WHAT THE NEW MODELS HAVE

This articles highlights some safety changes for the 2000 model vehicles worth noting. Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable offer dual-stage air bags. Sensors monitor driver seat position, seat-belt usage, and crash severity to determine air-bag deployment speed in a frontal collision and whether deployment is necessary. The Volvo S40, all Honda Accord sedans and coupes, and all Acura RL and TL models are also equipped with dual-stage inflators. Power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals that move as much as 3 in. (7.62 cm) toward the driver to accommodate those of short stature are offered in Ford's Taurus, Sable, and Expedition; Lincoln Navigators; and Mercury Windstar minivans. The Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Ford Explorer, and Cadillac DeVille have added sonar sensing to their rear bumpers that alerts motorists when an unseen object is in the path. Side air-bag curtains are offered in the Mercedes Benz S-Class, CL coupe, and all E-Class sedans. Other safety features discussed include electronic stability control, the TeleAid emergency calling system, air bags mounted in the roof frame, the Stabilitrak system that automatically activates antilock brakes, antiskid systems, four-wheel steering on large sport utility vehicles, and smart cars with accident-avoidance systems.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00410721
• Corporate Authors:

  National Safety Council

  1121 Spring Lake Drive
  Itasca, IL  United States  60143
• Authors:
  • Mateja, J
• Publication Date: 2000-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 4-5
• Serial:
  • Traffic Safety (Chicago)
  • Volume: 00
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: National Safety Council
  • ISSN: 0041-0721

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accelerators (Devices); Air bags; Automated vehicle control; Brake pedals; Crash avoidance systems; Four wheel steering; Intelligent vehicles; Motor vehicles; Rear end crashes; Sensors; Skidding; Sonar; Steering; Vehicle components; Vehicle safety
• Identifier Terms: Acura automobile; Buick automobile; Cadillac automobile; Chevrolet automobile; Ford automobile; Honda automobile; Lincoln automobile; Mercedes automobile; Mercury automobile; Oldsmobile automobile; Pontiac automobile; Volvo automobile
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00783868
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 29 2000 12:00AM