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U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology
Coordinating, Developing, and Delivering Highway Transportation Innovations
|This report is an archived publication and may contain dated technical, contact, and link information
Publication Number: FHWA-RD-96-143
Date: April 1997
Development of Human Factors Guidelines for Advanced Traveler Information Systems and Commercial Vehicle Operations: Definition and Prioritization of Research Studies
Advanced Traveler Information Systems are being studied by the Federal Highway Administration in the hope of making private and commercial driving safer and more efficient. In many parts of the country, existing roads are overloaded with traffic, and in the most congested places, there is no land available for building new roads. The purpose of this study is to examine some of the ways that drivers might be helped to make better decisions on the road. For instance, we all have routes that we normally use because they are quicker and easier than other routes. Sometimes, though, there are traffic jams that we would just as soon go around. The kinds of systems that we will ask you to evaluate today would tell you about traffic tie–ups along your usual route and let you plan ways to avoid being caught in traffic.
At this point in time, the traveler information systems are expected to include many features, such as, navigation aids, warning and safety systems, administration aids, trip planning, and vehicle monitoring systems. Private vehicles and commercial vehicles may have different versions of these basic features. In addition, commercial vehicles will have features specific to the transportation industry, such as a monitoring system for the trailer, and a system that automatically registers for trip permits as you drive by. To provide these kinds of features, vehicles will be equipped with sensors, computers, and displays that will present information about your vehicle, the road and your route. For example, a dashboard display could be used to show maps or long text messages. A voice system might be available to read messages to you and to take voice commands from you. A computer system could be used to maintain large amounts of information and to help you get at it when you need it.
While you are here today, you will help us evaluate some of the different features that may become part of an advanced system. Some small parts of the advanced systems are available now, such as refrigeration monitors and weigh– in–motion systems. These are just small pieces of what you may eventually have in the cab, and the current versions of the systems will certainly change as they are incorporated into larger systems. As you complete the evaluations, you will be voicing your opinions about the kinds of systems that will help you in your work. We would like you to use your experience as commercial drivers to help us decide which of these features would be valuable to you in doing your job.
You will notice that there is no place for you to write your name on any of the evaluation forms that we are using. None of your answers or comments can be traced back to you, so none of your opinions can be passed on to your employer or to anyone else. The only form in which your answers will be made public is in research reports in which no one is identified by name as a participant, and any results are usually group averages and not individual responses. The research reports may include some of the comments that you choose to make, but your name will never be associated with them. There is only an ID number on all of the pages of this booklet. This lets us maintain confidentiality while keeping all of your evaluations together.
Before you can evaluate the features of an advanced traveler information system, we need to give you some definitions of what the features are. The advanced system features described below include examples to help you understand how each feature works and how you might benefit from it. However, these are only examples, if you can think of other ways that a feature would be helpful to you, please make a note of them. After you read the definitions, we will discuss them, and your notes will be helpful. The features are in alphabetical order.
BROADCAST SERVICES This feature gives you information about the services offered by local businesses. For example, if you were driving on an interstate highway, it would tell you where you could get food at the next exit, what time the restaurants open, and what kind of food they serve. This is similar to the billboards you see next to the highway or advertisements that you hear on the radio. The difference between this feature and the billboards or radio ads is that you can choose what kinds of information you want to see and what you don't want to see. For example, you could tell the system to tell you about service stations that sell diesel fuel and not stations that only sell gasoline.
CARGO TRANSFER SCHEDULING The cargo transfer scheduling feature gives you information about airplane, ship, train, and tractor trailer schedules that must be coordinated with your delivery or pick–up. For example, if you need to deliver cargo to a ship, the system would keep you posted on when the ship would arrive and when you could unload. If you need to pick up a load from a train arriving from another city, you would know when the train would arrive, where you should pick up your load, and when it would be ready. This information would be updated frequently so that you would know if there were any last minute changes in arrival, departure, or shipping information. This feature could be used while you are driving.
DISPATCH CONTROL This feature will help the dispatcher in locating vehicles, scheduling pick–up and delivery routes, communicating with drivers or customers, and transferring loads between carriers (e.g., from truck to airplane). This feature is similar to other features like route scheduling, vehicle location update, voice and message communications, and cargo transfer scheduling, but the dispatcher, not the driver, would use the system.
EMERGENCY AID REQUEST This feature sends a "mayday" signal to police, ambulances, fire trucks, and tow trucks. The signal would act like a beacon that would let emergency vehicles track you down. It would automatically send the signal in situations in which you may not be able to request help by yourself. For example, the system would send this signal if your vehicle rolled over. In other situations, you could use the system to request aid for others or yourself.
FLEET RESOURCE MANAGEMENT This feature shares information among dispatchers, drivers, and management. For example, the system might transmit information about the vehicle so that maintenance can be scheduled for trucks that need repair. Trip recorder data could be automatically sent to the payroll department to determine the amount of your next performance bonus. Driver information could also be transmitted to help schedule your next rest interval and your next run.
IMMEDIATE HAZARD WARNING This feature will tell you about temporary roadway hazards that are very close to your truck. This includes unsafe road conditions (ice, oil, gravel, sunken grades, etc), approaching emergency vehicles, stopped school buses, and accidents on the road. These are localized warnings that would serve the same purpose as flares and flashing yellow caution lights. For example, you might get a warning about stopped school buses when you are 1/4 mile from the bus. Emergency vehicles may transmit warnings up to 1/2 mile and give you the direction from which they are approaching. The advantage with this feature is that you would not have to see the hazard or hear a siren. The warning would be available at larger distances.
IN–VEHICLE ROADWAY CONTROL SIGNS The system will give you all types of current traffic control signs in the cab instead of at the side of the road. For example, you could get street names, interstate numbers, mile posts, and exit signs. You would get warnings about sharp curves, steep grades, merging traffic, and dead ends. Speed limits, stop signs, yield signs, and one–way street signs would be included, as would low clearance, bridge weight limits, narrow roads and bridges, and truck route signs. You could tell the system what information you want and how you want it presented. For example, you could tell the system to show you interstate mile markers every 20 miles. On the other hand, you could have the system give you both a voice warning and a visual message for critical information like low clearances that are less than one foot above your trailer height.
REGULATORY ADMINISTRATION This feature will keep records for regulatory requirements such as licenses, taxes, and permits, for the driver, the vehicle, or the cargo. It would also fill out and update the trucker's log book and trip sheet. This feature would have an electronic ID that operates while the truck is in motion. This would allow automatic toll collection, automatic payment of fees, and automatic registration for trip permits, all without stopping.
ROAD CONDITION INFORMATION This feature will provide information about on–going roadway hazards in an area that you select. For example, you could get information about bad weather, traffic jams, road construction projects, and road closures. Road condition could be reported for your current location, or you may request information about the next several hundred miles along your route.
ROUTE NAVIGATION This feature will probably include an electronic map that shows you the area in which you are driving. You can see a large area of the map with very little detail or smaller areas of the map with more detail. For example, the large area view would show only the interstates, primary, and major secondary roads. The view of a smaller area would show all of the roads in that area, business parks, airports, etc.
ROUTE SCHEDULING This feature will schedule multi–stop routes without the help of your dispatcher. You tell the system what pick–ups and what deliveries you have to make and it shows you the best route. The route would be designed to minimize your driving time, meet the delivery deadlines of your customers, and arrange the loading of your truck so that unloading is easier. If your delivery schedule changes while you are on the route, you can enter the new delivery information into the system and it will show you a new route. The truck must be parked before you can use this feature.
ROUTE SELECTION AND ROUTE GUIDANCE Once you enter your current location and your destination, this feature will show you several choices from which you select the best route. You can choose the quickest, the most scenic, the one with the fewest tolls, fewest stop lights, most interstates, etc, based on what is most important to you. Restrictions, such as weight, height, cargo, and truck routes, would be used to create the route choices. All of the information can reflect your current location, or you could use the system to plan a long–haul route. For example, if I–80 was closed at the Mississippi River, you might have the system plan the shortest detour from I–80 to I–70 and back.
Once a route is selected, the system could provide detailed directions to your destination. The directions for the detour from I–80 to I–70 could be as simple as I–55 South out of Chicago to I–70 through St. Louis to I–35 in Kansas City, then North to I–80 at Des Moines. Directions for city streets can be more detailed, for instance, by providing a warning one block before an upcoming turn. This level of guidance would allow you to change lanes to get ready for a tight turn.
The system could also show you an alternative route to your destination if conditions change after you have started driving. For example, if you select a route to a warehouse, and then, you hear on the radio that traffic is slow on that route, the system could re–route you from your current location. You would enter your current location and the location of the traffic jam and the system will show you a new route. As another example, your dispatcher might tell you to deliver a package in one part of town and then change his mind after you leave. In this case, you would enter your current location and the location of the new delivery, and the system will show you a new route. For complex re–routing, you may need to pull over to enter new information and select a new route.
SERVICES DIRECTORY This feature is similar to your local yellow pages. It contains the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of most of the businesses in an area. You can choose which directory listings you want to see. For example, you could ask for listings of public scales in the area. Or, you could request towing companies that are located in the last town you passed. You could even limit the search to those that will bill your company for towing instead of asking for cash on the spot.
VEHICLE/CARGO CONDITION MONITORING This feature will monitor the status of your vehicle and tell you about any potential or existing problems. This system would also be able to analyze problems with your truck and identify the cause of the problems. For example, this system could automatically perform the pre–trip inspection. Over longer time periods, the system would monitor air pressure, for instance, and alert you to a slow decrease in pressure that might indicate a failing brake system component. Cargo monitoring would include, for instance, temperature, humidity, vibration, and load balance. This feature would check your vehicle and cargo before driving and monitor continuously during a trip.
VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE This feature will show you your location in what ever way makes the most sense to you. If you have an electronic map, the system could point to your location on the map. If you do not have a map, the system could tell you the name of the street you are on and the next cross street, or give you the closest highway milepost.
VOICE AND MESSAGE COMMUNICATION This feature allows 2–way voice communication. For example, a paramedic could call the hospital from the ambulance and tell them about the status of an accident victim. A long–haul trucker could call a dock manager to find out where to unload. With the message feature, if no one is there to answer, a message could be sent similar to the way that telegrams are currently used by some drivers. This feature could also include some "profile" information. For instance, some customers don't want to receive calls from a driver. They want to deal directly with the dispatcher. For this type of customer profile, your attempt to contact the customer would be re–directed to your dispatcher.
This feature allows 2–way or 1–way communication with your destination, your dispatcher, other drivers, repair stations, or your home. While you may now use cellular telephones and CB radios, you must be able to get in touch with someone before you can talk to them. With this feature you can send or receive messages without being in your truck. In other words, it has an answering machine that will take your messages and a timer that lets you send messages when you aren't there. Other drivers and your dispatcher could leave you messages that you would see when you returned to your truck. The system also allows you to send the same message to several people at the same time. For example, if you wanted to tell five other drivers about a bridge closure, you could send one message rather than five.
You have read the descriptions of the features on pages 2–5. These are brief descriptions of some of the things that may be incorporated into advanced traveler information systems. For each feature, we would like you to estimate its value to you in performing your job as a commercial vehicle operator.
We have assigned a value of 100 to the feature VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE. For all of the other features, we would like you to estimate the value of that feature using any number greater than 0. Re–read the description for VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE on Page 5, and then re–read the description for BROADCAST SERVICES, the first feature in the list on the next page. If you think that BROADCAST SERVICES are more valuable than VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE then write a number greater than 100 in the blank next to BROADCAST SERVICES. If you think that BROADCAST SERVICES are less valuable than VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE, then write in a number less than 100.
Once you estimate the value of the feature, write the number in the space to the left of the feature name. For example, if you thought that the IN–VEHICLE ROAD CONTROL SIGN feature was only 75% as valuable as VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE, you would write 75 in the space provided. On the other hand, if you think that IN–VEHICLE SIGNS are twice as valuable as VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE, write 200 in the space.
Work your way down the list of features on the next page, re–read any of the descriptions that you want to, and write an estimate for the feature in the blank space. The list on the next page is in the same order as the descriptions. Remember, you are estimating the value of the feature in performing your job. Take as much time as you need, and change your mind if you think of something new that is important.
Please provide only one value for each feature. Write your numbers clearly. If you change your mind, be sure to mark out the old number.
You may refer back to the descriptions on pages 2–5 when estimating the value of any of the features. If you have any questions about the procedure or the features please ask one of us.
We would like you to do the same kind of evaluation once more, only this time, we have assigned a value of 100 to the feature VEHICLE/CARGO CONDITION MONITORING. Everything else is the same.
We still want you to estimate the value of each feature in performing your job. The difference is that you now compare each feature to VEHICLE/CARGO CONDITION MONITORING instead of VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE. Estimate the value of a feature using any number greater than 0. If you think that the feature is more valuable than VEHICLE/CARGO CONDITION MONITORING then the number should be greater than 100. If you think that the feature is less valuable than VEHICLE/CARGO CONDITION MONITORING then the number should be less than 100. Once you estimate the value of the feature, write the number in the blank space to the left of the feature name.
Please provide only one value for each feature. Write your numbers clearly. If you change your mind, be sure to mark out the old number.
You may refer back to the descriptions on pages 2–5 when estimating the value of any of the features. Again, if you have any questions about the procedure or the features please ask one of us.
When the individual features are combined into option packages, additional capabilities become available. For example, if an option package includes VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE and EMERGENCY AID REQUEST, the mayday call would automatically give your location (Nebraska Interstate 80 – milepost 253). Without the VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE, the mayday signal would act as a homing beacon, and emergency services would have to track you down. On the next few pages, we will describe several option packages that might be made available. Some of the additional capabilities will be described. If you think of any that we have not described, please make a note of them. Again, we will discuss the option packages, and your notes may be helpful.
This package of features is aimed at the safety needs of the driver in a variety of situations. In case of a serious accident involving your vehicle, the EMERGENCY AID REQUEST feature would automatically alert emergency services, and since VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE is included, your current location would be sent as part of the alert. In less threatening situations, other features are intended to help you avoid problems. For example, other vehicles equipped with the emergency aid feature would also provide IMMEDIATE HAZARD WARNINGS about an accident that just happened. You would also be notified about other hazards, such as emergency vehicles approaching from behind you and a patch of gravel road around the next curve.
In–cab display of ROAD SIGNS would make sure that you don't miss important information because a road–side sign is missing. ROAD CONDITION INFORMATION would let you know well in advance of any adverse weather or traffic conditions. You could find out that chains are required on I–5 north of Redding. Since you have the vehicle location feature, you could ask the system for a reminder when you are within 10 miles of an area where chains are required, if they are still required when you get that far.
VEHICLE/CARGO MONITORING would keep you up to date on the condition of your vehicle, and alert you if anyone had tampered with it while you were out of the cab. Also, the monitoring system could send messages to your dispatcher about problems that need to be fixed. VOICE AND MESSAGE COMMUNICATION would allow you to keep in touch with your dispatcher and with other drivers, and it would allow you to call for any type of assistance that you might need.DRIVER SERVICES OPTION PACKAGE
This option package combines information about enroute services with the navigation and communication systems. BROADCAST SERVICES includes information that is transmitted over a short range to tell you about roadside services available at the next interchange, for instance. This would include perhaps all restaurants, service stations, and lodging, with their hours of operation and prices. You could set up the system to tell you about only those things that are important to you, like diesel fuel prices. The SERVICES DIRECTORY feature gives you an in–vehicle yellow pages that you could use to find special services that may not be included in the broadcast services. The location of public scales could be found in the services directory. With the VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE feature included, the services directory search could be restricted to cover, say, 5–10 miles around your current location. Since this package also includes the ROUTE NAVIGATION and ROUTE SELECTION AND GUIDANCE features, the location of a selected service could be shown on your electronic map with the closest one highlighted, and a route to it selected. Using the VOICE AND MESSAGE COMMUNICATION feature, you could pick the phone number out of the services directory and call to be sure it is open before you drive there.
The main benefits of this package lie in fleet management. The DISPATCH CONTROL and FLEET RESOURCE MANAGEMENT features would allow your company to keep track of your load and better coordinate with customer delivery requirements. The REGULATORY ADMINISTRATION feature would help the company keep track of permits, licenses, and fees and it would help you, the driver, by eliminating the need to stop at weigh stations, to pay tolls, and to get trip permits. VEHICLE/CARGO CONDITION MONITORING would provide information to you and to your dispatcher about the condition of your vehicle (oil pressure, air pressure, engine temp, etc.) and your cargo (load shifts, temperature, vibration, etc). Either you or your dispatcher could take any actions that might be needed to keep the vehicle in good running condition. In this package, VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE would let your dispatcher know where you are. The VOICE AND MESSAGE COMMUNICATION feature would keep you in contact with your dispatcher and allow for transmission of regulatory information and of vehicle monitoring information.
The navigation package provides a full range of services for route planning, route following, and drive–time handling of detours. The core of the option package is the ROUTE NAVIGATION feature. This feature has an electronic map which would show streets, secondary roads, freeways, interstates, towns and cities, and state boundaries. What you would see on the map depends on the scale you select and on the area you choose. The map could show Northern California or a street map of Santa Clara.
If you have a delivery to make on Lawrence Expressway in Santa Clara, you could mark the location of your delivery, and the ROUTE SELECTION feature would identify route options for you from your current location. Using roadway restrictions and ROAD CONDITION INFORMATION about construction, weather, traffic congestion, and accidents, the system would show you suggested routes, along with estimated travel time. After you select your preferred route and begin driving, the ROUTE GUIDANCE feature would alert you to upcoming exits and turns so you would have time to get into the proper lane. Also, if any new road condition information comes in, the system would suggest ways to get around any problems. For instance, the system might suggest diverting to the Central Expressway to avoid an accident on 101. Since the VEHICLE LOCATION UPDATE feature is included in the package, the system knows your current location, and a change in route could be automatically selected.
As you drive, the system would monitor your progress, monitor road conditions, monitor incoming messages, and coordinate with your ROUTE SCHEDULE. While enroute, the system could receive a message from your destination stating that all loading docks are occupied and that you would have at least a one–hour wait before unloading. You could then ask the system to identify any other delivery that you could make during the next hour, select your route to the new destination, and send a message to the next delivery point saying that you will arrive earlier than planned. After making the re–scheduled delivery, the system might alert you that you probably don't have enough time to make your next delivery and still meet the schedule for a transfer to an air cargo service. The system would again re–plan your deliveries to go from your current location to the drop point for the air freight, and then on to the next delivery point.
We would like you to evaluate the option packages that were just described by comparing them to a package that contains all of the features, the COMPLETE FEATURE PACKAGE. As in the earlier evaluations, the complete feature package has been given a value of 100. For each of the other packages, assign a number that reflects the value of that package compared to the complete set of features. If you judge the package to be of less help than the full set of features, give it a number less than 100. If a package is more helpful to you than the full set, give it a number larger than 100.
On the next 10 pages, there are pairs of features shown inside of boxes. We want you to compare the two features and tell us which feature in the pair would help you the most in doing your job. Then tell us how much less of a help the other feature is. For example, for the pair
you would decide which of the two is most helpful, and write a 100 in the blank closest to that feature name, for example,
This indicates that FLEET RESOURCE MANAGEMENT is more help to you in doing your job than IMMEDIATE HAZARD WARNING. Next, you would write another number in the other blank, a number between 1 and 99 to indicate how helpful the second feature is compared to the first. If HAZARD WARNINGS are only half as helpful as FLEET RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, write 50 in the blank.
If the two features are just about equal in helpfulness (both very helpful, both not very helpful, or just equally helpful) put a 99 in the other blank.
YOU MUST PICK ONE OF THE TWO AND GIVE IT A 100. THEN, YOU MUST GIVE THE OTHER ONE A NUMBER BETWEEN 1 AND 99. Please do not skip any. Each of the feature pairs is different, there are no repeats.
At the end of each page, please stop and check to be sure that you completed all of the feature pairs on that page.
Some of you are primarily long-haul drivers and some of you are mainly local delivery drivers. We expect that this job difference will affect how you answer the evaluations that we have asked you to do for us. Also, the amount of experience that you have as a commercial driver may make a difference in your evaluations. Other factors, like age, income, and education can have an effect, as well. To allow us to sort the results of this survey and to look at how these factors influence your opinions, we ask that you complete the following set of questions about your background and experience. Your responses will be kept in the strictest confidence. Please check off the one choice on each line that best applies to you.
1. Age
___ 21-35 years ___ 36-45 years ___ 46-55 years ___ 55+ years
2. How would you classify your current job:
___ Local ___ Long-haul
3. Education (highest level completed)
___ less than 12 ___ high school ___ some college __ college degree +
4. Years of commercial driving experience
Local: ___ 3 or less ___ 4-8 ___ 9-15 ___ 16-25 ___ 25+
Long-haul: ___ 3 or less ___ 4-8 ___ 9-15 ___ 16-25 ___ 25+
5. Estimated annual income
___ $30000 or less ___ $30-40000 ___$40-50000 ___ $50000+
6. Experience with computer systems
___ none ___ very little ___ occasional use ___ frequent use ___ daily use
All of us involved in this survey thank you for your help. We hope that this will make a difference in the advanced technology that will arrive during the next ten to twenty years. If you wish to make any further comments or observations, please use the back of this page.


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Running an HPI check?
Vehicle history check services only disclose information that's been recorded against a vehicle.
Here's what is covered on every standard HPI Car Check:
- Outstanding finance checked
- Insurance right off and total loss checked
- Genuine mileage checked
- Car theft checked
–> Cost £19.99 with a £30,000 car data guarantee
–> Get my Exclusive Used Car Guy 5% discount (use UCG12)
- Record of every accident a car has suffered – Not Checked – Read on…
Start Here
Use UCG12 For my exclusive HPI discount
What is and is NOT covered in any HPI Total Car Check
The Used Car Guy (Marcus Rockey) has bought and sold over 10.1 million pounds worth of used cars to the trade and public over the last 25 years. Here, he shares trade secrets and tips to running a perfect car history check. He also reveals why checking services cannot guarantee that your new car has never been involved in a major accident.
Run a vehicle check now.
The organisation trading as HPI Limited, (HPI and HPI Check are trademarks of HPI Limited,) began trading in 1938. The Used Car Guy is their partner and advocate as the UK's vehicle check experts.
When buying a used car there is a small fee of £19.99 that's the most important money you can spend. BEFORE you pay a penny of your hard earned cash out on a second-hand vehicle make sure you run your own car check.
Do NOT rely on a dealer car history check or an old one that a private owner had when they first purchased the car. You can never fully know what a used car has endured and one vehicle check may be massively different from another.
For just twenty pounds, a car check can save you thousands of pounds and a lot of time/stress.
Getting Your Car History Check
So let's run through the vital components of your HPI Check
To run a car check simply enter the registration number and then the mileage of the car you plan to buy. From here you'll get lots of information, but let's focus on the crucial parts:
1. Outstanding Finance
This is critical. If you buy a car with outstanding finance (and the owner doesn't settle the balance before you actually own the car) such as Hire Purchase, Lease Contract Hire or PCP (Personal Contract Hire) you will lose ownership of the car unless you pay off the outstanding balance. But in almost all cases you will simply lose the car and any money you spent buying it.
There are always varying circumstances with car financing but the overarching theme is that you will lose time and money, but most likely both.
If the vehicle check shows up with money being owed via a "Stocking Loan" or "Demonstration Stocking" it simply means the car is financed by an outside finance company.
Basically, the dealer doesn't own the car. It belongs to the finance company but the dealer is the seller. These kinds of loans are very common from companies like Black Horse Finance and Moto Novo. Dealers are usually given 90 days to sell the car else the finance company will take the car back and enter it through auction.
Talk it over with your dealer, check their liability and get confirmation in writing that the stock loan financing will be cleared on the vehicle before you buy it. If you have any further worries regarding this just drop me an email and I will help.
But the bottom line is, don't take risks. If the car is showing up with finance owed, whether that be a dealer, a private sale or some other arrangement, don't buy the car until the used car check is cleared or you have a written confirmation.
2. Stolen Vehicles
Car checker services reveal 40 stolen cars every single day! HPI gather information from the Police National Register for each query carried out. This means that the vehicle remains the property of the individual or organisation from whom it was taken.
If your car checks flag up a stolen vehicle just walk away (and call the Police.).
3. Written Off
This is a term for a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurer following accident damage or theft. It's true that some written off cars can be allowed back on the road provided they have undergone certain car checks.
Category 'A' or 'B' write-offs must never reappear on the road, whilst 'C' and 'D' may do so following proper repair, passing an independent Autolign-approved structural examination.
Tip: The most important element to buying a used car is knowing if that car has been involved in accidents. Cars suffer huge impacts that can result in chassis bends, broken suspension arms, split seals, ruptured shock absorbers and the list goes on and on.
Unless you are willing to spend an immeasurable amount of money on a car that's suffered accident damage it would make no sense buying one.
Run your car check
In fact, if you were to buy an accident damaged car you'd want it to be one that has undergone all the proper independent Autolign-approved structural examinations that come from a resulting category C or D insurance total loss. This way you will know that the car is roadworthy.
The Shocking Truth that nobody knows.
Vehicle history checks cannot tell you about every accident a car may have suffered. More on this in a moment…
4. Mileage Problems/Discrepancies
HPI Total Car Check use the database of the National Mileage Register to search around 6 million records. It provides the best intelligence available to protect against clocking and will help you decide whether the car that's showing a mileage of 46,000 may have actually covered 146,000 miles.
1 in 12 cars has a mileage discrepancy. This is a massive statistic and if a car dealership has 100 cars for sale, statistically, 10 of those have a black cloud hanging over them. That means the car YOU are looking at might have been clocked!
Clocking (also known in the motor trade as a "hair cut") is turning back mileage or replacing the odometer, with the intention of increasing the value of a car and deceiving subsequent purchasers. Believe me, I have heard many a car dealer brag at their exaggerated profits through car clocking campaigns.
It's a common trick to deceive you and increase the resell value of a car. The average car travels 10k a year so use this as a starting point.
Most car checking services will show you other information such as Plate Transfers, CO2 Ratings and other Vehicle Identity information, but what I've listed above is the essential data you must find out.
Vehicle Check
What a Vehicle History Car Check Does NOT Tell You
If your car check is clean and the vehicle is free from major accident damage (category C or D insurance total loss) you'll probably think you're fine to go ahead and buy the car.
However, just because a car hasn't suffered an "insurance write off accident" does NOT mean the car has never suffered an accident or series of accidents.
Car check services only provide you with information that's actually been recorded against the vehicle.
They cannot tell you about any accidents a car may have suffered that haven't been recorded! Many of today's drivers would prefer to repair a car outside of their insurance company to safeguard their no claims bonus.
It's good to also realise that accidents that don't result in insurance write off's can be as damaging to a car's integrity as a major Category total loss! Car's are made up of hundreds of different parts and it's extremely easy for any car to suffer a bent chassis, suspension arms ruptures, CV joints damage ETC. Your car check doesn't tell you this kind of information.
This applies to any vehicle on the road today and 2 in every 3 cars on the road in the UK have suffered some kind of accident damage (minor or major accidents.)
What this means for you is continued uncertainty despite running your own vehicle check. But there are ways of telling if a car has had accident repairs and/or replacement panels.
Click here to run the check
HPI Check Reviews From Trust Pilot
Review source: Trust Pilot
So, running your own Vehicle Check is very important but there are limits to the information it holds about any used car in the UK.
If your planning to buy a used car but feel a little uncertain about the process you will be interested in my exclusive Private Members Area. Inside you'll find a thorough mini video series and full car buyers text guide. Members Area is my premium service and contains a step by step guide to buying a used car that's genuine, reliable and excellent value for money. Click here to visit Members Area.
Related articles for car background investigation:
How to run a full MOT History Check and ensure the car you buy is genuine mileage and won't cost you unnecessary money on its next MOT.
MOT History
Seemingly unknown information about the previous owners of a car. This free check is an essential part of my car buying process.
Vehicle Owner Check
Another free check that takes ten minutes but potentially saves you time and money. Again, I never buy a used car without carrying out a thorough service history check.
Check Service History
An alternative to other vehicle check services. Instant Car Check is less expensive than RAC, AA or HPI but you need to buy the correct package to ensure you are fully covered. This article shows you exactly how to do it.
Instant Car Check Review
Finally, mobile mechanic services have grown in popularity over recent years. Here I review one of the leading mobile car servicing companies in the UK, ClickMechanic.
Mobile Mechanic Near Me
The Used Car Guy
What is HPI Limited?
HPI is the oldest vehicle history checking organisation in the UK and was founded in 1938. The company was created to help car buyers make a wise purchase. It's primary purpose was to prevent private buyers from purchasing a car that had outstanding finance (hire purchase HP.) The company was the first of its kind to provide such a service.
What is an HPI check?
The car check produces a vehicle specific report on a cars history. A vehicle check can uncover if: – A vehicle has any outstanding finance on it including hire purchase, lease purchase and personal contract hire. There are disastrous consequences for car buyers as outstanding finance agreements and debts are legally binding and will transfer directly to the new car owner.
How does it work?
After entering a vehicle registration number and mileage into the HPILimited database a search is carried out using a variety of sources including: – DVLA (Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency), SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, The National Police Register, The Association of British Insurers and other finance companies.
What does it cover?
The company car check confirms specific vehicle information and provides insurance if a vehicle has been stolen at any time after 8 hours of running a check and the check alert did not highlight the illegal status.
What's the best car checking service?
Vehicle history check services are a growing industry but HPI is the longest standing car check experts and carry a long tradition of serving car buyers since 1938.
What does HPI stand for?
HPI Check stands for Higher Purchase Investigation.
How much does it cost for a HPI Check?
One check is £19.99. Three checks are £29.97

subset: commoncrawl


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By LUTHER DORR
Mille Lacs County Times
Anyone interested in completing a term on the Milaca School Board that runs through December has until March 7 to apply.
The board decided at its Feb. 21 meeting that it would take applications by that date and then make an appointment at the March 20 meeting.
The term is open because of the resignation, effective in January, of board chair Pat Nelson.
Anyone interested in the position is asked to submit a letter of interest, a resumé, and a 500-word statement about why they want to serve.
A three-person committee of board members will go through the applications, interview the person or people that it chooses, and bring a name or names to the March 20 meeting.
That position on the board will be up for election in November.
An ad in this week's edition of the Times details the process.


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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio's elections chief is touting the ease of voting in the battleground state amid a week of disputes over who can vote and when.
Secretary of State Jon Husted on Friday said Ohioans should feel secure that voter suppression isn't going on in the state. "It is easy to vote in Ohio," he told Akron radio station WAKR.
The Republican's comments came at the end of a week that began with him taking heat for disparities in voting hours across the state. A federal judge also heard arguments this week in a lawsuit filed against Husted involving an Ohio law that cuts three days from the in-person, early-voting period.
Ohio is one of 32 states, plus the District of Columbia, that allow voters to cast an early ballot by mail or in person without having to give a reason.
Husted on Wednesday ordered all 88 county election boards to have the same early voting hours on weekdays and to close on weekends.
Prior to his directive, local election boards made up of two Republicans and two Democrats were setting their own early, in-person voting hours. Weekend and evening hours varied among the counties. And in his role, Husted broke any ties.
Democratic state senators and local officials representing Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus had launched a series of criticisms against Husted this week for his tie-breaking votes in several large Democratic-leaning counties. Husted sided in favor of shorter, regular business hours in Cuyahoga, Franklin, Summit and Lucas counties.
But at the same time, some Republican-leaning counties had voted to extend hours, which Democrats said was unfair.
Husted said in the Friday radio interview that he decided to step in and create uniform hours and days.
"You'll never have consensus -- particularly this close to an election -- about what the hours of operation and days of operation should be," Husted said. "But the question is: Is it fair? Is everybody being treated equally whether you're a Democrat, Republican, independent -- whatever political stripe?"
The bipartisan Ohio Association of Election Officials has said Husted made the right call. The group says his order accommodates the most voters possible while respecting the cost that counties incur to have extended voting hours.
But not everyone is pleased with Husted's decision.
A coalition of voter advocates, including the League of Women Voters, called on Husted on Friday to restore at least two weekends of early voting.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio also said that while the organization sees Husted's order as a step in the right direction, it would also like to see the chance for people to vote on Saturday and Sunday.
"Unfortunately, many voters will still have difficulty getting to the polls early without weekend access to early voting," said Mike Brickner, the group's director of communications and public policy.
Husted has emphasized that people should have plenty of time to vote. Absentee voting begins 35 days before Election Day, on Oct. 2. And his office is distributing absentee voting applications to every registered voter statewide beginning early next month.
In the past, only certain counties chose to distribute the applications by mail, causing discrepancy.
About 7 million voters are expected to get an absentee ballot application this year, according to Husted's office.


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Yes,it works.Your instruction helps me a lot and sygic (aura) still didn't work. But Ndrive and iGo can work but still looking for new updated map.
I tried to install sygic too, but it wont work, i want an offline map because in my country mobile internet isnt cheap
I have an absolutely superb offline nav maps of your, and all other surrounding countries only 200 MB heavy, and a fenomenal piece of android software called iGo with which I`m thrilled. Think you should try it too.
I used iGO about a year ago while i was still on android 1.6, but now i cant find the lowres version
XDA Developers was founded by developers, for developers. It is now a valuable resource for people who want to make the most of their mobile devices, from customizing the look and feel to adding new functionality.
Are you a developer?
Copyright © xda-developers. Hosted by Leaseweb


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Robert Michael "Rob" Schneider (born October 31, 1963) is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter and director. A stand-up comic and veteran of the NBC sketch-comedy series Saturday Night Live, Schneider went on to a career in feature films, including starring roles in the comedies Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and The Hot Chick.
He appears in "Model Misbehavior" as a date for the loser of Stewie Griffin's red light-green light game.
In "Lois Kills Stewie", the tied up Griffins play a game of starting a fake rumor about Schneider that turns out to be apparently true.
He is voiced by Danny Smith.


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VW MK1 A1 Chassis Crossmember Brace Reinforcement Bar
Volkswagen, when designing the first generation Watercooled dubs (A1 Chassis), did not give much consideration to the strength of their front crossmember. Why would they? At the time of its inception the most powerful watercooled 4cyl engines they had were the 1.1L, 1.3L and 1.5L 8V. VW designed the chassis around this 8V and for all intents and purpose, met and exceeded the build for its rated torque curve. Enthusiasts with engine upgrades soon took notice: anything exceeding those rated outputs and you're asking for trouble.
With upgrades in power it is fairly common for these crossmembers to fracture, with insane upgrades in power they have been known to completely snap in two. This is directly related to the lateral forces being applied to the crossmember at the point where the front engine mount meets the face of the thin gauge sheet metal.
The purpose of this product is to prevent this fracturing from ever starting and to completely stop it on already fractured crossmembers.
Rated to: Limitations are higher, real world customer confirmations go to 375ft/lbs with no issue. GoKraut's stance...if you can break the bar under its advertised prescribed usage, you get a full refund.
FINISH: Matte Black Powder Coat
Installation Time: 1 hour
Fits the following vehicles:
Volkswagen Jetta / Bora (1979-1984)
Volkswagen Rabbit / Golf / Caribe / GTi (1975-1984)
Volkswagen Rabbit Truck / Caddy (1980-1996)
Volkswagen Scirocco (1974-1992) ** 82-up
Volkswagen Cabrio / Cabriolet (1980-1993)
** = ONE hole mount for MK2 Scirocco.
VW MK1/MK2 4-Point A1 Chassis Performance Sub-Frame
This sub-frame has two cross sections which connect front and rear mounting points of the control arm, practically nullifying chassis flex at the front end of the A1 chassis. This is the best upgrade you can have for your car, hands down. Seasoned racers will tell you this is the single most effective and crucial addition to these vehicles; guaranteed you'll immediately notice a difference in the rigidity of the frame and positive handling characteristics of the car.
Note: Sub-frame will NOTinterfere with front sway bars, 5 qt oil pans, or typical aftermarket sport exhausts (headers and piping).
FINISH: Matte Black Powder Coat
Installation Time: 30 minutes
Fits the following vehicles:
Volkswagen Jetta / Bora (1979-1984)
Volkswagen Rabbit / Golf / Caribe / GTi (1975-1984)
Volkswagen Rabbit Truck / Caddy (1980-1996)
Volkswagen Scirocco (1974-1992)
Volkswagen Cabrio / Cabriolet (1980-1993)


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St. Patrick's Day Special - Scissors in Lime Green
ArteStile Soft Touch Scissors add a splash of colour and comfort to your beauty routine. Soft Touch coating is made of rubber, giving these scissors a comfortable and unique grip.
- 100% Made in Italy
- Tips and blades are individually hand filed and aligned.
- Soft Touch scissors contain no lead, latex, nickel, chrome, or phthalates.
- Can be used on sensitive skin without irritation.
- Easy to use and precise.
- Individually hand crafted stainless steel scissors.


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Sunova Skate XL SUP
$ 1,799.00
Product Details
The same shape as the standard skate but with a little extra width and volume.
The skate is what you need if you want don't have the most radical waves. It's designed with getting the most possible fun out of any small wave situation.
It has become our absolute best-seller and if you get on it you know why:
- its super stable, while really turnable
- its is so fast that it gets easy in bad waves
- it can still handle larger waves if it gets bigger
- it is a great girls board or whoever is in it for the fun
Try the skate asap so you can see to believe…
the skate is an exact "copy" of our famous moon tail fish. Bert calls this board the short boarders fish, because unlike other fishes this one is so easy to be turned. The wave range is unreal and even in larger waves you still take control over the ability to throw this board into a turn. There is a clear reason why this board is called skate. You will feel as if you are on a ramp. Its super fast…
Choose between the following sizes:
8'2" x 31 3/4" x 4 1/4" 125 Litres
8'8" x 32" x 4 1/4" 135 Litres
Sunova Surfboards are the manufacturers of high performance composite sandwich surfboards. Under the tutelage ofShaper of the Year, and legendary shaper Bert Burger, Sunova have been pioneering the use of parabolic balsa rails and veneer skinned surfboards for over 20 years. Originating out of Mandurah, Western Australia, Bert has been leading the way in lightweight surfboards built with an emphasis on strength and flex to create epoxy surfboards which are not only strong surfboards lasting much longer than the industry standard PU boards, but high performance surfboards.