Future of Automobiles: Safety Technologies
As Sydney and other major urban centres experience deterioration in traffic conditions, not to mention an increase in inner-city car volume, undoubtedly with a corresponding increase in vehicle related accidents, the issue of car safety becomes more imperative. Thankfully recent developments in electronic vehicle safety orientated technologies have revolutionized the way consumers, and large fleet operators, like car rental companies in Sydney, relate to their vehicles. The following article highlights some of the major developments in vehicular safety systems during recent years, and how they will continue to be improved. All technological systems mentioned either are available commercially or very soon will be:
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Future of Automobiles: Vehicle Safety
It was just over fifty years ago now that the world’s first three-point safety belt was invented by Volvo, replacing the basic lap belt. The seat-belt was at the time of invention a revolutionary leap in automobile safety that dramatically reduced lives lost in crashes. Now, some fifty years later, the industry is on the verge of a second safety revolution, although this time the focus is on electronic technologies such as the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) systems that attempt to reduce the likelihood of an accident occurring, as opposed to just attempting to lessen the damage in the event of an accident; essentially the province of older non-electronic technologies such as seat-belts, and crumple zones.
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Choosing the Right Car for Your Needs: 5 Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Car Hire
Renting the right car for your needs can be a simple process if you keep five easy-to-remember points in mind when planning to rent. These five factors can be the difference between a pleasant hire and a nightmare characterized by availability complications, additional hidden or unexpected charges, or simply finding yourself with a vehicle that doesn’t suit your needs. Following this simple guide will hopefully help eliminate the potential for any issues that may arise throughout the hiring process, and provide some effective tips to ensure you have the right information before hiring.
Fuels of the future: Bio-fuels
Essentially a bio-fuel is an energy source derived from organic/biological material. Bio-fuel is commonly sourced and produced from animal fats, vegetable oils and plants. Starch crops and sugar crops are among the most popular sources of bio-fuel, with corn and sugarcane also being widely-used. It is estimated that despite the benefits from using bio-fuel as a cleaner energy source than that derived from fossil fuels, it would take between 100-1000 years for bio-fuels to payback the carbon debt acquired due to land-use changes.
Fuels of the future: Hydrogen fuel-cells
Like batteries, hydrogen fuel-cells generate electricity by mixing two chemicals that react to produce an electric current. So, whilst they both technically fall under the term ‘electric car’, the technologies however vary enough in application and use to warrant a separate discussion. The wide range of potential applications for this technology, and its versatility to power both large and small vehicles makes it an interesting and ultimately viable alternative to fuel.
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Fuels of the Future – Revolutionary Ways Your Vehicle Will be Powered
1. Battery powered vehicles:
Battery technology continues to improve by the day however the range that it is currently able to offer is its key downside. The greatest range you can achieve with cars currently on the market ranges from 60 kms to 150 kms before you would either need a battery swap or recharge. Whilst continually improving, the current charge times are slow and hence restrictive.
Pros:
- The power to recharge batteries would be supplied by the existing grid. Hence governments would have the ability to regulate the input based on policy.
- Battery powered vehicles tend to be silent and do away with the requirement for an exhaust system
- Charging stations and battery swap stations are in pre implementation phases. The theory is, standardisation of batteries would allow battery users to simply swap batteries in a “swap and go” fashion
- Significant advances have already occurred in battery technology and on a cost basis there appears to be a steady decrease in costs to the end user. The Nissan Leaf and Holden (Chevrolet) Volt are the current answer to this new technology however entry level costs are in excess of A$55,000. As a result mainstream adoption of this technology appears to be some time away. The cost will also remain a disincentive for large volume vehicle purchasers such as car hire companies in Sydney
Study Finds Fuel Conscious Driving Increases Road Safety
The results of 3 recent studies have been published in a Green Fleet news letter (December 2011 edition) as follows:
(a) Camera and copier company Canon performed a study of 350 of its drivers and found that 35% fewer accidents were noted once fuel conscious driving techniques were adopted.
(b) Similarly a a German company’s fleet noted a 35% reduction in accidents whilst a truck operator in New Zealand recorded 56% less incidents over a 6 month period.
The research was carried out in New Zealand by AA Research Foundation and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). Whilst such research remains in its infancy, early signs carry a very position message indeed.
On that note, we have high lighted some simple yet highly effective tips for motorists to improve their fuel efficiency and hence safety (for our earlier release of efficient driving tips refer to Article 4).
Choosing the right utility (ute) for your needs: 5 Tips to help you get it right
1. What size ute do you need? The majority of utes come in 1 tonne variants. Whilst this provides a measure of mass it does not assist in clarifying dimensions. Dimensions would be more relevant when moving bulkier items such as beds and longer items such as bookshelves, tables and so on. They are equally versatile in carrying taller items where it is an open tray back ute rather than one with a cage. As an indication a Toyota Hilux ute is classified as a 1 tonne and one of the more common utes you are likely to encounter.
2. Biggest is not always best: For serious hauling, 2t tray back trucks are a good option providing almost double the volume and greater flexibility. These can be driven on a car license however are harder to come by. Consider your needs prior to booking a vehicle; If a smaller ute suffices, then this is the way to go. The smaller the ute, the easier it will be to maneuver, the less fuel it will use and, most importantly, the lower the price will be. When comparing prices of ute hire in Sydney, differences can be as up to 50%.
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Car and truck rental versus Car share: A simple break down to cost the two options
1. Cost structure
- Rental Cost: Car share schemes primarily charge by the hour. Whilst there are car rental companies that offer hourly rates, they are few and far apart and generally smaller operators. A one day rental of a Car share vehicle would set you back up to $68 (based on compact car). This can be as little as $45 at reliable car rental companies.
- Mileage Cost: Whilst most sizable car rental companies have moved toward unlimited allowance on kilometers, car share vehicles to have a cap, typically 150 kms free per day
- Fuel: Whilst Car share companies do charge for mileage, fuel is included. Based on your usage and driving habits, this could lead to significant cost saving in view of rising fuel costs.
- Insurance and excess reduction: For car rental in Sydney, you can obtain daily cover for as little as $5 per day ($300) excess. With car share companies this cover is often charged by the hour and can add up to almost $18 per day
Planning a Getaway this Holiday Season? Handy Tips to Arrive Safely and on Time
1. Drive fresh and well rested to avoid an accident: Fatigue related road accidents remain high on the statistics list during holiday periods. Some simple do’s and don’ts that will ensure you and your family arrive safely include:
- Get atleast 7-8 hours sleep prior to a long drive, this is essential and there are no shortcuts to ensuring your biological batteries are fully charged
- Take a break every 2 hours even if you feel fine. Take advantage of the numerous rest areas rest areas provided in all states across the country. Swap drivers as well if at all possible
- Strive to drive when you are normally awake. Attempting all night drives adds greatly to the risk of an accident if you are ordinarily asleep during the same hours
- Insist on avoiding alcohol altogether; even drinking to legal limits is likely to cause fatigue and loss of concentration very quickly