Study links low-speed collision-avoidance system to fewer accidents

A study of the Volvo XC60's low accident rate offers evidence that collision avoidance systems can improve vehicle safety. The XC60, which has a low-speed collision avoidance system dubbed City Safety, was involved in 27 percent fewer property damage accidents than other mid-sized luxury SUVs, according to a report released Tuesday by the Highway Loss Data Institute. The XC60 also was involved in 51 percent fewer bodily injury accidents.

Toyota Prius with added noise: The Prius Vehicle Proximity Notification

Prius Vehicle Proximity Notification We’d much rather see a hybrid car than an electric one, but with plug-in hybrids starting to proliferate more car makers are having to address the issue of silent running endangering blind – and distracted - pedestrians. Step forward the Toyota Prius Vehicle Proximity Notification System. The US Senate signed off the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act at the end of 2010, which requires the makers of cars with the ability to run silently to make them run noisily instead, completely negating about the only benefit there is for electric cars.

Win a tour of F1 champ Jody Scheckter’s farm

In the new February 2010 issue of CAR Magazine, we join 1979 F1 champion Jody Scheckter for a tour of his biodynamic farm. He’s swapped four star for four-crop rotation in his new life as an organic farmer – and we’ve got the inside line on his Farmula One project. It’s an illuminating feature and the former Ferrari ace still keeps some of the pivotal race cars from his career – including his championship-winning ‘79 Ferrari – near Laverstoke Park Farm, in Basingstoke Hampshire.