IIHS Petitions Feds For Better Underride Guards On Big Rigs
When cars rear-end semi tractor-trailers—on an icy road, for instance, where traffic ahead is stopped—the consequences can be quite deadly.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), that's because the underride guards—those cheap-looking bars that hand below the load floor at the back of the trailers—often fail in crashes and allow the vehicle to keep going under the trailer.
And when those underride guards fail, death (even by decapitation) or serious injury is significantly more likely, since typically the upper part of the cabin crushes.
Just in 2009, 70 percent of the 3,163 who died in all crashes involving large trucks were the occupants of cars or other passenger vehicles, the IIHS says; and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there are 5,000 injuries and about 423 deaths annually due to cars striking trucks from the back.
Furthermore, the Institute looked at 1,000 real-world crashes in 2001 through 2003 and found that of the 115 involving a car striking the back of a large truck or semi-trailer, 28 involved an occupant death, and 23 of those involved catastrophic underride—while only 25 didn't involve underride.
The IIHS proved—with its own recent tests—that while current Canadian standards are stronger than those in the U.S., with either standard the guards can fail in a collision. The issue? Under current certification standards, the trailer and guard system aren't ever evaluated together. There are also types of trucks that remain exempt altogether, the IIHS says, emphasizing that it's up to NHTSA to make some changes based on a petition the Institute is filing.
"Hitting the back of a large truck is a game changer," said Institute president Adrian Lund, in a release. "You might be riding in a vehicle that earns top marks in frontal crash tests, but if the truck's underride guard fails — or isn't there at all — your chances of walking away from even a relatively low-speed crash aren't good."
[IIHS]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
2005-2007 Cadillac CTS Recalled For Airbag Seat-Sensor Issue
Due to concerns that front-passenger airbags might not deploy when needed, General Motors is recalling about 109,000 Cadillac CTS models from the 2005-2007 model years.
A kink or fold in the 'front passenger presence system mat'—a sensor pad in the seat that detects when someone is seated there—can cause the part to malfunction, potentially leading to a passenger airbag that does not deploy in a crash.
According to GM, there are no known injuries or fatalities linked to the issue, and if the passenger-side airbag does become disabled the passenger airbag status indicator in the rearview mirror sill show the airbag as being off, the 'air bag' indicator will illuminate, and a 'service air bag' error will show in the Driver Information Center.
Owners of affected 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS models will be receiving individual notification about the issue this winter, with the mailing effort to begin in February; the mat will be replaced free of charge in affected vehicles.
Those with any questions should contact Cadillac at 866-982-2339, or check with NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Safety Watch: Nine 2011 Vehicles That Still Lack Stability Control
If you could check the box for a safety feature that's been shown to dramatically decrease the chances of an accident, you would, right?
That's the case with electronic stability control (ESC); it's been shown to reduce accidents, fatal crashes, and rollovers, and with economies of scale doesn't cost as much as you might think. NHTSA had estimated that its mandate for stability control to be standard by 2012 will cost an average of $111 per vehicle but save nearly 10,000 fatalities annually—along with, potentially, hundreds of thousands of injuries and accidents. Including related components, some automakers have placed the total cost of ESC to be $400 or more.
The idea behind electronic stability control is simple: the brakes are applied individually at one or more of the wheels to help restore a traction and/or a vehicle imbalance in an extreme maneuver—perhaps allowing you to avoid an accident.
But while stability control systems for some SUVs and luxury vehicles are already into their second or third generations of this technology, some of the least expensive models on the market still haven't received the lifesaving technology.
The need is especially dire for small cars because of their weight disadvantage in multiple-vehicle accidents.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), electronic stability control was standard on 85 percent of all vehicles for the 2010 model year—including 100 percent of SUVs but 88 percent of cars and just 62 percent of pickups.
Automakers have just over the past couple of years moved quickly to get stability control into compact pickups. The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado, 2011 GMC Canyon, and 2011 Ford Ranger all now come with it standard, and larger pickups have all come with it for several model years.
What remains for 2011—aside from a few wildcards like the four-cylinder Nissan Frontier and the Mazda RX-8—is a surprisingly long list of cheap, small cars that still don't get the feature, or don't have it standard.
A number of the smallest, least-expensive cars, including the 2011 Ford Fiesta, 2011 Toyota Yaris, 2011 Scion xB, 2011 Kia Soul and 2011 Mazda2, now include standard stability control, while a class up, vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, and Mitsubishi Lancer all have it standard.
If price-conscious new-car shopping is on order for you or your family, scroll to the next page to take a look through this list of models that even, for 2011, don't include ESC:
Feds Clear Toyota On Throttle Issues; Steering Issue Remains?
Toyota—and Toyota owners—can breathe a little easier with a finding from the federal government released today.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said, in a preliminary finding, that it could find no evidence of a problem with electronic throttle controls or electronic failure in Toyota Motor Corp. (Toyota, Lexus, or Scion) vehicles, and suggested that driver error had been to blame in many of those cases.
NHTSA found that the brakes hadn't been applied in at least 35 of the 58 crashes that had been attributed to unintended acceleration.
More Toyota owners mistook the brake for the accelerator?
The finding is yet another argument in favor of Toyota's assertion—that there aren't any safety-critical flaws in its 'by-wire' throttle systems or in its engine controls, and that drivers simply pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
However, last year Consumer Reports found that, through its own analysis of safety complaints, that Toyota vehicles had a disproportionately high number of unintended-acceleration reports. While the automaker held a 16-percent U.S. market share, 41 percent of all such complaints involved Toyotas.
The new announcement, largely exonerating Toyota from broader issues with its electronic throttles, shouldn't be confused with the automaker's two broad safety recalls from this past year—one relating to accelerators becoming stuck in floor mats, and the other relating to a potentially sticky pedal mechanism. Beyond those mechanical issues, the probe was looking into accusations that the automaker may have issues with interference issues with its electronic throttles, which have been used for most of a decade on most of its vehicles.
Toyota renews commitment to safety, quality
Curiously, the announcement comes just after a twitter chat and blog post from Toyota chief quality officer Steve St. Angelo, who explained that it's part of his job to maintain a direct line on quality to global president Akio Toyoda.
"We're listening closely to our customers and taking quick, decisive actions to enasure that their vehicles are safe," he said. St. Angelo pointed out that for the automaker, recalls are "an integral part of our commitment to standing by our products and being responsive to our customers."
Angelo says that Toyota already has two of many new field quality offices open at this point, with the remainder of them set to open over the next 12 months.
This year, Toyota has deployed so-called Swift Market Analysis Response Team (SMART) members to look at individual cases of unintended acceleration and other potential recall issues. And it's gotten back to basics with a re-emphasis of the Toyota Production System, allowing a worker to stop the production line for an issue.
"If we determine that there's even the slightest safety concern with our cars on the road, we're not hesitating to address it—sometimes on the basis of just a handful of complaints."
St. Angelo also cited Detroit News figures, projecting that the industry is on track to recall more than 20 million vehicles this year, with 300 recall campaigns announced just in the first six months of the year (among all automakers).
Steering recall looms?
However, Toyota's recall worries don't altogether end with today's announcement. In addition to a recent recall of more than 400,000 vehicles in the U.S. for steering issues, Toyota has been widely criticized in recent weeks for not issuing a formal recall for another ongoing steering issue, being investigated with a federal defect probe, that affects Toyota Corolla and Matrix models. The automaker has so far called the problem a "customer satisfaction issue," yet it is offering free repairs for the issue.
Beginning last month, Toyota began offering a fix for the issue, which affects 749,685 Toyota Corolla and Matrix models, but it hasn't considered it a safety concern. The fix includes a new control unit that provides an "alternative steering feel."
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Recall Affects 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Xterra, Frontier
Nissan is recalling 4,038 sport-utility vehicles and pickups that might have left the factory without properly tightened fasteners.
The recall only pertains to 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, Xterra, and Frontier models manufactured within a rather narrow period: between February 22 and March 13, 2010.
In affected vehicles, two sets of fasteners—those securing the front passenger airbag module, and those securing the steering shaft positioning bracket—haven't been properly tightened down. If the fasteners fall out completely, the issue could potentially increase the risk of a crash or affect the trajectory of the airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall summary.
Dealers will inspect these vehicles—which are likely mostly in transit or on dealer lots—looking for missing or loose fasteners and replace and retorque them where necessary.
All three models are assembled by Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee plant.
Owners are encouraged to contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.
[NHTSA]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h, Toyota 4Runner Ace IIHS Crash Tests
From the latest round of crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, three models that are all-new this year have been given excellent ratings for frontal and/or side-impact safety.
The all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid achieved the best 'good' scores in all of the measurement categories of its frontal offset crash, weighing in with a 'good' evaluation overall.
The IIHS notes that the HS 250h is "derived from the Toyota Prius," so it's not surprising that while the HS doesn't get ratings that identical to those of Toyota's iconic hybrid, they're close. Although the HS 250h wasn't rated for side impact yet, the 2010 Prius has been rated 'good.'
The new 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 models earned top 'good' scores in all aspects of the IIHS frontal offset test. In the side impact test the M sedans achieved 'good' overall but were rated a step down, to 'acceptable,' with respect to "structure/safety cage."
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner also earns a 'good' overall frontal offset score, with top ratings in all segments of the test except head/neck injury, where it was rated acceptable. The Toyota 4Runner is also new for 2010 and has a completely new structure, so its 'good' side-impact rating for 2009 does not necessarily carry over to '10.
In addition to simple occupant protection, all three of these models have some advanced features that might help avoid an accident completely. For instance, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h offers a wide-angle front-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and even a Lane Keep Assist system that studies lane markings and helps steer you back into your lane. Then there's a very effective blind-spot warning system on the 2011 Infiniti M; and the 2010 4Runner offers a host of off-road electronics aimed at preserving traction and stability, plus a new Multi-Terrain Select system and fish-eye rearview camera.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Toyota Corolla Being Reviewed For Potential Steering Issue
In recent weeks Toyota has managed two major acceleration-related recalls covering much of its lineup; this week it announced a braking-related recall on its iconic Prius tech flagship; and now, looking ahead, Toyota might be facing a steering issue as well on one of its best-selling vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed to Automotive News that it is reviewing a large number of steering complaints concerning the electric power steering system used in 2009 and 2010 Toyota Corolla sedans.
Going back to April 2008, NHTSA has logged a total of 83 complaints so far related to the steering, according to AN, with 76 of these reporting that the vehicle would unexpectedly pull to the side at higher speeds.
In all, the complaints cite a total of six accidents and ten injuries due to the phenomenon, which is described as a strong pulling to the side, like being buffeted by crosswinds, requiring two hands on the wheel to maintain a straight path.
Beginning with the 2009 model year, Toyota replaced the previous hydraulic power steering unit in the Corolla with an electric one. Newer electric power steering systems typically include logic to correct for environmental variables like the crown of the road as well as crosswinds, although we're not sure if the system in the Corolla does.
The Corolla from those model years is already covered by both of Toyota's two major accelerator-related recalls—for pedal entrapment (floor mats) and for an issue with a sticky pedal mechanism.
The review stage might presage a formal investigation, which then might eventually prompt a safety recall.
The 2009 and 2010 Toyota Matrix hatchback is closely related to the Corolla and thus might also be affected, as might the Pontiac Vibe. Both remain covered by the other two accelerator-related recalls.
According to Ward's, the supplier JTEKT Corp. produces electric power steering units for the Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, and Venza, along with the Lexus RX 350 and Pontiac Vibe. Previously, Toyota sources have confirmed to TheCarConnection.com that its EPS units follow a similar design across applications.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Eyes On The Road: New Tech Developments Diminish Distractions For Drivers
Here at TCC, we spend a lot of time reading and writing about roadway safety. In recent years, we've provided extensive coverage of distracted driving issues -- especially texting behind the wheel and more recently, in-car internet. Both are serious concerns (phone-related distractions caused 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries on U.S. roadways in 2008 alone), but it's become clear that banning the technology isn't the best solution to the problem. Instead, individuals and automakers have to adapt to this new, internet-everywhere environment through (a) driver education and (b) tech developments to minimize distractions. We're happy to report that progress is being made on at least one of those fronts.
Curtailed functionality, voice interaction
Ford's Sync system isn't perfect, but it does represent some of the smartest in-car technology we've seen to date. Not only does Sync offer a range of functions to drivers, but later versions also have built-in safety features that disable some of those functions (like playing videos) when the car is in gear. Those safeguards didn't stem from the request of some regulatory agency; they came from within the Sync team itself. That confirms what we'd already suspected: that companies can occasionally opt to curtail their offerings in the interest of consumer safety.
Sync and other telematics systems also offer voice interaction, which limits the amount of time that drivers have to take their eyes off the road when answering calls and changing the music on their MP3 players. Take a look at this chart (from Ford, via Mashable) that demonstrates how much more time voice-enabled systems allow drivers to focus on driving.
As software evolves and telematics systems become commonplace in automobiles of all types, we hope to see these statistics improve. Apart from Ford, many other automakers like Jaguar and Volvo offer in-dash systems that integrate with cell phones and MP3 players -- and that's to say nothing of the countless aftermarket devices lining the shelves. Even better (for Ford's competitors anyway): Ford's exclusive development contract with Microsoft ended at the close of 2008, and competing Sync systems will soon be available in Kia, Hyundai, and other models.
Caveats
However, as much as we like features like self-limiting telematics systems and voice control, there are a couple of safety-related caveats:
1. Voice interaction is still dangerous. Studies have shown that talking on the phone while driving isn't any safer when the driver uses a hands-free system. The problem with taking a call at the wheel isn't the physical act of holding the phone to your ear; its the fact that your focus shifts to the person on the other end of the line -- even when your eyes are glued to the road. Voice control may look safer, but looks can be deceiving.
2. Some applications just don't belong behind the wheel. Take a look at this terrible/terrifying video of Ford's attempt to wrap Twitter functionality into Sync. For starters, the integration between phone and Twitter app and Sync and Bluetooth seems really iffy. (We've had more than a few problems just pairing our handhelds, so this demo seems like crazy talk.) Furthermore, the Sync window is lousy for Twitter management, and the voice readout of tweets is flat-out creepy. Ford should probably ditch this approach altogether and develop an app comparable to the one for Pandora. But more to the point, if drivers are so addicted to Twitter that they have to tweet behind the wheel, they probably shouldn't be behind the wheel in the first place. Is there a Twitter-addiction camp like that sex-addiction place Tiger Woods went to in Mississippi? If not, we smell a big business opportunity.
In sum
Drivers have always had to deal with one sort of distraction or another. Not so long ago, we were concerned with eating and/or drinking and driving (which are both stills problems, obviously). Today, it's cell phones, iPods, and satnavs. We cringe at the thought of what's next.
Although telematics technology is far from perfect, it's encouraging to see that manufacturers are building in safety controls on their own, rather than being mandated to do so by government agencies. We expect such oversight will eventually be legislated -- likely after a particularly grave incident -- but for now, developers seem to be on the right track. How quickly drivers will adapt to this new, internet-immersed driving environment, however, remains to be seen.
[Mashable]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
Hyundai Azera Recalled For Seatbelt/Airbag Malfunction
Over 65,000 Hyundai Azeras from model years 2006 - 2009 are being recalled due to a malfunction in the driver's-side seatbelt, which can affect deployment of the driver's airbag. In a nutshell: the wiring harness on the seatbelt's tension sensor may get damaged over time, and if the tension sensor doesn't work, the airbag won't fire in case of an accident. That's bad.
The recall affects Azeras manufactured between September 27, 2005 and October 1, 2008. If you own one of the 65,226 affected units, Hyundai should be in touch with you shortly, but if you're the proactive sort, you can call Hyundai Customer Assistance at 1-800-633-5151. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236, or visit www.SafeCar.gov, using the recall campaign number 094.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
CR: 41 Percent Of Acceleration Complaints Involve Toyotas
Whether or not so-called "sudden acceleration" problems involve issues with floor mats, operator confusion over pedals, or actual vehicle defects, several automakers rank far above others in terms of complaints made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Toyota has many more complaints racked up than other automakers, when looking at 2008 model-year vehicles, according to an analysis by Consumer Reports. As reported by the Consumer Reports car blog, Toyota had 41 percent of all unintended-acceleration complaints (52 in all) for 2008 model-year vehicles, while Ford has 28 percent of all complaints (36 in all). That's well above the 16-percent U.S. market share that each of the automakers held, averaging 2007 and 2008.
Chrysler was third, with 11 complaints determined by CR to be related to unintended acceleration; but that's relative to a 12-percent average market share.
Consumer Reports looked at 5,916 complaint reports and identified 166 cases of unintended acceleration in which the driver had trouble controlling the vehicle.
General Motors vehicles ranked especially low, according to CR, with a relative risk of just one in 500,000, while Honda and Nissan ranked even lower, with four and two percent of overall complaints, respectively. Based on the organization's analysis, the risk in Toyotas is about one in 50,000 of encountering the issue.
After a number of complaints of stuck accelerator pedals, along with one California crash, killing four, involving a 2009 Lexus ES 350, Toyota and the federal government had issued warnings to remove any driver's side floor mats to help prevent the throttle pedal from sticking or jamming. Most recently, Toyota announced that it would recall 3.8 million vehicles to replace the accelerator pedal with a shorter design that eliminates the possibility of becoming entrapped by the floor mat.
The vehicles affected are:
- 2004-2009 Toyota Prius (hatchback)
- 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon (sedan)
- 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma (pickup truck)
- 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350 (sedan)
- 2007-2010 Toyota Camry (sedan)
- 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra (pickup truck)
- 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 (sedan)
And what do you do if you find your accelerator pedal stuck? Consumer Reports also last month posted this useful video clip.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
