Here's the Thing

Study — Lighted crosswalks make drivers more apt to yield to pedestrians



Findings could help agencies select
appropriate nighttime treatments


(August 4, 2024) In areas with few streetlights, drivers are more than 3 times as likely to yield to pedestrians at illuminated crosswalks than at dark ones, a new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows. At lighted crosswalks that also include flashing yellow warning beacons, drivers are more than 13 times as likely to yield.

Gas prices tumble as a storm looms



(August 2, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas dipped four cents since last week to $3.48.  The drop comes as a tropical wave with storm-forming potential is slowly approaching the Caribbean Sea. Should it enter the Gulf of Mexico, expect oil prices to move higher.

Autotrader picks its 10 best EVs for 2024



(July 29, 2024) ATLANTA — Electric vehicles (EVs) have grown from a niche market to a notable chunk of automotive sales in just the last few years. Like all modern vehicles, EVs continue to evolve, and the market is beginning to see second-generation versions of some popular EVs. To help guide EV shoppers, the experts at Autotrader has named the 10 Best Electric Cars for 2024.

Infiniti QX55 could use some sprucing up ahead of refresh


Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 29, 2024) The 2024 Infiniti QX55 is only in its third year since its introduction as a 2022 model, but already it seems due for a mid-cycle refreshing that might reverse the luxury midsize SUV’s lagging sales. An updated infotainment system and a junking of the continuously variable automatic transmission for a 10-speed or even an 8-speed automatic might draw buyers back to the sales levels it enjoyed its first couple of years.

Summer brake? Gas prices stationary at the station



(July 26, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C.  — Barely budging since June, the national average for a gallon of gas squeaked out a two-penny increase to $3.52 since last week. The national average has hovered around $3.50 per gallon since June 26.

Owner satisfaction with new-vehicle design, performance rebounds


Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Porsche, Mini rank highest;
EV satisfaction at all-time high


(July 26, 2024) TROY, Mich. — Owner satisfaction with new-vehicle design and performance has rebounded after two years of unprecedented decline, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released July 25. Overall satisfaction is 847 (on a 1,000-point scale), an increase of 2 points from a year ago. Satisfaction with non-Tesla battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is at an all-time high (877), surpassing stalwart Tesla (870).

Hipcamp and Subaru partner to launch 10 classic American roadtrip routes



(July 22, 2024) Hipcamp, a leading campsite booking company, in partnership with Subaru of America has announced a resource of 10 electric vehicle-ready road trips across the United States. From easy access EV charging to pet-friendly and family stays, road-trippers can filter for options along each route to find the best camping location that fits their needs.

Pump prices reflect the summer doldrums



(July 19, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas fell four cents to $3.50 since last week. The likely cause is the terrible demand number for gasoline, as folks may be curtailing driving amid sizzling summer temperatures.

Most small SUVs perform well in rear autobrake evaluation



IIHS tests rear crash
protection in eight vehicles


(July 18. 2024) Seven out of eight small SUVs tested performed well in the IIHS rear crash prevention evaluation, which addresses low-speed backing crashes that account for a large portion of insurance claims. The Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester earn the highest rating of superior, while the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Taos are rated advanced. The Hyundai Tucson earns a basic rating.

More Americans are upside down on their car loan



(July 15, 2024) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A growing share of car owners are finding themselves upside down on their car loans as used car values continue to normalize. Edmunds' data from the second quarter of 2024 has some disturbing consumer news.