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ParkFX is the 360-Degree Backup Solution and it's Less Costly Than Backup Sensors, Park Assist and Rearview Cameras
Deaths increase. Ninety-one children were killed in 2003 by drivers who didn’t see them while backing up, according to Kids and Cars ( www.kidsandcars.org ),
a nonprofit organization working to improve child safety around vehicles. Those deaths represented a 57 percent increase from 2002. During the first six months of 2004, more than 40 deaths have
been attributed to backover accidents, many involving vehicles with large blind spots.
Kids and Cars compiles these statistics; the federal government does not track such incidents. Janette Fennell, president of the organization, believes that backover accidents are underreported
and that the actual number of children killed or injured is much higher.
Blind spots grow with vehicle size. A likely reason for the increase in injuries is that minivans, pickups, and SUVs account for more than half of all vehicles sold. Many have large
rear-view blind spots.
Last year, Consumer Reports began measuring the blind spot of each vehicle we test, checking the distance for short drivers (5 feet 1 inch tall) and for those of average height (5 feet
8 inches tall). The biggest blind spot: 51 feet for a short driver in a Chevrolet Avalanche pickup. But even small sedans can have blind spots of more than 40 feet. We regularly update vehicle
blind-spot information, which is available on this site free of charge in The
problem of blind spots.
Systems other than ParkFX combine a camera with sensors, so we tested each system independently; it is listed with camera systems in the Ratings.
All the systems we tested are potentially useful. They’re a good complement to looking around the vehicle before entering, and checking the rear window and rear-view mirror just before and
while moving in reverse.
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Christmas Gift Ideas
For Car Lovers
‘Tis the season, as they say, when we start dreaming up wish lists and dropping hints to our loved ones. For the automotive enthusiast or anyone
on the go, here are some holiday gift ideas to make it a very merry Christmas.
Satellite Radio ($50 and up for radio, subscription $10-15/month)
Becoming more popular all the time, satellite radio is a wonderful gift idea for anyone spending large chunks of time on the road. Portable models can fit onto any vehicle and offer excellent
sound quality through your car’s speakers. With hundreds of channels of listening options, satellite radio is the gift that keeps on giving (provided you keep up with the subscription
fee, of course).
MP3 Player Attachment ($30-99)
For another audio option, consider an MP3 dock. Most plug into your car’s cigarette lighter and transmit an FM signal through the vehicle’s stereo with little to no sacrifice in
sound quality. Some will even recharge your MP3 player during playback. Some models limit the choice of available FM signals, while upscale versions have more options and clearer transmission.
Self-Heating/Cooling Travel Mugs ($15-35)
Does your coffee lose its steam on those long commutes? Is the ice in your soda melting too quickly during the summer? Try a mug that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter to heat or
cool your beverage as necessary. Most have multiple temperature settings and will emit a small beep when the desired level has been reached.
Roadside Emergency Kit ($35-85)
On the more practical side, another gift idea (and something that should be in the trunk of every vehicle) is an emergency kit. These
supply collections typically include necessities such as jumper cables, a flashlight, and work gloves, but many kits with even more to offer. Some will have a heavy-duty tow rope, first aid
equipment, flares, and a tire pump. Most kits are packaged in a convenient carry-all and don’t take up too much space. If you have a younger driver or live in an unforgiving climate a
roadside kit is a gift that can be a lifesaver.
Portable JumpStarter ($50-125)
No one likes getting stranded with a dead car battery, which have a habit of letting you down at the worst possible moment. A portable JumpStarter can prevent that hassle. Typically less than
20 pounds and about the size of a toaster, JumpStarters vary in available battery life and power, and most need an overnight recharge every couple of months. Some include gauges that display
how much charge they have left to offer, or indicate just when recharging is necessary.
Digital Key Chain Tire Gauge ($5-25)
For a handy stocking stuffer, consider a tire gauge that doubles as a key chain. Tires not inflated properly can hinder a vehicle’s handling capability, increase tire wear, and potentially
be a safety hazard. They will also detract from your vehicle’s gas mileage. These keychains connect to your tire’s air nozzle
and show their psi with a digital display. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended pressure and adjust accordingly.
Remote Starter (Key-FOBs $20-70, Installation varies)
During these cold winter months, a remote starter is an enviable amenity. Sitting cozily in your home, you can ignite and warm your engine before venturing out into an early morning blizzard.
You can buy a remote starter at most auto parts stores but you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic or dealer to have the transmitter installed.
GPS Navigation System ($200-700)
Portable global positioning systems have been out for a couple of years and have improved in reliability and ease of use. Most provide software updates to account for changing traffic patterns
and are very handy when traveling. More upscale models offer a voice-prompted navigation aid and their maps have more detail. Some systems can also self-adjust their screen’s brightness
based on outside weather conditions. For anyone that is “directionally challenged”, a GPS can be the most useful Christmas gift around.
Automotive gifts are both practical and fun, and some can even keep you out of harm’s way. Treat your favorite road warrior (or yourself)
and above all, have a great holiday. AutoExtra.com: We’re all you need.
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Drivaware Publishes Automakers' Scorecard on Driver Visbility and Average Blind Spot Zone Size
Automakers' average blind spot zones vary greatly. Automakers that produce
larger, taller vehicles have larger blind spot zones than conventional passenger vehicles without impeded side and rearviews. All measurements do not account for the use of blind spot mirrors
or blind spot detectors (like Valeo Raytheon's and Volvo's BLIS systems). Blind spot zone sizes are a combination of the side blind spot zones (as applicable in lane changes) but exclude the size
of the rear blind spot zone that result when the vehicle is in reverse (backover condition).
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| Automaker |
Average Size of Model Lane Change Blind Spot Area
(avg. for all 2006 models in feet) |
Automaker |
Average Size of Model Lane Change Blind Spot Area (avg. for all 2006 models in feet) |
| Acura |
24.1' |
Jeep |
31.0' |
| Alfa Romeo |
N/A |
Kia |
18.9' |
| Aston Martin |
29.2' |
Lamborghini |
48.0' |
| Audi |
32.0' |
Land Rover |
38.2' |
| Bentley |
29.4' |
Lexus |
28.4' |
| BMW |
28.6' |
Lincoln |
22.9' |
| Buick |
33.2' |
Lotus |
49.8' |
| Cadillac |
31.0' |
Mazda |
22.0' |
| Chevrolet |
33.9' |
Mercedes-Benz |
29.4' |
| Chrysler |
36.8' |
Mercury |
28.2' |
| Daewoo |
18.6' |
Mini |
27.4' |
| DeLorean |
44.1' |
Mitsubishi |
29.6' |
| Dodge |
36.1' |
Nissan |
31.0' |
| Eagel |
N/A |
Oldsmobile |
N/A |
| Ferrari |
40.6' |
Pontiac |
32.1' |
| Fiat |
N/A |
Porsche |
41.6' |
| Ford |
38.1' |
Rolls-Royce |
29.4' |
| Geo |
16.3' |
Saab |
26.1' |
| GMC |
29.4' |
Saturn |
25.5' |
| Honda |
21.8' |
Scion |
19.0' |
| Hummer |
50.5' |
Subaru |
26.7' |
| Hyundai |
22.0' |
Suzuki |
27.3' |
| Infiniti |
34.1' |
Toyota |
25.9' |
| Isuzu |
37.5' |
Volkswagen |
30.6' |
| Jaguar |
28.8' |
Volvo |
28.1' |
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Device Reads Email Messages to Drivers
 Tech Digest reports on a new gadget and speech
recognition system called iLane that provides drivers with a hands-free way of listening to email messages. iLane can also handle phone calls, calendar requests
and SMS messages. The device plugs into the cigarette lighter.
iLane is a small device that interacts directly with existing Bluetooth-enabled handheld devices, allowing drivers to fully access their email in transit. iLane notifies
the driver of incoming emails and other important information by reading a brief summary in a "natural sounding voice". The driver can then listen to the entire email message; forward
or compose a response using verbal instructions. Phone calls, SMS messages, and a number of email attachment types can also be managed. In addition, filters can also be set to priorities mail,
so you don't get hassled with that latest sales pitch from an online store.
It's probably still distracting in the same way a child talking in the backseat or the radio can be distracting...but at least it can be used without the driver taking their eyes of the road or their
hands off the wheel. Gizmodo has more details about iLane. Gizmodo says it supports the major Western languages
and it can read your emails in a male or female voice. Gizmodo also warns that it might be unwise to have children in the care when those raunchy spam message are read aloud by iLane. |
Ditch Your Stick-on Convex Blind Spot Mirrors Today
Stop Distorting Your Rearview and Compromising Your Side Mirror Vieweing Space
Drivaware has come up with something useful: the LaneFX , a controller that connects
your power mirrors to your turn signals, so that when you signal (you do signal before you turn, right?), your mirrors swivel outward to show your blind spot. Hey, if this keeps just one cyclist
out of the hospital, I'm happy.
Generally speaking, larger vehicles have larger rear blind spots. For example, the blind spot behind a typical sedan could only hide a small animal, while
the blind spot of an SUV can hide small children, resulting in as many as 50 children being killed by reversing SUVs each year.
The blind spot behind tractor trailers can contain entire vehicles, which is one reason many trucks carry warnings not to follow too
close, such as "if you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you." This is partly because the driver's position is higher in a tractor-trailer.
Larger vehicles also have much larger front and side blind spots. Tractor-trailers have not only large rear quarter blind spots, but also a large blind spot directly to their left and to their
front-right.
There are a number of products available to consumers to deal with the blind spot problem. Convex mirrors, often called "spot mirrors" can bring blind spots into view, but their optical
properties impart a great deal of distortion so as to make it difficult to judge distances. Newer technologies using aspheric mirrors allows the blind spots to be virtually eliminated
while minimizing distortion. |
Top Fun Gifts for Tech Lovers Under $40
Do you have friends who are more into gadgets and technology that it seems like a crazy obsession almost? Are you trying really hard to get something that won't be quickly replaced by the next model,
or the smaller and faster machine? Well, then this guide is for you. Gadgets can make excellent gifts, especially for the tech-savvy. However, a vast majority of them can be extremely deadly to your
budget. So what should you do in these cases? Surprisingly, there are many options available to you today. Before we go into the top gadgets gifts, here are some tips :
Don't go for the older model of something because it's cheaper. If your friend is really tech-savvy, he/she will want to get the newer one anyway.
Make sure that these gadgets are useful or fun and won't be extra work or cost for them. For example, avoid getting something like a car security device that requires long installation time and effort.
If you get something that needs batteries to run, include the batteries in it.
Always try to bundle something with the gift that will increase the effectiveness of the gift or help in some other way. For example, I often recommend bundling theLight
In The Darkness program with many things because it helps remove the financial pressure on someone and is super cheap for what it offers.
If it's a battle between something that's useful and sentimental, always get the pragmatic gift for a guy, and the sentimental/decorative gift for the woman.
Here's a quick look at some of the different options available to you for gift giving this holiday season. All of the following gadgets cost $40 or lower:
Scrolling License Plate Frame :
The scrolling license plate frame is for those who get bored of the meaningless license plate pretty quick and would rather have a message to go with their license plates. The frame displays a scrolling
message on the back of the car. The messages are customizable and you can create your own messages with it. Here's what the Scrolling License Plate Frame offers:
License plate frame features a built-in scrolling message display.
Create up to five custom messages with up to 120 characters each.
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