The Transportation Department says traffic deaths tied to distracted drivers fell 6% in 2009. The actual number was 5,474 deaths, compared to 5,838 the previous year. Overall, distracted-driving deaths accounted for 16% of 2009 road fatalities.
Nissan is looking at ways to deal with fears car buyers have about the limited range of LEAF batteries and being stranded far from home. One possible solution is making a long-range alternative part of the package - such as a free rental of a gasoline engine Nissan car through its dealerships or a car rental company.
Most auto dealers will tell you that more buyers ask about how to connect an iPhone to a car or about the latest collision avoidance systems than they do about how quickly a car goes from zero to 60. So automakers are pumping up the technology.