2 Hospitalized After Street Sweeper, SUV Crash In Oxford

Two women were injured when a commercial street sweeper hit an SUV in Oxford on Tuesday afternoon, The Connecticut Post reported. Emergency responders were called to the intersection of Oxford Road (Route 67) and Chestnut Tree Hill Road at 2:17 p.m.

A street sweeper had struck a Jeep Compass. One of the women was trapped in the SUV and needed to be extricated. Both women were transported to local hospitals.

Paris to Implement Higher Parking Fees for SUVs Starting in 2024

New Parking Fees Aim to Reduce SUV Presence in Paris

Beginning in early 2024, Paris will impose higher parking fees on larger vehicles, including SUVs, as part of a strategic move to ease congestion and encourage alternative transportation methods. This decision, backed by the Green Party, is part of a broader initiative to shift towards more sustainable urban mobility, reducing reliance on personal vehicles and promoting cycling, walking, and public transit. The city council’s unanimous vote reflects a growing concern over the environmental and spatial impact of oversized vehicles on urban infrastructure.

How the New Parking Fees Will Be Calculated and Implemented

The new parking pricing model will be based on a combination of factors including vehicle size, weight, and powertrain, along with the duration of parking. Initially, this progressive pricing scheme will apply to the central four arrondissements of Paris, covering key landmarks such as the Louvre and the Pompidou Centre. While specific rates have yet to be announced, the policy will include exemptions for disabled drivers and families, with tailored pricing for low-income households.

Environmental and Safety Considerations Behind the Policy

City officials argue that the rise in SUVs, which now account for 60% of new vehicles in Paris, exacerbates environmental and safety issues. A recent study highlighted that a significant portion of pollutants from modern vehicles comes from tire and brake wear, not just exhaust emissions. Additionally, the larger size of SUVs is believed to pose increased risks to pedestrians, contributing to the city’s decision to adopt this new parking fee structure as part of a broader effort to address urban air quality and road safety concerns.

North Carolina Deputies Injured as Driver Collides with Patrol SUVs Near Rocky Mount

Details of the Crash and Its Impact

On Monday morning, a driver caused a severe accident on the U.S. 64 bypass near Rocky Mount by crashing into a woman’s vehicle and a North Carolina deputy’s patrol SUV. The impact pushed the patrol SUV into a second one, both of which were equipped with flashing lights at the time. The Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office reported that the driver was speeding and driving erratically, which contributed to the chain reaction of collisions.

Legal Consequences and Safety Measures

The driver, Reginald Leon Draughn, has been charged with multiple offenses, including reckless driving and violating the “move over” law, which mandates drivers to yield to emergency vehicles on the roadside. This law aims to prevent accidents like this by ensuring drivers exercise caution around emergency vehicles. Both deputies were treated for minor injuries at a local hospital, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations while driving, especially in work zones.

2 North Carolina deputies injured after driver plows into patrol SUV

A driver was arrested after smashing into a woman’s car and a North Carolina deputy’s patrol SUV — pushing that vehicle into a second patrol SUV Monday, officials said.

The incident was reported Monday morning along the westbound lanes of U.S. 64 bypass just outside Rocky Mount, according to the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began as the driver first crashed into a woman’s car, injuring her, deputies said.

The crash was because of an ” inattentive, erratic, and speeding” driver, deputies said.

The “inattentive” driver then hit the rear of a parked patrol SUV that was then pushed into the rear of another deputy’s SUV, officials said. Both SUVs had their flashing lights on at the time.

Deputies said such crashes are the reason for the “move over” law.

Two deputies were taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries they suffered in the wreck.

Reginald Leon Draughn was charged with a move-over law violation, reckless driving, driving while license revoked, failure to reduce speed, and no seatbelt by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The two Edgecombe County deputies were working a traffic safety detail in a work zone on U.S 64 where it’s being converted to I-87.

Tesla Dashcam Captures Honda Flipping Over in Rear-End Collision

Dramatic Early Morning Accident Captured on Tesla Dashcam

A Tesla Model 3 driver, six months pregnant, experienced a harrowing moment early in the morning after dropping her husband off at the airport. While waiting for a traffic light to change at 4:30 a.m., her vehicle was rear-ended by a Honda that veered into her lane, causing the Honda to flip onto its roof before landing back on its wheels. Thankfully, both the driver, Mala Arguello, and her unborn child emerged unscathed, highlighting the resilience of human life over material possessions.

Investigation and Dashcam Insights

Despite the fortunate outcome, the aftermath was complicated. Mala Arguello had previously noticed the Honda stopped in the middle of an exit and witnessed it swerving erratically before the collision. Although the footage from the Tesla dashcam and another Tesla on the scene was reviewed, the police attributed the accident to the Honda driver possibly falling asleep, as their policy only mandates DUI investigations if alcohol is suspected and there are fatalities involved.

The Power of Dashcam Technology

Tesla’s dashcam feature has proven its value in documenting significant accidents, such as a recent incident where a Kia Soul was airborne after being struck by a runaway wheel. These recordings offer critical evidence in understanding and resolving road incidents, showcasing the growing importance of in-car camera systems in enhancing road safety and accountability.

Significant Drop in New EV Prices: A 20% Decrease Over the Past Year

Declining Average Prices

The average cost of new electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. has seen a substantial decrease, falling to $53,438 in June—a 20% reduction compared to the previous year, as reported by Kelley Blue Book. This marks a notable drop from January’s average price of over $61,000 and the June 2022 average of $66,390. In just one year, the typical price of an EV has decreased by nearly $13,000, reflecting a significant shift in the market.

Factors Influencing the Price Drop

Tesla, a dominant player in the U.S. EV market, has been a major contributor to the decrease in prices, primarily due to substantial price cuts. Additionally, increased inventory levels for EVs have led to longer timeframes before vehicles are sold, with the EV segment averaging 103 days on dealer lots compared to the industry average of 53 days. Cox Automotive’s Michelle Krebs highlights that the reduced EV prices are bringing them closer to the industry average, showing a marked contrast to last year’s prices which were higher than luxury vehicle prices.

Market Trends and Incentives

In June, manufacturer incentives for EVs surged to their highest point in a year, averaging $2,048—up 0.2 percentage points from May. This increase in incentives, combined with an overall slight rise in car prices by 1.6% to $48,808, indicates a broader trend of price moderation across the industry. Notably, the decline in transaction prices from January to June represents the largest decrease in the past decade, underscoring a significant shift in the automotive market.

Your thoughts on this dramatic shift in EV pricing are welcome—feel free to share your views in the comments section below.

Stolen SUV belonging to man with ALS recovered in St. Paul

A day after FOX 9 detailed the plight of a man living with ALS who had his SUV and wheelchair stolen, the stolen vehicle has now been recovered.

The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office tells FOX 9 that Kyle Schultz’s Chevy Tahoe was spotted by someone who saw FOX 9’s story on Monday. it was recovered by deputies near Winnipeg and Rice Street in St. Paul Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately for Schultz, his wheelchair that was inside the SUV was gone along with all four tires. A ramp and a vest for his service dog were also stolen.

Schultz SUV was loaded up Tuesday afternoon. (FOX 9)

It was towed away around 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

The good news: Schultz also got some help on Tuesday with finding a new chair. Local nonprofit the O’Neill Foundation saw Schultz’s story and wanted to help. The foundation donated a new wheelchair to Schultz which will be arriving on Friday.

Fort Smith Motorcycle-SUV Collision: Injuries Reported, Traffic Delays Expected

Collision Overview

A recent motorcycle and SUV accident on Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith has resulted in injuries whose severity is yet to be fully determined. The Fort Smith Police Department has reported the incident, urging the public to brace for possible delays in the area. They also advise motorists to seek alternative routes to avoid the affected stretch of road.

Traffic Advisory

In light of the accident, authorities recommend expecting significant traffic disruptions around Riverfront Drive. Drivers are encouraged to plan their journeys with potential delays in mind and consider detours to bypass the scene. Staying informed about traffic updates can help mitigate the impact on daily commutes.

Investigation Underway for Unexpected Door Openings in Ford SUVs

Escalating Safety Concerns

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into allegations that doors of certain Ford SUV models may inadvertently open while being driven. This scrutiny involves an estimated 346,000 Ford Escape units from the 2020 and 2021 model years. Concerns have been raised about the potential danger to drivers and passengers due to possibly faulty spot welds at the attachment points of the front door check arm bracket, which could undermine the structural integrity of the door.

Incident Reports and Safety Implications

As reported by the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, there have been 118 complaints about this door malfunction, with 25 reports of minor injuries and one instance of minor property damage. Car owners have noted hearing an unusual popping sound when operating the doors, signaling potential bracket detachment. This defect might prevent the doors from closing properly or could result in them opening during transit, significantly elevating the risk of accidents and injuries.

Government Review and Prospective Measures

The NHTSA is thoroughly assessing the severity and prevalence of this reported defect to decide if a mandatory recall of the impacted models is necessary. This inquiry highlights the importance of maintaining rigorous quality control standards for vehicle safety components. Should the investigation confirm the defect’s critical nature, it could lead to substantial recalls to address and resolve the issue, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicles for all owners of the affected Ford Escape models.

Elderly Driver Rescued After SUV Overturns in Oak Hills Parking Lot

Accident Details

An elderly man was rushed to a local hospital following a dramatic SUV accident in Oak Hills. The incident occurred around 3:19 PM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, on the 6500 block of Caliente Road. The SUV, a Lexus, veered off a retaining wall while in the parking lot of the Keller Williams Realty building, causing it to overturn and rest on its side in an adjacent empty lot.

Emergency Response and Investigation

San Bernardino County firefighters promptly responded to the scene, rescuing the trapped driver from the overturned vehicle. He was then transported to the hospital by ground ambulance for further evaluation and care. The Hesperia Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the accident to determine how it occurred and prevent future incidents.