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Special Traffic Issue 2013 Promoting Family Safety Panorama
Special Traffic Issue 2013Promoting Family Safety
Panorama
Inside this issueS P E C I A L T R A F F I C I S S U E 2 0 1 3
If you have any articles you would like to submit or any suggestions, please e-mail themto: [email protected]
Panorama (Issn 1319-2027) is published quarterly by Saudi Aramco’s Loss Prevention Department and is distributed free of charge to company employees and other readers with an interest in safety. Articles may be reprinted without permission provided Panorama and Saudi Aramco Loss Prevention are credited.
Cover Photo: Hatim OweidaPhotos by Ali Saeed
Altraiki P. Company - Fax: 8471412
Loss Prevention, Room A-117 Building 3150, LIP
Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
© Copyright 2013, Saudi Aramco. All rights reserved.
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Now, a growing number of pedestrians are becoming the perpetrators, not the victims, of accidents, traffic and otherwise. The reason? Modern technology — especially headphones, mobile phones and other handheld devices.
A Distracting Danger
Special Traffic Issue 2013
Promoting Family Safety
Panorama
2Do as I Do … not Only as I Say!Time and time again you hear that
young drivers (younger than 25) are
more likely than anyone else to be
injured or killed in a vehicle crash, in the
Kingdom and other countries.
15Safety on WheelsBikes, scooters, roller blades
and skateboards are classic
symbols of childhood recreation,
transportation and health.
Participation in wheeled sports
helps children develop the habit
of healthy physical activity, and
also contributes to a sense of
independence and responsibility.
Would You Drive Blindfolded?When you are driving home from
a hard day at work or taking your
family out for a nice meal, how
would you feel if some of the other
drivers were wearing blindfolds?
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Are the Cars of the Future Already Here?
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More technologies for safer vehicles are in development. If these technologies are combined with careful, driving skills we may all reach our destinations more comfortably, more quickly and much more safely.
18Road Markings: Getting You there SafelyIncreasing levels of congestion on the
roads have played a significant role in the
increasing tempers among drivers and
increased traffic collisions.
Why are so many young people involved in fatal crashes? Because young people do not take safe driving seriously! They consider driving a fun activity and a chance to prove how brave they are — often to their peers — and in general push the limits of physics by performing some very dangerous stunts. Why do they do this? Because they are young and immature, and have poor driving role models.
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Do as I Do … not Only as I Say!
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Driving parenting is a life and death situation
It’s not just good parenting to talk to your children about safe driving; it’s a life and death situation. You need to discuss everything about traffic safety with your sons before they even reach driving age. Start when they are young passengers — both boys and girls — to stress the importance of using their vehicle restraints. Insist that they are buckled up before every trip. You can also emphasize the importance of following all traffic signs and signals, and safe driving rules and regulations. Say, for example, “the roads are dangerous and this is why dad always drives defensively to be in control of the vehicle and to be able to react in an emergency or when others make mistakes.”
When your son is ready to drive, make sure that he takes driving lessons and passes his driving test. Once he has his driving license, and for the first six months, restrict his driving to only when supervised by you and during the daytime. This way you can monitor his driving to make sure that he drives defensively. Once you feel confident that he has gained enough experience, allow him to drive on his own. But set limits that clearly outline the consequences of breaking the rules, i.e., loss of his driving privilege, monetary fines and even injury and death. You may think that you cannot get through to your son, but research tells us that children do listen to their parents. You do influence your son’s driving habits. Remind him that driving is a privilege — a privilege that he will lose if he doesn’t drive by the rules of the road and your own rules.
Modeling safe driving
Talking to your son about safe driving is important, but not as important as modeling safe driving. Many parents are unaware of the influence they have on their children’s driving behavior. Your driving style and behavior behind the wheel, including how you react to various driving situations and mistakes by others, are more significant to your son’s developing driving habits than anything you may say. Remember that even as a young child your son observes your driving behavior and learns from you. Children naturally imitate their parents and when it comes to driving, fathers need to model good driving skills and behavior so that their sons follow their lead and avoid risky behaviors.
Stress the importance of obeying these rules. If he fails to do so, he will lose his driving privilege for a certain period of time depending on the rule. For example, if he is observed using a mobile phone, he will not be allowed to drive for a week; if he is speeding, he will not be allowed to drive for a month. Repeated violations will result in taking the keys away from him altogether.
Do as I Do … not Only as I Say!
Risky behaviors
What are some of the risky driving behaviors of young drivers?Speeding — Young drivers believe that they are immortal — nothing bad can happen to them — so they exhibit the worst of all risky behaviors: driving at unsafe, high speeds. Speeding is one of the most common factors contributing to traffic crashes. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. It’s important to note that the relative proportion of speeding-related crashes to all crashes decreases with the driver’s increasing age.
Aggressive driving — The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as driving that takes place when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons and property. Aggressive driving is exhibited in many different ways including not following the rules of the road (i.e., running red lights and stop signs), disregarding other drivers’ rights (i.e., cutting in front of them, tailgating and swerving in and out of lanes), not giving the right-of-way to pedestrians and others, and honking and making angry gestures.
Distracted driving — Distractions are deadly because they take a driver’s mind and eyes off the road. Even only a few seconds is enough to prevent a driver from seeing a hazard and will delay his reaction time. Distractions coupled with a lack of driving experience put young drivers in a very vulnerable position for a crash. Young drivers are usually distracted by any of these actions: eating or drinking; tuning the radio or listening to a portable multimedia player; smoking; searching, talking, calling or texting on a mobile phone; steering with knees (kneeing); using a GPS; and staring at something on the road.
Following too closely — Tailgating is dangerous because it shortens the amount of time a driver has to react to a hazard on the road. And remember, the higher the speed, the longer it takes to stop safely. All drivers should follow the two-second rule: Watch the rear bumper of the vehicle in front as it passes a fixed object; count two seconds: “one thousand one, one thousand two.” This rule helps determine and maintain a safe following distance under normal road and weather conditions. One or more seconds should be added for each factor that causes driving conditions to deteriorate: rain, fog, shamals, night driving, heavy traffic, road construction or health issues.
Carrying too many passengers — When a young driver has too many friends in the vehicle a safety issue can arise. Friends talking and laughing may distract the
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Seat belts: Always buckle up!
Mobile phone: No searching, texting or talking. Turn off the mobile phone when in the car.
Curfew time: Have the car back home by 10 p.m.
Passengers: No more than one at a time (increase the number of passengers with time).
Substances: No use of any kind, including medications that can cause drowsiness.
Distance: Establish the maximum distance that he can drive from home (increase the distance with time).
Driving safely: Follow all established rules including speed limits.
Family car only: No driving anyone else’s vehicle, including friends’ vehicles.
driver from driving safely. Friends may try to influence him to take risks that he might not otherwise take, like stunt driving or speeding. Young passengers may try to interfere with the driver physically (playfully blocking his eyes, placing their foot on the accelerator, elbowing him), making it difficult or impossible to drive safely.
Driving when tired or sleepy — According to the US National Safety Council (NSC), young drivers are often sleep deprived. When it comes to sleep, the brain is like a bank. You deposit a certain amount of sleep every night or you may have a sleep deficit. If the driver has a sleep deficit over many nights, his brain will not be fully functional for him to drive safely. The driver should get enough sleep or catch up if he misses sleep, eat a light meal before driving, make frequent stops, drive with one other person and pay attention to sleep deprivation warning signs — if too tired or sleepy, he should get off the road and rest.
Failing to buckle up — Vehicle restraints do not prevent crashes, but they help prevent fatalities and minimize the severity of injuries in the event of a crash. When a driver and passengers are in a collision, their bodies go through three separate collisions of their own: first, the collision the body feels when the vehicle makes the initial impact; second, the collision of the body against parts of the vehicle (i.e., the dashboard, steering wheel, doors, seats and seatbelts); and third, the collision of human organs inside each body. The severity of all three of these collisions worsens as speed increases. When vehicle occupants are properly restrained, the impact of the collision is reduced.
Spell out the rules
Clearly define the family’s safe driving rules and consequences. Write up a contract that both you and your son sign:
Apply the crash prevention formula
Recognize the hazard — Scan ahead, around and behind the vehicle. Check the rearview and side mirrors every three to five seconds. Use the “what if …” strategy to stay alert and spot hazards. There are two types of hazards. Driver hazards are those created by the driver, by his own behavior and by making unsafe driving decisions like running a red light or speeding. Driving hazards are those created by the traffic environment — the road, weather or other drivers. While you may not create these hazards, you need to anticipate that these can happen and be prepared to respond appropriately.
Understand the defense — Know what to do to avoid a hazard. Know the consequences of your driving choices. Know the basic defensive driving actions. By following the established traffic rules and regulations, you improve your chances of staying safe.
Act correctly — Be alert and concentrate on the driving task. Choose the safest driving maneuver to avoid a crash. Remember that other drivers may act in time, but they may act incorrectly. Be ready to respond appropriately to the mistakes of others to avoid a crash.
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A message from a parent to a young driver
Understand that you are in control in most driving situations. You are the only person who can control your behavior. You are the one who makes decisions for yourself and who chooses to act as you do. Stand up to those in the vehicle who push you to behave in an unsafe manner. Who is the boss of you anyway? Look your passengers in the eye and state your case firmly and confidently. Don’t back down. Tell them that you want to drive safely because you want to stay alive.
Identify actions you can take to gain control of the driving situation. Even though you cannot control certain driving conditions (i.e., weather, light, road conditions, traffic and other drivers) you can control how you react to them. Take the lead. Make rules for your vehicle and anyone riding with you, such as everyone wears a seat belt and no one distracts you from driving safely. They need to keep the noise down and do everything possible to keep you focused on the task of driving safely.
Recognize the legal and personal consequences of both good and poor driving choices. For every decision you make, there is a result and a consequence. With control comes responsibility. Have a backup plan in case things get out of control. Stop the car if your friends are acting up. Call for a ride for your friends if necessary. Your choices are for yourself and your friends. Your friends will come to respect you and eventually follow your lead.
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Would You Drive Blindfolded ?
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When you are driving home from a hard day at work
or taking your family out for a nice meal, how would
you feel if some of the other drivers were wearing
blindfolds? Would you wear a blindfold while driving
nearly 100 km/h? Probably not. But that is essentially
what some drivers are doing when they are texting
while driving. Sending a text message takes a driver’s
eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds … more
than enough time to drive the length of a football
field at normal highway speeds.
Take Hamed, for example: one evening he and his friend, Ali, were heading to meet with a few other friends. Hamed was driving and wanted to send his friends a text message so they would be sure where to meet up. Ali wanted to send the message, so Hamed could concentrate on driving. Hamed said that it was no big deal, that he was an excellent multitasker and that they were not going that fast anyway. While he was glancing down to enter his text message, a driver in front of them decided to make a last-second
turn. Ali yelled out and Hamed was able to swerve to just barely avoid the car. Luckily, they only had a flat tire from hitting a curb, but their incident could have been much worse if there had been a pedestrian around or if they were going faster.
As this incident shows, it does not take much to create an accident. Even just a fraction of a second can mean the difference between a blown tire and a serious injury, or even death, for yourself and your passengers.
Driven to distractionDistractions while we are driving can take many forms: adjusting the radio/CD player/MP3 player, using a DVD player, smoking, grooming, using a GPS, talking/searching/texting on a mobile phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, and dealing with noisy children. One common element among these things is that they take our attention away from our primary task of driving safely.
The distractions we experience while driving fall into three categories:
q Visual — What we see or are looking at.
q Manual — What our hands and feet are doing.
q Cognitive — What we are thinking about.
Many of the previously mentioned in-car distractions fall into two or three of these categories, making them even more dangerous. Some of them are out of our control, so we must be sure to enlist the help of all our passengers to have safe trips. When we are distracted, accidents can and do happen much more frequently, and are much more serious as well.
A study by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that “80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve some form of driver distraction occurring within three seconds before the vehicle crash.” The study also found that 16% of highway deaths were the result of distracted drivers. And one of the principal distractions that can lead to vehicle crashes is the use of mobile phones — dialing a number, answering a call, talking on your mobile phone, searching for a website or phone number, or sending a text message when driving are all deadly behaviors.
In 2011, there were more than 3,300 road fatalities in the US due to distracted driving, according to latest NHTSA statistics. In the US, as with other places throughout the world, the number of deaths due to distractions is increasing every year.
Would You Drive Blindfolded ?
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Texting multiplies the risk
Throughout the Kingdom and worldwide, mobile phones have become ubiquitous. In addition, for the past 10 years, every new mobile phone sold is equipped with texting capabilities. The number of text messages especially seems to be increasing exponentially. These billions of text messages sent every day suggest that we are all becoming more distracted by them, whether at home, at work or in our vehicles.
Many drivers do not understand that searching and texting on mobile phones is even more dangerous than simply talking on them. The reason is simple: searching and text messaging require your eyes, one or both of your hands and your brain — all three distraction categories: visual, manual and cognitive. Because of this combination, these actions are by far the most serious distractions when driving.
According to an Australian study, while texting, drivers spend about 400% more time taking their eyes off the road and are 70% less likely to stay in their lane. Although a driver talking on a mobile phone can watch the road and use a hands-free device to keep both hands on the wheel, studies have found that both of these activities are equally dangerous. However, someone responding to a text message must stare at his hands or a tiny screen, making this activity the most dangerous of all.
One US study that used video cameras to observe driver behavior found that 81% of all incidents involved some type of driver distraction. By a wide margin, text messaging had the greatest relative risk. Drivers text messaging were up to 23 times more likely to experience a crash, near crash or other unsafe event, when compared to drivers not using a mobile phone at all.
The bottom line
Searching and text messaging require your full attention, like when you are sitting at an airport or at home, but not while you are operating a two-ton machine that is moving at 120 km/h. Drivers need to realize that there is zero tolerance for using mobile phones to dial a number, do a search, talk or text while driving a vehicle.
Your responsibility
So what can we all do to make our roads safer? One of the most important things you can do when driving is to put your phone down and don’t pick it up. If you feel tempted, turn off your phone and put it somewhere can’t reach it. You can also check out some of the many apps that are available to monitor your driving. These can check a vehicle’s speed and if it is moving faster than 15 km/h, all your messages will be blocked.
If you have passengers, let them answer your phone or do your searching and texting for you. If you use a driver, make sure he follows all the rules of the road and that he does not drive while distracted. If you or another driver really needs to use a mobile phone, pull into a parking lot or somewhere safe. Talking, dialing, searching or texting while driving can be deadly for you, other drivers and pedestrians. Just say no.
What distracts us?According to a 2011 poll, more than 2,800 drivers in the US admitted to engaging in these types of distractions:
Distracting ActivityDrivers who
admitted to this activity %
Eating or drinking 86
Distracting ActivityDrivers who
admitted to this activity %
Sending or receiving text messages
Setting or changing a GPS system
Reading a map
Combing or styling their hair
Surfing the Internet
37
41
36
20
13
A Distracting Danger
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Now, a growing number of pedestrians are becoming the perpetrators, not the victims, of accidents, traffic and otherwise. The reason? Modern technology — especially headphones, mobile phones and other handheld devices.
Connect to safety, not electronics
New studies have shown that wearing headphones connected to electronic devices, and using devices such as mobile phones and gaming devices, while walking is playing a significant role in the increase of pedestrian incidents and even fatalities. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2011 over 1,000 people suffered injuries while walking and using a mobile phone or other electronic device. Further data from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in 2010, although the overall traffic deaths were down, pedestrian fatalities rose by 4.2% and pedestrian injuries by 19%. And a new study just released dealt specifically with the dangers of using headphones while walking (by researcher Richard Lichenstein and colleagues at the University of Maryland). The study found that between 2004 and 2011, serious injuries and deaths tripled among pedestrians struck by a car or train while wearing headphones connected to an iPod or other handheld device.
The following are recorded pedestrian incidents in the US, but could be just as common in other countries:
q Falling onto a train track while texting.
q Being hit by a pickup truck while playing a video game and stepping onto the road.
q Falling off a sidewalk while texting.
q Knocking down an elderly man while cycling and using a mobile phone.
q Falling into a ditch while talking on a mobile phone.
q Walking into a telephone pole while texting.
q Falling into a fountain while texting.
q Walking into a bear while engrossed on a mobile phone.
Most of the above accidents resulted in injury to the pedestrians only; only two were collision accidents. However, there is no doubt that there is an alarming increase in pedestrian accidents simply from being distracted.
The brain link
Why is pedestrian distraction becoming such a dangerous problem?
Concentration is critical to safe walking — or completing any task safely — and focus is needed both to see and to hear. Previously, it was still a challenge to prevent the mind wandering — has the shopping been done? Did the children do their homework? When do I have time to get the car fixed? — when taking a walk. The very pace of walking provides a rhythmic solace.
Using electronic devices and headphones while walking, however, splits the brain function to a much more inattentive capacity. Psychological studies show that most people cannot focus on two things at once — even (or especially) when they think they can. Instead, their attention shifts back and forth between tasks and performance suffers. So when your mind is filled with sound, you cannot think other things and when your head is down and texting, you cannot think or even see other things.
Researchers from the Maryland study attribute the basic inability to walk and use electronic devices at the same time safely as distraction and environmental isolation.
Distraction, also known as “inattentional blindness,” involves both the distraction of interpreting sound as well as the distraction needed to operate a device. Inattentional blindness had already been determined as an emerging cause of vehicle accidents; now studies such as this are linking it to pedestrian injuries too.
Environmental isolation is simply a lack of attention to what is going on around you; and, therefore, the dangers
Pedestrians have always been vulnerable in traffic. They have often been the victims of
collisions with vehicles from simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time when
a traffic incident took place. In the past, pedestrian safety focused on being aware of
your surroundings while walking, for leisure or for self-transport; of seeing and being
seen; and being able to take defensive action against the actions of drivers.
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that may be about to impact you. Of particular concern in pedestrian accidents is that audible cues can be more important for safety than visual cues. A total of 29% of the reports in the Maryland study specifically mentioned that horns or sirens were sounded before the pedestrian was hit — but the victim just never “heard” the warning.
But it’s not that serious surely? I’m only walking
Well, it is serious. Being attached to an electronic device is on parallel with the distraction of a car driver. In fact, a parallel with traffic safety can be drawn because:
q Pedestrian distraction can have an impact on road safety through the proximity of pedestrians to traffic when on the sidewalk or while crossing roads. Their lack of attention can have an impact on those around them, including drivers.
q Mobile phone use is one of the most dangerous driver distractions. There is now evidence to support the idea that it can be just as dangerous when walking.
The problem isn’t as widely discussed as distracted driving yet, but the danger is real. So real that some states in the US would like to introduce laws and penalties for what is termed “distracted walking.” Jonathan Atkins, deputy executive director of the US Governors Highway Safety Association based in Washington, D.C., stated, “We are where we were with cellphone use in cars 10 years ago. We knew it was a problem, but we didn’t have the data.” This data is now beginning to materialize. Many researchers believe that the actual accident rate from using electronic devices while walking could be much higher, only this specific information is not yet consistently documented in accident reports, or the accident itself may knock the devices out of the pedestrian’s hands/ears before help arrives so it remains unknown.
Safety while walking
Headphones
Ideally, headphones should only be worn while walking in large, open spaces away from traffic and other obstacles. Realistically, because most people cannot or will not do this, follow these tips at a minimum:
q Don’t have the sound so loud you cannot hear your surroundings.
q Walk with only one earphone in so you can still hear your surroundings clearly.
q Keep as far from the road as possible.
q Stay aware — at intersections, crossings and in crowds.
q NEVER just keep walking at intersections and crossings. STOP AND LOOK FIRST.
q Know that you alone are responsible for your actions while walking and wearing headphones.
Cyclists and vehicle drivers should never wear headphones while engaged in cycling or driving. Doing so is a dangerous distraction.
Mobile phones
The rule for walking with mobile phones is easy to follow and is the same for vehicle drivers: Don’t do it!
q Don’t walk and talk, text or search with your mobile phone or game (even if it is a “short” call or text).
q Don’t walk and talk with mobile headphone attachments.
q Stop and finish your call, search or text, before moving on. As a courtesy to other pedestrians, move out of the way when you do so.
Using your mobile phone while walking is dangerous and thoughtless. Don’t think that you are above this danger, either on the street or while driving a car; no one is.
Can you believe it!?
Officials in the US city of Philadelphia marked a fake “e-lane” section of a sidewalk in a busy part of the city as a joke. Not everyone thought it was funny. In fact, when the “e-lane” was removed, some people were angry because they thought it was “really helpful to not have people in their way while they were walking and texting.”
“The rule for walking with mobile phones is easy to follow and is the same for vehicle drivers: Don’t do it!”
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Did you know that two out of three motorists will be
involved in an injury accident during their lives?
Did you know that as a motorist, you can expect to be
involved in an accident once every 10 years? Even the best
driver can’t control other people’s driving.
Did you know that there is a one-in-20 chance that you will
receive a serious injury in any crash based on statistics from
the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA).
Are the Cars of the Future Already Here?
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These are scary statistics certainly. But the statistics aren’t all bad. According to the US Department of Transportation, the number of fatalities per vehicle mile traveled was the lowest ever in 2011. The reasons seem to be the combination of improved technology and education.
Vehicle manufacturers are always looking for the next appealing option for drivers. While you may not be interested in a car with teak wood that needs to be oiled regularly or a leather-lined wooden iPod drawer, or the lights that can make the inside of your car look like your favorite constellation, most people are interested in technologies that make vehicles safer. And that’s where manufacturers are working the hardest.
Crash-proof vehicles already in the making
Many of the future technologies that will help make vehicles safer and crash-proof, are available now. You may already see some of these technologies, including:
Cameras
Many vehicles have cameras for backing up, but vehicles will be
equipped with more cameras. Some vehicles already have multicamera systems with three to five cameras. They can show precise distances and give alarms; graphics and colors tell the driver when other objects or vehicles are close by. Cross-path cameras show a 180-degree view from the back or front of the vehicle and alert the driver if another vehicle is approaching as he or she backs up or pulls out of a blind driveway.
Night vision pedestrian detection
A pedestrian detection system brings the vehicle to a full stop if it detects a pedestrian in front. In some vehicles a thermal imaging camera enhances the driver’s ability to distinguish objects while driving at night. The camera can detect human beings, animals and objects in front of the car before they become visible in the headlight beams. Some cameras can even show the direction of movement for a pedestrian or animal.
Collision mitigation and rear-mounted radar
Rear radar on vehicles has been around for a while, but now these systems can search for approaching traffic. The radar systems sense when something is too close and will then
“precharge” the brakes to give them more power and tighten the seat belts.
Driver capability
A camera mounted near the driver is currently being used to trigger an alert if the driver appears to be “wandering” on the road. This is known as the “sleepy driver” system. Enhancements that “remember” a driver’s normal behavior behind the wheel and establish a baseline profile of the driver are being used. By continually measuring elements such as speed, acceleration, pedal use and other factors, the system alerts the driver when changes to the usual driving pattern suggest that the driver is losing concentration or getting sleepy, indicating that it’s time for a break.
Crash-proof vehicles of the future
More technologies for safer vehicles are in development. The cars are powered and controlled using a combination of sensors, location tracking and onboard computing power to drive the vehicle safely.
Between July 26 and October 28, 2010, the VisLab Intercontinental Autonomous Challenge (VIAC) had four autonomous vehicles driving
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are working on V2V algorithms that calculate information to determine what the best evasive measure should be if another car is approaching.
V2I would allow vehicles to communicate with things like road signs or traffic signals and provide information about safety issues. V2I could request traffic information from a traffic management system and access the best possible routes. It could anticipate stop lights and warn of areas where the traffic is heavy. V2I could also alert drivers to approaching emergency vehicles.
It’s almost here now
Engineers and designers are working constantly to find ways to appeal to consumers. Safety continues to be a focus, as most drivers want to have the safest driving experience possible. From lighter, stronger materials to Bluetooth hands-free connectivity; from electronic stability control to safety cages; the newest, most desirable options for driving are likely to keep you, your passengers and your vehicle safe and in good condition for many kilometers of driving.
If the most advanced vehicle safety technology combines with a careful, skilled driver we may all reach our destinations more comfortably, more quickly and much, much more safely.
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with virtually no human intervention on a 15,000-km trip from Parma, Italy to Shanghai, China. This is the longest-ever trip by an unmanned vehicle.
Self-parking cars are currently available, where the onboard computer takes over the steering and maneuvers the vehicle into a parking space. A similar computer program is under development that will help vehicles maneuver into tight horizontal spaces, such as a small garage.
Traffic jam assist
For some 2013 models, one manufacturer has introduced traffic jam assist. The system uses radar and cameras to keep track of all surrounding vehicles on a congested highway where traffic is going slowly, and responds to what it sees by speeding up, slowing down or stopping. Traffic jam assist can also steer, keeping the vehicle in its lane. When traffic speeds up, the system returns control to the driver.
Augmented reality dashboards
Augmented reality will be able to identify outside objects and display information about them on the windshield, in front of the driver. These displays would identify objects in front of the vehicle and tell the driver how far they are from the object. For example, if you’re approaching a car too quickly, a red box may appear in the windshield around the car you’re approaching and arrows will appear showing you how to maneuver into the next lane before you collide. Or the GPS will highlight the actual road you need to take and show where to turn onto that road, without your eyes ever leaving the road or needing to read a small GPS screen.
In-car advance warning
This system would display different colors or alerts to warn the driver of a possible threat. A green light shows
that all is safe, while a red might indicate that the forward, rearward or blind-spot precrash system has discerned a threat of collision.
Airbags
Airbags have been around for many years, and next to seat belts have been responsible for saving many millions of people from death and serious injury. But the next generation of airbags will not be for the passengers, but for the vehicle itself. Airbags that will deploy from underneath the car (also called “skidding airbags”) and help stop a vehicle before a crash are being tested. These airbags will be part of the overall active safety system and deploy when sensors determine that an impact is inevitable. The bags have a friction coating that helps slow the car down and can double the stopping power of the vehicle.
V2V and V2I
Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) are perhaps the most exciting technologies in development. Imagine approaching an intersection where you’ve got a green light, but your car is warned that another vehicle is running the red light and likely to collide with you; or wanting to pass a slow vehicle on a single lane road and being alerted that there’s an oncoming car still out of sight. V2V works by using wireless signals to send information back and forth between cars about their location, speed and direction. The information is then communicated to the cars around it. Engineers
More technologies for safer vehicles are in development. The cars are powered and controlled using a combination of sensors, location tracking and onboard computing power to drive the vehicle safely. ”
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Safety onWheels
Unfortunately, bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the automobile. In fact, each year in the United States, about half a million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related accidents. Additionally, more than 176,000 children aged 5 to 14 are treated each year in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to skateboards, scooters and skates.
Head injuries are the leading cause of wheeled sports-related deaths and the common cause of permanent disability after a crash. Head injuries account for more than 60% of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle hospital admissions and about one-third of hospital emergency room visits for bicycle injuries in the US. Without proper protection, a fall of as little as half a meter can result in a skull fracture or other traumatic brain injury.
Helmet basics
Helmet use should not be optional for anyone in your family, no matter where you are or how short the ride. Today, helmets cost less and are more comfortable. When worn, bicycle helmets cut the risk of severe brain damage by up to 85%.
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a helmet:
Pick bright colors or fluorescent colors that are visible to drivers and other cyclists.
Look for a helmet that’s well ventilated.
Bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards are classic symbols of childhood recreation, transportation and health. Participation in wheeled sports helps children develop the habit of healthy physical activity, and also contributes to a sense of independence and responsibility.
• Makesurethatthehelmethasa Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or an equivalent Snell sticker inside. These indicate that the helmet meets standards set by the CPSC or the Snell Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit group that tests helmet safety, or another recognized testing authority.
When kids wear a helmet, make sure that the straps are fastened. Also make sure they don’t wear any other hat underneath it.
Be sure to replace any helmet made before 1999. If your child hits any surface hard while wearing a helmet, replace it — helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock after taking serious hits. Also consider the carfeful storage and cleaning of helmets — away from extreme temperatures and avoid using chemicals and solvents that could affect the integrity of the helmet itself.
A few bike helmets can be used as protection for other activities, but in general, they’re best suited for biking. Most helmets are made for one specific type of activity — for example, special helmets made for inline skating or baseball.
Kids should not wear any helmet when they’re on a playground or climbing a tree — there is a risk of strangulation from the chin strap during these types of activities.
The helmet fit test
A helmet fits well if it:
Sits level on the head.
Is not tilted forward or backward.
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Has strong, wide straps that fasten snugly under the chin. Make sure the straps form a “V” under the ears when buckled.
Is tight enough so that after fastening, no sudden pulling or twisting could move the helmet around.
Ways to get your child to wear a helmet on every ride
Make it a habit from the first time your child rides a tricycle, bike or roller skates. Be sure he/she wears a helmet every time.
Enforce this simple rule: No helmet, no bike or other wheeled sport.
Explain that riding on wheels can be fun but dangerous too and wearing a helmet can keep them from hurting their heads badly.
Let your child pick out the helmet so he/she is more likely to wear it.
Safe riding for children
Children of all ages can be at risk when riding a bike, or any other equipment with wheels. Here is some advice on how to help your children learn about playing safe depending on their age.
Little kids (1 to 4 years old)
Little kids look forward to being big kids, but they need to follow guidelines suitable for their age before they start riding “big kid” bikes and using other wheeled equipment. Because they are not ready to ride a bicycle, children under the age of five usually ride tricycles.
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Teach your children how to be safe while they learn to ride a tricycle or toy car, or participate in other toddler wheeled activities.
Before riding/wheeling:
All children, whether a tricycle rider, bike rider or a passenger on an adult’s bike, must wear a well-fitting helmet.
Take children to the store when buying a helmet to ensure a proper fit.
Always ensure that tricycles and bicycles are the right size for the child.
While riding/wheeling:
Always supervise your children.
Never allow children to ride in the street.
Make sure they do not wear long, loose clothing, including thobes, dresses or wide-legged pants that can get caught in bike chains or wheel spokes.
Don’t allow children to ride when it is dark.
Big kids at play (5 to 9 years old)
As the training wheels come off your child’s bike, the risk for bike and wheel-related injury increases. To stay safe on two, three and four-wheeled toys and vehicles, big kids need to learn the rules of the road and practice safe behaviors.
Before riding:
Make sure that the bike or wheeled vehicle is the right size.
Make sure your child has the right size helmet and that he/she wears it every time when bikes, skates or scooters are used.
Inspect bicycles, scooters and skateboards to ensure that reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly,
and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
While riding:
Actively supervise your children.
Children should avoid riding bikes, skateboards or scooters between and around cars.
Children should practice bike and wheel sport safety: learn the rules of the road, wear reflective clothing and accessories, and ride on the sidewalks when possible.
After riding:
Maintain equipment properly.
Preteens and teens (10 to 14 years)
Though your child may be especially mature or a skilled rider, it is just as important to wear all protective gear every time, everywhere. If your child rides a bike, enjoys skateboards, scooters or inline skates, make sure that whenever the “wheels” are around, the right gear is being worn.
Before riding:
Make sure your preteen wears a proper, fitted helmet every ride.
Inspect bicycles, scooters and skateboards to ensure that reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
While riding:
Know where they are going and the route they will take. Know what time they are expected to return.
Make sure children avoid riding bikes, skateboards and scooters between and around cars.
Insist that they practice bike and wheel sport safety: learn the rules of the road, wear reflective clothing and accessories.
After riding:
Maintain equipment properly.
Lessons to teach children
Always follow the safety rules and traffic laws.
Ride right; bikes travel with traffic, not against it. Ride on the right-hand side of the road.
Only ride or skate in good weather and during the day. Stay on sidewalks and paths — not roads — until the age of 10.
Use hand signals when turning.
Before you cross the street:
Use a crosswalk if possible.
Stop and look: left, right and left again.
If a car or truck is coming, wait until it has passed before crossing.
Watch for uneven surfaces while riding or skating.
Making safety a family affair
One of the best ways to help kids learn safe bike riding or safe use of any other equipment with wheels is to set a good example by following the rules of the road yourself. Most important, always wear your helmet.
Go for rides with your kids so you can show them what safe riding looks like. It’s also a great way to stay active as a family and get valuable “together time” that you’ll all enjoy!
Head injuries are the leading cause of wheeled sports-related deaths and the common cause of permanent disability after a crash.
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Increasing levels of congestion on the roads have played a significant
role in the increasing bad tempers among drivers and increased traffic
collisions. You see it happen every day as you drive to and from work
or take your family shopping or to other activities involving road travel.
Basically, many times when you are in a vehicle and driving on the
Kingdom’s congested roads, you see a driver who decides it is okay to
weave in and out of traffic disregarding the lane markings. Oops … he
just realized that he has to turn left but the lane marking has a right turn
arrow. But there is a way around all his troubles; he will just drive on the
shoulder. But what’s that up ahead? Oh no, it’s a stalled vehicle on the
shoulder of the road.
Can our driver stop in time? … probably not!
Road Markings:
Getting You there Safely
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Unclear road priorities, when drivers disregard who has the right of way, are a major contributing factor in the increased incidents of road rage and traffic accidents. Lane markings can help drivers understand who has the priority and the right of way.
To help drivers make wise driving decisions, traffic engineers provide crucial information in the form of signs, signals and road markings. Road markings are traffic signs painted on the road surface. They carry the same weight with respect to the traffic laws and regulations as standing upright signs (e.g., for speed limit, no passing and pedestrian crossing). Road markings alert drivers to traffic rules or laws, warn of upcoming hazards and help to regulate the flow of traffic. Road markings divide traffic lanes, indicate turning lanes, highlight pedestrian crossings and other obstacles, as well as inform drivers whether it is safe to pass or not.
It’s every driver’s responsibility to know what the road markings mean and to obey them. Abiding by road markings is especially crucial when driving in unfamiliar areas. Together with traffic signs and signals, road markings can help you avoid making potentially fatal
driving errors. They help bring order out of what would otherwise be chaos.
Common road markings
The most common road markings are lane lines and centerlines, which may be either solid or broken.
A solid lane line is used along pavement edges and between lanes to keep vehicles in their lanes. Unless you are turning, exiting a highway or changing lanes, stay between the line markings. Passing another vehicle by crossing a solid line is prohibited.
Yellow lane lines separate lanes of traffic flowing in opposite directions and may also mark road edges.
White lane lines are used to separate traffic moving in the same direction and may also mark road edges.
Highway centerlines
Obeying the centerlines on a two-way highway can mean the difference between life and death. They are meant to separate opposite lanes of traffic and tell drivers when passing is permitted by law. Drivers must
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understand the distinction between solid and broken lines, especially when deciding if it is safe and legal to pass another vehicle. Misinterpreting the markings can mean the difference between life and death. The universal understanding for highway pavement markings to indicate safe passing is outlined below:
A solid line on your side of the road and a broken line in the opposite lane mean that you are in a potentially hazardous area, you are approaching a hazardous situation, or your visibility is too limited to pass safely. In any case, you must not pass. Traffic traveling in the opposite direction is permitted to pass if the way is clear.
A broken line on your side of the road and a solid line in the opposite lane mean that you can pass another vehicle if necessary, and if the way is clear and you can complete the maneuver while the broken line is still on your side. Passing is prohibited for traffic traveling in the opposite direction.
A double solid line means that passing is prohibited for traffic traveling in both directions.
Arrows
Turn arrows are used to indicate the direction in which the traffic must flow. Many roads, but especially those with intersections and exit or entry ramps, are marked with directional arrows (e.g., right, straight or left arrows). If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. It is illegal and dangerous to ignore the arrows. If both curved and straight arrows appear in your lane, you can either turn or go straight.
Oblique arrows are used to warn traffic that vehicles in that particular lane must turn farther ahead. If you do not want to turn, you should change lanes when it is safe to do so and well before the upcoming intersection.
Edge lines
Most paved road surfaces have solid lines and/or reflective delineators along the edges to help separate the outside edge from the shoulder. Edge lines help drivers position their vehicle safely on the road. Edge lines are usually marked with a solid yellow line. They are especially helpful at night or in fog, sandstorms or rain. The raised reflectors also remind a drifting driver that he is moving to the edge of the lane or the road (the noise from driving over the raised reflectors will even waken drivers who are falling asleep).
A very dangerous and all-too-common practice in the Kingdom is disregarding the edge line markings and driving on the shoulder of the road as if it were another lane for traffic. The shoulder is meant to be used as a safe place to guide your vehicle away from traffic and out of harm’s way if there is a mechanical breakdown, tire blowout or other vehicle emergency. Never drive on the shoulder; you risk your life and the lives of those around you.
Lines across traffic
Some road marking lines run across lanes of traffic. Heavy white lines are used with stop signs or traffic lights to indicate where vehicles should stop.
Diagonal or perpendicular lines
Two solid white lines that may sometimes have diagonal or perpendicular lines within them are used to indicate a crosswalk area and guide pedestrians across an intersection and warn drivers of a pedestrian crossing zone. When pedestrians are in a crosswalk, vehicles must yield the right of way.
Sometimes diagonal lines are used to mark fixed obstructions, like traffic islands and lane barriers. They are also used to mark no parking zones. Drivers should not drive or park in areas marked with diagonal lines. A series of crossing diagonal lines (cross hatch), usually in yellow, delineate an intersection, but drivers should remember that they should not enter an intersection, even if the traffic light is green, unless they can clear the intersection completely at the time of entry.
Reading, understanding and obeying road markings will guide you to your destination safely.
Drivers must understand the
distinction between solid
and broken lines, especially
when deciding if it is safe
and legal to pass another
vehicle.
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