A California state law effective July 2018 will require drivers and passengers of commercial buses, such as Greyhound, to wear seat belts. The law includes a $20 fine for the first violation and a $50 fine for the next. Parents are held responsible for making sure children under 16 are buckled up. The companies of charter buses are also responsible for children using seat belts.

Seat Belt Laws

The new law, SB20 by state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, easily passed both houses. California Jerry Brown signed it last week. According the to National Transportation Safety board, there are 21 bus fatalities...

A new study by Consumer Reports states that hot cars can be a threat for children year round, not just during the summer months.

Testing showed that the temperature inside a car reaching more than 105° F in just an hour, even with a temperature outside of 61°F.

"Temperatures that might seem comfortable for adults can quickly become dangerous for children," said Orly Avitzur, M.D., medical director for Consumer Reports in a statement. "And elderly passengers who can't care for themselves, or those with cognitive problems, can also be at risk if they're left in a car on even a mild day."

An Epidemic...

My mother is breast cancer survivor. Early detection saves lives. That's why i'm proud to say that in honor or Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are donating $1 dollar for every website sale during October to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

Click here to shop our site and help us fight breast cancer.

Avon Breast Cancer Crusade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=UnkKNh0zx6Y

The U.S Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 2017 grants have been announced. The company has awarded over $70 million in grants to educational institutes as well as individual states to strengthen commercial motor vehicle safety.

“These grants will further assist state and local officials in their efforts to prevent commercial motor vehicle crashes and injuries each year, and have the potential to save hundreds of lives.” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao in a press release.

“In addition, the Department is proud to recognize the sacrifices...

Oregon's new distracted driving law goes into effect Oct. 1st. House Bill 2597 passed earlier this year, and includes a stricter ban on phone use while driving with higher fines that quickly escalate.

https://youtu.be/rKLhqiuT7Gs

Closing Loopholes

The new law fixes a loophole in a 2009 version, which bans calls/texting, but includes nothing about navigation apps or games. The new version prohibits drives from using ANY phone function that requires holding or touching. You can use the phone to activate a preprogrammed route, but not to type in an address.

As shown below, Oregon is the 22nd state...

I've been excited to see what Blackvue would come up with next. Introducing the Blackvue DR750S-2CH 2 Channel Dash Camera (WiFi). This advanced two channel dash cam upgraded from the DR650S-2CH. The full HD dash camera features two Sony STARVIS™ image sensors, enhanced night vision, high temperature endurance, and low power consumption.

DR750S-2CH

• 32GB, pre-order other models
• 2 channel dash cam upgraded from the DR650S-2CH
• Sony STARVIS™ image sensors
• Dual channel full HD dash camera
• Built-in WiFi - view and control camera from smartphone
• BlackVue Cloud - can be tracked and viewed remotely...

I can't believe summer is over! Last week we announced the winner of our $500 summer raffle. Thanks to everyone who entered, we were humbled by such a large response. Click below to see a video of the final drawing, I had to scale it down because we had so many applicants!

Summer Raffle

Summer Raffle Winner

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and be sure to like us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube for more contest announcements.

It's hard to believe it's already September! Our new product of the month is our Simplesight™ Wireless Backup Camera System with a 5" Single Screen Monitor.

We're really proud of this one - a wireless camera system that really works at long distances even at high speeds! Taking out that trailer or fifth wheel for the last days of summer? Add this camera system to stay safe and safe money.

With its instant pair feature, the system is also perfect for fleets and trucks and trailers. Now you can swap out your trailer and pair the camera and monitor together without leaving your cab.

• 5" LED...

I can't believe summer is almost over. It seems like yesterday was January first. To celebrate the end of the season we are having a Blackvue sale. Act now to receive $20 off the DR650S one and two channel dash cameras. Use coupon code SUMMER1CH at checkout to save $20 on any DR650S-1CH. Use coupon code SUMMER2CH at checkout to save $20 on any DR650S-2CH.

Blackvue Sale

• 1 Channel Dash Cam upgraded from the DR650GW-1CH
• Full HD (1920 x 1080p) Video Recording
• Built-in WiFi - view and control camera from smartphone
• BlackVue Cloud - can be...

A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows the effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems.

According to the one part of the study, not accounting for driver demographics, stated that lane departure warning cut the fatal crash rate 86 percent. In another analysis of the study that accounted for driver demographics, the rate of all crashes was 18 percent lower for vehicles equipped with lane departure.

"This is the first evidence that lane departure warning is working to prevent crashes of passenger vehicles on U.S. roads," Jessica Cicchino, IIHS vice president...

We have seen some interesting vehicle patents lately. Remember the Google Waymo "flypaper" to prevent secondary impact? Last week the company patented tech that would allow a vehicle to soften in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Now Toyota is getting into the mix with a transparent A-pillar patent.

Safety Tech

Traditionally A-Pillars create interfere with views during tight turns, a dangerous problem addressed in the patent, "Apparatuses and Methods for making an Object Appear Transparent." The technology uses mirrors to bend the image around the pillar. Read more here. This technology...

Are you going to watch the solar eclipse on August 21st? It's estimated that 7.5 million people throughout the United States will travel up to 60 miles to experience the event. This will definitely affect traffic for everyone, including truckers. Here are some useful tips.

• With many hotels, motels and campgrounds in the path of 100 percent eclipse totality booked for months, consider other nearby locations. A travel agent or online travel booking resource can help you locate a hotel with vacancy.
• “Pack your patience” and plan for congestion on roads, especially as you get closer to locations...

I am proud to announce the 2nd in our Simplesight™ wireless series. An innovative 3 channel system (two wired, one wireless), the RVS-355W is that's ideal for truck and trailer applications.

The base system includes a 7" LED monitor and waterproof heavy duty wireless backup camera. Up to two wired side cameras can be added to this system, making it both wired and wireless.

RVS-355W Simplesight™ Wireless Camera System

• 7" LED Digital Monitor with Suction Cup Mount
• Waterproof Backup Camera with Infra-Red Night Vision
• Two Wired inputs - Connect Up To...

We've all encountered it. You hear a car well before you see it. I've been woken up by the roar of a passing car more than once. Mustang is doing something about it. Say hello to good neighbor mode.

Good Neighbor Mode

Good neighbor mode is available on 2018 Mustang GT vehicles and enables operators to keep quite the sounds of the engine and also program quiet start-up times in advance. Also known as quiet start, Good neighbor mode is an industry-first.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1MehhS4GIw

“Active valve performance exhaust gives Mustang owners the best of both worlds – that classic Mustang...

Drowsy driving is a major problem. According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 25 adult drivers (18 years or older) report falling asleep while driving in the previous 30 days.

A new study from the National Safety Council concludes that 43% of Americans admit they don’t get enough sleep to mitigate safety risks at work and on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths in 2013. However, these numbers are underestimated and up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be caused by drowsy...

A few days ago I saw the aftermath of a major accident right outside of Rear View Safety's main office in Brooklyn. A car hit a cyclist who was riding across Atlantic, a busy street.

There was a large crowd of people and emergency vehicles all around. I asked the crowd what had happened. The cyclist wasn't wearing a helmet and had run a red light and was struck by an SUV. I watched the paramedics place him on a stretcher and drive away. I read later that he died from the injuries.

Who Is To Blame?

The fault lies on the cyclist. He ran a light, and paid the ultimate price for it. However, the...