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[Stretch of US 89 in Arizona torn apart after crazy "buckle"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/stretch-of-us-89-in-arizona-torn-apart-after-crazy-buckle/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/stretch-of-us-89-in-arizona-torn-apart-after-crazy-buckle/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/stretch-of-us-89-in-arizona-torn-apart-after-crazy-buckle/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Arizona Department of Transportation has released some pretty incredible video footage highlighting a section of US 89 that was decimated by an as-yet-unexplained geological event on last Wednesday. ADOT officials report that this dramatic earth movement has affected roughly 500 feet of roadway, with the cracking in the slope below possible as large as 700 feet.

Images of the broken section of highway are impressive, to say the least. The highway has seemed to split right down the middle in some places, with man-sized chunks of asphalt forced up in buckled sections, falling away into sheer drops in others. One report indicates that there were two vehicles on the highway at the time of the incident (around 5:00 AM local time), with one woman suffering minor injuries.

Drivers that make regular use of this stretch of US 89 near southern Utah will have to start planning for some extra time on the road. The detour around the broken highway is some 45 miles long, reports ADOT. Officials are still moving forward with an assessment of the site, and a geotechnical investigation is getting underway as well. There is no current timeline for completion of the highway repairs.

Scroll below to see the official ADOT video, as well as a few local news reports on the highway buckle.

Continue reading Stretch of US 89 in Arizona torn apart after crazy "buckle"

Stretch of US 89 in Arizona torn apart after crazy "buckle" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adotarizona department of transportationdothighway buckleus 89us highway 89us89videoMon, 25 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476739/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/stretch-of-us-89-in-arizona-torn-apart-after-crazy-buckle/20476739/article-detail.xml 20476739 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/arizona-us-89-buckles-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/arizona-us-89-buckles-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[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[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[DOT to push for new bus driver sleep regulations?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/dot-to-push-for-new-bus-driver-sleep-regulations/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/dot-to-push-for-new-bus-driver-sleep-regulations/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/dot-to-push-for-new-bus-driver-sleep-regulations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

bus stopping

How safe are busses? It's a good question, and one that the United States Department of Transportation is mulling over after revising work hour regulations for truckers and airline pilots earlier this month. Bus drivers are next on the list, as the USDOT is seeking public comment on allowable on-duty time, according to Bloomberg.

The effort would amend rules that are several decades old, just as bus travel has taken off. Buses represent the fastest-growing transportation segment, with departures up 7.1 percent this year, according to a study cited by Bloomberg. This year, eight bus crashes have resulted in 28 deaths, according to the report.

DOT to push for new bus driver sleep regulations? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>busbus driverbus driversbusesdotsleeping driverunited states department of transportationusdotThu, 29 Dec 2011 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20136552/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/dot-to-push-for-new-bus-driver-sleep-regulations/20136552/article-detail.xml 20136552 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bus-stopping_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bus-stopping.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[The stupid plate tricks of Florida motorists]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/the-stupid-plate-tricks-of-florida-motorists/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/the-stupid-plate-tricks-of-florida-motorists/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/the-stupid-plate-tricks-of-florida-motorists/#commentsFiled under: , ,

florida toll evader
Floridians' Creative Toll Evasion 101 - Click above for image gallery

Most motorists hate paying tolls, but drivers in Florida apparently really hate coughing up their hard-earned dollars. Some have decided they're done paying altogether, and will go to novel ways to thwart toll booth cameras. We say "novel" as a kind way of saying "moronic."

Friends leaning out of open hatchbacks, motorcyclists kicking their feet back to obscure their own license plates are just two of the tricks used by these apparently sovereign citizens to avoid getting caught for not paying road tolls. The St. Petersburg Times compiled a few of the Florida Department of Transportation's finest toll evaders. Check them out in the gallery below.

The stupid plate tricks of Florida motorists originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caught on cameradotfloridaflorida department of transportationflorida dottoll boothtoll evaderstoll evasiontoll roadtollsturnpikeFri, 03 Jun 2011 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19957476/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/03/the-stupid-plate-tricks-of-florida-motorists/19957476/article-detail.xml 19957476 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/florida-dot-6-1307105208_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/florida-dot-6-1307105208.jpg <![CDATA[EPA, DOT unveil updated window stickers [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Electric vehicle label
Electric vehicle label - Click above for more labels

Updated United States fuel economy labeling, unveiled on Wednesday, includes additional information on plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, and highlights other advanced technologies aimed at reducing gasoline consumption and tailpipe emissions.

The redesigned window stickers, required on all 2013 models, enables consumers to quickly compare fuel savings for different types of vehicles, whether they rely on gasoline or some type of alternative fuel. For example, the labels display estimates of how much fuel or electricity would be required to drive 100 miles and how much time is needed to charge a plug-in vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.

Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), says the reason for the redesigned labels is to give consumers, "the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance." The EPA developed the updated labels with assistance from the Department of Transportation.

Click here (pdf) for a detailed look at all of the revised fuel economy labels and follow the jump to view video on the labels' Smartphone "QR Code." Let us know your thoughts on the updated labels by voicing your opinion in the Comments, as well.

Continue reading EPA, DOT unveil updated window stickers [w/video]

EPA, DOT unveil updated window stickers [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dotelectric vehicleenvironmental protection agencyepaepa window stickerfuel economy labelsmiles per gallonmpgplug-in hybridwindow stickerWed, 25 May 2011 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19949818/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/25/epa-dot-unveil-updated-window-stickers-w-video/19949818/article-detail.xml 19949818 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/electric-vehicle-label_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/electric-vehicle-label.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[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[Americans racked up 3,000,000,000,000 miles traveled last year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/americans-racked-up-3-000-000-000-000-miles-traveled-last-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/americans-racked-up-3-000-000-000-000-miles-traveled-last-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/americans-racked-up-3-000-000-000-000-miles-traveled-last-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

American drivers logged 3 trillion miles traveled in 2010

The Department of Transportation has released data revealing that American drivers clocked over 2.9 trillion miles traveled in 2010. According to DOT, that's a .7 percent, or 20.5 billion-mile) increase over 2009, and the highest rate since 2007.

The area between Texas and Kentucky saw the biggest increase in miles traveled at 1.4 percent, with motorists travelling 46.6 billion miles in that area in 2010. The area from Delaware to Florida saw a .4 percent decrease in miles traveled, shaving 214 million miles off that locale's annual total.

Despite the increase in miles traveled, traffic fatalities in 2010 were at their lowest since 1950. We wouldn't expect the same increase in miles driven for next year, as gas prices are expected to climb to $4 a gallon over the summer, but we'll see... Americans love road trips, no?

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty]

Americans racked up 3,000,000,000,000 miles traveled last year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 miles traveleddeaprtment of transportationdotmiles traveledray lahoodtrafficu.s. miles traveledusFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19867071/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/04/americans-racked-up-3-000-000-000-000-miles-traveled-last-year/19867071/article-detail.xml 19867071 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/traffic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/traffic.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Toyota image gets big boost after NASA findings revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/report-toyota-image-gets-big-boost-after-nasa-findings-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/report-toyota-image-gets-big-boost-after-nasa-findings-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/report-toyota-image-gets-big-boost-after-nasa-findings-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota LogoIt doesn't take much to change the opinion of the masses, apparently. Automotive News is reporting that it only took a mere two days for Toyota to see a rebound in its reputation after NASA engineers cleared the company of any electronic flaws in its vehicle software. As you may recall, the Department of Transportation called in some of the brightest minds from the country's space program to have a look at the issues surrounding the rash of unintended acceleration claims involving Toyota vehicles. Those engineers couldn't find anything that would point to an electronic issue as the culprit.

What did they find? As it turns out, the NASA investigation pointed to the same culprits as both Toyota and the Department of Transportation. Instances of unintended acceleration were caused by sticky pedals, floor mat interference, or good old-fashioned pedal misapplication.

Automotive News reports that according to YouGov/Brandindex, a company that tracks customer perception of popular brands, Toyota saw a sizeable boost in its reputation in the days following the announcement.

Toyota, meanwhile, says that the company doesn't view the findings as a victory. Instead, the news is simply validation of what the automaker believed to be true all along.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Toyota image gets big boost after NASA findings revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandindexdepartment of transportationdotnasasudden accelerationtoyotatoyota recallsunintended accelerationyougovyougov brandindexTue, 15 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19844534/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/15/report-toyota-image-gets-big-boost-after-nasa-findings-revealed/19844534/article-detail.xml 19844534 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/toyota-1297779273_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/toyota-1297779273.jpg <![CDATA[EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/#commentsFiled under:

Last April, the three main fuel economy regulatory players - the EPA, the DOT and the State of California - announced new CAFE targets for the 2012 through 2016 model years: 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016. If there's one thing U.S. automakers liked about this, it was that we had a "national standard" for fuel economy regulations. The U.S. has been shifting towards a cohesive, nationwide set of rules since 2008 and it looks like we had avoived the dreaded "patchwork" regulations that OEMs were so troubled by.

This week, the regulatory partners announced "a single timeframe for proposing fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for model year 2017-2025 cars and light-duty trucks." Whatever MPG number they agree to, we'll hear about it from a singular voice by September 1 instead of an announcement from California in the spring and then a federal one in the fall, as had been expected.

Because of the Clean Air Act, California still had the authority to define its own motor vehicle emissions standards, but the feds have been working to make their own regulations strict enough to keep California happy while providing "certainty" for automakers that are building next-gen clean cars. Last fall, California "accepted compliance with these federal GHG standards," and - for now - everyone is still playing together nicely.

[Source: EPA/DOT/CARB, USAToday | Image: BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards

EPA, DOT, California all agree on timeframe for new CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafe standardcafe standardscarbdotepampgmpg cafeTue, 25 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19814610/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/25/epa-dot-california-all-agree-on-timeframe-for-new-cafe-standar/19814610/article-detail.xml 19814610 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/fuel-pump-handle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/fuel-pump-handle.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Manhattan's speed limit - Do you know it?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/video-manhattans-speed-limit-do-you-know-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/video-manhattans-speed-limit-do-you-know-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/video-manhattans-speed-limit-do-you-know-it/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NYC DOT construction worker speed limit ad screencap
NYC DOT speed limit PSA spots - Click above to watch the videos

You might honestly think that the speed limit in Manhattan is "whatever you can crank it up to between red lights." That's wrong, and the New York City Department of Transportation wants you to know that it's 30 mph.

More than that, however, the NYC DOT wants you to know why it's 30 mph, and has put a series of amusing ads into rotation to deliver the message that a pedestrian hit at that speed has an 80 percent chance of survival, versus the 70 percent chance of dying a human clobbered at 40 mph faces. The commercials start with an unlikely character expounding on a subject you wouldn't expect before the speed limit question is posed by the omniscient voiceover. Check out the humorous PSA spots for yourself after the jump.

[Source: Advertising Age]

Continue reading Video: Manhattan's speed limit - Do you know it?

Video: Manhattan's speed limit - Do you know it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DOTmanhattanmanhattan driversmanhattan speed limitnew york citynew york city department of transportationnew york city dotnew york city speed limitnew york driversnyc dotNYTNYT DOTMon, 29 Nov 2010 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19735798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/29/video-manhattans-speed-limit-do-you-know-it/19735798/article-detail.xml 19735798 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/nyc30_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/nyc30.jpg <![CDATA[New Laws: Commercial truck and bus drivers banned from texting while driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/new-laws-commercial-truck-and-bus-drivers-banned-from-texting-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/new-laws-commercial-truck-and-bus-drivers-banned-from-texting-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/22/new-laws-commercial-truck-and-bus-drivers-banned-from-texting-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ray Lahood mimics phone

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims that in 2009 alone, 5,500 fatalities and half a million injuries occurred as a direct result of distracted driving. The problem is so severe that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (above) recently felt compelled to address Autoblog readers directly in an effort to spread the word about how dangerous it is to multitask while driving.

The Department of Transportation isn't resting its hopes on Autoblog, though. The DoT has initiated the second National Distracted Driving Summit this week to shine light on the problem, and the government's latest offensive isn't going out to texting teens or phone-obsessed commuters. The early pressure is on drivers transporting hazardous materials, commercial truck and bus drivers and rail operators. LaHood opened this week's summit by talking up new laws that ban commercial bus and truck drivers from texting and driving, while train operators can no longer legally use cell phones or other electronic devices from the driver's seat. Companies are also getting in on the act, as 1,600 corporations have banned distracted driving, affecting 10.5 million drivers. Another 500 companies will reportedly follow suit in the next year.

Beyond new laws covering commercial drivers, LaHood and friends are also touting the results of heavily increased enforcement. In Hartford, Connecticut 4,956 tickets have been passed out to texting or talking drivers. Syracuse, New York police have issued another 4,446 citations. We usually get anything but excited when hearing about increased tickets and fines, but the results of the texting and talking crackdown are difficult to ignore. The DoT press release after the jump tells us that surveys and observations claim that phone usage is down 56 percent in Hartford and 38 percent in Syracuse. Further, texting is down 68 percent and 42 percent, respectively. Hit the jump to read over the press release.

[Source: Department of Transportation | Image: AP]

Continue reading New Laws: Commercial truck and bus drivers banned from texting while driving

New Laws: Commercial truck and bus drivers banned from texting while driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deparment of transportationdistracted drivingdistracted driving summitDoTray lahoodroad safetytextingtexting while drivingWed, 22 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19642446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/22/new-laws-commercial-truck-and-bus-drivers-banned-from-texting-w/19642446/article-detail.xml 19642446 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ray-lahood-phone_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ray-lahood-phone.jpg <![CDATA[Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has something he'd like to say...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/16/secretary-of-transportation-ray-lahood-has-something-hed-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/16/secretary-of-transportation-ray-lahood-has-something-hed-like/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/16/secretary-of-transportation-ray-lahood-has-something-hed-like/#commentsFiled under: ,

Together, we can end distracted driving, and Tuesday's national summit is a good place to start.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood

Editor's Note: Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood wanted to speak directly to the people ahead of the Department of Transportation's Distracted Driving Summit this Tuesday, September 21st, so he came to Autoblog and asked to use our soapbox. We're not about to deny court with the Secretary, particularly on a topic for which we care so much about. So Mr. Secretary, the floor is yours...

I know the readers of Autoblog understand the dangers of distracted driving because you've been sounding the alarm on this deadly epidemic for years, long before I became Secretary of Transportation. Most Autoblog readers know by now that real drivers just drive.

Many of today's drivers are too busy texting or talking on their mobile phones while driving.
And, because I appreciate the heavy lifting Autoblog and its readers have been doing on this issue, I'm making my appeal to America's automotive fans right here.

We all know that Americans love their cars. In Peoria, Ill., where I grew up, the weather isn't as kind to our vehicles as it is in other places, but we do have miles of scenic roads between towns where drivers can really enjoy the hum of their car as they take it for a long drive.

Unfortunately, many of today's drivers are too busy texting or talking on their mobile phones while they're driving. And that's exactly the practice car lovers everywhere should join me in fighting against.

Continue reading...

Continue reading Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has something he'd like to say...

Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has something he'd like to say... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationdistracted drivingdistracted driving summitdotfeaturedRay LaHoodThu, 16 Sep 2010 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19636870/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/16/secretary-of-transportation-ray-lahood-has-something-hed-like/19636870/article-detail.xml 19636870 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/lahoodportrait-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/lahoodportrait-630op.jpg <![CDATA[How EPA's new fuel economy label would grade current cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/how-epas-new-fuel-economy-label-would-grade-current-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/how-epas-new-fuel-economy-label-would-grade-current-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/01/how-epas-new-fuel-economy-label-would-grade-current-cars/#commentsFiled under:


EPA Fuel Economy Sample Grades - Click above to view entire list

Twenty years ago, the federal government made it mandatory for most food products to carry nutrition information based on a 2,000 calorie diet in the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Information Act. In doing so, the feds simultaneously ensured that graphic designers the world over would run into the headache of squeezing the now-familiar Nutrition Facts chart onto food packages and that the public at large would have at least some clue as to what they were shoving down their pie-hole. Now the EPA and the DOT are in the process of pulling a similar maneuver for vehicle fuel economy.

Needless to say, this has made us a little curious as to how the current fleet of vehicles being sold here in the states would fare in the new rating system. Fortunately, the EPA has answered that very question. Buried deep in the 242-page explanation of the label is a table that breaks down a handful of vehicles by grade. At the very top of the list, earning an A+ are EVs, followed quickly by plug-in hybrids. A little bit lower on the list in the A- category are cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

As you might expect, larger vehicles and those with gargantuan engines fall lower down the grading scale. The lowest example on the list? That would be the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti at a lowly D.


Gallery: EPA Fuel Economy Sample Grades


[Source: EPA]

How EPA's new fuel economy label would grade current cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of transportationDepartmentOfTransportationDOTEnergy Independence and Security Act of 2007EnergyIndependenceAndSecurityActOf2007environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyEPAWed, 01 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19616945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/01/how-epas-new-fuel-economy-label-would-grade-current-cars/19616945/article-detail.xml 19616945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/screen-shot-2010-09-01-at-2.51.25-pm-1283367186_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/screen-shot-2010-09-01-at-2.51.25-pm-1283367186.png -1 2