Safety

An aftermarket device now available to consumers could put an end to distracted driving.

CellControl has released an anti-distracted-driving technology to the consumer market that automatically blocks specified mobile phone features and applications when a paired vehicle is in use. The technology has been used in the U.S. since 1996 mostly by commercial driving fleets that need to track and monitor drivers. Today the Louisiana-based company announced that it has partnered with automotive aftermarket retailer Scosche to sell the device to consumers.

To use the solution, customers download and install CellControl's software onto a driver's phone, and … Read more

First it was traffic lights and stop signs--now cities are outfitting school buses with cameras to catch drivers ignoring the rules of the road.

Getting caught behind a school bus is another ring of hell for many drivers. And the later you are to that morning meeting, the more likely it seems you will end up behind one that stops every hundred yards or so to pick up another gaggle of kids. Driving around the stopped school bus would be against the law, but that doesn't stop many drivers from doing it, putting the lives of children at risk. … Read more

Albuquerque police say more motorists are blowing through red lights than the previous year.

Bowing to citizen complaints last year, New Mexico state legislators banned the contentious "red light" cameras that were installed throughout New Mexico seven years ago. All cameras in Albuquerque were scheduled to go dark on December 14.

But motorists may have gotten their dates mixed up or thought Christmas was coming early. Police say they've observed a 12 percent increase in traffic light citations between the period of November 7 and December 12 compared to the previous year, according to an article in Albuquerque Journal. … Read more

LAS VEGAS--At CES 2012, Johnson Controls showed off its HUD technology, currently used in the Citroen DS5, and a conceptual 3D instrument cluster.

In a private meeting room, Johnson Controls had two bucks set up, stands with automotive instrument clusters showing off its latest technology. The company, which does big automotive business with things such as the HomeLink system for opening garage doors, is pushing its human/machine interface capabilities in new dashboard instrumentation products.

The head-up display (HUD) system relies on a small, clear panel sticking up out of the dashboard, above the instrument cluster. A projection shows speed, … Read more

LAS VEGAS--Humans can be such terrible drivers. We're checking text messages, drinking coffee, and doing needlepoint behind the wheel (yes, I saw that happen!). Advanced driver assistance systems are trying to save us from our folly.

Mobileye creates these high-tech systems. I was able to plug into a simulator at CES to check out the new 5-Series.

The 5-Series handles a lot of the multitasking people are so bad at. It watches for pedestrians, looks out for bicyclists, checks that you're in your lane, and even reads speed limit signs with a front window-mounted camera.… Read more

Ford is recalling more than 450,000 SUVs and minivans back to the shop to replace a faulty torque converter.

The defective part affects Ford Freestar minivans and Mercury Monterey SUVs built in 2004-2005. If the torque converter fails, it causes loss of motive power and will bring the vehicle to an inevitable stop. Steering, parking, emergency lights, turn signals, and brakes will continue to work, and the vehicle remains controllable as it coasts to a halt. But the loss of power can be dangerous for people driving behind these recalled vehicles.

An investigation into this parts defect was launched … Read more

After a NHTSA investigation revealed the cause of a fire in a crash-tested Chevy Volt, GM set up a program to reinforce the batteries and coolant systems for previously sold cars.

It is not a recall, but a customer satisfaction program, according to GM. The company will be contacting the approximately 8,000 Chevy Volt owners to arrange a time for the modifications.

GM will add metal brackets to the car's underbody, designed to help prevent a break in the battery casing during a side impact crash. It will also add a sensor that shows when battery coolant is low, and another bracket to prevent overfilling the coolant reservoir. … Read more

Although there have been no reports of problems so far, Fisker is recalling 239 Karma plug-in hybrid sports cars due to a high-voltage battery problem that could result in a fire.

The problem with the luxury plug-in hybrid is that certain hose clamps may have been positioned incorrectly during assembly, which could cause a coolant leak near the battery compartment.

According to the the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: "If coolant enters the battery compartment, an electrical short could occur possible resulting in a fire."

Fisker plans to notify customers, and dealerships will replace the high-voltage battery with … Read more

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) today named its Top Safety Picks--115 vehicles in all. The list includes 15 vehicles from Toyota, Lexus, and Scion, 14 vehicles from General Motors, and 13 each from Volkswagen and Audi.

The winners' circle includes 18 new vehicles for 2012, and 97 models that qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.

"For the second year running, a record number of models qualify," IIHS President Adrian Lund said in a press release. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority.&… Read more