Honda Thinks Smartphones Can Save Pedestrians From Bad Drivers

Smartphones are too often a colossal distraction to motorists, but Honda sees a way of using them to protect pedestrians from inattentive drivers.

The automaker hopes to tap into pedestrians’ phones to alert passing drivers to their presence. The technology — dubbed Vehicle-to-Pedestrian — uses a smartphone’s GPS and dedicated short range communications (DSRC) to warn drivers when a pedestrian steps out from behind a parked car or other obstruction. A light flashes on the dashboard to tell the driver of an approaching pedestrian, while the hapless walker gets an alert on their smartphone.

The DSRC system can be deployed through a dedicated app with the technology operating on the 5.9GHz band set aside for automotive applications. Honda’s not alone in pursuing this. General Motors is using the same tech to develop its own pedestrian detecting technology. But Honda is taking it a step further. In addition to the pedestrian detection tech, Honda is also testing Vehicle-to-Motorcycle systems using the same DSRC to alert drivers of a motorcycle outside their field of vision.

Honda is joined by several other automakers working with the University of Michigan through the Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation on the technology, and if all goes well, these systems could be deployed in the next several years.

2014 Toyota Corolla Commercial

Stylish then. Stylish now. The all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla has been completely elevated with advanced technology and premium features. Learn more at http://www.toyota.com/corolla/.

2014 Kia Soul Review and Video

The 2014 Kia Soul retains its fashionable flavor and “fun to drive” label while upgrading engine power, interior and ride quality.
The Soul is simply a fun, funky and a useful vehicle, which now, will come with the weight of success. The 2014 Kia Soul is nicely equipped with standard power accessories, Bluetooth, satellite radio and USB/iPod connectivity.
The 2014 Kia Soul will offer three trim levels when it goes on sale this fall. Those are: Base, Plus and Exclaim. Base comes with a direct injected 1.6 liter four-cylinder producing 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque.
Plus and Exclaim models, on the other hand, are equipped with 2.0 liter four-cylinder generating 164hp and 151 lb-ft torque.

The base model is priced at $14,700 while the Soul Plus demands $18,200. The top-of-the line, Soul Exclaim, will start at $20,300. It has additional LED running lights, LED taillights, 18-inch wheels and the Plus’s UVO package. Soul base is the only model that offers manual transmission.

The new Soul 2014 is slightly redesigned. It has new interiors, which Kia promises, will be made of higher quality materials and will have a more “driver focused” design. The Soul dimensions have also increased slightly. The new car has a little more boot space and more leg, head and shoulder room.

Kia indeed has spent a lot of time tuning this version of Soul, to have improved ride and handling. Based on 2014 Soul’s feature list, improved styling and various refinements it will continue to be a moneymaker and brand builder for Kia.

Ford recalls 370,000 cars

Ford is recalling 370,000 cars due to potential corrosion to their steering shaft that may result in loss of steering.

No incidents or injuries have been reported.
The cars include 2005 to 2011 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars. About 355,000 are in the U.S. and 15,000 in Canada.

Dealers will inspect the cars and may replace the lower intermediate steering shaft and if necessary resecure a lower steering column bearing and replace the upper intermediate steering shaft.
Indiana and Ohio are among the states included in the recall.

Owners in other states can also ask for inspections and repairs.