safety features Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

Seniors Driving Longer

Daun Thompson — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 16:43:13 +0000

One of the most dreaded issues that we face as adults is how to tell our aging parents they can no longer drive. Once an elderly person’s independence is taken away, it’s usually a downward spiral. I personally don’t enjoy driving, so this won’t be an issue for me when I reach that point in life. Besides, cars are already driving themselves. And even now, there are very inexpensive modes of transportation like Uber and Lyft. But, the number of 70+ year old drivers on the road today is enough to turn your hair grey (or white). According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the number of 70+ drivers in the U.S. is projected to increase from 30.1 million in 2013 to 53.7 million by 2030. I will be in that group…(yikes). In fact, I have decided to change my age to “yikes” (like how Prince changed his name to a symbol). So, the problem is that nearly 90% of drivers that are 65+ suffer from health issues that may affect their ability to drive safely. By this late age, one wouldn’t expect to be shopping for a new vehicle, but with the latest safety features and new technologies it would certainly be safer for them. Safety systems are increasingly being added to cars, which warn drivers of impending danger and in some cases, will take action to avert it. While driving that big old heavy steel car may “feel” safe, it’s certainly not safe for others around them. And, while one may feel comfortable with the fit of that older car, it may no longer be a good fit as our bodies shrink with age (osteoporosis). I am a whopping 5’ 2” now. So, all I have to look forward to, with old age, is getting even shorter. Perhaps considering the new safety features in vehicles being manufactured today can keep seniors driving longer.
AAA breaks down the vehicle features that can help older drivers into three categories: safety, ergonomics and comfort.

Safety features have had the most advances in technology that can keep senior drivers secure.
• Driver Assist uses cameras and sensors to warn a driver of impending danger. Some systems take action, such as steering and braking to avoid a crash. Even less expensive cars have these features now.
• Lane Departure Warning senses when a driver has drifted out of their lane and alerts the driver. Again, some will have automatic steering assist to steer the car back into its lane.
• Adaptive headlights illuminate the road ahead while going around turns.
• Automatic Crash Notification (such as OnStar). This can also help in a health emergency.
• Automatic High Beams
• Blind Spot Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking

Ergonomics and Comfort features such as adjustable steering wheels, adjustable pedals and multi-position heated and cooled power seats with memory can help reduce fatigue and discomfort.
It’s good to know that both AARP and AAA offer driving resources for seniors. And, in a few years, I too will be seeking those resources when my age is “yikes.”

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Seniors Driving Longer – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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The Latest Airbags

Daun Thompson — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 17:27:13 +0000

Cars now have more airbags than ever! Some cars even have up to 10 airbags. My Dad used to fondly refer to my Mom as “The Seat Belt” because she’d throw her arm across your chest whenever she had to slam on the brakes. Now he calls her “The Airbag.” Sweet of him to create nicknames for her that evolve right along with vehicle safety features. So, cars of today are safer than ever. And the latest airbags are a big part of this.
In front crashes, airbags reduce driver fatalities by 29%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to front air bags, most of the newer models also feature side torso airbags and side curtain airbags (hitting one’s head against the door’s window is a thing of the past). Some vehicles even have rear-seat airbags for those pesky kids and relatives.
And these airbag technologies are ever-evolving. Here are some airbag innovations that are starting to make their way into our newer vehicles.
• Knee Airbags – This small airbag is designed to minimize injuries to the lower limbs as they make contact with the dashboard. There are located in the footwell, under the steering wheel on the driver side, and under the glove box on the passenger side (Why do they call it a glove box? Does anyone really store gloves in there?)
• Front Center Airbag – Introduced in 2013, this airbag deploys from the right side of the driver seat and positions itself between the front row seats near the center of the vehicle. It is designed to provide restraint during passenger-side crashes when the driver is alone. It also acts as an energy-absorbing cushion between driver and front passenger in both driver and passenger side crashes. It also helps to minimize injuries in rollover accidents.
• Inflatable Seatbelts – Introduced in 2011, these are kind of a cross between an airbag and a seat belt. They are designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear-seat passengers (typically children and the elderly).
Frontal airbags have been a federal requirement since 1999. And, while airbags reduce serious injuries, they may also cause injuries. Since they deploy in milliseconds, it’s like getting hit in the face with a boxing glove, since it’s a controlled explosion. That is why newer airbags don’t come out at such a high pressure as earlier ones. Mine is set to come out at 300 p.s.i., which would surely knock me out since I also have short legs and am entirely too close to the steering wheel. Newer airbags come out at a lower pressure and some are flexible-venting that uses the driver’s forward momentum to push out the gas from the inflated bag, making for a less harsh impact. For the most part, the injury issues stem from frontal airbags.
I’m looking forward to seeing what is available at the dealership when I’m shopping next month for a new car.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
The Latest Airbags – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Latest Vehicle Safety Features

Daun Thompson — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 14:59:03 +0000

My car is over 12 years old. And I just discovered by accident that it has this cool lumbar support feature. I was reaching down between the seats, trying to retrieve a petrified french-fry and found this little knob that I didn’t even know was there. I turned it and thought “Wow, this feels nice!” Now that I’m about to trade it in and buy a new car, I’m finding that it has all of these cool features. Isn’t that the way it goes? When you are preparing your car to sell it, cleaning it like it’s never been cleaned before, detailing it, when you’re finished and step back and take a good look at it, you think “I’d buy this car.” Maybe I should keep it. It still looks pretty nice. I’ve garaged it for 12 years, so the paint shop looks like new. It’s been a great car. It’s never let me down. But it’s mainly the color of the car that I can no longer live with. I think the dealership called it mid-life crisis yellow. When I bought it off the lot, I was impressed that it had all of the latest vehicle safety features. I was so impressed, in fact, that I wasn’t even concerned with the color. The car was loaded (and apparently so was I, or I would have never purchased this canary yellow car). One good thing about this color is, it’s easy to find in the parking lot at the mall. Even at night, I can spot it from a distance. I used to just follow the oil trail to locate my previous car. I must admit, I’ve never broken the factory seal on the owner’s manual. I think most people don’t. I didn’t want it to get stained, in the event that I ever wanted to sell the manual on ebay. So, now I’m curious what other safety and comfort features it has that I am not aware of.
Even 12 years ago, my car was equipped with some of the current safety features available. Anti-Lock Brakes and an Anti-Theft Device. Even Air Bags, which I believe were set to come out at 300 p.s.i. Current ones are set at a lower pressure, and mine would probably take your face off. Newer air bags are apparently kinder to the face.
Here is a list of the latest features auto manufacturers are boasting about:
• Back-Up Camera
• Anti-Lock Braking System
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Adaptive Headlights
• Automatic Parallel Parking
• Automatic Reverse Braking
• Back-Up Warning
• Bicycle Detection
• Brake Assist
• Curve Speed Warning
• Drowsiness Alert
• Electronic Stability Control
• Forward Collision Warning
• High Speed Alert
• Hill Descent Assist
• Hill Start Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Left Turn Crash Avoidance
• Obstacle Detection
• Parking Sensors
• Pedestrian Detection
• Push Button Start
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Temperature Warning
• Side View Camera
• Traction Control
I may not be able to afford a car with all of these safety features, and it’s likely that purchasing one with all of these will cost more than I paid for my house 20 years ago. Hopefully, some of these features now come standard, even for an economy car.
Until next week … wish me luck!
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Latest Vehicle Safety Features – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Vehicle Repair Assistance

Daun Thompson — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 23:40:29 +0000

AirCheck Texas offers car repair assistance if your vehicle is in need of repair to pass the annual emissions test. You may qualify for up to $600 in vehicle repair assistance from the AirCheck Texas Drive a Clean Machine Voucher Program if you meet certain income requirements. In addition, your vehicle must also meet other criteria. It must have failed an emissions test within 30 days of applying, must have a current registration and has been registered in your county for at least 12 of the 15 months preceding your application, and has passed the safety portion of the DPS motor-safety and emissions inspection. And, it must be driven (not towed) to the inspection station.
If you meet this AirCheck Texas inspection criteria, you will be eligible to receive a voucher worth up to $600 for emissions-related repairs or retrofits performed at a participating emissions repair facility.
And, it gets even better! You may also be eligible for vehicle replacement assistance. If you meet income requirements, and your car is at least 10 years old and runs, has a current registration, and passed a safety inspection within 15 months of application. If you meet all of these requirements, you are eligible to receive a voucher for $3,000 for a car or truck no more than three years old, not to exceed the cost of $35,000. Or a $3,500 voucher towards the purchase of a hybrid vehicle up to three years old, not to exceed the cost of $45,000. There are also certain model requirements and it must have no more than 70,000 miles on it.
So, it’s nice to know there’s help out there in the Lone Star State. Other states may have similar programs. Check your state’s environmental commission or your state’s department of Motor Vehicles.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Vehicle Repair Assistance – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Run Flat Tires

Daun Thompson — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:45:16 +0000

Run flat tires will get you about 50 more miles on a low or flat tire. And, for some cars with hi-tech engineering, they are safer than regular tires. But are they really worth the extra money? A decent set of 4 will set you back around 1k or more. One advantage is, you don’t need a spare tire nor the tools to change that tire. So, you save that room and extra weight that will end up costing you more in petrol. But, although with regular tires, even though you can’t just comb the tread over the bald spots, the money you save in petrol can’t really be that much. Plus, just the extra weight of the run flat tires likely counter-balance any potential fuel savings. So, not many people are buying them. And usually, the rare occasion that you see them is on certain model cars (such as BMW) who claim that they work well with their engineering design. So, yes, you may find them standard on your next BMW.

There are two types of run flat tires, Self Supporting and Auxiliary Supported. Both types require that your car be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The Self Supporting tires are made of a stiffer, tougher rubber that can carry the weight of the car if the tire pressure is low. The Auxiliary ones are made of regular standard tire rubber and has an inner steel rim like a reinforced sidewall to help support the car’s weight.

Another disadvantage is that it is a rougher riding tire. And, they’re hard to get repaired. Some have a “tire mousse” material that instantly seals any small holes. It’s pricey and most regular tire repair shops don’t carry it. So, the tire will likely have to be replaced rather than repaired. Or, if you still have some of that mousse left over from the 80’s, that’d likely be thick enough to plug any hole.

But the safety of being able to drive an extra 50 miles with what would have been a normal blow out and finding yourself stranded on a dark, deserted road sounds like a big plus to me. I’ve used roadside assistance before and it took them 5 hours to arrive. In girl years, that’s a long time. It was dark outside and every serial killer came out of the woodwork to help me change my tire. I’m just kidding, they didn’t. Because I’m sure they’re all very busy….killing and such. That, alone, has to be a full time job.

Until next week….

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Run Flat Tires – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Features We’d Really Like To See In All Cars

Daun Thompson — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 17:34:55 +0000

The safety features in cars being manufactured today are off the head! And, in the very near future, automobiles will be much like the ones in the Jetsons. Heck, maybe even Astro will be able to drive you around. My sister has a new Mercedes with some amazing safety features. Of course there is the back-up camera, bluetooth for handsfree chatting and other typical safety features. But it also has a sensor around the car that won’t allow you to tailgate, lets you know if there is someone in your blindspot and it lets you know if you’re too close to an object. It goes absolutely nuts at the bank’s drive through teller. Which is embarrassing to explain to the teller that your car is having a seizure. But the most amazing safety feature of all time, to me, is the one that will pull your car back into your own lane if you begin to drift. Also, the steering wheel and seat vibrate and a coffee cup images flashes on the instrument panel. I’m pretty sure they call that the DWI designated driver feature. I’m sure my brother-in-law uses the heck out of that feature. He’s English…he drinks a lot.

Those are just a few of the current safety features offered in newer cars. There are some features we’d really like to see in all cars. Or, at least be made available to us. The ejector seat button is a feature I’ve dreamt of for years. It would come in handy on either short commutes or those long, boring road trips. And, you can use it at your own discretion, or just use it as leverage. And, by leverage, I mean you can call it an “or else” button. As in, “No backseat driver complaints…OR ELSE!” or, as in “Dude! You’re tone deaf! Do not sing along with the tunes…OR ELSE!” or, as in “What?? You are leaving me for the babysitter?” … BOING

I’d also like to have a feature that will put a silent shield, like an invisible duct tape, around the mouth of the annoying, chattering passenger. The one that doesn’t even hear you when you say for the fifteenth time “Dude, I know, you’ve told me that story.” I know I’m not the only one that feels like that is one of the features we’d really like to see in all cars. It would come in handy for someone who is always kavetching about your bad driving skills. Maybe even a feature that would announce through the sound system when someone is reaching peak annoyance levels. Perhaps it could double with the ejector button feature. Counting down backwards from 10 before they eject so they can have time to apologize for ruining your commute.

Until next week….

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Features We’d Really Like To See In All Cars – Comedy Defensive Driving

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