Category: auto safety

Cars are vulnerable to wireless hacking

Cars are vulnerable to wireless hacking

Detroit News
2/8/15

[…] As vehicles grow increasingly connected through wireless networks and become more dependent on sophisticated electronic systems, Congress and federal regulators are worried about the potential for hackers to interfere with vehicle functions. The report overseen by Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, says vehicles are vulnerable to hacking through wireless networks, smartphones, infotainment systems like OnStar — even a malicious CD popped into a car stereo. […]

CTC urges action on cycle safety as casualty rates rise

CTC urges action on cycle safety as casualty rates rise

The National Cycle Charity CTC.org.uk
2/5/15

[…] Cyclists fared worse, with an 8% increase in fatal and serious injuries. Although cyclist fatality numbers have remained fairly steady, the number of cyclist casualties has risen by 26% compared with the 2005-9 average, while fatal and serious cyclist casualties have risen by 46%. […]

City's 4th Pedestrian Death on "Most Dangerous" Road

City’s 4th Pedestrian Death on “Most Dangerous” Road

NBC News San Diego
2/3/15

[…] A fourth pedestrian death along San Diego City streets this year has one local organization calling out to the city administration for help. […] considers the intersection where Saturday’s incident took place the most dangerous section of road in the city. […]

NTSB releases preliminary report on crash that killed Tollway worker

NTSB releases preliminary report on crash that killed Tollway worker

Chicago Sun Times
1/27/15

[…] Durbin asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to “immediately and fully” investigate the accident to determine if the driver or his employer, DND International, violated rules limiting the number of hours a driver can be on the road, and take steps to ensure every trucking company complies with the law. […] The driver of the second semi—Renato V. Velasquez, 46, of Hanover Park—was charged with four felony counts of operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired or fatigued, making a false report of a record and duty status, and driving beyond the 14- and 11-hour rules, according to Illinois State Police. He has pleaded not guilty. […]

Trucking Safety Should Be a Higher U.S. Priority, NTSB Says

Trucking Safety Should Be a Higher U.S. Priority, NTSB Says

Bloomberg News
1/13/15

[…] Highway regulators have failed to act on more than 100 recommendations to improve truck safety at a time when fatalities have risen for four straight years, according to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. […] The accidents that injured comedian Tracy Morgan in June and killed four members of a college softball team in September cast new light on America’s 2 million truckers, who are involved in crashes that kill almost 4,000 people a year. […]

There are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes yearly in the U.S.

There are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes yearly in the U.S.

Safe Car – USDOT

Yearly estimates back up that statement. On average:

  • Drivers in the United States put more than 2,969 billion miles on their tires,
  • There are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes, and
  • Almost 200 people will die in those crashes.

Many of these crashes can be prevented through proper tire maintenance—including tire inflation and rotation—and understanding tire labels, tire aging, and recalls and complaints.

Lawmaker wants warning labels posted on cars driven by teens

Lawmaker wants warning labels posted on cars driven by teens

My Northwest – KIRO Radio
2/2/15

[…] In her district, Clark County, teens account for way more serious accidents and fatal accidents than they should.

“Thirty to 45 percent of all fatalities and serious injury accidents are involved with young drivers that are 16 to 20 years old,” she said. […]