Latest news with #vehicle safety
Daily Mail
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Thousands of motorists waste time of emergency service operators every year dialling 999 accidentally
Thousands of drivers are wasting emergency services operators valuable time every year by accidentally dialling 999 using a feature installed in their cars, according to a new report. Some 350,000 calls have been made to the emergency services line from vehicles since April 2018, though two-thirds were false alarms, a new investigation has revealed. Charity the RAC Foundation, which commissioned the study, said motorists are frequently triggering 'eCall' activations from their vehicles in error. The eCall feature automatically rings 999 and provides the emergency services with information such as the vehicle type and location under the assumption that the driver is in distress or has been involved in a collision so that help can arrive as quickly as possible. The system will spontaneously ring the emergency services when the airbags deploy in a crash or can be manually instigated by pressing a button often labelled 'SOS' on the dashboard. It has been a legal requirement for cars and vans sold in the UK to have the system installed since April 2018, though the charity says that motorists are making thousands of calls in error because they are 'unfamiliar' with the SOS button. Transport expert Dr Nick Reed, who conducted the study for the RAC Foundation, found that more than 85 per cent of eCall alerts made last year were triggered manually using the SOS button. 'About three-quarters of those were false alarms', according to the research. This is compared with approximately one in three automatic calls. Taken together, about two-thirds of all calls last year were by mistake, the study concluded. The report found common causes of manual false alarms include 'button misuse, poor interface design, system faults and demonstration presses at dealerships'. Dr Reed listed several high-profile incidents where a significant difference is likely to have been made if eCall was available. One was the Selby train crash of 2001 which left 10 people dead when a Land Rover careered off the M62 motorway in North Yorkshire and came to a standstill on train tracks. A train derailed when it struck the vehicle, and then a second train hit the first. The report stated that eCall could provide emergency services with 'better information more quickly' when a vehicle breaks down in a live lane on a smart motorway without a hard shoulder, compared with stopped vehicle detection systems, which rely on radar technology. The author recommended that more of the information provided by eCall should be passed on to road management organisations such as National Highways. He also warned that owners of up to four million cars and vans fitted with early versions of eCall could find themselves with systems with do not work because they rely on 2G and 3G mobile phone networks, which are progressively being deactivated. Drivers and passengers do not need to be carrying a mobile phone for the built-in safety feature to work. Vehicle makers install the eCall SOS button in different locations in the cabin. It is often found in the ceiling console by the internal rear-view mirror, behind a pop-out hatch or on the centre console. Drivers should refer to their car owner's manual if they are unaware of its position. National Highways points out that there is 'no need to check if your eCall is working, as the system will carry out a self-test each time the vehicle is started'. Motorists pressing the button to ensure it is working is one of the contributors to the high volume of false activations identified by RAC Foundation's investigation. Steve Gooding, director of the road safety charity, said eCall is 'a great idea' and can be 'particularly useful in remote areas where no other road users are on hand to dial 999'. He went on: 'However, this report reveals a number of shortcomings in the system that need sorting, not least in the processes through which data is handled and the system's historical reliance on old mobile phone networks that are being turned off. 'This requires urgent attention otherwise lives could be at risk from life-saving technology failing when it's needed most. 'The number of manually triggered false alarms also suggests the need for action to explain what is clearly still an unfamiliar system for many drivers.' Dr Reed said: 'The case for accelerating the emergency response to road crashes through the eCall alert system is clear. 'The report highlights that its effectiveness is being undermined by challenges in exploiting the data it provides and by a high rate of false alerts, often triggered by accidental misuse. 'As an ever-increasing proportion of vehicles are equipped with eCall and similar functionalities become available via smartphones, smartwatches and dashcams, it is essential that we assess the true value of these technologies and ensure we unlock their full, life-saving potential.'
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These 7 Cars Got Straight A's for Car Seat Safety in 2025, According to Experts
As families grow and expand, their needs for gear change quickly. One of the most essential needs (not to mention the largest and biggest expense) is a safe vehicle that accommodates every car seat throughout all stages of growth. When car seats reduce the risk of injury for children in an accident by as much as 82%, knowing which vehicles offer easy installation and comfortable access is invaluable information. With that statistic in mind, it's no surprise that says nearly 70% of parents say car seats influenced their purchasing decision. In fact, annually unveils its Car Seat Fit Report Card to help families make the right choice for them. They examine how popular car seat models attach to the interior, if they fit properly, and how stable they are using a process that mimics parents' daily experiences. Car models include 2- and 3-row SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, sedans, as well as electric/hybrid vehicles. Whether you're welcoming a new addition to your family or noticing how much your children have grown, continue reading to discover which models earned the highest A vehicle is a significant investment. When shopping, remember to consider how long you plan to have it. You may be bringing your first tiny baby home from the hospital, but in no time at all, they will be a toddler. Make sure your car fits your current needs, and will also work for all the adventures Makes a Car the Best Fit for a Car Seat? Compiling data from Car Seat Checks in 55 vehicles throughout the year, certified child passenger safety technicians who are also moms, tested each car available for the report card. They evaluated how each car performs across these categories: Latch system (Is it easy to take the seat in and out of the car?) Rear-facing Infant seat Rear-facing convertible car seat Forward-facing convertible car seat Booster seat with high back Third-row access (Can the third row accommodate a car seat?) Cars That Received an 'A' Seven cars earned the highest marks in the Car Seat Fit Report Card—straight A's across all categories. Here are the ones that made the honor roll: 2025 Genesis GV80, 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ 2025 Mercedes-EQ EQS450+ Sedan 2025 Nissan Pathfinder 2025 Subaru Crosstrek 2025 Volkswagen Atlas This comprehensive list includes both compact and three-row SUVs as well as gas-only, hybrid, and electric models. All were praised for easy-to-access anchors and ample legroom. Cars That Were 'Almost Perfect' also includes vehicles that earned only one "B" grade. These cars almost had A's across the board outside of a single category. 2025 Buick Envista 2025 Cadillac Lyriq 2025 Ford F-150 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 2025 Honda Odyssey 2025 Mazda CX-70 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2025 Nissan Rogue 2025 Subaru Forester 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz These vehicles still perform exceptionally well with car seats and make great choices, but they may have a minor challenge accommodating one of the car seats tried. The Importance of Car Seats Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among children. Buckling children securely into the right car seat or booster seat for their age and size is critical in preventing serious injury or worse. If you're not sure which stage of car seat you need, consult the safety guidelines at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Read the original article on Parents
ArabGT
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Controversial Crash Test Ignites Dispute Between Two Chinese Automakers
A recent crash test video featuring Li Auto's i8 electric vehicle and the Qinglong truck by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motors has ignited a heated public dispute between the two Chinese automotive brands. The footage, which quickly gained traction online, drew intense scrutiny due to the dramatic visuals and the implications for vehicle safety and brand credibility. Dongfeng sharply criticized the video, accusing Li Auto of misrepresentation and questioning the authenticity of the test. The focal point of the controversy was a startling moment during the crash, where the Qinglong truck's front end visibly lifted off the ground, its front section buckled, and the truck's cab appeared almost detached as it landed atop the i8's hood. In response, Dongfeng released an official statement on August 1, condemning the test setup and defending its engineering integrity. According to QQ News, Dongfeng claimed that the video was 'seriously misleading,' arguing that it distorted reality and failed to reflect conditions typical of real-world collisions. Internal evaluations from the company reportedly found clear discrepancies between the test's design and regulated crash test standards. Behind the Crash: What Really Happened? The incident involved a direct impact between the Li Auto i8—an electric SUV weighing between 2,580 and 2,610 kilograms—and Dongfeng's 8-ton Qinglong truck. At the moment of impact, the i8 was traveling at 60 km/h (37 mph), while the truck was moving at 40 km/h (25 mph). Despite the mismatch in mass and size, the i8's safety structure remained intact. The front end absorbed the shock, the pillars showed no deformation, all nine airbags deployed as intended, and the doors automatically unlocked with the handles extending for emergency access. Additionally, the vehicle's emergency communication system activated, and notably, the underbody battery pack—despite being scratched by a sharp metal object during the test—showed no signs of smoke or combustion. The Bigger Picture: Marketing or Safety? Dongfeng's frustration may be rooted in broader industry dynamics. With Chinese automakers expanding aggressively into global markets, reputations for safety and engineering reliability are more critical than ever. Companies are increasingly using high-profile crash demonstrations as marketing tools to underline their vehicles' toughness and technological prowess. Li Auto's test was part of a campaign to showcase the durability and advanced safety features of the i8, an electric model with a growing reputation. However, staging a crash with a heavy-duty truck has introduced new questions—not only about engineering, but also about the ethics and transparency of such marketing strategies. The fallout from this clash is still unfolding. As both companies continue exchanging statements, the viral video remains a point of discussion across social media, fueling debates about crash test standards, their real-world validity, and the fine line between promotion and manipulation in the auto industry.
CBS News
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Can female crash test dummies improve safety? A bipartisan group of senators push for equality in testing
Could female crash test dummies improve vehicle safety? Here's what to know about the effort Women make up more than half of U.S. drivers, but are 73% more likely to suffer serious injuries in a crash than men, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They are 17% more likely to be killed, data shows. A group of bipartisan women senators is pushing for more diversity in crash test dummies, hoping it will help solve the problem. "Whether driving or as passengers, we wanna make sure that women are safe when they get in a vehicle," said Republican Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska. Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois added, "So there are all those moms and daughters and sisters and best friends come home." Duckworth and Fischer, along with Sens. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, and Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, are sponsoring the "She Drives Act" to update federal crashworthiness tests by requiring the use of advanced test dummies that better reflect the driving public, including one simulating a woman who's 4'11" and 108 pounds. "Are women hitting the dashboard at a different spot than men? Are we hitting a particular item in a car more often and that's causing more injury?" Duckworth asked. "That's where these crash test dummies that are the average, the size of the average woman will help us find, gather that data." The current, commonly used, test dummies were developed in the 1990s and represent a 5'9" man who weighs 171 pounds. The new THOR test dummy has been available since 2020. It is used internationally, but not in the U.S. Its manufacturer says it includes more than double the data-gathering capability of older models. Humanetics CEO Chris O'Connor said if the law passes, it will make vehicles safer long-term, "because right now we can't even detect these injuries in a crash test dummy because the sensors aren't there and so you can't design a safer vehicle without knowing." Some safety advocates, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, argue resources would be better focused on developing virtual testing tools to help researchers better understand the unique risks faced by different kinds of vehicle occupants. Crash victim's family reacts College freshman Amanda Kish, 18, was killed in October 2022 when she was driving home for the weekend from Central Michigan University. She was rear-ended, sending her car out of control. "My daughter should be here. I sent her to college and she never came home," her mother, Francis Kish, said. She hopes the new focus on women's auto safety will mean another family won't feel her heartbreak. "She was 5'0" and 94 pounds. So I believe that if she might not have been sitting so close to the steering wheel, she might still be here," Kish said about her daughter. In response to the safety testing, the U.S. Department of Transportation told CBS News, "Safety is Secretary (Sean) Duffy's top priority and he agrees that new female crash test dummies have taken too long to develop. He appreciates Congress's interest in resolving this issue and is committed to accelerating the process to improve safety for all Americans. "The THOR-05F female crash test dummy is not currently available for use. In 2023, under the Biden Administration, the design required changes to address durability issues identified during testing. NHTSA has initiated a new round of over 500 tests to validate performance and document required specifications for the updated model, after which it will propose a rule to add the THOR-05F, making it available for use by manufacturers."
Khaleej Times
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Free summer vehicle safety checks at select fuel stations to prevent accidents
Motorists across the UAE can now benefit from free 10-point vehicle safety checks at select fuel stations. This comes as part of Dubai Police's annual 'Summer Without Accidents;' campaign, which was announced during a press conference on Thursday. The campaign, running from July 1 to September 30, targets motorists in general, as well as travelers preparing for long trips during school holidays and summer breaks. The free inspections include checks on: Tire pressure and wear Brake fluid and systems Coolant levels and radiator hoses AC and air filters Battery health Headlights and windshield wipers Condition of belts Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Regular vehicle maintenance is not just a technical necessity, it's a public responsibility,' said Zaid Al-Qafidi, Executive Director of the Retail Sector at Bin Omran. 'Through these checks, we want to empower drivers to make informed decisions and help reduce accidents." Motorists can visit any participating AutoPro center, located across ENOC fuel stations in the UAE, to get their cars inspected for free. The service covers key components known to fail during extreme heat. #أخبار اÙ�Ø°Ù�اصÙ�Ù�: #صÙ�Ù�_بÙ�ا_ØÙ�ادث #Ø£Ù�Ø°Ù�برÙ� — Dubai Policeشرطة دبÙ� (@DubaiPoliceHQ) July 10, 2025 The campaign is being held in partnership with Dubai Police, who noted that tire bursts, overheating, and brake failures are common in summer. Authorities urged drivers to check their vehicles before hitting the road. 'We see a spike in incidents every summer linked to technical issues that could've been avoided,' said Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations at Dubai Police. 'These free inspections are a simple but crucial step to keep everyone safe on the roads.' Recently, on July 4, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) also launched a parallel awareness drive, urging motorists to perform routine maintenance checks before journeys. Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA, said: 'We urge all motorists to conduct regular and routine maintenance checks, including a quick inspection before setting off. This should involve a visual check of tyre pressure, engine oil and coolant levels, and ensuring there are no oil or water leaks beneath the vehicle.'
