Toyota has alerted the NHTSA about a problem in certain 2013-2014 Toyota sedans, minivans, and pickup trucks equipped with seat heaters sold since August 2012. Dealers have been asked to stop selling the popular models because the fabric does not meet the U.S. safety standards for flammability. Continue reading
Category Archives: Automotive News
NHTSA Proposes Side Impact Test for Child Restraint Systems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are proposing upgrades to the federal motor vehicle safety standard for child-restraint systems to ensure child passengers are protected in side crashes. The proposed upgrades would include a first-ever side impact test for car seats sold in the U.S. that are designed for children weighing up to 40 pounds. Continue reading
Highway Safety Group Implements Tougher Criteria For Auto Safety Ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is once again making it increasingly difficult for automakers to achieve top ratings for vehicle safety, by tightening testing criteria for the third time since 2006. The tests will evaluate two aspects of safety: crash worthiness – how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash – and crash avoidance and mitigation – technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity. Continue reading
NHTSA Encourages Advanced Auto Technology To Reduce Human Error
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 90% of all accidents are due to human error. As part of a push by the NHTSA to eliminate traffic fatalities, the group is looking at the newest technology already used by nearly every automaker. The safety group hopes to work closely with the auto industry to address highway safety to see where industry can fast-track existing technology for the greatest advances. Continue reading
Auto Loan Dealer Fees Accused Of Violating Fair Lending Rules
Approximately eighty percent of all automobile buyers requiring financing, get their loans through the dealership where they are purchasing their vehicle. The dealerships extended hours and “approval while you wait” make it easy for consumer’s to get their financing and their new vehicle the same day. According to a recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, what you gain in convenience, you pay for in high interest rates and fees. This problem has prompted a number of government investigations into the growing business of auto lending. Continue reading
Updated Drivers Ed Programs Teach Modern Driving Dangers
Research shows that drivers 16 to19 years are at a higher risk of automobile accidents than any other age group. These studies suggest that new drivers are more at risk because of their lack of experience behind the wheel, prompting many states to advocate graduated driver licensing programs. Some experts believe that imposing restrictions on new drivers is a start, but feel there is more that can be done even before teens get behind the wheel of a real car. Continue reading
Voice Activated Is Still A Driving Distraction
Automobile manufacturers say that over fifty percent of all vehicles on the road will have some sort of voice recognition technology integrated into their systems by 2020. They advertise these systems as increasing automobile safety by allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, but according to a recent study done by the American Automobile Association (AAA), drivers using this type of technology are actually creating a different and worse safety risk by creating mental distractions. Continue reading
Self Driving Automobiles And Roadway Safety
Automobile manufacturers around the world are at a historic turning point for automotive travel. Engineers predict that affordable innovative technology will change the motor vehicle and driver relationships, improving highway safety, increasing environmental benefits, expanding mobility , and creating new economic opportunities for jobs and investment. One of the most controversial technologies being debated is the use of autonomous vehicles. Continue reading
