Everyone knows that Birmingham has a reputation for hot, muggy weather – and lots of it. But like the rest of Alabama, we experience a fair share of rain-soaked days as well. A recent study of weather-related crashes put Alabama near the worst in the nation, with a...
Car Accidents
Can vehicle safety systems lead to unsafe driving habits?
Car designers, computer programmers and manufacturers are all working toward the goal of autonomous vehicles in the coming years. These advancements must be made in smaller technological steps, though, through the introduction of advanced driver assistance systems...
Study examines why women have a greater injury risk in crashes
As it is in most places in the U.S., the adult population of Birmingham is split pretty evenly between men and women. Despite that parity, women are much more likely than men to sustain serious injuries when they’re involved in a motor vehicle crash. According to...
Will advanced auto tech keep teens from learning the basics?
When it comes to safe driving, there is a lot for new drivers to learn. They must master all the skills of driving, along with the traffic laws and rules of the road. Among the skills to learn are things like avoiding distraction, predicting other drivers’ actions,...
Driver automation systems may promote lack of focus among drivers
A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and MIT’s AgeLab indicates that drivers may become dependent upon partially-automated driving systems. As they become familiar with the automation, they may be more willing to engage in distracting activities...
IIHS: In-vehicle alcohol detection systems could save lives
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing losses from motor vehicle crashes. Recently, it performed an analysis of the potential for in-vehicle alcohol detection systems and found that these...
Speeding causes more fatal accidents than drunk driving
Drivers may be surprised to learn that speeding is the number one cause of traffic deaths in Alabama. With all of the focus on drunk driving and distracted driving, the issue of speeding doesn't get as much attention as it should.According to Drive Safe Alabama, in...
Hyundai and Kia recalling vehicles for engine problems
Last week, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation announced that they are recalling millions of vehicles. The problem is with the engines, which were manufactured at an auto parts plant in Alabama.In the U.S., the two companies are recalling 1.19 million...
Dangerous trend: Alabama ranks high on the list of cellphone use while driving
The dangers of distracted driving, including texting while driving, are well publicized. Unfortunately, too many people refuse to take the warnings seriously. In fact, a National Safety Council survey shows that 47 percent of drivers feel comfortable with their own...
What to know about drunk driving and St. Patrick’s Day
Despite the increased warnings about drinking and driving that we see around St. Patrick's Day, far too many people will drive drunk that weekend. In fact, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that there were 252 fatal drunk...
