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Safety
GM’s OnStar predicts injury severity using real-time crash data
By Alan Brandon
18:07 June 2, 2009 PDT
General Motors has announced a new capability for its OnStar service, which the car manufacturer hopes will reduce emergency response times and save lives. The new feature, called Injury Severity Prediction, analyzed real-time vehicle crash telemetry data to predict how severely the occupants may be injured. OnStar then alerts emergency services so that they can react more quickly and appropriately. Read More
Glowmark puts the green in glow-in-the-dark safety lighting
By Karen Sprey
15:56 June 1, 2009 PDT
It is a challenge to provide affordable safety lighting in dark and low-light areas. Glowmark is a new product that uses long-lasting, photo-luminescent crystal technology as an alternative to electric lighting. Not only does it not need electricity, it costs nothing to run, is environmentally safe, biodegradable and easy to install. Read More
X Sting Wish fire extinguisher aims for safety in style
By David Greig
05:11 May 29, 2009 PDT
If Ferrari made fire extinguishers it might well be knocking on Adam Scott's door. The UK designer's X Sting Wish concept sports a sleekly contoured exterior backed by some good thinking aimed at making it safe and easy to use: it's lightweight, ergonomic, color-coded, uses durable non-conductive materials and incorporates LED lights to help navigate through smoke. Read More
UGO brings strollers to safe stop
By David Greig
00:17 May 29, 2009 PDT
With an estimated value of USD$6.02 billion, the kids market can be lucrative, if you can crack it. The UGO automatic safety brake for strollers and prams is one of those good design ideas that could find a baby toehold in the market – one day. Read More
Foam-bodied Spira set to make a soft impact on deadly Asian roads
By Loz Blain
22:07 May 27, 2009 PDT
A good product must be perfectly adapted to its market - and the Spira looks like an excellent fit for the chaotic conditions of South-East Asian roads. This odd little three-wheel two-seater weighs only 300-odd pounds (130kg) - that's because it uses a super-lightweight reinforced foam for 90 percent of the bodywork. It gets well over 100mpg from its 110cc engine, it's light enough to lift by hand, and the foam shell has huge safety benefits, both for the occupants and for the legions of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists that swarm the roads of Thailand. Oh, and it floats. Read More
Smiths Detection rolls-out handheld chemical and biological agent detectors
By Darren Quick
02:27 May 5, 2009 PDT
It may be a sad reflection of the times we live in, but there’s a growing worldwide demand for devices capable of detecting chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRNE) threats. Detecting such threats in a laboratory environment is all well and good, but to really save lives such detection needs to be carried out at the site of the threat. That means a detection device that offers lab quality results with a portable form factor - both qualities that Smiths Detection promises in its range of threat detection systems now being rolled-out worldwide. Read More
Oshkosh delivers MRAP vehicles for testing
By Darren Quick
19:29 May 4, 2009 PDT
The success of MRAP (Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected) vehicles in saving lives from IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and ambush attacks has seen the US Marine Corp scrambling to accelerate the rate of production by awarding contracts to multiple companies. Oshkosh Defense has now delivered three production-representative MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATVs) to the U.S. Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for military evaluation. Read More
Breathe easy with Multimac four-seater child seat
By Jude Garvey
18:51 May 4, 2009 PDT
The Multimac four-seater child seat accommodates four children safely in the back of a three-seater car. The seat fits firmly in your car without the use of adult seat belt straps, is independent of existing car fittings and can be fitted and removed in minutes, if required. The seat belts are instantly adjusted for each child and as the seat is suitable from birth until 12 years of age, you will only need to ever purchase one car seat. Read More
Microsoft wants us to hear it on the Vine
By Darren Quick
04:00 April 30, 2009 PDT
With the Facebook and Twitter social networking juggernaut rolling ever onwards, Microsoft is looking to jump on the bandwagon with its new social web app called Vine. While sites such as Facebook and Twitter use the global span of the internet to let users connect with people from all corners of the globe, Vine makes its focus local, concentrating on keeping users in touch with family, friends, activities and major events in their community, including disasters and emergencies. Read More
Lotus’ patented Active Noise Control technologies poised to make motoring more comfortable
By Darren Quick
17:52 April 18, 2009 PDT
Although the environmental benefits of hybrid vehicles are well known, their near silent operation when running off batteries does pose a danger to pedestrians who are used to the rumble of an engine to alert them to oncoming vehicles. Active Noise Control technologies from Lotus Engineering address this problem by projecting engine sounds externally to improve pedestrian safety, while also employing noise-canceling technology internally to reduce unwanted cabin noise. Read More
Snuza Halo movement monitor helps keep your sleeping baby safe
By Jude Garvey
06:15 April 7, 2009 PDT
You know it’s irrational to think that your baby could stop breathing whilst she is sleeping, but that doesn’t stop you from checking on her every five minutes. A new movement monitor from Snuza which uses highly sensitive movement detectors to monitor your snoozing babe could help both of you get a good night’s sleep. Read More
Wriggle Wrapper offers a 3-in-1 solution for sitting, feeding and sleeping
By Jude Garvey
03:18 March 31, 2009 PDT
Phil and Ted's Wriggle Wrapper is a multi-functional baby product that can be used for feeding, sitting or sleeping. It simply wraps around the baby and is then attached with secure straps and clips to a dining chair, a single bed or an adult's lap. It is made from strong polyester and has a rubber grip underside to stop baby slipping, sliding or as the name suggests, wriggling! Read More
Silicone baby bottles offer a safer feeding solution
By Jude Garvey
16:08 March 24, 2009 PDT
Recently, concerns have been raised about the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles. Research has linked BPA to breast cancer, a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes and possible effects on the brain and behavior. In response, some baby bottle manufacturers have stopped making plastic baby bottles and are using materials such as silicone to give parents a safer option when choosing a baby bottle. Read More
Life Saver: beach rescue design concept uses solar energy
By Jamilah Le
21:06 March 23, 2009 PDT
Teseo+Arianna is a concept by Italian designer Davide Anzalone that takes surf lifesaving to another level. The design comes in three major components - a tower (Arianna) with a rotating platform, a small vehicle (Teseo) with a jet engine and a quick-inflating safety vest with a CO2 cartridge. It is all designed with form and function in mind, and has the advantage of being environmentally friendly, with solar panels on the tower. It is based on the knowledge that a lifeguard and lifesaver needs to minimize the time it takes to reach a victim and begin giving life support. Read More
In-built thermometer boosts baby bath safety
By Jude Garvey
22:34 March 4, 2009 PST
Bathing a baby has to be one of the harder jobs for a new parent. Not only do you have to continually support their slippery, wet, little body, you also have to make sure the bath water is at exactly the right temperature. The 4moms Cleanwater Infant Bath tub with digital thermometer could make the job of bathing baby a little easier via a unique design that allows clean running water to enter the tub and be tested for correct temperature before coming into contact with your baby’s delicate skin. Read More
50th Anniversary of the 3-Point Seat Belt
By David Greig
13:40 February 26, 2009 PST
It's now been 50 years since the first automobile with standard 3-point-safety belts left the assembly lines: the Volvo P544. Patented in 1958 by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin, the 3-Point safety belt has become the most important automotive restraint system worldwide, saving an estimated one million lives so far - so it's definitely an anniversary worth celebrating. Not much has happened visually to the belt since 1958 and ongoing developments have focused on the systems that compliment the belt to do its job better. Read More
Safety baby bottle frowns on hot milk
By Jude Garvey
21:19 February 19, 2009 PST
Now here’s a clever idea for tired, stressed-out new parents. Picture the scenario, it’s three o’clock in the morning, baby is screaming for milk and you accidentally pop a bottle that is too hot into a hungry, little mouth. Not a pleasant thought! The Baby’s Bottle could stop all those late night accidents as it tells you, at a glance, when the milk is at exactly the right temperature. Read More
SafetyMate provides first aid advice for new parents
By Jude Garvey
14:14 February 17, 2009 PST
The early days of a child’s life, whilst thrilling for parents, can also be very nerve-wracking with the most prevalent fear being the baby’s health. New parents may find that accessing accurate first-aid advice is difficult and time-consuming, which is where SafetyMate comes in - it's a clever talking first aid device that gives essential health advice at the touch of a button. Read More
Nathi change table is both space-saving and stylish
By Jude Garvey
23:58 December 18, 2008 PST
Created by Swedish designer Bo Ekstrom, Nathi is a funky baby’s change table that not only looks great, it will also save valuable floor space. Unlike traditional change tables which are large, heavy and not particularly stylish, the wall-mounted Nathi is lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, and when not in use it closes with a tension latch to fit neatly and inconspicuously against the wall. Read More
Purelight UV sterilizer targets household germs
By Emily Clark
04:04 December 17, 2008 PST
ENPUTECH has announced plans to unveil its new UV sterilizer at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas in January. Purelight is an environmentally-friendly device designed to sterilize germs and other bacteria in mattresses, blankets, carpets, toothbrushes, toilets and kitchen utensils. Read More
Seatbelt add-on enhances driver control
01:42 November 5, 2008 PST
What the CG-Lock does is simple, but the benefits it lays claim to - with credentials boosted by its use on Top Gear and the set of the latest Bond film - are worth noting. The three ounce device clips onto your seatbelt and is used to tighten and hold the lapbelt while leaving the shoulder strap loose. In day-to-day use this prevents sliding towards the pedals and improves driver posture, while on track days or during serious off-roading it boosts control and safety. Read More
PepperBall's FlashLauncher torch illuminates, hurts things
By Kyle Sherer
16:44 October 28, 2008 PDT
PepperBall Technologies has released a 100-lumen flashlight that doubles as a semi-automatic PepperBall launcher. The 2.2-pound FlashLauncher can fire up to five projectiles that, in addition to stinging like hell, release a hot pepper powder designed to subdue any assailant. Read More
Ford Kuga gets clever rear-view camera
By Darren Quick
00:22 October 27, 2008 PDT
Tailgate mounted cameras are nothing new, but Ford’s new miniature rear-view camera system is enhanced by a very simple idea. Two yellow lines indicating the total width of the vehicle including mirrors are superimposed onto the camera image while a third line marks the vehicle’s center line. The lines move to show the path of the vehicle based on the current steering angle and, while the two lines indicating the width of the vehicle help drivers reverse safely and accurately, the third center line assists in lining up a tow hook with a caravan or trailer. Read More
Honda demonstrates V2V communication system for motorcyclists
20:52 October 22, 2008 PDT
No matter what your skill level, being aware of what's going on around you is THE most critical safety factor for all road users - if you don't see it coming, you are in big trouble. For motorcyclists, who are simply less visible on the roads and face a much greater risk of death or serious injury in the event that an accident does occur, this factor becomes even more important. In the past, the technology dedicated to inter-vehicle communication has been limited to blowing the horn or perhaps catching a radio report of an accident up ahead, but things are changing fast. This brings us to Honda's latest innovation in the field. The company has debuted a new Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication (V2V) system aimed at reducing road casualties of both motorcyclists and car drivers which links vehicles within a defined radio range via a wireless LAN network to provide immediate access to data on vehicle location, accidents, congestion or other potential threats that lie ahead. Read More
Mercedez-Benz adaptive high-beam assistant
By Darren Quick
22:42 October 19, 2008 PDT
We’ve all nearly been blinded and had to flash our high beams at oncoming drivers who have failed to dip their lights, but Mercedes-Benz' latest adaptive lighting innovation could help end of such dangerous incidents by taking driver error out of the equation. The newly developed high-beam assistant system uses a dash-mounted camera to automatically adapt headlamp range to the distance of other vehicles, meaning drivers will at all times benefit from optimum headlamp range by becoming aware of danger spots, pedestrians and other road users more easily and more quickly. Read More
Barry J
- November 10, 2009 @ 00:59 UTC
