The Memorial Day weekend kicks off the beginning of summer days of fun, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA), it also kicks off the deadliest driving season of the year.
On average, 269 more people die in traffic fatalities each month during the summer than in any other season of the year. Of the 25 deadliest days on American roads over the past five years, 20 of them fell during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Even more troubling is the fact that motor vehicle crashes are now the leading cause of death for 15-to-20-year-olds in America, with more than 7,000 teens killed annually in vehicle accidents. NHTSA also reports that one in five 16-year-old drivers are involved in collisions during their first year of driving.
To help minimize the number of accidents involving teens, Ford Motor Company is working to help teens become better drivers by turning to the Web. Ford is now offering safe driving tips in video format on popular Web sites like www.youtube.com, www.yahoo.com, in addition to Ford's interactive teen safe driving Web site, www.drivingskillsforlife.com. New tips will be posted each week through early June.
The short video spots provide a variety of driving tips for teens and adults delivered by professional instructors from Ford's Driving Skills for Life program. The videos show teens what to do if passenger-side wheels leave the roadway, how to recover in a skid, how to sit properly for safe driving, how to anticipate danger, and when it's important to slow down.
"We're turning to the Web because that's where teens live, and where they get much of their information," said Sue Cischke, senior vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. "We want the video spots to get teens thinking about safe driving, and we think the tips can be valuable for adults, as well."
Cischke said the best way for teens to learn safe driving is to get behind the wheel with an experienced driver -- a driving instructor or parent -- who can share their knowledge first hand.
"The best thing both teens and adults can do to remain safe is to buckle up, and avoid alcohol while driving. Research into driving related injuries and fatalities clearly demonstrates that," Cischke said. "We're proud that our safe driving program has helped many teens return home safely, and we want to spread our safe driving message any way we can."
Research provided by NHTSA indicates that one of the biggest reasons for high teen driver and passenger fatalities is low safety belt use among teens. More than 60 percent of occupants killed in vehicles driven by teens were not wearing safety belts. When worn correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent -- and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and mini-vans. Yet nearly one in five Americans still fail to regularly wear their safety belts.
Ford's Driving Skills for Life program emphasizes belt use and helps young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60 percent of teen vehicle crashes: hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management. Ford will continue to hold several hands-on driving safety events across the United States, and provide free educational materials to high schools around the country.
Established in 2003 by Ford Motor Company and the Governors Highway Safety Association, Driving Skills for Life provides effective learning tools, including the comprehensive interactive Web site that rewards students for taking the initiative to learn safe driving techniques. In addition, educator materials are available at no charge in both English and Spanish, allowing instruction of the program in school or community settings. Driving Skills for Life has staged hands-on driving events that have reached nearly 6,000 students. The program also combines learning materials for use by students, parents, educators, and instructors for use at home, in schools and community settings.
To view web video: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid900881707
Source: Ford Motor Company
e martë, 22 maj 2007
e premte, 11 maj 2007
Fall Hazard Prompts NHTSA, CPSC and Evenflo to Announce Recall of Embrace Infant Car Seat/Carriers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in cooperation with Evenflo Company Inc., today announced a recall of the following consumer product.
- Name of Product: Evenflo Embrace(TM) Infant Car Seat/Carriers
- Units: About 450,000
- Manufacturer: Evenflo Company Inc., of Vandalia, Ohio
Hazard: When used as an infant carrier, the handle can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to rotate forward. When this happens, an infant inside the carrier can fall to the ground and suffer serious injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: Evenflo has received 679 reports of the handle on the car seat/carriers unexpectedly releasing, resulting in 160 injuries to children. These reports include a skull fracture, two concussions, cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Description: The recall involves Evenflo Embrace(TM) Infant Car Seat/Carriers made before April 8, 2006. The recalled car seat/carriers have model numbers beginning with 317, 320, 397, 398, 540, 548, 549, 550, 556, 597, 598 or 599. The model number and production date information can be found on a white label on the bottom of the carrier and on the top of the convenience base. Models beginning with "5" are units sold with the travel system (compatible stroller). "Evenflo" is on the carrying handle and car seat base. Embrace(TM) infant car seat/carriers made on or after April 8, 2006 are not included in this recall.
Sold at: Department and juvenile products stores nationwide sold the car seat/carriers from December 2004 through September 2006 for between $70 and $100 when sold alone and between $140 and $200 when sold with a compatible stroller.
Manufactured in: United States and China
Remedy: Consumers should not use the handle until the repair kit has been installed. The product can continue to be used as a car seat when secured in a vehicle. Contact Evenflo to receive a free repair kit that strengthens the handle latch. Recall notice will be sent to all registered owners of the recalled product. The recalled units should not be returned to the retailer.
Customer Contact: For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 490-7497 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the recall Web site at http://www.embracehandle.com/
Evenflo Recall Hotline: (800) 490-7497
NHTSA Recall Hotline: (888) 327-4236
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http//:www.cpsc.gov/talk.html
Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Name of Product: Evenflo Embrace(TM) Infant Car Seat/Carriers
- Units: About 450,000
- Manufacturer: Evenflo Company Inc., of Vandalia, Ohio
Hazard: When used as an infant carrier, the handle can unexpectedly release, causing the seat to rotate forward. When this happens, an infant inside the carrier can fall to the ground and suffer serious injuries.
Incidents/Injuries: Evenflo has received 679 reports of the handle on the car seat/carriers unexpectedly releasing, resulting in 160 injuries to children. These reports include a skull fracture, two concussions, cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Description: The recall involves Evenflo Embrace(TM) Infant Car Seat/Carriers made before April 8, 2006. The recalled car seat/carriers have model numbers beginning with 317, 320, 397, 398, 540, 548, 549, 550, 556, 597, 598 or 599. The model number and production date information can be found on a white label on the bottom of the carrier and on the top of the convenience base. Models beginning with "5" are units sold with the travel system (compatible stroller). "Evenflo" is on the carrying handle and car seat base. Embrace(TM) infant car seat/carriers made on or after April 8, 2006 are not included in this recall.
Sold at: Department and juvenile products stores nationwide sold the car seat/carriers from December 2004 through September 2006 for between $70 and $100 when sold alone and between $140 and $200 when sold with a compatible stroller.
Manufactured in: United States and China
Remedy: Consumers should not use the handle until the repair kit has been installed. The product can continue to be used as a car seat when secured in a vehicle. Contact Evenflo to receive a free repair kit that strengthens the handle latch. Recall notice will be sent to all registered owners of the recalled product. The recalled units should not be returned to the retailer.
Customer Contact: For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 490-7497 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the recall Web site at http://www.embracehandle.com/
Evenflo Recall Hotline: (800) 490-7497
NHTSA Recall Hotline: (888) 327-4236
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1973 and charged with protecting the American public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call the CPSC hotline at 1-800-638-2772, or visit http//:www.cpsc.gov/talk.html
Further recall information is available at http://www.cpsc.gov
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
e enjte, 10 maj 2007
AAA Michigan Program Goal is Mature Drivers' Safety
CarFit comes to Michigan cities in May/June
AAA Michigan is implementing the first in-car safety program to help reduce the number of older Americans injured in car crashes by ensuring a senior's proper fit in the vehicle. The free program, called CarFit(R), is designed to ensure older Americans have properly adjusted their vehicles to help reduce senior crashes and the death and injuries that can result.
Drivers age 65 and older can receive a quick, but comprehensive check of how well they "fit" with their vehicle. A series of CarFit(R) events are scheduled throughout the state, beginning Friday, May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the AAA branch office in Grand Rapids.
CarFit(R) uses a 12-point checklist to ensure that senior drivers are sitting properly in their vehicles and that seats, seatbelts, mirrors, steering wheels, head restraints, gas/brake pedals and other controls are positioned properly for each driver. A proper fit can help improve seniors' visibility of the roadway and control of their vehicle.
"Although seniors are often the safest drivers when it comes to wearing their seatbelts, and they are less likely to speed or drink and drive, age- related fragility makes them more likely to be injured when a crash does occur," said Jack Peet, Manager, AAA Community Safety Services. "Older Americans need to take extra care to ensure their cars are properly adjusted for them."
The American Society on Aging developed CarFit(R) in collaboration with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association after more than two years of research and development. A pilot evaluation found the program is strongly needed. Early data show that more than one-third of seniors had at least one safety issue needing to be addressed.
The U.S. has more than 28 million drivers 65 and older on the roads today and more than 191,000 were injured in crashes in 2005, according to statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. By the year 2020 there will be more than 40 million senior drivers in the U.S.
Source: AAA Michigan
AAA Michigan is implementing the first in-car safety program to help reduce the number of older Americans injured in car crashes by ensuring a senior's proper fit in the vehicle. The free program, called CarFit(R), is designed to ensure older Americans have properly adjusted their vehicles to help reduce senior crashes and the death and injuries that can result.
Drivers age 65 and older can receive a quick, but comprehensive check of how well they "fit" with their vehicle. A series of CarFit(R) events are scheduled throughout the state, beginning Friday, May 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the AAA branch office in Grand Rapids.
CarFit(R) uses a 12-point checklist to ensure that senior drivers are sitting properly in their vehicles and that seats, seatbelts, mirrors, steering wheels, head restraints, gas/brake pedals and other controls are positioned properly for each driver. A proper fit can help improve seniors' visibility of the roadway and control of their vehicle.
"Although seniors are often the safest drivers when it comes to wearing their seatbelts, and they are less likely to speed or drink and drive, age- related fragility makes them more likely to be injured when a crash does occur," said Jack Peet, Manager, AAA Community Safety Services. "Older Americans need to take extra care to ensure their cars are properly adjusted for them."
AAA Michigan's CarFit(R) schedule through June 2007:
(All events are from 1-4 p.m. and are by appointment only;
call 1-800-646-4222 to schedule a time.)
Friday, May 11 Grand Rapids North 4650 Plainfield Ave., NE
Friday, May 18 Saginaw 3785 Bay Road
Tuesday, May 22 Marquette 3020 U.S. 41 West
Wednesday, May 23 Lansing 2829 E. Grand River Ave.
Wednesday, May 23 Alpena 2539 US-23 South
Friday, June 1 Waterford 5140 Highland Road
Friday, June 8 Brighton 8350 W. Grand River Ave.
Friday, June 15 Flint G-5009 W. Bristol Road
Friday, June 22 Traverse City 940 US-31 North
The American Society on Aging developed CarFit(R) in collaboration with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association after more than two years of research and development. A pilot evaluation found the program is strongly needed. Early data show that more than one-third of seniors had at least one safety issue needing to be addressed.
The U.S. has more than 28 million drivers 65 and older on the roads today and more than 191,000 were injured in crashes in 2005, according to statistics from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. By the year 2020 there will be more than 40 million senior drivers in the U.S.
Source: AAA Michigan
e mërkurë, 9 maj 2007
SAE International Automotive Safety Book Updated
The latest SAE International publication on automotive safety stands as the first and only reference guide that covers both accident avoidance and mitigation of injuries.
Automotive Safety Handbook, Second Edition examines the state-of-the-art in passenger car vehicle safety, focusing on relationships among the occupant, the vehicle and the restraint system. Co-authored by Ulrich Seiffert and Lothar Wech, this book serves as a resource for experts and students interested in safety engineering and vehicle safety.
Reflecting the latest changes in technology and legislation, the second edition provides updated information on the following:
-- accident avoidance
-- pedestrian protection
-- vehicle compatibility
Other subjects covered include:
-- occupant protection
-- biomechanics
-- vehicle body and interior design
-- accident simulation tests
The list price of this 306-page book is $99.95; SAE International members can purchase it for $79.96.
Seiffert is the acting chairman of WiTech Engineering GmbH, a speaker for the Center of Traffic Management, and a lecturer at the Technical University of Braunschweig. Previously, he was a member of the research and development board for Volkswagen AG in Germany. He holds a number of patents in safety and has received several awards for his work in the field of safety engineering. An author of many books, Seiffert also has published more than 300 technical papers.
Wech is the general manager of TUV SUD Automotive GmbH, TUV Suddeutschland Group. He is an expert on passive vehicle safety and has served as chairman of the Crash-Tech Conferences for nearly 15 years.
Source: SAE International
Automotive Safety Handbook, Second Edition examines the state-of-the-art in passenger car vehicle safety, focusing on relationships among the occupant, the vehicle and the restraint system. Co-authored by Ulrich Seiffert and Lothar Wech, this book serves as a resource for experts and students interested in safety engineering and vehicle safety.
Reflecting the latest changes in technology and legislation, the second edition provides updated information on the following:
-- accident avoidance
-- pedestrian protection
-- vehicle compatibility
Other subjects covered include:
-- occupant protection
-- biomechanics
-- vehicle body and interior design
-- accident simulation tests
The list price of this 306-page book is $99.95; SAE International members can purchase it for $79.96.
Seiffert is the acting chairman of WiTech Engineering GmbH, a speaker for the Center of Traffic Management, and a lecturer at the Technical University of Braunschweig. Previously, he was a member of the research and development board for Volkswagen AG in Germany. He holds a number of patents in safety and has received several awards for his work in the field of safety engineering. An author of many books, Seiffert also has published more than 300 technical papers.
Wech is the general manager of TUV SUD Automotive GmbH, TUV Suddeutschland Group. He is an expert on passive vehicle safety and has served as chairman of the Crash-Tech Conferences for nearly 15 years.
Source: SAE International
Euro NCAP: For Safer Cars
Over ten years ago, Euro NCAP presented its first ever results from vehicle crash testing. Since then, Euro NCAP’s distinctive black and yellow logo has decorated manufacturers marketing campaigns in television, magazines and newspapers, as a symbol of car safety. Euro NCAP will continue this strong association of trust by maintaining the key elements and colours of its former logo, with modern adaptations for its increased use.
Today, Euro NCAP is also introducing new logos for all its ratings. This will ensure that consumers are quickly able to verify the scores of any vehicle in the three protection ratings: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant and Pedestrian. Back in February 1997, manufacturers claimed that the assessment criteria were so severe that no car could achieve four stars for adult occupant protection. Yet so far in 2007, only one car out of eight has achieved fewer than four stars in this rating. Euro NCAP’s assessment criteria has not lessened in its severity, manufacturers are just taking safety more seriously.
Euro NCAP’s Secretary General Adrian Hobbs said, ‘I am happy that manufacturers are now achieving four or more stars in our adult occupant rating, but am continually disappointed that they are still not reaching the highest scores in the pedestrian rating. I am hoping that by introducing these new logos for our ratings that we will see increased performance in this crucial area of car safety.’
Today, Euro NCAP’s new and improved website will also go on-line. This website will offer greater possibility in comparing the results of crash tests of vehicles in the various categories. Website users will be able to view video clips of the crash tests of vehicles they are researching to understand their performance. Euro NCAP will also offer advice on various subjects concerned with car safety.
Euro NCAP Secretary General, Adrian Hobbs said ‘I believe that the introduction of Euro NCAP’s new website will revolutionise the way that we display the results of our crash tests. I also hope it will really assist consumers in choosing and buying a safer vehicle.’
Euro NCAP’s new visual identity and website is launched today at the Bridgestone Testing Ground near Rome. Euro NCAP is also releasing the results of our Europe-wide ESC fitment survey, which is presented as part of the Choose ESC! Campaign.
Euro NCAP’s commitment to consumers ensures that test results are released as soon as possible. Keep checking our website for details of forthcoming results.
For further information on our new guidelines please contact: Cordelia Wilson, Communications Manager +32 2 4007746 or E-mail.
Read more about Euro NCAP Guidelines: http://www.euroncap.com/guidelines.aspx
Notes:
1. With the introduction some time ago of the Child Occupant Protection rating it is important to refer to the Adult Occupant Protection rating correctly. In the past, this has been referred to as the “Overall” or “Occupant” rating. Neither of these is now satisfactory.
2. The front impact test is conducted at 64km/h (40mph) into an offset deformable barrier, the side impact test 50km/h (30mph), the pole test at 29km/h (18mph) and the pedestrian tests at 40km/h (25mph).
3. Comparison between Size Categories: It is essential that no attempt is made to compare the ratings between cars in different segments or mass groups. The frontal crash test aims to measure the performance of the car impacting another car of similar mass. There is no capability to determine what would happen if cars of widely different masses impact each other. It is not primarily the mass difference that has the effect, but the effect that mass has on the structural stiffness combined with the relative height of the structures from the ground.
Source: Euro NCAP
Today, Euro NCAP is also introducing new logos for all its ratings. This will ensure that consumers are quickly able to verify the scores of any vehicle in the three protection ratings: Adult Occupant, Child Occupant and Pedestrian. Back in February 1997, manufacturers claimed that the assessment criteria were so severe that no car could achieve four stars for adult occupant protection. Yet so far in 2007, only one car out of eight has achieved fewer than four stars in this rating. Euro NCAP’s assessment criteria has not lessened in its severity, manufacturers are just taking safety more seriously.
Euro NCAP’s Secretary General Adrian Hobbs said, ‘I am happy that manufacturers are now achieving four or more stars in our adult occupant rating, but am continually disappointed that they are still not reaching the highest scores in the pedestrian rating. I am hoping that by introducing these new logos for our ratings that we will see increased performance in this crucial area of car safety.’
Today, Euro NCAP’s new and improved website will also go on-line. This website will offer greater possibility in comparing the results of crash tests of vehicles in the various categories. Website users will be able to view video clips of the crash tests of vehicles they are researching to understand their performance. Euro NCAP will also offer advice on various subjects concerned with car safety.
Euro NCAP Secretary General, Adrian Hobbs said ‘I believe that the introduction of Euro NCAP’s new website will revolutionise the way that we display the results of our crash tests. I also hope it will really assist consumers in choosing and buying a safer vehicle.’
Euro NCAP’s new visual identity and website is launched today at the Bridgestone Testing Ground near Rome. Euro NCAP is also releasing the results of our Europe-wide ESC fitment survey, which is presented as part of the Choose ESC! Campaign.
Euro NCAP’s commitment to consumers ensures that test results are released as soon as possible. Keep checking our website for details of forthcoming results.
For further information on our new guidelines please contact: Cordelia Wilson, Communications Manager +32 2 4007746 or E-mail.
Read more about Euro NCAP Guidelines: http://www.euroncap.com/guidelines.aspx
Notes:
1. With the introduction some time ago of the Child Occupant Protection rating it is important to refer to the Adult Occupant Protection rating correctly. In the past, this has been referred to as the “Overall” or “Occupant” rating. Neither of these is now satisfactory.
2. The front impact test is conducted at 64km/h (40mph) into an offset deformable barrier, the side impact test 50km/h (30mph), the pole test at 29km/h (18mph) and the pedestrian tests at 40km/h (25mph).
3. Comparison between Size Categories: It is essential that no attempt is made to compare the ratings between cars in different segments or mass groups. The frontal crash test aims to measure the performance of the car impacting another car of similar mass. There is no capability to determine what would happen if cars of widely different masses impact each other. It is not primarily the mass difference that has the effect, but the effect that mass has on the structural stiffness combined with the relative height of the structures from the ground.
Source: Euro NCAP
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