As an entrepreneur, are you chauffeured around like a head of state in a
fully armored, steel-bodied, special order, highly modified limo? No, didn't
think so. Most of us have to rely on vehicles from our local dealerships to help
us avoid or minimize crashes, rollovers, tire blowouts and injuries such as
whiplash. Fortunately, auto manufacturers are creating better technology and
designing more effective safety components to ensure you and your employees are
as safe as possible behind the wheel.
It's not only mechanical reliability that affects your safety. Pay attention
to seating comfort, ergonomics and driving habits, too. Here's an update on the
safest cars and the newest safety systems, as well as a couple of tips that
should help keep you driving with confidence.
So what are the safest cars for 2007? The Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety rates two Audi models, the A6 and A4, along with the Saab 9-3, as the
safest large and midsize cars on the road. In midsize and small SUVs, the list
includes the Acura RDX, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz
M-Class, Volvo XC90 and the Honda CR-V. For minivans, two Korean vans out-rated
all other models for safety: the Hyundai Entourage and the Kia Sedona.
High on the IIHS's test requirement was the number of airbags. In addition to
the standard front airbags, many vehicles have front seat-mounted airbags to
protect the torso in side-impact collisions and side-curtain airbags for all
three rows of seats for head protection. Another airbag option to look for is
knee bolsters. Check out these features when comparing new cars and trucks.
Electronic stability control systems are designed to help cut down on
rollovers, especially for SUVs and other light trucks. A few manufacturers, such
as Honda, are already providing them as standard equipment on 2007 models. If
your vehicle doesn't have one, slow down. Your life is worth more than making it
to a meeting on time.
What else keeps us safe? Built-in back-up cameras that show obstacles behind
you onscreen are useful in parking lots, as well as when reversing down
driveways. You can get sensors that beep if you're tailgating or driving too
close to traffic in an adjoining lane. There are now systems that help you
parallel park and active head restraints, such as Saab's, that during a rear-end
collision move up and forward to help you avoid whiplash. And Volvo has a new
gadget that detects a heartbeat inside your vehicle while you're still outside,
indicating an intruder.
You also need to feel comfortable while driving. Ask the dealer for a
seatbelt extender if the standard seatbelt is too short and cutting in to your
neck, chest or stomach. Make sure your seat can be adjusted to the correct
height so you don't have to strain to see over the steering wheel. Consider
adjustable pedals if your company car is driven by two or more people. And if
you're buying an SUV or truck, splurge on optional flashing red arrows in the
side-view mirrors so cars behind you have extra warning of your turns.
Finally, remember to practice caution when using your cell phone. If you
absolutely must talk while driving, pull over if possible, especially if the
conversation is a conference call or unpleasant news. Learn to find the speed
dial and redial keys without looking; keep the phone within easy reach; and if
it drops, pull over and retrieve it so it doesn't end up under the brake or gas
pedal.
Even talking hands-free can distract a driver. Have you ever wondered why
cell conversations are more distracting than talking to a passenger in your car?
IBM's Roberto Sicconi's research shows that when you're sharing a common
environment--like the inside of a car--the distraction is much less because the
riders are sharing and thinking about the same risks. Talking to someone in a
different place changes the dynamic.
Other distractions include constant glances at the GPS (switch to a
tax-deductible voice-command system), fiddling with your iPod or BlackBerry and
trying to change CDs. None of these might compare, though, with the latest
high-tech fad--voice choice--according to Stanford University professor Clifford
Nass, who explains you can order the voice of your favorite male or female
celebrity on your GPS unit.