Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Florida DOT quietly changed yellow-light standards, municipalities issuing more tickets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/florida-dot-quietly-changed-yellow-light-standards-municipaliti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/florida-dot-quietly-changed-yellow-light-standards-municipaliti/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/florida-dot-quietly-changed-yellow-light-standards-municipaliti/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Red light cameras don't appear to be going away, so it should come as no surprise that neither are the controversies around them. We're told again and again that they're about safety, not revenue collection, yet year after year, the studies and headlines compete to support and tear down those arguments. An investigative report by Florida's WTSP Channel 10 News gets the maelstrom whirling again, having found that various state municipalities have shorted yellow light times to below those recommended by the US Department of Transportation.

The retiming of yellow lights was precipitated by a change the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) made to its guidelines for yellow-light durations. Until 2011, the regulations "mandated yellow light calculations factor in either the posted speed limit or 85th percentile of drivers' actual speed - whichever was greater." That year, though, the phrase "whichever was greater" was cut, and certain cities began resetting the yellow lights to illuminate for the shorter interval - either trying to ensure more safety or more revenue. The FDOT says the new language was only meant to establish a minimum time for yellow lights, not to dictate their exact duration.

Various US government studies and reports recommend not using a road's speed limit when determining the length of the yellow light because it increases violations and crashes, but instead using the traffic's 85th percentile speed or the speed limit plus ten miles per hour.

More than one study has found that people want red light cameras, studies have also shown that while major accidents have been reduced at intersections with cameras, smaller fender-bender accidents have increased, and that's not an isolated finding. And with so much money in play - the Channel 10 news report says Florida collect about $100 million in red light camera fines last year and could get to $130 million this year - it's no wonder cities shorten yellow light times below the minimum guidelines, manipulate accident data, robo-sign tickets with the names of dead police officers, and redesign their license plates to make them easier for the cameras to read.

Check out the news segment in the video below and head over to the WTSP site for all of the numbers and specifics, and if you're in Florida, you'll need to pay even more attention to the lights in front and the traffic behind.

Continue reading Florida DOT quietly changed yellow-light standards, municipalities issuing more tickets

Florida DOT quietly changed yellow-light standards, municipalities issuing more tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationfloridaflorida dotred light cameratraffic camerastraffic lightsvideowtspyellow lightWed, 15 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569316/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/florida-dot-quietly-changed-yellow-light-standards-municipaliti/20569316/article-detail.xml 20569316 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fdot-yellow-light-times_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/fdot-yellow-light-times.jpg <![CDATA[Mass. turnpike authority removes violent video games from rest stops [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Boston Globe reports the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has removed violent video games from state-owned travel centers following last month's mass shooting tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

As the story goes, Andrew and Tracey Hyams were traveling with their 12-year-old son on Christmas Eve from Boston to New York when they took a break from their road trip at a rest area. When they did, they were jarred by the sounds of virtual gunfire as someone played a video game inside. The Hyams, relatives of one of the victims of the Newtown shooting, complained to the Department of Transportation. The agency's decision makers agreed the games were inappropriate, and promptly pulled them from the rest areas in Charlton, Ludlow, Lee and Beverly. Nine such arcade games were removed in all.

Transportation Secretary Richard Davey was quoted as saying a video game in a public space could be used by children of any age, noting that everyone can agree that there's too much violence in our society. While Davey says he didn't make the decision to pull the games, he supported the move.

Do you believe this was the right decision? Take part in our survey below and feel free to leave your thoughts in Comments.


View Poll

Mass. turnpike authority removes violent video games from rest stops [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade gamesdepartment of transportationgun violencegunsmassachusettsmassachusetts department of transportationnewtownrest areasandy hookvideo game violencevideo gamesviolent video gamesThu, 17 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430958/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/20430958/article-detail.xml 20430958 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/we-approve-of-this-rest-area_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/we-approve-of-this-rest-area.jpg <![CDATA[Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Texas road sign damages SUV

A Texas woman recently found herself with no recourse after a large traffic sign fell on her Lexus SUV. Stephanie Hawkins was stopped at a light with her teenage daughter when she felt her vehicle shake violently. Thinking she'd been in an accident, she stepped outside only to find a sign had fallen over onto her vehicle. After taking photos of the incident and receiving a repair estimate of $2,791.25, Hawkins filed a claim with the Texas Department of Transportation. TxDOT quickly responded by saying the state government was not responsible for the damage and therefore would not pay to fix her vehicle.

How is that possible? According to Texas, government agencies are not liable for damages caused while performing government safety functions. That includes maintaining signs. The ruling is part of the Texas Tort Claims Act and the Doctrine of Government Immunity. In a separate statement, TxDOT said it investigated the claim and found no negligence on its part. Take a look at the local news report on the incident below.

Continue reading Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV

Texas DOT refuses to pay for damage when road sign falls on SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Sep 2012 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdoctrine of government immunityfalling signsuvtexastexas department of transportationtxdotSat, 29 Sep 2012 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20334663/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/29/texas-dot-refuses-to-pay-for-damage-when-road-sign-falls-on-suv/20334663/article-detail.xml 20334663 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texas-falling-sign-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/texas-falling-sign-628.jpg <![CDATA[DOT teams up with Fox's <i>Glee</i> against distracted driving [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/dot-teams-up-with-foxs-glee-against-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/dot-teams-up-with-foxs-glee-against-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/dot-teams-up-with-foxs-glee-against-distracted-driving/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Quinn Fabray from Glee distracted driving

In attempt to combat car accidents and fatalities caused by distracted driving, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Ad Council have teamed up with the hit Fox television show, Glee, to produce a pair of public service announcements aimed at younger drivers. These PSAs were introduced as a part of the "Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks." campaign that attempts to raise awareness to the danger of texting and driving.

The PSAs show Quinn Fabray, a character on Glee (played by actress Dianna Agron), driving while attempting to read a text before consequently being involved in a severe accident - the footage is taken from an actual episode of the show. According to NHTSA, about 10 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2010 were caused by distracted driving, pointing out that reading a text can distract a driver for around five seconds.

These PSAs were released on the same day that NHTSA announced a new federal program that would give grant money to states that have bans against distracted driving and/or texting while driving. As a part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), states that have primary laws against distracted driving can be awarded up to $17.5 million. Secondary laws - which require police to pull the vehicle over for another violation to ticket a driver for distracted driving - do not qualify for the grants.

Scroll down to view the two Glee PSAs and NHTSA's press release.

Continue reading DOT teams up with Fox's Glee against distracted driving [w/videos]

DOT teams up with Fox's Glee against distracted driving [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdiana agrondistracted drivinggleeNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsaquinn fabraysafetytexting and drivingus dotFri, 24 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307005/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/dot-teams-up-with-foxs-glee-against-distracted-driving/20307005/article-detail.xml 20307005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nhtsa-texting-driving-psa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nhtsa-texting-driving-psa.jpg <![CDATA[Feds launch largest-ever road test of connected vehicles [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/feds-launch-largest-ever-road-test-of-connected-vehicles-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/feds-launch-largest-ever-road-test-of-connected-vehicles-w-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/feds-launch-largest-ever-road-test-of-connected-vehicles-w-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vehicle-to-Vehicle communications envisioned

Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-To-Infrastructure (V2I) communications are going to play a big role in future automobiles when it comes to autonomous vehicles, but in the near term, these technologies are being looked at as a way to make the roadways safer by reducing crashes and congestion. As part of its Safety Pilot program, the Department of Transportation has announced plans for the largest-ever real-world test of V2V and V2I technologies consisting of almost 3,000 cars, trucks and buses in Ann Arbor, Mich.

V2V and V2I allow vehicles to connect and communicate with one another along with roadways and intersections using a wifi signal with the intention of reducing vehicle collisions in the instances such as rear-end collisions, blind intersections, vehicles running a red light or vehicles changing lanes when another vehicle is in its blind spot. Automakers, including General Motors and Ford Motor Company have already been testing intelligent vehicles, but the benefit of a government-sponsored program like this is that it could create a universal language for vehicles to communicate with each other rather than each automaker coming up with its system independently.

Both GM and Ford are supplying vehicles for this program, but there will also be extensive feedback received from drivers. Ahead of its real-world tests, the DOT conducted a study that found 90-percent of drivers who experienced V2V and V2I had a "highly favorable opinion" of the technologies. Safety Pilot will last for a year, and the data collected will help the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration determine how the technology can be used in the future, along with what, if any, laws need to be made regarding V2V and V2I.

GM says that it can start offering this technology in its cars by the end of this decade and Ford says it has already started developing Intelligent Vehicles.

Scroll down for V2V videos from GM and Ford as well as a press release from the U.S. DOT.

Continue reading Feds launch largest-ever road test of connected vehicles [w/video]

Feds launch largest-ever road test of connected vehicles [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive safetydepartment of transportationnational highway trafiic safety administrationnhtsav2iv2i communicationsv2vv2v communicationsvehicle to infrastructure technologyvehicle to vehicle communicationsWed, 22 Aug 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20305759/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/feds-launch-largest-ever-road-test-of-connected-vehicles-w-vide/20305759/article-detail.xml 20305759 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/v2v-v2i-communications-1345584930_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/v2v-v2i-communications-1345584930.jpg <![CDATA[Distracted driving scourge a repeat of 1930?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/distracted-driving-scourge-a-repeat-of-1930/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/distracted-driving-scourge-a-repeat-of-1930/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/distracted-driving-scourge-a-repeat-of-1930/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Texting and Driving

The more things change, the more they stay the same. According to a report at carinsurance.com, Department of Transportation chief Ray LaHood isn't the first person to take on distracted driving.

In 1930, George A. Packer, then the Massachusetts registrar of motor vehicles, wanted the state to ban "newfangled" radios that were beginning to come with the cars. Radios, Packer argued, were dangerous because of the distractions they caused. Motorists would have to take their hands off the wheel to adjust the volume or search for a new station. Soft music at night might lull drivers to sleep. Louder music might even distract drivers in other vehicles.

Massachusetts even held a hearing on the dangers of the radio in motor cars, but, ultimately, Packer's efforts failed.

LaHood has fared better with his campaign against texting and general distracted driving, carinsurance.com points out. So far, 39 states have banned texting while driving and 10 states have banned operating a handheld phone behind the wheel. More bans are likely. And that may not be a good thing.

Distracted driving scourge a repeat of 1930? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dangerous radiodepartment of transportationdistracted drivingdistractionsdotray lahoodsafetystereotelematicsWed, 18 Jul 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20275467/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/distracted-driving-scourge-a-repeat-of-1930/20275467/article-detail.xml 20275467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/textdrivejimlegansjr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/textdrivejimlegansjr.jpg <![CDATA[Electronic crash-avoidance systems get thumbs up from consumers in federal testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/electronic-crash-avoidance-systems-get-thumbs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/electronic-crash-avoidance-systems-get-thumbs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/29/electronic-crash-avoidance-systems-get-thumbs-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

accident avoidance

Starting last fall, eight carmakers worked with the Department of Transportation on a study assessing drivers' acceptance of accident-avoidance technologies. The initial six-month program in the Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program put people on closed roads in cars that communicated wirelessly to issue warnings about lane changes, blind spots, forward collisions and other cars approaching intersections. Of the 688 participants, more than 90 percent wanted the tech in their cars, and that response rate covered just about all age ranges.

But perhaps the most remarkable finding about the study was that in spite of massive favor, none of the participants wanted to have to pay "more than $250" for the technologies. We don't know how the question was phrased, but when an iPod Touch costs $195, adding Ford Sync to a Fusion SE costs $395 and a trip to Disneyland for a family of four can bankrupt a small nation, we're slightly surprised that a suite of potentially lifesaving features isn't even worth considering for more than $250.

The study isn't over yet - the next phase involves 3,000 test cars trying out the features on open roads in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It will begin this fall and run into next year.

Electronic crash-avoidance systems get thumbs up from consumers in federal testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accident avoidancecar to carcar to car communicationscollision avoidancecollision detectionConnected Vehicle Safety Pilot Programdepartment of transportationsafetystudyTue, 29 May 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245005/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/29/electronic-crash-avoidance-systems-get-thumbs-up/20245005/article-detail.xml 20245005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/crash-avoidance_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/crash-avoidance.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA proposes mandatory stability control on big rigs, busses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/nhtsa-proposes-mandatory-stability-control-on-big-rigs-busses/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/nhtsa-proposes-mandatory-stability-control-on-big-rigs-busses/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/nhtsa-proposes-mandatory-stability-control-on-big-rigs-busses/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Freightliner Cascadia

Stability control was made mandatory on passenger vehicles for this current model year, but it's still not a requirement for semis and busses. But that could soon be changing, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed requiring the technology on all new large commercial trucks, motorcoaches, and other large buses.

While big rigs and their brethren are often available with stability control, the rule would make the feature standard, with manufacturers given between two and four years to comply. NHTSA says the change in policy could save about 50 lives a year, and prevent over 2,300 crashes. Further, research into the effectiveness of stability control systems in preventing rollover crashes shows that over half of all such accidents could be prevented by adopting it.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading NHTSA proposes mandatory stability control on big rigs, busses

NHTSA proposes mandatory stability control on big rigs, busses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big rigbusbussesdepartment of transportationdotelectronic stability controlescnhtsasemisemi trucksemitruckstability controltractor trailerunited states department of transportationWed, 16 May 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239431/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/nhtsa-proposes-mandatory-stability-control-on-big-rigs-busses/20239431/article-detail.xml 20239431 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/freightliner-cascadia-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/freightliner-cascadia-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Senate OKs mandatory black boxes in cars for 2015, House expected to follow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/senate-oks-mandatory-black-boxes-in-cars-for-2015-house-expecte/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/senate-oks-mandatory-black-boxes-in-cars-for-2015-house-expecte/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/senate-oks-mandatory-black-boxes-in-cars-for-2015-house-expecte/#commentsFiled under: ,

Event data recorder

It's been working its way through Congress for years, but according to Car and Driver, an event recorder mandate could soon become law. The Senate has already voted to adopt a transportation bill that would make the so-called "black boxes" mandatory by the 2015 model year. According to the report, the House of Representatives is also expected to pass a similar statute.

While the specifics of the bills are "vague" - to use C/D's words - they're also likely to change before becoming law. What probably won't, according to the report, is the standard data set that the Department of Transportation has set forth, 15 measurements that include direction of acceleration, throttle position, and time that the airbags fired, among others.

This raises the specter of government snooping, of course. The Senate version at least specifies that the data contained in the little electronic box is actually owned by the owner of the vehicle, according to the report. Johnny Law can still come around with a warrant to gain access to it, however, and first responders and paramedics would be able to do so without the warrant, provided they needed the information to respond to the emergency.

Senate OKs mandatory black boxes in cars for 2015, House expected to follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black boxescongressdata recorderdepartment of transportationevent data recorderevent data recordershouse of representativesprivacysafetysenatesenate bill 1813Mon, 14 May 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/senate-oks-mandatory-black-boxes-in-cars-for-2015-house-expecte/20237789/article-detail.xml 20237789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/black-box-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/black-box-opt.jpg <![CDATA[New DOT mobile app tells you how safe your bus is]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're an Autoblog reader, we suspect you probably prefer not to leave the driving to others - regardless of who they are. But even car nuts like us have occasion to take the bus every so often. The dog can be a cost-efficient way to go pick up a car you've spontaneously bought on eBay when no buddies can be rounded up for a road trip, for instance.

Of course, in this age of paranoia, you might wonder if your bus is held together with bailing wire and duct tape, or whether your driver habitually shows up for work three sheets to the wind, which brings us to The SaferBus app.

A free iOS app, courtesy of the United States Department of Transportation, SaferBus allows mobile access to the US DOT's database for motor coach safety violations, including five categories of records, according to The Consumerist. The app gets monthly database updates and the information dates back a full two years, plus you can use the app report a safety complaint yourself.

New DOT mobile app tells you how safe your bus is originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>busbus safety appdepartment of transportationdotiosiphonesaferbussafetyunited states department of transportationSun, 25 Mar 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20198729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/25/new-ios-app-from-dot-tells-you-how-safe-your-bus-is/20198729/article-detail.xml 20198729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/saferbus-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/saferbus-opt.jpg <![CDATA[DOT proposes distracted driving guidelines for automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/dot-proposes-distracted-driving-guidelines-for-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/dot-proposes-distracted-driving-guidelines-for-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/16/dot-proposes-distracted-driving-guidelines-for-automakers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ray LaHood

Distracted driving is a topic that's on everybody's minds these days, and for good reason. Every new car and truck sold today is packed with more technology than every before, from touchscreen LCDs that offer myriad audio and infotainment options to voice-controlled applications and various forms of smartphone integration.

It comes as little surprise, then, that U.S. Department of Transportation head Ray LaHood has announced a new set of proposed distracted driving guidelines for automakers that would limit the use of in-car tech solutions that are "not directly relevant to safely operating the vehicle, or cause undue distraction by engaging the driver's eyes or hands for more than a very limited duration while driving."

Specifically, DOT is recommending that automakers not introduce technology packages that require both hands to operate or that could take a driver's eyes from the road for more than two seconds. Further, DOT wants technologies that require detailed input from the driver to be disabled while the car is out of park. That would include text messaging and internet browsing along with such tasks as address entry into navigation systems and manual phone dialing.

Future guidelines may include recommendations to manufacturers of aftermarket devices like smartphones, portable GPS units and tablet computers. It's important to note that these guidelines are recommendations, not mandates. Feel free to read the entire press release, which includes specific guidelines, after the break. The public will have 60 days to comment on this proposal before final guidelines are drafted.

Continue reading DOT proposes distracted driving guidelines for automakers

DOT proposes distracted driving guidelines for automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdistracted drivingdistracted driving guidelinesdotdriving safetyNational Highway Traffic Safety Administrationnhtsaray lahoodThu, 16 Feb 2012 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20173720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/16/dot-proposes-distracted-driving-guidelines-for-automakers/20173720/article-detail.xml 20173720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dot-ray-lahood_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/dot-ray-lahood.jpg <![CDATA[Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/#commentsFiled under:

Sunoco gas station line

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency and the White House have announced new fuel economy standards for model year 2017-2025 vehicles that will require cars and light trucks to yield a combined 54.5 mpg, as was proposed back in July.

According to the government, these new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards will help save as much as 2.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2025, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and saving vehicle owners plenty of money at the pump. In fact, the fed says that a consumer purchasing a new car in 2025 will save $6,600 in fuel costs over the lifetime of that vehicle. Of course, the technologies required to achieve these new targets will make vehicles more expensive too, but the agencies claim that consumers will still save $4,400 over the life of a vehicle after factoring in those extra costs.

The new CAFE rules will follow current 2011-2016 standards that call for cars and light trucks to hit 34.1 mpg combined by 2016. The rule is backed by over 100 members of Congress, and if adopted will undergo a 90-day comment period before becoming official.

Some members of Congress believe that the rules haven't been evaluated thoroughly enough, however. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-California) has expressed concerns about the technical feasibility of the new standards. While most automakers have backed the 54.5 mpg goal, Volkswagen has been vocally against the plan in the past. While the new standards are strict, the plan does provide one single national standard for the industry to follow, unlike before where automakers met a minimum national standard as well as separate, tougher standards adopted by individual states led by California (the dreaded "patchwork" of regulation).

We're all for better fuel economy, though the tight time frame likely means that automakers will resort to costly hybrid and alt-fuel options over the next 18 years to boost their fuel economy figures, and those substantial research, development and production costs are sure to get passed on to car buyers. It will be interesting to watch how eager shoppers are to hop onto this new, greener bandwagon.

Continue reading Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025

Fed proposes new fuel economy standard: 54.5 mpg by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>54.554.5 mpgcafecafe standardscongresscorporate average fuel economydepartment of transportationenvironmental protection agencyepafuel economyfuel economy standardsmpgus department of transportationusdotWed, 16 Nov 2011 16:09:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/fed-proposes-new-fuel-economy-standard-54-5-mpg-by-2025/20107715/article-detail.xml 20107715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gas-station-line-ap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/gas-station-line-ap.jpg <![CDATA[DOT to run tests to see if drivers freak out when their car takes over]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/dot-to-run-tests-to-see-if-drivers-freak-out-when-their-car-take/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/dot-to-run-tests-to-see-if-drivers-freak-out-when-their-car-take/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/02/dot-to-run-tests-to-see-if-drivers-freak-out-when-their-car-take/#commentsFiled under: ,

audi autonomous tt

Automobiles are getting smarter, and it's possible that cars may be able to handle most of the driving duties in the not-too-distant future. Are motorists ready to enter that reality? The U.S. Department of Transportation is curious to find out, and tests are about to get underway to find out how much faith motorists can comfortably put in the hands of an autonomous vehicle.

Researchers for the DOT are heading out to the racetrack - not to post fast lap times, but to gauge driver and passenger reactions to safety equipment designed to intervene when necessary. The custom vehicles contain equipment that allows them to "talk" to each other. This relay of data lets one car know what the other is doing. If one car sees that it's on a collision course with another, it can initiate a panic stop and avoid an accident. The DOT wants to find out how motorists react in situations where their cars jump in to save the day.

Testing will take place in cities around the country. The results of this research will be shared with Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. While testing in the States gets moving, automakers are conducting further testing elsewhere in the world. Automated cars are set to take over the streets of Frankfurt, while other driverless vehicles tackle racetracks in Belgium.

Our own Damon Lavrinc recently got a taste of the automated action when he sampled the BMW Track Trainer.

Are you ready for a world of automated vehicles? Sound off in Comments.

DOT to run tests to see if drivers freak out when their car takes over originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehiclesdepartment of transportationdotdriver-lessdriverlessself-drivingself-driving carsTue, 02 Aug 2011 14:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20006587/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/02/dot-to-run-tests-to-see-if-drivers-freak-out-when-their-car-take/20006587/article-detail.xml 20006587 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/10ttscpikespeak03hrcmyk-copy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/10ttscpikespeak03hrcmyk-copy.jpg <![CDATA[Terrafugia flying car gets DOT exception but faces delays]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/terrafugia-flying-car-gets-dot-exception-but-faces-delays/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/terrafugia-flying-car-gets-dot-exception-but-faces-delays/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/06/terrafugia-flying-car-gets-dot-exception-but-faces-delays/#commentsFiled under: ,

terrafugia flying car

Terrafugia has moved one step closer to bringing the world a flying "car". The Department of Transportation has granted the company a host of exemptions needed to get the Terrafugia Transition ready for the road. The plane/car-hybrid already employs a gaggle of automotive crash technology, such as crumple zones and airbags, but it needed help moving past a few of the standard car requirements that just don't work for something with wings.

A special set of tires are fitted to the Transition, which is rated for highway speeds, but it's also designed to take the abuse that comes with multiple takeoffs and landings. Additionally, the cockpit is not wrapped with traditional laminated automotive glass. That would add weight, and also severely affect the pilot's vision in the event of a bird strike. Polycarbonate windows are the preferred porthole material.

The DOT and NHTSA exemptions are a positive step forward for Terrafugia. Unfortunately, the company has experienced a half-step backwards. A few design issues coupled with third-party supply restraints have pushed Transition production backwards. Initially, Terrafugia hoped to display a production Transition in 2011. Now, however, it seems that 2012 will be the year for our Jetson's dreams to inch closer to reality. In the interim, we'll have to be happy renaming our Roomba, Rosie.

Terrafugia flying car gets DOT exception but faces delays originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdotflying carnhtsaterrafugiaterrafugia transitiontransition flying carWed, 06 Jul 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19981814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/06/terrafugia-flying-car-gets-dot-exception-but-faces-delays/19981814/article-detail.xml 19981814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/001terrafugiatrans_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/001terrafugiatrans.jpg <![CDATA[House introduces bill calling for ban on holding phones while driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/house-introduces-bill-calling-for-ban-on-holding-phones-while-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/house-introduces-bill-calling-for-ban-on-holding-phones-while-dr/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/house-introduces-bill-calling-for-ban-on-holding-phones-while-dr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Woman talking on phone while driving

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that legislation introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives may ban drivers from even holding a cell phone while behind the wheel. The Safe Drivers Act of 2011, introduced by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-NY, aims to prevent all drivers from holding any mobile device while operating a vehicle by directing the Department of Transportation to enact standards to prohibit the behavior. McCarthy said that making phone calls, texting or using apps is just as dangerous as drunk driving and much more prevalent.

The legislation incorporates provisions for a Department of Transportation study on whether or not talking on the phone at all poses a serious safety risk. The findings would be reported in two years time, at which time adjustments to the measure might be considered.

Meanwhile, drivers would still be allowed to use hands-free devices for mobile communication. Additionally, certain emergency situations would exempt drivers from penalty if caught using a phone while driving.

The Detroit Free Press says that presently, just nine states already ban drivers from holding a phone while driving.

House introduces bill calling for ban on holding phones while driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phonedepartment of transportationdistracted drivingdothandheldhousehouse of representativesmobile phonesafe drivers act of 2011save drivers actsenateus houseus house of representativesFri, 24 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19975890/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/24/house-introduces-bill-calling-for-ban-on-holding-phones-while-dr/19975890/article-detail.xml 19975890 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/happy-woman-on-phone-while-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/happy-woman-on-phone-while-driving.jpg <![CDATA[EPA and DOT drop letter grades from window stickers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/#commentsFiled under:

EPA fuel economy labels
EPA/DOT Proposed Fuel Economy Labels - Click above for high-res versions

It seems that the Average Joe isn't the only one who thinks that the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed letter grades on windows stickers are both confusing and too subjective for the government to assign.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Obama administration has scrapped plans to assign letter grades - ranging from A to D - to passenger vehicles based on fuel efficiency. Instead, the updated labels, which will reportedly be unveiled next week, will include more info to help buyers judge a vehicle's projected gasoline costs and CO2 emissions.

Automakers have argued that the letter grade proposal would put the government in the position of making value judgments, which some auto industry lobbyists vehemently oppose. Says Auto Alliance spokesman Wade Newton:
The addition of a large, brightly colored letter grade may confuse the public about what is being graded and it risks alienating the consumer who has a valid need for a vehicle that does not achieve an 'A'" based on greenhouse gas emissions.
Dan Becker, director of Safe Climate Campaign, counters:
It is deeply disappointing that the Obama administration abandoned [assigning letter grades]. It's appalling that the car makers, some of whom we bailed out, bludgeoned the administration into submission.
The WSJ quotes a person familiar with the administration's internal deliberations as saying, "Even within agencies, there were differences of opinion." What do you think, would letter grades be too subjective?

EPA and DOT drop letter grades from window stickers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdotenvironmental protection agencyepaepa window stickerfuel economy labelsgreenmiles per gallonmpgwindow stickerMon, 23 May 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947007/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/23/epa-and-dot-drop-letter-grades-from-window-stickers/19947007/article-detail.xml 19947007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/screen-shot-2010-08-30-at-1.30.45-pmopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/screen-shot-2010-08-30-at-1.30.45-pmopt.jpg <![CDATA[New Yorkers get spooky LED skeleton reminder to obey speed limits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/13/new-yorkers-get-spooky-led-skeleton-reminder-to-obey-speed-limit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/13/new-yorkers-get-spooky-led-skeleton-reminder-to-obey-speed-limit/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/13/new-yorkers-get-spooky-led-skeleton-reminder-to-obey-speed-limit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Skeleton Speed BoardDrivers in New York City can expect to be met with a new reminder of the local 30-mile-per-hour speed limit this summer. According to The New York Times, the Big Apple's transportation department will unveil a speed board that will flash a custom skeleton animation toward drivers who are over the limit. You've likely seen the technology employed before with slightly less morbid effects.

Municipalities routinely use mobile, radar-based speed boards to make drivers aware of just how fast they're traveling in low-speed zones. Typically, the onboard LED screen simply flashes an offending vehicle's speed in big red numerals. NYC is taking it one step further.

The transportation department already employs skeletons in its "That's why its 30" advertising campaign, which underscores just how much more lethal a vehicle traveling 40 mph can be over its slower counterpart. The new speed boards are intentionally attention-grabbing, though since traffic slugs along at an average of 9.3 mph in most parts of the city, we don't think anyone will have a hard time obeying the law.

New Yorkers get spooky LED skeleton reminder to obey speed limits originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationnew yorknew york citynew york department of transportationnew york speed limitsskeleton speed boardspeed boardFri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19940073/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/13/new-yorkers-get-spooky-led-skeleton-reminder-to-obey-speed-limit/19940073/article-detail.xml 19940073 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/skeleton-speed-board-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/skeleton-speed-board-250.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Probe finds no evidence of misconduct among ex-NHTSA employees]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/09/report-probe-finds-no-evidence-of-misconduct-among-ex-nhtsa-emp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/09/report-probe-finds-no-evidence-of-misconduct-among-ex-nhtsa-emp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/09/report-probe-finds-no-evidence-of-misconduct-among-ex-nhtsa-emp/#commentsFiled under:

nhtsa logo

Would you raise an eyebrow if you knew that former NHTSA workers took jobs with automakers after their tenure with the Feds? A few senators experience vertical eyebrow movement, and decided they'd like a few questions answered. Was it possible that misconduct was underfoot related to automaker recalls, and did current NHTSA employees provide special treatment for their former co-workers?

A probe was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation, and over the past 10 years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has seen 15 employees move on to jobs with automakers or their respective law firms.

The investigation found that all parties were compliant and adhered to the rules established by the US Office of Government Ethics. So employees of NHTSA, both current and former, are supposedly playing by the rules.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Probe finds no evidence of misconduct among ex-NHTSA employees originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdotnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaus office of government ethicsSat, 09 Apr 2011 15:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19907821/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/09/report-probe-finds-no-evidence-of-misconduct-among-ex-nhtsa-emp/19907821/article-detail.xml 19907821 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/nhtsa-1302309798_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/nhtsa-1302309798.jpg <![CDATA[Texas House approves nation's fastest speed limit at 85 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/#commentsFiled under: , ,

85 mile per hour speed limit sign

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and now it seems everything might be faster too. The House of Representatives in Texas has approved a new transportation bill, and it includes legislation that would allow the Texas Department of Transportation to raise speed limits to 85 miles per hour. The state's Senate is presently considering a similar measure.

The DOT cannot simply go out and slap up a fresh new set of 85-mph speed limit signs. Both engineering and traffic studies must be done before motorists are given a green light to those increased speeds. Don't feel too bad for those speed-restricted Texans, though. 85 mph wouldn't be much of a stretch for Texas, since the state already enjoys 520 miles of highway with an 80-mph speed limit.

[Source: Chron.com | Image: University of Michigan]

Texas House approves nation's fastest speed limit at 85 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>85 mphdepartment of transportationspeed limittexastexas dottexas housetexas house of representativestexas speed limitThu, 07 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19905987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/07/texas-house-approves-nations-fastest-speed-limit-at-85-mph/19905987/article-detail.xml 19905987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/85-speed-limit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/85-speed-limit.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. D.O.T. says 2010 traffic fatalities lowest they've ever been]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/01/u-s-d-o-t-says-2010-traffic-fatalities-lowest-theyve-ever-bee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/01/u-s-d-o-t-says-2010-traffic-fatalities-lowest-theyve-ever-bee/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/01/u-s-d-o-t-says-2010-traffic-fatalities-lowest-theyve-ever-bee/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ray LaHoodUnited States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that traffic deaths in 2010 were the lowest they've ever been, falling three percent from 2009's record low. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration projections, traffic fatalities fell from 33,808 in 2009 to 32,708 in 2010.

The Department of Transportation and NHTSA see the news as evidence that their public awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws nationwide are working. According to NHTSA, traffic fatalities have steadily dropped in the last five years, falling 25 percent since 2005.

Specifically, the DOT and NHTSA cited programs like Over the Limit, Under Arrest, Click-it or Ticket and LaHood's anti-distracted driving campaign as contributing factors to the drop in fatalities.

The biggest regional drop was in the Pacific Northwest, where fatalities plummeted 12 percent from last year. Arizona, California and Hawaii tied for second, each dropping 11 percent over 2009.

While we applaud most of the campaigns championed by NHTSA and the DOT, we can't help but think that there are probably some larger factors at work here - namely, that Americans are motoring around in vehicles that are safer than ever before thanks to the proliferation of improved safety systems like stability control. Check out the official press release and associated horn-tooting after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA | Image: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading U.S. D.O.T. says 2010 traffic fatalities lowest they've ever been

U.S. D.O.T. says 2010 traffic fatalities lowest they've ever been originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto safetydepartment of transportationdriving fatalitiesfatalitieslahoodnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaray lahoodtraffic deathstraffic fatalitiesFri, 01 Apr 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19899945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/01/u-s-d-o-t-says-2010-traffic-fatalities-lowest-theyve-ever-bee/19899945/article-detail.xml 19899945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lahood250opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lahood250opt.jpg -1 2