When to Replace Your Tires | Consumer Reports

The lifespan of a tire can range anywhere from 25,000 miles to 100,000 miles. The experts at CR show you how to check your tires so you’ll know exactly when to replace them.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents?

What are the most common causes of auto accidents? Safety experts agree that the number-one cause of accidents is human error.

Almost all crashes can be prevented by more careful behavior and responsible conduct and driving habits. In more recent years, this is commonly known as "Distracted Driving" and it takes on many different forms.

The most common mistakes drivers make include drinking and driving; speeding; drag racing other vehicles; driving while fatigued; and distractions involving applying make-up, talking, singing, passenger misconduct or immaturity, eating or drinking, texting, browsing social media sites or other activities involving smart phones. But in many cases, simply not paying attention and being mentally distracted by personal matters can cause drivers to drift out of the lane, run red lights and stop signs or break other basic traffic rules.

These "Distractions" and many others have caused many, many terrible, needless and life-changing accidents that were otherwise avoidable or preventable.

Happy Thanksgiving

Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot. 

-Hausa Proverb

Forces and Motion – Collisions

A collision occurs when an object hits another object. A collision can occur between two objects in motion, or by an object in motion and an object at rest. During a collision, kinetic energy is transferred between the colliding objects. A collision occurs when a tennis player hits a tennis ball. Kinetic energy is transferred from the player’s moving tennis racket to the ball, causing it to move. The more kinetic energy that is transferred, the faster and farther the tennis ball will move. During a collision, the faster an object is moving, the greater the energy transfer and the greater the impact on the other object. We can see this by looking at car accidents. If the cars are traveling slowly at the time they collide, there may be little damage to the cars. If the cars are traveling faster, there is a much more observable impact. There is likely to be more damage to the cars. The observable impact of a collision reflects how much energy was transferred between objects and relates to the amount of energy of the moving object. At the start of a game of billiards, a player uses a large force to hit one ball into the other balls. The ball gains kinetic energy from the billiard cue and moves down the table. As it hits the other balls, a loud sound is made. Kinetic energy is transferred to the other balls as they scatter all over the table. When a player uses a smaller force, less kinetic energy is transferred. The balls produce a softer sound when they collide and move more slowly. Motion is the process of changing position. When something is moving it is in motion. An object that is in motion has kinetic energy. We can describe motion by measuring its speed and direction. Speed is the time it takes an object to cover a certain distance. The faster an object covers a distance, the greater its speed. Direction is which way an object is moving. The greater the speed of an object, the more energy it has. Forces can also affect the motion and energy of an object. Larger forces will cause objects to move faster and have more energy than smaller forces. All forms of energy can be described as either stored energy or moving energy. The stored energy in an object is called potential energy. Food has potential energy. The energy is transformed into other forms when we eat the food and use the energy to move about, keep warm and stay healthy. Potential energy is also related to the shape and position of an object. If you hold a ball above your head, the ball has potential energy due to its position. If you drop the ball, the potential energy is transformed into moving energy. When potential energy is released, it is converted into kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its movement. All moving objects, from the tiny particles that make up our air to an airplane flying in the sky, have kinetic energy. The amount of kinetic energy in an object depends on how fast it is moving. The faster an object moves, the greater its kinetic energy.

Next Generation Science

The world's first public two-car electric crash test by Mercedes-Benz

Demonstrating safety in an unprecedented crash test: Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first automaker to publicly conduct a frontal offset crash of two electric vehicles that simulates a real-life accident scenario common on rural roads. Take a look behind the scenes of this extraordinary undertaking that not only confirms occupant protection in the EQA and EQS SUV but also illustrates the aspirations of our real-life safety philosophy: To build cars that can withstand not only crash test scenarios, but also real-life accidents. After all, safety is not a question of drive system, but one of our core commitments to all road users we’ve taken on. [Mercedes-Benz EQA 300 4MATIC | WLTP: Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 18,7‒17,4 kWh/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km]* [Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | WLTP: Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 24,3‒19,9 kWh/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km]* Subscribe to the channel so you get notified for new exciting videos here: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c... ► Experience the world of Mercedes-Benz: http://benz.me/international  

Mercedes-Benz

1.82M subscribers

Which Age Group Causes The Most Car Accidents?

According to statistics collected over the last decade, two age groups cause the most car accidents: teen drivers and the elderly. There are a number of reasons for these statistics, but the reality is that car accidents are a part of everyday life, and that even though someone might be a member of these demographic groups it does not automatically mean that they are going to be in a crash. 

  Teen drivers Driving represents a lot of things to teens. Freedom, empowerment for the first time in their lives and status as drivers makes putting teens behind the wheel a dangerous prospect. Teen drivers cause car accidents because they are full of youthful exuberance, and they lack the experience of more seasoned drivers, and they are prone to taking risks because they feel they are invincible. Furthermore, teen drivers also drive cars that are not the safest on the road, such as smaller vehicles that have more blind spots, or do not have the safety and accident avoidance features that many other cars have. Also, teens engage in riskier behaviors, such as racing, drinking and driving, and overloading their cars with too many people, all of which can contribute to causing an accident. Unfortunately, the combination of inexperience and propensity for risk taking means that teen drivers are among the most dangerous, and the statistics bear this out. That's why insurance companies generally charge more for the policies of teen drivers, because the companies understand the risks of teens on the road and adjust their premiums accordingly. 

  Elderly drivers On the flip side of the accident-causing spectrum, elderly drivers are also an age group that causes the many car accidents. Though they may have decades of driving experience, safe cars and a risk-avoidance mentality, these very factors can actually contribute to causing accidents. Throw in diminished reaction times, failing vision and hearing, and a sense of entitlement and elderly drivers can be just as dangerous as the newly-minted 16 year old out on the road for the first time. As the body ages, the mind and reflexes slow down. Hand-eye coordination decreases significantly, and it is a lot harder for older people to respond rapidly to conditions on the road or other drivers in dangerous situations. Then accidents occur. Older drivers tend to think of themselves as perfectly safe drivers, obeying the rules of the road while the world around them takes dangerous risks. While this is partially true, elderly drivers make can make judgment errors about the flow of traffic and distances between vehicles much easier than younger drivers. If this happens and there is no way to fix this incorrect perception of reality, older drivers can make assumptions that cause accidents. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of everyone on the road to be as safe a driver as they possibly can. Young drivers need to learn that they are not invincible, and older drivers need to realize that their skills and perception have likely decreased over time, and need to make adjustments to accommodate. Article 

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4339406

CRASH TEST Pickup Trucks – Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, RAM 1500, Nissan Titan

The majority of pickups recently put through the passenger-side small overlap front test struggled to maintain their structure, but two trucks — the 2019-2020 Ford F-150 and the 2019-2020 Nissan Titan — earn a good rating. ► These results are valid only for models sold in the USA

✅ Source: IIHS

New Crash Tests Show Modest Speed Increases Can Have Deadly Consequences - IIHS News

Drivers want to save time, and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow, but at what cost? With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.

Small speed increases can have huge effects on crash outcomes, as shown in new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The safety organizations conducted crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). They found the slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.

WINTERIZING YOUR WORK TRUCK

Winter weather can wreak havoc on work trucks if they are not properly prepared to handle the conditions. Sub-zero temperatures, substantial snowfall, and icy roads are normal operating environments for many throughout the winter months. Regardless of the weather, the work must go on. 

Use this checklist to help you prepare your work truck for the winter season.

---

ANTIFREEZE

A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is typically fine for three months out of the year (spring, summer, fall) for most. Come winter, many need to consider a higher concentrated mix of antifreeze to water. The lower the temperate, the more concentrated it should be. Always check temperature ratings on the container of the antifreeze and never exceed a 70/30 antifreeze to water concentration.

BATTERY

Batteries are put through the greatest operating strain during consistent cold temperatures. Due to this, batteries tend to fail more often in winter months potentially leaving you stranded. Regularly check battery cables to ensure they are securely connected and clean any corrosion from the terminals. To prevent battery failure during winter, perform a voltage test during the fall. If the battery reads at the lower end of acceptable voltage, be preventative and replace it.

TIRES

Snowy and icy roads can be difficult to safely navigate. Tires that are worn or improperly inflated can compound this safety issue and increase the risk of an accident. Ensure your tires have ample tread, 4/32″ or more. Cold temperatures can also lower tire pressure, so regularly read your tire pressure to avoid under-inflation. If your area receives heavy snowfall and ice, consider investing in tire chains to increase traction.

WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID

Windshield washer fluid is often overlooked during the winterizing process. Since you utilize your windshield washer fluid much more often in winter, you need to ensure the fluid is rated to withstand the temperatures in your area. Many times, the fluid freezes and the issue is not discovered until your windshield needs cleaned while you are driving down the road with drastically reduced visibility, an accident waiting to happen.

ENGINE OIL

Much like antifreeze, most common engine oils perform great during the spring, summer and fall. As cold temperature descend during winter, your standard 15W or 10W oil struggles to properly flow. As fall arrives, plan on switching out your normal engine oil with 5W (or even 0W oil for extremely cold conditions) to ensure your engine receives the proper lubrication throughout the winter.

ENGINE/OIL HEATERS

When you park your work truck overnight and the temperatures drop, your engine and oil temperature do too. Many work trucks operating in Northern climates have block or oil pan heaters installed, either as a factory option or add-on accessory. Be sure to plug in these components overnight during cold temperatures to ensure your engine has an easier time starting in the morning.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

Four wheel drive is a necessity in regions that receive heavy snowfall. Getting stuck on a jobsite can present a safety concern and decreases productivity. Before your next snow, test your four wheel drive system to ensure the differentials, hubs, bearings and other components are in top working condition.

PAINT & FINISH

Today’s work trucks receive top-notch corrosion protection with the paint and undercoating. During winter, harmful salt and chemicals are deployed to the roads in attempt to melt snow and ice. These road treatments eventually find their way to your work truck, expediting the corrosion and rust process if not addressed. Regularly wash your work truck during winter months, including the undercarriage to prevent build-up of salt and chemicals.

COLD WEATHER KIT

A cold weather kit can be a lifesaver in the event that you get your work truck stuck and help cannot come immediately. In your cold weather kit you should pack a thermal blanket, flashlight with additional batteries, matches, bottled water, jumper cables or a jump box, windshield scraper and brush, tow straps or chains, and roadside flares.

Source: https://www.knapheide.com/blog/winterizing-your-work-truck

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - Wear your seatbelt - - Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts - - Safely secure children in car seats - SAFE STEPS Road Safety is a pan-Asian public service initiatives aimed to raise awareness and provide clear and simple life-saving educational messages on road safety. Acclaimed actress and producer, Michelle Yeoh is the SAFE STEPS Road Safety Ambassador. This programme is created and developed by Prudence Foundation, in partnership with National Geographic Channel and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). All SAFE STEPS Road Safety tips have been approved by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). For more information please visit: www.safesteps.com