Old Car vs Modern Car during Crash Test / Evolution of Car Safety

The first models and designs for automobiles were created in the 15th century by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and the state of the global auto industry has evolved significantly since. First steam, to electric, gasoline, and today’s hybrids, the evolution of safety features in cars plays an essential role in reducing the once overwhelming number of injuries and damages resulting from auto accidents. Auto manufacturers have come a long way over the history of auto safety, paving the way for improved global safety standards.

Unfortunately, as a vehicle ages, a number of factors come into play that reduce the automobiles safety, aside from mechanical wear and tear. According to statistics, a driver is 10 times as likely to suffer fatal injuries in a collision while operating a 30-year-old vehicle versus a late model. The auto industry is continually working to improve the safety of current mechanisms, as well as developing and testing new ideas for safer vehicles. Developments in driving technology and new types of airbags have been prevalent just this year.

While the ultimate safe vehicle may be a long way off, American auto manufacturers have made significant strides in improving the overall security and protection a vehicles structure provides. Over the past 3 decades, fatal accidents in the U.S. have decreased by more than 1/5, a substantial decrease demonstrating immense progress in terms of the safety features in cars.

The need to revolutionize auto safety was not fully realized until the 1950s, when the first usable airbags were developed, among other safety mechanisms. Then, in 1970, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was created. The organization still uses the same name today, and continues its role in promoting and effectively executing driving safety regulations throughout the U.S. Whether creating new policies or revising existing regulations (at the state and federal level), the NHTSA and the United States have been true catalysts in the history of car safety.

Everything You Need To Know About Driving In The Snow

Driving in the snow results in less grip, which ultimately means you need to change your driving behaviors to make sure you maintain control of the vehicle. 

This video explores the ideas of different driving conditions, and how each of these driving conditions affect the overall grip of a vehicle. We'll also look at how stopping distances and cornering speeds will be changed by various road conditions, such as dry, wet, snow, or ice. 

We'll discuss how different tire types can alter your vehicle's performance in snow and ice conditions, and also discuss driving tips to help maintain control of your vehicle when weather conditions are poor.

Deer Safety Tips

Deer safety driving tips

Winter Car Care Checklist

It's getting cold outside! What steps can you take to protect your vehicle? AAA experts explain the Winter Car Care Checklist.

Windshield Wipers 101

AAA shows you how to remove and install new windshield wiper blades plus how to add windshield washer fluid.

Top Car-Washing Strategies | Consumer Reports

Washing a car is pretty straight-forward, right? Consumer Reports’ expert reveals the top tips for keeping your ride sparkling clean.

How to Drive In Heavy Rain

The Weather Channel meteorologist Reynolds Wolf offers some tips if you get caught driving in heavy rain.

CarFit: Positioning to Gas Pedal

CarFit: Positioning to Gas Pedal

What Is Horsepower - America vs Metric

Horsepower is a unit of power created by James Watt in the 1700's. Who knew all these years later we'd still be using a unit he developed to compare steam engines to horsepower. We'll go through Watt's back of the napkin math, discuss in simple terms what horsepower means, and look at metric horsepower as well: PS, CV, and the many other abbreviations. Whether metric or imperial, horsepower as a unit makes no sense at all. We'll wrap up the video learning what unit we should actually be using.