Category Driving Life

Aug 20 2013

Just a Friendly Reminder

Back-To-School Season is Here Again

back-to-school-family

So, we’re already into the middle of August, which means one thing: Back-to-School! For many parents, the day couldn’t come fast enough, and for most students the moans and groans begin. However, with the commencement of the new school year, means more and more children out there on the roads, whether crossing the street, walking or biking to school. During the academic school year especially, drivers need to be a lot more attentive on the road. And, although parents should talk to their children about safety as they head back to school, drivers can also do their part in the wellbeing of our students.
school-bus-teens

  • Double-Check Those Crosswalks
    Double check intersections and always make complete stops when warranted. Students have a tendency of appearing out of nowhere when you least expect it.
  • Obey School Zones Speed Limits
    When children are nearby, school zones require you to obey the 20 or 25 mph or slower speed limit, regardless of the day of week or time of day.
  • Respect the Yellow Bus & Those Flashing Lights
    Those big yellow buses are full of children being transported to and from school. There are special regulations that are established to make sure these students get to their destination safe and sound.
Jul 30 2013

No Car? No Insurance? No Problem.

Rent a Ride by the Minute

car2go
Not everyone has the means to maintain a vehicle, or want one for that matter…but that doesn’t stop the fact that you need to get around, whether it be for work, school, or anything else that requires wheels. If you are like the countless many who fall into this category, only needing a vehicle on occasion, then you may want to check out Car2go, a new service being introduced in Denver that lets people rent a ride by the minute.

According to ‘4 On Your Side Money Saver’ Suzanne McCarroll, “one of the fun features of this smart car is that it recognizes you and your card key, so when you get in it, it says, ‘Hello, (insert your name here).’ Nicholas Cole with Car2go explains, “You simply walk up to an existing vehicle, hold the membership card to the scanner, it will process the card. For 38 cents per minute, drivers are good to go. For those who only need to do a quick errand, they’re out only a few dollars. Members don’t pay for gas or car insurance and they don’t even have to pay for parking meters in Denver.”

All you have to do is locate where the cars are parked around the city with the Car2go Smartphone app. You don’t even have to drop off the car where you picked it up from. It really is that simple!

Jul 2 2013

Deceleration Detected

Brake Lights That Warn Other Drivers Of Traffic?

brake_web

This sounds like a great idea, right? I mean, wouldn’t it improve safety issues and lessen the amount of accidents all around the world? Well, Ford thinks so.

Ford has developed an experimental brake light that lets the vehicles behind you know when there’s slow traffic ahead, even if they can’t see your lights.

So how exactly does it work? Well, included in the brake light system is a wireless transmitter that sends a special signal to vehicles that are behind you which then activates a light on their dashboard letting them know that there is some slow traffic ahead, with the intent that they will slow down or take an alternate route if possible.

The feature gives drivers more than enough time to slow down instead of having to unexpectedly slam on the brakes because of bad weather, poor road conditions, or any other circumstances that might cause you or the vehicles behind you to be stuck in traffic; and who wants that?

Although Ford hasn’t officially announced if or when it plans to add the enhanced brake light system into their upcoming models, it is still a giant leap towards vehicle-to-vehicle communications. Sounds like they’re moving in the right direction with this one.

Jun 11 2013

Attention Drivers

Apple’s iOS Is Now At Your Fingertips

iOS_Car_02-webWell, next year anyway.  Apple announced that they are in the process of enhancing iPhone integration in cars with its latest software update, iOS 7, referring to it as the ‘iOS in the Car’ feature at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Automakers such as Acura, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Kia, Opel, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo are amongst the vehicles that will offer the new ‘iOS in the Car’ feature, which will allow drivers to access key functions on their iPhone via the dashboard screen. You’ll be able to make phone calls, play music, display Apple Maps and receive iMessages, either by using the car’s controls or by giving voice commands to Siri through the car’s sound system.

“Ninety-five percent of cars sold today have integrated music playback and control from an iOS device, but we want to take this integration to a whole ’nother level,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of software and services.

And if that wasn’t reason enough to take advantage of the new feature that will be available through selected vehicles in 2014, then perhaps this might…as part of Apple’s Eyes Free feature set, Siri can read iMessages aloud and transcribe responses as well!

May 29 2013

London Bridge Is Falling Down…

Can You Name These Memorable Bridges? Part I

Many of us tend to jump in our cars, rushing through life, never noticing the true beauty and nature that surrounds us. But, if you traveled any one of these fine roads you may have come across one of these beautifully constructed bridges. Can you name any? Hint: Two of these bridges are in the U.S. and two are not.

Brooklyn_Bridge_Manhattan
FOUR: Certainly one of the most well-known bridges in New York, with the least attractive architectural appearance, temporarily held the record as the world’s longest suspension bridge. This bridge became a symbol of American ingenuity and technology and is a great vessel for those traveling to and from Manhattan.

tower-bridge
THREE: If you watched the 2012 Olympic Games then you’ve probably seen this bridge a million times. An iconic symbol of London, this bridge crosses the River Thames and is 800 feet long.

Hangzhou-Bay-Bridge
TWO: It is one of the longest ocean-crossing bridges in the world, located in the eastern coastal region of China. The bridge is 22 miles long and took 5 years to construct.

golden-gate-bridge
ONE: Probably the most famous bridge ever built and instantly recognizable by everyone. It has often been called the most photographed bridge in the world. That might have something to do with its beautiful red exterior and sloping suspension cables. And when the fog rolls in…breathtaking!

 

 

4) Brooklyn Bridge 3) Tower Bridge 2) Hangzhou Bay Bridge 1) The Golden Gate Bridge
May 14 2013

The Not Too Distant Future

A New Drivable Aircraft For Terrafugia

Terrafugia_TF-X (3)
Like its first flying car, The Transition, which is still at least two years away from production with a tentative scheduled date of 2015, Terrafugia has unveiled a new design for a future second product, the TF-X, which will allow you to drive like a car on the ground and then take off in the air like a plane, although much more similar to a helicopter than a plane. Not to mention the best part about this whole thing is, a runway isn’t necessary! Simply head to the closest helipad, or even a parking lot, and take off using the tilt-rotor technology.

So, how does it work? In a nutshell, the four-seat plug-in hybrid-electric flying car would lift off vertically using propellers located on its wings. The props would then rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position for regular flight. Although at least a decade from actual production, its lightweight but strong carbon-fiber skin combined with the compact and powerful engine design makes the TF-X the “next logical progression vehicle.”

tf-xThe vehicle will “further increase the safety, simplicity, and convenience of personal aviation by using state-of-the-art intelligent systems and other technology,” Terrafugia said. The company’s Chief Executive and Chief Technology Officer, Carl Dietrich, went on to state in a press release that, “This is the right time for us to begin thinking about the future of the company beyond The Transition development. We are passionate about continuing to lead the creation of a flying car industry and are dedicating resources to lay the foundations for our vision of personal transportation.”

Founded in Woburn, Mass. by pilot-engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, their main objective is to continue building practical flying cars, and while the company’s first vehicle, The Transition is still undergoing test flights and drive tests to evaluate its durability, there will not be any specific dates set for certification and initial production of the TF-X.

“We felt this was our time to share our vision of the future. Though the new flying car design isn’t likely to take off for another decade, if you don’t start today, it won’t happen,” says Richard Gersh, Vice President of Business Development for Terrafugia.

Of course with any new and out of the box idea, especially with innovative technology advancement comes many questions and a lot of skeptics. But Terrafugia has already proven to be way ahead of the game with The Transition, which has previously gone through two design phases and has 50 hours of flight time and “quite a bit of driving on the ground,” Gersh says.

Nevertheless, there’s still a lot more work to be done in regards to the makeup, but more importantly, it has to meet all safety requirements for both an aircraft and a car. But, Paul Moller of Moller International says he knows the difficulties of building the new design, but that Terrafugia is a “pretty impressive” company that just might be able to pull it off.

May 8 2013

Land Rover Turns 65 – Still Going Strong

A Big Step For Land Rover

Road-Closed-LR4

The popular British car manufacturer, Land Rover is the second oldest four-wheel-drive car brand in the world. Something about its rugged design and big body that makes you feel completely safe and protected when driving any one of their widespread models, including the Defender, Discovery, Freelander, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Evoque. What continues to keep long time Land Rover customers loyal and new drivers of the brand wanting more is the company’s continued success in inventing new ideas and reinvented successful concepts. Their awareness to consumer demands and new trends have also kept the Land Rover brand relevant and extremely current.

Just a little over a month ago at Geneva, Land Rover announced that they are expecting to debut a new diesel-electric V6 hybrid, along with a conventional V8 turbo diesel for its 2014 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. The new engines are expected to be available in Europe by the end of this year.

2014 Land Rover Range Rover SportThe 2014 Range Rover Sport Hybrid is expected to be powered by an updated version of the powertrain used on the 2011 Range e plug-in hybrid, which came with a 3.0 liter TDV6 diesel engine, producing 242 BHP (180 kW), mated to an electric motor generating 93 BHP (69 kW). The total output stood at 334 BHP (249 kW). Power was being sent to the wheels through an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. The concept car had a 14.2 kWh lithium-ion battery which allowed an electric range of 20 miles, or 32 km.

According to Land Rover’s Chief Programme Engineer Stuart Frith, “the significant weight reduction of 420kg has allowed us to put an inline four-cylinder engine in the car which will come later in the life cycle of the product.” He also went on to say that the “prototypes that were made with the in-line four-cylinder engine in the car really still is truly a Range Rover; it still has the performance and off road capability, because of that weight saving.”

And although the engine range for the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport is already quite extensive, with several V6 and V8 petrol engines and two V6 diesels currently available, Frith offered some figures on the V8 turbo diesel, claiming that the engine will produce 700Nm of torque. He added, “Another addition, really a reintroduction for Range Rover Sport is a V8 diesel, so the SDV8 re-joins the line-up at the end of 2013, and that got 700Nm of torque.”
2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport - Interior 2
In regards to the C02 emissions, Firth stated that the output on the new hybrid variant would stand at 169 g/km and despite the hybrid’s seven-seat capacity setup, the cabin and luggage space won’t be affected because all the hybrid hardware would be bolted under the floor.

When asked if the 2014 Range Rover Sport hybrid will feature a motor fitted between the diesel engine and the ZF eight-speed transmission, Firth said “it’s very safe to assume that.”

This is a pretty impressive move for Land Rover and is already being welcomed with much success and high hopes. But, until Land Rover develops a gasoline/electric motor combo, the hybrid won’t be available in the United States just yet.

Apr 11 2013

Are You Street Smart?

See If You Can Name These Iconic Streets

America, the land of the beautiful. Nature’s paradise jam-packed with some of the most amazing landscapes and breathtaking architecture, many which include the very same streets you drive on. A lot of these streets, some right in your own backyard, in their own right have become famous from being idolized in movies, books, and songs, have made them not only iconic in history, but fascinating by all. So, just how many can you name?

Rodeo Drive
SIX: When you cruise down this well-known street, not only will you feel like a million bucks, but be prepared to spend a little as well. This three-block long drive is full of high end designer fashions, including: Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Yves Saint-Laurent, Jimmy Choo and so much more. A fashionistas dream! You can find some of Hollywood’s A-Listers shopping here, or surrounded by the millions of tourists who simply go just to stargaze.

BroadwayFIVE: The biggest and most famous theatre district in the United States. A lot of the big celebrities that can be found cruising down the street above have launched their Hollywood careers on this iconic block. There have been countless songs recorded about this street. It is the oldest north-south route through Manhattan. It is right up there along with other famous New York City streets, such as Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Fifth Avenue. While you’re there, be sure to catch a show or two.

Bourbon StreetFOUR: On this famous street, the party never stops! It’s a major tourist attraction when visiting the oldest neighborhood in the French Quarter. The street is lined with buildings influenced by its French and Spanish culture, accompanied by bars, restaurants, and many other establishments to keep you entertained. This iconic street draws thousands of people from all over the world, especially during its annual celebration of Mardi Gras.

Wall StreetTHREE: Banks, stocks, and capitalism are just some of the words associated with this New York City street. This particular street has been famous since America’s earliest days. George Washington was inaugurated to the presidency here in 1789. It is about eight blocks long and features a bull statue guard. It is also the mecca of the New York Stock Exchange.

Lombard StreetTWO: This famous street located in the heart of San Francisco is known as the “crookedest” street in the world. It is one of the Bay Area’s prime tourist attractions, featuring a 16 percent grade and eight unbelievably wild turns. Originally, it was a 27 percent grade, which made it impossible for motorists to drive down. Today, it has become one of the most must do drives in the world!

View from the roof of Market SquareONE: Lastly, this street just might be the most famous street in the world because it is home to the most famous address in the country. This street is a must see attraction and just about everyone who visits has to at least get one photo opt here. This avenue runs approximately 6 miles and features some of the most important buildings in our nation’s history. However, due to the high importance of this street, a part of the avenue is closed off to traffic.

 

6) Rodeo Drive 5) Broadway 4) Bourbon Street 3) Wall Street 2) Lombard Street 
1) Pennsylvania Avenue
Apr 2 2013

NHTSA Goes Mobile

How Safe Is The SaferCar App For Your Mobile Device?

safercar-app

Most car shoppers would say that safety is at the top of their list when purchasing a vehicle for themselves, or perhaps even for a new driver in the family. However, with so many different types of vehicles manufactured and new safety features constantly being invented, you almost have to do an extensive investigative search on the vehicle you’re buying just to make sure it’s the right one. Aware of this, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the SaferCar app for mobile iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPod Touches. This real-time app allows anyone who downloads the feature access to crash test ratings, recalls and reviews (good and bad) on particular vehicles, the option to file a vehicle safety complaint, as well as the ability to search 5-Star Ratings for vehicles by make and model. It can also be used to scan a vehicle’s VIN, which can alert you to news and recall notices. In addition, for those new parents or babysitters out there, the app can also help with the proper installation of child safety seats by directing users to the nearest fire or police station and other entities that can assist. Not only does this smartphone app makes sense because we live in such a technologically driven society where most of our noses are spent buried in our phones, but it also provides important and vital information right at your fingertips, not to mention…it’s free! “This app takes advantage of the latest technology to ensure that consumers have the real-time information they need to buy safe, drive safe and stay safe,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Although the SaferCar app is only compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch devices, development is also underway for a version compatible with Android devices. “Safety is our highest priority, and we’re always working to find new and better ways for people to access SaferCar, one of the most popular programs on our website,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. He went on to say, “This app takes advantage of the latest technology to ensure that consumers have the real-time information they need to buy safe, drive safe and stay safe.”

The launch of the NHTSA app is part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make it easier for consumers to access and submit information about important vehicle safety concerns. According to NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, “Timely, accurate, and accessible safety data is the lifeblood of our agency’s work. The new SaferCar app literally puts the latest in vehicle safety information directly in the hands of consumers so they can make the appropriate purchasing and other decisions for themselves and their families.”

So just how safe is the new SaferCar App for your mobile device? Extremely! Easy access data and all that you need to know from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding your vehicle is available to you anytime of the day, anywhere, and always at your leisure.

Mar 20 2013

What Does Your Vehicle Say About You?

Did you know that the kind of car you drive can often be associated with your personality type?  When you purchase or pick out a vehicle to your liking, the end result is a choice you made, reflecting your personality.  Psychology expert, Dr. Leon James states that “in our car culture, drivers idealize their rides and even lend them human qualities.”  These human-like qualities are often linked to the kind of person you are or the type of person you aspire to be.  Many car owners even go as far as personalizing their vehicle by giving them names and talking to them, in addition to purchasing car products that give other drivers a clue into what the owner is like.  Car owners look for features that resemble themselves.  According to James, “People construct an ideal in their mind of the perfect car, and those attributes are transferred to its driver as well.”  The size, shape and power of your car are all indications of the type of person you are and the image you want to portray.

Some even believe that the color of your vehicle is another indicator of your personality.  For example, because red is often associated with speed and dangerous behavior, the myth is that police are more likely to pull you over and that you are a bit of a rebel.  Peacefulness and serenity is conveyed by drivers who drive white and neutral color cars.  Black vehicles project a more sinister persona.  While green and blue cars often signify fun-loving or friendly drivers.

So, which vehicle personality type are you?

Convertibles & Sports Cars?

Convertibles and Sports cars are for the daring and adventurous risk takers.  They are for the impulsive types who love living life to the fullest in the fast lane.  Case studies have shown that people who drive these types of vehicles are also avid fans of high adrenaline activities such as, bungee jumping, skydiving or parasailing. Most men who drive convertibles or sports cars drive to be seen.  They tend to want to impress others.  However, one of the biggest personality traits of someone driving a sports car is a longing to feel young, free and unattached.

SUV’s / Minivans?

People who drive SUV’s or Minivans are normally soccer moms or someone with a family, or in preparation for one.  It is said that people who drive big vehicles like to be in control.  SUV’s often suit the needs of a more brash, confident or powerful personality.

Sedans?

People who drive sedans tend to be very practical and have a more modest personality than owners of convertibles or SUV’s.  Sedans offer space, comfort and are better on gas than most other vehicles.  These vehicles also come in a variety of styles and appearances.

Eco-friendly Cars?

Driving an eco-friendly car, such as a hybrid or other cars which are good on gas, says that you truly care about the environment.  It also says that you like to save money and that you are good with budgeting.  People who drive eco-friendly cars have a very realistic view on life.