In the continued pursuit to make our roadways as safe as possible, several automakers, like BMW, have been researching vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology which could become mandatory in the future.

A decision will come next year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in whether or not it will mandate the technology for future vehicles.

While the technology itself isn’t new, the concept of vehicle-to-vehicle communication is still in its infancy stages and hasn’t proven itself to be a reliable method to reduce accidents. But even in its young stage, it has already shown its potential in what it can do by allowing vehicles to communicate with one another in order to avoid collisions.

NHTSA is currently wrapping up a study to determine the merits of vehicle-to-vehicle communication and should reach a conclusion soon on whether or not they’ll mandate the technology for future vehicles by 2013. That is, a decision will be made by 2013 but we shouldn’t expect the technology to really be fully integrated for another decade. It’s also safe to assume any mandate they pass won’t go into effect anytime soon either.

What is remarkable though is that NHTSA believes about 80-percent of crashes could be avoided through any use of vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Calls for a recall of the 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee have been redoubled after the release of a new report documenting the growing list of fatalities associated with the SUV.

The report, published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has added 14 more deaths to the SUVs total, resulting from fires that occurred in rear end collisions. In total, the Jeep from that era has claimed 284 people in 198 accidents due to the vehicle catching fire, says the Center for Auto Safety (CAS).

Jeep Grand Cherokees are at an unusually high risk of catching fire during these types of crashes alleges the CAS, due to the gas tank being located behind the rear axle.

The Ford Pinto was made infamous for a similar design that resulted in fiery rear end collisions, and CAS points out in a letter to Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne that at the time of its recall the number of deaths associated with that car were relatively small, totaling 28.

The rather sensational letter asks Marchionne to act on this news and says, “Your predecessor as CEO of Chrysler once said that part of his decision to install airbags at Chrysler was the prospect of St Peter at the gates of heaven asking him about airbags in cars. Just as surely, St. Peter will ask you about fuel tanks in Jeep Grand Cherokees.”

In response Chrysler says that, “…rear impacts resulting in a fire are extremely rare. Rear impacts resulting in a fire occur no more often in 1993 – 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles than in peer vehicles, and the 1993 – 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles are at no greater risk of exposure to fire in rear-end collisions than peer vehicles. Accordingly, Chrysler Group has concluded that 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles are neither defective nor do their fuel systems pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in rear impact collisions.”

The 1993 to 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently under investigation by NHTSA but no recall has been issues.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

It’s officially winter and it’s also the holiday season – is your car ready for all those road trips?

Before heading out to visit family and friends long distance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you check your vehicle before heading out and to drive with extra caution this season. Here is a list to go over before you hit the roads and make merry with loved ones.

Routine Car Service:

• To ensure your car is running in tip-top condition, drop by your mechanic for a tune-up and routine maintenance.

Car Battery:

• Your car’s battery doesn’t like the cold. Battery power tends to drop when it gets colder, so be sure your battery is ready for the chilly months ahead.

• While you’re at the garage, check your battery for sufficient voltage, have the charging system and belts inspected and tighten the battery cable connections.

• If you drive an electric car with a gasoline backup system, make sure you’ve got a supply in the vehicle, in case you run out.

Cooling System:

• Make sure your coolant can stand up to cold winter temperatures and make sure you have enough at all times.

• Check the cooling system for leaks.

• Your coolant system should be flushed every couple of years. If it’s been awhile, now’s the time to do it.

Windshield Wipers and Defrosters:

• Fill up on high-quality, no-freeze fluid and keep an extra bottle in the car – you’ll go through plenty of it in the winter.

• Replace worn blades with heavy-duty winter wipers.

• Check that front and rear window defrosters are working properly.

Tires:

• Because tire pressure drops when it gets colder, check tire pressure frequently and make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s suggested PSI of air pressure.

• Take a close look at your tire treads and replace ones that have uneven wear or insufficient tread.

An investigation of the Infiniti M45 has been launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding the fuel gauges of the 2003-2004 M45′s. The investigation was prompted by consumer complaints about the fuel gauge readings being inaccurate.

According to NHTSA there have been 43 reports filed concerning faulty gauges in the luxury sedan. Of these, 23 cases report drivers running out of fuel despite the gauge not reading empty. The action taken by the company depends on NHSTA’s preliminary report which will focus on the scope and frequency of the problem. If the gauges are found to have major internal issues it could result in a consumer safety recall of the vehicle.

The Pontiac G8, the brand’s last hurrah before GM completely discontinued its operations, is now subject to recall due too concerns regarding the front passenger air bag module.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the air bags may suffer from a possible delay in airbag deployment at the moment of a collision, causing it to fail compliance with federal standards for head injury protection.

GM aims to reprogram the sensing and diagnostic controls of the airbag. To date, no injuries have been reported as a result to the delay and malfunction.

34,000 units of GM’s 2012 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers are recalled due too improperly calibrated tire pressure monitoring systems.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, requires all tire pressure monitoring systems to illuminate a warning signal when the tires are below 25 percent of the vehicle’s recommended psi. However, the sensors fitted into the 2012 Equinox and Terrain may not illuminate until it is even lower than that.

Improperly inflated tires will result to various unsafe situations including an overloaded and overheating tire that may blowout at speed, increasing the possibilities of a crash. Inconveniences such as irregular and premature wear, poor handling, as well as poor fuel economy can be a result of underinflated tires as well.

GALLERY: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain

The British hot hatch just got hotter. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12 complaints were received in regards to MINI Cooper S engine fires, 5 of them resulted to total vehicle loss. Concerned that this is not an isolated incident, NHTSA has announced an investigation on 36,000 2007-2008 Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper S, and 2008 Mini Clubman models.

The good news is no accident, crash, or injury were reported as a result of the fires. In fact, Eight complaints reported that a fire occurred while the vehicles were parked with its ignition off. However, as engine fire reports have increased in the past year, NHTSA submitted these complaints as Early Warning Reporting data in hopes to address the anomaly before more Minis are affected.

Mini’s parent company, BMW, has yet to return a message in regards to the matter.

NHTSA have conducted previous Mini investigations concerning power steering failures.

[Source: Detroit News]

General Motors will be offering the industry’s first front center air bag in select vehicles. This inflatable restraint will help to protect drivers and front passengers in far-side impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle.

You’re going to have to wait a bit for the new front center air bag – it will be introduced on the 2013 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse midsize crossovers (it will come standard on Acadia and Traverse with power seats and all Enclaves).

Here’s how it works: found in between the front row seats near the center of the vehicle, the tethered, tubular air bag deploys from the right side of the driver’s seat. It protects the driver when they are the only occupant in the event of a passenger-side crash. When there is a driver and a front passenger, it acts as energy absorbing cushion in both driver- and passenger-side crashes. As well, it will offer protection if your vehicle is involved in a rollover accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System database, far-side impact crashes account 11 percent of the belted front occupant fatalities in non-rollover impacts between 2004 and 2009 involving 1999 model year or newer vehicles. The stats go on to show that in these far-side fatalities, where the occupant is on the non-struck side of the vehicle, also represent 29 percent of all the belted front occupant fatalities in side impact crashes.

Partnering with technology supplier Takata, GM’s front center air bag took three years to develop. It went through a series of designs to address packaging, cushioning, and restraint issues that could occur in different crash and occupant position scenarios.

Even though the front center air bag is not required by federal regulation, it will add to the vehicles’ third-party crash test performance results. “The front center airbag has real potential to save lives in side crashes,” said Adrian Lund, president of the insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  “GM and Takata are to be commended for taking the lead in this important area.”

Watch the video of the air bag in action after the jump.

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It’s surprising to learn that with all the information out there about the dangers of distracted driving, according to a recent Virginia Tech study, it is still responsible for 80 percent of all car crashes. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving is the main factor for about 5,500 automotive fatalities annually. It seems like we just can’t put down our cell phone or stop fiddling with the radio settings while we drive.

By making a few small adjustments to your driving routine, you can prevent distracted driving accidents, as well as pass on good driving behaviors to younger drivers who are in the car with you. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you start the car.

•     Before heading out, pick your radio station, choose your playlist, and turn on the air conditioning or heating.

•     Make your phone calls or send text messages before leaving the driveway. A hands-free device is legal, but it’s still best to focus all your attention on the road ahead. If you do need to make a call, pull over before dialling.

•     Set your course in your GPS ahead of time and look it over to familiarize yourself with the route.

•     Leave in plenty of extra time so you won’t have to rush.

•     If you’re travelling with pet, keep them safely secured in the backseat where they won’t be a dangerous distraction.

•     Check to see if there are any loose items rolling around in the car and pick them up off the floor

•     Try to eat before you leave the house. If you spill something while driving, wait to clean it up until you reach your destination.

•     Your rear view mirror is not meant to be used to help you put on makeup or shave. Take care of your personal grooming before leaving the house.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

The countdown to the first day of school is on. Just as important as it is to get everything ready for the big day, it’s also a good idea to go over a few school bus safety tips.

After all, it’s been a long summer and you may have to do a little homework to ensure you and your kids are prepared for the big yellow bus. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has put together a handy cheat sheet of tips to help students, parents, and motorists be safe around buses.

For Kids:

• Be early. Arrive at your bus stop at least five minutes before it comes to pick you up.

• When the bus picks you up, give it some room. Stand at least six feet away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Don’t be in a rush to climb onboard. You should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, you should walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road until you are about 10 feet ahead of the bus before crossing. When you cross, make sure that you can see the bus driver and the bus driver can see you.
• To avoid falls, use the handrails when entering and exiting the bus. Make sure clothing or backpacks don’t get caught in the handrails or doors when you’re leaving the bus.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before picking it up – the bus driver might not be able to see you.

For Drivers:

• Watch out for children walking or bicycling when backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage. A good habit to get into is to walk around your car or out to the sidewalk to check for any children in your path before you get into it.
• Drive slowly and watch for children walking in the street. Keep an eye out for kids playing or waiting around bus stops.
• Even though children are taught about looking both ways, they could dart into the street without looking, so be extra vigilant and aware when driving.
• Every state or province has its own set of laws when it comes to school buses. Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is going to stop or drop off children. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm signal let you know that the bus is stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Make sure you know what you have to do as a driver around these signals.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

We reported on Ford’s investigation and potential recall of its 2011 and 2012 V6-engined Mustangs, which have developed problems with the 6-speed manual transmission. Now here’s what they’re actually like, as recorded by Ford customers.

The videos show an inability to grasp second or third gear with the clutch depressed. At speeds, the gears grind in 2nd and 3rd when the driver lets off the gas. When downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, the gear fails to grab at all. More dangerously, the transmission sometimes locks out upon acceleration at 70 mph, causing the rear end to lose traction. The 6-speed transmissions are all made by Getrag, which has supplied Ford for years.

V8 Mustang transmissions have a skip-shift feature, forcing drivers to shift into 4th on low acceleration to save gas. But these are V6-engined cars that don’t carry the feature, and some of these cars have had their transmissions replaced once before. Some of these transmissions are bolted to new cars with just 5,000 miles; Ford has refused to honor the warranty the second time around, citing “abuse.” Lots of frustrated owners are sharing their stories—enough for Ford to conduct an investigation of their own, they hope. Click the jump to see more wanton acts of transmission “abuse.”

[Source: Mustang Source Forums]

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The 2011 and 2012 Nissan Leaf for earned five stars  in crash testing performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For the front crash and dynamic rollover test, the Leaf received four stars, but overall scored five stars. Combine that with the Top Safety Pick Award it won from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and you’ve got yourself one safe vehicle. It’s also important to note that the Leaf is the first pure electric vehicle to be evaluated for its crash protection.

Fewer cars have made the cut ever since the NHTSA implemented more rigid standards for vehicles to earn five stars in its safety ratings system in 2011. This new system includes a more comprehensive testing when it comes to front and side crash, and rollover resistance. As well, each model receives an overall vehicle score, which is combined with the results of the three tests and compares them to the injury risk in other vehicles.

[Source: Consumer Reports]