Latest news with #Driving
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Dhami inaugurates Malan Bridge, unveils key infra projects for Kotdwar
Dehradun: Chief minister on Monday virtually inaugurated the reconstructed Malan Bridge on the Chillerkhal-Pakhro motor road in Kotdwar's Pauri district. The bridge, which connects the Kotdwar-Bhabar region to Motadhak is among seven infrastructure projects inaugurated by Dhami. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said the bridge's reconstruction reflects the state govet's commitment to strengthening infrastructure in remote areas. "The opening of this bridge will ease travel for residents of Kotdwar and surrounding rural areas and give a boost to economic activities," he said. He added that several key projects are underway in Kotdwar to support its development. "An advanced sewage treatment plant is being built under the Namami Gange project at a cost of Rs 135 crore. A four-lane bypass and the Kotdwar–Najibabad double-lane road are also being constructed at a cost of Rs 691 crore," he said. He added that the Kotdwar–Pauri–Srinagar road is also being upgraded to a double lane and that it would improve travel convenience and spur economic growth. Dhami also said that Kotdwar railway station is being revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. "A new train service from Sidhbali-Kotdwar to Delhi has been launched, and construction of a hospital and bus stand terminal is in progress," he said. He also announced that land has been transferred for setting up a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kotdwar, following a cabinet decision. In another event, Dhami also launched two Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Set up by a leading car manufacturer as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the ADTTs are equipped with high-definition cameras and integrated IT systems that enable driving license evaluations without human intervention. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These tracks, which serve both light motor vehicles and two-wheelers, are designed to ensure a more transparent, efficient, and standardised testing process in line with Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The carmaker has also been operating an ADTT in Dehradun since 2019. Officials noted that after the Dehradun facility became operational, the pass percentage for license seekers initially declined to 60% in FY 2019–20, but has since improved to 69%, indicating a more rigorous and reliable evaluation process. Dedicating the new facilities to the state, transport secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant said, "We are committed to making Uttarakhand's roads safer. With the comprehensive evaluation at ADTTs, we can ensure that only skilled drivers get a driving license." Dehradun: Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday virtually inaugurated the reconstructed Malan Bridge on the Chillerkhal-Pakhro motor road in Kotdwar's Pauri district. The bridge, which connects the Kotdwar-Bhabar region to Motadhak is among seven infrastructure projects inaugurated by Dhami. Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said the bridge's reconstruction reflects the state govet's commitment to strengthening infrastructure in remote areas. "The opening of this bridge will ease travel for residents of Kotdwar and surrounding rural areas and give a boost to economic activities," he said. He added that several key projects are underway in Kotdwar to support its development. "An advanced sewage treatment plant is being built under the Namami Gange project at a cost of Rs 135 crore. A four-lane bypass and the Kotdwar–Najibabad double-lane road are also being constructed at a cost of Rs 691 crore," he said. He added that the Kotdwar–Pauri–Srinagar road is also being upgraded to a double lane and that it would improve travel convenience and spur economic growth. Dhami also said that Kotdwar railway station is being revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. "A new train service from Sidhbali-Kotdwar to Delhi has been launched, and construction of a hospital and bus stand terminal is in progress," he said. He also announced that land has been transferred for setting up a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kotdwar, following a cabinet decision. In another event, Dhami also launched two Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Set up by a leading car manufacturer as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the ADTTs are equipped with high-definition cameras and integrated IT systems that enable driving license evaluations without human intervention. These tracks, which serve both light motor vehicles and two-wheelers, are designed to ensure a more transparent, efficient, and standardised testing process in line with Central Motor Vehicle Rules. The carmaker has also been operating an ADTT in Dehradun since 2019. Officials noted that after the Dehradun facility became operational, the pass percentage for license seekers initially declined to 60% in FY 2019–20, but has since improved to 69%, indicating a more rigorous and reliable evaluation process. Dedicating the new facilities to the state, transport secretary Brijesh Kumar Sant said, "We are committed to making Uttarakhand's roads safer. With the comprehensive evaluation at ADTTs, we can ensure that only skilled drivers get a driving license."
NZ Herald
25-05-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
Patients miss Whangārei Hospital appointments over parking woes, staff struggle
'Visitors go around and around looking for parks and some have left not being able to make their appointments.' Karen said some patients are being pointed to the staff carparks so they can make their appointments, but this has led to afternoon shift workers finding their dedicated parks have been taken. 'The afternoon shift workers are having to come to work nearly an hour beforehand to find a park,' she said. 'It would be great to see more parking within the hospital grounds and it would be nice if it had been planned for prior to starting the renovations.' Karen said alternatives such as taking the bus are not possible for the shift workers and security is a concern for those working late at night, especially if they have far to go to get to their car. PSA union organiser Mark Furey, who represents about 800 workers at the hospital, said he has driven around three to four times to find a park and could see other visitors getting equally frustrated. Administration workers told him cancellations are 'through the roof' because of people being caught out by the lack of parks. Much of the available car parking is not suitable for those who are sick or less mobile, with the walk from Tohora House, between Hospital Rd and West End Ave, known as 'cardiac hill', he said. The situation has come from the hospital expanding, despite being built on a hill and unstable land, Furey said. A plan to build a multi-storey carpark at the front of the hospital, on Maunu Rd, had to be scrapped because of unstable land, he said. 'It has to be taken seriously and to take it seriously there's a substantial cost involved.' Alex Pimm, Health NZ group director of operations Northern, acknowledged there are car parking constraints at Whangārei Hospital. 'We ... thank people for their patience when trying to park as we know how frustrating it can be.' Pimm said building additional car parking is a long-term commitment as part of the Pihi Kaha hospital redevelopment. The project is being actively progressed, with decisions expected later this year, he said. It is not due to be finished until 2031. Pimm said the organisation is working to move more outpatient appointments to other locations and is asking services to consider appointment timing to avoid congestion. People are also encouraged to: Ask friends or whānau to drop them off and pick them up after their appointment. Make use of transport options like buses, taxis, ride-share services such as Driving Miss Daisy and Freedom Companion Drive, or public shuttles like those provided by Hato Hone St John and Linking Hands. Engage in active transport such as walking, cycling or e-scooter. Check eligibility for the Total Mobility scheme, which is facilitated by Northland Regional Council and will contribute towards approved taxi and ride-share costs. Pimm recognised car parking challenges for staff too and said Health NZ is actively considering solutions for staff parking. The options include staff carpooling, off-site staff parking, working with council to consider aligning the bus timetable with staff shifts and releasing underutilised staff car parks during the day.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
USAA Advocates for Safe Driving Habits During 100 Deadliest Days of Summer for Teens
New Safe Driving Simulator virtual experience helps drivers identify bad habits ahead of summer travels SAN ANTONIO, May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From road trips to backyard barbeques, Memorial Day is considered the unofficial start of summer. The holiday weekend also marks the official start of the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," the period where there is a sharp increase in traffic fatalities, especially involving teen drivers. According to the CDC, teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision during this period, which runs until Labor Day Weekend, compared to other times of the year [1]. This rise in traffic fatalities is the result of a myriad of factors, including distracted driving, increased traffic on the roads, more inexperienced drivers on the road, risky behavior behind the wheel, and the overall stress of vacation travel. These factors are heightened with teen drivers, most of whom are hitting the road for the first time since school started. Whether it's piling too many friends in the car for a summer joy ride or texting about weekend plans, these new drivers are susceptible to bad driving habits, which can lead to fatal results. According to the National Road Safety Foundation, distracted driving accounts for 60% of teen crashes — additionally, the likelihood of engaging in distracted driving triples when peers are in the car[1]. "As a parent of teen drivers, I understand firsthand the concerns families have when their kids get behind the wheel," said Randy Termeer, USAA P&C President. "This is why USAA remains committed to providing tools like SafePilot that encourage safer driving habits. Our members count on USAA, not just for protection after an accident, but to hopefully help prevent one – that's the real value of membership and how we serve the military community and their families." Data compiled from USAA's SafePilot telematics app – which provides a driving score determined by many factors including harsh braking, phone distractions and hours driven – show the following states have the highest distraction rate for teen drivers: 1. Mississippi 18.1% 2. Louisiana 15.6% 3. South Dakota 14.5% 4. Iowa 14.2% 5. Alabama 13.8% Conversely, the following states have the lowest distraction rate for teen drivers, demonstrating a commitment to safe driving practices: 1. Oregon 9.0% 2. Washington 9.5% 3. Connecticut 9.6% 4. Rhode Island 9.6% 5. Hawaii 9.7% USAA is here to remind its members, their children and drivers across the country to take caution on the road this summer. Mitigating distractions in the car can help reduce the fatalities seen during the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," in the hopes that one day that term will no longer be applicable. USAA has created the "Safe Driving Simulator," a five-minute experience that tests drivers' abilities to effectively navigate courses while being monitored for the most common driving mistakes, including harsh braking, speeding and more. As participants embark on the experience, distractions like loud music and phone calls pop up, providing an engaging, yet educational way to identify bad driving habits in a virtual setting and not on the road. These behaviors mirror those measured in SafePilot, which, according to a survey conducted by the company in 2024, has effectively reduced poor driving habits in teens through real time feedback and increased awareness. This summer, USAA will be bringing the "Safe Driving Simulator" to events at NASS/JRB Fort Worth in Texas and Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia, with more planned in the future. For more information on teen safe driving practices from USAA, visit About USAA Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves more than 14 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 38,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or X (@usaa), or visit 1 The National Road Safety Foundation. (n.d.). 100 Safest Days of Summer. The National Road Safety Foundation. View source version on Contacts USAAexternal_communications@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla's future robot legions: First they learn to drive, then to walk
Tesla is taking all the knowledge it's acquired from a decade of autonomous vehicle development to teach the Optimus, its new humanoid robot, how to interact with the world. Essentially, the robot learns to drive before it can walk — or dance, as a demonstration that CEO Elon Musk posted on social media site X showed May 12. The goal is to create an autonomous robot through artificial intelligence. Tesla is deploying its Full-Self Driving software to power a robotaxi service scheduled for June to enable the Optimus to move through the world with built-in cameras and an onboard computer. 'Tesla's the leader in real-world AI,' Musk said at a company meeting streamed on YouTube March 20. 'What we learn from the car, we translate to the Optimus robot.' And if Musk's plan to put millions of robotaxis on the road is adventurous, his promise to deploy billions of Optimus robots with their own Full-Self Driving software is highly optimistic, analysts say. After all, Musk has promised self-driving cars for a decade without delivering any yet. And robot development is still in its infancy, even if Tesla has a leg up on a variety of competitors in the robot space. Sign up for the Automotive News Daily newsletter to get the latest top stories in your inbox every business morning. 'There's a ton that we can leverage from autonomous cars and having sort of a head start with all the technology that Tesla has,' said Heni Ben Amor, an Arizona State University professor specializing in robotics. 'But there are some pretty major question marks that need to be resolved,' he said, adding, 'I want to be careful that we're not overhyping things,' with regard to progress on humanoid robots in general. Unlike robotaxis, humanoid robots will have to balance on two legs, manipulate their hands and fingers in complex ways and interact side-by-side with humans before they can be useful, Ben Amor said. Tesla already has significant expertise in software, electric motors, power electronics and similar skills that make it a leader in the race for a general-purpose humanoid robot for labor-intensive tasks. With billions of miles of data and an AI supercomputer in Austin, Texas, Tesla launched an Optimus pilot assembly line in California this year. It plans to make 5,000 robots this year, which Musk likened to a Roman legion. Tesla plans to first employ the robot in its factories, expanding to outside companies as early as next year. Musk said Tesla could make 50,000 Optimus robots in 2026, scaling to 1 million per year by the end of the decade. 'Ultimately, I think we'll be making tens of millions of robots per year,' Musk said. 'It's like serious volume. Maybe 100 million robots a year.' He said Tesla employees would get first access to the bots for home use. Some Wall Street analysts forecast that humanoid robot production will eventually overtake the legacy auto industry. 'Over the long term, we project that the market for humanoid robots to be materially larger than the global auto industry,' Morgan Stanley said in an April research note. The investment firm is bullish on Tesla stock. 'Our estimate for $4.7 trillion in global humanoid sales by 2050 is nearly double the aggregate revenues of the 20 largest global auto OEMs in 2024, a figure that could very well shrink,' the bank said. Tesla is already utilizing what are essentially robot cars for useful work at its Fremont, Calif., factory, Musk said. New vehicles drive autonomously from the end of the production line to a parking lot for shipping. A key test will come in June when Tesla plans to launch a fully autonomous taxi service in Austin, similar to Waymo, Google's self-driving car company that already operates in several U.S. cities. In 2026, Tesla plans to launch a full robotaxi, the Cybercab, with no human controls such as a steering wheel or pedals. Musk wants the Optimus to reach an entirely new level of capability decades down the road. 'The future we're headed for is one where you can literally just have anything you want,' he said. 'If there's a good or service you want, you'll be able to have it. What's key to that is robotics and AI.' To be sure, it's not just Tesla that's promising autonomous robots for labor-intensive tasks to work in factories, do chores in the home and ultimately transform society. Boston Dynamics, owned by Hyundai Motor Group, said in April that the automaker will buy tens of thousands of robots in the next few years. Last year, BMW said it's exploring the use of humanoid robots in production and did a successful test of one model at its South Carolina plant. BMW is partnering with California-based robot company Figure. But Musk is promising highly aggressive timelines and a vision of the future in which humanoid robots would eventually outnumber human beings and lead to global abundance for every person. 'The only company that has all the ingredients for making intelligent humanoid robots at scale is Tesla,' Musk said. The Optimus will be the biggest product in history and 10 times bigger than second place, he added. As a well-financed, vertically integrated company with a trillion-dollar market value, Tesla has advantages over its startup rivals in the humanoid robots space, but it also faces difficult technical challenges. The decadelong development of the Full-Self Driving software is helpful but not decisive, Ben Amor said. 'It definitely helps. All of the gains are useful and some of it is transferable to general autonomy of robots and humanoid robots in particular,' he said. 'But at the same time, there's a big chunk of challenges that are not addressed in autonomous driving for which dedicated algorithms and methods need to be created' for the Optimus, Ben Amor said. AVs don't interact in the way a humanoid robot in a factory would, for example, balancing on two feet, carefully manipulating its hands and working closely with humans, he said. 'Seeing a human robot as sort of a car on two legs would not do it justice,' Ben Amor said. 'And I think that's kind of an oversimplification when it comes to the physical world.' As a researcher who served as a visiting scientist at the Google DeepMind laboratory in California, Ben Amor is a cheerleader for robot development. But he warns that too much hype could lead to disappointment. 'From a really well-functioning prototype to something that's deployable and reliable in a company, you actually take five to 10 years and where we are now is we don't have the solution yet,' Ben Amor said. Optimists on the Optimus include Tesla's former director of AI, Andrej Karpathy, now CEO of startup Eureka Labs. He was involved in the Optimus project before he left Tesla in 2022. 'In terms of transfer from cars to humanoids, it was not that much work at all,' Karpathy said on a No Priors podcast in September. 'One of the early versions of the Optimus robot, it thought it was a car. It had the exact same computer, it had the exact same cameras,' Karpathy said. 'It thought it was driving, but it was moving through an environment.' Humanoid robots like the Optimus are likely to be first used in-house for tasks like material handling and only later in the refinement process will they be safe enough to interact with humans in a home setting, he said. 'I think a lot of people have this vision of it like doing your laundry, etc. I think that will come late,' Karpathy said. 'I don't think we can have a robot like crush grandma is how I put it. I think it's too much legal liability.' 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Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Waymo recalls 1,200 self-driving cars because of minor collisions
Waymo is recalling about1,200 vehicles due to a software bug that caused its self-driving cars to collide with certain roadway barriers, according to safety officials. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a Monday announcement that the voluntary recall had already been remedied by late December with a fix to the company's 5th Generation Automated Driving Systems. Waymo said that while the recall was submitted last week, it doesn't impact any of its vehicles currently on the road. The recall only applies to software released before November, which was updated that same month, and caused minor collisions with chains, gates, and roadway barriers. Nobody was injured in the crashes. 'Waymo (GOOGL) provides more than 250,000 paid trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments in the U.S.,' a Waymo spokesperson told Quartz. 'We hold ourselves to a high safety standard, and our record of reducing injuries over tens of millions of fully autonomous miles driven shows our technology is making roads safer.' Waymo currently operates its robotaxis in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin. It is owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet. Last week, Amazon's robotaxi company Zoox (AMZN) issued a voluntary software recall following a crash in Las Vegas. Zoox said in a post that it made the decision after an incident where one of its unoccupied robotaxis hit a passenger vehicle. No injuries were reported in the incident and and only minor damage occurred to both vehicles, the company said. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
