Fire, crashes, flooding Jan 3, 2009
Standard Journal Online - News. The upper valley's newspaper since 1888. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Historic I-75 pileup remembered Jan 3, 2009
I saw that pickup coming and fishtailing, and I grabbed my steering wheel and leaned as far away from the door as I could. The impact left her with bruised legs and five cracked ribs and unable to get out of her Mazda which was in the middle of an ongoing pileup. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Kart racer's sights on Hamilton Jan 2, 2009
A competitive kart costs around 5,000 in total with a decent engine (3,000), chassis (1,300) and a specialist steering wheel (800). "When we did the British championship we were the only one in the top 20 that were a father-and-son team," said Mr Austin. (BBC News -- UK)
Obama gets a room with a view (of the White House) Jan 2, 2009
After the official opening of the new US Congress, the issue of an economic recovery will be taken up on Wednesday by the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, with direct input from Mr Obama's advisers. Mr Obama has made it no secret that he and his aides have been working flat-out behind the scenes to ensure a package is ready for approval by Congress almost as soon as he takes office. (Independent)
Supercharged Jags pay homage to their exalted heritage Jan 2, 2009
2-liter supercharged V8 420-horsepower engine; six-speed automatic transmission (also has paddle shift levers on steering wheel). Curb weight: 3,924 pounds. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Audi S5 deserves being called GT Jan 2, 2009
Inside, the chunky three-spoke steering wheel tilts and telescopes, with integrated stereo controls ... Shifted through a six-speed Tiptronic S transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the S5 was plenty powerful, hitting 60 mph in a decent 6 ... 3-inch wheelbase and short overhangs, plus rack-and-pinion steering located in front of the front axle and the front axle differential in front of the clutch, the S5 is well-balanced and feels low, wide and stuck to the asphalt. (The Augusta Chronicle)
The curious case of a 1928 truck (7) Jan 2, 2009
Liz said the truck's original wood steering wheel was replaced with a steel one. The leather upholstery had to be replaced. (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
Searching for Christmas spirit in all the wrong places Jan 2, 2009
I had to grip the steering wheel with both hands just to stay on the road. When I met the big 18-wheelers on the narrow stretches of the highway, I had to prepare for the double wallop, first when the big rig created a temporary wind screen for my car and nearly sucked me into the vortex of the trailer, and then when it cut me loose, like a sledge hammer, back into the storm. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Test older drivers and save lives Jan 2, 2009
Since the expansion of the Clean Air Act, vehicles have been manufactured with computers that control vital systems from brakes, to steering, electronics and even tire pressure. Dozens of complex computer systems control everything, from the engine to the exhaust system. (NJ.com -- Times)
Review: Drive a Maserati GT and you'll be swept off your feet Jan 2, 2009
The only challenge was the steering, the effect of which is not to be underestimated ... A little movement of the steering wheel threatened a bigger-than-desired change in direction. (USA Today -- Autos)
Passenger prevents serious accident Jan 2, 2009
The passenger sitting in the right front seat grabbed the steering vehicle and attempted to swerve the vehicle out of the way of traffic. The vehicle ran over a curb causing a flat tire before the vehicle came to a stop. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
"A Sci-Fi Short Story" Jan 2, 2009
Standard Journal Online - Special Sections. The upper valley's newspaper since 1888. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Jan. 1 edition: Acton police logs Jan 2, 2009
At 11:23 p.m. emergency response personnel responded to a report of a snow plow operator with his head resting on the steering wheel on Main Street. The driver was just tired. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Safeguards born from tragic trip Jan 1, 2009
Then a succession of alarms signaled trouble with tire pressure and the shuttle's main landing gear before steering thrusters started firing on their own in a bid to right the ship. The new study shows the astronauts survived roughly 45 seconds after control of the ship was lost. (Florida Today)
2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Packs More Powerful Punch Jan 1, 2009
" Driving dynamics also are improved, thanks to SVT's signature chassis tuning as well as new 19-inch Goodyear F1 Supercar tires and forged aluminum wheels on the 2010 Shelby GT500 coupe and 18s on the convertible. Spring and dampers have been optimized for better roll control, giving customers more confidence when braking, accelerating or turning. The new chassis tuning takes its philosophy from the KR program, with a greater emphasis placed on primary body control. The team also stiffened the... (PR Newswire)
DeWitt Police Report Jan 1, 2009
The steering column had been broken. Damage was estimated at $1,500. (DeWitt Era-Enterprise, AR)
Local family survives near-fatal car crash Jan 1, 2009
"When they turned the car over, Will's car seat was sticking out of the back left side window. The cab had been crushed around it by a fallen tree that the car had ended up resting on top of. Also, there was literally no space between the dash and steering wheel and the driver's seat," Michael Derry said in his online update. Although Derry will likely remain in a wheelchair throughout her physical rehabilitation, reports indicate that everyone will have a full recovery. (Bandera Bulletin, TX)
Local law on lookout for those driving and texting Jan 1, 2009
Hanford High School student Louis Hernandez said that driving and talking at the same time comes naturally to many teens, who have grown up with a phone in one hand and a steering wheel in the other. "If I can play games or do homework and talk at the same time, I don't see why driving is any different," Hernandez, 17, said. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
AAA offers "Tipsy Tow" free to drinking drivers on New Years Eve Jan 1, 2009
It takes only one or two drinks to impair vision, steering, braking, judgment and reaction time. AAA estimates that a first time DUI conviction can cost up to $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expenses. (KRNV.com, NV)
Facebook's War on Nipples Jan 1, 2009
Facebook counters that it is far from the only organization steering clear of Areola City. "Could I place an ad related to breast-feeding that showed a woman breast-feeding a child but exposed her full breast in TIME or on your website?" asks spokesman Barry Schnitt. (Time.com)
New Law Means Drivers Can't Send, Read Texts Dec 31, 2008
The goal of the new ban is to make sure drivers keep both hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road with no distractions. Some drivers said they are in favor of the ban, even if it means breaking bad habits. (KSBW 8, CA)
SEAT Exeo Prices Dec 31, 2008
Among the equipment highlights are USB connectivity (allowing iPOD style music players to be used in-car); cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control and stylish alloy wheels. Social Bookmarks. (AutoExpress)
Gary Coleman: Police involvement Dec 31, 2008
"Coleman was yelling and pounding his steering wheel for approximately 10 minutes before he jumped out of his truck. He ran out in front of his truck and around to the woman's door, stopping several cars, and then he went to his door and was running around, yelling and screaming and throwing his arms in the air as he did," the police report says. "Coleman was yelling that he could not take it anymore.". (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Passenger prevents serious accident Dec 31, 2008
The passenger sitting in the right front seat grabbed the steering vehicle and attempted to swerve the vehicle out of the way of traffic. The vehicle ran over a curb causing a flat tire before the vehicle came to a stop. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
BOOK REVIEW: 'Against Medical Advice' By James Patterson and Hal Friedman Dec 30, 2008
He parents never gave up on him even though he committed some behaviors that were definitely a threat to the welfare of the family, such as grabbing the steering wheel when sitting in the passenger seat in front. As Cory got older, he wanted to belong even more. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Ford's New 'Active Park Assist' Makes Parallel Parking a Breeze for Lincoln MKT and MKS Owners Dec 30, 2008
-- New Active Park Assist helps drivers parallel park with the touch of a button and without ever touching the steering wheel ... -- Active Park Assist uses ultrasonic-based sensing system and Electric Power Assisted Steering to steer the vehicle into a parking spot ... -- Electric Power Assisted Steering also improves fuel economy up to 5 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing performance, compared with traditional steering. (PR Newswire)
Which to choose? X6 or X5? Dec 30, 2008
As in most BMWs, finding the perfect driving position is easily attained via infinitely adjustable seats and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The interior design is unmistakably BMW as well, with clear, legible instrumentation with touches of chrome. (The Gazette (Montreal))
Searching for Christmas spirit in all the wrong places Dec 30, 2008
I had to grip the steering wheel with both hands just to stay on the road. When I met the big 18-wheelers on the narrow stretches of the highway, I had to prepare for the double wallop, first when the big rig created a temporary wind screen for my car and nearly sucked me into the vortex of the trailer, and then when it cut me loose, like a sledge hammer, back into the storm. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
POLICE REPORTS: Dec. 29 (426) Dec 30, 2008
Police said there was no signs of the steering column on the truck being tampered with. TOWN OF NORWAY. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
"A Sci-Fi Short Story" Dec 30, 2008
Standard Journal Online - Special Sections. The upper valley's newspaper since 1888. (Rexburg Standard Journal, ID)
Ethnic divide in Kirkuk puts government to test Dec 28, 2008
His daughter found him slumped over the steering wheel. Now, his body lay inside his house, covered with a thick red blanket, awaiting the rituals of burial. (Boston Globe)
Think these phones are smart? Best is yet to come Dec 28, 2008
Dictate an email out loud, have it read back to you, spell-checked and then sent to your boss without your hands leaving the steering wheel. While it may sound like sci-fi now, did anyone really expect the phones we have now to be playing the role of tutor, fitness trainer, secretary and social co-ordinator like they do now. (CTV.ca)
Cops Will Soon Be Zapping Drunks With Lasers Instead of Tasers Dec 28, 2008
When the cop stops behind you, he will run your plate, and call in the stop, giving you plenty of time to have your license and registration ready, in your hands, visible on your steering wheel. People who can't comply with that sort of simple behavior are the people who are drunk, on drugs, in the act of cimmitting a crime, or are enraged and/or have a chip on their shoulders regarding law enforcement. (Gizmodo Australia)
Lehman's rise and fall Dec 27, 2008
But Mr. Fuld set out to change that, steering Lehman deeper into investment banking businesses. Thanks to the regulatory changes in the 1980s, and the advent of securitizing loans, the mortgage market looked like another solid source of new revenue for the firm. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
2009 Arizona trip planner Dec 27, 2008
Plunging 2,000 feet through red-rock panoramas, lavish vistas stretch out beyond your white-knuckle-gripped steering wheel. Don't attempt this drive in a passenger car unless you have no special attachment to your oil pan. (AZCentral -- Travel)
Above average weekend temps expected Dec 27, 2008
Conner Stewart, 4, of Madison, shades his eyes peering through the steering wheel of his new go-cart while taking it for a spin in his neighborhood on Friday. (Chris Todd/The Clarion-Ledger). (The Clarion-Ledger)
Prepare Your Vehicle for the Winter Driving Season Dec 26, 2008
Be sure that your power steering and brake fluids are properly filled, and don't forget the battery -- while most modern batteries are sealed and cannot be filled with distilled water, a charge test will ensure enough cranking power to start your engine as temperatures fall. Winter driving also comes with shorter daylight hours -- and a greater likelihood of at least some portion of your commute being driven in the dark -- so it is important to check all vehicle lighting. (Pekin Times, IL)
Prepare Your Vehicle for the Winter Driving Season Dec 26, 2008
Be sure that your power steering and brake fluids are properly filled, and don't forget the battery -- while most modern batteries are sealed and cannot be filled with distilled water, a charge test will ensure enough cranking power to start your engine as temperatures fall. Winter driving also comes with shorter daylight hours -- and a greater likelihood of at least some portion of your commute being driven in the dark -- so it is important to check all vehicle lighting. (Pekin Times, IL)
1995 F1 World Championship Dec 26, 2008
The German pitted and his mechanics changed the steering wheel. He emerged from the pits, but with no chance of taking victory. (Suite101.com)
Mullens murder investigation ongoing; no new information Dec 26, 2008
It appears that he parked, with the vehicle in park, and was still behind the steering wheel (when he was shot and when co-workers found him), Wilson said. Co-workers found Mullens body about a half-hour later in his white Ford F-150 pickup truck. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
The Chevrolet HHR stands tall in SUV market pool Dec 26, 2008
Of course, the SS also features the conventional speedometer and tachometer that can be viewed through the steering wheels, which is mechanically adjustable. After setting the eight-way driver's seat and mirrors using power controls, it didn't take me long to feel comfortable with the way it handled for the HHR is agile and easy to maneuver. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Volkswagen's latest sedan - the 2009 CC - exudes luxury Dec 26, 2008
Other highlights include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter as standard equipment in addition to chrome finished gauges ... All CC models are equipped with a specifically tuned sport suspension and electromechanical power steering system with dual-pinions for improved ride and handling characteristics. (San Francisco Chronicle)
IS F is Lexus 'outside the normal' Dec 26, 2008
Other goodies include a one-touch open/close moonroof with a selector dial like an Audi; power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and heated auto-dim outside mirrors with puddle lamps. The glove box is big, the center armrest sliding back to reveal another cupholder, MP3 input and 12-volt outlet. (The Augusta Chronicle)
DriveSol to close To lay off 241 employees Dec 26, 2008
DriveSol Worldwide Incorporated, a Troy, Michigan-based manufacturer of steering column components located in Watertown, announced last week that it will be forced to close down its local facility due to dire financial problems ... "There's some light in the tunnel, in a sense; they hold the patents for the particular piece in the steering column. It's their intellectual property and they have exclusive rights to build it." Mr. McGrail said. (Town Times, CT)
Toyota founding family scion dodges succession issue Dec 25, 2008
Speculation that Akio Toyoda could be next in line for the presidency first surfaced when he was named one of Toyota's eight executive vice presidents in 2005 after successfully steering the company's Chinese operations in his previous role. Since then, insiders have said the top decision-makers -- Cho, senior adviser and former president Hiroshi Okuda, and honorary chairman and Akio's father, Shoichiro Toyoda -- could opt to allow Akio a few more years by placing Executive Vice President Mitsuo... (International Herald Tribune)
Porsche Cayman makes an excellent gift Dec 25, 2008
Cooled, as well as heated, seats are now available, as is the heated steering-wheel option from the 911. Buttons on the steering wheel can now allow you to take calls from your Bluetooth-enabled phone ... Instead of shift paddles, there are buttons on both sides of the steering wheel that can shift up or down, which adds an element of thoroughbred joy to the experience, especially in its rev-matching downshifts, which essentially executes the perfectly smooth heel and toe downshift that very few... (Globe and Mail)
Kick Off the New Year With Lots of Laughs! January is 'Stand-Up Month' on COMEDY CENTRAL(R) Dec 23, 2008
Get ready for the World Television Premiere of "Kevin Hart: I'm A Grown Little Man" January 31 at 10:00 p.m. For those who have spent their lives being turned away from roller coasters, sitting on phone books to reach the steering wheel and being picked last to play basketball, there is probably a lot to gripe about. Well, wait until Hart voices his opinions. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
The whole world's sap is sunk Dec 22, 2008
Truly, there was an inch-high crust of snow on my steering wheel and a fairly large bank of snow on the back seat. I had never experienced that before. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Outlook crossover a capable hauler Dec 21, 2008
Outlook's front suspension includes McPherson struts, a stabilizer bar, and aluminum steering knuckles ... Standard features include power rack-and-pinion steering, GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with anti-rollover technology, and traction control. (Boston Globe)
JD 6D Series Tractors (1) Dec 21, 2008
Other features include an exclusive telescopic/tilt steering wheel which can be set for ideal positioning for any operator height and a high-capacity air conditioning/heating system to keep the operator comfortable in all weather conditions. An optional two-function mechanical joystick is available for optimum loader operation. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Saved by technology: hot new safety features hit the luxury market Dec 21, 2008
Infiniti's system uses cameras and also monitors the steering angle and throttle position, and will steer the vehicle if it senses that the driver isn't reacting properly. With BMWs, drivers are alerted by a vibrating steering wheel akin to driving over the rumble strips on highway shoulders ... If you thought that headlights that moved with your steering wheel were lost in ancient automotive history (along with the iconic Tucker and the groovy Frenc-h Citroen SM), think again. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Special Edition Mazda Atenza Sedan Released in Japan Dec 21, 2008
These include LED indicators embedded in the door mirrors, discharge headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob ... - LED indicators embedded in the door mirrors - Front fog lights (built into the bumper) - Discharge headlights (with auto leveling function on low beam) - Water-repellant coating (windshield, front windows and door mirrors) - Dark tinted glass (rear doors and rear window) - 215/50R17 91W tires and 17-inch alloy wheels - Leather-wrapped... (JCN Network, Japan)
[ more... ] Dec 21, 2008
Special equipment- Dual power sliding doors - Advanced keyless entry and start system (with answer-back function) - Leather-wrapped steering wheel ... Special equipment- Discharge headlights (with auto-leveling function on low beam) - Cleanable seats - Leather-wrapped steering wheel ... Special equipmentMazda G-BOOK Alpha-compatible voice controlled HDD navigation systemIncludes the following functions:- Parking assist (front, side and rear guide monitors) - DVD and CD player with AM/FM radio -... (JCN Network, Japan)
45 workers furloughed at Maine auto parts plant Dec 21, 2008
With no cars being manufactured, there is no demand for the steering components made at the Brewer facility, he said. Johnson said Friday's announcement that President Bush would give U.S. automakers $17. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Russian police seize protesters, reporters at anti-tariff demo Dec 21, 2008
Protesters also defended the right of Russian drivers to buy cars with Japanese-style right-hand steering wheels, which are popular in Vladivostok, a Pacific port city much closer to Tokyo than Moscow. Mass civil actions in support of automobile owners' rights regularly draw thousands of supporters in Russia, while pro-democracy protests by the country's liberal opposition are typically much smaller. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Man shot and killed while arriving to work in Flintstone Dec 20, 2008
He was shot while he was still sitting behind the steering wheel. At this time, we do not have any suspects. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
Made for street, this Subaru has track cred too Dec 20, 2008
Inside, the WRX STi features some rather adolescent racer-ish things I could live without (the drilled aluminum pedals) and some things I learned to appreciate (the deep-dish front buckets and hand-filling steering wheel). The rest of it comes together in typical fashion. (The Province)
One affordable head turner Dec 20, 2008
For instance, the steering wheel looks like it was hijacked from a Bentley, the leather is exquisite, the stitching is perfect and its shape ideal for manhandling the through a series of switchbacks ... Standard features: Dual-zone electronic climate control, AM/FM/MP3 Premium 7 radio with in-dash six-disc CD changer and eight speakers, satellite radio, DVD navigation system, cruise control, power glass sunroof, rain sensor with wiper speed control, tilt steering, leather seats, 12-way power... (Vancouver Sun)
Along the Way: Thoughts, musings and observations on Green Valley and beyond Dec 20, 2008
Well, maybe the six-pack is disappearing like running boards, hood ornaments and steering knobs remember those. on automobiles. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
'He never left my mother. Ever. Ever.' Dec 20, 2008
They can't be sure which scenes were experienced, and which were built on stories they were told later his long arms wrapped around them while he recited The Highwayman at bedtime, being carried on the basket on his bicycle, or, for Anne, the thrill of sitting with him behind the steering wheel while he drove. And yet, he is alive for them, a male presence in spirit, as Karen put its. (Globe and Mail)
Russian car lovers continue anti-tariff protests Dec 20, 2008
Other protestors defended the right of Russian drivers to buy cars with Japanese-style right-hand steering wheels, which are popular in Vladivostok, a Pacific port city much closer to Tokyo than Moscow. The protest followed Sunday's rally which had some 6,000 people demonstrating against the government's decision to temporarily raise tariffs in a bid to help Russian automakers, signed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin last week. (Yahoo! Asia News)
SUBVERSE: Horn of plenty Dec 20, 2008
But by and large the engine serves no real purpose, like that other thing called a steering wheel. Another sho-sha item, like the plastic mannikins pee that people stick on their dashboards, or the 'Jai Jagdish Hare' jingle that chimes every time you engage the reverse gear. (India Times, India)
Defying odds, continuing their dreams Dec 19, 2008
The Lewisburg woman hopes to attain a driver s license so she ll be able to drive the van, which could be fitted with hand controls on the steering wheel as well as a lift ramp for the wheelchairs. The Waltmans currently rely on the Union Snyder Transportation Alliance busing service to take them to medical appointments. (Milton Standard Journal, PA)
Road Test: 2009 Pontiac G8 Dec 19, 2008
Unlike other new models, though, the G8 does not come with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, just the centre console shift lever, the way purists (that is to say I) like it ... Built on GM's global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the G8's layout promotes a nearly 50/50 front-to-rear weight balance ratio, thanks to design features such as the steering rack mounted ahead of the front axle, engines mounted low and rearward in the front chassis cradle and a trunk-mounted battery ... The... (The Gazette (Montreal))
Bolivia Announces Car Import Ban Dec 19, 2008
"This is humanly, technically, and economically impossible for us," said Luis Vargas, head of a union representing La Paz mechanics who perform the steering wheel conversions. He pointed out that most cars under five years old are still in their home countries and most Bolivians couldn't afford them even if they were shipped overseas. (CBS News)
