** HID Headlights **
** 10 Cheapest Cars to Insure **
** Highway Fatalities **
NHTSA Nears Completion of Two-Year Review
of HID Headlights
Regulators at NHTSA are nearing completion of a two-year review of headlight glare,
which could lead to new rules for brighter high-intensity discharge, or HID, headlights
that are becoming increasingly popular on premium cars and light vehicles sold by Audi,
BMW, Lexus and Range Rover. NHTSA is trying to strike a balance between capturing the
benefits and energy savings of the new technology, and unintended consequences. The agency
also is likely to lower the maximum height for SUVs and other light trucks, whose higher
lamp positions can shine into a car's rearview mirrors. Visit http://www.detnews.com/2003/autosinsider/0307/20/b01-221695.htm
for the full article.
10 Cheapest Cars to Insure and 25 Most Stolen
Vehicles
Edmunds.com has come out with a new listing of the “The 10 Cheapest Vehicles to
Insure” in their first five years. There are some surprises in the report. To see the
list, visit http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/Insureyourcar/P56490.asp?special=030701insure.
Another list accessible now by CCC Information Services is the “Most Stolen Vehicles
in 2002.” That list is available at http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Insurance/Insureyourcar/P35264.asp.
Highway Fatalities in 2002 Reach Highest Level
Since 1990
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highway
fatalities in 2002 reached the highest level since 1990 while crash-related injuries hit
an all-time low. As highway crashes continue to claim the lives of thousands, the
grim statistics underscore the need for better state laws, stricter enforcement and safer
driving behavior. Alcohol-related fatalities remained at 41 percent of the total with 17,
419 deaths in 2002, up slightly from 17,400 in 2001. For a copy of the FARS report, visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/Rpts/2003/Assess02.pdf
Meanwhile, in Vermont, the traffic fatality toll for the first seven months of 2003
(ending July 31 2003), is 34 deaths recorded on Vermont highways. This compares to
41 highway fatalities at the end of July 2002. In the decade from 1990 through 1999,
the average death toll on Vermont highways through July of each year was 50. Traffic
safety officials are pointing to both the increased public and business awareness of
traffic safety messages issued by private and public traffic safety sectors.
