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    <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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    <copyright>Copyright © 2026. National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.</copyright>
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    <managingEditor>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</managingEditor>
    <webMaster>tris-trb@nas.edu (Bill McLeod)</webMaster>
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      <title>Transport Research International Documentation (TRID)</title>
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    <item>
      <title>THE TRUTH ABOUT LEMON LAWS</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/714591</link>
      <description><![CDATA[While automakers have made continual leaps in product quality, still some 100,000 out of 17 million new vehicles produced last year were lemons.  If you are one of the unfortunate few to have purchased a lemon, this article offers some guidelines on what you should do.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2001 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/714591</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>AIRBAGS: SAFE OR INSANE?</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/667750</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Society and the government pushed for them, yet more than 150 Americans have been killed by them.  This article addresses the question, "How safe are airbags, really?"  Motor Trend studied the facts and spoke to a number of experts, from automakers and their suppliers to government officials, to discover the truth concerning airbag safety.  They examined the important differences between recent "depowered" bags and the even newer "smart" airbags that are safer and more responsive to specific types of crashes.  And finally, they asked the experts to look into their crystal balls to tell us how they see the future of airbags.  The results of this investigation are in this article.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 31 Aug 2000 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/667750</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>NEW OFFSET CRASH TESTS SPREAD ALARM, NOT FACTS</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/474635</link>
      <description><![CDATA[With an alarming warning that "your car may not be as safe as you think", ABC's "Dateline" recently unveiled the results of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) offset barrier crash tests at 40 mph.  Of 14 midsize cars tested, only three - Chevy Lumina, Ford Taurus GL, and Volvo 850 - scored well enough on the leg-injury portion to earn a "best pick" rating.  Several auto makers pointed out, though, that while IIHS and "Dateline" chose to underscore poor results in injuries to the lower legs, the show glossed over the important fact that all 14 vehicles received "good" marks in the category of fatal or serious injury to head and chest-which is where NHTSA places its highest priority.  NHTSA said they do not have enough funds to conduct offset crash tests, and when asked if they would use additional funding for offset crash tests they said no. They would use the funds to investigate side impact crashes.  The other 11 models tested, in descending order, scored poorly for structural intrusion of engine and chassis components and metallic supports into the passenger cabin: Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Honda Accord, Mazda Millennia, Saab 900, Ford Contour, Volkswagen Passat, Chevrolet Cavalier, Mitsubishi Gallant, Chrysler Cirrus, and Nissan Maxima.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 1997 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/474635</guid>
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      <title>SPORT/UTILITIES SUCKER PUNCHED</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/463761</link>
      <description><![CDATA[In its latest round of five-mph bumper tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported astronomical total repair costs for six sport/utility vehicles.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says, however, that the type of accident IIHS is simulating might statistically occur once in 40 years of average driving.  Still, IIHS maintains that all passenger vehicles should withstand at least flat barrier tests at five mph without damage, although few cars do this and not one utility vehicle tested.  NHTSA says that the IIHS tests highlight a pocketbook issue, not a safety issue. NHTSA has the authority to apply bumper standards to sport/utility vehicles, but four studies by the agency over the past 15 years show little benefit to the consumer to justify the added cost and lowered fuel economy caused by brawnier bumpers. In addition, bumper standards require uniform bumper height for all vehicles, but 4x4s need higher clearance to drive off road.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Aug 1996 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/463761</guid>
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      <title>CAPITOL NOTES: RECORD RECALLS; EMISSIONS TESTING RELIEF?, AND INSURANCE MATH FACTS</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/463762</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The following facts are noted:  Record Recalls - In 1995, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a total of 305 safety recall campaigns, 64% instigated by NHTSA and 36% voluntary recalls by the manufacturers.  Emissions Testing Relief? - The Cato Institute suggests that new remote-sensing technology that is inexpensive and mobile be used to identify and cite polluting vehicles, saving everybody a trip to the emissions center.  Insurance Math Facts - According to the Insurance Information Institute, for every $100 the consumer pays in auto premiums, $42 pays injury claims and $37 pays damage repair.  The insurance company keeps $24 to cover insurance sales, process claims, and pay stockholders and state taxes and fees.  The total for costs comes to $103, but the insurance companies gain $11 by investing premiums.  Subtracting the $103 in costs, and another three dollars in federal taxes, the companies end up with a five-dollar after-tax profit on every $100.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Aug 1996 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/463762</guid>
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      <title>TECHNOLOGY MEETS THE ROAD. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY: BEHIND DEARBORN'S CLOSED DOORS</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/354315</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This article discusses some of the advanced technology which can be expected in the near future from Ford Motor Company. Ford's current performance standing is built on the reputations of its turbocharged four cylinder and fuel-injected V8 engines, but a pair of six-cylinder engines are the foundation of the company's future programs.  Ford is pursuing two different approaches to higher engine output:  supercharging and multi-valve induction.  Ford engineers are confident that they have solved the noise, reliability and fuel economy problems that have checked supercharging's appeal for mass production, and will incorporate it in the '89 Thunderbird.  Ford is cooperating with Yamaha in the design of a multi-valve cylinder head that will be the basis of a SHO (Super High Output) V6--popularly dubbed the "Shogun" engine in honor of its Asian origins.  A multi-valve cylinder head conversion for the Ford V6 could be the centerpiece of a "Super Taurus" option planned for 1989.  In the long run, however, an all-new modular motor may prove to be Ford's powerplant of the future.  Among the other Ford developments discussed are the computer-controlled dual-damping air suspension system, variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering, the all-wheel-drive option, electro-hydraulic suspension systems, and a Service Bay Diagnostic System.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 1991 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/354315</guid>
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      <title>SMART LIGHTS - TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS TO STOP YOU SEEING RED</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/309212</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This article provides a general description of advances in the technology of traffic signal control.  Applications in various cities, such as Los Angeles, Denver, and Lakewood, Colorado, are pointed out.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 1990 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/309212</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>MERCEDES-BENZ ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/307765</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz went to Arjeplog, Sweden, to test its newest safety systems.  There are three separate systems.  The simplest, but by no means simple, is ASD, an automatic locking differential.  Next is ASR, acceleration skid control, which is the functional equivalent of ABS but designed to prevent skids in power-on mode rather than while braking.  Finally there is 4MATIC, a computerized automatically engaging 4-wheel-drive system.  This article provides a detailed report on how each system performed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 1990 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/307765</guid>
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      <title>DESTROY ALL PYLONS</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/218148</link>
      <description><![CDATA[The author of this article describes his experience of participating in a demonstration sponsored by the Los Angeles Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers at Pasadena City College.  The participating drivers, including celebrity and race car drivers, were competing against each others' lap times on a pylon-infested slalom course that proved a real challenge for most of the drivers even before they were administered their first drink.  One smashed pylon equaled one smashed pedestrian.  At the conclusion of the demonstration most of the drivers agreed that it was a good thing they had someone to drive them home.  A few still believed they could handle it, which was the main point of the demonstration.  Alcohol affects different people in different ways--all negative when it comes to driving.  The overconfident is as deadly as the incompetent driver when drunk behind the wheel.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Sep 1985 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/218148</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>PEDALIN' FOR DOLLARS (MOPEDS)</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/210908</link>
      <description><![CDATA[An overview is given of the moped as an alternative form of personal transportation.  Its major attributes are noted (low cost, high mileage) as well as its drawbacks (lack of performance, limited adaptability to American roads, unapparent danger).  A moped can be most useful in a small or medium-sized town, with short distances from home to work or to shops, and lower traffic density than in urban areas.  The best area for mopeds is one where the weather is dry and warm (e.g. the Sun Belt).  A moped is defined as a two-wheeled vehicle with a single-cylinder engine between one and two hp that is capable of speeds around 20 to 30 mph.  Federal and state laws regarding mopeds, and state insurance requirements for these vehicles are mentioned.  Operating a moped is discussed; riding a moped takes more concentration and attention than riding either a bicycle or motorcycle. Moped safety is addressed, with specific attention given to safety helmets.  Some buying tips are given, noting that the differences among models are primarily those in equipment.  Descriptions and photographs are provided of various models on the market.  Manufacturers of mopeds and moped-type vehicles (without pedals) are listed.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 1985 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/210908</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>TARGET: 27.5 MPG ACROSS THE BOARD BY 1985. GM'S (GENERAL MOTORS') C-4 CLOSED-LOOP FUEL SYSTEM SHOWS THE ABILITY TO HANDLE ALTERNATE FUELS OF THE FUTURE</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/210712</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Alternate fuels can be evaluated by miles per gallon or by energy per gallon, both based on availability and cost.  In the liquid fuel category, hydrocarbon mixtures from oil shale or coal, and alcohols from biomass, wastes, and grain seem to be the best alternate fuel choices.  In terms of pure usable energy, the fuel rating from high to low (British Thermal Units) is: diesel fuel, gasoline, 90% gasoline/10% ethanol, 90% gasoline/10% methanol, ethanol, and methanol.  Vehicles designed now and in the near future will be required to operate on a variety of fuels, and General Motors' Closed-Loop or C-4 carburetor system in a standard V-8 engine has demonstrated such an ability.  The completely closed fuel system and carburetor are capable of handling air/fuel ratios from 12:1 to 17:1.  The carburetor mixture is controlled by an exhaust oxygen sensor that feeds into an electronic control module and a newly designed quick-heat intake manifold.  The system includes exhaust gas recirculation, a closed circuit between fuel tank and carburetor with a carbon-filled cannister to absorb vapors, and a small-bead, low-restriction catalytic converter.  Smooth engine performance and acceleration have been achieved on all the various fuels, with gas mileage in direct ratio to the latent heat of energy/lb.  Diesel fuel showed the highest mpg, but on an energy-per-gallon basis, ethanol fuel won the economy run with 13.8 mpg.  Based on its fuel economy research, GM is optimistic about meeting the 1985 corporate average fuel economy standard of 27.5 mpg.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/210712</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>THE DETECTORS. RADAR VS. ANTI-RADAR: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THINGS THAT GO BEEP IN THE NIGHT</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/210882</link>
      <description><![CDATA[This article focuses on eight radar detectors, the leading contenders, in an attempt to aid potential buyers with their decisions.  The eight units selected for the test represent 92 percent plus of the market, are all superheterodyne, and are all of the integrated (no remote) configuration.  The article includes several inserts, including an overall performance chart.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 1985 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/210882</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>FREE MPG (MILES PER GALLON) ECONOMY DRIVING TECHNIQUES...</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/210214</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Seventeen economy driving tips are discussed which offered a 15% improvement in fuel economy in tests of ten economy cars.  These methods can be used by every driver every day to save fuel, regardless of vehicle type and equipment.  The techniques cover starting, costing, putting the car in neutral or turning off the ignition when the vehicle is stopped, gear selection, shifting, driving speed, winter driving, driving in winds, and vehicle maintenance.  A separate note by Cliff Creager mentions considerations that play a significant role in fuel economy: mechanical condition (compression, ignition system, carburetor, fuel pump, air cleaner, idle adjustment, engine lubrication, cooling system, exhaust system, and transmission), gas users (accessories and habits), and gas savers (equipment such as manual transmission, radial tires, higher axle ratios, pointless distributors and cruise control).]]></description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 30 Dec 1984 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/210214</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>THE 1981 MODEL E FORD</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/209147</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Ford's 1981 Model E (for Erika or Escort) cars, including the Mercury Lynx, are described.  They feature four-cylinder CVH (compound valve hemi-) engines.  Evolution of the following Escort/Lynx subsystems is discussed: engines, transaxles, suspensions, bodies, and packaging.  When production plans are completed, options will include four bodies, two engines, three transmissions, and four trim levels.  These models are the final product of a $3 billion development program and represent Ford's first world car.  Variants of the car for the European and Asia/Pacific markets are indicated.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 1984 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/209147</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>THE NEW ECONOMICS... BUYING, OWNING, AND SELLING A CAR</title>
      <link>https://trid.trb.org/View/209148</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Economic trends affecting the buying, owning, and reselling of automobiles are examined.  If the public's demand for fuel-efficient cars is significant, the used car market may become obsolete.  This is likely to happen only when 30% to 40% of the existing fleet (about 112 million cars) are fuel-efficient.  Detroit, Japan, and Europe are leaning toward down-sized cars and front-wheel drive, but fuel economy will be accompanied by increased prices.  Despite adverse economic trends, it is anticipated that longevity will be built into cars and that wages will increase to compensate for higher costs.  The use of other transportation modes is suggested to minimize dependency on the automobile. Service costs and service availability are important considerations in purchasing a new vehicle, as well as the resale potential.  The prospect of fuel rationing is outlined, with probable consequences.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 28 Sep 1984 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid>https://trid.trb.org/View/209148</guid>
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