The use of black boxes in automobiles dates back to the 1990’s when General Motors first installed them on test vehicles to conduct quality studies. Since then, approximately 96% of all new vehicles sold in the United States come equipped with black boxes. The amount of information stored has expanded, letting engineers and researches use the information to study how vehicles perform in the real world and allows them to identify safety problems. Government regulations require that the presence of a black box be disclosed in the vehicle owner’s manual, but most drivers are not aware that they are there, capturing and recording speed, brake position, seat belt use, etc… every time they get behind the wheel. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Automobile Safety
Honda Accord Fuel Leaks
American Honda Motor Co. have decided to recall over fifteen hundred 2013 Honda Accord vehicles manufactured between January 15, 2013 to April 5, 2013, after receiving 116 warranty claims regarding fuel leaks around the fuel pump. The vehicles affected by this recall are Low Emission Vehicles (LEV). Continue reading
Weak Welds In Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Mitsubishi Motors will be recalling a small number of 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles for an improper weld on the front left strut. The vehicles affected were manufactured between January 17, 2013, through January 25, 2013. Continue reading
Ford Child Locks Could Deactivate
Ford will be recalling certain 2013 Ford and 2013 Lincoln vehicles because the child locks could deactivate with repeated door openings and closings. Approximately 12,569 vehicles in the United States are affected by this recall. Continue reading
NHTSA Investigates Hyundai And GM Problems
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are launching an investigation into certain 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles after two complaints alleging failures of the right front axle shaft. In both instances the failure occurred with less that 5,000 miles on the odometer. The preliminary investigation will determine if the safety problem requires a recall that could affect approximately 50,000 vehicles. Continue reading
Dodge Ram 1500 ESC Problem
Chrysler is recalling certain 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks because of a software problem with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Approximately 46,000 vehicles manufactured between June 26, 2012 to February 5, 2013 are affected by this problem. 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
Chrysler Airbags Could Deploy On Wrong Side
Chrysler will be recalling over two hundred thousand 2013 Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram minivans for a defect that could result in the airbags deploying from the wrong side in certain side impact collisions. Continue reading
