Legislation Encourages Safer Driving Through Technology Innovation

Beginning in January 2012, commercial drivers are prohibited from use of hand-held cellphones and new requirements are going into place concerning texting while driving - and new vehicle technology is actually helping all drivers to drive more safely.
A joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the latest action endorsed by the U.S. Department of Transportation that aims to end distracted driving. This federal ban on cell phone took effect January 3, 2012. Legislators from many states are trying to get these laws extended to all drivers in all states.
In recent months major truck and bus companies, such as Greyhound, Wal-Mart, UPS, Conoco-Phillips and others, have changed their policies to ban their drivers from using hand-held cell phones, to make and receive phone calls, or for texting. In other words, talk or text on a cellphone while driving and you could lose your job.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research in 2009 more than 5,400 people died and a half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. The NHTSA also noted that distraction-related fatalities represented 16 percent of the overall traffic fatalities in 2009.
In the past few years, most automobile companies have been developing in-vehicle technology so they can offer Bluetooth hands-free in-vehicle communications. The whole idea is to keep the driver's eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. Although an option for most vehicles, more and more drivers are demanding it from their vehicles.
Ford Motor Company goes further by having an app (911 Assist) that assists emergency personnel. Their hands-free infotainment system, called Sync, was co-developed with help from Microsoft. With Sync, if the "paired" phone is on and active and the vehicle is involved an accident that triggers the airbags, then it automatically makes the system dial the closest 911 dispatcher. It relays the latitude, longitude and altitude plus it opens the microphone so the dispatcher can speak with occupants of the car.
Depending on the cellphone, some users of Ford's Sync system can also have their text messages, interpreted and read back to them by the system. With the Sync system, a driver can receive and even send back text messages via voice (albeit a short list of canned messages). Ford and Microsoft use the MAP protocol with SMS messaging. Some Android based phones and some Blackberry phones can send and receive text messages through the Sync system. This allows drivers to stay more focused on the road. Currently Apple engineers are not complying with this protocol and so Apple iPhone users cannot use the text-to-voice functions (unless they are using the new iPhone 4s with Siri). Siri, a voice-operated assistant, can be accessed through Sync and she will find and read text messages and play tehm back through the vehicle's sound system.
As more vehicle manufacturers expand the Bluetooth capabilities of their vehicles, then more and more drivers will have the opportunity to avoid using their handheld cellphones while driving. Hopefully this ban will reduce the number of fatalities from distracted drivers.
In fact, the automotive insurance industry is already listing ten safety features they think all new car buyers should be looking for in their next vehicle. The list includes:
Intelligent Cruise Control - This helps your vehicle maintain a safe distance from cars ahead of it.
Lane Drifting Warning - This helps drivers who have inadvertently drifted out of their lane and could be going into another lane or going off the road. The constant monitoring keeps drivers on their toes.
Tire Pressure Monitoring - This is now required by the NHTSA on all vehicles built since 2008. Helps alert drivers if a tire is over- or under-inflated.
Rear View Cameras - When the car's transmission is placed in reverse it automatically displays a view on a monitor to let the driver see what's behind them.
Blind Spot Detection - Sensors at the rear of the vehicle alert the driver so they can safely make lane changes.
Adaptive Headlights - These do more than ordinary headlights to make it easier for drivers to see what's ahead or around the corner.
Intelligent Airbag Sensors - Using spontaneous sensors, the vehicle determine which airbags need to be fired and at what speed to keep drivers safe in a collision.
Emergency Response Systems - In addition to calling 911 for assistance, this system shuts of the fuel delivery system, disconnects the battery from the alternator, turns on interior lights and unlocks the doors.
Rollover Prevention - Complicated sensors detect a rollover in progress and fire off appropriate airbags and other defenses to keep occupants safe.
Night Vision Assistance - Vehicle equipped with this have infrared sensors that can look further ahead on the road to detect people or animals that might be difficult to see.
So safe driving can be enhanced with increased driver awareness, safer roads, tougher traffic laws and vehicles built with better technology.

Why Not Record Your TrackDay Footage With an Onboard Camera?

Track Day enthusiasts are always keen to demonstrate their skills out on the track. But now with the use of an onboard camera system they can take their footage home to show to their family and friends. What's more with the crystal clear images and video captured by Full 1080P HD onboard camera systems it can seem as if you were there live when watching the footage.
Just imagine showing everyone your legendary laps and awesome driving skills. You can playback overtakes and show how fast you were travelling through specific sections of the track. Or show other drivers and racers changes to track layouts and the race conditions you were driving in.
At some circuits you can pay to take home a recording of yourself. The price of this service can vary greatly and in most circumstances it is best to purchase your own onboard camera system. This means that you can record all of your track days!
At some of the larger circuits you are required to sign a disclaimer, which states that the footage is for private use only. This prohibits you from uploading the images to the web. At these tracks race officials may also ask to look at the camera and will ensure that it is mounted securely and safely. However, at most tracks they are happy for people to use onboard cameras but may still check to ensure that the mounting of the camera is secure.
There are many benefits to using an onboard camera when at a track days. You can:

• Show the footage to family and friends
• Share the video with other drivers / racers
• Improve your driving skills by analysing where you lost time
• Treasure your memories of the day forever
• Learn tracks quicker and have a visual guide if you race there again

There are a variety of onboard camera systems available online and it is important to first set yourself a budget. Although most systems are now very reasonably priced. Before buying it is also important to work out what type of system will suit your requirements.
Good things to work out are:

• How will I mount the camera?
• What recording time do I need?
• Do I want to see myself as well as the road ahead?
• Is the size of the system important?
• How will I playback the recorded footage?

So there you have it! There really are many benefits to using an onboard camera system to enhance the enjoyment and experience of your track days!

Vehicle Technology Is Racing Towards the Information Superhighway!

More than five years ago, one of the U.S. domestic automakers introduced a plan to bring Bluetooth-driven technology to the forefront of their vehicles. Since then almost all auto manufacturers are racing to introduce new vehicle technologies as fast as they can. Many consumers embrace the new technologies, while a sizable number have raised the question - has it gone too far?
In early 2011, Consumer Reports, a widely read consumer magazine, actually gave a negative review of then new Ford 2011 Edge equipped with the new MyFord Touch technology. Their editorial staff claimed the vehicle's technology was not "user-friendly." They felt automakers were forcing technology down the throats of consumers.
On the other side of the technology coin, cell phone companies have been competing for the consumer to adopt smartphone technology. There's an App for this and an App for that, and it was inevitable that the demand for smartphone technologies would affect the sale of automobiles.
Today, almost everyone uses a cellphone. It's hard to find anyone who uses a cellphone just to "talk." Most are checking e-mail, sending texts, listening to music, and playing videos or games.
In the last century the ultimate goal for a teenager was to get a driver's license and a car of their own. Today's pre-teens want an unlimited talk and data plan and a smartphone!
It's to the point now, that consumers base their car-buying decision on the technology in the vehicle! In other words... "I don't want the car if I can't Bluetooth stream my music!"
Ford Motor Company was on the forefront with its SYNC hands-free communications system that it introduced in 2007. This system uses voice commands and steering wheel mounted controls to make it easy for a driver to keep their concentration on the road while making and receiving phone calls.
When it comes to technology, all manufacturers have something... GM has IntelliLink, Dodge and Chrysler have UConnect, Kia has its Uvo, Toyota has its BLU technology and the list goes on and on. The goal of automakers is to create hands-free technology to make and receive calls with Bluetooth enabled phones. However, that was just the start.
Ford's system evolved into the MyFord Touch system, first introduced on the 2011 Edge and Explorer models. These systems have an on-board computer similar to a laptop and they receive voice commands to control phone calls, text messaging, selecting audio entertainment, adjusting climate control and helping find destinations.
The challenge for Ford was to create a system that worked with a multitude of phones, cell phone companies, different cell phone software systems, not to mention customers who spoke with a lisp or could not be understood by the system computer.
Ford engineers, along with help from the system developers at Microsoft, are currently beta-testing a new operating system. This editor has used the beta-test and found it to be much improved. It's easier to read, faster to navigate through its screens and it seems the computer can understand voice commands a little better. Within a few months Ford will roll out its new operating software for existing customers to "update" their system and Ford's new vehicles will be based on this new software system.
The history of the automobile is kind of strange isn't it? It's one thing to see the evolution of mechanical technologies such as engines, transmissions, and brakes. It's a surprise to see auto manufacturers in the software and computer business. Next we'll be hearing TV commercials for a powerful, fast new vehicle, but instead of horsepower they'll be talking about computer megahertz speed! Or maybe, Dell Computers will start selling computers that seat seven and have awesome internet connections. Are vehicles being built for the highway or the information highway, or both?
Consumers don't really need to "kick the tires" on a new vehicle any more. They need to know what technology they can access in their vehicle. The internet has become a required tool for car shopping. Once they find a vehicle, then the customers have to learn how to use all of those features.
Car dealerships better start looking for car salesmen from the Geek Squad!

Top 4 Car Accessories for the Technophile

I love my technical gadgets, there is almost nothing I own, I do not think, could be improved by fitting it with Bluetooth and synchronising it with my mobile. As I spend a lot of time in my car this is one area I want kitted out with the latest car accessories to connect my world.
Bluetooth Radio
I carry all my music on my phone so I don't have very many CD's, which make playing music in the car awkward. I like that every time I get into my car my phone automatically connects to the radio and starts playing music. It is just one little thing that makes things a little bit easier. This also has the benefit of acting like a hands free kit. So I do not need to put a Bluetooth headset in everything I get in the car just in case I get a call. For me this is my favourite car accessory as it makes things simple.
Sat-nav
This must be something most people have by now and I for one would be (literally) lost without it. I have a standalone sat nav as well as the one on my phone which I find much easier than looking over maps. After a few pokes and pinches I have usually found my route whereas if I were using my none GPS fitted map I would be still struggling to find out where I was never mind were I need to be.
Parking Sensors
Most new cars now come with parking sensors but if your car does not have them you can also add these yourself. I got sick of parking up only to realise the gap I thought was tiny was almost big enough for another car, or even worse being stopped suddenly by a crunch. I found that parking sensors drastically improved my parking, and make the process a lot quicker. Of all the car accessories I have mentioned this is perhaps the most difficult to fit, but you can usually fit these yourself with a bit of know how.
USB charger
With all this in-car tech it can be difficult keeping it all going. As much as I love my sat nav over my map, my map will never run out of batteries. So I always have a universal charger on hand in my car. This way I have got a cable for whenever one of my car accessories needs some extra power. If you take a look around you will find you can get individual ports as well as plugs with multiple USB ports.
These are just my top four; there are a plethora of gadgets out there to fill almost any problem you can think of. So start thinking about how some new car accessories could make you car a better place to be.

Car Speakers And Subwoofers

Look At The Features Of Car Speakers
The car speakers and your car audio system should match with each other. Do a thorough research and make a careful choice. To get a powerful and rich sound the speakers should be of the right type. Before you make a choice of speakers, you will have to find out the sensitivity and the power that you require.
Power Handling
The power handling capacity of speakers is measured in watts and makes a determination of the power that can be handles by your speakers. A system that is low in power does not require car speakers that are high powered, but an audio system that is high powered requires speakers that can deal with the output that is powerful.
Sensitivity Rating
An indication of the amount of sound that will be coming out of your speakers on its receiving a signal is determined by its sensitivity rating. In case you are making use of a standard head unit, you will require speakers that have greater sensitivity when compared with building a custom system made up of multiple amplifiers. After you have determined the power requirements of the speakers, make a decision on the type of speakers that you will require.
Full-Range Car Speakers
The complete range of music from the low frequency bass sound to the high frequency treble is accurately reproduced by full-range speakers.
Component Car Speakers
Excellent sound quality is reproduced within a specific range by component speakers. Subwoofers reproduce low frequency notes and tweeters reproduce high frequency notes. The sound quality of your speakers will also be affected by the materials that they are constructed with. A warm sound is reproduced by tweeters made from soft material, but the sound will pop if the material is hard.
Select Car Subwoofers
When you purchase a car subwoofer, there are four factors that you have to take into consideration: system power, subwoofer enclosure, available space and crossovers.
Subwoofer Space
To find out the space available for your car subwoofer, make out a map to the audio system of your car. You will want to ensure that the subwoofer that you desire will fit the space available in your car.
Subwoofer Enclosure
The enclosure of a car subwoofer will help in the defining of it sound output. Some subwoofers come as enclosed subwoofer systems, that is to say, the subwoofer is fitted into an enclosure and is sold as a complete package. A few enclosures are retailed separately, so it is possible for you to are free to select the kind of subwoofer you would want for the enclosure that you have in mind. For those who enjoy doing things themselves, you can miss out on the enclosure completely and construct one yourself.
Crossovers
Crossovers are used to filter out high frequency notes. Get yourself a subwoofer fitted with a low-pass filter so that it reproduces only low frequency bass notes. Nearly all amps come with low-pass filters built into them, but in case you are using a multi-amplifier system, you may require an additional one.
System Power
Ensure that the audio system in your car has sufficient power to power your subwoofer. Many car subwoofers require an amplifier, so keep in mind the power requirements when you are purchasing your amplifier and your subwoofer.
Installing Car Speakers And Car Subwoofers
The procedure for the installation of car speakers differs from vehicle to vehicle. If you are replacing your old speakers with new ones all you have to do is to take out the old car speakers and screw in the new speakers. However, the speakers' depth have to be taken into consideration to see that they fit into your car. To discover whether the speakers will fit into your car, make use of the "Check Product Fit" feature available on eBay. Go to the page "View Item" and scroll down to the "Description" region, then click the link "Check whether these speakers will fit your car". Furnish the required details in the fields provided to check whether the item that you have chosen is compatible with your vehicle or car. You may sometimes require mounting brackets for car speakers (they can be bought for nearly all speakers), or in the worst case, you may have to do some drilling and some minor cutting.
Installing In-Dash Car Speakers
For installing car speaker in the dashboard, unscrew and remove the car speaker grills that are already there. If there are no screws present, then the existing speakers are probably of the friction fitting type. Pry them out carefully from the dashboard with a broad, flat tool. In case the grills do not come out easily, then they may have been screwed in from the base.
While removing the old speakers in your car make a note of the positive and negative terminals. Connect the wires to the new speakers and if necessary tuck slightly the connectors to see that you get a secure and solid connection.
Installing Car Speakers In The Doors
For installing car speakers in the doors, remove the grill for the speaker with a broad, flat tool. Unscrew the old speakers and be careful with the existing wiring since most probably you will require them for the new speakers. Most always, you can simply place the new speakers into the existing space, rewire them and screw them down. Sometimes you may have to remove the door panel for installing the speakers. This process differs according to the model and make. As such, you will have to consult the instructions provided in the owner's manual.
Discover Car Subwoofers And Car Speakers On eBay
Once you have come to a decision on the kind of car speakers and car subwoofer that you intend to purchase visit the "Consumer Electronics" portal on eBay and then click on either the "Car Speakers & Speaker Systems" or the "Car Subwoofers & Enclosures" button underneath the "Car Electronics" link. You can them start your search on eBay for either your car speakers or your car subwoofer.

• Categories: You can narrow down your search for listings by type of item by using the Categories list on the left hand side of the page.


• Product Finder: You will find on either the "Car Speakers Finder" or the "Car Subwoofer Finder" link page a drop down menu. You can use this drop down menu to narrow down your search of item listings by brand, size and type.


• Keyword Search: You can search eBay for any specific item that you require by the use of specific keywords. For instance, in case you want to find a 60-watt speakers on eBay, key in the words "60 watt speakers" (no quotes) into the box provided for searching. Click on the "Search title and description" button to expand your results. A visit to the "Search Tips" page on eBay will give you more guidance on the art of searching eBay using keywords.

In case you are not able to locate precisely the product that you desire, you can try shopping on "eBay Stores". You can also create a posting on eBay's "Want It Now" page or the "Save a search" on My eBay page and you will be informed by email when a matching item becomes available.