4x4Wire

"We anticipate that our roof strength test will drive improved rollover crash protection the same way our frontal offset and side impact consumer test programs have led to better protection in these kinds of crashes," says Institute president Adrian Lund.

Institute research indicates that roofs have gotten stronger during the past few years. Part of the reason is that manufacturers have made structural improvements to earn better front and side ratings in Institute crash tests. Strong A and B pillars help prevent intrusion in these types of crashes and also help hold up the roof.

"It's not surprising that Volkswagen and Subaru earn good ratings in our new roof test because these automakers were among the first to ace our front and side tests," Lund points out.

More than 10,000 people a year are killed in rollovers. When vehicles roll, their roofs hit the ground, deform, and crush. Stronger roofs crush less, reducing the risk that people will be injured by contact with the roof itself. Stronger roofs also can prevent occupants, especially those who aren't using safety belts, from being ejected through windows, windshields, or doors that have broken or opened because the roof has deformed. Roofs that don't collapse help keep people inside vehicles as they roll.

Summer will soon be here and for many parents, this may be the first time your family goes boating. To make sure everyone is ready, the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has three free online resources at www.BoatUS.com/foundation/LJLP/fit_video.asp to make sure the kids are safe:

Alexandria, VA (Vocus/PRWEB ) March 17, 2009 -- Summer will soon be here and for many parents, this may be the first time your family goes boating. To make sure everyone is ready, the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has three free online resources at www.BoatUS.com/foundation/LJLP/fit_video.asp to make sure the kids are safe:

How to properly fit a kid's life jacket: Having a child wear an adult or incorrectly sized life jacket could be as dangerous as having no life jacket at all, giving parents a false sense of security. A short online video explains how to fit a right-sized life jacket to your child.

How to borrow a kid's life jacket if you don't have one: Boaters don't always have every kid-sized life jacket aboard. However, the BoatUS Foundation has over 500 locations across the country -- local marinas, fire departments and other waterfront businesses -- where parents can borrow a kid's life jacket (in various sizes) for the day or weekend, absolutely free. The Web site allows parents to search for a Kid's Life Jacket Loaner location near them. The program loaned out over 90,000 life jackets last year, and three lives have been saved to date.

Richard Abraham Herder KG Recalls Torque Wrenches Due to Risk of Injury

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 6, 2009) - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Torcofix/Torcoflex and Mountz Torque Wrenches

Units: About 670

Arctic Cat Recalls Snowmobiles Due to Fire Hazard

(Oct 28, 2009) - The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Arctic Cat Snowmobiles

Units: About 3,000

Manufacturer: Arctic Cat Inc., of Thief River Falls, Minn.

Hazard: Oil can leak into the engine compartment, posing a fire hazard to consumers. In addition, the fuel tank can come into contact with the engine posing a possibility of wearing through and fuel leakage.