March 14, 2010
HOW TO HANDLE A RUN AWAY PRIUS
The story of a “runaway” Toyota Prius on a Southern California interstate Monday has since raised a lot of controversy. The driver in question, Jim Sikes, told his story to CNN’s Ted Rowlands. He said he was unable to stop the car as it went over 90 mph and called 911 for help.
iReport car reviewer romanmica has been especially interested in this story. He often shares videos of the many test drives he takes, and his honest opinions on each car and how it handles on CNN iReport, but this time it was a little different. Using an “unscientific test,” romanmica wanted to see how easy it was to stop a runaway Prius (needless to say, don’t try this at home). Check out the video above.
“I tested the car on a very seldom-used road and of course made sure that the car would stop in a safe distance,” romanmica told me. “I wanted to show in a very straightforward manner that while the technology may be somewhat new and different, the way you stop the car is very much the same” as a traditional car.
As for Toyota, they told CNN earlier this week that they were investigating the incident. There is also a brake feature that U.S. safety regulators are considering for all cars.
March 12, 2010
Tips and Techniques for Driving in Rain
When the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction. Less obvious is the fact that rain reduces driver perception — it’s harder to see through the rain — and also decreases visibility through its action on headlights, windshields and the road itself. While most people know to slow down in the rain, there are definitely other tips that will help keep you, and those who share the road with you, from becoming a statistic.
•Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time. When mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick. Continued rainfall will eventually wash away the oil, but the first few hours can be the most dangerous.
•Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet. Keep in mind that traffic is likely to be moving slower as well. There’s also the possibility that your preplanned route may be flooded or jammed. Whatever the case, rushing equals higher risk.
•Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally. Not only does this increase the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you, it also lets the driver behind you know that you’re slowing down. Also, be more meticulous about using turn signals, so that other drivers know your intentions, and take turns and curves with less speed than you would in dry conditions.
•Most of America’s roads are crowned in the middle, which means that the water will run off to the sides. If possible, stay toward the middle of the road to avoid deep standing puddles.
•Don’t use cruise control. If you hydroplane, there’s the chance your car could actually accelerate. Cruise control also allows drivers to be less vigilant and to take their foot away from the pedals — not a great idea when reaction time is so important.
Give a truck or bus extra distance. Their extra-large tires can create enough spray to block your vision completely. Avoid passing one, but if you must pass, do it as quickly as safety allows.
January 11, 2010
NEW LAW SENDS BAD DRIVERS BACK TO SCHOOL
The Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reminds motorists of a new law that went into effect with the new year. Drivers who are found to be at-fault in 3 crashes within 36 month period will be required to successfully complete a Department-approved driver improvement course that indicates behind-the-wheel training and an assessment of their driving abilities.
In an effort to make the roads safer, those who display a pattern of poor driving ability or judgment will be required to complete a driver improvement course. This new law is designed to modify the behavior of some of the worst drivers.
The new law will count at-fault crashes as far back as 2007, so after Jan 1, 2010, the Department will notify any driver who causes a crash and has atleast two at-fault crashes in the preceding 36 months. The affected drivers will then be responsible for completing an approved course within 90 days in order to avoid the cancellation of their driving privilege. Each course will include a minimum of 16 hours, to include four hours of behind -the – wheel training.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. estimates that the average cost of a crash in the United States is approximately $38,000. During the 36-month period ending December 31, 2008 there were 2,277 drivers with 3 or more at-fault crashes. That figure include drivers from nearly every age group. According to Department estimates, more than 1000 Florida drivers may be subject to new requirements during 2010.
www.flhsmv.gov
