Car10

Ford is experimenting with a system that automatically slows a car to the local speed limit by means of connectivity, writes Brian Byrne . The Geofencing Speed Limit Control System sends a signal to suitably equipped cars that tells them they are in a speed limit area, and the car automatically slows to that speed. It uses GPS and the in-car technologies already available such as Intelligent Speed Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The trial is the result of a collaboration between the Ford, city officials in Cologne and Aachen, and Ford software engineers. It is still only in the experimental stage.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are appealing to women to ensure that they are wearing their seat belts correctly when driving or as a passenger in a vehicle. Research carried out by independent research company Behaviour & Attitudes for the RSA, found that 26% of women admitted to previously having worn the shoulder strap of their seat belt under their arm rather than on their shoulder. Of those surveyed who wear their seat belt under arm, 11% do so always or often and 32% indicate that their female friends wear their seat belt under their arm at least sometimes. Placing the shoulder strap of the seat belt under your arm leaves your upper torso — including your neck, face and head — completely unrestrained during a collision. In such a situation you would be exposed to horrific injury. The research showed that the main reasons for putting the seat belt under the arm were to relieve neck irritation. If you are wearing your seat belt incorrectly it will pr...

Volkswagen Group Ireland is calling on drivers to actively support the Road Safety Authority’s (RSA) ‘Tyre Safety Day’ which takes place today, Wednesday, 6 October. Drivers are being asked to check the tyres on their vehicles to make sure they are not below the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm, that they are inflated to the correct tyre pressure and that there is no obvious damage to the tyre. The country’s biggest vehicle distributor is delighted to support this important road safety initiative which is part of Irish Road Safety Week .  

Motorists are being asked to give their cars a thorough check-over in advance of winter, writes Brian Byrne . In a Road Safety Week 2021 message, the Automobile Association has listed tyre checks, battery condition, and under-bonnet vital fluid top-ups where found necessary. Inspection of the spare wheel if there is one, and of the tools used to change a wheel is also advised, as well as getting familiar with puncture sealant kits. Wipers and lights are all going to be used more in the darker and wetter days, so they should be checked, and blades and bulbs replaced as necessary. The AA also warns that rodents often find cars are useful nesting places for the winter, so don't leave out pet food near your car and look in engine compartments for any signs. Finally, do keep your tyre pressures right ... this saves fuel, tyre wear, and in an emergency perhaps your life or someone else's.