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Airbags were invented and patented in the 1950s to cushion the impact and prevent or lessen injuries sustained in auto accidents. Studies show that thousands of lives have been saved by air bags, with fatalities reduced by up to 46 percent in airbag-equipped vehicles, but it is difficult to determine an exact number.  Airbags help prevent an occupant’s head from striking some part of the inside of the vehicle, and help distribute crash forces more evenly across the victim’s body. However, their rapid deployment can cause injuries or death. After an impact, it takes only 1/20 of a second for an airbag to inflate and each bag is filled with gas. The first crash-sensing detector was introduced in the late 1960s, leading to airbag systems where the sensor or accelerometer triggers ignition of a gas generator to rapidly inflate the bag. The bag then absorbs some of the deceleration forces experienced when the occupant collides with and collapses it while the gas escapes through small vent holes during the next 3/10 of a second. In the 1970s, Ford, GM and Chrysler offered airbags in select cars as a seatbelt replacement, and they became more common in the 1980s. In 1984, the U.S. government required all cars produced after April 1, 1989 to have driver’s side air bags, and in 1998, dual front airbags were mandated (1999 for light trucks). De-powered, second-generation airbags were required, because first-generation airbags designed for occupants not wearing seatbelts were causing injuries. Advances continue to improve airbag performance.  Today, many cars have additional airbags designed to protect occupants’ heads, protect from side impact, and protect passengers in the back seat. Various manufacturers have called their products Supplementary/Secondary Restraint Systems (SRS), Air Cushion Restraint Systems (ACRS) or Supplemental Inflatable Restraints (SIR). Why wear a safety belt? It’s important to wear a safety belt, even when in a vehicle equipped with air bags. Those not wearing seatbelts may slide or be thrown forward against the airbag module, and be seriously injured or killed if the airbag deploys. Most air bags only inflate once, and do not provide protection past an initial impact. Standard front-impact air bags do not deploy for side or rear impact crashes, or rollovers. In addition to airbags, one of the most important safety precautions in a vehicle is the seat belt, which when worn properly will prevent harmful injuries that can be caused by the airbag as well as from the collision of a car itself. What other airbag safety factors exist? Injuries and deaths associated with airbag deployment follow several trends. First is the presence of first-generation airbags. Later-generation, multi-stage bags deploy more slowly, and with less force, and better respond to crash forces and occupant size. Improved technology and education helped reduce airbag-related fatalities from 1996 to 2000 by more than 90 percent for children and by 60 percent for adults. Still, people suffer abrasions, hearing damage from the explosive deployment, head injuries, eye damage (while wearing glasses), and broken noses, fingers, hands or arms. Additionally, items protruding from the mouth can cause harm including food items and smoking tobacco products. ‘ can cause additional injury, as can anything loose in the car in contact with the airbag module. Airbags can present a serious danger to infants, small children and small adults. To protect drivers and passengers from any harmful outcomes when an airbag is deployed, seats should be as far away from the airbag as possible, but within a comfortable and safe distance for the drive in order to drive the automobile. Individuals are advised to sit 10 inches away from the airbag and all the way back in their seats. Those with asthma should be aware that powders (cornstarch or talcum powder) used to lubricate the airbag as it deploys may trigger an asthma attack. Seek treatment after an accident involving airbag deployment. Infants and children under 12 should never ride in the front passenger seat, even in a child safety seat or booster chair. Manufacturers of pickup trucks and other vehicles with no back seat have begun including a switch to allow drivers to disable the passenger air bag when a child must ride in the passenger seat.  For vehicles without such switches, they can be installed to accommodate people with medical conditions or who can’t sit far enough back to stay 10 inches away from the airbag, or for those who need to transport infants or children and have no back seat or a back seat too small to fit a child seat.  Even after an accident when the airbags have not deployed, victims and rescue personnel must be cautious. Airbags can deploy some time after the initial impact, causing injury and death. Airbags that have never been deployed from an accident should actually be replaced as a car begins to age in order to offer drivers and passengers the safest driving experience. Timing varies, but a 14-year life for an un-deployed airbag is typical. Airbags typically run a self-test when the vehicle is started, and a dashboard indicator lights up when there is a problem. If you have suffered injury from improper airbag deployment or a car crash, you may wish to consult with an experienced auto accident or personal injury attorney about your case. Your personal injury attorney may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and/or future medical care.

The number of car accidents has been increasing rapidly since the automobile was first invented. Accidents happen anywhere, at any time of the day, and they are usually unexpected. You don’t know accidents are coming. Even if you don’t have a car, you still might be involved in a car accident.Although car accidents have been increasing, it is surprising to find out that the average accident has been declining due to the policies that the government has implemented. The percentage of fatal accidents has lowered to 50%. This was aided by the car manufacturers, who have invented and added securities like airbags. The use of airbags has been a great help in cases of accidents.Did you know that drinking while driving is one of the major causes of accidents? It is not surprising to see in the papers and television that drunk driver has been killed on the road. It happens almost everywhere, at any given time. If a driver is drunk, his mind is not working properly. He does not pay attention to the road. Drunk drivers love to drive a car at high speed. Some will even race on the road, endangering other drivers.Another common cause of accidents is younger-aged drivers. Some young drivers tend to drive wildly on the streets with their friends. Some drive without a license and without insurance. A minor can get a student’s license but they should be accompanied by an elder who is an experienced driver. Minors are not allowed to drive because they are not aware and familiar with the signs and rules that are important in driving. Getting a license will train them to drive safely by following the rules.If your car is not maintained properly, which includes the wheels and the brakes, you can be prone to accidents. You will never know when your engine or brakes will fail you. So before that happens, you must carefully check if they are running properly by having your car serviced at regular intervals.Most accidents happen at nighttime. This is caused by poor lighting and impaired visibility. Having good headlights and indicators are very important. You are not safe if your lights are broken. A car ahead may not notice you, especially on a hard dark road. Lights serve as indicators and signals so that you can make your car visible even in the dark.Some drivers drive without full attention. Stress can cause accidents because the driver may not focus on the road; rather he is thinking of his personal problems. Talking on a cell phone while driving or fiddling with the stereo are all contributing factors to accidents.There may be many causes of car accidents and these are just the most common causes. What is important is that you should be disciplined while driving and ensure your car is road worthy.

If you have been in a car accident, you must immediately file a report to your insurance company. Accidents have been increasing but some people do not have enough knowledge on how to deal with these cases the right way. You may have encountered an accident or you may just be part of the accident. Either way, you should know what to do after the accident has happened.If you witnessed a car accident, the first thing you should do is to seek aid for the injured. After the ambulance has arrived or first aid has been provided, you should call the police and state what happened. You should answer all questions given by the police officer. Make sure that your answers are correct because the details given are written on a report, which will be used for assessing the case. All information given to the police officer must be accurate so that the fault will not be used against you.In making a report, make sure that you don’t change your statements after every court proceeding or investigation. The police officer may ask you questions about the case repeatedly. Make sure that you don’t change your statements because it will not match with the previous story. You can do this simply by telling the truth.Also make sure that you don’t leave out any information.If a police officer is not present, you can take down important details yourself so you will not forget it later. When the police officer is present, you can present your notes and report and he will further investigate. In making your report, you should include the specific time, location, area, position and you can also ask for witnesses to back up the accident scene.People in the accident area may be very curious about what happened. If they ask for information, you should not share it with them especially your notes. You must first present it to the police so that the information is safe. If you spread the information, there might be inaccurate reports and some people might disseminate wrong information which will make the case puzzling.Make sure that you stay on the scene after the accident has happened. If you leave the scene, there might be complications that will make the case very confusing. If you have been involved in a hit and run, try and get down the license number of the other vehicle.If you have a camera with you or a camera cell phone, take some photos of the accident. This can provide strong proof and evidence which can be very helpful.If you have a car accident, you need to know how to deal with it so you can make a report completely and have all required information for both the police and your insurance company.

Every state requires its drivers to purchase auto insurance and each state has a cheap high risk auto insurance that its drivers can buy. This insurance is known as a basic liability policy.The amount of coverage the basic liability policy must provide varies from state to state. Any agent in your state would be happy to tell you what the minimum liability insurance requirement is in your state, or you can find that information online.When you get a quote for liability insurance you will be given three numbers, such as 10/20/10. Obviously I am using these three numbers simply as an example - they may or may not apply to your particular state.A 10/20/10 liability policy would pay a maximum of $10,000 in medical claims to any one individual who was injured in an accident, and would pay a maximum of $20,000 in medical claims for everyone involved in an accident, regardless of how many people were involved or how serious their injuries were. The final “10″ in our example refers to the fact that the insurance will pay $10,000 toward the repair or replacement of the other person’s car - referred to as property damage.There are a couple of things which make these policies high risk. First is the low dollar amount of protection they provide for. It doesn’t take much of an accident these days to incur medical bills well in excess of the maximum amount that any state’s minimum liability policy will pay for. And often a scratched fender will max out a basic liability insurance’s property damage payment.What happens if there are medical bills in excess of the amount your insurance will pay for or if there is property damage totaling more than your policy’s maximum payout? You get to pay the different out of your own pocket. You may be forced to empty your life savings, sell any stocks you might own and you could even be forced to sell your home.Purchasing a higher dollar amount of insurance would offer more protection, but more protection equates to a higher monthly premium.The other problem with purchasing only a limited liability policy is that liability insurance doesn’t pay anything toward the repair of your vehicle after an accident. Basic liability may also not pay anything toward your medical bills or toward the medical bills of anyone in your vehicle at the time of an accident.If you are still in the market for cheap high risk auto insurance then the best place to start (and end) your search is online. There are dozens and dozens of websites which allow you to compare the cost of basic liability insurance (or any other auto insurance) from several different insurance companies.However, since no one website compares the prices from every insurance company selling policies in your state, you’ll have to fill out the form and make your price comparisons on at least 3 different websites if you want any chance of comparing the cost of insurance at EVERY insurance company.Still, this is a small price to pay for the satisfaction of knowing that you have found the very least expensive auto insurance available from any company in your state and that you will be saving money month after month and year after year.

Presently, the national average for gasoline is $3.28 per gallon. Diesel is even higher, reaching in some places such as here in

The experience is sort of like you imagined how a flying saucer would take off when you were a kid, but you’re no alien and this is for real.Flying Cars, Are You for Real?When Doctor Paul Moller founded the Moller Institute in 1983, the idea of a flying car remained in the world of fantasy and Sci-fi enthusiasts. Today Dr. Moller’s dream of commuter transportation using the sky has moved from the imagination to the first stages of reality. Today the Moller Institute through Freedom Motors (formed by Moller) has produced the MX-400, a futuristic looking sky-car that can take off vertically and get speeds of 350 mph. Its engine is light weight, producing less emissions than conventional motors, but has a drawback—it only get 15 miles per gallon.Flying Cars become CompetitiveThe Moller Sky Car is not the only flying car in production. Flying cars or Personal Air Vehicles (PAV) are personal vehicles that maneuver both on the road and in the sky. Besides the Moller Sky Car there are at least four other PAV’s under development. The Transition by Terrafugia Inc, the Haynes Aero Skyblazer by Haynes Aero, the FSC-1 by LaBiche Aerospace, the Magic Dragon , by StrongMobile, and the Moller M400 Skycar by Moller International are changing the face of the vehicular transportation industry.This change moves the concept and potential that has long been held only by the military to “car manufacturers.” The implication of these projects are many and may very well complicate the transportation industry, city planning, and aviation for years to come.Flying VerticallyNot all future flying cars use Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology, but it sure has made the ones that do stand out amongst the crowd. This innovation allows the PAV to lift off instead of take off, making it more like a heli-car than a flying car.VTOL has been in use by the US Military for some time, most notably in the form of the harrier jet. What’s remarkable is that both the Moller Sky Car and the X-Hawk use this same technology in their “for driveway vehicles.” There are some drawbacks to VTOL, like the price, but the advantages of VTOL technology in flying cars are obvious—no runways needed. It reminds one of that now famous line Doc Brown says to Marty at the end of Back to the Future: “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”The Future is in the SkyEver since society moved into motorized travel, the sky has been the final frontier of personal travel. It is only natural that as technology advances, car designs will develop that incorporate and amalgamate the ideas and dreams held within us.With the increasing movement towards creating the next generation of vehicles, the sky is the most likely target. From Moller to LaBiche Aerospace, intense energy has begun to be put into lifting the everyday person into the sky. Whether future flying cars will be used for commuting or recreation, the possibilities are endless. With profound implications for society and the environment, the flying car’s effects are just beginning to be felt.

There is definitely a need to have a new car insurance if you have just acquired a new vehicle. A car insurance is somehow more of a protection if ever the vehicle would be involved in several troubles in the future.At the same time, you also should strive to find and secure a cheap car insurance policy. As you all know, paying premiums for new auto insurance policies is the usual source of problems regarding the car insurance industry nowadays. Many policy holders are finding it hard to cover for the costs of the new auto insurance they subscribe to.It has always been a challenge to find and secure a cheap car insurance nowadays. The market is saturated with numerous firms providing financial protection, but alas, not too many are offering comprehensive programs at very reasonable costs.However, experts give hope to car buyers and policy seekers by assuring that given proper procedure and initiatives, the effort to secure cheap car insurance is not impossible.Here are some of the most practical tips any car buyer could observe.1.You could secure a cheap car insurance by getting into a multi-policy with your current provider. For sure, you have a coverage for your health, your home or your life policy.In your quest to find and buy cheap car insurance, always remember that you could realize a great and significant amount of discounts if you would buy a new policy from the same provider that provides you with your other policies.It would be more advisable if you would inquire about any new car insurance offerings from your trusted firm as soon as possible.2. Do a comparison shopping when finding for a cheap car insurance. As mentioned, there are numerous companies and policies available in the market.By getting quotes from four or more policy providers, you could easily compare prices and premiums and at the same time determine which program offers the most reasonable, practical and comprehensive coverage according to your needs.3. To be able to secure cheap car insurance in the future, it would be advisable if you would maintain a clean and good driving history. Do not speed drive or do any traffic or driving violation.If you do, be aware that all your over speeding records are accumulated and compiled are being held as a reference to look at when evaluating your application for a cheap car insurance policy.4. Solicit and consider recommendations and suggestions from peers and experts. You can always ask friends and other people who are more familiar to such services about any recommendations regarding the search and purchase of cheap car insurance.5. As you finally buy a new policy, always intend to keep your responsibility. Aim to finalize and finish the buying transaction for the cheap auto insurance program. As always, as you buy a policy for your new car, be vigilant and extra careful in your choices and decisions.

In the northern hemisphere spring arrives at the Vernal Equinox, or March 21st give or take a day, and continues until the Summer Solstice on June 20th. During these three months the world warms, days grow longer and flowers and plants literally spring back to life earning this wonderful season its name.In ages past, this passage from winter to spring was celebrated with feasts and merriment - the giving of gifts and praise was commonplace. Today the tradition of Spring travel is also popular, as is the lure of holiday weekends and cottages to open. Many of us will be thinking of longer trips ahead as well.Before heading out on the highway, or even that regular commute to work, your vehicle should be checked to ensure any wear caused by winter driving hasn’t left you with a nasty surprise that could leave you stranded on the side of the road when you least expect it.Winter driving is different from driving at any other time of the year. Excessive idling, extremes of temperature, road salt, sand, and other harsh agents are not vehicle friendly - but are an absolute necessity during those dark cold winter months of driving. And let’s not forget the impact damage of winter pot-holes which can cause alignment issues for your steering and suspension.But what kind of “check up” or tune-up should you get? These terms mean many things to different people, and frankly there is no standard across the industry. To some it means simply changing the spark plugs, along with a lube, oil and filter. To others it can be more encompassing and include checking all fluids, the alignment, tire pressure and even flushing and cleaning the injector system to ensure peak engine performance.Interestingly though, many people think that some service providers are simply only interested in the money - this could not be farther from the truth. Sure, as in all fields there are some shady characters, but a qualified, certified and established facility is not likely to be one of them. Ask for references if you are unsure.Automotive service professionals love what they do, and they know an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - or in the case of vehicle maintenance, frequent servicing and check-ups reduces your chances of missing an important appointment while you wait for a tow truck!You might also like to know that the Government of Ontario completed a study clearly showing a properly maintained and serviced vehicle will save you about $200 a year on your fuel costs and with the rising price of fuel this saving is a real bonus for many families.The other ‘thing’ Spring is famous for is rain, or Spring showers. And why is this relevant? It’s important because a streaked or smeared windshield makes driving dangerous and a light shower is often harder to clear than a good downpour. Your wiper blades likely took a beating during winter and really should be changed as Spring arrives.So as Spring arrives, take the time to speak with your preferred automotive service provider and ask them about getting your car ready for Spring, and remember to ask for new wiper blades too!

Are you interested to find out more about how a car can be run with hydrogen using water fuel technology? There have been a lot of questions asked lately about this technology in the midst of rising of fuel prices. People are desperately looking for alternatives to gasoline, and they hear about cars running on water using the hydrogen gas extracted. Having used this system myself, I know that this is indeed possible, and this article will discuss some of the benefits you get when you use a hydrogen engine, and how you can do it too.What Are The Benefits Of Using A Hydrogen Engine Car?This easy-to-make system has helped drivers achieve many benefits in terms of costs and performance. When run with hydrogen, your car’s engine parts are lubricated every time the gas is injected into the engine. This benefits the inner machinery of the car, thus helping you save up on maintenance costs.1. Cleaner Engine OilI have also personally found that the engine oil is now almost transparent compared to the dark and thick oil that I used to see when I ran my car 100% with gasoline. The mixture of water and gas inside the engine has had a cleaning effect in my car.2. Better Car PerformanceVehicle performance typically increases by up to 50%, as many people who have used this system also testified. This translates directly into greater gasoline savings which has helped me cut back on my fuel costs tremendously.How Can You Start Using This System Yourself?The steps required to build this water car system is now available in downloadable guides on the internet. It teaches any driver how to build it from home with materials costing not more than $150. These materials can be found easily in hardware stores, and I even had most of them when I first discovered this technology.

Car accidents have been known to be one of the main causes of deaths among teenagers and most especially children. This is the reason why parents should take extra care in making sure that their children are safe when they are inside a vehicle, whether it may be moving or parked. With this need for car safety for children, car seats were invented and introduced.Over the years, car seats have grown to be more popular as more and more parents have taken caution and have recognized their importance. There is however different types of car seats available in the market and each one correspond to a specific child age group or where some opine it is the weight of the child that gives the more decisive basis for getting a type of car seat. It is important that parents know this in order to get the right car seat that is appropriate for their babies and their toddler.For babies, the parents should get a baby car seat that is rearward facing. This kind of car seat can hold room for babies that are aged from birth up to 12 or 15 months, whose weight can be as heavy as 10 kilograms or 22 pounds until 13 kilograms or 29 pounds. Babies are more out of harm’s way if they are protected as they are facing the rear of the car and cosseted by the seat. With a rear facing car seat safely securing them in, they are cushioned from the bumps and jolts that the stirring car may go through. The seat shields and supports the head, the neck and the spine of the baby. It is preferred to place this rear facing car seats in the rear as compared to placing them in the front of the car. It is advised to never place the seat in front when the car has a passenger airbag as this could suffocate the child; hurting them instead of keeping them safe. It is recommended that you use rearward facing baby car seats for as long as your baby can fit on it. You will know your baby needs to move on to a bigger seat if her head is as high or even higher than the crown of the car seat or if her weight is or has already exceeded the maximum.As your child outgrows his rear facing seat, you need now to get her a forward facing seat. This type of seat can hold a toddler of 9 to 18 kilograms or around 20 to 40 pounds, whose age could be between 9 months to 4 years old. The important factor with forward facing kid car seats is the harness that keeps the child safe in place. This should prevent the child from sliding off or bouncing in front out of the chair in case there is a collision or if dad accidentally puts on the brakes too hard. Just the same, it is favored that this seat be placed in the rear and to keep your toddler in such a seat until his age or his weight tells you to move on to the next level.