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[NHTSA releases voluntary guidelines to combat distracted driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In its continuing battle against distracted driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued voluntary guidelines covering the use of in-car infotainment and communication devices. It is NHTSA's intention that the proposals, which have been in the works for a year and are partly based on a 2010 study called "Impact of Hand-Held and Hands-Free Cell Phone Use on Driving Performance and Safety Critical Event Risk," will be phased in over the next three years. That would give automakers time to reconfigure their systems to comply.

Proposed items include disabling manual text entry, video-based entertainment and video phone calls and prohibiting the display of text messages, social media or web pages while the car is in motion or in gear. The objective is to keep the driver's eyes off the road for no more than two seconds at a time, and 12 seconds in total. That 12-second limit would be achieved by only allowing a driver six inputs or touches of the screen within a dozen seconds, but it would include activities beyond phone calls and nav inputs, like changing the radio station or using the climate control. At the moment, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has a self-imposed limit of 20 seconds, although we're not sure how that's enforced by the infotainment system.
Calling distracted driving "a deadly epidemic," NHTSA says that it is trying to "balance the innovation consumers want with the safety we all need." The study showed that activities like using hand-held phones potentially tripled the risk of a crash and texting doubled the risk of a crash or near-crash. Distracted drivers accounted for about a third of all accident fatalities in 2011, a rise over 2010, but injuries are down, as are the number of crashes related to phone use.

According to a report in Automotive News, when the proposals are fully implemented, NHTSA is also considering adding them the the New Car Assessment Program, which would encourage automakers to comply if they want a five-star safety rating.

Continue reading NHTSA releases voluntary guidelines to combat distracted driving

NHTSA releases voluntary guidelines to combat distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance of automobile manufacturersdistracted drivingnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaray lahoodtextingtexting while drivingus dotThu, 25 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548713/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/nhtsa-voluntary-guidelines-distracted-driving/20548713/article-detail.xml 20548713 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/distracted-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/distracted-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Last Words: Family releases image of dead son's final text before deadly crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/#commentsFiled under: ,



On April 3, University of Northern Colorado student Alexander Heit lost control of his car while sending a text on his iPhone. The loss of control caused the car to roll over, and the 22-year-old died a short time after being transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Greeley, CO Police officers on the scene of the accident discovered Heit's cell phone in his car. The text message conversation that he had been engaged in when he slipped control was still visible on the screen; an unfinished and rather mundane message still not quite completed in the send box.

Heit's family and the Greeley PD have published the photos and Alex's story, in the hopes that it will add a bit more seriousness to the danger associated with texting and driving, and thereby prevent similar accidents in the future.

Said Sharon Heit, Andrew's mother:

"I can't bear the thought of anyone else having to go through something like this. Please, vow to never, NEVER text and drive. In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you. And in honor of Alex's memory, please do something kind for a stranger who needs help, as Alex always wished for a world were people were kinder to each other."

Last Words: Family releases image of dead son's final text before deadly crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew heitdistracted drivinggreeley coloradogreeley police departmenttextingtexting while drivinguniversity of northern coloradoFri, 12 Apr 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538575/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/12/last-words-family-releases-image-of-dead-sons-final-text-befor/20538575/article-detail.xml 20538575 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cell-phone-1365769513_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cell-phone-1365769513.jpg <![CDATA[Why using Google Maps for driving directions is illegal in California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/why-using-google-maps-for-driving-directions-is-illegal-in-calif/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/why-using-google-maps-for-driving-directions-is-illegal-in-calif/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/why-using-google-maps-for-driving-directions-is-illegal-in-calif/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bearded driver uses phone

Back in January of 2012, Steven Spriggs was cited for using a cellphone while driving in California, violating the state's Vehicle Code Section 23123 that makes it illegal for someone to drive "while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving." In this case, though, while Spriggs did have the phone in his hands, he was using it to check directions on Google Maps, not make a phone a call or send a text.

Spriggs appealed the citation, but according to Digital Trends, Judge Kent Hamlin of the Fresno County Superior Court has ruled against him. Hamlin's eight-page decision asserted that the law prohibiting drivers from using their hands to operate their cellphones to make calls and send texts didn't mean they could manually operate their phones for some other purpose, like getting directions; Hamlin reasoned that the law's intent was to prevent all manual operation of the cellphone to curb distracted driving.

Hamlin felt this even though Sprigg argued that when the original law specified voice calls, it was felt necessary to append the law to add texting to its purview. Using that example, if the law didn't specify the other operations it covered, then it shouldn't apply to those other operations. Hamlin's decision countered that there was no legislative history that demonstrated the bill's original supporters didn't want texting covered by the law originally, and that since the purpose of the "plain language" of the law is to eliminate the distraction of manually using one's phone while driving, that any such use is automatically covered.

Why using Google Maps for driving directions is illegal in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple mapscalifornia lawdistracted drivingfresnogoogle mapsjudge kent w. hamlinlawlegalmap appmappingnavigationsteven spriggstexting while drivingMon, 08 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/why-using-google-maps-for-driving-directions-is-illegal-in-calif/20533159/article-detail.xml 20533159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/driver-using-phone_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/driver-using-phone.jpg <![CDATA[Main factor in distracted driving deaths not phones, it's getting lost in thought]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/main-factor-in-distracted-driving-deaths-not-phones-its-gettin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/main-factor-in-distracted-driving-deaths-not-phones-its-gettin/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/main-factor-in-distracted-driving-deaths-not-phones-its-gettin/#commentsFiled under: ,

Distracted driver on phone doing makeup

It turns out electronic devices aren't the leading cause of distracted driving car crashes. Around 10 percent of all accidents that cause a death involve distracted driving, and Bloomberg reports that an Erie Insurance Group study has found that daydreaming and being lost in thought are responsible for 62 percent of those crashes. Mobile phone use, meanwhile, accounted for just 12 percent of those accidents. The study used police reports for its data, and as such, the numbers could greatly underestimate the role distracted driving plays in serious incidents.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, it requires some 20 complex decisions to stay on course for every mile you drive. The group recommends drivers be aware of when their not paying attention to the road and do what they can to minimize those moments.

Other distractions include rubbernecking, other passengers and pets roaming around the cabin.

Main factor in distracted driving deaths not phones, it's getting lost in thought originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaaaa foundation for safetyaccidentauto safetycar safetycrashdaydreamingdistracted drivingerie insuranceThu, 04 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/main-factor-in-distracted-driving-deaths-not-phones-its-gettin/20530596/article-detail.xml 20530596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/distacted-driver-on-phone-makeup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/distacted-driver-on-phone-makeup.jpg <![CDATA[North Carolina trying to stop female boaters from flashing adjacent highway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/north-carolina-trying-to-stop-female-boaters-from-flashing-adjac/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/north-carolina-trying-to-stop-female-boaters-from-flashing-adjac/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/north-carolina-trying-to-stop-female-boaters-from-flashing-adjac/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lake Norman - boats docked - video screencap

Here's a slightly different sort of distracted driving.

Over in North Carolina, buoys are being installed in a stretch of Lake Norman along Interstate 77 in an effort to reduce traffic slow-ups in the area. The problem? As the weather gets warmer, boaters are docking along the stretch where the water meets the highway, and local women are reportedly showing their breasts to drivers as they pass by. We don't need to tell you why that's a distraction.

According to a report by Charlotte NBC affiliate WCNC, the buoys would prevent boaters from docking in this area, thus preventing drivers from getting an eyeful and becoming distracted behind the wheel. Scroll down to watch the full safe-for-work video report.

Continue reading North Carolina trying to stop female boaters from flashing adjacent highway

North Carolina trying to stop female boaters from flashing adjacent highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boatingdistracted drivingi-77i77interstate 77lake normannorth carolinavideoWed, 13 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/north-carolina-trying-to-stop-female-boaters-from-flashing-adjac/20500989/article-detail.xml 20500989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/video.jpg <![CDATA[Many more people surfing the web while behind the wheel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you think texting while driving is dangerous, then you may be shocked to learn that many people do more than just text while driving, they actually browse the web while behind the wheel, and the number of people who do it is on the rise.

A USA Today report cites a study that recently polled nearly 4,000 drivers from the age of 18 and older. The study discovered an alarming amount of people surfing the web while driving, which is known as "webbing." Among drivers 18-to-29-years old, 48 percent admitted to this practice in 2012, up from 29 percent in 2009.

The trend stems largely from the proliferation and combination of smartphones and social media, even in older age groups. The practice of "webbing" outside of the 18-29 demographic increased from 13 percent in 2009 to 21 percent in 2012.

With the popularity of GPS-enabled smartphones, time spent surfing the web while operating a motor vehicle could also be attributed to using a phone's navigation app or researching local businesses while on a trip. Regardless of its purpose, this dangerous practice will likely start getting the same sort of attention from safety groups that texting while driving receives now.

Many more people surfing the web while behind the wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingsurfing internet while drivingtextingtexting while drivingusa todaywebbingTue, 27 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/27/many-more-people-surfing-the-web-while-behind-the-wheel/20385864/article-detail.xml 20385864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/molly-mcfarland-texting-driving-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/molly-mcfarland-texting-driving-628.jpg <![CDATA[AAA: Young drivers more likely to drive drowsy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/aaa-young-drivers-more-likely-to-drive-drowsy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/aaa-young-drivers-more-likely-to-drive-drowsy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/aaa-young-drivers-more-likely-to-drive-drowsy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Teen driver pulled over by police officer at night

Wake-y, wake-y... hit the brake-y! This is the National Sleep Foundation's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has completed a new survey with data indicating that one in seven drivers between 16 and 24 have admitted to falling asleep while behind the wheel at least once in the last year alone. That's a lot more drowsy driving compared to only 1 in 10 of all drivers who said they nodded off while driving.

While most people surveyed said sleepy drivers are a threat to public safety, at least 30 percent also admit they have recently driven while being tired enough that they struggled to keep their eyes open.

"Unfortunately, most drivers underestimate the risks associated with drowsy driving and overestimate their ability to deal with it - that's a dangerous combination," says AAA Foundation President & CEO Peter Kissinger.

"Research shows that fatigue impairs safe driving, with many symptoms causing drivers to behave in ways similar to those who are intoxicated," said AAA President & CEO Robert Darbelnet in the same press release.

Think you're a better driver than those folks? The list of things that constitute drowsy driving include not noticing traffic signs, driving past your intended street/exit, difficulty keeping your eyes open, yawning frequently, lane drifting and daydreaming.

AAA has a few suggestions to help you stay awake. Get plenty sleep the night before a long trip, avoid traveling whey you usually sleep, take a break every two hours and travel with someone who can take a turn driving.

Read the press release below for more signs of drowsy driving and how to prevent it.

Continue reading AAA: Young drivers more likely to drive drowsy

AAA: Young drivers more likely to drive drowsy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaamerican automobile associationdistracted drivingdriver safetydriving fatiguedrowsydrowsy drivingsleepysleepy driversteen driversteenage driverstraffic safetyMon, 12 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20375602/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/aaa-young-drivers-more-likely-to-drive-drowsy/20375602/article-detail.xml 20375602 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/teen-driver-with-policeman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/teen-driver-with-policeman.jpg <![CDATA[Transportation Dept. gives $550k to study texting-ban enforcement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/#commentsFiled under: , ,

distracted driver

So far, 39 states have some form of law against texting while driving, but it is a hard thing to enforce. Many drivers continue to text on the road, confident that the local smokies won't spot their sins.

That time might be over for Massachusetts and Connecticut, as the National highway Traffic Safety Administration has awarded $550,000 in order to develop methods to better spot texters in the act. Each state will receive $275,000 to conduct "high visibility anti-texting enforcement programs."

According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, "We have come a long way in our fight against distracted driving, but there is still much more work to be done." He continued, "Texting behind the wheel is especially dangerous, which is why we're working with states like Connecticut and Massachusetts to address this important safety issue."

While laws are in effect across the country, it is more difficult to detect texting than it is a driver placing a call on a cell phone. This initiative from NHTSA would develop techniques, such as spotters on overpasses and roving patrols, to determine the effectiveness of these practices. The program will be conducted over a two-year period, and the results will be made available to other states that are encountering texting and driving issues. Read more in the press release below.

Continue reading Transportation Dept. gives $550k to study texting-ban enforcement

Transportation Dept. gives $550k to study texting-ban enforcement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connecticutdistracted drivingmassachusettsray lahoodtextingtexting while drivingTue, 23 Oct 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20355523/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/transportation-dept-gives-550k-to-study-texting-ban-enforcemen/20355523/article-detail.xml 20355523 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texting-driving_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/texting-driving.jpg <![CDATA[Teens learn bad driving habits from parents]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/teens-learn-bad-driving-habits-from-parents/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/teens-learn-bad-driving-habits-from-parents/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/teens-learn-bad-driving-habits-from-parents/#commentsFiled under:

Scared teen driver pulled over by patrolman

Hey, Mom and Dad. The next time you're in the car, take a look at that sweet, smiling face in your rearview mirror. Notice how those young, innocent eyes are soaking up every red light you run, every time you don't use a turn signal, every phone call you take, every text you send and every breath you take (every move you make)?

The police may not catch you, but the youngsters you're raising are taking notes. And when they make it to 16 (in some states, at least) they're going to drive just like you. At least so says a recent study by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

And the study says it's not just the bad habits you practice every time you drive (turn signals are not for decoration, by the way). Send a text just once while behind the wheel and you've implicitly given your preteen permission to do the same.

"Your kids are always observing the decisions you make behind the wheel, and in fact have likely been doing so since they were big enough to see over the dashboard," Liberty Mutual driving safety expert Dave Melton said in a summary of the survey. "You may think you only occasionally read a text at a stop light or take the odd thirty-second phone call, but kids are seeing that in a different way. Answering your phone once while driving, even if only for a few seconds, legitimizes the action for your children and they will, in turn, see that as acceptable behavior."

So, parents, behave yourselves immediately, or so help us, we'll stop this car right here!

Teens learn bad driving habits from parents originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad drivingbad driving habitsdistracted drivingdriving habitsdriving studyliberty mutualsaddteen driverteen drivingyoung driverMon, 01 Oct 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/01/teens-learn-bad-driving-habits-from-parents/20331443/article-detail.xml 20331443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/teen-driver-oops_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/teen-driver-oops.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian man saves four kids with Hummer [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/08/canadian-man-saves-four-kids-with-hummer-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/08/canadian-man-saves-four-kids-with-hummer-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/08/canadian-man-saves-four-kids-with-hummer-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hummer used to protect kids in crosswalk

A quick-thinking driver in Canada put his own life on the line last month when he drove his Hummer H3 in front of a distracted driver to save four children. Darrell Krushelnicki, 46, of Taber, Alberta, saw a car about to speed through an intersection. Four kids, whose ages ranged from three to 16 years old, were in the in the crosswalk, so Krushelnicki pulled his truck in front of a silver Pontiac Pursuit (known as the Pontiac G5 in the U.S.) to prevent them from being hit.

The identity of the other driver is unknown, but the news report says the 23-year-old male was talking on his cell phone while traveling around 80 kilometers per hour (close to 50 miles per hour) in a 30 kph speed zone (less than 20 mph). Thankfully, nobody was hurt, and while there's no word as to whether the distracted driver was ticketed, police say that they're recommending Krushelnicki for an award.

For additional details, check out the news video, which we've posted below.

Continue reading Canadian man saves four kids with Hummer [w/video]

Canadian man saves four kids with Hummer [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingdistracted driving accidenth3hummerSat, 08 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318993/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/08/canadian-man-saves-four-kids-with-hummer-w-video/20318993/article-detail.xml 20318993 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/crashed-canadian-hummer-h3-1347076132_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/crashed-canadian-hummer-h3-1347076132.jpg <![CDATA[Designated texter becoming popular with teens [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Girl texting

We're all familiar with the designated driver concept. Most everyone with a drivers license has either been one or needed one. But now, the designated texter is a new idea being promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to target texting drivers.

A recent study by State Farm Insurance and Harris Interactive says more teens are taking the initiative and volunteering to text for everyone.

A new video from NHTSA called "Stairs" has the tagline, "Not everyone should should text and walk. No one should text and drive." To illustrate, a texting teen attempts to ascend a set of stairs. She falls face-first, her phone landing at her feet. In the next scene, another teen at the wheel of her SUV gets totally distracted by a text on her phone and looks up just in time to see the pedestrians about to be plowed under her front bumper.

Having a designated texter is a pretty clever idea for those that can't wait. We're just concerned about what happens when an inebriated non-driver becomes the designated texter for the designated driver. Wackiness is sure to ensue.

Check out the NHTSA video below.

Continue reading Designated texter becoming popular with teens [w/video]

Designated texter becoming popular with teens [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designated driverdesignated texterdesignated textingdistracted drivingnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsatextingtxtingvideoSat, 01 Sep 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310923/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/01/designated-texter-becoming-popular-with-teens-w-video/20310923/article-detail.xml 20310923 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/girltextingjhaymesisviphotography_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/girltextingjhaymesisviphotography.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[College student drives off cliff while texting prophetic message]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/#commentsFiled under: ,



Texting while driving is a horrible, horrible idea. This is not news. And as unfortunate as this story may be, we have to admit, it's a little ironic.

Chance Bothe, a 21-year-old college student from Texas, drove his pickup truck off of a bridge, over a cliff and down into a deep ravine. But the last text he sent before the accident occurred is where the bit of irony - and nearly tragic foreshadowing - comes into focus.

"I need to quit texting because I could die in a car accident."

Thankfully, Bothe did not die as a result of this crash, though he suffered a broken neck, crushed face, fractured skull and traumatic brain injuries. After six months of recovery and rehab, Bothe is about 80-percent back to normal.

Scroll down to watch a video detailing the story, in which Bothe talks to KHOU-TV on his last day of rehab.

Continue reading College student drives off cliff while texting prophetic message

College student drives off cliff while texting prophetic message originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chance bothecrashdistracted drivingtextingtexting while drivingvideoFri, 03 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293144/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/03/college-student-drives-off-cliff-while-texting-prophetic-message/20293144/article-detail.xml 20293144 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/textingvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/textingvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Honda reveals new cloud-based infotainment system [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

HondaLink

Honda let the cat officially out of the bag today, revealing details about its new HondaLink infotainment system that will be featured in the new 2013 Accord. The new midsize sedan doesn't launch until the fall, but the Japanese automaker is clearly eager to start building momentum for its long-awaited new model by addressing one of the company's long-running deficiencies: connectivity.

HondaLink will feature Aha Radio, a cloud-based digital content service that uses the driver's smart phone data connection for streaming through the vehicle's audio system. The interface uses a radio station model, with users creating content presets. Besides music, news, podcasts and other traditional audio content, Aha will allow drivers to listen to Facebook and Twitter feeds.

While the video Honda released today plays more like a commercial than a tutorial, we're looking forward to getting our hands on the system. The big question is whether it can vault Honda to the front of the mainstream infotainment pack, or merely put them where Ford was three years ago.

Scroll down to watch the video and read the full press release.

Continue reading Honda reveals new cloud-based infotainment system [w/video]

Honda reveals new cloud-based infotainment system [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahaaha radiodistracted drivingfacebookharmanhondahondalinkin car entertainmentinfotainmenttextingtwitterWed, 18 Jul 2012 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281103/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/honda-reveals-new-cloud-based-infotainment-system-w-video/20281103/article-detail.xml 20281103 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondalinkscreen-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hondalinkscreen-628.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[Police confiscating motorists' phones in Cape Town [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/police-confiscating-motorists-phones-in-cape-town-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/police-confiscating-motorists-phones-in-cape-town-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/police-confiscating-motorists-phones-in-cape-town-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: , ,

South African police officer has conversation with stopped motorist

The phrase "law enforcement" - and the very idea of laws themselves - is entirely dependent on that second word, "enforcement." Without it, you don't have laws, you have a modern art installation consisting of reams of paper decorated with lines that are as useless as they are squiggly. But how enforcement is handled is just as important as the concept itself, and when it comes to laws against cell phone usage while driving, Cape Town, South Africa has gone further than any other country we've heard of.

Instead of just issuing a fine, when drivers are caught talking on their phones the authorities have begun confiscating phones for 24 hours - unless a driver is busted on Friday, in which case, the confiscation lasts until the following Monday. Using your actual cell phone handset and not a hands-free kit while driving is against the law in South Africa. It's been that way for a while, but it was found that a 500-rand ($60 U.S.) fine wasn't curbing the distracted driving habit. The next step? Take the phone away and see if that changes motorists' behavior.

In this case, Cape Town police lock the offender's phone inside a case, on the spot, and the case is later placed inside a walk-in vault at one of the traffic departments. Drivers are allowed to remove SIM and memory cards before the phone is handed over, and frankly, phones are so inexpensive in South Africa that we could - sadly - see this leading to some folks buying a new phone instead of retrieving their handset from the police. Nevertheless, SA is determined to see it through in the hopes that drivers will obey the law instead of their own communication compulsions.

What do you think, is this an appropriate step by Cape Town's police, or is it taking things too far? Have your say by voting in our poll below and feel free to leave your thoughts in Comments.



View Poll

Police confiscating motorists' phones in Cape Town [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cape towncellphonecivil rightsconfiscationdistracted drivingdriving while talkingdriving while textinglegalmobile phonepollsouth africaMon, 09 Jul 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20273932/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/09/police-confiscating-motorists-phones-in-cape-town-w-poll/20273932/article-detail.xml 20273932 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/south-african-police-has-conversation-with-motorist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/south-african-police-has-conversation-with-motorist.jpg <![CDATA[DOT releases Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/dot-releases-blueprint-for-ending-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/dot-releases-blueprint-for-ending-distracted-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/07/dot-releases-blueprint-for-ending-distracted-driving/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Everyone needs a plan, and now Ray LaHood and his people at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have released their Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving.

The blueprint calls for:
  • Getting the last 11 holdout states to pass laws banning distracted driving.
  • Challenge the auto industry to not provide vehicle content that the government considers distracting.
  • Educate young people about the perils of distracted driving.
  • Continue a public education campaign that "Provides all stakeholders with actions they can take that go beyond personal responsibility to helping end distracted driving nationwide."
Additionally, the government agency's blueprint announces pilot programs in California and Delaware to provide each with $2.4 million for increased law enforcement on distracted driving and create a public campaign reminding motorists that distracted driving is dangerous.

According to NHTSA, 3,092 motorists were killed in "distraction-affected crashes" in 2010.

DOT releases Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingdriver distractiondriver safetynational highway trafiic safety administrationnhtsaray lahoodsafetytexting while drivingThu, 07 Jun 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253661/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/07/dot-releases-blueprint-for-ending-distracted-driving/20253661/article-detail.xml 20253661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/distracted-driving-blueprint-001-06072012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/distracted-driving-blueprint-001-06072012.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota turning Nintendo DS into navigation system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nintendo DS

Video games are already an easy target for politicians, what with their amazing ability to turn both brains and muscles to jelly while also promoting violence and other sociopathic behaviors. So we can only wonder at the political grandstanding that might accompany this development: The Nintendo DS can now be used to control a Toyota navigation system.

Yes, that's right, if you can pull yourself away from drawing evil kittens on your DS - and you live in Japan - you can pair it via Bluetooth, and use it to input destinations and display a speedometer on the DS, according to Kotaku. The Kuruma de DS game card also gives your handheld gaming device the ability to broadcast its audio through the car's stereo system.

The software is designed to be used by passengers - of course - but we're sure it's only a matter of time before Japan experiences its first I-was-just-using-my-DS-to-program-my-nav crash. Kotaku says the game card is being sold by Toyota dealers for about $92.

Toyota turning Nintendo DS into navigation system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingdsnavigation systemnintendonintendo dstoyotaThu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240239/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/20240239/article-detail.xml 20240239 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nintendo-ds_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nintendo-ds.jpg <![CDATA[Apple granted patent for steering-wheel controls to curb distracted driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/apple-granted-patent-for-steering-wheel-controls-to-curb-distrac/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/apple-granted-patent-for-steering-wheel-controls-to-curb-distrac/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/apple-granted-patent-for-steering-wheel-controls-to-curb-distrac/#commentsFiled under: , ,




As with any uncomfirmed Apple news, take this one with a big ole grain of sodium chloride. PatentlyApple reports that Apple has been granted a patent for a steering-wheel-mounted remote control for various iDevices.

The patent describes a device looking like the multi-touch controller from an original Apple iPod but mounted to a clamp that grabs your car's steering wheel. Once attached to the outer rim, it would put control of your iPhone, iPod touch or, conceivably, iPad right at your finger tips.

Genius? No. It looks ridiculous and potentially more distracting than just fumbling for your iPhone while driving. The patent says the device is touch-sensitive, so any accidental touch during every hand-over-hand turn ups the volume, changes songs or calls your ex-girl/boyfriend. How's that for driver distraction? On top of all that, many states (if not all) have outlawed anything attached to a car's steering wheel.

Like many companies, Apple files hundreds of patents every year. A good percentage of them are just meant to protect the company's intellectual property and are never used for a consumer product. Some analysts speculate that Apple also files patents for wild ideas just to throw off the competition. This could easily fit into either of those categories.

Apple granted patent for steering-wheel controls to curb distracted driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledistracted drivingpatentsteering+wheel+controlssteeringwheelcontrolsThu, 17 May 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20240061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/apple-granted-patent-for-steering-wheel-controls-to-curb-distrac/20240061/article-detail.xml 20240061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/apple-patent-pa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/apple-patent-pa.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Salon</i> columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick/#commentsFiled under:

Manual transmission

Just don't answer. The question is neither relevant, nor is it even the crux of the column. Get past the clicky smelling headline, and what you have here is a combination of two news stories, one new and one old, both of which you've likely already come across.

We're going to play nice here and not knock over Salon columnist David Sirota's house of cards, because this is a good read and he's a talented writer - even if, off the top of our heads, we can name several popular vehicles that offer a fuel economy benefit to those willing to row their own, from the Volkswagen Jetta to the Chevrolet Sonic to the BMW 3 Series. But the guy does have a point that's probably of great benefit to many Salon readers: If a smug sense of superiority is what you're after, opting for a manual transmission is no longer a sure bet. (Locally sourced organic produce and craft beer, for the win!)

In the end, Sirota is smart enough to come to two conclusions that most of us would agree to. The first being that driving a manual is fun, and the second, that it's hard to text while steering, operating all three pedals, and working that stick.

On second thought, maybe you should answer with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. See below for our completely unscientific poll.

View Poll

Salon columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automatic vs manualdavid sirotadistracted drivingfuel economymanualmanual gearboxmanual transmissionmanual vs automaticsalonstick shifttransmissionTue, 15 May 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238596/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/salon-columnist-asks-is-it-ethical-to-drive-stick/20238596/article-detail.xml 20238596 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/36-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt-1337111975_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/36-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opt-1337111975.jpg -1 2