Ford has added a new twist to the common car seat belt! Want to know what it is? Well, instead of being just a plain seatbelt, Ford has made into an inflatable one!

The new seat belts inflate like airbags so they give better protection to the rear-seat occupants. This new system is designed to lessen head, neck, and chest injuries for the said passengers, especially for the children who are usually strapped in the back seat. It expands over the chest and shoulder. This inflatable seat belt can get filled with air in just 40 milliseconds after the crash. The air comes from the pressurized gas stored under the seat.

Ford has selected the model where the new seatbelt will be introduced. The next-generation Ford Explorer that will go on production next year will be the first to have the new seatbelt.

Ford’s vice-president of Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering said, “Ford’s rear seatbelt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes. This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker.”

Photo Credit: Dailymail

Nissan auto owners, hear out this piece of news. Nissan is recalling of some of its models because of safety issues. The first recall issued by the auto maker is for it 2009 and 2010 Nissan Altima models due to suspension issues. According to Nissan, the front strut insulators on some car’s might not be able to meet the required tolerances, so there is a big chance that if the car gets subjected to rigorous driving, the said components might crack. This is potentially harmful to the driver and his occupants. There’s also a chance that it might cause damage to other vehicle components, which can lead to more expensive repair jobs.

Aside from the Altima models, Nissan is also recalling 2008 and 2009 Rogue crossovers because of a “potentially serious safety issue” regarding the steering gear housing cover. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the screw could loosen and cause the steering to go wrong.

If you are one of the car owners who are affected by these problems, don’t worry. Nissan is offering full support for affected owners.  

Photo Credit: Nissan

A mother is grieving for her 3-year-old baby girl who died after being crushed by the family car. Amber Whyte was crushed to death by the Toyota Picnic people carrier because her mother Jacqui didn’t apply the handbrake properly. The accident happened last June 5, and it was only recently that the verdict of the whole incident was proclaimed.

Amber was only being dropped off at the £8,775-a-year Russel House School in Kent. Jacqui went out of the car to get a violin for Amber’s sister, Melody, when suddenly she heard a scream. Turning back she saw Amber crushed behind the car. She was immediately taken to the hospital but her neck and chest trauma were so severe that she didn’t survive.

This is a very unfortunate incident that many parents should learn from. The handbrake is a latching brake that keeps the car stationary. It is composed of cables that are connected to the hand lever or a foot pedal. This can be used to stop the vehicle if the whole brake system fails. When the car is parked, it is always a must for this handbrake to be applied because this will surely prevent the car from rolling off, especially in slopes.

As I’ve said, this should be a reminder for moms and dads out there. Always put the handbrake on when parking, even if it’s just for a minute.

Photo Credit: Mirror

You’ve been working on your son’s Halloween costume project all night. No sleep for the wicked costume–you thought. Morning came and you still had to go to work. After roughing out the whole day, you could barely drive home. So what do you do? Sleep in your car? Sleep under your desk? Or try and keep yourself awake since your six year old son’s waiting to tell you about how fun his Halloween party was? If the latter’s your choice, then read on and find out how to stay awake while you’re driving.

Family Tram’s Tips-De-Reveille:

• Try to carry an active conversation with another passenger.
• Listen to whatever involves you more on the radio. Talk or shout back at talk shows, sing or tap along to music that you like. However, be wary of elevator or lounge music.
• If it’s hot outside, open your windows. That way your taking a bit of comfort away from your body.
• Eat. Constantly crunching on something helps you stay awake since your muscles are continuously working. If you really want to stay awake badly, eat something spicy.
• Remember that coffee, tea, and cola can also keep you awake–but only for a short time.
• Take a break. If you can, get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes. A few push-ups could do good as well.
• Swap drivers.
• If the sandman’s really calling and you can’t help it anymore, find a motel. If you’re 30-40% sure that you’ll experience an accident, then it really isn’t worth it.

For sure you parents out there know about carpooling. Many parents go for this scheme in transporting their children to school. But of course, they do so with people they are secure with. Basically, carpooling means sharing a car by the driver and one or more passengers. It usually involves usage of private cars. Those who are intending to buy a car for long-term carpooling have to consider several things before they decide on a specific vehicle.

1. SAFETY – This is the most essential consideration that prospective buyers must take into account. The recommended types of cars for carpooling purposes are crossovers, minivans, and full-size vans. The vehicle to be chosen must also have as many safety features as possible like the air bags, anti-skid technology, stability control, ABS, and a lot more. Having them will at least make each drive more secure knowing there are features that the driver can count on during risky situations.
2. SPACE – Space must be enough to accommodate all gadgets necessary to secure the children in their seats. Do you know that small children require more safety apparatuses than adults? It’s true because babies and toddlers need a special kind of car seat that requires more space to get strapped on. Older children and teens also need ample space to stretch their limbs in, so that they won’t feel cramped during each trip. For older kids, having more convenient gadgets to keep them entertained during the trip would also be very beneficial.
3. CONVENIENCE – Transporting kids to and fro can be a very taxing job, so it’s more advantageous if the vehicle used for carpooling contains convenient features inside and out. More storage space would be beneficial since kids usually have so many things with them.
4. CLEANLINESS – Be sure to get a car that is easy to clean and whose interior doesn’t easily become dirty. Kids can’t help eating and drinking inside the car, which means there will always be spilled drinks and food on the carpet or car seats. Opting for a car with dark interior is beneficial if you want to maintain a great interior ambiance.

Photo Credit: TLC

Who are the rightful persons to call when you encounter accidents? Well, aside from your family members, there are other people you can call to give you medical assistance especially during emergencies. You should always keep in mind to call the EMS or Emergency Medical Services. Do you know what they do or what this service is all about? if you don’t, then it’s time for you to be aware. This will be useful for you and your family when you encounter problems and accidents not only in the home but also on the road.

WHAT IS EMS?

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a specially organized system that provides
personnel, facilities and equipment for the effective and coordinated delivery of
emergency medical services within a geographical area. An effective EMS system
involves many different agencies and organizations working together to provide rapid
emergency medical response, treatment and transport to those in need of immediate
medical attention. Agencies responsible for providing EMS include dispatch centers,
public safety agencies, fire departments, ambulance services, hospitals and specialty
care centers.

In California, EMS systems are organized on a county or regional basis. The Local EMS
Agency (LEMSA), is the lead agency responsible for local EMS system planning and
coordination, consistent with State laws and regulations. The State EMS Authority
(EMSA) approves local EMS system plans, provides guidance to LEMSAs, develops
EMS regulations, administers the Regional Poison Control Center program and carries
out other EMS related activities. The State EMS Commission, with members appointed
by the Governor and other state officials, is an advisory board to EMSA and reviews
and approves all EMS regulations.

In Alameda County, the Board of Supervisors designated the Public Health Department,
a division of the Health Care Services Agency, as the Local EMS Agency (Figure 1-B).
The County Health Officer is responsible for the medical aspects of EMS. As allowed in
law, the County Health Officer has delegated this responsibility to the EMS Medical
Director. The Alameda County EMS Agency carries out the functions of EMS under the
direction of the EMS Director. Several advisory committees appointed by the Board of
Supervisors meet regularly to provide advice on EMS matters to the Board and the EMS
Agency.

Photo Credit: URMC

Safety is a big factor that a lot of car makers take into consideration when they develop a vehicle. This is a commendable thing to do especially in this day and age when accidents on the highways are very prevalent. Life is precious and it’s a good thing these auto manufacturers are taking an active part in preserving it.

One active innovator in safety devices in automobiles is Mercedes-Benz. This company has a long list of safety innovations to its name. Proximity-controlled Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, and Continuous Braking Control are some of these safety features. But they have a new one called the Attention Assist System. This safety innovation is aimed to help people who tend to fall asleep at the wheel. We all know how dangerous this is. Many innocent lives have been sacrificed because a driver fell asleep at the wheel. This Attention Assist system has been in the works since 2007 and now it’s finally ready.

How exactly can the Attention Assist system keep a driver safe on the road? According to Gizmag, “Attention Assist system constantly monitors typical driving patterns to establish an individual profile and, taking into account factors like the time of day, the duration of the trip and steering behavior, makes a decision on whether the driver is becoming tired when there is deviation from this saved data.

The system records the angle of the steering wheel, speed, acceleration, the use of indicators and pedals, as well as external factors such as a side wind or an uneven road surface. If changes occur within the established parameters of the individual’s driving behavior (with steering behavior having proved a particularly telling indicator according to Mercedes) a warning sounds and an alert symbol appears in the instrument cluster so the driver knows it’s time for a break.”

This sound alert will definitely awaken the driver if he seems to be dozing off already.

This new safety technology by Mercedes offers a lot of potential. It is the first of its kind that uses driver’s behavior to determine whether he’s still driving safely or not.
 
We can hope that with this additional safety feature, falling-asleep-at-the-wheel accidents will be greatly reduced.

Photo Credit: Gizmag

Have you ever thought of the rain as something beautiful? I have. To me, falling rain is symbolizes a form of cleansing the surroundings from filth and other things that can contaminate. After the rain I always think that things seem fresher and better than before. Every time the rain pours I always equate it with new beginnings. That is the reason why I love the rain. But, beyond its beauty, the rain can be a fatal. Veteran drivers know this for a fact. If you watch the news, you probably see and hear that many road accidents occur during rainy days since moisture makes the roads very slippery. Caution must be carefully observed at this time because moisture on the pavement and asphalt causes the tires to lose traction or grip initiating the tires to slip.

Those who are old hands at driving are already knowledgeable on how to handle this kind of situation. Novices must take heed of the right things to do when driving during rainy days. Here are some safety tips for driving in the rain.

• Allocate more Travel Time – Maneuvering a car in slippery roads is a tricky business so, you can’t speed up that much. If your destination is far it is better for you to leave early.  And if your route is flooded you still have time to find other means of getting to your destination.
• Mind Your Brakes – Don’t stop your car abruptly to prevent the car behind from crashing into your rear. When you press the brakes make sure you do it with less force.
• Don’t Force Your Car Through Running Water – Attempting to do this will surely get you in big trouble. If the water’s current is strong don’t even entertain the thought of forcing through because you might just lose your car entirely and even your life if it comes to that. 
• Turn on Your Headlights – Doing so will alert oncoming traffic of you presence and vice versa. It will also allow you to see the road much better since rain drops can obscure the view from your windshield. It will also help you avoid running over some road obstructions. And if the rain is torrential it would be better if you pull over and wait for it to stop.
• Look out for Pedestrians -  As I’ve mentioned, rain can obscure the view so, just go slow and look to your left and right for people who might be crossing.
So, with these tips do you think you can handle driving during rainy days or nights? Well, I surely hope so. 

Keep safe during the holidays!

Source: Edmunds, Autorevolution

Photo Credit: Go Florida

When you watch television, specifically the news, what do you usually see? I’m sure accidents are always included. The word accident is defined as a specific, identifiable, unexpected, unusual and unintended external event which occurs in a particular time and place. Because we have no way of knowing when one will occur, the only thing we can do is to be prepared at all times. For drivers, being prepared involves having well-conditioned auto parts. Equipping it with high-quality safety equipment is also a very beneficial thing to do.

One of the best protective features in cars is the anti-rollover technology.  The electronic stability control or (ESC) is the most commonly used technology used in various cars these days. Many auto makers are adopting this technology in their vehicle models. It is very beneficial if a car has ESC. This innovative technology senses if the driver is losing control of the car and it automatically applies brakes on each wheel to prevent the car from rolling over. If all cars will be equipped with this safety feature, around 10,000 lives will be spared. The government said that having anti-rollover technology will be mandatory in 2012.

The anti-rollover technology is very beneficial in saving lives. Believers of safety consider this a great advancement since it can potentially prevent rollover accidents. So, those who are thinking of buying a new car anytime soon, you’d better make sure the one you’re going to get is equipped with this anti-rollover technology. Car makes that have this technology did not have their efforts wasted because their efforts have been recognized. In fact, Ford and Volvo are the takers of the top spots in the Insurance Institute for Highways Safety list of safest cars of 2009 because they are equipped with this anti-rollover technology. Honda, GM, and Volkswagen also have several models included in the list.

So, next time you think of getting a new car for you and your family, get one that comes with the anti-rollover technology. Remember that you cannot exchange your family’s safety for anything else. Cars with this technology are not that expensive so, you’ll have no problem in terms of finances.

Photo Credit: MSNBC