Category Archives: Consumer Automotive News

Labor Day Safe Driving Tips

Orange, CA
Car Accident Doctor of Orange County, Dr Barry Marks

Labor Day is the official end of summer and one last chance to hit the road and visit friends, go for a picnic or have fun at the beach. Just remember, you are not alone. Everyone else has the same thing on their minds, so here are a few safety tips for driving during the Labor Day weekend.

It's 2016, do I have to say "Don't Drink and Drive?" Yes.

There are still too many people who think drinking and driving is a good idea. A mere 2 beers on a hot day within an hour of driving can impair you, and result in a DUI. Always designate the driver before any drinking takes place.

It's going to be crowded on the roads and freeways, so leave early.

If you rush around and not account for traffic, you are much more likely to have an accident, get a speeding ticket or just stress yourself and everyone else around you and ruin your day.

Enjoy the drive.

If you're in California, it's a beautiful weekend, so take the time to relax and enjoy the drive. Play games with the kids, listen to an audio book, sing... think of drive time as part of the holiday and make it fun!

Be patient and courteous.

Most people will be stressed out, in a hurry or intoxicated because they didn't read this post :-/ Don't sink to their unenlightened level. Be the calm and courteous one. Kindness is contagious. If you put your patience and courtesy out there, others will follow suit.

Remember the goal: Arrive Alive

It's a holiday, have fun and make sure it's not your last! By taking these tips to heart, you more likely to arrive alive and have fun.

Happy Labor Day from Dr Barry Marks, Chiropractor, Car Accident Doctor Orange County

 

 

 

Japanese Airbag Manufacturer Takata Announces Largest Ever Recall in the US

Largest recall in US history involving 33.8 million cars worldwide was announced today eclipsing the previous largest recall when 31 million bottles of Tylenol were recalled in 1982 .

Takata Airbag Recall History

Since 2008 Takata Airbags have been under scrutiny. Honda alone has reported 6 deaths and over 60 injuries attributed to Takata airbags. They have recalled millions of vehicles going back to 2008 and just last year recalled an additional 5.5 million vehicles.

The problem is theorized to be caused by a fault in the inflator due to exposure to high humidity and heat. Most cars involved were in California, Hawaii, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The faulty inflators, which are similar to a solid fuel rocket, break apart and spray metal shards as projectiles into occupants, but the exact mechanism is still under investigation. Gruesome photos of victims with shrapnel wounds to the head and face have been shown at trial that illustrate the horrifying effects of the airbag defects. First responders to these accidents have reported that the victims looked like they had been shot or stabbed.

Since 2013, 10 automakers have recalled approx 17 million vehicles to replace airbags, but now the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the number has increased to 33.8 million and include vehicles made by the following manufacturers:

BMW AG, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co., Honda Motor Co., Mazda Motor Co., Mitsubishi, Nissan Motor Co., Subaru Motors USA and Toyota Motor Corp

Earlier this year, the 10 auto manufacturers as a group appointed Orbital ATK an aerospace defense firm to test Takata units installed in their vehicles.

How Do You Know if Your Car is Safe?

At the moment, you can look up your vehicle by VIN to see if your particular vehicle has been involved in a recall in the past 15 years. Since this recall is evolving, you are urged to check the site periodically as manufacturers add new VIN's as they learn which vehicles are involved.

Check your car for the Takata Airbag recall here:  https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/

For more information, the NHTSA provides regular updates on a website created specifically for this recall by the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov/rs/takata/index.html