Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Driving with the Black Box


     The National Highway Traffic Safety Board is proposing that the event data recorder be mandatorily installed during the manufacturing of all new vehicles beginning on September 1, 2014. Also known as the Black Box, it is said to have the capability of improving safety technology because it will be able to detect design problems and safety hazards within any vehicle. 
     Although it may be improving safety on U.S. Roadways some are raising the question that it may be crossing privacy barriers. The Black Box can detect all of the following; speed, brake pedal position, location of vehicle, if the passengers are wearing a seatbelt, and if air bags were deployed during a crash. 
     Insurance companies, lawyers, and police departments seem to be in the highest benefits of this new device. Insurance companies will be able to increase or lower your rates depending on the data provided to them by the device. Lawyers will be able to provide more significant data in wreck-less driving or DWI cases, and policemen will be able to quickly note the speed a vehicle was going before being involved in a crash. The Center for Auto Safety seems to provide sufficient information that the data recorders will in fact be benefiting more than anything. In all, the new device is going to approve the safety of most drivers on the roadway.


Friday, February 8, 2013

Driverless Technology from Google Inc.


     With breakthrough technology from Google Inc., you may soon be able to sit back, relax, and take a nap in the driver seat of a moving vehicle. With the collaboration of 15 engineers, Google has developed the driver-less car technology. Operating much like the cruise control mode installed in many cars today, the driver-less system allows human drivers to take control of the car if they wish to do so. Although, that is unnecessary, because the creation is organized by elaborate maps that include the details of speed limits down to the slight curvature of the lane lines in the roadway.

     Unfortunately, most law makers are finding it difficult to digest this new innovation. The laws seem to be inadequate in the sense that they were initially structured with the notion that humans would be operating the vehicles. However, Nevada seems to be in favor of the technology. According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, they have promptly accommodated the new machinery by passing a law on June, 29 2011 that permits the operation of driver-less cars, and even issued the first license for a self-driven car.

     The self-driving car may perhaps cause a revolution in terms of driving. Concerns of designating a sober driver on a night out could easily vanish if a vehicle has the capability to reliably drive your group home without a worry of harm. It certainly raises questions for many folks in terms of receiving moving violations as well. How will we hold a vehicle at fault in the event of an accident? Much more, determine if the human or contraption was in control? Clearly there is much work to be done in order to iron out these trepidation's,  but it is surely an exciting prospect of future normality.

Take a Texas Defensive Driving Course with COMEDY Online TODAY! Just $25, includes shipping!!!

Paying too much for Auto and Home Insurance in Texas? Get a fast and FREE online quote TODAY with Iron Property Insurance Agency!




Thursday, January 31, 2013

How Empty Is Your Tank?



     When your fuel light comes on, it is usually an indication that your gas tank is empty and must be filled as soon as possible. However, the website Tank on Empty is giving drivers a much different view point on their low fuel light with the motto: “How far can you go after the gas light in your car comes on?”  
     The site is solely dedicated to collecting figures from its visitors and turning that information into an estimated measurement of how many miles a vehicle may have until it completely runs out of gas. Even though it might not be the brightest idea to run your gas tank until the last drop, we must be thankful for those who have done so for the sake of others awareness. 
     With over 3 million page views, the site has quickly developed a plausible rating with all recognized car models. For example, a Honda Civic can go an average of 44.12 miles after the fuel light comes on, according to the 255 voters for that specific model. Each car model is also represented by its own easy-to-read chart that depicts how many people have voted for each distance they have gone. So, if you’d like to know how far your car can go, head over to Tank on Empty and type your car's make and model in the search bar! 

Take a Texas Defensive Driving Course with COMEDY Online TODAY! Just $25, includes shipping!!!

Paying too much for Auto and Home Insurance in Texas? Get a fast and FREE online quote TODAY with Iron Property Insurance Agency!



Monday, October 22, 2012

Invisible Steering Wheel


     Astoundingly, the new cutting-edge technology for automobile safety happens to abandon the need for a steering wheel. Japanese automaker, Nissan, created new features that are designed to prevent collisions as opposed to typical safety features that accommodate safety during a collision. With this new technology in hand, Nissan executives plan to eliminate deaths and severe injuries involving Nissan vehicles by the year 2015. Taking a defensive driving course, online, with comedy can also help eliminate the risk accident and injury on the roadway.
     The ‘camera and processing module’, mounted on the rear-view mirror, detects the condition and direction of the roadway ahead then communicates the data to the ‘steering angle actuator’ resulting in the superlative driving performance. The vehicle nearly drives itself.
     The “autonomous emergency steering” feature intends to maneuver the vehicle to the left or right in order to avoid an accident when the breaks are not capable to stop the vehicle in time. The technology is also able to accurately detect and avoid unexpected debris and/or pedestrians.  
     When parking, Nissan also added a feature to distinguish if the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator instead of the brake.
     Nissan said that the ‘digital drive’ car will be the first of its kind to be produced commercially, and they plan to initially install the technology in the 2014 Infiniti G37S model.



Thursday, October 11, 2012

Are You Eligible to Take Defensive Driving?


Are you able to dismiss your ticket by taking a Defensive Driving Course?
                To be sure, you will need to contact the court that you have received a ticket with, and inquire if you are eligible to dismiss the ticket with a Defensive Driving Course. Depending on the court, you may be able to request permission by phone, mail, or in person. Please be mindful that every court in Texas has their own specific procedures that are different from others.
                Once the court has given you permission to dismiss your ticket, they usually give you 90 days to take a Defensive Driving Course. Comedy Driving Inc. offers a $25 defensive driving course, online, 24 hours a day, with 24 hour customer service. Comedy Driving Inc. is also approved by the Texas Education Agency and Region XIII Education Service Center, so their course is accepted by every court in Texas. To begin the course, go to ComedyDriving.com and click “Sign Up”. Then, you will create a username and password, so that you may log in and out of the course, and complete it at any pace you wish. Once you have completed the course, Comedy Driving will mail your certificate of completion to you, First Class Mail, the same or next business day. If you need your certificate sooner, Comedy Driving has several delivery options, so your certificate of completion can be shipped to you overnight.
                After you have received the certificate of completion, it is your obligation to sign the “court copy” and turn it in to the court, abiding by their requests. An “insurance copy” will always be mailed with the “court copy”, sign it and turn it in to your insurance company to possibly receive a discount on your current rates, or contact Iron Property Insurance for a better rate.
If you have any questions, contact Comedy Driving Inc. – customer service – at 713-465-0042.


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Animal Passenger Safety Awareness


     Traveling with your pet can be an amusing and exciting adventure, but it is incredibly important to be mindful of your furry friend’s safety in the same way you would your own children.
Typically, people are often seen traveling with pets unrestrained, even though this behavior is just as dangerous for a pet as it would be for a human. Therefore, this matter should be taken quite seriously.
     Accordingly, your pet needs to be restrained within a ventilated crate that is properly fitted to their size and weight, which means the animal will be able to situate themselves in any position without difficulty or discomfort.   In addition, be sure that the animal is introduced to the carrier prior to the excursion in your vehicle. Also, be sure that the kennel is securely fastened, so that it will not shift or slide in the event of an accident or unexpected vehicle movement.
If you plan on taking a lengthy trip with your pet, it is suggested to let them experience several short trips beforehand to increase the comfort and avoid anxiety during travel.
     Please, be aware that there is never an acceptable situation or excuse to leave your pet in your vehicle unattended, ever. In any case, such behavior is against the law. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Even outside temperatures in the 60’s can cause a car temperature to rise well above 110° F.” More importantly, leaving any animal neglected in a vehicle, for any amount of time, puts their life in jeopardy.
     Lastly, steer clear from feeding your pet in a moving vehicle to ensure an enjoyable excursion for the both of you!

Monday, September 17, 2012

A Ticket for a Text


Presently, a total of 39 states in America have outlawed text messaging to drivers. In June of 2012 the statewide ban of text messaging while driving, pursued by Texas Legislatures, was vetoed by Governor Rick Perry. Governor Perry believes: “The keys to dissuading drivers of all ages from texting while driving are information and education.” Indeed, Texas enforces distracted driving laws. Drivers who are under eighteen years of age, or have a learner’s permit are strictly prohibited from using a cell phone when driving. Additionally, the use of cell phones is also illicit when driving through school crossing zones, and to anyone operating a school bus or government vehicle. Keep in mind, several cities across Texas have created their own ordinances regarding distracted driving, and fines can be as much as $500 if you fail to comply. Even if your city or state allows cell phone usage while driving that does not dismiss the danger of doing so. A driver can quickly lose focus of the road when using a cell phone, which may lead to an accident. One hundred percent of physical and mental concentration is required when driving; otherwise, it puts yourself and others that share the road with you in jeopardy. To be safe, minimize the possibility of distractions before you begin to drive.