PITTSBURGH, July 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering researchers have concluded that the public could derive economic and social benefits today if safety-oriented, partially automated vehicle technologies were deployed in all cars. The researchers examined forward collision warning, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring systems. These technologies can include partially autonomous braking or controls to help vehicles avoid crashes.

"While there is much discussion about driverless vehicles, we have demonstrated that even with partial automation there are financial and safety benefits," says Chris T. Hendrickson, director of the Carnegie Mellon Traffic21 Institute.
 
Hendrickson and Constantine Samaras, professors of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Corey Harper, a Ph.D. student at the college, analyzed the benefits and costs of deploying crash-avoidance technologies in the U.S. light-duty vehicle fleet. These technologies, which are relevant in 24% of all crashes, include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and forward collision crash avoidance systems. Collectively, these technologies could prevent or reduce the severity of up 1.3 million crashes a year, including 10,100 fatal wrecks.   

Tire safety campaign premiers new content during 5 Seconds of Summer tour

Arizona has committed to include consistent tire safety information in state driving instruction manuals.

GREENVILLE, S.C., July 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelin and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) today embarked on year three of the award-winning Beyond the Driving Test road safety campaign by celebrating the commitments of 31 states to update driver's education materials with consistent tire maintenance and safety information.

The campaign's goal is to address tire safety education and information gaps in all 50 states by 2020.

"Michelin is committed to transforming tire safety education for new drivers to help make our nation's roadways safer for all motorists," said Pete Selleck, chairman and president of Michelin North America. "Beyond the Driving Test is a multifaceted campaign focused on shifting driver's education policy while mobilizing teen and parental involvement in road safety—all with the goal of saving lives. Michelin and the FIA applaud the 31 states that have already committed to including tire safety as a standard in their driver's manuals. We encourage all other states to include this critical safety information as Michelin continues toward our goal of compliance in all 50 states by 2020."

The news is full of stories about soaring airfares, checked bag fess and extended wait times in airport security lines. When you consider the time and cost of flying, it becomes clear that travel by car is the way to go, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Standing in line for hours in order to board an overcrowded plane after paying extra to check bags has made air travel a real headache, ” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With no relief in sight, more and more travelers are realizing the benefits of driving to their destinations. Since a family of four can travel 1,000 miles round-trip by car for about the cost of one airline ticket, driving is clearly the sensible option.”

Research from AAA Foundation Finds 60% of Teen Crashes Involve Distraction 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 1, 2016)- Over the past five years, more than 5,000 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period starting at Memorial Day when teen crash deaths historically climb. As the summer driving season begins, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is releasing a follow-up study confirming that nearly 60 percent of teen crashes involve distractions behind the wheel. The research also finds a disturbing trend showing that texting and social media use are on the rise amongst teen drivers.

Tightening supply combined with strong gasoline demand contributed to pump prices moving higher over the past week. Today’s average price of $2.36 per gallon represents an increase of four cents per gallon since last week’s Memorial Day Holiday, and drivers are paying 14 cents per gallon more than one month ago to refuel their vehicles. Year-over-year discounts persist due to crude oil prices remaining relatively low, but discounts are beginning to narrow and have closed to 40 cents per gallon versus this same date last year. Additional information about the price at the pump can be accessed on the newly released AAA Gas Prices website, which includes enhanced features and a fresh design.

Drivers are taking to the roads at a record-setting pace, and gasoline demand remains on target to reach unprecedented highs during this year’s summer driving season. Gasoline production is reportedly keeping pace with growing demand, yet unexpected events with production or distribution could lead to higher prices given the fact that millions of Americans are taking road trips this month.