Tag: NHTSA
Do collision warning systems spell trouble for drivers?
The National Highway Transport Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating 60,000 Chevrolet Impalas released this year. The reason? The vehicles’ crash avoidance system may have malfunctioned repeatedly, resulting in unexplained car stops. Why the NHTSA is investigating One driver said in his complaint that he was driving at 20 mph when “the brakes independently seized… The vehicle […]
Why we’re less likely to die in car wrecks today
Fewer people are dying in car crashes, Vox recently reported, and some of the reasons behind this positive trend are surprising. First, the facts: Since the 1970s, fatalities from traffic accidents have decreased 40 percent. Deaths have been on a steady decline after peaking in 1969 at 55,043. By 2012, the figure stood at 33,561, […]
Self-driving cars: Are Americans ready to give the keys to a computer?
Does the idea of a self-driving car inspire more dread or relief with you? Some drivers are afraid of relinquishing control of the vehicle to a computer. Those in favor of autonomous vehicles say that the benefits – in terms of accidents, fuel, congestion, and dollars – are immense. Under a pilot program, Volvo and the Swedish government […]
Distracted driving, sure, but distracted walking?
The University of Houston is warning its students of the dangers of distracted walking. Yes, you read that right — pedestrians are the most vulnerable group to use the road, and distracted walking is a major contributing factor. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrians were one of the few […]
Oklahoma bucks national trend of falling drunk driving deaths
Although U.S. alcohol-related deaths fell by around 20 percent over the last twenty years, Oklahoma experienced a 10 percent rise in drunk driving deaths during the same period. Considering the state has about the same vehicles, intensive public education campaigns, and tough drunk driving laws as the rest of the nation, it’s unclear why drunk […]
NHTSA test shows Tesla Model S safest car ever
The electric Tesla Model S aced a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test, scoring a record 5.4 stars. Although the maximum published rating is 5 stars, actual results reveal that Tesla got a higher score. Tesla disrupts auto industry This rating should silence critics pointing out Tesla’s driving record is unproven since it is […]
WUI? New study blames pedestrian fatalities on booze
A recent study shows that over a third of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents are impaired by alcohol, according to a recent article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. A report published this month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that total traffic fatalities decreased to their lowest levels since 1949, while pedestrian […]
DOT campaign reminds: Everyone is a pedestrian
It can be an intimidating time to be a pedestrian – new federal statistics for 2011 have revealed that fatalities are on the rise, with estimates pegging a “pedestrian killed every two hours and injured every eight minutes in traffic crashes.” Plus, seventy-five percent of pedestrian deaths were in urban areas, and 70 percent of the […]
US police to up seat belt citations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is all set to launch its National Seat Belt Enforcement Mobilization campaign. This “Click it or Ticket” program will run for a fortnight, from May 20 – June 2, focusing on Memorial Day weekend, which falls smack in the middle. Police across the country are planning to be […]