Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[IIHS launches maps to compare traffic laws between states]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/iihs-launches-maps-to-compare-traffic-laws-between-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/iihs-launches-maps-to-compare-traffic-laws-between-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/21/iihs-launches-maps-to-compare-traffic-laws-between-states/#commentsFiled under:


Click above to view the IIHS Helmet Law maps

If you plan on interstate travel, it's probably a good idea to understand the many differences in state traffic laws. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety is creating a series of color-coded US maps to point out the differences in state regs, beginning with motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws.

The motorcycle helmet law map shows which states mandate helmet usage, have a partial helmet law, or no helmet law. Bikers wanting to ride with the wind in their hair can head over to Illinois, Iowa, or New Hampshire. Be warned, though, that the IIHS has found that states repealing or weakening their helmet laws have seen an increase in motorcycle crash deaths.

The bicycle helmet law map shows the different laws governing helmet usage on bikes. Bicycle helmet legislation varies greatly between states. There are seven different types, ranging from mandatory helmets for bicyclists 11 and younger to no laws on the books whatsoever. In California and New Mexico, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet.


Gallery: IIHS Helmet Law Maps


[Source: IIHS via Kicking Tires]

IIHS launches maps to compare traffic laws between states originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicycle helmet lawBicycleHelmetLawIIHSmotorcycle accidentmotorcycle helmet lawMotorcycleAccidentMotorcycleHelmetLawSat, 21 Mar 2009 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Andrea Pininfarina killed in motorcycle accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/andea-pininfaina-killed-in-motorcycle-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/andea-pininfaina-killed-in-motorcycle-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/andea-pininfaina-killed-in-motorcycle-accident/#comments

We're saddened to convey the latest reports from Italy on the untimely passing of Andrea Pininfarina. Andrea Pininfarina, head of the eponymous design studio, was the son of Sergio Pininfarina and grandson of the carrozzeria's founder Battista "Pinin" Farina.

According to the announcement by Confindustria, the industrial association over which Sergio once presided and of which Andrea served as vice-president, Andrea was killed in a motorcycle accident in Turin, not far from the company's headquarters. He was only 51 years old. Our condolences to the entire Pininfarina family, and our appreciation to Guy for alerting us to the sad news.

[Source: International Herald-Tribune via theCarfanatic.com]

Andrea Pininfarina killed in motorcycle accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Professionals earn pockets full of cheese usually because they do whatever it is they do better, faster, stronger than anyone else. Sometimes, though, they get the big bucks because they'll do something again after having nearly killed themselves the first time. That is: they'll get right back on the horse when a lot of non-professionals would instead grab a gin and tonic and watch reruns of I Love Lucy.

Jorge Lorenzo earned his money and a stay in hospital over the weekend during practice for the MotoGP China Grand Prix. On one run the bike bucked under him coming out of a turn, sending the 21-year-old rider up out of his seat like he was riding a bronco, but he managed to keep the bike upright and moving. On a following run he wasn't so fortunate, highsiding, somersaulting, and suffering a fractured left ankle, a painful right ankle, a cut heel, a knee abrasion, and forearm compression.

But here's where Lorenzo really impresses: he still got on the bike to qualify on Saturday, and came in fourth in Sunday's race. Follow the jump to check out the videos of the bucking incident and the highside. And from now on, the word you're looking for to describe Jorge Lorenzo: pro.

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead

VIDEO: Sometimes it's best to quit while you're ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentscrashesjorge lorenzoJorgeLorenzomoto gpmoto gp 08MotoGpMotoGp08motorcycle accidentmotorcycle racingMotorcycleAccidentmotorcyclecrashMotorcycleRacingyamaha fiatYamahaFiatMon, 05 May 2008 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[*POOF* No injuries! - Dainese D-Air suit latest in motorcycle airbag technology]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/poof-no-injuries-motorcycle-airbag-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/poof-no-injuries-motorcycle-airbag-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/poof-no-injuries-motorcycle-airbag-suit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to view video

Motorcycles always have that ever-present danger of turning their operators into hamburger should the rider take a spill. Racing crashes are especially nasty, and while leathers do offer protection from road rash, cushioning impacts to the upper torso is key to increasing survivability. Dainese, a manufacturer of cycling equipment, has been working on an airbag system to help riders avoid injury called the D-Air suit. The system relies on accelerometers and gyroscopic sensors embedded in the suit, and when a computer determines there's a need, an upper-body airbag is deployed in less than a half a second. It looks like a similar, although much more complicated design, than the Airbag Jacket by Impact Jackets, which has already saved at least one life that we know about. Of course, this would all be avoidable if people didn't insist on climbing onto a powerful engine supported by the minimum of wheels and zooming around at the highest possible velocity, but what fun is that? Check out video of the Dainese D-Air suit after the jump.

[Source: Winding Road]

Continue reading *POOF* No injuries! - Dainese D-Air suit latest in motorcycle airbag technology

*POOF* No injuries! - Dainese D-Air suit latest in motorcycle airbag technology originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagairbag jacketAirbagJacketairbagsmotorcyclemotorcycle accidentmotorcycle crashmotorcycle racingMotorcycleAccidentMotorcycleCrashMotorcycleRacingmotorcyclesmotorsportsmotorsports safetyMotorsportsSafetyracingracing safetyRacingSafetysafetyMon, 24 Mar 2008 11:28:00 EST