New “Cool” Car Features That Would Help Elderly Drivers

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On a cultural standpoint, most cars that are perceived as being “cool” and “hip” often catch the attention of many driving enthusiasts. In fact, one can name cultural icons and personalities who are very much associated with the vehicles they drive.

One of them is Rowan Atkinson. We all have watched him in character on many TV and cartoon series, as well as movies, being the childish jester doing funny antics while occasionally driving around on his Mini with his best friend, Teddy. In real life, Atkinson, who had his own share of misfortunes (including what had happened to him recently), is well-recognized for his overwhelming passion for cars.

Sure, personalities such as him, as well as other people of the middle or high level of society, can very much afford cars that are considered “cool” in both appearance and performance. However, such vehicles don’t only catch the eye of enthusiasts, particularly the younger generation of drivers. Apparently, “cool” cars now have features that would help the elderly drive easier.

While research shows that it is more likely for elderly drivers to wear seatbelts and drive slowly but surely, aging is still a primary contributing factor as to they get involved in accidents on the road. There are certain conditions in which driving can become a bit difficult, which is why carmakers today are doing its best to design vehicles for the benefit of the elderly, especially those who are physically limited.

One of them is the push-button ignition. For some elderly drivers who can’t turn the car keys on the ignition upon the vehicle’s startup, pushing the button would do the trick. Another feature in future cars is that the car doors are wider, enough for the driver or passenger to get in or out. For those who have difficulty turning their heads, or have poor peripheral vision, vehicles with lane-assistance technology are for them.

Incidentally, every Los Angeles car accident attorney is elated with this new development in the motoring industry, as these will not only help elderly drivers operate such vehicles comfortably and easily, but would likely decrease injuries and deaths in road accidents within the age group.

Toyota’s Hard Road to Recover After their Global Vehicle Recall Woes

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Toyota has been one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles in the world. One of the best Japanese automakers, it has been enjoying sales successes not just on their domestic market in Japan, but also in other countries. Toyotas are preferred by car buyers from the first world countries, even the developing ones.

One of the brand’s strong qualities is its dependability and reliability. Its vehicles are relatively easy to maintain and can really go the distance. As shown in one of Top Gear UK’s episodes, a Toyota vehicle, a Hilux pick-up in particular, still has managed to run and continue functioning in spite of all the harsh things done to it by the show’s presenters. When one thinks about a durable and dependable car, the brand that first comes to mind is Toyota.

However recently, the carmaker has been facing a lot of problems about its cars’ quality. Remember the dreaded Toyota recalls?  In late 2009, the carmaker had started conducting recalls of various models in the US and other countries across the globe.

As of October 10, 2012, the Japanese carmaker has already recalled millions of vehicles for various faults. This has spawned a number of complaints from its millions of affected customers. This also led to the filing of a number of class suits against the auto giant.

Consequently, the recalls have affected Toyota’s standing in the global market. From being the number 1 automaker in the entire world, the brand has dropped a couple of places, falling behind General Motors and the Ford Motor Company.

Also, Toyota is also currently facing several cases after victims from accidents caused by the vehicle defects. In Los Angeles alone, customers have hired their respective Los Angeles accident attorney and filed cases against the carmaker.

And so, after a series of investigations held by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Toyota has formally agreed to pay $17.35 million in civil penalties. This is the maximum fine allowable under the law. The biggest Japanese automaker was asked to pay the fine after it failed to report safety defects to the federal government in time. Additionally, this action is the single highest civil penalty amount to be paid to the agency for violations stemming from a vehicle recall.

So how can you avoid ending up getting a defective vehicle? There are a lot of ways that can help you with choosing the vehicle you’d buy. Informing yourself is the key. You can read online reviews, or check owners’ forums so you can see the issues that the vehicle you’re eying has.

So as a discerning customer, you should be more careful with the choices that you make. Before giving up that hard-earned money, make sure that you nothing but the best to stay away from lemons.

ESC Saves Lives

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You have probably heard of the terminology ‘Electronic Stability Control’ fitted on modern day cars. But you are also probably asking: does it really help in making your vehicle safer? Basically, ESCs are technological gizmos that are installed in your vehicle that helps ensure your vehicle has the maximum grip at all times.

How does the ESC work?

The faster your vehicle runs, the more that it can lose that all-important grip to keep it in control at all times. When it does lose grip, your vehicle will skid and it will be harder, if not impossible, for you to steer it to wherever you want it to go.

There are a number of factors that affect the vehicle’s grip. Heavy rain and uneven roads are the usual culprits as to why vehicles lose control on the road. Furthermore, the wrong driver attitude or lack of advanced skills can make a motorist apply the right corrective action to bring back vehicle control.

This is where the ESC system kicks in. This device has computers that get vital information about your vehicle. Depending on the situation, the system automatically applies the brakes or power to the wheels with the most grip, helping you control your vehicle better. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered the deployment of this new safety feature for all light-duty trucks and passenger vehicles since September 1, 2011.

Benefits of the ESC

According to the NHTSA’s three-year study released last November 30, 2012, the agency estimated that ESC alone has saved 2,202 lives from 2008 to 2010. In the year 2008, 634 lives have been saved by this new technology. Another 705 deaths were avoided in 2009 and some 863 more in 2010. These growing number of people saved because of this new technology only prove that the device is an effective deterrent to fatal accidents.

That is why the NHTSA is strongly urging the public to consider vehicles that are fitted with this technology. Buyers can go and visit www.safercar.gov to check out vehicles from 2005 – 2010 that are fitted with ESCs. To make searching easier for consumers, they can look for individual makes and models in the abovementioned site.

ESC on all cars plying by American roads

The NHTSA published a rule in April 2007 establishing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126, requiring automotive manufacturers to fit all passenger cars, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), vans, and pickup trucks with ESC. Additionally, the agency is now proposing a newer federal motor vehicle safety standard that will be requiring the installation of ESC on large commercial trucks, as well as large buses. This new measure aims to prevent some 56 percent of rollover crashes every year and up to around 14 percent of loss-of-control crashes.

Nothing beats good, safe driving practices

ESCs and other active and passive safety systems may help prevent or lessen the extent of injuries and damages brought about by car crashes. Incidentally, every  Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyers also knows that practicing good and safe driving habits is always necessary.