New Federal, State Distracted Driving Laws for Commercial Drivers, Businesses
The U.S. Department of Transportation's final rule issued last year prohibits interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. Drivers and commercial businesses violating the rule face stiff penalties. Some states have enacted even more stringent bans. State rules are available at http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/state-laws.html.
Technology Helps Trucking Industry ID Safety Rating Issues
Trucking industry fleet managers are finding a number of areas and products to help them identify problems before they adversely affect their company's safety rating. Many fleets find their existing technology vendors can provide CSA modules or add-ons that can help monitor problem areas such as speeding and hours-of-service violations. The key is to be proactive.
Fleets Test 2013 Honda Fit EV
The City of Torrance, CA, will test drive a 2013 Honda Fit EV as a participant in the Honda Electric Vehicle Demonstration Program. Honda and the city will study local government fleet usage of an electrified vehicle. Google, Inc. and Stanford University will also test the Honda Fit EV. All participants will provide Honda with real-world feedback on the vehicle.
Many Unresolved Issues Relating to Autonomous Vehicles
Tests show computerized systems to replace human drivers are now largely workable and could greatly limit human error, which causes most of the 33,000 deaths and 1.2 million injuries that now occur each year on U.S. roads. Legal liability, privacy, law enforcement, and insurance regulation issues have yet to be addressed and may pose more problems than the technological challenges.
Ford Reduces Wind Noise on New Escape With Acoustic Mirror
Ford is using an elliptical acoustic mirror to measure wind noise in its all-new Ford Escape. The mirror is like a satellite dish with a microphone placed a short distance from the Escape to collect sound and identifies "hot spots" where noise penetrates the vehicle's interior. Drivers can listen to music or conversation rather than external noises.
