Saturday, March 16, 2024

Forces and Motion – Collisions


A collision occurs when an object hits another object. A collision can occur between two objects in motion, or by an object in motion and an object at rest. During a collision, kinetic energy is transferred between the colliding objects. A collision occurs when a tennis player hits a tennis ball. Kinetic energy is transferred from the player’s moving tennis racket to the ball, causing it to move. The more kinetic energy that is transferred, the faster and farther the tennis ball will move. During a collision, the faster an object is moving, the greater the energy transfer and the greater the impact on the other object. We can see this by looking at car accidents. If the cars are traveling slowly at the time they collide, there may be little damage to the cars. If the cars are traveling faster, there is a much more observable impact. There is likely to be more damage to the cars. The observable impact of a collision reflects how much energy was transferred between objects and relates to the amount of energy of the moving object. At the start of a game of billiards, a player uses a large force to hit one ball into the other balls. The ball gains kinetic energy from the billiard cue and moves down the table. As it hits the other balls, a loud sound is made. Kinetic energy is transferred to the other balls as they scatter all over the table. When a player uses a smaller force, less kinetic energy is transferred. The balls produce a softer sound when they collide and move more slowly. Motion is the process of changing position. When something is moving it is in motion. An object that is in motion has kinetic energy. We can describe motion by measuring its speed and direction. Speed is the time it takes an object to cover a certain distance. The faster an object covers a distance, the greater its speed. Direction is which way an object is moving. The greater the speed of an object, the more energy it has. Forces can also affect the motion and energy of an object. Larger forces will cause objects to move faster and have more energy than smaller forces. All forms of energy can be described as either stored energy or moving energy. The stored energy in an object is called potential energy. Food has potential energy. The energy is transformed into other forms when we eat the food and use the energy to move about, keep warm and stay healthy. Potential energy is also related to the shape and position of an object. If you hold a ball above your head, the ball has potential energy due to its position. If you drop the ball, the potential energy is transformed into moving energy. When potential energy is released, it is converted into kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its movement. All moving objects, from the tiny particles that make up our air to an airplane flying in the sky, have kinetic energy. The amount of kinetic energy in an object depends on how fast it is moving. The faster an object moves, the greater its kinetic energy.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Scorpion Truck Mounted Attenuator - Saving Lives


A Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) is mounted to a shadow vehicle for purposes of protecting the work crew in front of the shadow vehicle and protecting the motorist that might drive into the lane closed off by the shadow vehicle. Shadow vehicles should be trucks in a weight range of 16,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. and preferably 20,000 lbs., which is the weight of the truck tested for certification. The TrafFix Scorpion TMA 10,000 is available in three basic models. • Model A is a TL-2 device tested at 70 km/hr. for use on trucks needing low speed protection or as a replacement cartridge for trucks already equipped with a TL-2 attenuator cartridge. • Model B is a TL-3 device tested at 100 km/hr for use on trucks needing high speed protection. The Model B uses a strut section in addition to the TL-2 cartridge section to achieve a higher speed device. The rear cartridge section has a hinged hydraulic coupling with fluid on both sides of the cylinders and solenoid valve lockouts. The rear cartridge can be raised to 90º where a scissors lock engages to lock the cartridge in the 90º position. An operators switch has an up and down button and the down button releases the lockout and lowers the cartridge. The release of the up or down button stops the cartridge at that angle. The Model B has a 10º tilt at the strut to allow clearance at driveways. During construction when the shadow vehicle truck has to drive in and out of sloped areas such as the drainage median or a driveway, the strut can be temporarily raised 10º to travel over this terrain. In the normal transport mode the rear cartridge is elevated and locked at 90º for theModel B. • The Model C uses a 90º hydraulic tilt attached to the strut. This allows the Model C system to raise the strut to the vertical position with the cartridge in a horizontal position over the top of the truck for the normal transport mode. The Scorpion TMA 10,000 is mounted to a truck at a road clearance height of 12 ±1. In the deployed mode the system extends 13 to the rear of the truck. The Scorpion TMA 10,000 consists of three basic components. A steel back-up is attached to the rear of the truck with an all-steel support structure. An all aluminum tube frame extends out 13 from the back-up. Inside the tube frame is a series of four aluminum boxes filled with energy absorbing aluminum honeycomb. The back-up support structure uses all steel angles, plates, and C-channels welded using wire feed mig welding. The tube frame construction uses all aluminum tube and plate construction welded using wire feed mig welding on both sides of the tube/plate interface. The aluminum boxes use closed end sealing rivets for joining the sheet metal. The aluminum honeycomb is joined to the aluminum face sheets using oven cured epoxy resin. The aluminum boxes are painted with a bright yellow powder-coated finish for lasting durability. The Scorpion TMA has been tested and passed all optional and mandatory requirements suggested in the NCHRP-350 Report for TL-3 evaluation criteria, for speeds up to 62.5 mph (100 km/h) and is sold worldwide. For more information: https://www.traffixdevices.com/produc...

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Most watched IIHS crash tests in 2022


Enjoy unique angles of the five most watched crash test videos in 2022! Viewers watched more than 207,800 hours of video on IIHS' YouTube channel. To learn how these vehicles rated, please visit our website: https://www.iihs.org/ More ratings and content coming in 2023.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Auto insurance catch: Why they may deny your repair estimate


If you are in a car accident, your insurer is supposed to make sure the car is repaired, assuming you carry collision coverage. The law in most states says you can go to any repair shop you choose.

Monday, March 4, 2024

NHTSA’s New SaferCar App


Our new SaferCar app allows you to save your vehicles, car seats, equipment, or tires in a virtual garage on your smartphone. If a recall is issued, you’ll get an alert.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Bad Drivers Compilation 2022 (Driving Fails, Car Crash & Road Rage USA) #99


This video is Bad Drivers and Road Rage Compilation of 2022 (USA, CANADA, UK, AUSTRALIA & MORE) in the series that is all about driving fails, car crashes, hit and run, instant karma, learning how to drive. If you're into crazy drivers, brake check, close calls, rear-ended, accidents, funny car fails, car problems, idiots in cars this video is it!

Always obey the driving rules & road laws and stay safe on the roads! Visit website for Driving Safety tips: https://cutt.ly/sjWseX5

Monday, February 26, 2024

Car Theft Prevention Tips


Being alert and taking simple steps can help prevent a vehicle theft from happening to you. Learn more from AAA about what steps you should take so that you don't end up being a victim of car theft.

Friday, February 23, 2024

Tips For Avoiding a Rear-End Crash


You might be able to prevent a rear-end crash if you apply a little technique to how you handle following distance.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Good Headlights Mean Fewer Crashes - IIHS News


                                     Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates

The headlight ratings program developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is reducing dangerous nighttime crashes in the real world, a recent study shows.

Nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 percent lower for vehicles with headlights that earn a good rating in the IIHS evaluation, compared with those with poor-rated headlights, the study found. For vehicles with acceptable or marginal headlights, crash rates are 15 percent and 10 percent lower than for those with poor ratings.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Fleet Drivers: Are You Getting Enough Sleep?


As more businesses resume operations, and more vehicle fleets are getting back on the road, it is important to remember that an alert fleet driver is a safe fleet driver. While no one is immune to drowsy driving, there are steps you can take to help ensure you get enough sleep.

Across North America, this week and next have been designated Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in the US and Canada respectively. A recent study by the National Safety Council revealed that almost 50% of Americans operate their vehicles while too tired to do so. This is a troubling statistic, especially considering the NSC has determined that driving with less than five hours sleep has the same accident risk as driving drunk. In other words, drowsy driving is impaired driving and half of us are driving around without enough sleep!

When you don't get enough sleep, you are more likely to make bad decisions and take more risks. The effects of drowsy driving are staggering, with an estimated 100,000 accidents and 1,500 deaths caused by drowsy driving each year. In addition to the impact on loved ones and family members, driving drowsy results in close to $13 billion in losses per year in the US alone.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the problem. Many are struggling with additional stress caused by uncertainty and fear, which is preventing them from getting enough sleep. Neurologists are seeing a spike in patients with sleep disorders caused by COVID-19, and are calling this phenomenon “COVID-somnia.”

What do companies need to remember to prevent drowsy driving?

As more businesses resume operations, and more vehicle fleets are getting back on the road, it is important to remember that an alert fleet driver is a safe fleet driver. Employees may not have driven in a few months, they may be operating a different vehicle, or they may be new hires with little driving experience. Given these additional challenges, it is even more important that drivers are well-rested, alert, and fully aware of their surroundings.

Getting enough sleep is even more important depending on your work environment. Long-haul trucking with heavy loads for example, the sheer size and weight of the truck and cargo combined demands a focused, and alert driver. Similarly, getting enough sleep can be a challenge for others who work long hours, night shifts, or have a very early start time every morning.

The NSC has compiled a list of nine risk factors for driver fatigue, and a staggering 97% of drivers surveyed had at least one of these factors which include: shift work, late working hours, sleep loss, and physically or cognitively demanding work. While no one is immune to drowsy driving, there are steps you can take to help ensure you get enough sleep.

What can fleet drivers do to stay healthy and well-rested during the pandemic and in “normal” times?

The best way to ensure you are well-rested and ready to drive, is to get enough sleep. So how much is enough? The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends that adults get at least between seven and eight hours of sleep every day. Our bodies crave sleep - not getting enough of it can also increase the risk of having high blood pressure, heart disease and lead to other medical problems.

Here are some great tips from NHLBI and UC Davis Health that will help you get a better sleep:

Sleep and wake at consistent times every day, including weekends. Establishing a regular sleep rhythm can make sure your body knows when to stay awake.

Maintain your daily routine when working remotely. Wake up, get dressed and eat breakfast as if you were heading to work. The same goes for after work, try to eat dinner and carry out your evening tasks on a regular schedule.

Establish one hour of quiet time before sleeping. Avoid loud music, strenuous exercise, and bright screens (e.g., smartphone, TV, laptop) and make sure your sleeping area is as dark as possible.

Stay away from heavy meals, alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine right before bed. All of these things will disrupt your sleep.

Use caution with sleep aids. Over-the-counter sleep aids can leave you drowsy the next morning and prescription drugs can lead to dependence.

Stay active - exercising on a daily basis, especially outdoors, can help maintain a more regular sleep rhythm.

Don't take naps - a short nap is ok, but anything over 20 minutes will disrupt your sleep cycle.

Take a hot bath or practice relaxation techniques - such as meditating before going to bed.

If you are already on the road, and feeling a little drowsy, there are a number of things you can do to help stay alert. The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following:

Drive in two-hour shifts with resting stops in between. If you begin to feel drowsy while driving or find yourself dozing, pull over and park as soon as possible to take a short nap.

Drink a caffeinated beverage. While caffeine is not a substitute for sleep, a caffeinated beverage can help you feel more awake after a short nap.

Travel with a passenger who is fully awake. Having someone who can help keep you awake or alert you if you’re drowsy can help prevent an accident. If possible, drive in shifts with your passenger.

Getting enough sleep every day is essential. It's also easier said than done, especially considering the psychological stress that COVID-19 has caused for so many of us. The best thing you can do is try and maintain a regular routine, exercise regularly, and avoid consuming stimulants before bedtime. We hope these tips will help you stay alert and focused on the road. Drive safely!

By Element Fleet Safety - 

By the Element Safety Team

Source: https://www.elementfleet.com/resources/blog/fleet-drivers-are-you-getting-enough-sleep


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The Physics of Car Crashes


How is the chemical energy of gasoline transformed into kinetic energy of a moving car? And where does that kinetic energy go when the car crashes into something and stops moving? Thanks to Ford (http://www.takeagoodlook.com) for sponsoring this video. Link to Patreon supporters here: http://www.minutephysics.com/supporte... Music by Nathaniel Schroeder, http://www.soundcloud.com/drschroeder MinutePhysics is on Google+ - http://bit.ly/qzEwc6 And facebook - http://facebook.com/minutephysics And twitter - @minutephysics

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Corby's Collsion - ASE Certified

 



Vehicles keep getting more complex, while technology and diagnostic tools constantly change as well. As a result, finding a competent, knowledgeable automotive professional can be a real challenge. Fortunately, some 300,000 professionals across the country choose to show their knowledge by earning ASE Certification — a benefit to automotive facilities, consumers, as well as themselves.

Monday, February 5, 2024

Why Getting Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly Is Essential


The mechanical condition of a vehicle dictates its safety 
as well as its performance on the road. In order to guarantee
  • a smooth ride,
  • prolong the life of a car,
  • and increase its safety
The owner should always consider getting the vehicle serviced regularly. The main reason why this procedure is required is to ensure that any mechanical anomalies can be spotted and rectified before they can cause harm.
The routine maintenance is a small price to pay to guarantee one's safety on the roads. So what are the benefits of acquiring this service?
  • It reduces the repair costs - maintenance procedures are preventative in nature and this means that it is a good way of avoiding major repair bills as a result of oversight.
  • It reduces the chances of getting surprise breakdowns.
  • Regular car services will lower the possible risk of getting involved in an accident
  • Servicing involves various procedures that guarantee better fuel consumption. In essence it is cheaper to run a car that regularly goes for servicing
There are several kinds of servicing available and they include the following:
6 month or interim car service
This is a procedure that is intended for those individuals who cover a lot of mileage over short periods. This means that the car will require more regular checks to avoid unforeseen faults. Some of the work includes filter and oil changes as well as a comprehensive diagnostic check for all essential functions.
12 month or comprehensive car service
This is an all inclusive checkup that should be mandatory for all cars that are used on a regular basis. Most service providers do no less than 70 checks as well as some necessary adjustments. Replacement of worn out components is also done where necessary. The procedure includes Spark plug and air filter replacement among other processes.
Winter Inspection
Ensure that your car is ready to withstand winter conditions by getting a specialised check. Winter safety checks should be a mandatory practice for all car owners.
Car owners have a wide variety of options when it comes choosing a vehicle servicing company, whether you are driving a Land Rover or a Volswagen Polo. There are even new companies offering to service your car at your home or work place.
Of course, for those owners that are mechanically savvy, there is the option of servicing the car themselves. But you have to be qualified to do so and you must know exactly what you are doing.
Whether you use a professional's help or do it yourself, getting your car is very important.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7432715