Category Archives: safety

FCA US Eliminates Use of Non-Desiccated Ammonium Nitrate Takata Air-bag Inflators

Posted on 23 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Unsold vehicles that are so-equipped will be identified for customers. These customers will also be advised that the vehicles will be recalled in the future. They are not currently subject to recall. Takata inflators have been tied to at least ten deaths and more than 100 injuries so far in the United States. Continue reading →

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FAA Fines Amazon $78K for Shipping Hazardous Materials

Posted on 22 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Amazon has a history of violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations. From February 2013 to September 2015, Amazon was found to have violated the Hazardous Materials Regulations 24 other times. Continue reading →

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FAA Belatedly Issues Rules for Some Drones

Posted on 21 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The rule’s provisions, allegedly, are said “to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground.” Continue reading →

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Children Added to Virtual Crash Testing at Toyota

Posted on 21 June 2016 by Ken Zino

It is used for the development of safety equipment such as airbags. THUMS is also being used by NASCAR to set regulations for seat shapes to reduce the likelihood of rib fractures sustained by drivers during racing accidents. Continue reading →

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Diesel Coffin Nails – California Court Decision on Diesels Smacks Small Fleets and Farmers over Money

Posted on 20 June 2016 by Ken Zino

A decision by the Superior Court of California in Fresno earlier this month agreed with the California Trucking Association’s request to erase a range of amendments to the state’s major rule to clean up diesel trucks and buses. Continue reading →

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Kia Recalls Sedona Minivans for Suspension Failures

Posted on 20 June 2016 by Ken Zino

In a move approved by NHTSA – but much decreed by critics – it’s a regional recall. Continue reading →

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Amazon Under FAA Scrutiny for Shipping Hazardous Materials

Posted on 13 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Amazon has a history of violating the Hazardous Materials Regulations. From February 2013 to September 2015, Amazon was found to have violated the Hazardous Materials Regulations 24 other times. The FAA is continuing to investigate Amazon’s compliance with the Hazardous Materials Regulations applicable to air transportation. Continue reading →

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Web Aided Auto Insurance Shopping Grows

Posted on 8 June 2016 by Ken Zino

Compare.com, a comparison auto insurance website in the United States, has added Amica Mutual so it will be providing quotes in California and Texas starting this month. Continue reading →

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More Recalls for Takata Airbag Shrapnel

Posted on 7 June 2016 by Ken Zino

The numbers – tens upon tens of millions – and corresponding expenses are now so large that at least one company – General Motors – is questioning the need for the ongoing expansion of mandatory repairs by NHTSA of vehicles with Takata airbag inflators. Continue reading →

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NSC Predicted Memorial Day Driving Carnage Worst Since 2009

Posted on 23 May 2016 by Ken Zino

In February, the NSC released preliminary estimates showing motor vehicle fatalities had increased 8% in 2015 compared to 2014 – the largest year-over-year percentage increase in 50 years. Continue reading →

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Lawyer Plagued? BMW Sued for “Faulty” i3 Electric Vehicles

Posted on 18 May 2016 by Ken Zino

The crux of the lawsuit is about the BMW i3 “Range Extender.” This so-called Rex option, uses a two-cylinder, 34 horsepower gasoline engine that switches on when the battery charge drops to 5%, providing another 70 miles of range. BMW claims that the Range Extender “doubles your electric driving range” from the vehicle’s standard 81-mile range. Continue reading →

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Open Safety Recalls Plague Automakers, Consumers, NHTSA

Posted on 16 May 2016 by Ken Zino

Valvoline Instant Oil Change claimed today that it will become the first quick lube retailer that will use Carfax to help customers know about open automaker safety recalls on their vehicle. Continue reading →

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Subaru Recalls 2016-17 Legacies, Outbacks for Steering Loss

Posted on 16 May 2016 by Ken Zino

Subaru recalls model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles because the steering column may be improperly machined by supplier NSK Steering Systems America so that turning the steering wheel will have no effect on the direction of the front wheels. Continue reading →

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Michelin Sues Atturo Tire Over a Directional Tread Patent

Posted on 13 May 2016 by Ken Zino

The suit alleges that two tire models – the Atturo AZ600 and the Thunderer Ranger 007- infringe the company’s U.S. patent D483,322 for a directional tread. Continue reading →

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NHTSA on Takata Airbag Recall Expansion

Posted on 12 May 2016 by Ken Zino

NHTSA announced earlier in May that it is expanding the recall of deadly Takata airbag inflators to include an additional 35-40 million inflators. This is in on top of the 28.8 million Takata inflators already under recall. NHTSA claims that more than … Continue reading →

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