e shtunë, 28 prill 2007

Before You Make A Purchase, Do Some Safety Checks

The most essential thing in this world is life and to protect it, one should put it in his topmost priority. This is also true in choosing cars. A potential car buyer should not be confined in a box that only offers elegance and comfort; he must go beyond that demarcation.

To help purchasers make the right purchasing decision on his next car, safety features should not be overlooked. Crash test results, airbags, child seats, auto systems and more are to be carefully measured. There are several factors in evaluating the overall safety of the car. These factors include its performance in an emergency-handling situation to protect car occupants.


In comparing safety potentials of vehicles, one should also consider appropriate variables. Do some safety checks on these variables to ensure optimum safety capabilities. One significant variable is the Insurance-industry crash-test rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a research group, is aimed at conducting its own series of crash tests to assess the car’s safety features. In conducting its frontal-offset crash, a vehicle is run at 40 mph into a deformable barrier. Instead of engaging the whole width of the car's front end, the barrier covers just the 40 percent of the car directly in front of the driver.

The IIHS uses a deformable barrier in doing the frontal-offset crash test. It more closely simulates a typical form of fatal crash – the car-to-car, driver's-side-to-driver's-side collision. Such crash test emphasizes the structural durability and ability of the car to protect the area around the driver without collapsing. IIHS rates cars as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Earlier the group has formulated its own side-impact tests that simulate a vehicle being struck in the side at 31 mph by a vehicle with the height and weight of a conventional pickup or sport utility vehicle. The test is said to be more severe than the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) side-crash test.

Another safety variable is the NHTSA’s crash rating. The government agency conducts two types of crash tests – the side impact and the full frontal. The highest vehicle rating is five-star with fewer stars indicating greater probability of serious injury.

Both IIHS and NHTSA crash results are only comparable to vehicles within similar weight class. If the car’s weight is different, the results could vary.

Other safety variables include antilock brake system (ABS), airbags, seat-belts and head restraints. ABS prevents wheels from locking up during a hard stop, provides shorter stops, helps keep the vehicle straight, and allows the driver to maneuver during a panic stop. Air bags, on the other hand, are mandatory in most states. But it is worth checking what kind of airbags a car has. Seatbelts are essential. The most efficient so far is the three-point lap-and-shoulder belts. In addition, some automakers equip their vehicles with safety-belt pretensioners and force limiters. Head restraints, conversely, are essential for protecting neck against possible injuries.

Child safety is another important variable. The compatibility of the car’s seat and the child seat should be determined to secure a snug fit. Accident avoidance features should also be noted. Consider braking, acceleration, visibility, seat comfort, driving position to ensure a safe ride. Features like the electronic stability control (ESC) and rollover resistance are also significant aspects to ponder on. But the common denominator is to be secure about the quality of auto parts. The
Volvo ignition coil along with other parts accessories should be maintained and repaired when called for.

By: Glady Reign

New Research For Teen Driver Safety

Teenage drivers have been part of most accidents. This is according to studies and researches done by various automobile and traffic safety experts through various periods. These teens actually become so because of their raging hormones that provide them the courage and the drive to go ahead and do risky driving while behind the wheel. They also are in the stage when they tend to be rebellious and try to do the opposite of what adults and parents tell them.

In part of this kind of dilemma for traffic safety enforcers and workers, the American Automobile Association, which is more popularly called as the AAA, has a department or group that is known as the Foundation for Traffic Safety. This group would be actually releasing a new research that has been validated with science and scientific tests. This new research would actually tackle, discuss, and elaborate on the impact of the Graduated Driver Licensing laws as well as involvement of parents on drivers who are teenagers. And when this study refers to teenagers, they are actually pertaining to drivers who are 16 years old and 17 years old.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, this new report and research that they would be presenting to the public would be able to show three factors that would actually distinguish and contrast those teenagers who have not been involved in any crashes or auto accidents to those teenagers who have already been involved in these kinds of situations. In fact, the group maintains that this will be the first time that such data would be presented to the public.

To back all their information up, the AAA would also be showing data from the various states that show the number of deaths that have all been because of 16 and 17 year old drivers. In fact, as part of the background of their study, the AAA has held data that teenagers have been mostly involved in many motor vehicle crashes.

Safety For Women Drivers

It is a known fact that women can be quite vulnerable especially when people start to attack them. Even when driving in their own cars, women should still be careful and should take much precaution.

When you are driving, always lock your doors. Your windows should be kept closed as well. If you have some valuables inside your car, including your handbag and some pieces of jewelry, keep them out of sight. Thieves could be eyeing those items and could be the cause of trouble for you.

One way for people with bad intentions to rob someone else’s car would be to signal the driver to actually stop. If you notice somebody trying to make your car stop and is approaching your vehicle, automobile experts suggest that you blow your horn. The horn creates noise and noise has been a good and proven way to deter any kind of attacker or robber. Also, it is much wiser to abstain from giving lifts to strangers. Your safety comes first.

If you are planning on parking, choose a spot which is well lit. You might be parking in the day, however, try to visualize if that spot would be well lit come night time. Also, if you are about to go back to your car, make sure that you already have your keys in your hand. That way, you would not have to fumble for them as you walk to your car. While refueling, do not leave your door unlocked, even if you are just refueling or even if you are just paying for the service and the fuel.

For automobile experts, they suggest that women should have a cellular phone in handy. That way, if there is any kind of trouble, you could be able to call the authorities up for assistance. However, if you are in some kind of car trouble, it is wise to stay inside the vehicle and wait for help rather than go outside and wait for help there.

5 Safety Tips All Drivers Should Know

According to the 2007 census, more than 150 million people drive or carpool to work daily.

With all these people on the road, drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely at their destinations. Here are some tips to heed in your travels.

* Keep your vehicle properly maintained. Follow the recommended service intervals found in your vehicle owner's manual, always monitor hoses and belts, and check filters, spark plugs and fluids. Also, be sure tires are properly inflated and gas levels are sufficient.

* Carry an emergency kit. In addition to standards such as a first aid kit and battery jumper cables, consider adding the Autolite TriGlo safety light to your vehicle emergency kit. Powered by four AA batteries, this compact light serves a dual purpose: It shines like a flashlight and alerts like a flare. Triangular in shape, the TriGlo light can be used as a bright spotlight or as a blinking safety triangle to warn oncoming traffic of a motorist's presence.

* Buckle up. When lap and shoulder belts are used correctly, they reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

* Know your route. Before hitting the road, take the time to map out your route. Motor clubs such as AAA provide auto travelers with maps and detailed directions to their destinations. Be aware of traffic, construction and weather advisories along your route so you can make alternate plans should these conditions affect your drive.

* Reduce driver distraction. Traffic, construction and careless drivers are distractions beyond your control. However, you can reduce the risk of an accident by decreasing the distractions inside your vehicle.

For instance, to avoid the glare from overhead lights used by your passengers, consider a product such as the Autolite SpotGlo seatbelt light source. This compact, battery-operated recessed light clips easily onto a passenger's seatbelt and slides smoothly on the strap for desired positioning. It directs a powerful LED light source right where passengers need it, without distracting the driver.

No matter where you're headed, heed these suggestions to arrive safely at your destination. Happy travels! - NU

By: Sean Lee

Car Safety Ratings: What Do They Mean?

Every car commercial tells you that their car has a five-star safety rating. Does this score really mean anything? What tests are being performed and who does the measuring?

The Organizations

In the United States, there are two organizations that score cars on safety ratings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA is run by the Department of Transportation and is sometimes called the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) or the government five star rating.

Frontal Collision Ratings

The NHTSA gets its data by running a car directly into a wall at 35 mph. The IIHS does a different test, where the impact is offset, and not directly in the middle. The IIHS test does a better job of mimicking real-life accidents. While most cars do well in directly head-on collisions, most real-life collisions are offset.

The NHTSA scores with five stars. Five stars means that there is ten percent or less chance of injury. Injury is defined as something life-threatening or for which you will need immediate hospitalization. Four stars is between eleven and twenty percent chance of injury. Three stars is between twenty-one and thirty-five percent chance.

The IIHS score is not in a five star format. They rate a vehicle as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.

The NHTSA and the IIHS scores should be looked at in conjunction with one another. Remember, both these scores only rate what would happen if you collide with another vehicle the same size as yours. However, many crashes involve only one-vehicle, so these tests are useful.

Side-Impact Ratings

Again, the NHTSA and IIHS uses different side-impact tests. The NTSA crashes a giant beam into the side of a car and measures the shock on two male-sized dummies. They then make a star rating based on the chance of chest injury to the dummies. Five stars means less than 5% chance of injury, four stars is 6%-10%, and 3 stars is 11%-20%. They don’t gage the damage to the head in this star rating, but if they think that it is excessively dangerous, they will add a safety note to their report.

The IIHS uses dummies that represent adolescents or small-statured women. This helps assess the safety of people other than men in the car. They also use a larger beam. They score their rating based on injury to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and femur. This is arguably a more comprehensive test than the NHTSA test.

Rollover Ratings

The NHTSA is the only company that does Rollover ratings. Rollovers are often the most fatal type of accident. The NHTSA measures the chance of a car rolling with no external catalyst, and the chance of it happening for a reason (hitting a shallow ditch, hitting the curb, going onto the shoulder). 95% of rollovers are “tripped,” and have some external element.

Recent NHTSA testing has proven what we know about SUVs being much more likely to rollover than sedans or other cars.

Low-Impact Bumper Test

The IIHS performs a low-impact bumper test to see how much repairs would cost you if you gently hit something by accident. They rate the cars accordingly. Although this is not necessarily a safety rating, it will tell you what you can expect for possible repairs for your car and is something to keep in mind while purchasing a car.

When you shop

Considering the safety ratings of cars is important. But it is also important to know how these ratings are measured so that you can make the most informed decision about your purchase. Maybe you want your car to be cool, or to be functional, but most of all you want it to be safe.

By: Andrew Dillan

Get auto insurance quotes with 10 simple steps

Cost of auto insurance is increasing day by day, which is increasing the number of people searching for cheap auto insurance quotes. But truly speaking, the question “how to find cheap auto insurance” remains unchanged. We will here discuss ten simple steps to find right auto insurance quotes.

I. It’s true that everyone is asking for cheap car insurance policy, but a cheap car insurance quote turn into a nightmare at the time of filing a claim. Don’t divert whole of your mind on auto insurance quotes, always keep an eye on coverage provided by the auto insurance policy you are taking.

II. Try to raise your deductible amount. Auto insurance quotes will be directly related to deductible amount.

III. Model of car, make of car also matter when you request for auto insurance quote. If you own a sports car and want to get an auto insurance quote, definitely it will attract higher auto insurance rates.

IV. Drive carefully. It will be very tough for you to get lower auto insurance quote if you had two accidents and three speeding fines in the last year. Auto insurance companies count all these thing while offering you auto insurance quote.

V. Don’t forget installing anti theft and safety devices in your car. If your car is at less risk and safe, then it will be easier for you to find cheap car insurance quote.

VI. Before buying a new auto insurance policy close the older one.

VII. Renewal of auto insurance policy is also required at a fix time. Just paying for it is not the right solution.

VIII. Some times auto insurance companies provide multipolicy discount, that’s don’t forget to look at your other insurers.

IX. Internet is good resource to search cheap car insurance quotes. You can even find discounts.
X. Read the fine print before singing policy.

Car Safety: Protecting Precious Lives

Car safety is a critical component in the design of any new car nowadays, and no manufacturer will have a license to build and sell cars, if they don’t comply with all the car safety aspects. With the increase in technology and the resultant conveniences in our lives, the aspect of safety too has come to the fore. This is especially true in the case of automobiles.

Car safety takes on several forms in this technological era. While the person driving the car is still responsible for adhering to driving safety regulations, increasingly, small computers and micro processors are taking on the role of the car safety keepers. All cars nowadays come with a certain degree of automation, and when it concerns car safety, these aspects are mandatory.


Gone are the days when the safety of the car depended on the individual driving it. That was probably restricted to them old vintage cars, when moving along was the critical component. But with the ever increasing number of cars on our roads and the heightened speed limits at which they drive along, car safety is no longer an option. It has become a critical aspect of the car manufacturing process itself. Not only that, it has become compulsory by law as well!

The auto pilot function for instance is one such example. By enabling the car to drive itself on open stretches, it ensures that drivers don’t feel the need to take their eyes off the road. Rather, they enable the driver to rest, thereby making for an enhanced driving experience, by taking on some of the monotonous aspects of driving on themselves.

Seat belts and crash balloons have almost become a permanent fixture inside all cars, even in lesser developed countries. Most countries nowadays have specific regulations pertaining to the useof car safety features like the seat belt and the crash balloon. In fact, some countries often issue hefty fines to drivers and passengers who drive without latching themselves in.

But car safety is often more than cosmetic. Manufacturers of cars nowadays have to test the car in a variety of possible scenarios in order to ensure that factors like crash zone, damage control and the like are minimized. This has resulted not only in a better build structure of cars, but has also ensured that the entire driving experience is made better, made safer and made absolutely secure.

By: Ernest R. Peterson

The Importance Of Car Safety

Car safety has most assuredly improved through the years since the debut of the automobile. The founders of the industry would be truly astounded at all the features now available on our main form of transportation. The birth of the combustion engine has changed our lives and in most dramatic way. It has allowed us to journey to places that would otherwise have taken weeks or months to reach. Many changes have taken place over the years, and improving car safety has always been one of the main focuses of the industry.

As vehicles improved with technological advancements, faster speeds were attained and annoying little bumps as well as more serious accidents were a byproduct of our use. Automobile manufacturers became more concerned with improving car safety and preventing injuries and deaths. It cannot be overstated how much car safety has improved over the years. But with that said, accidents can and do continue to occur.

The car safety devices were there, such as seat belts, but were not always utilized by its operators. It wasn’t until Congress in many states addressed this very serious issue of car safety on a state and national level, to a serious campaign to use the seat belts was launched. Drivers in these states are required to buckle up or they will be fined by law enforcement. I believe the slogan is "click it or ticket". Some car manufacturers in an effort to improve car safety designed seat belts that would secure themselves around the driver automatically after ignition.

It is all of our responsibilities as motorists and passengers to strive for car safety. Not every accident can be prevented completely, but we as consumers can make good choices by selecting a safe vehicle for ourselves and our families, and use the restraint system. An outstanding breakthrough of the past decade or two has been the invention of driver and passenger airbags, including side airbags that deploy from the doors. Child safety seats are another quantum leap in car safety as stronger alloys that the cars are constructed with.

Consumers can get more information on vehicle safety ratings by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. A plethora of test data such asc Crash test and rollover test ratings are available for perusal on most passenger cars, pick up trucks, SUVs, and vans from 1990 to the present. Car safety ratings should always be studied and compared for the various vehicles that you are interested in. This is a very good site to visit and can assist consumers in making an informed decision based on car safety ratings.

By: Morgan Hamilton