http://www.forthebetter.com.au When we
think about causes of inattention when driving we instantly think about
things like mobile phones and passengers. But we wanted to know if
different emotional states could be just as distracting, so we put 5
drivers to the test in the Attention Powered Car to see just how
distracting our emotions can be. We're back at the RAC Driving Centre
to delve into this issue of inattention on our roads and see the true
impact different emotional states really has on our attention levels
when driving. To see what we've learning about driver inattention, and
to get involved with making WA roads safer, go to
http://www.forthebetter.com.au
In an effort to learn more about driver
inattention, one of the biggest killers on WA roads, RAC created the
world's first Attention Powered Car -- a car that goes when you're
paying attention and slows when you're not. On the final
leg of our road trip, we visited Narrogin in the Wheatbelt, which is
also often dubbed by emergency services as the 'accident belt'. Here,
single vehicle crashes with young drivers behind the wheel are
particularly high, so we wanted to see if inattention was part of the
problem. Our first driver, Shawn, took the Attention
Powered Car and few mates around town. Not surprisingly, his mates
proved to be a distraction, as well as thinking about his girlfriend
and sadly, friends lost on the road. Next up was Speedway Driver Coby.
She performed well on the open road, but had plenty inattention moments
to match. Perhaps most telling though, was her insight into the minds
of many drivers who even after being made aware of their limitations,
aren't likely to change behaviour. Check out the video to
see the Attention Powered Car on the road and how our drivers
performed. Plus, follow the journey, watch all webisodes from our
journey and keep up-to-date with what we have planned next by visiting
forthebetter.com.au
The Attention Powered Car, developed by
the RAC, is into leg 3 of its road trip around WA visiting towns
including Donnybrook, Nannup and Pemberton, heading to Albany and then
finishing in the Wheatbelt town of Narrogin. In this
episode we put two drivers behind the wheel that drive for a living. We
wanted to see if their professional experience influenced their
attention levels. How will our Ambo and Australia's best truck driver
perform? First up was Mike. As a St John's Ambulance
Volunteer, he needs to be calm and confident driving under pressure and
at high speed. And it showed. So too with our second driver, Murray,
who's TNT Australia's best truck driver. Both came out determined and
focused to prove they had the edge. To some degree they did. Incidences
of inattention were fewer and further between, but they were still
there. Encouragingly, both drivers were much better at refocusing when
they did lose attention. Check out this webisode to see
just how they performed, as well as what insights we are finding about
driver inattention as we take the Attention Powered Car through
southern WA.
Christmas is a very busy time of year for Santa Claus! He has to get the sleigh ready, feed his reindeers, check his list to be sure he hasn't forgotten any good girls and boys… and make sure that the toys the elves have purchased are not only fun, but also safe!
This is the goal of the European Toy Safety Campaign that the European Commission has launched this month; it intends to show how to get the safest toys, and how to use them safely!
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/europeancommission/52808/
Pegasus Airlines makes its mark in the aviation sector again with a new video explaining flight safety rules in partnership with Disney Turkey. Marvel's best-known characters appealing to all ages, including Thor, Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, Loki, Hawkeye and Odin, feature as flight safety rules are explained in an entertaining and fun way. The overriding message of the safety demo video is: 'Even if you're a superhero, flight safety rules are important for you'.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7550251-new-flight-safety-video-from-pegasus/
Weather forecasters are predicting a doozy of a hurricane season with above average activity this year. As many as 18 named storms could impact communities along the coast. Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Isaac serve as sobering reminders of the importance of families being prepared just in case the unthinkable happens. Preparing now, before the weather turns serious, is a family’s best defense.
So where do you start? Preparation should focus on four key activities, which the whole family can do together.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/61576-allstate-be-aware-and-prepare-natural-disaster-weather-alerts
Recent research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety strongly demonstrates the benefits of antilock brakes for motorcycles. Based on findings that antilocks significantly reduce motorcycle crashes, including fatal ones by more than a third, the Institute is seeking a federal requirement that manufacturers equip all new motorcycles with this technology.
For more information, go to http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1788-institute-calls-on-government-to-mandate-antilock-brakes-for-all-new-motorcycles
In December 2012, we posted an OnSafety blog, warning of furniture, television and appliance-related tip-over incidents. At that time, CPSC reported nearly 350 deaths, most involving young children. Since then, more than 80 people have died when a dresser, TV, bookcase, table, appliance or other large item tipped over and fell on them. A new report from our staff indicates that 430 tragic deaths occurred between 2000 and 2013, and an estimated 38,000 annual injuries, many of which were serious, from 2011 through 2013.
In most of the incidents, a child was crushed by the product or struck on the head by the product. What is remarkable is the number of families who have turned tragedy into advocacy. Jackie Collas, a Philadelphia-area resident, is using social media to honor her son, Curren, and encourage parents to anchor their furniture. Lisa Seifert of Chicago created Shane’s Foundation to honor her precious son and to increase awareness, education and safety.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7085251-cpsc-reports-430-tip-over-deaths-anchor-it-and-protect-a-child/
More than 10 million (1 in 6) seniors in the U.S. face the threat of hunger and more than 15 million (1 in 4) are living in isolation. Meals on Wheels America is a national network of local community organizations that deliver meals, friendly visits and safety checks to our nation’s most vulnerable seniors. With the senior population projected to double by 2050, and an aging volunteer base, Meals on Wheels America, in partnership with the Ad Council, is launching its first national integrated campaign this summer to recruit a new pipeline of volunteers to meet the growing need.
Every day, Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver one million meals and smiles to seniors in need across the country. The current network represents more than 5,000 local programs in virtually every community in America and relies on an army of two million volunteers to deliver meals five days a week, typically between 11 am and 1 pm. Beyond providing nutrition, delivering a meal also provides a moment of human connection that nourishes both the senior and the volunteer. For many seniors, the volunteer may be the only person they will see that day. According to a survey of current Meals on Wheels volunteers, more than 75 percent are over the age of 55, and the average age of volunteers is 62, making it critical to recruit additional volunteers to keep the wheels rolling for future generations.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7867951-ad-council-meals-on-wheels/
Sanofi Consumer Healthcare – the makers of new Xyzal® Allergy 24HR, which is now available on retail shelves nationwide – revealed today the results of a social experiment in which 160 participants (80 allergy sufferers and 80 non-sufferers) wore a wearable device for 30 days to track their sleep and activity. The first-of-its-kind experiment found allergy symptoms can impact various elements of sufferers’ lives, including both the quality of their sleep and their daytime activities. Xyzal is partnering with renowned allergist Dr. Neeta Ogden to encourage allergy sufferers to Wise Up about the importance of managing their allergies this spring, so they can have a better night’s sleep and Rise Up in the morning to take on the day.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8029451-sanofi-xyzal-allergy-social-experiment-wise-up-rise-up/
Volvo Cars’ all-new XC90 – which will be revealed in August – will offer the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. The new technologies will take the company a significant step closer to its vision that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/71400582-all-new-volvo-XC90-safest-car
Volvo Cars’ all-new XC90 – which will be revealed in August – will offer the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. The new technologies will take the company a significant step closer to its vision that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020.
The XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher. The all-new Volvo XC90 detects a potential crash and brakes automatically in order to avoid a collision or mitigate the consequences of a crash.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/71400582-all-new-volvo-XC90-safest-car