Self-Driving Cars of the Imminent and Distant Future

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Sadly, the flying car is still the domain of science fiction. On the bright side, self-driving cars are not only feasible, they're already here. In fact, Google's self-driving cars have logged more than 1.5 million miles of trouble-free driving (clearly those miles don't include a recent incident with a public bus), and can currently be found in California, Texas, Washington, and Arizona. Google is so confident in its self-driving technology that the company makes it easy for the public to follow along with monthly reports. 

Eventually, the lessons learned – and the technology that is developed – will find its way throughout the industry. The gist of this continued development is plain to see; before long, autonomous cars will be an everyday reality. Just as smartphones and texting have transformed the world around us in just a few short years, it's entirely feasible that autonomous car technology could do the same.

But like any technology that is destined to cause a paradigm shift in the way we interact with each other and the world around us, there are still many questions left unanswered and puzzles ready to be solved. The technology may be ready, but are we? Are you willing to strap your toddler into a baby seat and then let the computer do the driving? The self-driving cars of the future are likely to evolve as we evolve with them.

The Promise of the Autonomous Car: A Personal Chauffeur

The ultimate expression of the self-driving car is likely yet to be determined. However, most people probably envision self-driving cars as mobile versions of robotic butlers. Available at our every beck and call, there for us when we need it, and able to take us anywhere we want, leaving the passengers to their own devices. Imagine if your car could drop you off in front of a busy downtown restaurant and then drive around or find its own parking space, only to come and pick you up when your meal was done. Well, that sounds terrific, but we're not there yet!

At the moment, self-driving applications (those that are commercially available, anyway; we're not counting Google's self-driving car) are limited to semi-autonomous auto pilot programs. Though far from being truly autonomous, they are helping both driver and engineer come to terms with what vehicle autonomy really is. Tesla offers auto pilot on its Model S and Model X electric cars, and manufacturers like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz offer or are developing similar technologies. These technologies allow vehicles to maintain speed, steer themselves, alert drivers to potential hazards, and even park themselves. If that much can already be accomplished, perhaps the autonomous personal chauffeur isn't too far away!

Self-driving Taxi Fleets Will Provide Cars on Demand

But the question must be asked: if cars become truly autonomous, do we even need to own them? Companies like Uber, Tesla, Apple and Google think there could be a future in the shared car (as well as autonomous public transportation). Fleets of autonomous cars could be the next natural evolutionary step of a concept already practiced by companies like ZipCar, Car2Go, and Paris and London's electric share car programs. Rather than own cars, why note hire them, on demand? With a smartphone in every pocket, it's easy to see how such a program could work.

Obviously, such autonomous fleets would have to be quite large if everyone gave up on car ownership in the coming decades, but it isn't hard to imagine punching in a request on one's smartphone and having a self-driving car arrive 10 minutes later to take you to your destination. Once you get there, leave the car, close the door, and be on your way. As with Uber and Lyft's current pay structure, you would be billed automatically and that would be that. You wouldn't have to worry about car insurance or even a driver's license. Nor would you have to worry about parking. For all but the most diehard gear heads, it's an attractive idea.

But What of the Obstacles?

Self-driving cars are close. As software, hardware, and technology companies like Qualcomm continue to work on vehicle applications for mobile processors, autonomous cars will continue to become more and more advanced. In fact, the odds are good that at some point in the near future, your car could be the "smartest" thing you own. But there's still much to be determined before your car drives you to work, and not the other way around.

One of the most obvious questions is who should be responsible in the event an autonomous car is involved in a crash. Volvo has already stated that it will take full responsibility in any accident involving one of its self-driving cars, but will other manufacturers follow along? And what of vehicle insurance? If your car is driving you, and not you it, should you still be obligated to purchase and maintain car insurance? Insurance companies are certain to lobby for this, but is it fair or logical? Finally, at what point can an autonomous car be trusted completely? In other words, how far away are we from being able to sit in the back seat of our car on the way to work (rather than having to babysit the wheel and pedals in the off chance the car loses control)? Taking this concept one step further, will cars in the future have steering wheels? At what point do human interfaces in cars become a liability rather than a benefit?

These questions are mostly rhetorical, of course. There is no clear answer. But we will, collectively, need to figure out the answers to these questions and more before autonomous cars become commonplace. In this case, it might not be prudent to jump into the deep end and learn to swim - better to ease into it. The future does show promise though, there can be no denying that. We are on the cusp of one of the biggest milestones in personal transportation since the original automobile was introduced over a century ago. Exciting, to say the least.

RELATED: Cars Of Tomorrow - 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

Any questions? Write me a comment below!

*by andreascy*

Furious 7: The Fast Boys Are Back With An Epic Trailer

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello guys. How are you? If you have been around for the last decade or so then you’ll probably remember a little film called The Fast and The Furious. Here we are 13 years later and the franchise is still going strong! 

Furious 7 has been one of this year’s most anticipated films. The fans are interested to see what new direction the producers are going to take the film, after suffering the loss of one of its main characters; Brian O’ Conner, played by Paul Walker.

Walker was killed in a high-speed car crash in November of 2013 and the producers, finished filming and wrapped up, despite his death. Walker’s brothers were enlisted to help with key scenes in the movie. One can’t help but think of the recent tragedy involving Heath Ledgers passing, during the production of The Dark Night. The cast and crew for Furious 7 has been together for so long and the Vin Diesel, one of the producers, often referred to the crew as "family". Paul, Tyrese and Vin were all very close; both on and off screen.

But... the show must go on right? Fans were treated to a trailer that can only be summed up in one word: EPIC. If the film promises to be as action packed as the preview, then get ready for a visual feast. The movie is set to hit theaters April 2015 and has already generated a huge buzz.

The Plot:

In this film, the team ends up in Tokyo after learning of their friend Han’s death. They meet Sean Boswell who was also friends with Han. Teaming up with Boswell and some extra allies, they set out to find the person responsible for murdering Han. Enter Ian Shaw, played by Jason Statham.

Jason Statham (the older brother of Owen Shaw, the bad guy from Fast 6) joins the Furious 7 entourage as, the new villain that the cast faces off against. As you may have guessed Shaw is hunting the crew down to avenge the death of his younger brother. Statham is a seasoned action movie star and should be able to hold his own when it comes to the action sequences.

Another addition to the cast is Kurt Russell. He is seen for a brief moment in the preview and has a somewhat ominous air about him. From the 3 seconds he’s in the preview, one can already tell that his character is hard to get a bead on. Russell has even said that his character is staged to be suspicious. He can be seen, kind of, mentoring Dominc Toretto in the preview, so the film may play out the misplaced trust notion. This is just speculation, no spoilers. 

With the passing of Paul Walker, one of the most asked questions by the fans is; what is going to be the fate of Brian O’ Conner? It turns out that O’ Conner will get fitting send off. 

Writer Chris Morgan and director James Wan are reworking the script and using previously shot footage of Walker, to give him a suiting farewell. This will still allow the franchise to continue and, if they want to risk it, they can maybe bring O’ Conner back for a cameo or still involve him with the story in some way. There has even been talk of bringing Paul’s brother Cody on, as a new addition to the crew. In the meantime Walker’s other brother Caleb will be filling in for Paul’s scenes.

The whole process is a really fine line to tread. On the one hand there is a movie that needs to be finished, but in a way that leaves the fans satisfied. On the other hand, no one wants to disrespect the memory of Paul Walker. Giving him a “send off into the sunset” seems like a win-win for everyone.

Furious 7 kicks off with action and story right out of the gate. Two members of the crew are now dead and Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) is injured. Fans can only assume that the story is building up to O’ Conner’s farewell. Dark, would be going a bit too far to describe the tone of this movie, perhaps pensive is a bit better. The fans will get a sense that the family Dominic has worked hard to put together, isn’t as ‘bulletproof’ as they used to be.

Despite the passing of Paul Walker being a huge tragedy, the film looks as though it will not disappoint and be a fitting final role. I'm looking forward to this, for sure. Can't wait!

Have you seen all the movies on this list?

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*by andreascy*

Cars Of Tomorrow: 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The cost of gasoline has steadily risen since the economic crash of 2008, and car manufacturers have responded by making more fuel efficient vehicles. Toyota and BMW formally agreed to collaborate on perfecting hydrogen fuel technology in 2013, while Ford, Nissan, and Daimler said they would team up to completely revolutionize fuel cells in their vehicles by 2017, according to the Economist. 

New car technology is usually dictated by economic conditions or public demand. The 1973 oil embargo by several OPEC member nations caused long lines at the pump, while a barrel of oil quadrupled in price within a 12 month period. The following year GM, Ford and Chrysler all made cruise control a mainstream option for their vehicles to help drivers save gas, while lawmakers pushed conservation and domestic energy efforts, including the enactment of the national 55 mph speed limit in 1973. 

The technology of tomorrow will continue to make cars more efficient and safe, and will bring more comfort and convenience to the driver. These three features are the next big advances that will soon be just as common as rear-view mirrors in most U.S.-made vehicles:

Forward Collision Avoidance Systems

Most DMV practice tests online will advise drivers to keep a safe following distance of about 3 seconds between your car and the one ahead of you. But new technology will soon remove human judgment from the driving equation altogether.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates forward-collision avoidance systems reduce crashes by up to 7 percent, and up to 14 percent if they include auto-braking features. An alarm will sound when the system senses the speed and trajectory of a vehicle is likely to lead to some type of collision. The IIHS rates all manufacturer system, from basic to superior, based on its capabilities.

A basic rating, for instance, is given to vehicles that meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's criteria on at least 5 of 7 test runs. There are 74 vehicles with forward-collision avoidance systems, including the 2014 models of the Cadillac ATS, Mercedes C-Class Sedan and Subaru Legacy, that have earned the organization's advanced rating. The 2014 Acura MDX SUV and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cherokee are among the models with superior ratings.

David Zuby, the chief research officer for IIHS, said auto-braking features will help inattentive and older drivers avoid fender benders, and ultimately lower insurance costs.

Camless Engines

A typical four-stroke piston engine utilizes camshafts to run the followers and open the valves that regulate gasoline flow. But if Christian von Koenigsegg of Sweden's Koenigsegg Automotive has his way, camshafts will be a thing of the past by 2020. He told Jalopnik at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that his company has been working on a camless engine for several years and believes it will be the rule rather than the exception for automobiles in the near future.

All the valves in a camless engine will function independently, translating to better fuel efficiency and horse power. Several manufacturers, including BMW, GM, and Ford have been tinkering with the idea, but it appears the technology may still be a few years away from being available to the masses.

Cargines and LaunchPoint Technologies are currently the leaders in camless engines. Brian Paden, the lead designer for the LaunchPoint, told Car-Engineer.com that this type of valve timing technology will increase fuel efficiency by 20 percent, reduce emissions by 10 percent, and improve torque by up to 13 percent.

Hands-Free Driving

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers predicts 60 percent of cars will be connected to the Internet by 2025. This first step is essential to the organization's other major prediction: that 75 percent of vehicles will be self-driving by 2040.

Autonomous cars not only have to be able to communicate with one another, but also with the satellites that safely route them. These vehicles will enable blind individuals, along with the handicapped and elderly, to drive to the grocery store and even take cross-country road trips. Google announced in April that its driverless technology completed over 700,000 miles of driving without an accident.

The National Highway and Safety Administration estimates car accidents cost the country nearly $900 billion a year. The International Organsation for Road Accident Prevention estimates more than 90 percent of accidents are caused by human error. Driverless technology can eliminate most accidents, the need for traffic lights, and lower insurance premiums for all drivers.

Driverless vehicles are currently only being tested in the states of California, Nevada, Michigan, and Florida.

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Cars of 2014 Under $60K

Be sure to leave your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback on this kind of research!

*by andreascy*

Five Modern Car Safety Technologies That Make Safer Roads

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The roads today are safer to drive on as compared to the past years. With the advancements in technology, car manufacturers are now equipping cars with high-end safety features that can prevent and lower the risk of car accidents. While purchasing a vehicle with these safety features can keep you and other people around you safe, it is still important to be a responsible driver when you're on the road.

The latest car safety features are very intelligent. It can even help impaired drivers avoid car collisions and other road hazards. But despite the modern cars' ability to reduce car accidents, this doesn't give drivers the excuse to drive recklessly on the road. More importantly, these car safety features don't encourage driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated.

Automatic Seatbelts

This feature may not be the latest in car safety equipment, but it is still very important. Drivers and passengers are required to buckle-up once they get on the vehicle; however, this can be easily forgotten. This is where the automatic seatbelts come in handy. It serves as a guarantee that the driver and passengers are strapped in once the vehicle is in motion. You should know that the use of seatbelts have saved over 15,000 lives every year. To this end, automatic seatbelts should not be taken for granted.

Cruise Control And Collision Monitoring System

The latest cruise control not only maintains constant speed, it also uses sensors that can detect when a collision is imminent. In fact, the cruise control in modern vehicles can adjust the throttle and brakes to ensure that the vehicle is always at a safe distance from the car in front of it. If the car senses a possible collision, it will either warn you or it will brake hard, tighten the seatbelt, and veer your vehicle to its original cruising speed to avoid getting into an accident. All these are done by the system without your input.

Lane Departure Warning System

This system judges the incoming traffic's speed and distance and warns you of possible danger if you change your lanes. It also warns you if your vehicle is veering off the right lane, which is very useful when you are distracted or if you are drowsy. The warning may come in the form of a seat or steering wheel vibration, or an alarm. Remember that drifting away from the right lane can result to fatal accidents. If your vehicle is equipped with this latest car safety feature, you can be assured that your vehicle will stay in the right course.

Driver Status Monitoring

This system works hand-in-hand with the lane departure warning system. It monitors your head position, eye activity, and your body posture to determine whether you are falling asleep and the car is behaving erratically through the use of sensors in your seat and internal camera. This system will then give a warning if you take your eyes off the road or if you fall asleep.

Blind Spot Alert System

Every car has some form of blind spot. This is the area where driver has reduced visibility; thus, they are unable to see vehicles that are traveling in adjacent lanes. Thankfully, more and more vehicles now have a blind spot alert system which uses a sensor to warn you if you are about to hit another vehicle. This system will prevent you from changing lanes if there is an incoming vehicle in your blind spot.

We've listed some of the latest car safety technologies that promote safe driving. We hope you liked our post so please, let us know your story down below in the comments and subscribe on our Newsletters to get cool stuff, gadgets & digital news straight to your inbox. We scrape the net for the best and gather all those goodies in one place.

*by andreascy*

Teen In The Driver's Seat - How To Prevent Common Road Accidents Using Modern Apps

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Because driving is such a common activity, some people forget how dangerous it can be to be behind the wheel. Teens are especially naive. They usually forget to consider the risks that come with driving, and many of them even think that accidents can never happen to them. But the reality is that accidents can happen to anyone, and most especially to teens. Their inexperience makes them more vulnerable when driving. Binge drinking is also more common in teens these days, which further increases the risk. 

There are several ways to protect your teen from accidents and from getting arrested for DUI. One is through proper education and training. Second is by making use of modern tools to prevent problems. Today, for instance, there are now so many apps that can be easily downloaded and used by teenagers. With the vast options out there, you can easily find certain applications that have been created to help thwart DUI problems. Below are a few examples:

Apps for Distracted Driving

When people drive, there are times when they can't help but answer their phones or check their emails, and the like. Doing something else while manning a vehicle is known as distracted driving, and this is one of the most common causes of fatal car crashes. Why? Drivers who take their attention off the road, such as when they text someone while driving, will not be able to react quickly if needed because their hands may not be on the wheel or their eyes are focused somewhere else. Luckily, there are apps that can help reduce distracted driving, such as Sprint Drive First, Textecution and DriveSafe.ly, to name a few.

Apps That Gauge BAC

It is hard to measure the blood alcohol content without a breathalyzer. Luckily, more and more apps are being created to help assess a person's BAC. But when using these apps, it's important to understand that these may not as accurate as a breathalyzer. Some, like Breathaleyes, evaluate the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, which is often observed in inebriated individuals. Others can help you take note of how many drinks you've had. Then, there are also apps with detachable devices that can help you determine if you're fit to drive or not. An example is the Breathometer, which you plug into your smartphone if you want to measure your BAC. The BACtrack works in an almost similar manner, with you pairing the app with the BACtrack mobile breathalyzer.

Apps That Curb Speeding

No one wants a speeding ticket, and, thankfully, there are apps that can help you keep track of how fast you're going. My Tracks is a great app for this. Whatever you're doing that gets you from point A to point B, like walking, jogging, biking or driving, this app can help you determine your speed and location. Another way to use this app is to corroborate the findings of the police just in case you're stopped for speeding. If your gadget tells you that you're following the speed limit but the police tell you that you're not, then you can have the devices checked to see which one is providing correct results. The Slow Down app is another creation that can help train you to follow speed limits. The app slows down the music on your iPhone, for instance, once you exceed the speed limit, and it stops altogether if you go past 10 miles more than the stated threshold.

SEE ALSO: 5 Modern Car Safety Technologies That Make Safer Roads

We have done a lot of research about automobile accident prevention. We also write about auto claims and other legal issues that are of concern to car accident victims. Subscribe on our newsletter for more!

*by andreascy*

Transportation Options While Vacationing

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Taking a vacation with family or friends can be great fun, but all of the different transportation options can cause confusion over the way to get around. 

Whether you hop on a minibus or you rent a car, each option has benefits and drawbacks, depending on the situation. Here are some suggestions for transportation options away from home that will leave you moving smoothly wherever you go.

Renting a Car

This is one of the most common forms of transportation used while traveling. But is it right for your trip?

If you plan to be traveling long distances each day on your trip, renting a car can be the greatest way to move around. Most rental car services offer low daily rates, or will even consider offering a flat rate for the entire period you travel. Of course, the gas costs will be covered by you, but many rental services provide renters with choices between cars - opt for a hybrid, or any other car that gets good mileage. Some services even offer cheaper rates on weekdays than on weekends, so plan your trip well in advance to get the best deal.

When it comes to insurance, be very wary. Rental insurance prices are often extremely inflated, and often times a driver's personal automobile insurance already covers all of the same things as the rental insurance. Before purchasing rental insurance through a service, check with your current insurance provider to see if it's the right choice - it may save you a lot of money.

Taking the Bus/Taking a Taxi

If you're traveling to a location where public transportation is cheap and efficient, and if you don't need to travel long distances, consider taking the bus or riding on a metro. Often times you can purchase passes for a week or even a month, significantly cutting down the costs of transportation. In many cities and towns parking can also be a problem, thus making a rental car more difficult to use - in this case, opt for riding the bus around town so as to not worry about a car. 

If you're trying to get somewhere at night, forgo the bus for an official taxi. While taxis might be slightly more expensive, they offer safer transportation than a public bus or metro, and will take you exactly where you need to be.

Use Your Feet

An often overlooked form of transportation while on vacation, walking can offer benefits that far surpass any other way. Walking allows you to exercise while away from home, it saves a lot of money on transportation costs, and it allows you to see your destination of choice from a different perspective.

And you must consider the location to which you're traveling. If you're trying to get from Paris to Hamburg, or even San Francisco to Los Angeles in a few days, walking might not be your best option. But if you have a whole week to explore downtown Budapest, or if your entire trip is in Salt Lake City, put on a pair of walking shoes and see all of the sites you can.

Time to Get Away

Going on a vacation can be great fun for you and your friends or family, but make sure you plan accordingly before leaving. Whether you ride the bus, rent a car, or simply walk around town, find out the best transportation option for you to have the trip of a lifetime.

As travel enthusiasts, here at THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY we always encourage our readers to explore new areas when traveling. Let us know how can we help you with your next trip. 😉

*by andreascy*

Benefits of the Different Types of Alternative Transportation

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

There are a lot of reasons to want to leave your car behind and find alternative modes of transportation if you're in the city. Cars can be a gigantic hassle--traffic and parking nearly always present problems, and you are constantly running the risk of fender benders and other accidents. 

Cars also guzzle gas (especially during the aforementioned traffic in larger cities), and are thus much more costly than most alternate forms of transportation. And finally, cars are very inefficient, and thus environmentally unfriendly. So if you're thinking of leaving the car behind, and hopping on some alternative transportation, here are some options to consider.

Bus 

A bus is often the best friend of a city dweller. Buses run frequently to all the busiest parts of town, and for very reasonable rates. If you're a frequent public transportation user, a bus pass is a very worthwhile investment. Chances are, if you live in the city, there's a bus stop within a few blocks of your residence. It's a good bet that walking to the bus stop takes less time than trying to find a parking spot. 

Buses equipped with hybrid engines or solar panels on their roofs are becoming more and more popular, meaning this mode of transportation is getting greener and greener. So buses are also a way to feel better about your carbon footprint when you're moving from Point A to Point B. 

Subway 

If you live in a city with a good subway system, then look no further. Subways can be the ultimate form of transportation, as they are speedy, usually run with good frequency, bypass traffic completely, and are a fantastic, environmentally friendly choice.

If you're lucky enough to live near a subway station, your trip or commute is bound to be much less of a hassle than it would have been by car. And if you don't live in walking distance of a station, just hop a bus to one! Subways are also important because they represent the future of public transportation: they can hold lots of people, they travel at good speeds, and the potential to lower their environmental impact is almost limitless. 

Taxis 

Taxis are pretty prevalent in almost all of the major metropolitan areas. They're a great way to get where you need to go with little hassle or wait. You can call and reserve a taxi, or simply flag one on the street, and it will take you exactly where you're going: no parking, no stopping for other guests, just a beeline to your destination. There used to be two downsides to taxis: money, and environmental impact. They still cost a lot more money than, say, a bus, but you certainly make up for it with the low-hassle and quick delivery. As for the environmental impact, more and more taxi companies are shifting to hybrid vehicles, meaning you needn't feel so bad about wasting gas to get to work or that new restaurant you've been wanting to try.

Car Share

Car sharing is a revolutionary idea that allows you to have a car only when you need it. With a membership to one of the many car sharing services, you have access to a whole fleet of vehicles that are conveniently parked in street spots reserved just for them, or cruising around town waiting to pick you up. These vehicles are usually environmentally friendly (and you don't pay for gas or insurance, just a membership), so they're a fantastic alternative to owning a car.

That was it for today, we hope you enjoyed our article. Feel free to like, comment and share it with your friends and other social circles. Hopefully we will inspire and attract more people on our Blog. Thank you everyone for your continuous support! 

*by andreascy*

8 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Truck Driving

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Many of us notice truckers each day that we drive upon the open road. We may wave to them, we may pass them, and we may take note of the goods they are carrying. 

But what we may not know is that trucking is an industry filled with interesting facts and trivia. The following is simply a test drive of the interesting trucking tidbits.

1. It's a Long, Long Road

On average, truckers drive about 105,000 miles a year. To put that into perspective, that's like driving all around the world nearly 4.25 times. When all U.S. truckers are added together, they cover nearly one and a half billion miles annually.

2. The Name Game

The term "semi-truck" comes from trailers. Trailers have no front wheels, and thus can only be used by connecting the trailer to the tractor part of the truck. This led to the term "semi-trailer," which eventually evolved into the term "semi-truck."

3. Topping the Trains

While the railroads may get a lot of credit, trucks also greatly contribute to transporting goods through the United States each year. Per Popular Mechanics, 68 percent of all goods in America are delivered by semi-trucks. When calculated per person, this averages to about 60,000 pounds of goods per American.

4. A Rosy Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor, the trucking industry is projected to grow 21 percent between the years 2010 and 2020. This is quite a bit faster than the average job rate (which is projected to grow around 14 percent).

5. Claim to Fame

Several celebrities are rumored to have been truck drivers before hitting it big. Among some of the marquee names on this list are Sean Connery, Rock Hudson, Chevy Chase, and Richard Pryor.

6. Aversion to Accidents

While accidents may happen, when they do, the trucker is much less likely to be at fault than the non-commercial driver. In fact, truckers are well trained, have special licensure, and must follow governmental and company-imposed guidelines to avoid sleepiness and other types of fatigue. All of this adds up to commercial drivers being at fault in only 20 percent of the cases in which they are involved.

7. He Ain't Heavy, He's my Barter

Those 18-wheelers are legally allowed to weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. In other words, they can weigh as much as five male African elephants.

8. The Unwritten Rules

Truckers abide by unwritten rules of the road, rules used to communicate with other drivers. For instance:

•  Truckers may double flash their headlights into oncoming lanes to warn about a police speed trap ahead.

•  Truckers may triple or quadruple flash their headlights into oncoming lanes to warn about an upcoming danger on the road, such as a foreign object in the road, a rock slide, or a broken down vehicle. 

•  Truckers may engage their hazards when the highway traffic comes to a sudden stop, as may be the case with construction.

•  Truckers may flash their lights at other drivers once the driver has fully passed their semi. This is used as a form of common courtesy to let the driver know they can change lanes safely. Truckers sometimes expect the same in return; if they have their turn signal on and there is room for a lane change, a flash from the other driver will indicate to the trucker that they are free to proceed.

In Conclusion

We recommend taking a closer look into transportation industry, and if you have more questions reach out to a professional. For further help, you can always use our contact form and one of our specialists will respond. 👍😉

*by andreascy*

How A Breathalyzer Works

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Breathalyzers were scientifically developed in order to help law enforcement personnel to establish if an individual was driving while impaired due to alcohol. 

The technical non-invasive devices can ascertain, if a driver is drunk so the driven can be removed from the road. Breathalyzers test the concentration of blood alcohol in the driver’s blood.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Years ago the blood alcohol concentration level use to be 0.10. Now most states have a blood alcohol level of 0.08. This limit is also being lowered in some states to 0.05. The American Medical Association has stated that drivers with a level of 0.05 are impaired and should not be driving. A breathalyzer test showing that a driver has a level of 0.15, would prove that per 100 ml of blood, the driver shows 0.15 grams of alcohol present.

Fruit juice or milk is digested but the body does not digest alcohol. It is possible to determine the lever of alcohol by using a person’s breath because it is absorbed by the body. Alcohol goes immediately through the bloodstream and circulates until it is evaporated in the lungs. The molecules of alcohol do not mix with other liquids in the body. Alcohol is volatile in the blood because it is absorbed into the membranes of the mouth, stomach, intestines and throat. Blood passes through the lungs, which allows the alcohol to pass over the lungs air sacs and releases alcohol through the person’s breath. The breath that is being expelled holds the same amount of alcohol that is in the bloodstream. The breathalyzer can then accurately measure the evaporated alcohol through the breath. This is how the blood alcohol concentration is measured accurately for intoxication.

How the Evaporated Alcohol is Measured

Just like a diabetic kit with strips, levels of alcohol will produce chemical reaction on a piece of paper that will make the paper change color. When using a breathalyzer, the breath will travel through a solution. The solution will change color and the police officers will compare that color to the chart for intoxication levels.

The breathalyzer itself has a couple of different devices. There is a straw, which the offender will blow into so the person’s breath comes up from the lungs. The two cylinders with vials contain water, silver nitrate, sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate. A deep breath needs to pull air deep from the lungs.

Once the alcohol is removed from the air, it is absorbed by the liquid solution. The degree of change in color depends on the amount of evaporated alcohol that is in the breath taken from the offender. Only one vial has a chemical reaction. The other vial stays the same. An electrical current is produced which will make a needle on a gage to move. The officer operating the breathalyzer will watch the needle and wait for it to stop moving and then turn a knob to replace the needle to the point where it started. The more the knob has to be turned the higher amount of alcohol is in the solution. This will give the officer the reading level of intoxication.

RELATED: Science Nation - This Breathalyzer Reveals Signs of Disease

Got something to say? Keep the conversation going.

*by andreascy*

GPS Fleet Management - What Are Its Environmental Benefits

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Everybody wants to be a green citizen today. Being eco-friendly has gone from being a fashion statement to a necessity. More and more clients ask for products that are the result of green manufacturing processes and businesses therefore have been encouraged to go in for sustainable practices. This eco-conscience is also applicable for an owner of a fleet.

Fleet management has its own complexities and challenges but you can make it as green and environmentally friendly as possible by going in for GPS fleet management. Using a GPS vehicle tracking system for your fleet has plenty of benefits including financial. So let us take a look at the environmental benefits of GPS fleet management:

1. Optimizing fuel consumption 

By going in for a GPS fleet management system you can make every gallon of fuel count. This makes both environmental and financial sense since fuel prices are rising everywhere and is probably one of the largest expense areas for you as well. Therefore you should be able to monitor how the driver is driving in terms of speed of vehicle and route. For instance, if your vehicle has been left idling for too long or if the driver is showing erratic speeds while he is driving this could be draining revenues from your business by way of fuel wastage. Figuring out the best possible route is also useful when using GPS fleet management. It may not always be about the shortest route. It can also be a route which allows for uninterrupted driving and ergo lesser need for braking! 

2. Getting the drivers to invest in green policies

With GPS fleet management system you can familiarize your drivers with environmental principles that you would like to follow. Therefore they become more invested in reducing carbon footprint. Rather than simply dictating routes you can explain to the drivers why it is important that the driver adhere to a particular speed and go through a particular route so that they too are familiar with the higher purpose of eco-consciousness. You can also demonstrate why careful driving at a particular speed will help keep the drivers safe too. 

3. Government compliance

Depending on the country that you are in, you would be needed by the government to comply with emissions standards or carbon footprint laws. One of the ways in which you can meet these compliance frameworks is to use GPS fleet management. By reducing speed to optimum levels and by extending the life of the vehicle you can get some major “brownie points” in terms of carbon credits and certifications from government agencies as well. 

GPS fleet management system can also help manage your fleet in terms of age of vehicles. By looking at the driving history of each vehicle you can find out whether they have been performing better over a period of time or whether the time has come to trade them for newer vehicles. Tracking aspects like service history and routine maintenance for your fleet is critical to ensure that you put safe and low polluting vehicles on the road.

SUGGESTED: 5 Top Tech Toys For Your Car

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*by andreascy*

TED : Chris Gerdes talks about "The future race car" - 150mph and with no driver

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Autonomous cars are coming - and they're going to drive better than you. 

Chris Gerdes reveals how he and his team are developing robotic race cars that can drive at 150 mph while avoiding every possible accident. 

And yet, in studying the brainwaves of professional racing drivers, Gerdes says he has gained a new appreciation for the instincts of professional drivers. Enjoy the video!

Check also other interesting TED performances.

*by andreascy*

MOTOROLA ATRIX™ HD on AT&T : Vehicle Navigation Dock

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The new MOTOROLA ATRIX™ HD not only has the looks that turns heads, but also the brains to take you to the top of the charts. 

This phone is remarkably thin but is made with DuPont™ KEVLAR® fiber on back and scratch-resistant Corning® Gorilla® Glass display on front, with a splash-guard coating all around for a durable build that puts your mind at ease.

AT&T’s latest offering, the Motorola Atrix HD, is clearly part of the Android camp, where from this Sunday onwards, it will be made available in all AT&T channels for $99.99 and a new two-year agreement.

Owners of the Motorola Atrix HD might find the smartphone to be worth their while thanks to the pre-loaded SMARTACTIONS, which is a free app from Motorola which actually suggests ways to automatically change your phone’s settings throughout the day in order to let you fall into a comfortable routine.

For instance, should you place the Motorola ATRIX HD in the Vehicle Navigation Dock accessory and enable Drive Smart, it will automatically send the handset into vehicle mode, reading out any of your text messages, in addition to sending auto-replies to incoming calls and texts while delivering turn-by-turn navigation. Learn about this on the video below!

The ATRIX HD claims to be "Slimmer", "Smarter" and "Stronger" than ever before. You can find the full specifications about the device, that will be available exclusively from AT&T here.

*by andreascy*

SONY XAV-601BT Double DIN A/V Receiver : Control Smartphone Features and Apps thanks to MirrorLink™ Technology

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hey Brothers & Sisters entire world. Have a great days in this blessed weekend. We would love to keep you updated with all the latest trends so here we go.

We present to you Sony's best-in-class audio/video infotainment system. An In-Dash Receiver that provides great dynamic sound capabilities using an EQ7 7-band equalizer and a rear bass enhancer to allow your back speakers to act as a subwoofer. 

Featuring Jump Mode, SensMe, and the new MirrorLink applications the receiver makes search capabilities a lot easier. Experience music playback and connectivity like never before with brand new technology that is revolutionizing the car audio industry.

With integrated Bluetooth technology, Pandora internet radio control, integrated HD Radio™ tuner, SiriusXM™ satellite radio connectivity, dual USB inputs and CD/DVD playback to maximize a mobile audio experience. 

We got a glimpse of this at CES, but the XAV-601BT has Sony's MirrorLink technology. Now, for those with smartphones, you can control and enjoy music, navigation and other smartphone apps safely while on the move.

MirrorLink gives you in-dash control over applications and data that you have saved on your phone. With the first MirrorLink™ compatible in-car AV centre head unit, you’re always in touch with your digital world while you’re behind the wheel. 

Just connect your MirrorLink™ certified smartphone to the XAV-601BT and you’re ready for the road. 

As well as making and receiving calls safely, it’s easy to interact with your phone’s media collection and compatible apps while your smartphone’s battery charges via USB. 

You can even get directions and interact via the large 15.5cm (6.1”) touch panel with your phone’s built-in navigation app (NB: supported functions depend on capabilities of connected smartphone). 

From launch, the XAV-601BT offers guaranteed MirrorLink™ compatibility with these Symbian smartphones: Nokia 701, 700, 603, N8, E7, C7, X7, C6-01. The head unit is future-proofed with simple firmware updates to add compatibility with more apps and a growing range of smartphones from other manufacturers. 

You don’t even have to be a driver to enjoy all the fun. Passenger App Control lets travel companions view videos and interact with apps from their connected iPhone and iPod Touch on the head unit’s touchscreen. (NB: iPod video playback requires optional cable). 

Dual USB ports allow simultaneous connection of two portable devices. Make calls and use your smartphone’s navigation app, while browsing album artwork and playlists on your iPod/iPhone or Walkman or listening to tracks stored on USB flash memory. 

Music searches, control of linked devices and other functions are a pleasure via the touchscreen’s speedy, responsive ‘3D-style’ interface. Choose your background wallpaper image, or select from a choice of six eye-grabbing visualizations that bring music playback to life. 

Audio/video quality of the XAV-601BT is everything you’d expect from Sony’s range-topping AV Centre head unit. You’ll enjoy detail-packed DVD video playback, plus a clear view of playlists and album artwork on the large 15.5cm (6.1”) WVGA touchscreen. 

Pristine video is teamed with unmatched in-car sound. Immerse yourself in the emotion of a live concert with 4.1 multi-channel surround sound plus a virtual centre speaker. Sony’s unique Advanced Sound Engine lets you fine-tune each performance with a wide palette of sonic refinements to suit your mood and your music collection. 

Unique to Sony, radio reception is enhanced by a Digital Clarity Tuner that improves stereo channel separation and sound quality if you’re driving in areas with weak FM signal coverage. 

Naturally the XAV-601BT supports Bluetooth for safe hands-free calls from your phone, and wireless music streaming from your Walkman or Bluetooth -enabled MP3 player. 

For additional peace of mind, the XAV-601BT features a removable front panel that detaches in an instant for improved anti-theft security while you’re away from the vehicle. 

About MirrorLink™ Technology:

MirrorLink™ is a technology standard developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) that unites many of the world’s major electronics, automotive and mobile communications companies. 

Drivers can safely access many of their smartphone’s capabilities from behind the wheel, without looking at or touching the phone itself. 

It seamlessly connects your phone with your vehicle’s information and entertainment system.

Approved applications and content are ‘mirrored’ from the mobile device onto the display of your in-dash head unit. This connectivity allows you to interact safely with your smartphone via the car’s head unit display, steering wheel buttons and audio system. 

The new XAV-601BT in-car AV Centre with MirrorLink™ compatibility by Sony is available in Europe from June 2012. Enjoy the video!

The Sony XAV-601BT is great for turning any road trip into a fun and entertaining adventure. With great sound quality and performance, this receiver provides a new lively experience while your out on the road. 
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*by andreascy*