Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD )have worked with several groups and policy makers to stop drunk driving, prevent underage drinking and to support those affected by drunk driving. For many years, MADD campaigned for lowering the legal limit for measuring blood alcohol content from a BAC of.10 to a BAC of.08. In 2005, every state in the U.S. had a new illegal BAC of.08 limits. Most recently, MADD has proposed that breath alcohol ignition devices be installed in all new cars. An amendment to the 2010 Motor Vehicle Safety Act, calls for $40 million over the next five years to develop alcohol detection sensors. This research could lead to sensors becoming standard equipment in all new vehicles in as few as 5 to 10 years.

MADD studies show that alcohol ignition interlocks are effective in reducing drunk driving by an average of 65%. Largely, the current use of this technology is targeted for DUI offenders. Most states require this device to be installed for drivers with multiple DUI offenses prior to receiving a Restricted Driving Permit. The driver must provide a breath sample into the device, before the ignition will start.

Although proven effective in preventing drunk driving, this technology is still being researched before it will be more common in new vehicles.

Drivers need to consider the many other deterrents to not drink and drive or alternatives.

* There is the fact you could seriously injure or kill another person.
* You could hurt yourself, and total your car.
* And let’s not forget you could lose your driver’s license, go to jail, and spend lots of money on lawyers, court costs, assessments, education classes and miss work and time with your family and friends.

To prevent drinking and driving the main recommendation is to not drink at all, but if you do have an alcoholic drink, please have a designated driver.

A designated driver is someone who will abstain from drinking alcohol in order to drive their companions (who have been drinking) to the destination. This concept is a great idea, but at times the responsible driver does not follow through. In that instance, have Plan B or even Plan C ready if you need it!

Plan B may be to call a cab. Most cab companies run late into the night and can be easily coordinated through many of the bars or restaurants.

As with having a designated driver, calling a cab is not always an easy solution for some people. Sure you can get home safely but, what about your car? How will you retrieve your vehicle the next day? So even though calling a cab is a safe thing to do, many do not want the headache of leaving their car and having to go get it the next day.

That may be your Plan C. In recent years there has emerged another option that combines both a designated driver and taxi service. This new option is called Professional Designated Drivers. These companies work a bit like a cab company. A person can call and request a pick up if they have had too much to drink or do not feel in top shape to drive. A professional driver will meet the client and drive both client and their car home. For some companies the driver has a small moped that can fold up and fit in the trunk of the client’s car, while other companies have a chase car that will pick up the professional driver after they have driven the client home. Many of these Professional Designated Driver companies offer discounted rates for people who buy a membership. These companies also offer designated drivers for events and can be reserved for a night out on the town.

Driving under the influence is avoidable. Remember your options and have a plan to make the right decision to prevent drunk driving.

The National Safety Commission works to increase awareness of important safety issues, particularly those that deal with highway and traffic safety information. Our mission is to make consumers more vigilant and understand that “safety is no accident,” through education, quality traffic school online courses and outreach programs. Through our traffic safety blogs we promote defensive driving techniques, driver training and safety.

Learn more about how to prevent drunk driving and designated driving services.

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* Students who are a good blend of “right” brained creativity and “left” brained logical thinking.
* Young professionals looking to make their mark in the transportation industry, with particular emphasis on automotive part development, execution and implementation.
* Older professionals wanting to re-establish themselves through a unique, highly technical career path involving the automotive industry.
* Those individuals who have a passion for cars, auto parts, technology and the concepts of auto part creation, development, manufacturing and similar applications.

Once you determine computer aided design is the field for you and you have an idea of what occupation within the automotive industry you may want to pursue, you can begin your auto CAD education.

ITT Technical Institute not only has an in-depth computer aided design training curriculum that combines classroom study with real-world training, the institute also offers the option of taking certain required courses online, which makes it easy for you to balance your CAD education with your work and personal life.

At ITT Technical Institute, the auto CAD courses online carry the same high value as those offered in the classroom. Here, you will not only learn the fundamentals of auto CAD, you’ll discover how to apply what you’ve learned. This makes the transition from the classroom to the real world that is the automotive industry much easier.

Whether you choose to get your entire CAD training in person by attending class or to supplement your education through online courses that suit your lifestyle, you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in a field that’s shaped American culture and will continue to greatly influence the ways in which we get from one place to another. Who knows, perhaps you’ve got the ability to design the next supercar, the most advanced hybrid vehicle ever, or maybe a solar-powered car. Even if your biggest goal is simply to enhance current technology, and not necessarily to invent anything new, auto CAD training from ITT can get you there.

For more information, please visit: ITT Tech: Computer Drafting & Design

About the Author: Daniel’s professional writing career includes award winning, published works of non-fiction and fiction. The author holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors from Northern Arizona University.

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Each profession has its lingo. And for one to be better understood he must know the common terms or at least a few of the most colorful words used by experts. In the automotive world, metal and words unite. And auto brand’s vocabulary is known as the colorful realm of design language.

The beltline separates the greenhouse, or glassed-in upper body, from the part that widens down from the window sills. Michael Castiglione, the principal exterior designer at DaimlerChrysler’s Pacifica studio in Carlsbad, Calif., said that equally important is the A-line. The A-line is the length of the vehicle’s body from headlight to taillight. The vehicle may also have a crease created in the sheet metal of the sides called the character line.

Styling cues are also used to prompt recognition of a particular model to other product lines of the same brand. The cues include the curve of the roofline, the distinct design of the grille, as well as the shapes and lines of the vehicle.

The angle of the windshield called rake could convey different meaning. It is said to be fast when it extremely tilts. The rocker panel which is the body section below the base of the door is treated with a varying degree of turn-under. Chris Chapman of BMW’s Designworks studio in Newbury Park, Calif., defines it as the shape of the panel as it curves inward at the lower edge.

Stance tells you whether the auto sits on the wheels with superb energy or not. Robert Boniface, the director of advanced design for General Motors, recently worked on the Chevrolet Volt and the Camaro show cars. He said that “stance has to do with the relative visual stability or instability of a particular design.”

According to Bryan Thompson, the designer at the Nissan Design America studio in La Jolla, Calif., another essential relationship is that one found between the glass and the body. “A vehicle whose body is relatively thick compared to the amount of glass is called chunky. The proportion between wheel and body sizes is important in lending a vehicle its visual personality,” he said.

Thompson added, “Wheel-to-body is the relationship of the wheel-tire plane to the sheet metal wheel opening. Wheels that are flush to the body are desirable. Wheels that are well inboard of the sheet metal plane are buried. Vehicles with buried wheels are called overbodied. At its extreme, an overbodied car has the look of a parade float, with the body visually overpowering the wheels.”

Peter Davis, the director of interior design at General Motors, said the space between wheel and surrounding fender or wheel well suggests the jounce of the car. The intervening space between tire and wheel well is sometimes called the dead cat hole. He described the British-sounding mucketts as “complicated rubber moldings that hide nasty window-door frame areas or direct water drips to appropriate places.” “In Italy,” he added, “what we call the plenum, the area at the base of the windshield where the wipers sit and run off is directed is called the vasca di pesce, or fish bowl.”

Another term to define the personality of the car is its axle-to-dash ratio, the proportion between the front wheel and the cowl or the base of the windshield. There is also what is dubbed the roller skate effect. It happens when the tires and wheels are too small for the body.

There are so many terms in the auto industry realm. And it is an edge on your part to know them all. The next time you purchase EBC Greenstuff or other auto parts, you will not be surprised to hear those terms.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive.buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop. For more information, please visit EBC greenstuff.

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Luxury cars call for luxurious interiors. Luxurious car owners want the same sleek plush look inside the car as well as out. Available for such owners are high-end designer car mats to perfectly suit luxury car interiors. Such car mats can be custom-designed and custom-fit for a perfect look and fit.

Decorative car mats come in fine materials: leather, sheepskin and polyester are some materials used to make them. These are available in different colors that would go well with the car interiors. They would be perfectly tailored according to the car measurements, and also have an anti-skid facility like regular car mats. Perfect design and fit ensure that they do not spoil the carpet flooring. Although regular car mats can be used during any weather, designer car mats can be custom made for particular seasons.

Many manufacturers have websites on the Internet that allows the customer to design car mats to their liking. This can be done using the virtual mat maker provided on the website. The customer can design the mat with any material, design, print, logo, and even the piping around the mat to endure that the final product is a unique designer piece. The customer can choose from a wide range of carpet colors and shades as well as the material with which the mat is to be made.

The delivery from manufacturers who deal with designer works is prompt. Since such manufacturers would be dealing with high-end clients, the cost is higher than for regular car mats. However, a custom-designed mat certainly makes a difference in a car like Alfa Romeo or a BMW, the luxury or exotic sports model.

Individuals would also be able to find stores that provide designer car mats that would be custom-designed and fit for a car. This might be tedious compared to browsing online for such vendors, and shopping online saves time.

Although designed specifically by the customer or by a manufacturer to create a unique piece, what matters in the end is the way the car mat looks in the car. A dirty car mat would be conspicuous in a plush car, so needs to be cleaned as frequently as the car itself, sometimes even more.

Car Mats provides detailed information about car mats, car seat mats, clear car mats, custom car mats and more. Car Mats is the sister site of Discount ATV Tires [http://www.e-DiscountTires.com].

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Los Angeles, the mecca of elaborate paint designs, has produced some cutting edge custom paint works that have been trend setting for the rest of the country. First, the tried and true graphic flames, without a doubt, continue to change the landscape of the custom paint designs on cars. The longevity of the flame can be attributed to its flexibility of use, as well as, its beautiful twisting, sharp red and yellow cascades of heat.

The LA designers have added sculls, angry dogs, hellish riders, and even heavenly artwork to the flame in order to change its landscape while keeping with the basic, awe inspiring flame.

The classic racing stripe is another of the most popular custom paint designs on cars. Although it would be difficult to pin this design on any one place, it should be noted that the Cunningham Racing Team began using the racing stripe in 1951. It was originally intended to serve as a guide on the racetrack or to distinguish the different racing teams; however, the racing stripe has evolved into intricate designs upon some of the world’s most common cars such as the MiniCooper, The Mustang, and the Camaro. Inspiring many boys and men, young and old, the racing stripe will be hanging around for many more years to come.

Finally, one of the most sought after custom designs of the past and present is the skeleton. It is the one design that can be implemented into any other paint scheme, particularly the racing stripe and the flame. Designs of the past have included a racing stripe flame, a skeleton riding a motorcycle with a racing stripe flame, and a skeleton with flames spraying from two over sized eye sockets.

There is no limit to the many combinations of custom paint designs on cars that the car industry may use. But, one thing is for sure, the flame, racing stripe, and skeleton are all considered some of the most popular custom paint designs on cars.

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In 1999, he moved to Ford and worked as a chief designer. The position he held was Director of Design for Product, Interior Design Strategy and Process. In that position, he led various advanced and production design programs. His position also put him to work under their Lincoln and Mercury divisions. Because he worked under these sub divisions, he had his first contact with Aston Martin. Ford Motor Company group vice president of Design and Chief Creative officer J. Mays was not happy to see him go as Marek has proven himself in a variety of design jobs throughout the company in the six years he spent with them. He was however, pleased to see a new chapter open up in Marek’s career life, allowing him to utilize his unique perspectives on British design.

In 2006, Marek Reichman oversaw the production of the Rapide Concept. This is a fully functional design study of the first true four door sedan presented by Aston Martin. This car was designed to be an elegant four door sports car that stayed true to all of Aston Martin’s ideals regarding their vehicles. Sporting four doors wasn’t it’s only unique point. It is equipped with four full sized seats and an exceptional luggage compartment that is accessed through a full sized tailgate. This car was designed to open up it’s own unique marketing sector as an elegant, four door sports car designed to carry the whole family with all of their belongings.

This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Romans International who are an Aston Martin Dealership and also great Porsche Dealers in the UK.

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Another aspect of Arai helmets, that sets them apart from the rest, is their focus on their family heritage. The company is now in it’s third generation. Proving again that Arai helmets are not just another factory run operation set to make profits. The family name of Arai backs up every helmet that is handcrafted. It should also be noted that every Arai helmet is hand inspected during development. In fact, by the time an Arai helmet is finished, it has been hand inspected at a minimum of three times. It is this high commitment to quality that has made the Arai name one of the most sought after when it comes to choosing motorcycle helmets. There are strict codes that are set in place during the testing of Arai helmets and every single helmet is held to those rigorous standards.

Arai’s commitment to excellence and quality has resulted in motorcycle helmets that are designed with the needs of the rider in mind.

Arai helmets are not only leaders in design and technology; they are also leaders when it comes to offering or providing warranties. All Arai helmets are covered by a full five-year limited warranty. This is in direct contrast to the majority of motorcycle helmets that only offer a limited one-year warranty.

Aria helmets have earned their reputation due to the expertise that is in their design. The helmets are designed with the rider’s comfort in mind. The main aspect is on ensuring that the helmet fits, but also that it is well ventilated and that the ventilation system really works. By keeping moisture and humidity out of the helmet and away from the face, you can rest assured that your helmet is not just providing you with protection, but will professional comfort as well.

Not only are Arai helmets comfortable, but also they are also safe. They continually are being awarded with recognition for their high safety standards. Arai helmets are designed by taking into consideration every possible scenario for an accident. This has caused their design to be exceptional and above most other motorcycle helmet designs. Continually, Arai helmets are being praised for their expert craftsmanship.

Race Visors carries an extensive line of Arai helmets For more information or to view the line, please visit the website: http://www.racevisors.co.uk/

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The judges comprised of renowned motoring journalists from 22 different countries around the world. The panel has reached its verdict and announced the award at the New York International Auto Show over the weekend.

The World Car of the Year jurors commended the TT’s new flared wheel arches, sleek silhouette, and signature single frame grille. They said that “while there is a clear connection to the original TT’s Bauhaus styling, the second-generation model evolves it into a more modern form”. The panel of judges has also praised the efforts that Audi has exerted to create “a more spacious, driver-focused cabin.”

The 2007 World Car Design of the Year is not the first award that the new Audi TT has received. Its blend of charming design and absolute dynamism has earned the TT awards from BBC Top Gear and What Car? Magazines in Great Britain and another award from ADAC Motorwelt and Auto Bild magazines in Germany.

The new Audi TT has also received recognition in Australia. It was awarded Drive Car of the Year by drive.com.au, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. The new TT is available with a 2.0 TFSI four cylinder engine or with a 3.2 liter six-cylinder engine and Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive.

The new Audi TT coupe is longer, wider, and much better equipped than its predecessor but despite its size it is very light. Such remarkable weight reduction is made possible through the use hybrid aluminum/steel ASF (Audi Space Frame) body. Aside from the Audi TT, the Audi RS 4 has also received an award as the 2007 World Performance Car of the Year while the Audi A6 was the inaugural World Car of the Year in 2005.

About Audi

Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer base in Ingolstadt, Bavaria and a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen the maker of quality VW water pumps with headquarters at Wolfsburg Germany.

Audi is renowned around the world for producing vehicles that don’t only look good but also leads when it comes to performance and power. Audi is the luxury unit of Volkswagen and headed by CEO Rupert Stadler.

For more about your VW water pumps needs like , visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

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