NASA finds water found on the moon Nov 14, 2009
Awarded 5-star frontal- and side-impact crash ratings by NHTSA.. Play this Thrilling Interactive Examination of the Unexplained. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
My random acts of kindness versus talk-radio-type rudeness Nov 14, 2009
Awarded 5-star frontal- and side-impact crash ratings by NHTSA.. Affordable Medical Testing Solutions. (Yahoo News)
Survivor says fatal Ore. van crash like 'dream' Nov 14, 2009
Last May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a summer travel season warning saying that research shows 15-passenger vans have a much higher rollover risk than other passenger vehicles, especially when fully loaded. A few rules are needed to help foster a feeling of community. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Tech.view: Computer-aided crash? Nov 14, 2009
Last week, however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for issuing inaccurate and misleading statements that asserted no underlying defect existed in the 3. 8m vehicles being recalled. (The Economist)
Click It or Ticket enforcement launched in Arlington beginning Nov. 12 Nov 13, 2009
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 64 percent of the passenger vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts during 2008 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash nine percent higher than the national average. While those may sound like just statistics, those of us at the Arlington Police know from personal experience that those numbers are the actual faces of mothers, fathers,... (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Hybrid cars hit pedestrians and bikers more often Nov 12, 2009
The NHTSA report was actually done about a month ago, but didn't come to light until it was ... NHTSA looked at state-level crash files to compare crash rates on these two types of vehicles. (USA Today -- Money)
Ford's inflate-a-belt Nov 11, 2009
That comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the US, which compares to 82 percent usage by front seat passengers, according to US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Ford vice president for engineering and global product development Paul Mascarenas in a statement said: "Ford is pioneering inflatable seat belt technology to help enhance crash safety protection, while encouraging more people to buckle up with a more comfortable belt.". (iAfrica.com)
Bloomington starting patrols to target drunken driving Nov 10, 2009
The patrols are funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Posted in on Monday, November 9, 2009 10:25 pm. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Runaway Toyota cases ignored Nov 10, 2009
Someone should be investigating why NHTSA is reluctant to open inquiry ... NHTSA officials used the exclusions as part of their rationale to close at least five of the investigations without finding any defect, because -- with fewer incidents to consider -- the agency concluded there were not enough reported problems to warrant further inquiry ... In a written statement, the NHTSA said its records show that a total of 15 people died in crashes related to possible sudden acceleration in Toyota... (FOX61, CT)
Breakdown of cash-for-clunker swaps; see charts Nov 9, 2009
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ... Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (USA Today -- Autos)
Ford unveils air bag seat belts Nov 9, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 83 percent of front-seat passengers buckled up consistently in 2008, vs. 74 percent of rear-seat passengers. The belts first will be an option on the next-generation Ford Explorer in the U.S., then rolled out in Europe and other markets, Cischke says. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Toyota Sued by U.S. Consumers Over 2,000 Complaints of Sudden Acceleration Nov 8, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Oct. 30 declined a request to investigate Lexus ES models for possible flaws related to vehicle electronics that may also cause unintended acceleration. The plaintiffs in the California lawsuit claim that unintended acceleration episodes are linked to an electronic throttle control system called ETCS-i in these vehicles. (Bloomberg -- US)
Toyota is rebuked on mats Nov 7, 2009
In an unusual reprimand, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the worlds largest automaker incorrectly asserted Monday that the government considered ill-fitting floor mats were the sole cause of the incidents. The agency called Toyotas claim inaccurate and misleading, noting yesterday that the government continues to investigate the underlying cause of such incidents, including the recent crash in Santee that killed a California Highway Patrol officer and his... (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Cars near auto pilot mode Nov 7, 2009
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 2. 35 million people were injured in car accidents last year in the United States. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Recalled school-bus parts used for 8 years Nov 6, 2009
It has taken that long for officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to track down the company responsible for the recalls and force it to fix the problems, which are found in smaller buses around the country often used to transport disabled children. The federal recall process can be lengthy, but this delay is especially troubling because the safety problems seem so clear and the recalls took so long, experts in traffic safety said. (AZCentral -- News)
'Clunkers' Saw Many Pickups Traded for Many Pickups Nov 6, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still reviewing the reports, and any dealers that submitted invalid trade-ins will be directed to return the government rebate, spokesman Eric Bolton said Wednesday. The new data, obtained by the AP under the Freedom of Information Act, include details of 677,081 clunker trade-ins processed by the government through Oct. 16. (Fox News)
Toyota Acceleration Nov 6, 2009
"This matter is not closed," said a statement issued by the Department of Transportation and the (NHTSA) ... Federal inspectors said they were unable to find any computer or electronic defect in six separate investigations since 2003, but added it "does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.". (ABC News -- Business)
Wis. Assembly delays action on drunken driving Nov 6, 2009
Last year, about 41 percent of Wisconsin's traffic deaths were alcohol-related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, higher than the national average of 37 percent. Last year 208 people died in Wisconsin in crashes involving a driver with a blood-alcohol content of at least. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Green your car from top to tires Nov 5, 2009
Newspaper online, Chronicle Newspapers, The Chronicle, The Fairfax Chronicle, The South County Chronicle, The North County Chronicle, Virginia, Lorton, Mason Neck, Fairfax Station, South Springfield, Clifton, Newington. An Independent Newspaper. (South County Chronicle, VA)
Clunkers traded for tiny gas boost Nov 5, 2009
SOURCE: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Search for Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles from local dealers. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
Mazda RX-8 only vehicle with 5-star rollover risk rating - Jun. 7, 2004 Nov 5, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranked 33 cars and light trucks from the 2004 model year on their chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle accident. Light trucks include sport/utility vehicles, pickups and minivans. (Yahoo News -- Highway Safety)
'Clunker' Data Show Pickup-for-Pickup Trades Nov 5, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still reviewing the reports, and any dealers that submitted invalid trade-ins will be directed to return the government rebate, spokesman Eric Bolton said. 1. (ABC News -- Wire)
Feds say Toyota misled public on recall review Nov 5, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it is still investigating the case and meeting with Toyota to hear about the company's plan to redesign the vehicles and fix "this very dangerous problem.". Toyota recalled 3. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Owners of Toyota Cars in Rebellion Over Series of Accidents Caused by Sudden Acceleration Nov 4, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has done six separate investigations of such acceleration surges in Toyotas since 2003 and found no defect in Toyota's electronics. The U.S. Department of Transportation released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying the matter "is not closed.". (ABC News)
In Defense of Jaywalking Nov 3, 2009
(Many of these are drunk people; as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes, "about 25 percent of fatally injured pedestrians have a BAC greater than .20"). And, conversely, there are also careful jaywalkers, like myself, who frankly find the notion of waiting for a signal when no cars are in sight to be faintly ridiculous and anti-urban. (Slate)
Toyotas' floor mats at fault in report Nov 3, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration completed its report Thursday and released the findings yesterday. It coincided with floor mat recall letters which Toyota began sending Friday to owners of certain Lexus and Toyota models. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Somerville-based Herb Chambers helps spread awareness of drowsy driving dangers Nov 3, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there are an estimated 100,000 police-reported crashes as the direct result of driver fatigue each year, resulting in more than 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12. 5 billion in monetary losses. (Somerville Journal, MA)
Toyota discloses US findings on floor mats Nov 3, 2009
It said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reviewed allegations of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles six times, clearing the automaker each time. "The question of unintended acceleration involving Toyota and Lexus vehicles has been repeatedly and thoroughly investigated by NHTSA, without any finding of defect other than the risk from an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat," said Bob Daly, senior vice president for Toyota Motor Sales USA, in a statement. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Don't drive drowsy (3) Nov 3, 2009
Published: Monday, November 2, 2009 2:15 AM EST According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, at least 100,000 drowsy drivers cause an accident each year; 1,550 of them fatal. Most of these accidents involve a single vehicle leaving the roadway, most accidents occur during the late night, early morning or mid-afternoon and in most accidents, the driver, who is alone in the vehicle, does not attempt to avoid a crash, according to a paper put out by the administration along with... (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Family says man's sentence not long enough for Modesto car-chase deaths Nov 3, 2009
About 300 people are killed each year in the United States in police chase accidents, and nearly a third are innocent victims, according to a study by Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center of Seattle, which evaluated National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports from 1994 to 2002. According to Stanislaus County sheriff's deputies. (Modesto Bee, CA)
More Women Driving Drunk Nov 3, 2009
"The latest data from NHTSA does show a rise in female drivers driving under the influence of alcohol," said Trooper Chelita Rojas with the Nevada Highway Patrol. A more recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration dealing with gender says Nevada is one of several states across the country to have seen an increase. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Fire-risk recalled Ford explodes in McMinnville Oct 31, 2009
The faulty switch can leak hydraulic fluid, overheat, smoke and then burn according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Ford is sending out a team to examine the burned out vehicle and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also investigating following a phone call to the agency. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Police out in force on Halloween Oct 31, 2009
The state cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data that showed 58 percent of all highway fatalities last Halloween involved a drunk driver. Most commented. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
U.S. Declines Investigation on Lexus Car Acceleration After Recall of Mats Oct 31, 2009
Except insofar as the petitioners contentions relate to that recall, the factual bases of the petitioners contentions that any further investigation is necessary are unsupported, NHTSA said in the ... Toyota found the drivers side floor-mat equipment in Pepskis vehicle wasnt properly secured, according to the NHTSA notice ... This was the fifth time NHTSA has rejected similar requests to investigate Toyota models for a defect related to unintended acceleration, said , a... (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Forbes: Atlanta 23rd safest city Oct 31, 2009
They looked at 2008 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics; traffic death rates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and natural disaster risk. They also looked at murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault from the FBI's 2008 uniform crime report. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Toyota recall update: Lose-the-floor-mat letters go out Friday Oct 31, 2009
Photo of slipped matand jammed gas pedal of Lexus ES 350 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tags. (USA Today -- Money)
(ATTN: National, Financial editors) Oct 30, 2009
A Los Angeles Times review of NHTSA documents in a past investigation of Lexus vehicles showed the agency had found that the Lexus ES braking system loses power-assist when the throttle is fully opened, increasing braking distance fivefold. The new NHTSA report also indicated that the Lexus' accelerator pedal design may have contributed to the risk of floor mat entrapment ... NHTSA investigators also noted that instructions for operating the car's keyless ignition, which requires that the power... (Courier-Journal -- Business)
Government cites Toyota's push-button start button as factor in deadly crash Oct 29, 2009
"In place of the key is a software push button that delays engine shutdown for three seconds once depressed. This instruction is not indicated on the dashboard," the Sept. 28 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that was just releasedfinds. Toyota was warned about the lack of instruction for its push button starts in another NHTSA report last year that led to a recall of ES 350s. (USA Today -- Money)
Phoenix ranks as 14th-safest city Oct 28, 2009
Statistics included 2008 workplace-death rates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics; 2008 traffic death rates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and natural-disaster risk, using rankings from green living site. Also considered was the FBI's violent-crime rate from the bureau's 2008 uniform crime report. (AZCentral -- News)
Steep climbs, creaky trestles, cliff-hugging curves Oct 27, 2009
Its a small fraction of the number of airplane deaths (502 worldwide, per the International Air Transport Association) and motor-vehicle fatalities (37,313, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates). So the only real fear you should have when boarding a train is of being seated next to an overly chatty fellow traveler. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Seniors should be aware age affects driving skills Oct 26, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) says 30 million, or 15 percent, of licensed drivers in 2006 were 65 and older. And in 2007, 5,932 people 65 and older were killed in traffic accidents. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Getting drunks off the road: Rulings put spotlight on DUI procedure Oct 25, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there s no significant impact on a person s ability to operate a vehicle until they get to 0. 10, he said. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
10/23/2009, 9:29pm Road costs, road safety Oct 24, 2009
Thats a conclusion you could reach in the wake of a report issued late by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicating that some bad news may be playing a factor in some good news. The bureau reported that fatalities due to traffic accidents between January and June of this year declined by 7 percent from the same period in 2008. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Snowe's Public Option Trigger Won't Work Oct 24, 2009
At the appropriate time, as kept accurate by the socialist National Institute of Standards and Technology and the US Naval Observatory, I got into my socialist National Highway Traffic Safety Administration approved automobile and set out to work on the socialist roads build by the socialist local, state, and federal departments of transportation, potentially stopping to purchase additional fuel of a quality level determined by the socialist Environmental Protection Agency, using socialist legal... (CBS News)
BPD DUI Checkpoints Set For Weekend Oct 23, 2009
Funding for this program was provided by a grant for the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. (KERO 23, CA)
More cars getting advanced safety systems Oct 22, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering issuing rules to mandate the future use of advanced safety features. The technology ranges from expensive radar systems, which can add more than $1,000 to the cost of a vehicle, to camera systems that cost about half as much. (AZCentral -- Business)
Motorcycle Fatalities Dip Statewide Oct 22, 2009
From January through June, 198 people were killed in motorcycle-related crashes, compared to 264 for the same period in 2008, according to preliminary figures supplied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. After seeing increases averaging 10 percent per year since the low point of 204 fatalities in 1998, this signals a decline of 25 percent, the state reported. (KSBW 8, CA)
High-speed chase ends when OnStar halts stolen SUV Oct 21, 2009
Police chases often end in death, many times for the people in the pursued vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Last year, 334 people were killed nationwide in crashes that stemmed from police pursuits, including five police officers, 235 people in the chased vehicles and 77 who were in cars or trucks not involved in the chases. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
GMA: Do Kids Really Need Car Seats? Oct 21, 2009
The NHTSA says car seats reduce fatalities by 54 percent. But it draws the comparison with children sitting in cars unrestrained and not using a seat belt. (ABC News)
Carmakers back more fuel economy, but seek flexibility Oct 21, 2009
But it also plans to press the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure the rules retain flexibility that lets makers be creative in reaching the goals. The new fuel-economy standards will start to phase in by 2012 and raise the required industry average, now 27. (USA Today -- Autos)
Road safety campaigns reflect diversity in the U.S. Oct 20, 2009
Minorities are disproportionately killed in traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Native American and Hispanic drivers die disproportionately in alcohol-related crashes. (USA Today)
School bus manufacturer to recall small buses Oct 20, 2009
Rae Tyson, a spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said Transportation Collaborative Inc. of Warwick, N.Y., would recall 5,925 school buses stemming from 15 separate recalls that date back to 2001. The recalls were issued nationwide for school buses built by U.S. Bus Corp. of Suffern, N.Y., from 2001 to 2007 to address seat back and restraining barriers that failed to meet minimum strength requirements and other potential safety problems. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Ford Adds 4.5M Vehicles to Recall Oct 20, 2009
In June 2008, NHTSA began its own probe of the problem ... NHTSA also identified four reports of leaking fluid damaging the antilock brake control module, resulting in a fire ... The company cited a 2006 NHTSA investigation that found multiple factors were to blame for fires. (KIRO TV, WA)
Drivers: Be especially aware during School Bus Safety Week Oct 20, 2009
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are seven times safer than passenger cars. Unfortunately, motorists illegally passing stopped school buses present an increased risk to students boarding and leaving the bus. (Danvers Herald, MA)
Handheld Cellphone Use by Drivers Up in Some Cities Oct 20, 2009
The study follows on a national distracted-driving summit by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which opened the debate on federal talking-and-driving laws being proposed. That summit cited a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that found in preliminary data, a threefold rise in accidents when drivers were dialing a phone, and a measurable increase in risk when talking. (Fox News)
Mazda RX-8 only vehicle with 5-star rollover risk rating - Jun. 7, 2004 Oct 20, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranked 33 cars and light trucks from the 2004 model year on their chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle accident. Light trucks include sport/utility vehicles, pickups and minivans. (Yahoo News -- Highway Safety)
National teen driver safety week is here Oct 17, 2009
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the leading cause of fatalities among teens. So whether you are a family looking for guidance during the learning process a new driver goes through, a parent anxiously anticipating your new drivers experience, or a teen who is not familiar with the surprisingly high risks that teenagers face at the steering wheel, the Jackson County Chapter of the American Red Cross provides these tips for everyone involved. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
New Mexico drops out of DWI top 10 Oct 17, 2009
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, the state dropped to 11th in the nation for the number of DWI fatalities per 100,000 population. The figures represent a 21 percent reduction in drunk driving related fatalities in 2008. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Two extremes of automotive engineering Oct 16, 2009
The manufacturer and enthusiastic owners insist that the Smart cars are perfectly safe, pointing to high crash-test ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A reinforced steel skeleton surrounding the passenger pod can withstand huge impact without severe damage. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
3 Southern Co. workers killed in crash Oct 15, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in May again warned anyone traveling in a 15-passenger van to wear a seatbelt -- as those vans have a "much higher" risk of rolling over than other vehicles. The risk of rolling over increases "dramatically" if the number of people in the van goes from less than five to more than 10, a May research report from NHTSA said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Ford Adds 4.5M Vehicles to Massive Recall Oct 15, 2009
In June 2008, NHTSA began its own probe of the problem. 1. (ABC News -- Business)
Automaker Ford to recall 4.5 mln vehicles Oct 15, 2009
Ford told the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it will recall all of the 14. 1 million vehicles with the switches that are still on the road, although the company said it does not believe they pose a safety issue in 3. (Xinhuanet, China)
Dining while driving: There’s many a slip twixt cup and lip, but that doesn’t stop us Oct 14, 2009
A 2006 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration blamed inattentive driving for 80 percent of all car accidents and 65 percent of near-misses. Use of wireless devices accounted for 14. (Boston Globe)
State grants let police focus on bike, pedestrian laws Oct 11, 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identified pedestrians and bicyclists as special road users in need of safety consideration, he said. And Massachusetts has seen an upward trend over the past several years in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities: 85 last year, 81 in 2005. (Boston Globe)
Crossing to their own beat Oct 11, 2009
Last year, 13 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in Suffolk County, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, up from 10 the two previous years and 8 in 2005. The rate of pedestrian fatalities in Boston is low compared with other cities its size - a fact officials here attribute to the city s compact layout, which generally prohibits high-speed driving. (Boston Globe)
