Q. Nancy is making an important decision to buy a new car and asks Street Scene to comment on the difference in foreign cars versus American cars.
A. Well, Nancy, some years ago there was enough of a difference that a distinction could be made so at that time one might have been correct in saying American cars are less reliable. The term we attached was designed obsolescence.
Today, however, the new car industry is in full realization they must design and build comfortable, fuel efficient vehicles, both pleasing to the eye with aerodynamic exterior, ergonomic and pleasant interior and reliability. Underline reliability.
Vehicles are now manufactured all over the world then shipped and assembled in other parts of the world. Perhaps at one time we could rely on the pedigree badge attached to a car or truck to be designed and crafted in the United States, however might not, probably doesn’t, hold true in 2020.
Also, of late, we can do extensive research to help us in the purchase of a very expensive investment. Crash-worthiness is paramount for me so I pay attention to crash testing by National Highway Traffic Safety Admiration. Then, I look to see if my family of many can scramble into the thing. Reliability is a quality pretty much standard now but those data are also available for study at Consumer Reports.
Visit Cars.com to view the 2020 American Made Index list of vehicles built in America.
I believe buying a new 2020 vehicle can be a good decision and if well cared for can provide long reliable service. Self service fueling which means no one is routinely checking fluid levels can play havoc on a new (or old) automobile engine which is why I recommend following the maintenance schedule provided with the owners manual.
Q. Lisa writes to say thank you Street Scene for providing articles refreshingly sensible, thoughtful and even uplifting when you cite the good changes in the name of safety caused through constructive interactions between citizens and authorities.
A. Lisa leads by example when it comes to doing her part in protecting the environment by consolidating errands and using other than main roads to avoid traffic congestion on busy streets bogged-down in stop and go traffic. We all know we get the worst fuel mileage, 0.00 mpg, while stopped in a line of traffic.
Thanks for your kind review Lisa. Street Scene is the voice of the people when the people choose to speak directly to elected representatives, division directors, planners, engineers, law enforcement and each-other about traffic and transportation safety. Your advice to seek "the road less traveled" is sound and I’m sure well received by us all.
Q. Michael came upon a construction crew working in the southbound lanes on Centerville Road north of Blair Stone without a flagger directing traffic. There was a fellow out there waving his arms in the effort but drivers couldn’t see him because he was behind the equipment truck parked in the road. There was a warning sign but it was also placed behind the truck and out of sight. Michael thought the construction crew put drivers and themselves in jeopardy that day.
A. Although Michael does a pretty good job of identifying the location, this area can be somewhat confusing when we try to pinpoint exactly where something happened. At the risk of further muddying the waters, I understand the crew was situated along the curvature in Centerville Road where Blair Stone Road terminates and becomes Centerville Road putting this dangerous activity west of Doomar Drive.
Any and all construction that encroaches upon any road or travel way designed for vehicular and or pedestrian traffic must comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) part Vl.
To protect unsuspecting drivers as well as construction workers this section lays out in precise detail how to give proper advance warning by signs, signals, markings, barricades and red flags in order to protect all people from harm while navigating a construction zone. Any violation of said MUTCD directive by a contractor or governing entity may result in punishment as provided by statute.
Philip Stuart is a retired Florida State Trooper, Traffic Operations Projects Engineer and Forensics Expert Witness. Write to him at: crashsites@embarqmail.com.
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Car industry has improved reliability for most makes, models| Street Scene - Tallahassee Democrat
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