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-x The 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 Sport The 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.

May 3 2013

All About Roundabouts

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

Today’s Three Seconds: Roundabouts

Roundabout Ahead

Here’s what you need to know when you finally come face-to-face with the formidable roundabout sign:

**Traffic entering the roundabout must always yield to traffic already driving in the circle. **

Approach a roundabout much like you would a yield sign: slow down, be ready to stop if needed, and enter the circle when safe.

Why roundabouts? They minimize those deadly T-bone crashes at perpendicular intersections and make it safer for street-crossing pedestrians who only have to cope with slower moving traffic coming from one direction.

Roundabout Round-Up

Apr 24 2013

Traffic Pollution and Noise Linked to Heart Disease

The Dangers Of Traffic Pollution

Most drivers, including myself tend to blindly jump in the car and take off to wherever it is the destination takes us with no real regards to the impact that our vehicles have on the earth we live in. Yes, I know with busy lives comes busy schedules and much transportation to and from. Nonetheless, we could still do a little something to aide in the efforts of keeping the earth intact. Simply being conscious and aware of what’s going on with the environment is a start. Those of you like me who drive pretty much everywhere, as an alternate mode could take public transportation, carpool, and even ride your bike to work. Just a day or two out of the week would help a great deal. With the recent celebration of Earth Day, the one day out of the year where the community becomes more involved in the preservation of the environment, by participating in a variety of events which bring attention to the world. Created to be an environmental “teach-in” for educating people on the impact they have on the environment and what they could do to make it better, Earth Day reaches more than one billion people in more than 175 countries around the world, inspiring awareness of the environment, spreading appreciation for the Earth and educating people on how they too can help with saving our earth.

Drivers Ed Direct, a California based driving school, compiled a list of some of the best environmental-friendly ‘Green Cars’ to ever roam the roadways. That list included: the Toyota Avalon Hybrid, the electric plug-in Honda Fit EV, the spacious Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, and both the Ford C-Max Energi and the Ford Focus Electric. Still in all, the most successful gas-electric hybrid on the market has got to be the Toyota Prius. It was the first mass-produced hybrid in the country. On a full charge, the Plug-in can travel for roughly 11 miles in electric mode, getting an equivalent of 95 MPG. It then switches to hybrid mode, for which it is rated at a 50 MPG.
Traffic pollution
Aside from saving on gas, and spewing off fewer fumes, who knew that these eco-friendly vehicles could also be a vessel in saving lives? Check this story out:

In a research study which was based on data from the German Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study concluded that traffic pollution and noise are linked to heart diseases. Exposure to traffic pollution and noise can in the long run lead to atherosclerosis, according to the study. The long-term exposure to particle pollutants of 4,814 participants who live nearby roads with high traffic volume was calculated. The study also took account of road traffic noise and its effect on cardiovascular diseases, as recorded by validated tests. The test group’s level of atherosclerosis was then evaluated by measurement of vascular vessel calcification in the thoracic aorta by computed imaging. Results showed that in 4,238 subjects, small particulate matter and proximity to major roads were both associated with an increasing level of aortic calcification. For every increase in particle volume up to 2.4 micrometers, the degree of calcification increased by 20.7% and went up an extra 10% for every 100 meter of proximity to heavy traffic.

Furthermore, the study also found an increase in atherosclerosis associated with night time noise. “These two major types of traffic emissions help explain the observed associations between living close to high traffic and subclinical atherosclerosis. The considerable size of the associations underscores the importance of long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise as risk factors for atherosclerosis,” concluded Dr. Hagen Kälsch from the West-German Heart Centre in Essen. Fine particle matter and traffic noise are believed to act through similar biologic pathways, thereby increasing cardiovascular risk. They both cause an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, which feeds into the complex mechanisms regulating blood pressure, blood lipids, and glucose level.

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?

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.

FIVE: 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.

FOUR: 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.

THREE: 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.

TWO: 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!

ONE: 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?

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 28 2013

Your-Turn to U-Turn

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

Today’s Three Seconds: U-Turns

Unless you’re driving in a residential neighborhood (small side streets), you can only make a u-turn at an intersection. One exception: Never in front of a firehouse. Well, actually two more exceptions: Only when safe to do so and you can see clearly for 200 feet.

Now you know.

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.

Mar 16 2013

The New DUI: Driving While Intexticated

For as long as I can remember, there’s news almost daily about the tragic death(s) caused by an impaired driver. While the rate of fatal deaths due to DUI has actually been decreasing sharply over the last two decades, today’s drivers have seemingly chosen a new deadly form of DUI: Driving While Intexticated.
Texting while driving decreases reaction times.
Ironic in their nomenclature, smart phones are increasingly making drivers incredibly stupid. For the first time in history, drivers everywhere are making the conscious choice to drive several seconds at a time with their head down. This is no LOL matter.

Ponder this:

Compared to a 12% decrease of reaction time for buzzed drivers driving at the legal blood-alcohol limit, the reaction time of drivers texting while driving decreases by a whopping 35%. Intexticated drivers are almost 3 times slower to react that intoxicated drivers.
About 80% of drivers use their cell phones when on the road, and 60% of novice drivers between the ages of 18-24 own up to pounding away on an iPhone or Android keyboard while behind the wheel.

The Future of Crash Text Dummies

The Texting and Driving Dilema

So how will state governments wage war on drivers driving under the influence of text? No one is sure, but looking to the past may give us an idea. Decades ago, drunk driving was much more rampant per capita. In order to get the rate of drunk drivers under better control, concerned agencies used a two prong attack:

Influence the public to perceive driving under the influence with harsher eyes (through PSA’s and in-school educational programs)
Increase the punishment for those getting a DUI (steeper fines, revoking licenses, and longer jail time)

A similar strategy might have to be employed to thwart the increasing problems texting and driving is causing. The public perception campaign is already under way. Just search ‘Texting and Driving’ on Youtube and you’ll see what I mean. Though punishment has increased for those who choose to drive phone-in-hand, the common discipline is a slap on the wrist or an inexpensive citation. Will it take stiffer punishment to get drivers to leave the phone alone? Consider a common strategy used by high school teachers dealing with cell phones in the classroom – “Use it and Lose it”. Though an officer confiscating a phone because he saw you texting may seem overboard, I guarantee we’d see a lot more hands on 10 and 2 instead of on the QWERTY.

Sources: timesonline.co.uk, tennessean.com, iii.org, washingtonpost.com

Mar 11 2013

Improving Driving With Age: Case Study

Getting older brings on many unwanted changes that can affect your life in a significant way. One being, a decline in your cognitive features. This waning limits your ability to perform certain tasks and functions that you were once able to do with ease. Restrictions such as these often lead to bad judgment and poor performance. And then that awaited moment occurs. The moment of the dreaded conversation. The one when your family members and loved ones urge you to stop driving, failing to realize that taking the keys away from an elderly person who has been driving all of their lives is not the easiest task, and for them can be quite a low point in life. There is almost always a protest and an unwillingness to do so. In fact, for the elderly, losing their driving privileges is ranked among the highest concerns with aging. Because of this, numerous cognitive training programs have been developed and instituted to help senior drivers improve not just cognition or driving ability, but both.

Through these programs, research has shown that:
1) older individuals can improve their visual attention as measured by neuropsychological test measures
2) older drivers’ cognitive deficits are a detriment to their ability to drive safely.

Stretch for Success

Researchers at MIT believe that exercise and health are both important factors that will help you drive longer and more safely, in addition to flexibility, coordination and strength. With funding help from The Hartford Insurance Group, MIT Age Lab was able to conduct a 10 week study monitoring 60-74 year olds, testing their strength, coordination, and agility through various methods, including video games and a variety of exercises. The video games method also tested for focus and range of motion. They were then tested in a lab measured by a high tech stimulator for pulse rate and eye movement reflexes. The benefits of this study taught participants how to stretch and move better, which in return will help when driving. For instance, the pretzel exercise helps with backing out easily, while a little bit of shadow boxing can help with getting in and out of the car easily. Lastly, the goalie skills exercise helped with lane changes and turns.

As a participant in MIT Age Lab’s study on senior drivers, 72 year-old Stanton Lyman hit the gym to see if more exercise could lead to sharper reflexes behind the wheel. Lyman went on the record stating, “’I definitely feel a looser quality to my ability to move.” Researchers also believe that drivers in their 30s and 40s shouldn’t wait until they hit ‘senior” status to start thinking about improving their flexibility and movement because it can help with tricky moves like parallel parking.

In a nutshell, if drivers take responsibility for improving driver safety at an early age, it will lead to safer driving as they get older. A little more time in the gym could be the key to a little more time on the road.

Right Side of the Road

The Traffic School Blog