Latest news with #driverSafety
ABC News
11 hours ago
- ABC News
Metro drivers told to hide money when within Glenorchy bus mall
Tasmania's government-owned bus company has instructed drivers to hide their coin trays when within a major bus mall in Hobart after a series of thefts. Police this week laid charges as a result of investigations into multiple incidents. Police allege two youths stole coins from the money trays of Metro buses on multiple occasions. They also allege after getting off the bus, the youths removed an emergency hammer and damaged a bus window. No one was injured during the incidents. A 13-year-old from Risdon Vale and a 14-year-old from Lutana have been charged over several incidents. In a safety alert issued to Hobart drivers on Wednesday seen by the ABC, Metro addressed "ongoing incidents in the Glenorchy bus mall", instructing drivers between 4-8pm to "pull over at a stop prior to entering the mall" and "remove their cash trays and store them out of sight" while within the mall. The notice also said fares including cash or GreenCards should not be collected while in the bus mall during the given times, and fares could be reversed if customers tap on by mistake. The notice is valid until Sunday. In a statement, Metro Tasmania said it took a risk-based approach when deciding to implement safety controls. "Metro believes that this temporary safety measure is appropriate given the recent incidents in the Glenorchy mall." Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) state secretary Byron Cubit said not enough was being done to improve driver safety. In 2023, the Rockliff government started a pilot program to introduce transit officers on buses, but Mr Cubit said they were never delivered permanently. Mr Cubit said the government's planned implementation of transit officers needed improvement. "When the Liberal government committed to transit officers, they would be privately employed and they would not have that power to detain. The union is also worried about a half-price fare scheme which is soon to come to an end. "If adult fares double on July 1st, the bus drivers are going to cop the brunt of frustration from passengers," Mr Cubit said. Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the RTBU was "central to the security screen trials, being heavily involved in consultation, and is aware that they are being rolled out as quickly as possible". "Screens are being installed as we speak, and have already protected drivers on the job," Mr Abetz said. In May, Tasmania Police unveiled Taskforce Respect, a community campaign involving high-visibility patrols in Glenorchy and surrounds. The task force was established in the wake of a string of incidents involving large groups of youths causing disturbances in the area. Glenorchy Police Inspector Jason Klug said businesses had reported a significant drop in anti-social behaviour while the task force has been active. "Whilst at the moment, its focus is on anti-social behaviour and retail crime, the task force is there and able to adapt to any crime trends or any community concerns that we see.
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Alarming number of drivers have not had eye test in last two years
A recent survey indicates that almost a quarter of UK drivers have not had an eye test in the last two years. The poll, commissioned by Churchill Insurance, highlights increasing worries about the absence of mandatory eye checks for drivers after they pass their initial driving test. Currently, drivers only need to prove they can read a number plate from 20 metres away during their test, with no further requirements to demonstrate adequate vision. The NHS advises eye tests every two years, and drivers are expected to self-report any medical conditions that could impair their driving ability. In April, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander received a report following the deaths of four people caused by drivers with poor eyesight. The drivers had disregarded opticians' warnings about their deteriorating vision. The Churchill survey suggested that 83 per cent of UK adults would support compulsory eye tests for drivers every decade. The figure rises to 88 per cent for those who would be in favour of sight exams every three years once drivers reach 70 years old. Some 12 per cent of drivers surveyed admitted they either thought their sight was not road legal, or were not sure it was. Department for Transport (DfT) figures show 240 people were injured and seven were killed in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 in which defective eyesight was a factor. That was the most casualties since 2017, when the total was 262. Nicholas Mantel, head of motor insurance at Churchill, said: 'It seems surprising that UK drivers never need to prove that their eyesight is safe enough for driving once they have passed their driving test. 'What is even more remarkable is that some people continue to drive despite suspecting that their eyesight isn't good enough – or are doing so without wearing their prescription lenses or glasses. 'Our research suggests that there's overwhelming public support to make our roads safer by introducing compulsory eyesight tests for drivers.' Ms Alexander recently told the Commons Transport Select Committee she is 'open to considering' requiring older motorists to pass eye tests to keep their driving licence. This could be part of the Government's upcoming road safety strategy. A DfT spokesman said: 'Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way. 'The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight. 'We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this.' The survey was conducted by research company Opinium between May 20-23 among 2,000 UK adults, of whom 1,312 were drivers.
The Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Shocking extent of distracted driving mistakes revealed in survey
A survey by the RAC found that conversations with passengers (43 per cent) and daydreaming (37 per cent) are more likely to cause distracted driving mistakes than mobile phone use. The survey of 2,691 UK drivers revealed that 63 per cent admitted to making errors while driving due to distractions. Twenty-six per cent of drivers reported mistakes due to interacting with touchscreen systems for heating, radio, and navigation. Common mistakes included missing junctions, speeding, ending up in the wrong lane, and nearly crashing. Department for Transport figures show 940 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes in 2023 where driver distraction within the vehicle was a factor. Main cause of distracted driving mistakes revealed – and it's not your phone
National Post
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- National Post
Mitsubishi Electric's FLEXConnect™ Joins the Safety Cloud® Network
Article content CHICAGO & NORTHVILLE, Mich. — HAAS Alert, a company with the largest commercially deployed vehicle-to-everything (V2X) safety network powered by its Safety Cloud digital alerting platform, and Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. ('MEAA'), a consistently dependable supplier that creates high-quality in-car systems for major OEMs around the world, are thrilled to announce their collaboration on a strategic partnership that will lead the way in the next generation of in-vehicle experience. Article content Article content MEAA announced its latest in-cabin monitoring system, FLEXConnect™, at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), showcasing its ability to leverage real-time vehicle data to enhance driver safety and personalization. FLEXConnect™ now integrates with Safety Cloud to provide an extra level of protection for drivers using MEAA in-vehicle monitoring systems. Article content 'Safety is at the core of FLEXConnect™,' said Mohammad Horani, Director of Advanced Development at MEAA. 'That makes Safety Cloud digital alerting a natural fit to the FLEXConnect™ experience.' Article content Safety Cloud delivers real-time safety notifications from emergency vehicles, work zones, tow trucks, and other active road hazards to millions of drivers every day. This technology, which is embedded in compatible Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Volkswagen vehicles, as well as Apple Maps and Waze navigation apps, improves roadway safety by instantly alerting drivers to approaching and nearby emergency and public works vehicles, making it easier and safer to perform public and emergency services. Article content The integration between Safety Cloud and FLEXConnect™ will allow drivers to receive alerts through an in-vehicle information system of nearby roadway hazards. This joint solution will even go a step beyond digital alerting. When the vehicle is alerted that the driver is in an emergency situation, FLEXConnect™ will notify and inform other nearby drivers via Safety Cloud that there is a disabled vehicle ahead. Article content 'HAAS Alert is thrilled to enter into this partnership with Mitsubishi Electric,' said Hussein Zaarour, Vice President of Business Development – Connected Vehicles at HAAS Alert. 'Mitsubishi Electric's focus on automotive innovation and safety is in perfect lockstep with HAAS Alert's mission to make vehicles and roads safer and smarter.' Article content About HAAS Alert Article content HAAS Alert's mission is to build lifesaving mobility solutions that make vehicles and roads safer and smarter. Their vision is a connected, collision-free world where everyone gets home safely. HAAS Alert makes roads and communities safer by delivering digital alerts from emergency response, municipal and private fleets, work zones, and connected infrastructure to nearby drivers through its vehicle communication platform. Article content MEAA is a consistently dependable supplier that creates high-quality in-car systems for major OEMs around the world. Known for our innovative components, we leverage our deep technology expertise to deliver autonomous-ready and ADAS solutions, premium audio systems, high-definition displays, and powertrain electronics for standard, EV, and hybrid vehicles. Our innovation culture and operational excellence, which extends far beyond automotive, makes us uniquely poised to help automakers navigate the future of mobility. MEAA has had a North American presence since 1979 and currently operates in 50 locations. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contacts: HAAS Alert Brock Aun brock@ (833) 433-422 Article content Article content Article content
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Sleepy at the wheel? Students develop project to alert loved ones of drowsy drivers
Ajman University students have earned recognition for developing impactful, real-world solutions to everyday challenges, such as helping blind individuals navigate public spaces and keeping drowsy drivers safe on the road. As part of the university's 8th Annual Research Day 2025, held at Ajman Saray Hotel, students from colleges presented groundbreaking projects that showcased their innovation, empathy, and commitment to making a difference. One of the most notable projects came from four final-year students from the College of Engineering and Information Technology: Asmaa Luai, Hala Anas Kahwajy, Lujain Thouqan, and Judi Chbli. Their project, Drive Alert, is a smartphone-based driver drowsiness detection system designed to prevent accidents caused by fatigue. 'We got the idea from our own struggles,' said Asmaa. 'Driving home late after classes or work, often feeling dangerously sleepy behind the wheel. We wanted to create something accessible and effective that could alert drivers before it's too late.' The app doesn't require any high-tech equipment, just a mobile phone, and is particularly helpful for students, night-shift workers, or long-haul drivers. It detects signs of drowsiness in real time and sends alerts to the driver and, if necessary, to emergency contacts. 'Finding the right deep learning model for accurate detection was tough. We faced time pressure during a demanding semester, but our passion and teamwork pulled us through,' said Asmaa. The team's innovative approach was recognised at the event, where they were praised for using affordable technology to enhance road safety in regions where expensive in-car systems aren't widely available. Another project came from Dalia Aboueldahab, a College of Architecture, Art, and Design graduate. Her project, SenseScape, is a sensory-driven community centre designed for the blind and visually impaired but inclusive of all. 'I have always believed that spaces should empower everyone,' said Dalia. 'Living in the UAE, where over 600,000 people experience vision loss, I felt it was my responsibility to do something that genuinely improves lives.' Her project is built around the five senses — touch, sound, smell, sight, and even temperature, to help people navigate, learn, and connect. It includes accessible zones for creative workshops, mobility training, and social engagement. But the real strength lies in how it brings sighted and non-sighted people together. 'One of the biggest challenges was learning what blind individuals truly need from a space,' said Dalia. 'I spoke to them, listened, and let their experiences shape the design. It was both humbling and inspiring.' Dalia's project received special mention during the event for promoting inclusivity through architecture. Ajman University's Research Day 2025 also featured other impactful student-led studies, including a mechanical engineering project focused on collecting fresh water from condensation, which aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 goals.
