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[O49]Office Of Road Safety

by Pamela Hewitt, Pam

Lincoln will be incorporating groundbreaking headlights in its all-new MKX crossover by this time next year. Said headlights swivel left and right as the vehicle changes direction. The addition of the new headlights is designed to provide clearer visibility at the same time to serve a good warning to pedestrians and other drivers on the road.

Lincoln MKX, a luxury crossover SUV, is the first Canada-made Lincoln since 1936. It shares the CD3 platform with the Ford Edge, Fusion, Mazda CX-7, CX-9, Mazda6, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. MKX is also among the first three vehicles of Ford to use the 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6 engine. Compared to Lincoln Aviator parts, MKX made use of a unibody construction for a crossover SUV. The Aviator, its predecessor, uses a truck-based body on frame SUV.

"The idea is to bring the light to the road," said Mahendra Dassanayake, staff technical specialist, "providing the driver with as much information about what's ahead as possible." Dassanayake added, "It swings the beam into the turning lane faster than the car can get there. So it gives the driver the ability to see farther during a turn."

Adaptive headlights have already been incorporated to some models of Land Rover and Jaguar. This time, Ford decided to share the technology to Lincoln MKX. These headlights provide greater illumination even when turning. When cornering, the headlamps can illuminate the road up to 36 feet longer than traditional headlights. Also, the new auto part increases the area of light on the road. "The way the optics in this system work together has not been seen before in the exterior lighting world," said Dassanayake. "Besides being a beautifully designed light, the system helps drivers to take corners and curves more safely -- and consume less energy while doing so."

According to experts, the secret behind adaptive headlights lies on its sensors, computeried controller, and its systems of motors. Sensors deliver information from the steering wheels to the wheels and finally to the controller. Its computerized controller determines the direction of the headlights point and the vehicle's acceleration. The headlights can be further manipulated to point to the right aim.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 42 percent of all crashes and 58 percent of fatal crashes in the United States happen at night or during other degraded visibility conditions. This is one of the great reasons why clear visibility is a paramount consideration.

The all-new Lincoln MKX is scheduled to reach dealer showrooms this month.

Think ahead
- where possible travel by day on main, well used roads. Plan your route in advance and check that you have an up-to-date road map in the car so you won't need to ask for directions
- if you have to travel after dark, tell someone your destination, your route and what time you expect to arrive. If your plans change, let them know
- take your mobile phone - and make sure that the batteries are charged before you set off. Carry change in any case - your phone may be out of range at a crucial time
- ensure your car is serviced regularly. Check petrol, oil, coolant-level and tyres, especially before a long journey. Carry petrol in a safety-approved can
- join a national breakdown organization such as GEM Motoring Assist Breakdown Cover

While driving
- harassment or actual attacks are rare, but they do happen. Forethought can give you more confidence and minimise the risk
- keep the doors locked and the windows closed as much as possible, especially in built up areas and stop-go traffic or when travelling alone
- keep alert so you know where you are
- remember, tiredness kills. Take a break on long journeys
- never pick up hitch hikers

Personal possessions in your car
- keep your doors locked
- NEVER leave valuables, such as handbags or mobile phones on the passenger seat - they
could be ?snatched? at traffic lights
- don't leave valuables in a parked car

Parking
- NEVER leave your car unlocked, even on a garage forecourt when you go to pay for petrol. If possible use an immobiliser
- choose a safe place to park. Park in a well lit area where there are people about, especially if you don't intend to return to your car until after dark
- if you park in a multi-storey car park choose a space close to the exit and ramp and away from pillars. Reverse into position to give you a quick get away. Park close to the attendant if there is one
- make sure you know exactly where you parked so you will not have difficulty finding your car
- if you are a woman by yourself, try not to advertise the fact. Put spare shoes, bags etc. into the boot before leaving the car
- consider what you would do if your bag was stolen - keep your keys, money and mobile phone separately
- ask a friend or colleague to walk you to your car if you feel unsafe about your surroundings
- when you return to your car, have your keys ready and check the back seat (use a torch at night) before you get in. Lock the doors and drive away without delay

Handling Dangerous Situations
- if you can see or become involved in an incident avoid getting involved in an argument with the other parties
- if you are confronted with ?road rage? do not get out of the car; keep your windows up and your car locked
- if your car starts to ?play up?, stop in a busy, well-lit area, preferably near a phone box, if you don't have a mobile phone. Get help immediately by calling your motoring organisation or garage. If you feel vulnerable and in need of special attention, inform the recovery helpline operator
- NEVER give lifts to strangers. If you see an accident or another driver in difficulty do not stop. Telephone the Police as soon as possible and report what you have seen
- if a car pulls up alongside or behind you and the occupants try to attract your attention it may be a genuine warning. However, keep your doors locked and drive to a busy place such as a service area or garage forecourt before stopping. Even then keep your doors locked until you are confident there is no danger
- if someone in a car is deliberately trying to intimidate you, or if you think a car is following you, keep driving until you reach a busy, public place, such as a Police, Fire or Ambulance station, pub or garage forecourt
- if a car travels alongside you at the same speed, slow down and allow them to pass. If the driver persists, drive to a busy, public place and use a public or mobile phone to call the Police
- if a car pulls in front of you and forces you to stop, leave the engine running. If the driver, or passenger then gets out and approaches you, turn on your hazard lights, reverse as far as you can and sound your horn continuously, no matter what time it is
- if the occupant of a car beside you at traffic lights or a junction tries to attract your attention simply ignore them. Don't make eye contact.

Article Source : Cars For Sale Uk Only

About Author

Both Pamela Hewitt & Gem Motoring Assist are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Pamela Hewitt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Used Car and Cars. Pamela Hewitt is marketing consultant of a successful auto body shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 39 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. She is also an offroad enthusiast. You can. Pamela Hewitt's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.

Gem Motoring Assist has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Cars. Established in 1932, GEM Motoring Assist is the leading UK driver based road safety association. provide a wide range of driver services including. Gem Motoring Assist's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.