Tag Archives: safety

Motorsport

Traffic Deaths In US Decreased in Q1 2023, down Approximately 3.3%: Report

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) anticipates a reduction in traffic fatalities for the year 2023. According to their estimates, there were approximately 9,330 deaths in the first quarter, indicating a 3.3% decline compared to the same period in 2022. This marks the fourth consecutive quarterly decrease following seven quarters of increasing fatalities since the third quarter of 2020.

Despite a 2.6% rise in the number of miles driven by vehicles, the estimated fatality rate for the first quarter of 2023 decreased to 1.24 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, down from the projected rate of 1.32 in 2022. Similar to 2022, where the NHTSA reported a drop from 1.37 fatalities per 100 vehicle miles in 2021, this decrease indicates a positive trend in traffic safety.

Pete Buttigieg, the United States Transportation Secretary, expressed optimism about the ongoing decline in traffic deaths, which have been steadily decreasing since the peak of the pandemic. He emphasized the necessity of sustained efforts to solidify and continue this positive trend.

Ann Carlson, the NHTSA Chief Counsel, recognized the progress made but highlighted the persisting problem of preventable crashes. She underscored the agency’s dedication to reducing traffic fatalities through various initiatives, including the advancement of new vehicle standards, investment in infrastructure and roadway safety, and collaboration with state and local partners to promote safe driving decisions.

To address the issue of traffic fatalities and severe injuries, the Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), which adopts a safe system approach focusing on safer roads, individuals, vehicles, speeds, and post-crash care. This strategy is supported by unprecedented safety funding through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.

The DOT has also implemented several initiatives to enhance roadway safety, such as proposing changes for advanced pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), upgrades to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with the introduction of a Pedestrian Protection Program, and regulations related to rear impact guards. Additionally, the DOT is gathering more data on crashes involving automated driving systems and advanced driver assistance systems. It is also conducting Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessments and establishing work groups to issue reports and advance roadway design models.

A recent two-year investigation conducted by the US Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General revealed shortcomings in the NHTSA’s handling of recalls and safety investigations. The investigation highlighted inconsistencies in documenting information and completing preliminary investigations within the organization’s target timelines.

Motorsport

F1 Reflects on 50 Years of Safety Cars, Starting with the Porsche 914

Safety cars are an essential part of Formula One events, serving to protect track marshals and safety crews during accidents or hazardous conditions on the track. While they are a familiar sight in modern races, there is a rich history behind these safety cars, as explored in a video on the Formula One YouTube channel.

The very first official Safety Car was a Porsche 914/6, used at the Canadian Grand Prix in 1973. Since then, Formula One has employed various cars for this role, including the Lamborghini Countach at the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix. Other unlikely choices have included the Ford Escort Cosworth, Renault Clio, and Fiat Tempra. It became evident that the safety cars needed to be fast enough to maintain normal operating temperatures in the Formula One cars’ brakes, tires, and engines, which is why in 1996 Formula One entered into an agreement with Mercedes-Benz to provide the official safety cars. Mercedes-Benz and its high-performance division, AMG, have supplied a range of vehicles, such as the CLK63 AMG Black Series, SLS AMG, and Mercedes-AMG GT, to fulfill the demands of the role. This exclusivity lasted until 2021 when Aston Martin joined as a partner, sharing the responsibility of providing safety cars.

However, being a Formula One Safety Car driver encompasses more than just piloting a fast car like the Aston Martin Vantage. It requires a skilled driver like Bernd Maylander. Maylander, an accomplished race car driver in his own right, won the 1997 FIA GT and the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2000. For the past 24 years, he has served as the primary Safety Car driver in over 212 Grand Prix events.

The Formula One Safety Cars differ significantly from their stock, road-going counterparts. They are equipped with enhanced performance and safety features to handle the demands of the track. Special lights and communication equipment, including GPS and telemetry systems, are utilized to pinpoint the location of any accidents and the leading car during races.

Even to this day, Formula One and the role of the Safety Car continue to evolve. Maylander emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the continuous learning process within the safety car team. While he cherishes the memories from his extensive tenure as the primary Safety Car driver, it is the collaborative effort of the entire team that he takes the most pride in.

Motorsport

NHTSA Pushes for Auto Emergency Braking to Become Standard on Big Trucks and Buses

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently proposed a new rule that would require automatic emergency braking (AEB) on passenger vehicles. Now, the agency is expanding its reach by suggesting that the same rule apply to heavy-duty trucks and buses weighing over 10,000 pounds.

According to NHTSA estimates, this technology could save around 155 lives per year and prevent over 8,800 injuries. The agency’s data shows that approximately 60,000 heavy-duty vehicles are involved in rear-end crashes, and implementing this technology could potentially prevent more than 19,000 of these accidents annually.

Passenger vehicles would also benefit greatly from this technological advancement. NHTSA believes that requiring AEB on all passenger vehicles traveling at speeds up to 62 miles per hour could save a minimum of 340 lives each year and reduce injuries by 24,000.

A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2022 found that pickup trucks equipped with AEB had a 43% lower rate of causing rear-end collisions and a 42% reduction in related injuries. Interestingly, only 8% of registered pickups in 2021 came with AEB as a standard feature. However, several major automakers, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Ram, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, now offer trucks with AEB systems as standard.

While technology like AEB undoubtedly saves lives and minimizes injuries, a separate study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also revealed that vehicles equipped with crash prevention technology, including AEB, can be more challenging to repair. The research found that approximately half of the surveyed individuals encountered issues with these features even after completing repairs, raising concerns about their reliability and potentially increasing repair costs over time.

If the proposal for both passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles is approved, it would take three years for the ruling to go into effect. However, NHTSA has not specified when a final decision will be made, so it may take several more years before customers see these changes implemented in new vehicles, regardless of size, as automakers continue to enhance standard safety features in their latest models.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Recalls Certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid Models

PLANO, Texas (June 15, 2023) – Toyota is recalling a specific group of Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles in the U.S. This recall affects approximately 300 vehicles.

The issue with these vehicles is that the lug nuts may have been tightened insufficiently. As a result, the lug nuts may become loose and detach, potentially causing a wheel to come off while driving with low mileage. This poses a significant risk of losing control of the vehicle and increases the chances of a crash. It is crucial that owners of these vehicles refrain from driving them until the necessary repairs have been made.

To address the issue, Toyota dealers will inspect the lug nuts of the affected vehicles and tighten them to the correct specifications. If any damaged components are found, they will be replaced free of charge for the owners.

Starting from June 15, 2023, Toyota will inform the owners of the affected vehicles about the recall through various communication channels.

Please note that the information regarding automotive recalls, such as the list of affected vehicles, is accurate as of the date of filing and may be subject to changes. To check if your vehicle is part of this safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for assistance with Toyota vehicles.

Featured

Maruti Invicto To Be The First Model From The Carmaker To Get These 10 Features


The Maruti Invicto’s features list will include some new comfort, convenience and safety equipment borrowed from its premium partner

Maruti Invicto new features

Until early 2022, most Maruti cars were lacking the modern tech offered by their competitors. This changed with the facelifted Maruti Baleno, which introduced some first-time features and was further improved with the Grand Vitara. Now, with the Toyota Innova Hycross-based Maruti Invicto launching on July 5, we have compiled a list of the 10 features that will debut for the marque:

A 10-inch Touchscreen

Toyota Innova Hycross 10-inch touchscreen

The Invicto will come with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, an upgrade from the current 7-inch unit.

Powered Driver Seat With Memory

Toyota Innova Hycross powered driver seat with memory function

The Invicto will feature an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function, similar to the Toyota Innova Hycross.

Related: Maruti Invicto MPV Dealership Bookings Open Ahead Of July 5 Launch

Dual-zone Climate Control

Toyota Innova Hycross rear climate control

The Invicto will be equipped with front and rear dual-zone climate control, along with a pollution filter.

9-speaker Premium Sound System

Toyota Innova Hycross JBL sound system

The Invicto will feature a 9-speaker premium JBL audio system, a departure from Maruti’s previous Arkamys tuning.

Front Parking Sensors

Toyota Innova Hycross front parking sensors

The Invicto will come with front parking sensors, a safety addition not previously offered on Maruti cars.

Also Read: We Took The Toyota Hilux On An Off-road Expedition!

Ottoman Seats

Toyota Innova Hycross second row seats with Ottoman function

The Invicto will offer ottoman seats in the captain seat specification, providing increased legroom and reclining options.

18-inch Alloy Wheels

Toyota Innova Hycross 18-inch alloy wheels

The Invicto will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, the largest offered by Maruti from the factory.

Electronic Parking Brake

Toyota Innova Hycross electronic parking brake

The Invicto will introduce an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, providing convenience during city driving.

Powered Tailgate

Toyota Innova Hycross powered tailgate

The Invicto will feature a powered tailgate, adding convenience to the lineup.

ADAS

Toyota Innova Hycross ADAS controls

The Invicto will debut with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist.

Also Read: Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid First Drive | A Safe Cover Drive or A Hit Out Of The Park?

BONUS: USB Type-C Ports And Rear Sunshades

Toyota Innova Hycross second row sunshades

The Invicto will come with USB Type-C charging ports and rear sunshades as additional convenience features.

Note: While these features are provided from the factory in the case of the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Maruti Invicto, they can also be added as aftermarket accessories.

Which of these features would you like to see in future Maruti cars? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Motorsport

Jeep Recalls Over 330,000 Grand Cherokees Due to Potential Spring Detachment

Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, be aware: a new recall has been issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a potentially dangerous issue. The recall focuses solely on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and affects 331,401 SUVs that were manufactured in 2021. The rear springs of the vehicles could detach and come off while driving, posing a significant risk to drivers and passengers.

The recall applies to both standard Grand Cherokee and stretched Grand Cherokee L models, but only to those without an air suspension system. Specifically, the recall (NHTSA ID 23V-413) cites 114,302 Grand Cherokees at possible risk, with the remaining 217,099 models being Grand Cherokee L. The production dates of the recall go back to December 5, 2020, on the L, encompassing the model years 2021 through 2023. Production dates are even more recent for the Grand Cherokee, starting on May 17, 2021, and going through 2022 and 2023 model years. The production period for both ends on May 31, 2023.


Featured

Maruti Jimny Variant Analysis: Should You Pick The Entry-level Variant?

With the Jimny Zeta variant packing in all the top-level safety features and 4WD too, does it make sense to pick it over the range-topping Alpha?

Maruti Jimny

We now have the Maruti Suzuki Jimny on sale in India, and it is offered in two broad variants: Zeta and Alpha. It is a petrol-only offering and has a 4-wheel drivetrain (4WD) as standard. As the most affordable 4×4 in the country, the entry-level Zeta variant covering all the basics, does it make sense to put your money on it? Time to find out:

Variant

1.5-litre Petrol

MT

AT

Zeta

Rs 12.74 lakh

Rs 13.94 lakh

Alpha

Rs 13.69 lakh

Rs 14.89 lakh

Difference

+Rs 95,000

Why Consider The Jimny Zeta?

Maruti Jimny airbags

Even though it’s the entry-level variant, the Zeta packs almost all the basic equipment you would need at this price point. This includes a touchscreen system (7-inches) with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 4-speaker music system, all power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and manual AC. Maruti hasn’t compromised on the safety front as the Zeta comes with six airbags, electronic stability programme (ESP), reversing camera and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. You even get the option of the automatic transmission from the entry-level variant.

Maruti Jimny accessorised

This is also a good starting point for anyone looking to accessorise their Jimny with specialist off-road goodies later on.

Here’s what it offers:

Exterior

Interior

Comfort and Convenience

Infotainment

Safety

Highlight features

  • 15-inch steel wheels

  • Halogen headlights

Other features

  • 4-speaker music system

Upgrade to Alpha if you want

  • Push-button start/stop

  • Cruise control

  • Auto AC

  • Power-folding ORVMs

Maruti Jimny power windows

Why Skip The Jimny Zeta?

Although the Zeta provides all the essentials, including the full suite of safety features, it does miss out on some feel-good equipment like auto AC and LED headlamps. With the range-topping Alpha variant coming in for just around a lakh rupees more, it makes sense to skip the Zeta for the former to have a bigger touchscreen and more creature comforts.

Variant

Verdict

Zeta

Covers all the essentials with potential for accessories. Our suggestion is to go for the Alpha given the small price jump.

Alpha

It’s our pick of the two for the feel-good features that it gets over the Zeta for a justified premium.

All prices, ex-showroom pan-India

Read More on : Jimny Automatic

Featured

Tata Tigor: A Spacious, Comfortable & Safe Offering With A Wide Range Of Powertrains

A comfortable ride, 4-star safety rating and powertrain choices for everyone make the Tigor an ideal sedan for India

Tata Tigor

A car buyer today considers a lot of factors before making a purchase. One looks for an appealing design, good fuel efficiency, space for all members of the family, a comfortable ride and, of course, safety. There aren’t a lot of models in the market which come with a combination of all, but one model from Tata is, and that’s the Tata Tigor.

Stylish Design

Tata Tigor

The Tata Tigor reflects style inside and out. From the outside, the sedan defines style from its tri-arrow front grille, projector headlamps and DRLs, good-looking 15-inch Sonic Silver alloy wheels, coupe style design and a suite of fancy colour options. Inside, the dual-tone interiors complimented by the segment-first leatherette seats make the cabin feel more airy and give the sedan an elegant feel.

Spacious & Comfortable

Tata Tigor Cabin

When you sit inside a car, ready to go out for a long trip with your family or friends, the one thing you would want is a comfortable ride and the Tigor fulfils that need. The front passengers get good head, leg and knee room with spacious and comfortable seats that hold them in place. The rear seats are spacious enough for three passengers and provide good legroom to stretch and sit with ease.

Tata Tigor Height Adjustable Driver Seat

Inside the sedan, you get features like a height-adjustable driver’s seat, front adjustable headrests, rear passengers foldable centre armrest and intelligently designed utility spaces for all your needs. It also comes with best-in-class ground clearance of 170mm which further translates to a good ride quality for Indian road conditions.

Tata Tigor Boot Space

If you are going on a long trip with friends or family, you are definitely carrying a lot of luggage. Well, the Tigor has got you covered there as well. With a boot space of 419 litres, picking and choosing what to pack will not even cross your mind as the Tigor will allow you to keep more than what you need for your entire trip.

A 4-star Safety Rating

Tata Tigor 4-star Global NCAP Safety Rating

Today, safety has become a major factor in making a car-buying decision, and rightly so. With the faster roadways infrastructure developing constantly, a car should be able to keep its occupants safe in case of an unfortunate accident. Here as well, the Tigor does not compromise. For the starting price of Rs 6.30 lakh (ex-showroom), the sedan offers a 4-star Global NCAP crash test safety rating that ensures the safety of all passengers on board. This is thanks to its build quality and a standard set of safety features that include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminders and rear parking sensors. Higher variants of the Tigor get features like a rear parking camera, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), automatic headlamps and a rear defogger.

The Powertrain Of Your Choice

Tata Tigor EV & Tigor iCNG

For every other person, the choice of powertrain can differ. Some might want a petrol-powered model, some might want to opt for a model that runs on a cleaner form for fuel. Tata knows this fact and offers the Tigor with multiple powertrain options. Available with an 86PS, 1.2-litre petrol engine, the sedan also comes with a 73PS, CNG option with the same engine and an all-electric version called the Tigor EV.

The Tata Tigor does come across as a complete package. It’s safe, stylish, spacious, and comfortable with powertrain choices for everyone. Let us know what you think about the sedan and which powertrain you would prefer in the comments below.

Read More on : Tata Tigor AMT

VolvoCars

Space, smart storage, intuitive tech: the all-electric Volvo EX30 small SUV embodies the best of Scandinavian design

The new, fully electric Volvo EX30 is not just designed for safety and increased sustainability, it also aims to make your life more convenient, more relaxing and more enjoyable through cutting-edge tech and considerate Scandinavian design.

Our new small SUV has a stylish interior that embraces sustainable thinking, while carefully crafted compilations of materials enhance the distinct graphic design of the interior. With recycled and renewable materials such as denim, flax and wool, as well as a variety of expressive colours and textures, our interior has responsible design at its core.

And when you interact with the EX30, it offers a contextual user experience, smartly removing complexity for more focused and enjoyable driving on a single screen. On top of that, features such as a soundbar covering the entire width of the dashboard – the first of its kind in a car – and an array of smart storage ideas combine to deliver a big-car experience with less.

“The Volvo EX30 combines all the best elements of Scandinavian design,” says Lisa Reeves, our Head of Interior Design. “New materials add creative textures, colour and personality to the cabin, while smart functionality and a great user experience are the hallmark of every true Volvo creation. Together, these elements distil the essence of a Volvo into a small package.”

 

Premium audio quality

Our soundbar in the EX30, the first of its kind, is inspired by home audio design. It brings several speakers together into one soundbar and fills the entire cabin with premium sound. When you choose to combine it with the Harman Kardon high-end sound system, you can listen to your favourite music and podcasts in outstanding audio quality.

The soundbar is a great example of smart design, by clustering speakers together within one component and reducing the amount of wiring and material. At first you might not even notice it, located under the windscreen and seamlessly integrated into the cockpit design. But with no need for speakers in the doors, we can give you a lot more storage space. In the same vein, we’ve moved the window switches to the centre console, where they are easy to reach for both the driver and front-seat passenger.

These and other examples represent a broader principle of centralisation inside the EX30. We’ve also relocated the glove compartment and placed it beneath the centre screen. This means both the driver and passenger can now access it easily, because it uses extra space provided by the flat floor.

The centre console is extremely versatile, with a sliding system that allows you to choose exactly how you want to use the space. The top of the cupholder can be slid out to hold your latte or smartphone, or moved back for more storage. The lower tunnel has a protective storage area for small items such as your sunglasses or ear pods, and you can place a bag in the large open space above.

We haven’t forgotten about the rear passengers either when it comes to convenience. They can store their phones in dedicated pockets in the front seatbacks, while a neat storage box slides out from beneath the centre console. Inside the tailgate, we included a handy size guide – perfect when you’re out to buy some flat-pack furniture and are unsure whether that new table will fit.

Creating a feeling of space

The centralisation theme inside the EX30 is also represented by the single 12.3-inch centre screen, positioned in the centre of the dashboard, which contains all relevant information for you as a driver. Putting everything into a single screen means we can create a feeling of space around the driver, as well as save on materials.

“Inside the EX30 we continue our strategy of contextual and focused interfaces,” says Tom Stovicek, our Head of UX. “On the single screen, key driving information such as speed and charge levels are positioned prominently at the top, with navigation, media and controls easily visible and accessible below. We also include a contextual bar that gives you the most relevant functions for your needs at any time.”

The centre screen also offers a ‘calm’ view, which strips away everything apart from the most vital information for extra focus. This feature is especially helpful at night, when it can reduce the strain on your eyes during long drives.

In line with our ambition to offer state-of-the-art infotainment, the EX30 with Google built-in includes hands-free help from Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation and your favourite apps on Google Play. The EX30 is also the first Volvo car that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay functionality.

Our infotainment system also comes with 5G where available. Powered by Snapdragon® Cockpit Platforms from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc, this premium in-vehicle experience will be as ultra-responsive as you’d expect.

We have worked closely with ECARX through the jointly owned HaleyTek software joint venture to deliver the best possible infotainment platform across the globe.

Choose from four distinct interior rooms

When picking your new Volvo EX30, you can choose from four distinct interior ‘rooms’. They take a more sustainable approach to materials and each comes with its own expression. For example, one room embraces the timeless appeal of denim and incorporates waste product from the denim recycling process.

Other materials on offer include a recycled plastic made from waste items such as old window frames and roller shutters; flax, a renewable fibre derived from linseed plants and supplied by our Volvo Cars Tech Fund investment Bcomp; a responsibly sourced wool blend including 70 per cent recycled polyester; and a structured knit seat material that includes recycled plastic.

The EX30 also offers the choice of an upholstery in Nordico, a progressive and technically advanced material created from textiles made from recyclables such as PET bottles and bio-attributed material from forests in Sweden and Finland.

The new Volvo EX30 will be revealed on 7 June and will be available to order or pre-order in selected markets on the same date.

The small print

  • Car specifications and the exact customer offer may vary from one country to another. Please visit volvocars.com for further information.
  • Google, Google Play and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
  • Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.