Six vehicles were added to the list of those earning the top rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Since they started testing for the small overlap front collisions, many have not performed well. The vehicles that earned the top safety pick plus score all earned good scores on these new tests, including the Honda Civic coupe and sedan, Lincoln MKZ, Mazda 6, Subaru Forester and Volvo XC90, all from year 2013. Cars that receive the highest scores often have lower auto insurance rates, according to news reports.
Tag Archives: car safety
Ford Dismisses Accusations as Unscientific
The automaker Ford is currently facing a lawsuit due to claims their vehicles accelerated without warning. They dismissed the accusations, calling them unscientific. They said they already addressed the issue with US regulators. Car owners within 14 states filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of millions who bought cars made between 2002-2010. Ford admitted some of their vehicles have problems with unintended acceleration due to floor mats or broken mechanical parts not letting the driver operate the throttle, however they said those concerns have already been addressed. They recalled around 10 million vehicles in 2009, according to news reports.
Cars Recalled for Leaking Gas
3,037 2012 Taurus and 2012 Lincoln MKS sedans, along with 2013 Ford Explorer vehicles are undergoing a recall for leaky fuel tanks. The cars were manufactured from July 19, 2011 to March 15, 2012. The problem with the vehicles is that they may have a side seam that was not correctly sealed. Leaking fuel could increase the risk of a fire. The defect was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners will be notified starting April 22, and vehicle dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and fix the problem free of charge, according to news reports.
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month Begins
National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is getting kicked off by the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy’s demonstrations and programs which hope to involve parents in a teen’s driver education. The number of 16 and 17 year-old driver deaths increased across the country by 19% in the first six months of 2012, says a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety association. They advised parents take a more active role in their teen’s education to prevent deaths. They are offering a free Parent Teen Workshop, and asking teens to pledge not to drive distracted, according to news reports.
Fewer Killed in Wrecks Due to Teen Driver Safety Requirements
Fatalities on Pennsylvania roadways are decreasing, according to PennDOT data. 1,310 were killed in collisions last year, representing the third-lowest number in historic record, and 24 more than in 2011. Increases in highway safety also led to fewer crashes. Driving safety requirements were signed into law recently, and fatal crashes involving a 16 or 17 year-old driver decreased to 44, 22 fewer wrecks than the year before. The law enforced training, limited the number of passengers and banned texting and driving, according to news reports.
Hyundai Sonata Investigated
Complaints involving the rear-suspension frames rusting and failing on Hyundai Sonata vehicles are undergoing investigation. 393,000 vehicles from 2006-2008 remain under investigation. There have been six complaints of suspension failure, with three that happened at highway speeds. On March 25, the investigation was re-opened. Control arm failure can result from rust in the frame. The wheel hubs of the car are attached to the vehicle’s arms. The failure activated the stability control system. One driver said the rear of the car swerved, and a mechanic found the rear frame was corroded and cracked, according to news reports.
Car Seat Advice for New Parents
Many new parents aren’t sure what kind of car seat to get for their child, and if they’re about to take their new arrival home from the hospital, it can be a daunting task. They want what’s best for their child and the highest possible protection, but many might not know where to start or how to find the product best suited for them. A new parent provided some tips for others about to experience this stage in their life.
One important thing to realize, he says, is that babies are very fragile because their head comprises of most of their entire body weight, and a thin skull equals more chances of brain injuries. Children’s bone structures don’t become sturdy enough until adolescence to be suited for adult seat belts. One huge mistake is putting a child in your lap while driving, which is illegal because they are put at a much higher risk of injury.
There are many choices parents have in keeping their child safe in a vehicle, and choosing the right vehicle is a big decision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives five-star ratings to select vehicles that perform well in the area of child protection. The use crash test dummies along with other tests to see if a child’s head can hit something hard in a wreck, how many car seats are compatible, and how easy a baby can get in and out of the car while in a car seat, along with how easy ISOFIX points are in the car seat.
Two ISOFIX points are on the rear seats in most new cars, and many Audis have them in the front seat as well. If you’re considering buying used, look for these features. The sturdy metal loops make it easy to secure a car seat into its place. Avoid front seat airbags, because it’s essential that they not be deployed. If you can turn them off while a baby is traveling in a rear-facing seat in the front, do so, otherwise keep them in the back, which has side air-bags.
In terms of car seats themselves, Britax, BeSafe and Maxi-Cosi are most recommended. Check that the seat is compatible with your car, and that you get an ISOFIX base for a car with ISOFIX points. Keep the seats rear-facing for as long as possible, and never buy a used carseat, according to news reports.
Hyundai Sonata Investigated for Electrical Problems
An investigation was opened today into complaints involving rusting in Hyundai Sonata vehicles. 400,000 cars could be impacted by the allegations, which in some cases resulted in electrical issues, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A preliminary investigation was opened into 393,000 2006-08 Sonata vehicles due to receiving six complains that rear suspension control arms failed, leading to rust issues. Three vehicle owners reported failures while driving at highway speeds, two cases of which caused the electronic stability control system to activate, according to news reports.
World Car of the Year Announced
The Volkswagen Gold was recently named World Car of the Year. 66 of the leading motoring journalists voted for the World Car of the Year Award. Since the car was introduced in November 2012, it has received 17 awards. Reasons the judged provided for the award include its design, engine, safety systems, and practicality and comfort. The World Performance Car of the Year was announced to be the Porsche Boxter. The awards were announced at the New York International Auto Show, according to news reports.
Elderly Woman Hit by Garbage Truck
A woman in her 80′s was struck and killed by a garbage truck in Honolulu yesterday morning. The wreck happened when a Rolloffs Hawaii truck was backing up in a parking lot and hit the woman who was heading home after a morning walk. The driver isn’t facing any charges at the moment. The driver had been with the company many years and the company will ensure he takes a blood test. The president of the trucking company said their thoughts and prayers are with those harmed, and they are cooperating with the police, according to news reports.