Michigan Auto » Uncategorized

Safety Features Available on Remote Car Starters

aprilsage — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:34:54 +0000

One of the most common reasons people get remote starters for their vehicles is the weather. In the winter, it’s so nice to get into a car that’s warmed up, and in summer it’s great when the car is cooled down before you get in. In Michigan, and many other states, we have both temperature extremes and find remote starters a welcome feature.

When you decide to purchase a remote starter for your car, there are several considerations. Some features are important for safety reasons and auto theft concerns. This list may help you make a more educated decision when evaluating which product is best for you.

Range of the Transmission: This enables you to start the car from a distance. Even if you are only planning to use the remote start first thing in the morning when the car is in your driveway, you may want to consider range and strength of the remote. Sometimes you may want to start the car when it’s parked further away, at the mall, the movies, or down the block from a friend’s home. You also may want to start it from inside the house. All of these are affected by the strength of the remote.
Safety Switch on the Hood: This is a very important safety feature and should be installed with every remote starter. It protects you from car theft by providing an emergency cutoff designed to prevent a remote start of the car if the hood is up.
Two-Way Remote Transmission: This safety feature offers convenience and security, by not only sending, but also receiving transmissions from the vehicle. When you press the button to remote start your car, it may be parked around the corner. The started sends a message to the remote providing you with a variety of information: if the car started, the interior temperature, if the doors are locked, the vehicle battery voltage, and more.
Security System: This is an option that may be worthwhile even if you have a car with a factory installed security system, because it can include a shock sensor that sounds an alarm when a window is broken or a cylinder is damaged. If you have the two-way system, it will also send an alert to the remote up to one mile from the vehicle.
Keyless Entry: Most newer cars have keyless entry, so adding it to your remote is an extra convenience, because it increases its range. This is very helpful, particularly in bad weather. For example, you dashed into work trying to stay dry during a rainstorm and then realized you didn’t remember to lock the car. If you are too far away for your key fob to lock it, your remote starter will do it and keep you dry.

There are many more features available, including a car finder, heated seat controls, window defogger, etc. It’s up to you, your lifestyle, preferred conveniences, and budget to choose the model best for your needs.

Share/Bookmark

Progress Toward Healthy Cars

aprilsage — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:56:13 +0000

Automakers around the world are striving to improve the health and safety features throughout their vehicle fleets. Cars and SUVs are being made with front and side airbags, crash avoidance systems, backup cameras and sensors, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, traction control, etc. All of these features are designed to reduce auto accidents and keep occupants safe.

Keeping people safe from the toxic chemicals used in vehicle manufacturing has also been a goal for several years. Inside air quality is improving as automakers phase out use of toxic chemicals throughout the interior; including seat cushions, dashboards, and steering wheels. Many of these compounds are known to cause liver damage, allergies, learning disabilities and cancer.

During the past several years, the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan has been testing and tracking the progress of automakers. Two of the more deadly compounds, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and BFR (brominated flame retardant) are being tracked closely and are found to have different levels depending on where the vehicle is manufactured.

Vehicles produced in the United States are marketed globally and manufacturers have not reduced the concentration of PVC and BFRs as quickly as other regions. Healthystuff.org reports:

“The US has the weakest chemical regulatory system for chemicals in consumer products, and provides the fewest incentives for companies to phase-out hazardous chemicals.”

Vehicles assembled in Europe use the most PVC, more than double the amount of vehicles elsewhere. Europe, however, produces vehicles that are significantly lower in levels of BFR. Most probably, this is because European regulations include the “End of Life Vehicle Directive”. The goal of this directive is to make the dismantling and recycling of vehicles more environmentally safe, and it pushes producers to manufacture new vehicles that are more recyclable when they are no longer used.

The biggest improvement is coming from Asia. Vehicles assembled in Asia use far less PVC. In both Japan and Korea there is an average 50% reduction in the use of PVC. This change is being lead by Honda, which has almost eliminated the use of PVC. In the 2011/2012 models the Honda fleet is 83% PVC free in the auto interior. In its 2011 North American Environmental Report, Honda stated their goal:

“Honda’s goal is to reduce the use of materials containing chlorine to a less than 1% concentration in materials that can end up in the waste stream as shredder residue at the end of an automobile’s useful life.”

Many new vehicles are being manufactured with fewer toxins. As consumers we now have choices, and as the automakers continue to make changes we all benefit. To keep your family safe, always use seat belts and child safety seats. If you’re shopping for a new car keep in mind the interior air quality and find the models with the best reports.

For more safety tips: http://www.michigan-auto-accident.com/michigan-car-accident-legal-help-center/child-safety-in-cars.html?task=view

Resources: http://www.healthystuff.org/departments/cars/about.findings.php

Share/Bookmark

Older Adults Can Learn to Be Safer Drivers

aprilsage — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:09:09 +0000

Watching our parents and grandparents as they get older, we can see the changes in their abilities. Some people develop poor eyesight, others diminished mental abilities. Almost all of us just generally slow down. Even with these and other changes, aging doesn’t automatically mean the loss of independence.

If you worry about the driving skills of your elder loved ones, or even yourself, don’t despair. There are ways to improve driving skills for older adults. You don’t have to stop driving, or lose your independence.

Researchers from University of Massachusetts – Amherst recently published studies regarding older adults with unsafe driving habits. These habits can easily be reversed with a little retraining.

One study tested two groups of drivers: those over 70, and those from 25 to 55 years of age. An important habit for safe driving is to be able to effectively scan and evaluate the dangers of intersections. Results in this study indicate that the older drivers did not check intersections as thoroughly as the younger group, who scanned more often and for more time.

The second test proved the effectiveness of a simple training program to change bad habits into safer driving skills. In these three steps, the older drivers altered habits and learned to drive as well as the younger group of experienced drivers:

Step one: listen to a lecture about the dangers of driving at intersections and how to correctly scan when making turns.
Step two: view a video of their own driving while listening to someone evaluate them.
Step three: using a simulator, practice driving the correct way to enter and turn through an intersection.

Using this easy method, the older drivers learned better habits and drove as well as those in the younger group. The positive changes from the training were still evident 12 months later.

If you are worried about the older drivers in your family, encourage them to improve their skills through a driver retraining program.

Share/Bookmark

Traumatic Brain Injury Affects Millions in the United States

aprilsage — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:42:18 +0000

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) causes 20 times more disabilities than AIDS, breast cancer, spinal cord injuries, and multiple sclerosis combined.

In the U.S. an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year.
Every 21 seconds, someone will incur a traumatic brain injury.
Every 5 minutes, one person will die, and another will become permanently disabled, from a brain injury.
Every year, 52,000 people die from a TBI

What is TBI?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury as a head injury that disrupts normal brain function. It can be caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury. The injury can range from mild to severe, depending on symptoms. A mild TBI may show only a slight mental status changes for a short period of time, while a more severe TBI could present concussion or an unconscious episode for a longer period. Severe TBI can also produce amnesia.

How does TBI occur?

Falls, often from great heights
Auto accidents
Being hit by a heavy or sharp object (i.e. baseball bat, golf club, bullet, knife).
Assault or abuse, such as vigorous shaking
Stroke, seizures or other medical problems

What are the symptom of TBI?Who is affected by TBI?
Falls are the leading cause of TBI. The rates are highest for infants to 4 years old and for adults 75 years and older. Car accident injuries are the leading cause of TBI-related deaths, with the highest risk group being adults from 20 to 24 years old.

A range of symptoms may occur, depending on the severity of the injury. Some of the more common symptoms that are almost immediately apparent include swelling of scalp, dizziness, headache, confusion, vomiting, amnesia, unconsciousness. The long-term consequences of a serious TBI include cognitive, psychological, and physical impairments.

Resources:
http://www.thinkfirst.org/Documents/FastFacts/BW/Traumatic%20Brain%20Injury.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pdf/BlueBook_factsheet-a.pdf

Share/Bookmark

That New Car Smell Could be Toxic

aprilsage — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:28:49 +0000

When we consider air pollution, we usually think of billowing factory smoke stacks, or cities filled with the exhaust of buses and trucks. We don’t often think about air pollution inside. When we do hear the phrase “indoor air pollution,” we might think of smoke filled bars or maybe a maintenance garage filled with diesel fumes. But have you ever thought about the indoor air quality in your new car? Yep, that new car smell is toxic. It’s the smell of toxic chemicals out-gassing from the plastic, rubber, foam and many other interior car parts.

Researchers have found that high levels of toxins are present inside new cars for over 6 months. The studies revealed more than 275 chemicals and compounds including: Benzene, a known carcinogen; n-Hexane, a neurotoxin agent; and Xylene isomers, an agent toxic to fetal development. There were also high concentrations of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and other chemicals known to cause birth defects, liver toxicity, and cancer.

Environmental conditions inside a car can be very harsh. On a sunny day, the temperature can reach well over 150° F. These high temperatures increase the rate of out-gassing, causing an increase in the concentration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). In other words, even more gases come out of the synthetic material, dashboard, steering wheel, etc., and these fumes are harmful to human health.

The Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan conducts comprehensive testing of internal air quality in automobiles. Through its HealthyStuff.org project, it has rated 2011 and 2012 model vehicles.

Vehicle ratings

Test data on 204 new 2011-2012 model new vehicles. As part of a multi-year study, the database contains test results for 900 vehicles.
The overall best-rated vehicle is the 2012 Honda Civic (score 0.46) which achieved its ranking by being free of bromine-base flame retardants is all interior components, utilizing PVC-free interior fabrics and interior trim, and low levels of heavy metals and other metal allergens.
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (score 3.17) was the overall worst-rated vehicle this year, containing bromine and antimony-based flame retardants in seating, the center console and seat base, chromium treated leather on several components and over 400 ppm lead in seating materials.

Image from:
http://www.healthystuff.org/departments/cars/about.findings.php

Most Americans spend over 1.5 hours a day in their cars. As dangerous as auto accident are, the indoor air quality is equally important. These chemicals directly effect our health and the health of our families.

If you would like more information on the hazards of chemical out-gassing go to: http://www.callsam.com/blog/2011/08/26/is-your-child-sitting-in-a-toxic-car-seat/

Share/Bookmark

School Buses — The Safest Way to and From School

aprilsage — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:24:19 +0000

On these cold winter days, groups of kids walk through the neighborhood all bundled up, trudging through snow on their way to school. Quite often, their parents are walking with them, sipping from their morning to-go cups. On the way home, the kids may stop to make a snow angel or romp with their dog, making for a great winter scene.

So how safe is it for most children on their commute to and from school? Many, like the ones described above, only have a few blocks to travel. However, other children live many miles from school and either take the bus or have a family member drive them. The safety facts for children in transport to and from school are an eye opener.

Every year motor vehicle accidents kill approximately 800 school-aged children during normal hours for travel to and from school. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that students are about 50 times more likely to arrive at school alive if they take the bus, than if they drive themselves or ride with friends. Statistics also show that it’s safer for children to ride the bus than be driven by their parents.

Here is the breakdown from schoolbusfacts.com:

Each year approximately 800 school-aged children are killed in motor vehicle crashes during normal school travel hours.
Of these 800 deaths, about 20 fatalities (2%) are school bus–related. Five are school bus passengers and 15 are pedestrians.
The other 98 % of school-aged deaths occur in passenger vehicles or to pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
Approximately 450 of the 800 deaths, or 55%, occur when a teenager is driving.

Chart from http://www.schoolbusfacts.com/

The facts are clear. If your child commutes to school, the school bus is the safest alternative. You can save time and fuel, and protect your children from an auto accident, by sending them on the bus. If you are in an area that does not provide bus service, your next safest choice is sending them with a responsible adult driver or walking with them to school, rather than letting them travel with a teen driver.

Share/Bookmark

Choosing the Best GPS for Your Car

aprilsage — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:03:55 +0000

The portable GPS has become very popular in the last year, and now there are many brands with all kinds of features and options. To choose the GPS that will work best for you, it’s good to start by determining the reasons why you want one, how you are going to use it, and how much money you have to spend.

Here are some things to consider when picking out a GPS. Are you planning to use it for getting around town or for frequent long distance trips? Will you need detailed maps, traffic warnings, construction alerts? Do you want to be able to search for lodging or restaurants? How about visually; do you prefer a black and white screen or full color, and what size screen do you need? Will you want voice prompts with turn-by-turn instructions as you go? There are so many features to choose from that it’s wise to get one that fits your personal needs.

Here is a review of some of the options, which you probably will find in each of the major brands.

Points of interest. If you want a GPS to assist you on trips out of town to unfamiliar locations, this feature will serve you well. The POI is a database of hotels, motels, restaurants, parks, gas stations, ATM’s, grocery stores, etc. You just chose from the list and the GPS will display options. Some systems offer POI updates that you can load to the GPS from an internet connection. There may be a charge for updates.
Turn by turn voice instructions. This feature allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times, reducing the possibility of a car accident. The GPS voice prompts you through each turn, giving you the name of the street and the direction to turn as you approach it. There also will be a visual display showing where you are and where you are going.
Lane assist. This is another feature which identifies the correct lane when you approach a turn, an exit, an intersection or a junction. It is very helpful when highways split, or there is a left hand exit.
Traffic updates. Some systems come with an option to receive road reports warning of traffic jams or heavy construction. There may be an additional cost for this service.
Mounting capability. Another consideration before purchase is the mounting capability. If you want the GPS to sit on your dashboard, you need to make sure the model you prefer has a mount to fit your car. Some other mounting methods are attachment to the side window, suction cup on the windshield, or clip on the air vents. Be sure to check the laws in your area regarding mount types before you buy. Some states prohibit installation of any device on a windshield, which is the most common location to mount portable GPS guide units, or some have restrictions on placement.

Whether you just make short trips around town and need to ensure you can always find your way home, or your are planning long distance trips to unfamiliar places, a GPS can be helpful for navigating and keeping you safe. It will help find points of interest, keep you out of construction zones, and assist with heavy traffic to help prevent an auto accident. Choosing the one that is right for you just takes a little time and a clear idea of what you really need. Review your options and enjoy your new freedom.

Share/Bookmark

Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

aprilsage — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:58:48 +0000

Daylight hours are fewer each day, the leaves are almost off the trees, and the temperature is dropping quickly. This means only one thing — winter is on the way. Northern winters can be invigorating and filled with fun activities, like ice skating, snowball fights, hockey, skiing, sledding, and more.

Enjoying winter safely does take a bit of planning. To make sure that your car is ready to transport you and your family to all these fun events, now is the time to get it ready for winter. One great way to prevent Michigan car accidents is to get your car winterized and ready to go by the first snow storm.

Follow this simple checklist:

Put together an emergency kit. Accidents happen, and you could get stuck in a snow storm, slide off the road, or one of so many other reasons why you may find yourself waiting for road service. No matter the reason, you will need to stay warm and be able to call for help. Your winter emergency kit should include: a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, extra gloves and hat, and a first aid kit. You can add more things you think may be necessary, but these are the basics.
Change your oil for winter. Your dealer or mechanic will be able to recommend the best oil for your climate. If you are doing it yourself, check your owner’s manual. Oil will thicken in the winter, so it a lighter weight oil is usually recommended.
Snow tires and tire pressure. There are many reasons put snow tires on your car for the winter. Perhaps you live in a hilly area, you do a lot of driving, your area gets a lot of snow, or your community does not send road plow crews to your neighborhood on a regular basis. Snow tires will improve your traction and provide a safer ride in the winter. Whether you use snow tires or a good all-season tire, the correct air pressure is essential for good traction any time of the year ,and critical during the winter months. Traction is limited in snowy, icy, and slippery conditions, so properly inflated tires ensure you have the best possible traction.
Windshield washer fluid and wiper blades. Visibility in snow and winter conditions is easily impaired. Wiper blades are most effective for one to two years. Check to see if your blades have any wear, and replace them if they do, or if they are more than 2 years old. Wiper fluid should be suitable for below zero temperatures. If you have water in the reservoir, it needs to be flushed and replaced with wiper fluid with an antifreeze, so the lines don’t freeze over the winter. This is vital for a clean windshield and the best visibility.
Radiator flush and engine coolant. This is important for keeping your engine at the correct temperature and running smoothly. Your mechanic will know the best mixture of antifreeze to water for your climate. If you are doing this yourself, most engines in cold weather need a ratio of 60% antifreeze to 40% water. Adjusting this ratio a critical step in winterizing your car correctly. Also, make sure you properly dispose of the old coolant. It should NOT be poured into a drain or sewer.
Battery, Belts and Hoses. Batteries have a reduced capacity in the winter. Check the voltage and make sure it will make it through the winter. Again, your owner’s manual will tell you the correct levels, or your car mechanic will know. Inspect the cables and the terminals to make sure they are connected tightly and have a good connection. At the same time, check the engine belts and hoses to ensure they are not cracked or loose.

Getting ready for winter is important. When it comes to keeping your family safe and avoiding an accident, it’s essential to get your car ready for the cold months ahead. Safe driving!

Share/Bookmark

Driving with Pets as Passengers

aprilsage — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 23:49:14 +0000

As we enjoy the last few days of fall weather, those frosty mornings remind us winter is soon to follow. It’s a good time to pack in as much outdoor time as possible with kids and dogs. That means getting everyone in the car to go to the park, visit friends, or just run some errands together. On these family outings, it’s great to have the family pet join in the fun.

When you get in the car and buckle the kids in their safety seats and you in your seat belt, where is your dog? Is the dog loose in the car? Does this make sense? If it’s not safe for children or adults to ride in a car unrestrained, why would it be safe for the family dog? Well, it’s not.

So what are your options? There are three simple ways to keep your pets safe while traveling, and prevent them from becoming a distraction and possibly causing an auto accident.

The safest way to protect your dog is by using a pet harness designed for safe travel. The harness should fit properly around the dog’s shoulders and behind the front leg. It should have a strap that securely fastens to the car seat belt. This will comfortably restrain the dog in much the same way as an adult seat belt.
A second choice is putting the dog in a crate in the back seat. Then secure crate with straps that buckle into the seat belts.
If these two options are not available, putting a barrier between the front and rear seat will help keep your family safe, but may not protect the dog. The barrier ensures that the dog will not distract the driver, and will keep it from injuring someone during a sudden stop. However, it will not protect your dog from being tossed around in the case of an auto accident.

Pets live in over 71 million homes in the United States, and 82% of those pets travel on vacation with their families. If your family enjoys traveling with your dog, take the time to keep them safe so you can be travel together for many years.

Share/Bookmark

School Drop Off and Pick Up Safety Rules

aprilsage — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:29 +0000

It’s back-to-school time, and one of the many things parents need to plan, is how to get kids to and from school safely. If you are planning to drive your children to school, it’s important to learn the safest way to do this and avoid an auto accident.

You know that morning and afternoon are extremely busy. School grounds are filled with cars, buses, and kids running around. At the same time, neighborhood streets are bustling. So let’s review a few important ways to keep everyone safe.

Learn the procedure – If your school has specific procedures for drop off and pick up, learn the routine. The guidelines are designed for moving kids and cars in and out of the school zone as efficiently and safely as possible. It’s your responsibility to know the rules and follow them. Find out if there is a written procedure or a map showing safe drop off and pick up areas.
Be Courteous – Be on your best behavior. There are a lot of busy people and everyone needs to get in and out as quickly and safely as possible. Put away the cell phone, follow the procedure, and listen to the instructions of school staff. Stay in line, rather than skipping ahead or cutting anyone off.
Be Cautious – The safety of our children always comes first. Leave a few minutes early, to give yourself extra time. Use ONLY the designated drop off and pick up sites.

Stay Out of the Bus Loading Zone – This area is for school buses only. Dropping off children in the bus loading zone is dangerous, and slows down the flow of all other incoming cars and buses.
Think Smart – If you can’t get into the school grounds, park on the same side of the street as the drop off locations, not across the street. This avoids the risk of kids crossing in the middle of the block.
Remember the Neighbors – You can keep the traffic flowing and reduce the parking impact on residents who live near the school by following all the procedures, and making sure never to park in front of a driveway.

Share/Bookmark