Munich / Oxford. BMW Group has taken another step in the digitalization of its production by launching the new standardized BMW IT solution for production plants. The launch took place in August at the MINI Plant Oxford, making it the first worldwide implementation of the solution. The BMW Group and SAP SE have collaborated to develop a state-of-the-art technology that is based on modern, private cloud-based software and SAP S/4 HANA. This initiative aims to enhance the process and tool landscape for the entire automotive industry.
First Successful SAP S/4 HANA Go-Live in Automotive Production. The implementation at the Oxford plant serves as a blueprint for the digitalization of future automotive plants. The simultaneous rollout of new global logistics, finance, and customs process solutions forms the foundation for future global standardization using SAP S/4 HANA, SAP Analytics Cloud, and SAP GTS. This standardization enables mutual plant support, flexible employee deployment, synergy effects in support and training, and facilitates faster rollout of new solutions in the production network. Additionally, it ensures data consistency and transparency along the entire value chain. Utilizing data analytics and AI, the BMW Group aims to elevate plant management to a new level by linking relevant product, process, quality, financial, and cost data.
“The go-live at the Oxford plant is an important milestone in the digitalization process of our production. It is further evidence of the transformation that is anchored in the BMW iFACTORY. It is the starting point of one of the largest change projects in the history of our production network. The new IT standards will be implemented successively at our BMW Group production sites,” says Michael Nikolaides, Head of Production Network, Logistics at the BMW Group.
Defining the Future Orientation of BMW Group Plants and Manufacturing Technologies with BMW iFACTORY. In addition to aspects of LEAN and GREEN, the digitization of production is a central element of the transformation at BMW Group. Digitalization and innovative technologies have already impacted the entire production value chain and are further being developed in Smart Data Analytics, Smart Logistics, Innovative Automation & Assistance Systems, and Additive Manufacturing. The introduction of new production IT standards will particularly enhance BMW Group Logistics, Customs, and Controlling, increasing speed, quality, and flexibility.
“IT is business and business is IT. As one team, we have successfully implemented a highly complex project. As part of our digitization and harmonization strategy, with this new solution we are now able to link relevant product, process, quality, and cost data, enabling data consistency and transparency across the entire production chain. We are proud to be the innovation leader in the standardization of business processes and systems in the automotive industry,” says Alexander Buresch, CIO and SVP Group IT at BMW Group.
Oxford as the Hub of Process Digitalization and Harmonization Strategy. The MINI Plant in Oxford is the first plant in BMW Group’s networked factories to transition to a cloud architecture over the next few years. This will enable faster rollout of future innovations across all plants.
Co-Innovation of Two German Pioneers: BMW Group and SAP SE Set New Standards for the Automotive Industry. More than 1,000 colleagues from both companies have been involved in the project. SAP SE and BMW AG have enjoyed a strategic partnership for over 30 years, during which they have successfully implemented numerous co-innovation projects. They have now further developed the functionalities of S/4HANA specifically for the automotive industry.
This prototype can run on up to 85 percent ethanol blend, and 60 percent of the total output is taken care of by EV power, courtesy the hybrid system, in certain test conditions
The prototype is equipped with a 186PS 2-liter strong-hybrid petrol engine.
The engine has been modified to be compatible with high-blend ethanol fuel.
A 20 percent ethanol blend produces 14 percent less PM2.5 emissions than petrol.
Ethanol is more affordable and is mostly made from organic materials like sugarcane.
Further tests and calibrations need to be done before the prototype is approved for Indian roads.
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, has unveiled the prototype of the flex-fuel Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid. This prototype can run on up to 85 percent ethanol blend fuel and is the first in the world to comply with the updated BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. Here’s what you need to know about the flex-fuel Innova Hycross prototype.
Cleaner Powertrain
The flex-fuel Hycross uses the same 2-liter strong-hybrid powertrain engine as the regular Toyota hybrid MPV. The engine has been adapted to run on an ethanol blend of up to 85 percent, making it more eco-friendly. Toyota claims that the performance output of 186PS remains the same even on the greener fuel.
Benefits
Ethanol is a cleaner fuel than petrol or diesel, resulting in lower emissions and less environmental damage. E20 fuels (20 percent ethanol blend) can reduce PM2.5 emissions by 14 percent compared to regular petrol. The hybrid system further enhances the eco-friendliness of the prototype as it uses EV power for up to 60 percent of the total output. Ethanol is also more affordable than fossil fuels and can be locally manufactured from organic resources like sugarcane, rice, and bamboo.
The transition to electric vehicles is challenging, and flex-fuel vehicles provide a middle ground solution. They help reduce carbon emissions and India’s energy imports. Eventually, the country may even be able to export surplus biofuels.
The flex-fuel Innova Hycross is still a prototype and needs further testing before it can be made available on Indian roads. The availability of higher ethanol-blended fuel is also crucial for this technology to be fully utilized. However, by 2025, E20-compliant fuel and compatible vehicles are expected to be introduced. Let us know your thoughts on this prototype in the comments below.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has taken the wraps off the Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail, a bespoke automotive masterpiece celebrating luxury, art, and heritage. The coachbuilt creation is the second of four unique examples of the Rolls-Royce Droptail series. The Amethyst Droptail is the story of a patron whose family transformed a gemstone boutique into a multinational corporation. A lover of art and precious jewels, the client’s international education and world travels have come together in this fuel-driven creation that pays tribute to their family legacy and personal passions.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail is the unique timepiece gracing its fascia, commissioned from the renowned Swiss watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin. Handmade in Geneva, the ‘Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon’ showcases an intricate hand-wound movement, a bi-retrograde display, and a bi-axial tourbillon. Designed to harmonize with the Droptail, it combines amethyst-colored inserts with a brushed and polished finish. The timepiece is fixed to a white-gold baseplate, decorated with a hand-crafted sunburst guilloché pattern. The collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and Rolls-Royce has resulted in a seamless integration of watchmaking artistry and automotive excellence. View all Rolls-Royce models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.
Bugatti, the renowned luxury and performance car manufacturer, has unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. This car represents Bugatti’s commitment to combining automotive engineering with artistic craftsmanship and signifies the 20th anniversary of this prestigious event.
The Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ is a result of Bugatti’s Sur Mesure service, which provides a highly personalized customer experience. Its stunning golden finish shines brilliantly under the Californian sun, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive aesthetics.
The Quail event showcased extraordinary cars from around the world against the backdrop of the majestic Santa Lucia Mountain range. Bugatti made history by presenting not only the Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ but also a golden W16 Mistral. The ‘Golden Era’ has been a two-year journey of meticulous craftsmanship and collaboration with the car’s owner. More than 400 hours were devoted to the sketching process alone, resulting in 45 hand-drawn sketches that capture the timeless icons of the Bugatti brand.
The artwork on the Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ required the development of new techniques due to its complexity. The final product is a vehicle that not only represents Bugatti’s heritage but also reflects the owner’s personality, ambition, and appreciation for the brand’s iconic cars.
The Sur Mesure program by Bugatti pushed the boundaries of ordinary car customization to achieve perfection. It involved a fusion of co-creation and inspiration, leading to the creation of a hyper sports car that is incomparable and deeply personal.
Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti’s Managing Director, praised the Sur Mesure program for its limitless creativity and called the car a “timeless magnus opus.” He emphasized Bugatti’s ability to set trends and redefine luxury, artistry, and technology.
Bugatti’s commitment to redefining design boundaries and delivering bespoke craftsmanship is rooted in the brand’s founding leadership, and it continues to thrive today. The Sur Mesure program is a testament to this commitment, offering unique masterpieces and evolving the couture service for customers.
After The Quail event, Bugatti will continue inviting customers to experience these golden masterpieces up close. It is a celebration of an era of automotive excellence and solidifies Bugatti’s position as a modern-day icon.
As Ettore Bugatti once said, “If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti.” The Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ epitomizes this statement, paying tribute to a brand that has always pushed boundaries since its establishment in 1909. With the Sur Mesure service, Bugatti reaffirms its commitment to perfection in every car. The Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ stands as a symbol of what can be accomplished when ambition knows no limits.
Google Workspace apps have gained popularity among users due to their cloud capabilities, replacing the need for traditional programs with similar functions. Take Google Docs, for example, which automatically saves text documents in Google Cloud Storage, eliminating the need for external storage. Additionally, users can export their files in formats compatible with Microsoft Word, allowing for seamless editing from anywhere. If you already use Google Workspace on your desktop, it’s worth downloading the app for your iPad.
Another advantage of Google Workspace is its real-time collaboration feature. With all data stored in the cloud, multiple users can work on the same document, spreadsheet, or project simultaneously and see edits happening in real-time. The range of apps available in Google Workspace is also a plus. For most cases, “Docs” can replace Microsoft Word, “Sheets” can serve as a substitute for Microsoft Excel, and “Slides” can be used in place of Microsoft Powerpoint.
The only potential cost to consider is additional storage in Google Drive. However, Google offers reasonably priced plans, starting at $1.99 per month for 100GB, and users can purchase up to 30TB of cloud storage as needed.
Season seven on the Itchy Boots channel has brought Noraly all the way to Liberia. However, the mud trail between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire proved to be a difficult challenge as the roads were covered in mud.
Initially, Noraly started her journey in the jungle, which was a fantastic experience. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse. In just three episodes, her Honda CRF 300 Rally went from being in good condition to facing severe issues. The tough conditions caused the motorcycle’s clutch to get burnt, which can be seen from the amount of mud covering the trail.
The situation became even more chaotic when cars, trucks, and motorcycles started getting stuck in the muddy mess. Noraly was able to seek assistance from locals to help navigate her bike through the challenging terrain. However, it was evident that the Honda was struggling and that progressing would take a toll on the motorcycle.
Noraly had to push, waddle, and slip the clutch to keep the bike moving. She also had to be cautious not to strain the engine or overheat it. Meanwhile, other vehicles remained stuck in the mud for weeks or even a month.
Despite the challenges, Noraly managed to make it through the difficult trail. However, her CRF showed immediate signs of wear and tear, specifically burnt clutch plates. The bike continued to soldier on, but the clutch gave out while on paved roads. Stranded on the side of the road, Noraly had to be rescued and towed to the next town.
The journey continued with Noraly needing to transport the bike 570 kilometers (354 miles) across the border to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In the final episode, Noraly finally received the help she needed, including new parts, clutch plates, and other replacement components. Now back on the road, the adventure for Itchy Boots continues!
A plan to create a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations is taking its first steps towards becoming a reality with the help of an £8 million UK government grant. The first station is expected to open early next year.
British start-up Element 2 will initially build four stations that will be publicly available to both HGV and car drivers. The government’s target for these stations is supermarket delivery trucks, but they will also be accessible to cars such as the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and BMW iX5 Hydrogen.
The pumps will be located in the north-east of England as part of the Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub, which is being developed with the government funding. The first station will open at Teesside International Airport to support another funding recipient, Ulemco, in developing hydrogen-powered airport vehicles.
Element 2 CEO Tim Harper has confirmed that 30 additional pump locations will be identified and have plans in place by the end of the year. The company is working with various forecourt operators and vehicle manufacturers. Last July, they announced their first two sites with planning permission approved at Coneygarth on the A1 and on the M6 near Carlisle.
“The strategy is to have the infrastructure in place before these vehicles arrive in numbers,” said Harper. “With this funding, we now have the confidence and know when it will happen.”
Harper also mentioned that funding for other stations has already been secured. Additionally, £300,000 of funding will be allocated to local colleges to support workforce training and talent development, further establishing the Tees Valley as a hub for hydrogen technology.
“Hydrogen technology has great potential to decarbonise transport and boost the economy,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper. “Today’s winners demonstrate the expertise of the Tees Valley in developing hydrogen tech, which will create skilled jobs and apprenticeships in the North East.”
Aside from a decrease in the number of daily active users, the amount of time spent by users on Threads has also significantly dropped. According to SimilarWeb, users now spend only 10 minutes on the app compared to the previous 30 minutes. The average time spent has gone from 20 minutes daily to 8 minutes. It is important to note that SimilarWeb’s data only accounts for the Android side of the platform and does not include iOS.
At present, Threads bears a resemblance to Twitter in terms of its user interface and is lacking several essential features, such as a following feed, an edit button, and advanced search capabilities. These aspects are crucial and are currently absent from the app.
However, there are a couple of factors that may work in Threads’ favor. Firstly, the app is currently unavailable in the EU, and users utilizing VPNs are being blocked from signing up. This represents a sizable audience waiting to join Threads.
Secondly, Threads will soon become a part of the Fediverse. This means that users will be able to communicate with individuals on Mastodon and other social networks built on the ActivityPub protocol within a decentralized social universe.
Many internet users are reluctant to sign up for yet another social platform by Meta. However, if they can stay connected with their Threads contacts without directly signing up for the app, it is likely that there will be increased engagement on Instagram’s Twitter clone.
The mid-engine Corvette C8 debuted in July 2019, and everyone was taken aback when they learned it was finally a mid-engine Corvette. This was a piece of shocking news because Chevy had initially tested a mid-engine Corvette in the 1960s with Zora Arkus-Duntov, the engineer who joined Chevrolet in 1953. He had fallen in love with the idea of making the Corvette a mid-engine sportscar, which didn’t happen until the C8 came to be, finally making Duntov’s dream a reality. Similarly, in the mid-1960s, Chevrolet tested and toyed with the idea of a four-door Corvette C2, which was ultimately discarded due to the car’s ungainly proportions.
Chevy has given us a preview that it isn’t afraid to electrify the Corvette, and a full-blown electric Corvette could be on the cards now. Chevrolet must have taken notes when Porsche decided to make the Cayenne; the loyalists were angry and annoyed because they viewed Porsche’s vehicles as having only two doors and not as an SUV. However, we have seen how big of a success the Cayenne has been over the years, so Chevrolet will be looking at possibly a sedan and an SUV version because it is a trend that everyone has hopped on, including the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, who once discarded anything other than a two-door supercar.
The Corvette As An EV Would Make Sense In A Sedan Body
Bimble Designs
Rear end of a Chevrolet Corvette Sedan rendering by Bimble Designs
GM and LG’s collaboration to build batteries for the former’s cars looks like a game-changer; the batteries are much more efficient, the design lets you stack more batteries, and the batteries are very easy to replace and recycle. Furthermore, this platform helps GM brands achieve a 300-mile range easily to stay in competition. GM plans to have 30 electric vehicles by 2025, so we can surely expect the C8 Sedan to have an electric power plant. We further expect the four-door Corvette EV’s mechanical package to have battery packs with high energy density, lightning-fast software to process all the data, and ensure that there is no lag, highly efficient inverters, and high-revving electric motors.
Expected Specs Of The Corvette EV Sedan
Electric Battery
111-kWh
Horsepower
600 horses
Torque
640 pound-feet
Electric Range
300 miles
Price
$60,000
Moreover, it is expected to have an 800-volt electric power system that will provide up to a staggering 350 kW of charging capacity. With the electric motor, we expect a two-speed transmission to be attached to it, various power modes, four-wheel steering, and torque vectoring to be included in the C8 Sedan’s package. Although the official performance figures aren’t yet available to the public, we can expect the electric Chevrolet Corvette sedan to have a similar kind of setup as the Cadillac’s Celestiq. The Celestiq is expected to make use of a 111-kWh battery, which will put out 600 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. So, the electric Corvette sedan could have similar power output considering it will be a performance luxury sedan.
Side profile of a Chevrolet Corvette Sedan rendering by Bimble Designs
If you are wondering what the electric Corvette sedan would be like, look no further because we’ve got you covered. The front of the car looks rather unchanged, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing because its design has been welcomed by critics and gives the sedan that aggressive look that the Corvette badge stands for. The huge front grill is there, and the headlights are straight from the C8. Moving on to the side, we can see that the side aero ducts are gone, making way for its extra two doors, and the roofline of the C8 is stretched to give it that boxy traditional sedan look. The rear looks quite sleek and stylish with the ultramodern LED taillights, and the ducktail spoiler looks quite in place. The design of the rear bumper and exhaust pipe has been retained in these renderings.
Interior And Infotainment Of The Chevy Corvette Sedan
Bimble Designs
Front end of a Chevrolet Corvette Sedan rendering by Bimble Designs
It is expected that there will be major changes in the interior of the new Corvette EV, primarily because of the extra seats at the back. So, we expect a large infotainment screen like the one present in the Equinox EV. Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto might not be available since Chevrolet has designed its very own infotainment system with the help of Google; therefore, we might well see Chevy’s own software installed. We will quite possibly see a panoramic sunroof and a shift from racing bucket seats to comfortable and soft ones, as the purpose of the car is entirely different.
Bimble Designs
Rear end of a Chevrolet Corvette Sedan rendering by Bimble Designs
It is expected that an all-electric or hybrid Corvette is just around the corner as Chevrolet has released teasers and its testing images have been seen on the internet as well. These are very exciting times when automobile manufacturers are taking different pathways which weren’t deemed feasible back in the day. The Chevy Corvette sedan does make sense because if we look at the success of companies like Porsche, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce when they switched over to a different segment, then it doesn’t look all that bad for Chevrolet to consider making a performance sedan, especially in an electrified avatar. This vehicle is expected to give the European sedans a run for its money, as has been the philosophy of the Corvette brand, so we expect a modest $60,000 for the base model. Competitors like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes should all be on the lookout for a potential new entry that might change the way we perceive electric sedans, just like Corvette did with the ICE sports car segment.
Getting that driver’s permit does not come all easy. A lot is taken into account by instructors during driving tests to ensure learners make good drivers. You earn a license for following rules and codes and being competent behind the wheel. However, driver education is not as effective for road safety since few driving hours mean drivers gain fewer hands-on driving skills. Being a good or skillful driver comes much later after understanding your car and experiencing different roads and driving conditions. It takes some getting used to, and this is the phase where most develop good or bad driving habits.
Developing bad habits comes easy once you’re no longer a learner driver. It may be as subtle as driving with one hand to being as crude as taking your eyes off the road. Whichever the case, it’s important to understand that driving is a serious affair, and sharing roads with strangers will never always be business as usual. Awareness of your surroundings, doing the right thing while on the road, and being mindful of other motorists and pedestrians is encouraged. So, if you’re guilty of any of the following bad driving habits, it’s time to break the cycle.
Front shot of a Chevrolet Lumina turning left with the left blinker on
If you frequently drive, you probably understand how important it is to act right for yourself and other road users. And yet, most Americans fail to use turn signals correctly. Why is that? Not using turn signals is not only annoying to drivers behind you, but it’s also dangerous at unsafe separation distances and intersections. It’s also considered illegal in most states and may lead to a fine or ticket from law enforcement officers.
Turn signals are how drivers communicate their intentions on the road. Instead of merging into lanes without warning, using a blinker can improve road safety by letting other drivers know that you intend to merge, exit, turn left or right, or change lanes. It’s just common courtesy. If turn signals are not your thing, why not try to mix them up with hand signs?
A rear shot of a white Datsun 280Z tailgating a red SUV
Tailgating is defined as closely trailing the vehicle in front of you by matching its speed and movement. Not only is this illegal, but it’s also dangerous since there’s a higher risk of rear-ending the other car if it brakes unexpectedly. Most tailgaters are either oblivious to the risks involved or do it because they are in a rush, impatient, or think the vehicle in front is hogging the lane.
To avoid tailgating, it is advisable to keep a three-second driving distance behind the vehicle in front in low-traffic conditions. The distance between you and the other vehicle should be greater if you’re behind a truck or in bad driving conditions, such as icy roads. This distance is essential in helping avoid collisions by ensuring your reaction time allows your car to stop safely.
8Rolling Through Stops
Dmitry Mashkin via Unsplash””>
Dmitry Mashkin via Unsplash
A rear shot of vehicles yielding to a pedestrian at an intersection
Most of us have done this often if not daily. You approach a stop sign, you slow down while checking your visibility area to confirm there’s no traffic, all while slowly moving forward. This is morally and legally wrong. Take stop signs for what they are and bring your vehicle to a halt before proceeding. Rolling through stops or even worse, blowing through them, especially at intersections, increases the chances of another ignorant driver crashing into you.
Stop signs are there to ensure the safe use of the road by all traffic at any time of the day. And since you won’t come across a speed hump to slow traffic before a stop sign on primary roads, it’s best to play safe and come to a complete stop. At intersections, give yourself at least three seconds after stopping to check for any oncoming or speeding traffic. It’s not that hard.
A side shot of a Dodge Challenger cruising on a road
Speed essentially helps in maintaining a uniform and predictable movement on roads. That’s why there are different speed limits on collector roads, parkways, highways, and freeways. Whether you are required to drive below 15 mph or not more than 80 mph, adhering to these speed limits is essential, but what’s even more important is being aware of your driving environment. Ask yourself, does my car match the speed limit? Am I driving too fast? Am I driving too slow? Should I be driving at this speed in this lane?
Asking yourself these questions and being aware will help you answer them. You should know that driving too fast or way above the speed limit puts your life and that of other road users at risk in case anything goes wrong. You should also be aware that driving too slow, especially on the fast lane, even if you’re just under the speed limit, holds up traffic and is unkind to those who intend to use that lane for its intended purpose.
6Needless Weaving
Mike Petrucci via Unsplash””>
Mike Petrucci via Unsplash
An aerial shot of vehicles weaving through traffic on a busy New York street
We’ve all seen them, drivers that seem to be either in a hurry to get to their destination or simply love annoying other drivers around them. Unless you are on a race track, weaving through regular traffic in undesignated areas is frowned upon. It does not matter how skilled you are at changing lanes; one slight mistake could lead to a minor or major collision.
In low-traffic scenarios, weaving at high speeds may seem fun, but it puts your life in danger since you can’t accurately predict the behavior of motorists ahead or behind you at such speeds. In moderate to high traffic, you increase the chances of other vehicles colliding if they have to brake unexpectedly for you to merge. Remember, you are probably sharing the road with less experienced or less skilled drivers, so for safety purposes, it’s best to avoid weaving.
We can agree not all drivers are great at merging. And you’ve probably seen someone unskillfully merging into a highway while completely disregarding timing and speed. In the worst case scenarios, the merging vehicle gets rear-ended, or the other vehicle has to swerve to avoid an accident. Okay, we can probably blame that on the lack of skill. However, the worst of merging habits would be blocking zipper mergers since vehicle speed and timing don’t necessarily play a part here.
Situations like road work demand some lanes to be blocked. It’s okay to merge early into the open lane when there’s low traffic. However, in moderate to high traffic, drivers are encouraged to use both lanes and allow zipper mergers. A zipper merge intends to reduce traffic backlog so no one is trying to cut you off. Therefore, once you’re in the open lane around the merging area, it’s ethical for drivers in the open lane to leave room for those in the blocked lane to merge in an alternating fashion.
A front shot of vehicles passing a farming equipment
Some drivers will say they do not entirely understand what undertaking is and, as a result, find no fault in their actions. So, let’s start with the basics of passing or overtaking. Passing is legally done on the left lane on a dual-lane road or on the inner lane on a multi-lane highway or freeway. This is a rule all drivers must follow to enhance safe and efficient road use.
So, when you go against this basic rule of passing on the left, say you pass a vehicle while speeding in the right lane, you’re undertaking. It’s generally risky since most drivers expect you to come up on their left. Though it’s not entirely illegal to undertake, especially on multi-lane roads, it’s often discouraged. The worst form of undertaking is doing it on the shoulder. If you often undertake, it’s time to unlearn.
A side shot depicting a frustrated driver checking his vent window
Being territorial is part of who we are as people. On the road, for instance, it might stem from an inner instinct to protect your car or set genuine or non-existing boundaries. This is why you’ll see some drivers on the road act up simply because you are trying to merge or because you honked at them because they are in the wrong.
Being territorial on the road does more harm than good. It makes you an aggressive driver, sometimes annoys other motorists, and could likely instigate road rage. It’s best for everyone if we’re accommodating in our driving. The road has enough space for us all, and sharing it respectfully means less chaos on the roads so everyone can get to where they are going.
A cabin shot depicting a driver driving with a bottle of vodka in hand
When will we learn? Driving is a serious business, one that we cannot afford to mix with pleasure. And yes, some may argue that they have a high alcohol tolerance and that a couple of shots or bottles of beer does not affect their sobriety while driving, but statistics don’t lie. In a world where truth can quickly be dismissed as hearsay, we can always rely on facts and statistics to make our point.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2021, out of 42,939 fatalities from road accidents, 13,384 of the deaths were alcohol-related. This was a 14 percent increase from 2020 figures, 11,654 deaths, which translates to 37 people lost to alcohol-related crashes daily. These are staggering figures, and it’s unbelievable that the same alcohol that lifts your spirits also sends many to early graves. If you’re guilty of this bad driving habit, it’s up to you to stop giving alcohol a bad name.
