Blackhawk Shark - Electronic Measuring System

Overview of how the Shark measuring system operates

Keeping children safe in crashes: Overview

For parents of all children

More than 1,000 children 12 and younger die in passenger vehicles crashes every year, and more than 100,000 are injured. Parents can reduce the risk to their kids by properly securing them in the back seats. 

The "Keeping Children Safe In Crashes" series of videos help parents choose the right type of restraint for their child's age and size and provide general information on installation and use. 

More information at http://www.iihs.org/research/topics/children.html

Worlds Worst Car Modifications

a collection of the worlds worst car modifications

SUVs and pickups pose less risk to people in crashes

IIHS news release • September 28, 2011

Effort to make SUVs, pickups less deadly to car occupants in crashes is paying off

ARLINGTON, VA - Today's SUVs and pickups pose far less risk to people in cars and minivans than previous generations, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. Until recently, SUVs and pickups were more likely than cars or minivans of the same weight to be involved in crashes that killed occupants of other cars or minivans. That's no longer the case for SUVs, and for pickups the higher risk is much less pronounced than it had been.

Full text of release at http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr092811.html

2012 TOP SAFETY PICK winners

IIHS news release • December 15, 2011

115 winners of 2012 TOP SAFETY PICK: Stronger roofs lead to another record year for award

The list of winners of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's TOP SAFETY PICK award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.

Full text of release at http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr121511.html

Ferrari Fleet Ruined in Pricey Japan Pile-up

Eight Ferraris and a Lamborghini were among the vehicles involved in a chain collision of luxury cars on a Japanese expressway Sunday. They'd been heading to a motor festival in Hiroshima. (Dec. 5)

Defensive Driving Tips: How To Avoid An Accident

Driving is a part of virtually every American's life. We often take for granted our skills as a motorist, because if we have never had an accident then we must be perfectly safe on the road. This unsound reasoning is the basis for far too many car, truck or motorcycle crashes, and since humans are creatures of habit changes to our routines, judgments and outlook only come after a traumatic experience. Unfortunately, when dealing with something as catastrophic as a vehicle collision, the wisdom only comes after an experience, and when dealing with objects that smash together at great velocities with flammable fuel, second chances are rare.

That's why it's important to learn the principles, theory and practice of defensive driving before you hit the road or get behind the wheel. In fact, the very name of the idea evokes its nature: it's defensive. Designed to protect or deflect. Defensive driving is defined as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." That is a pretty clear explanation, but what tactics can the average person use to ensure they are operating their conveyance in the maximally safe fashion?

• The two second rule. This notion is intended to give drivers a way to estimate safe distances between cars when traveling at speed. By using a landmark, such as a telephone pole, streetlight or any other regularly occurring feature, a driver can judge how long the distance is between their vehicle and the one in front of them, and give them enough time to brake should an accident occur. It also helps reduce tailgating and rear-end collisions.
• Pay attention on the road. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. There are dozens upon dozens of variables on an average highway, street or interstate, and failing to account for even a tiny one can result in unfathomable tragedy, crashes, and even death. Watch out for pedestrians at intersections, children walking on sidewalks, or even the unpredictable actions of other drivers.
• Adapt to road conditions. Driving at night, in inclement weather, or around accidents require split second judgment and reactions. When you are aware of these situations, you can better react. Also stay calm and focused. Use headlights, turn signals, hazard indicators and your horn in order to maintain a safe presence.
• Maintain your vehicle. Check your tires, belts, hoses, lamps and brakes on a regular basis. Most people who are involved in vehicle accidents never think that they will be the offending party responsible for the chaos that follows. Many of these people failed to appropriately maintain their vehicles, and some breakdown of machinery or loose piece of equipment can doom so many people to suffering agonizing injuries, destroyed property, and shattered lives.

Ultimately, it is up to everyone that operates a vehicle, be it motorcycle, automobile, big rig or whatever internal combustion powered mechanism of choice to be as safe as possible on the road. Unfortunately, few people take defensive driving to heart, and accidents still occur. If it happens to you, and you are the victim of a motorist that did not drive defensively, you need to know that you have the right to take them to court and get the justice you deserve.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/571798

Safe Driving Is Your Responsibility - Accident Avoidance Tips

Drivers today are very distracted. Facebook, Twitter, email - there are so many things to keep you distracted while driving. But if you are doing any of these while driving you are not practicing safe driving habits and it can cost you.

You don't need to take an accident avoidance training course to understand that those things can wait. It is not worth losing your life or causing a wreck that kills someone else so you can "Like" your friend's new status update.

The same thing with texting while driving. It is dangerous and can cost you your life, especially when you are going 70 miles per hour on the highway. It doesn't take much to lose control of the vehicle and cause a multi car wreck.

Then you can be facing a lawsuit for causing personal injuries to the other driver and passengers. Their lawyers will have a strong case because they can subpoena your phone records and see that you were texting right before the accident. That is a case you will lose and it can cost you.

You can practice safe driving by pulling over to the side of the road and send your messages if you must. Or wait until you get to your destination to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter. Nothing is worth losing your life or causing someone else to lose theirs over your recklessness.

Believe it or not, you can live without Facebook.

Another accident avoidance tip is to keep your eyes on the road and looking ahead at traffic and what's coming up. By keeping your eyes on the road and away from the radio, phone or your comb, you can anticipate an oncoming car turning or be able to step on the brakes if the car in front of needs to brake.

The next accident avoidance tip is to keep your hands on the wheel. Driving with your knees or any other body part is foolish. You need at least one hand on the wheel at all times. You never know when a stray dog will run out in front of you or you have to swerve to avoid a car merging into your lane incorrectly.

Double check your blind spots to make sure it is ok to chance lanes is another crash avoidance tip to remember. After you check your mirrors, do a quick head check to make sure no one is in the lane you want to get into. Many sideswipe accidents occur when drivers rely on just their mirrors to make sure there is no vehicle there.

One last safe driving tip is to sign up for a defensive driving course. Not only will you get a refresher on accident avoidance tips but you can also save money on your auto insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6599281

Tips on Why Wheel Alignment Is Important

It takes only a small misalignment to create problems with your vehicle, which is why proper wheel alignment is important. Simply put, all of components that make your vehicle go straight are called alignment. Misalignment can be caused by many factors including merely driving your vehicle. Potholes can be common culprits. A sizable pothole can bump your suspension out of the precisely calculated set of measurements that dictate proper wheel alignment.

Why is wheel alignment important?

Improper wheel alignment can effect driving performance as well as cost you money. Total alignment sets all four wheels positioned straight ahead and parallel. The following are benefits of wheel alignment:

o Improves gas mileage. In the recent economy and a year of outrageous gas prices, everyone is looking to better their gas mileage to save money. By having your vehicle aligned properly, it decreases any resistance while rolling which increases your gas mileage. It is also important to make sure that your tires are properly inflated as this will help gas mileage as well.

o Reduces tire wear. Premature tire wear can be costly. One of the signs of wheel misalignment is excessive or uneven tire wear. If your vehicle is not aligned properly, your tires can show wear more quickly due to their not rolling straight and being dragged in the wrong direction. You will have to replace them more often, costing you more. Proper alignment can save you money in the long run.

o Improves the handling of your vehicle. Other signs of improper alignment pertain to the handling of our vehicle. These signs can be if your steering wheel pulls to the left or right, if it is not centered when driving straight ahead or if it vibrates or shimmies. Steering wheel vibration can also indicate tire wear or if they have not been inflated properly. While driving, your vehicle can also have a feeling of looseness or wandering. All of these signs can be corrected with total alignment which can absorb any road shock and provide a smoother ride.

o Improves safety. Proper wheel alignment can help you drive more safely by improving steering and tracking problems. The improved handling and control of your vehicle can help you prevent or avoid accidents.

Why is four-wheel alignment recommended?

Simply put, your front wheels "steer" or drive the vehicle while the rear wheels "direct" the vehicle. Four-wheel alignment solves handling problems by referencing all four wheels to a common centerline.

Yearly maintenance is recommended.

Regular vehicle maintenance is recommended for optimal operation of your vehicle and its safety. It is important that you follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations listed in your owner's manual, however as a general rule your wheel alignment and tire check up should be scheduled every 10,000 miles or at least once per year.

Often a suspension system inspection can be included as a part of this regular maintenance. This inspection can allow your ASE Certified Technician to spot potential problems or worn parts now before they become costly problems later.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3693329