTSA is looking for new and smarter ways to determine what caused auto accidents with the goal of preventing similar crashes. They’ve proposed that all car makers start including “black boxes” or event data recorders … Continued
General Motors and Ford are trying to make using your phones behind the wheel easier and safer. General Motors is linking Apple’s Siri to their new infotainment systems in its two smallest cars, the Chevrolet Spark and Sonic. Ford, on the other hand, is developing a better voice recognition in its command center along with … Continued
Pedestrians and bicyclists beware! An electric car could get you! A problem has arisen with electric cars. That problem is that electric cars don’t make a lot of noise. That is a good thing for the driver and passenger but a potentially dangerous situation for pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrian and bicycle may not hear an … Continued
