Monthly Archives: April 2014

Apr 29 2014

Bridge the Gap

Can You Name These Memorable Bridges? Part II

Bridges are wonders of engineering and architecture. They are together beautiful and functional. Can you name any of these bridges from around the world, both near and far?

Pont_de_Triana
FOUR: Construction on this bridge was completed in 1852 making it the oldest iron bridge maintained in Spain. The design was similar to the Paris Carrousel Bridge featured in a painting by Van Gogh in 1886. Commonly referred to as Puente de Triana, it is actually named after the reigning queen at the time of its creation.

Howrah_Bridge_Kolkota
THREE: This bridge is found in West Bengal, India and has become a symbol of Kolkata (Calcutta). Constructed from 26,500 tons of steel the entire structure is erected using rivets. The cantilever and suspended span bridge was renamed Rabindra Setu in 1965, but is still widely known as…

Throgs_Neck_Bridge
TWO: This suspension bridge turned 50 years old in 2011 and was built to alleviate some of the traffic on the Whitestone Bridge. Located in New York City, its total length is 2,910 feet with the longest span at 1,800 feet.

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur_Ravenel_Bridge
ONE: Located in South Carolina, this cable-stayed bridge replaced two outdated cantilever truss bridges. Mindful of the locale’s history, the bridge was engineered to endure hurricane force winds and earthquakes as well as potential shipping accidents.

Check out: London Bridge Is Falling Down… Can You Name These Memorable Bridges? Part I

4) Puente de Isabel II 3) The Howrah Bridge 2) Throgs Neck Bridge 
1) The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Apr 23 2014

Driving with ABS

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

How does ABS break system work3 Second StopYour car’s ABS helps you stop shorter and maintain steering control while braking, especially on slippery surfaces. The key to proper ABS success is driver education.
In an emergency, or ‘panic stop,’ you should press your brake pedal once, holding it firmly. Never pump the brakes — Anti-lock brakes can sense when your wheels are locked and electronically pump your brakes 10 times faster than you — This is what causes the vibration in your brake pedal and the ratcheting noise when the ABS is engaged. Whenever you feel the brake pedal pulsing, press even harder.

Apr 15 2014

Spring Break with a Plan

Fun, Sun and Safety

For many families it is Spring Break which means it’s time for a family vacation. Here are a few tips to make your travel plans a little safer and less stressful.

road-trip

  • Get a Tune Up. Make sure your car is in good working order before hitting the road.
  • Pack Thoughtfully. Keep safety and economic benefits in mind when you are loading up the family van. Also, prepare for the unexpected by packing an auto safety travel kit with useful items in the event you run into a problem.
  • Research Your Route. Find out before you leave what the road and weather conditions will be like.
  • Don’t Be In a Rush. Allow enough time to get to your destination safely. Planning ahead will help avoid aggressive driving and road rage.
  • Stay Connected. Let a friend or other family member know your travel plans.

All that is left to do now is sit back and enjoy the ride!