16 Feb 2010

When you hear the phrase black box, you may think of an aircraft accident investigation. But the benefit of retrieving data from a flight data recorder in the Black Box is not limited to airlines. You can now find this technology in cars, where it helps to determine what happened in the critical moments before a crash. Furthermore it is also able to keep a running record of how a car is being operated, including speed, acceleration, breaking, steering and checking to see if you use your seat belt! A recent report by the BBC in the UK suggests that the installation of black boxes in the cars of young people is growing.

Originally the black box for cars was installed by car manufatcurers to monitor air bag activity. Studies have shown that drivers under the age of 25 are involved in 40% of accidents, but they make up just 10% of motorists. It appears that the black box could be a good tool to monitor and control their driving style. Also for parents, who worry that their child is driving carefully, they would derive comfort from the black box because the technology will present them with the cold hard facts about their children’s driving.

This new technology could be of interest for insurance companies, because it provides them with all necessary information about the driving styles of their customers. Theoretically, those that drive safely are less likely to have an accident and could therefore have their premiums reduced.

The black box for the car would be of special interest for car rental companies. When a car is returned back to the rental company, any disputes about vehicle damage can be easily resolved by looking at the data from the black box. The subversive practice of car rental companies charging multiple customers for the same damage will be eliminated. Driveaway Holidays receives numerous complaints from their customers

There is no question that a black box in a car will benefit car rental companies, consumers and the car insurance companies, but more importantly, it will reduce the number of accidents by improving the driving attitude of the general public

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6 Feb 2010

In recent years, motor homes or RVs, have become the preferred method of travel for many. They can make traveling more enjoyable, as you can appreciate the scenery, which you can’t do in a plane. You can use the rest room without stopping, which you can’t do in a car. And you can stop anytime you want, which you can’t do in a train. And because you are traveling with a bed in the back, it doesn’t matter what time you stop for the night. Also, you don’t have to worry about getting all your stuff out of the hotel in the morning if you are staying in different towns on your vacation.

Various Categories Of Motor Homes

Motorized RVs and Towed RVs are the two types of motor homes. The name says it all. Motorized RVs move under their own power, while the towed RVs are hooked to the back of your car or truck. Towed RVs are also called campers or trailers. Of the motorized RVs, there are three types: Class A, Class B and Class C.

Following is a quick crash course of the difference in the three.

Class A
This is the largest and most expensive type of motor home. They have all the comforts of home such as living area, bedroom, dining room and a kitchen. The driver and passenger seats can actually spin around so they can double as a couple extra chairs in the living room. The thing that makes these so popular is they drive just like your car. Except for the size, you don’t need to learn anything different when driving a Class A, as they don’t take much to get used to.

Class B
The smaller Class B motor home is built on the same chassis as a van with a raised roof. These are fairly small, generally speaking, but are also easy to drive. They contain a living area, bedroom, bathroom and a dining area as well. They are quite a bit smaller than the Class A and they have less overall space and the sleeping quarters are quite small.

Class C
If your budget is tight, the class C is for you. They are considerably smaller than the other two classes. The sleeping area is built over the drivers cab. This type is built on a truck chassis. The nice thing is that these also have a living, bath and dining area, but they are going to be rather small. The low cost and towing capability of the Class C makes it good choice also.

How to get a Motor Home

When faced with purchasing your motor home, there are a lot of options to consider. From what size to what your budget is. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you go shopping.

There are some things that are overlooked when you first take a look. One is to make sure you are buying from a person you can trust. If the salesperson cannot answer your questions, keep looking. It may be a good idea to buy from a dealer as opposed to the guy down the street.

It is also very advisable to take a test drive before you buy the motor home. How does it feel? Can you drive it comfortably? Is there enough room so that your passengers are not sitting on each other? Is the bathroom large enough to use? You have to feel absolutely sure about the motor home. Try every thing out before committing to buy.

If you are not sure you want to own an RV, you can rent one instead. If you don’t think you will use it very often or can’t afford it, renting may be a good option for you.

If you find a model you like but it doesn’t come with all the amenities you want, check with the dealer. The same model may be available with the extra flash you are looking for. Be sure you shop around. This is a big decision and you don’t want to settle on just any model.

Summary:

A motor home is a great way to travel to and from your vacation destination. You don’t have to stop for bathroom breaks or worry about gathering all your things in the morning from the hotel room – it travels with you!

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