Posted by
lkight |
So last week I raved about the Green Tesla roadster and complained about how the Chevy Volt has been slow to market. Then today, right in my own backyard, I read that the Volt was debuted exclusively to the media at the Texas Motor Speedway.
Touting an availability date of 2010 and (I'm guessing here) more affordability and practicality for the average consumer than the Tesla, the plug-in coupe can reportedly go zero to 60 mph in nine seconds, with a top speed of 100 mph.
NASCAR fans had mixed reviews, but most voiced their opinion that the move away from gas guzzling cars is the right way to go.
Go, innovation, go!
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Posted by
lkight |
Wow, do I love the new high-end electric roadster - the Tesla. I've been hearing a lot about it lately. I love cool cars, and I love green cars, but the thing that I love most about the Tesla is that it's real. It's been produced. You can order one right now.
I know other car companies, especially General Motors, are working on improving fuel-cell technology but the process seems so painfully slow. I'm sure they are working smart, and hard, and will ultimately end up with great products that will change how we all live, work and drive. But Tesla scores on the cool factor of getting something to market now.
Read more at the Tesla Web site.
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Posted by
lkight |
No matter where you live, there is one universal sign that school is back in session: the crossing guard. It almost seems like the weather changes overnight and the trees turn a little golden when the crossing guards and orange cones emerge for the morning commute.
Back in my day, crossing guards were paired with elementary school children who served as "safety patrols." The adult crossing guard was always present (well, most of the time) to boldly walk into the middle of the street to stop traffic and allow children to cross an intersection. The patrols wore a bright orange belt that was affixed like a shoulder-crossing seatbelt, and carried a flagpole to keep the waiting gaggle of children off the road until the guard called out, "Crossing!"
If you were lucky enough to BE a patrol in elementary school, then you had the enviable task of affixing a vinyl orange flag to something to form an acceptable flagpole. The best poles were made with bamboo. They were strong and you could easily role up your flag when the job was done. Some kids used an old broomstick. I had a piece of PVC pipe. (At the time, I thought it was a very modern and cutting edge choice. But, really, it's just because I couldn't find any bamboo.)
I had a nice career as a safety patrol. I proudly worked my way up from a lowly silver-badge private to a sargeant (green badge), lieutenant (red badge) and then...at last...the coveted captain (blue badge). Occasionally one of us would perform some feat of safety that would inspire our P.E. teacher (and safety patrol sponsor) to award us The Gold Badge, which we got to proudly display for one week. I still have that photo of the 5th grade patrols with the P.E. coach...
Why all the fuss about crossing guards and patrols? Safety. Here are some key things to remember when school is in session:
- Obey the speed limit. If you hate slowing down, find another route in that doesn't involve a school zone.
- Pay extra attention in a school zone -- even if you are in a hurry. A child was killed in Texas last year when morning sun was in a driver's eyes. The car struck the little girl at a slow speed, but she did not survive.
- Do not talk on a cellphone in a school zone. It's distracting, and some municipalities have already banned hand-held cellphone use in school zones.
- If you are a student or parent walking to school, do not listen to an MP3 player while walking. You need to be aware of your surroundings.
- Stop for a school bus whenever you see its red flashing lights. Most children are injured while entering or exiting a bus.
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Posted by
lkight |
It seems that mommies on wheels are everywhere lately. I guess moms have been the carpool staple ever since the family wagon became a part of the roadways. I found this article, originally written by Emily Block in Parenting Magazine, on the Today show Web site on msnbc. I've added my own personal opinions as well. Here are some of the leading distractions that contribute to accidents while driving.
- Chatting on your cell phone. There is a reason why there is increased legislation limiting cellphone usage while driving. Studies show that talking on the phone while driving results in driving impairment that matches or is worse than driving while inebriated.
- Feeling overconfident. In short, this is offensive versus defensive driving. If you start to feel aggressive or angry while driving, make a mental note to cool it. Tailgating, blocking lanes and speeding can lead to accidents that could be avoided by simply letting the other guy have his way.
- Driving while drowsy. This is nearly impossible to avoid when you have a newborn, but many moms push the limit with their sleep even when their kids are older. Aim for more shuteye, get someone else to drive if you have a really bad night's rest, and if nothing else works, open the windows and get some fresh air.
- Speeding. Thirty percent of all fatal crashes are the result of speeding. You can replace cars, but not people. Slow down and give yourself more time in the future to get where you need to go.
- Snacking while steering. There are few upsides to eating in a vehicle, except when it's the only time you'll get to eat. (It makes for a messier car, and--besides--you have enough goldfish crackers and raisins in your backseat already.) Looking at food is a distraction. If you have to eat, try to do it only when you are stopped at a light.
- Attending to your kids. Children don't understand that you are the only thing that's controlling the vehicle they are riding in. They will invariably ask for you to break up a squabble, retrieve a lost sippy cup, or hand them a book or toy that's out of reach. Stick to your guns and tell them that you'll be happy to help them when you can stop safely. Eventually, they'll get the picture. And if you have to clean up a serious bio mess..pull over first!
- Slacking on car maintenance. Problems with tires contributed to 660 deaths and 33,000 injuries in 2005. Make the time and the investment for regular maintenance of your car. Sure, it's a pain to take it in for servicing, but catching little problems early often prevents big problems from occurring later. Learn how to check your tire pressure with a gauge, and routinely inspect your tires for tread wear and tear.
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