Driver Training and Driving Schools in the United States

Overview

Ever since the dawn of the automobile, teens have had to learn to how drive. And unfortunately, up until very recently, driver's education has not been taken seriously in the United States. Prior to the 1970's there was no prescribed curriculum of driving lessons and new drivers were minted in public schools by whatever teacher had free time available.

History

The first attempt at driver training was created in the 1970's where a curriculum was put in place in the form of a book called "Drive Right". It covered the basics and was taught in classrooms along with a series of often gruesome videos meant to "scare" teens into proper driving techniques. The next big revolution in driver training was known as defensive driving, which is defined as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others". Unfortunately, defensive driving is really aimed at a wide variety of drivers and not really focused on the specific issues dealing with teen drivers. Recently, driver's education has moved out of the public schools to the private sector and is being taught in dedicated private driving schools. The typical driving school today is a business whose only goal is to teach drivers, often teens, to get their drivers license. The problem is that just getting a drivers license is only part of the picture as a true understanding of managing distractions, controlling their car, and attitude are a large part of what a teen should be taught as part of their driving lessons.

Today

In the recent past, there has been research specifically aimed at teen drivers with the goal of finally understanding the issues that cause teens to have major problems early in their driving career. This research has been done at various research institutions, such as VTTI, UMASS, etc. The research has been aimed at understanding teen driving issues and has been enlightening in terms of pointing out the areas that cause the most trouble. Unfortunately, most of the research has remained with these institutions and virtually none of it has made its way into teen driver training.

Tomorrow

Finally, this research is making its way into driving schools allowing them to build a program with driving lessons that can address the true issues at hand. The bridge between research and driver training is just beginning and there are a small number of emergent driving schools creating the kind of programs that are based on research. Finally, there seems hope that we can see a reduction in the number of incidents involving teen drivers.

Seized Car Auctions - Do-It-Yourself

You can be successful doing things you've never tried before on your own. Sometimes you just need to be steered in the right direction. So it is the case when it comes to benefiting from seized vehicle auctions. A seized vehicle auction might be something you thought only professionals could do. However you can become a professional doing it yourself.

What does it take to take advantage of seized car auctions? Let me be honest a lot is not required. You might write a list of the vehicles that you are interested in finding at the vehicle auction. Bringing along a blue book to show you the value of the vehicles at the car auctions can be of great benefit.

What will also benefit you is knowing where the auctions are at. Let's say for instance you are a person that comes from Los Angeles. Los Angeles is a very big city. However there are many auctions that take place selling vehicles in Los Angeles. Using a car auctions vehicle location website would benefit you in finding car auctions in your city. We mentioned LA, however this could be applied to any city.

Now you might be a little standoffish when it comes to auctions. And that's okay. I know some people who have just gone to auctions to observe. If you're not sure what goes on at car or truck auctions I would recommend doing the same. This will give you an opportunity to feel comfortable with the vehicle auction scene. Once you are comfortable then you can get involved.

Fram Oil Filter Cross Reference

Owning a good car is a real joy that pretty much all of us aspire to in our lives, though doubtlessly car ownership is something that can start making us want to pull our hair out when the vehicle actually begins having problems and it comes time to find spare parts as well as the proper care for it. And all the different tales of intrigue and deception floating around out there regarding the universe of used auto parts doesn't really help out at all in this regard, but rather makes the entire affair of obtaining the correct spare parts for one's car seem all that much more daunting.

One tool that vehicle owners will find to be much to their advantage and convenience during their search is a cross reference chart, which can provide you with quick and easy information regarding models that will be a suitable fit for the part you need to replace. When it comes to replacing oil filters in particular-a part requiring periodic replacement that auto owners are well-advised to pay due attention to-the easiest way to go about the process is using a Fram oil filter cross reference chart.

Fram oil filters are well known for being both economical and high performance, maintaining a sufficient balance between these two factors to make them the filter of choice of a great many car owners of different sorts. They have proven to not only be optimum in trapping dirt and other impurities in the oil circulating in your engine, but in retaining such particles for a significant amount of time-all without reducing oil flow at all practically. Whereas the average oil filter out there will only trap somewhere around 80% of the impurities circulating in your oil, with a Fram filter you'll be looking at anywhere from 95% on up depending on which kind of product that you get from them. So if your engine all of a sudden needs an oil filter replacement and you've never been smart enough to use a Fram filter before, you might as well conduct a Fram oil filter cross reference to see which products of theirs you'll be able to incorporate into your engine properly.

The convenient thing about a Fram oil filter cross reference is that you can search according to a variety of criteria, meaning that if you don't have all the necessary information you might still be able to find the correct replacement. You can scan the Fram oil filter cross reference charts by vehicle application (as they do produce a wide gamut of products), through a quick search mode, or even according to a competitor's parts number (to find the Fram equivalent). All of that means that when you get around to replacing your car's oil filter, you're practically guaranteed to find a more-than-apt replacement through Fram.

Of course, you should remember that your oil filter's performance will always be conditioned by the conditions in which you operate your vehicle and the kind of oil you use. With regards to the latter issue, it is always best advised to use purely synthetic engine oil of the highest grade to make your filters last as long as possible.

Car Headlights - More Than Just a Fantasy Flashlight

Headlights have been an integral component of automobiles ever since their introduction in the early 1900's. They were originally developed to offset the high fatality rate of night time drivers. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that, "Nearly half of all traffic-related fatalities occur in the dark, despite only 25% of traffic travelling during darkness."

Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types and styles of headlights? Advances in technology, ever changing demographic trends, and varying safety standards have spurred the transformation of the once elementary and simplistic headlight design into a plethora of different shapes, designs, and styles.

With over 200 million motor vehicles on U.S. roadways everyday, chances are, you've seen just how different headlights can be.

Today, headlight construction is based on one of two main standards; The ECE or the SAE. The distinction among the two standards is based upon three main criterions.

1. The extent of allowable glare on other drivers
2. The least amount of light emanating down a straight away
3. The precise location and light levels of emanating beams

The ECE is widely accepted by nearly every industrialized country outside of the United States. The SAE is unique in that it is the only standard that is mandatory in the United States and no where else.

U.S. automotive lighting manufacturers began to focus on the strategy of balancing low power and efficient light, where as Europe manufacturers focused mainly on performance and maximum output. Due to the difference in safety standards and performance goals, the distinguished styling of headlights produced by the U.S. and countries outside of the U.S. vary heavily in design and features.

So what specifically affects the performance of a headlight? There are two main factors responsible for lighting.

1. The optical systems which direct the light towards a focal point.
2. The light source itself that is actually emanating the light.

Today, there are two main types of optical systems used on automobiles. The first is known as a reflector lamp. These lamps use optics to direct reflected light. There are two main types of optics used in reflector lamps.

1. Lens optics - refracts light through a lens at the front of the headlight into a desired pattern.

2. Reflector optics - disperses light in a pattern designed into the reflector itself, rather than into the lens.

The second type of optical system common to automobiles is known as a projector lamp. This system concentrates reflected light into a focal point aimed through a condenser.

Beyond optical systems, the light source itself is the other major factor responsible for lighting. The original light source used for automobile headlights was ignited Tungsten gas in a sealed vacuum. These headlights are virtually obsolete due to their lack of efficiency.

The addition of halogen (quartz-iodine) technology with Tungsten created more light using less power.

The next advancement in lighting uses metal halide lamps that contain xenon gas. This method was dubbed as a high intensity discharge or HID. Introduced in the early 1990's by BMW, HID's had a much higher adoption rate in Europe and Japan than North America.

HID's have been praised for many benefits over halogen lamps. These reasons include:

1. Less power consumption with higher luminosity
2. Longevity
3. Increased Safety

The newest advance in automotive lighting was the use of LED technology. Advantages of LED's include lower power consumption, longer life spans and more flexible design possibilities. The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum was the first all-LED headlamps sold in the U.S. market. LED headlights are still currently improving and are aspiring to be the new premium headlight.

In conclusion, there are many technical aspects that can affect the lighting of an automobile. Beyond optics and light sources, the dynamic control of headlights can drastically improve a vehicles performance. Also normal care and cleaning is a small detail that can drastically affect your headlights visibility. With continuous breakthroughs in technology, headlights will only bring us closer to a safer road.

Road Defects

Many people do not acknowledge the hazards of driving. While they may harbor fears of airplane accidents or terrorist attacks, these things are much less likely to occur than a fatal car accident. Car wrecks are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 1 and 38. While a number of factors can cause a car accident to occur, road defects are an especially unnerving possibility.

Road Defects and Liability

The slightest defect on a highway may be enough to cause a serious accident to occur. The department responsible for roadway construction and maintenance should be held accountable for driver safety. Commonly reported roadway defects include:

• Large potholes-A large pothole can cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle and veer into another car or careen off road

• Lack of guardrail (or defective guardrail)-A defective or absent guardrail can result in an vehicle falling several feet in an accident

• Shoulder drop off-Shoulder drop offs without adequate warning signs may give drivers a false sense of security; consequently, causing an accident to occur if they pull off of the roadway but there is no shoulder

• Uneven pavement-In extreme cases, uneven pavement can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle

• Lack of signs-Traffic signs and integral in keeping drivers updated and attentive to their surroundings. Without ample notification, otherwise avoidable accidents may occur.

• Construction zones-Temporary roadway construction can result in detours, narrow lanes, or other unsafe conditions. If these zones are not carefully designed, accidents may occur.

While accidents caused by roadway defects are rare, they do occur. If you observe a roadway defect, be sure to call your state's department of transportation office to report the defect and have it resolved as soon as possible.

New 2011 Porsche Cayenne Spied at Test image

The next-generation Porsche Cayenne will collect a slightly more sculpted body while maintaining the same inclusive silhouette of the first generation. When this instant gen prototype first hit the streets it was speculated that it was the new “baby” Cayenne fictitiously dubbed, Roxster. However, closer inspection puts this prototype at the same dimension as the flow Cayenne.

Despite decreasing popularity for SUVs, Porsche policy to adapt the Cayenne by gift diesel and mixture versions. With an accelerated launch schedule, pushed through by Porsche boss Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche hopes to launch the new Cayenne by the first half of 2010, eclipsing the next generation VW Touareg which is projected to unveil in recent 2010 at the first.

Rendered speculation: New 2010 Acura NSX

Using some spy photos of the new 2010 Acura NSX spotted on the Nürburgring in Art Nouveau leopard print Edmunds‘ JDM friends feat. Auto Holiday Magazine have put some rendered speculation.

Given what we see in these renderings, the imposing tourer is neat but not gorgeous, and follows the 2007 Detroit Auto Show notion car’s lines faster than first thought. And that’s a humiliate, because the two-seater Acura’s estimated cost tag of $160,000 will place it right on top of much prettier rivals in the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Maserati Gran Turismo and Jaguar XKR.

New 2010 Mercedes Flügeltürer Reborn

Reprinted for one of the most beautiful cars of all time: 2010 Mercedes brings a hitherto nameless Super Athletes (factory code: W197) on the market. The Flügeltürer is the successor to the late famous 300 SL of the 50-years.

He gets the streamlined shape of the original and its classic features such as the side gills. The Mercedes-star on the grille by a chrome bar either. The doors are at the top of the roof struck the middle for a comfortable start. About the wheel the typical sheet metal bars. Added to this modern elements such as a deep apron with front spoiler lip and additional cooling air openings.

Vectrix Electric Super Bike Electric bicycle: Enjoy the responsibility

The threat of global warming looms large over the face of earth and is attracting war scale measures from various quarters. However there is also a unique way of fighting global warming which is really fun filled. The electric bicycle has emerged as a suitable alternative to traditional vehicles and can help you to reduce your carbon footprints while you enjoy a joyful ride through the beautiful countryside!

Electric bicycle is finding a lot of acceptability across the whole world although there are different rules governing the electric bicycle in different countries. Thus in Australia the electric bikes and electric scooter have to comply with the Australian Design Rules(ADR) before the vehicles can be legally allowed on the roads. The ADR covers a whole range of vehicles which include self powered as well as motor propelled bicycle.

According to the Australian ADR a pedal cycle is one which has one or more propulsion motors attached to it having a maximum output of not more than 200 watts. Thus an electric cycle is basically a cycle which can be propelled with the help of an external device. The source of energy in the electric bike is generally clean fuel cells which provide a constant supply of carbon free energy.

The different rules pertaining to electric bikes basically throw light upon various important criteria relating to electric bicycles viz :

Identity: The type of vehicles
Type: The type of the vehicle as per law
Maximum speed: The maximum speed at which the bike can travel
Maximum power: The maximum engine power permissible
Helmet: Is a helmet necessary.

All the above factors determine the design of the electric bike that will be launched in the market.

Electric bikes have come a long way since their early days of inception. The present day electric bikes are sleeker and can pack many features together. They are distinguished by the use of super light LiFePo4 batteries which makes them super light and also highly portable. You can carry the bike around with you wherever you go! Also the motor bicycle kit makes it possible for you to assemble the bike right inside your home by following some simple Do It Yourself steps.

Speed Racing Motorcycle Inspired

Speed Motorcycle Inspired

Piranha Motorcycle Futurism

Piranha Motorcycle

Motorepublic Beta Electric Bike a Noiseless and Zero Emission

Motorepublic Beta Electric Bike

Megan Racing Muffler

Megan Muffler

Honda CB 750

CB 750

Giannini Mini Racing

Mini Racing

EMPI Exhaust Systems

EMPI Exhaust

Unique Racing Car Series

Unique Racing Car

Racing Car on the Race

Racing Car Race

Sport Car Series

Type Sport Car

Batman Racing Car

Batman Type Car

Unique Motor Cycle

Unique Motor Cycle

Most Popular Models of Used American Cars to Buy

In America, we often here the phrase "The Big Three" when talking about the auto industry. This phrase refers to the three largest domestic auto makers in the US. The leader of this group is Chevy; there are more used cars on Americas roads today that have been produced by Chevy than of the other two (Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corp.) combined. This is due to the fact that not only does Chevy produce cars under more brand plates than the other makers but they have a much longer expected life span that the other makers on the whole. The Chevy Cavalier is a very popular model among used car buyers, that is also one of the best deals that you will be able to find. This car has had a long standing record of being reliable and safe and is a great alternative to those how might be interested in buying a Ford Focus, which is a lot harder to find used.

The Ford Focus is, as mentioned, remarkably similar to the Chevy Cavalier, but is not as easy to find as a used car. This is also a car that is not as reliable as the Chevy model, but still can hold its own when being compared to other cars in the same category. The Focus has a record of being safe and economical, but is prone to breakdowns. Nevertheless the popularity of the focus remains high.

The Dodge Neon is another of the great American built cars that enjoys a popularity among used car buyers. The Neon is a car that has earned its accolades, when it first debuted (made by the now defunct Chrysler plate Plymouth, along with its sister vehicles the PT Cruiser and the Prowler) many people considered it a bit of a joke. This was due to its small size and limited features package. While this car has had some problems in the past, there are a lot of people that see this car as being a great used car option due to its wide availability and low price.

No matter why you are making the choice to drive an American used car, you are sure to discover that they are a great value and will provide you with many years of reliable service. You do want to take the time to do your research before you make any purchase decision and, always make sure that you look at the overall safety record of a particular model. An American used car is one of the better decisions that you can make when the time comes to purchase your next vehicle. American made cars keep their value, offer comparable features and have very good safety ratings. An American made car is cheaper and last longer than the foreign counterparts and service is more readily available for them when needed. They are a great choice no matter how you look at it.

Fornasari Cars photos

Fornasari Car photo

Fornasari is an Italian car manufacturer that was created in 1999 by Giuseppe Fornasari. The company makes sports cars and SUVS:

• Fornasari RR450, an SUV mounted with a Chevrolet engine with 450 hp, Speed 280 km/h (174 mph), 0-100 km/h in 4.5 sec
• Fornasari RR600, an SUV mounted with a Chevrolet engine with 600 hp, Speed 280 km/h (174 mph), 0-100 km/h in 4.2 sec
• Fornasari LM, a coupè based on callaway le mans that mount a 5700 v8 with 450 PS (331 kW) at 5700 g/min, speed> 300 km/h (186 mph)
• Fornasari RR99, an SUV mounted with a Chevrolet engine with 610 hp that does 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph.

Fornasari RR600 image

Fornasari

Industry	Automotive
Founded	1999
Founder(s)	Giuseppe Fornasari
Headquarters	Vicenza, Montebello Vicentino, Italy
Products	Automobiles

FORNASARI

2009 Fornasari

Fornasari LeMans

Fornasari Car

Fornasari Car pics

2009 Fornasari RR600

Ford Cars images

Ford

The Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational corporation based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands, Ford also owns Volvo Cars in Sweden, and a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK. Ford's former UK subsidiaries Jaguar and Land Rover were sold to Tata Motors of India in March 2008. Ford has agreed to sell Volvo to Geely Automobile in a deal expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2010.

Ford introduced methods for large-scale manufacturing of cars and large-scale management of an industrial workforce using elaborately engineered manufacturing sequences typified by moving assembly lines. Henry Ford's methods came to be known around the world as Fordism by 1914.

Ford is currently the second largest automaker in the U.S. and the fourth-largest in the world based on number of vehicles sold annually, directly behind Volkswagen. In 2007, Ford fell from second to third in US annual vehicle sales for the first time in 56 years, behind only General Motors and Toyota. However, Ford occasionally outsells Toyota in shorter periods (most recently, during the summer months of 2009). By the end of 2009, Ford was the third largest automaker in Europe (behind Volkswagen and PSA). Ford is the seventh-ranked overall American-based company in the 2008 Fortune 500 list, based on global revenues in 2008 of $146.3 billion. In 2008, Ford produced 5.532 million automobiles and employed about 213,000 employees at around 90 plants and facilities worldwide. Starting in 2007, Ford received more initial quality survey awards from J. D. Power and Associates than any other automaker. Five of Ford's vehicles ranked at the top of their categories and fourteen vehicles ranked in the top three.

Detroit Auto Show: 2009

History

Henry Ford (ca. 1919)

1896 Ford Quadricycle

Main article: History of Ford Motor Company

The Ford Motor Company was launched in a converted factory in 1903 with $28,000 in cash from twelve investors, most notably John and Horace Dodge (who would later found their own car company). Henry's first attempt under his name was the Henry Ford Company on November 3, 1901, which became the Cadillac Motor Company on August 22, 1902. During its early years, the company produced just a few cars a day at its factory on Mack Avenue in Detroit, Michigan. Groups of two or three men worked on each car from components made to order by other companies. Henry Ford was 40 years old when he founded the Ford Motor Company, which would go on to become one of the world's largest and most profitable companies, as well as being one to survive the Great Depression. As one of the largest family-controlled companies in the world, the Ford Motor Company has been in continuous family control for over 100 years.

Ford

Henry Ford

2008 Ford Shelby

2010 Ford Mustang

Ford Iosis Concept

Ford Collaborates

2008 Ford Shelby

Ford has introduced

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE Cars Pictures

FISKER AUTOMOTIVE

Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma

Fisker

Fisker CS V10

Henrik Fisker

Fisker Mezzogiorno image

Fisker Silicon Car