25 Years of All-Wheel Drive BMWs

via BimmerFile

For 25 Years BMW has been a leader in all-wheel drive technology. From the first 325iX to the latest X3 all-wheel drive has been a important and continually growing part of BMW’s business. We at BF have often derided the need for all-wheel drive as being born out of marketing. And while it’s true that many people driving xDrive equipped cars may not need the system, there are those that not only need it but require it. It’s because of this that, 25 after it’s introduction, BMW has expanded the all-wheel drive option to almost every car they make. BMW currently offers 45 models in which xDrive provides variable distribution of drive between the front and rear wheels. These models extend all the way from the BMW X models via the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series ranges to the BMW 7 Series family of luxury Saloons.

1985 saw all-wheel drive offered for the first time for the BMW 3 Series – both as an extension of the model range and as an alternative to the customary BMW rear-wheel drive. By now BMW was using the transfer of power to both axles not only to optimise traction on loose surfaces and in adverse weather conditions, but also to enhance dynamic performance though corners. The latest version of the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system rises to this challenge more effectively than ever. Linking the all-wheel-drive system up with Integrated Chassis Management (ICM) means that all situations on the road can be recognised and evaluated to allow the necessary control interventions to be made at an early stage. These can be carried out by xDrive either on its own or in combination with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Performance Control. The power is distributed quickly and with great precision to where it is needed, ensuring that the driver enjoys the handling characteristics he would expect from a BMW – even under extremely dynamic cornering.

In contrast to other manufacturers, who use all-wheel drive principally to make up for the shortfall in traction suffered by front-wheel-drive vehicles, BMW tunes its xDrive system to provide handling typical of rear-wheel drive. Even in normal situations on the road, all-wheel-drive BMW models send the lion’s share of drive to the rear wheels, the same place where the brand’s cars with only one driven axle turn power into optimum dynamic performance. This ensures that the hallmark BMW steering precision is virtually free from drive forces in all-wheel-drive models as well. Indeed, all-wheel drive actually enhances the driving experience through corners. In order to enable particularly precise turn-in and a high level of directional stability, the latest-generation xDrive sends more drive to the rear axle on the way into corners. And that takes the brand’s characteristic driving pleasure to a new level once again.

All-wheel-drive technology from BMW: rigorous further development, dynamic growth.

Over the last 25 years at BMW, all-wheel drive has developed from an option initially limited to selected models to a growth driver for the ongoing expansion of the model range. At the time it was launched in the second-generation BMW 3 Series, all-wheel drive was offered exclusively in conjunction with a 2.5-litre six-cylinder in-line petrol engine producing 126 kW/171 hp. Today, xDrive can be specified for the BMW 3 Series in tandem with any of three six-cylinder petrol engines, a four-cylinder petrol unit and a six-cylinder diesel powerplant.

The permanent all-wheel drive of the BMW 325iX unveiled in 1985 channelled power to the front and rear wheels at a constant 37 : 63 percent split. Visco locks in the transfer case and final drive took their cues from the difference in rotation speed between the front and rear wheels to provide virtually fixed connections if required, and in this way optimise traction and driving stability. From 1988 customers could also order a Touring variant of the BMW 325iX.

Three years later came the arrival of all-wheel drive in the BMW 5 Series, accompanied by the debut of electric control systems governing the distribution of power. The newly developed system had multi-plate clutches which could be controlled automatically and continuously to vary the usual distribution of drive in normal conditions – 36 : 64 percent between the front and rear wheels – as required. Initially, a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch was used at the rear axle, but this was later replaced by electronically controlled brake inputs. The control unit of the all-wheel-drive system took into account wheel speed signals from the anti-lock braking system, the rotational speed and position of the engine’s throttle valves and the status of the brakes when analysing the driving situation.

From the outset the all-wheel-drive system of the BMW 525ix – fitted with a six-cylinder petrol engine developing 141 kW/192 hp – proved to be

a superior concept to that of its competitors. The electronic control system allowed extremely rapid and precise reactions, which also led to neutral and safe handling characteristics in tricky conditions on wet or snow-covered roads. The first all-wheel-drive BMW 5 Series was available in both Saloon and Touring guise.

The creation of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment opened up totally new dimensions for all-wheel drive. BMW caused a sensation with the introduction of this innovative new vehicle concept in 1999. The BMW X5 captured the imagination of its customers with a level of dynamic performance unmatched among its off-road peers. The characteristics of the BMW all-wheel-drive system also served this set of priorities. In normal driving conditions, engine power was distributed at a ratio of 38 : 62 between the front and rear wheels via a planetary gear set, while the standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) equipped the BMW X5 equally as well for sporty driving as for challenges off the beaten track.

Innovative vehicle concepts and xDrive give BMW the edge.

Since the SAV concept successfully established itself in the shape of the BMW X5, BMW has been constantly building on its stand-out position in the all-wheel-drive vehicle market through the introduction of new models and the further development of its drive transfer system. All-wheel drive was made available for the BMW 3 Series once again as early as 2000 – this time in conjunction with two petrol engines and one diesel unit.

In 2004 BMW picked up the pioneering baton once more when it introduced the SAV concept into another vehicle segment. With more compact dimensions than the BMW X5 and even more agile handling, the BMW X3 was likewise very much one of a kind and indeed remained the only premium model in its class for a number of years.

BMW also stole a march on its competitors in the development of all-wheel-drive technology. The newly developed xDrive all-wheel-drive system, introduced for the BMW X5 alongside the launch of the BMW X3, boasted an extremely fast-working, electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case and linked up with the DSC driving control system. This allowed it to provide an unrivalled platform for power distribution that could be adjusted as necessary at all times. For the first time, the driving situation could be analysed not only on the basis of wheel speed, but also using data supplied by the DSC system on steering angle, accelerator position and lateral acceleration, including the driving status deduced from these parameters. This laid the foundations for xDrive to become the world’s only intelligent all-wheel-drive system, a status it retains to this day. In contrast to conventional all-wheel-drive systems, which merely react to wheels that are already spinning, xDrive can identify any tendency to oversteer or understeer at an early stage and counteract it pre-emptively by adjusting the distribution of drive.

Over the years that followed it was not only the two X models that benefited from the exceptionally rapid and precisely calculated distribution of power, but also the BMW 5 Series Saloon and Touring models and the BMW 3 Series. In 2005, all-wheel-drive variants were introduced both for the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series and for the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series launched a short time earlier. More than 600,000 units of the first-generation BMW X3 were sold worldwide before it handed over to the new model in 2010. A little earlier the BMW X5, the second generation of which had been in production since 2006, had passed the million-unit mark.

Assured traction, superior dynamics: BMW xDrive with new calibration and Dynamic Performance Control.

The extraordinary potential of both the BMW X model concept and xDrive technology has since spawned another wave of innovations. For example, the BMW X6 – still the world’s only Sports Activity Coupé – was launched in 2008, and the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is also fitted with xDrive.
Since 2009 the BMW X1 has been the only vehicle of its kind in the premium compact segment.

As in the new BMW X3, xDrive can also be combined with Performance Control in the BMW X1 to make its handling even more agile. Carefully calculated brake impulses applied to the inside rear wheel around a corner combine with a simultaneous increase in engine power to ensure that the vehicle turns in extremely quickly and precisely. The BMW X6 is fitted as standard with Dynamic Performance Control, giving it even greater scope for adjusting the distribution of power. This system teams up with xDrive to provide the most captivating expression yet of BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure through corners. Dynamic Performance Control uses variable distribution of drive between the inside and outside rear wheel to enable exceptional agility and stability around corners, even under sudden load changes or in overrun.

The interplay of xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control can be experienced at its most intense in the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. The first high-performance sports cars with all-wheel drive to come out of BMW M GmbH are powered by an eight-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developing 408 kW/555 hp.

Alongside the impressive progress of the BMW X models, the range of all-wheel-drive variants of other model series has also been consistently expanding. xDrive is now available not only for the Saloon and Touring versions of the BMW 3 Series but also for the Coupé; a total of 15 model variants from the 3 Series range now have all-wheel drive. Four engine variants of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo are also available with xDrive. With its new set-up designed to enhance agility and precision through corners, xDrive offers a better platform than ever when it comes to providing an intensive driving experience and an ideal combination of dynamic capability and comfort. It was therefore no surprise to see all-wheel drive also being welcomed into the BMW 7 Series range. Customers can choose from three all-wheel-drive variants of the luxury Saloon – the BMW 750i xDrive, BMW 750Li xDrive and BMW 740d xDrive.

In addition, xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive is set for launch in the new sixth generation of the BMW 5 Series Saloon. The system will be available initially in the BMW 550i xDrive powered by a 300 kW/407 hp eight-cylinder engine, with two six-cylinder models and the first xDrive variants of the new BMW 5 Series Touring following in due course.

BMW Increases Integration of Apple Products

BMW is clearly looking to move to the next step of in-car electronics. With the new X3 (which the F20 1 Series and F30 3 Series will be loosely based on) BMW is introducing two Apple related accessories and one iPhone app that signal a seismic shift in the way they integrate electronics into new cars. Most media outlets are focusing on the iPad holder as the key piece. However, much more interesting to us is the iPhone integration both physically and in terms of software.

For years, long development cycles for cars have meant that technology was often much slower to find it’s way on a dashboard than in your living room. The simple fact that car companies spend years working on a car’s electronics before if even reaches the marketplace has historically put the industry behind when it comes to integrating modern technology. But that is slowly changing. And now MINI (with MINI Connected) and BMW (with BMW Link) have thrown down the gauntlet and said that the future lies on devices that are as important outside the car as they are inside.

But why is BMW Link not just cool but brilliant? Because the features live on the device side (your iPhone) in the form of an App. Updates can be made at any time and pushed to the user over the air. That moves new entertainment features from the product side to the software side and that means it’s cheaper and easier for everyone.

For instance lets say BMW has a killer new feature that it wants to release on the 2012 3 Series. In the past that would mean that 2011 owners would be out of luck. Now it means they simply need to update their iPhone app.

On the MINI side the MINI Connected option adds a new 6.5” hi-resolution screen (the same as on the 2011 Nav system). Instead with BMW Link, the iPhone itself plays the part of the screen as well as the device that powers everything.

And as opposed to MINI Connected, the BMW Link app has been refined down to four primary functions:

* Navigation (we’re guessing this will be similar to the excellent Navigon Application currently available since they are the company that powers BMW’s current range of Nav systems)
* Music player functions
* Mobile Phone
* Connected Drive functionality such as breakdown assistance
* Google Local Search and News

If MINI Connected is any reference we expect BMW to expand its BMW Link app to both Blackberry and Android operating systems.

Look for the “BMW Station” for the iPhone to be available on the 1, 3, Z4, X1 and X3 models. We’ll have more on the new options in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here’s an excerpt of the full Paris Motorshow’s press release that details the new options.

Official Release: Alongside the world premiere of the new BMW X3, the 2010 Paris Motor Show also sees the presentation of a host of Original BMW Accessories for this Sports Activity Vehicle. In spring 2011, a line-up of innovative products will be introduced for all model series which optimise the use of in-car infotainment and communications functions. The new components range from an attachment system – the BMW holder for the Apple iPadTM – to the BMW Car Hotspot, which enables wireless internet surfing while on the move over a WiFi connection.

Top-class in-car entertainment and communications: the iPad holder and WiFi hotspot. A selection of new additions to the Original BMW Accessories range have been specially developed for the use of internet-enabled smartphones, laptop computers and the Apple iPadTM and offer additional convenience, extended functionality and a higher level of integration for safe in-car use of mobile devices. The new BMW holder for the Apple iPadTM teams up with the base carrier of the Travel & Comfort System, which makes its debut in the new BMW X3 and will be available for all other model series from spring 2011, and allows rear passengers to make optimum use of both the office and entertainment functions of their iPad. Turning the holder by 90 degrees in either direction allows the position of the iPad to be adapted to the desired usage. The horizontal format is most effective for viewing photos or videos, for example. The vertical format, meanwhile, is the best choice for office applications, and in this position the tilt angle of the Apple iPadTM can be varied.

The BMW Car Hotspot, meanwhile, offers a new way of surfing the internet while on the move using a WiFi connection. This function is available from autumn 2010 both as an option from BMW ConnectedDrive and as a retrofit item from the Original BMW Accessories range. This innovative technology allows passengers to hook up to the internet using their smartphone, iPad, netbook or other device with WiFi access. The online connection is established by the BMW Car Hotspot. A data-enabled SIM card is either placed directly into the BMW Car Hotspot or fitted in a mobile phone with SIM Access Profile (SAP) which is integrated into the vehicle via the snap-in adapter. The encrypted WiFi connection then allows the passengers to surf the internet using suitably equipped devices. A stable online connection with virtually 100 percent coverage is provided by the seamless transition between the UMTS and GSM networks, and the connection is enhanced by the external vehicle aerial. Moreover, using the BMW Car Hotspot leads to a reduction in radiation levels inside the vehicle and extends the battery life of the mobile device.

Easy connection and an innovative application for the Apple iPhone.

BMW drivers keen to use their Apple iPhone as safely as possible, with maximum ease and to its full potential while on the move will welcome the arrival, in spring 2011, of additional items in the Original BMW Accessories range alongside the familiar snap-in adapter. These include the extremely high-quality BMW Station for the Apple iPhone, which has been specially developed for BMW models not fitted as standard with the iDrive control system. The BMW Station for the Apple iPhone is available for BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series models, the BMW Z4, BMW X1, new BMW X3 and outgoing BMW X3 with this specification. The BMW Station for the Apple iPhone is placed in an optimum position within the driver’s field of view and allows the mobile phone to be docked without visible cable connections. It also comes with a hands-free kit featuring a high-quality directional microphone and radio mute function for incoming calls, plus a charging function for the mobile phone.

A BMW-specific software application for the Apple iPhone will be available from spring 2011 as an ideal addition to the BMW Station for the Apple iPhoneTM. Optimised for in-car use, this BMW Link app combines the telephone and music player functions of the mobile phone with a navigation function and selected services from BMW ConnectedDrive, such as breakdown assistance, Google Local Search and News. To ensure that the functions deliver maximum benefit in the car and that the iPhone is optimally aligned, the BMW Station for the Apple iPhone can be used in horizontal format and offers a wide range of adjustment.

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series five-door caught with rumored turbo'd four

The big BMW 1 Series news is the upcoming M-badged coupe, but we mustn't forget that an all-new 1er is currently in development.
Our spies have just recently snapped this five-door model testing,
concealing what could be a highly anticipated turbocharged four-cylinder
engine.

Sources suggest this new four-pot could be a new tri-turbo setup,
meaning the 1 Series would still be plenty powerful and could replace
the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six currently used in 128i
models. Additionally, we won't rule out the possibility that BMW is
testing the new N55 twin-scroll single-turbo for use in the 1 Series,
since that mill seems to quickly be replacing the current twin-turbo
3.0-liter setup.

Expect the next-generation 1 Series to hit the road sometime in 2012. With that in mind, a debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show doesn't seem out of the question.

Check out the Southbay BMW Community site for more information! http://www.southbaybmw.org

Top Scenic Drives in North America

You can see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world driving around North America.

Highway 12, Utah: 107 miles from Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park

Of course, everyone has their own opinion as to which drives are the best.

Here are the Top 10 in the opinion of Lonely Planet, and test drivers from American Suzuki.

How many of these routes have you enjoyed driving?

Lonely Planet’s Take on the Top 10 Scenic Drives:

1. Hana Hwy (Hwy 360), Maui, Hawaii: 38 miles from Pauwela to Hana

The most spectacular coastal drive in all Hawaii, the Hana Hwy winds its way deep into jungle valleys and back out above a rugged coastline. Not for the faint of heart, the road is a real cliff-hugger, with 54 one-lane bridges, roadside waterfalls and head-spinning views. Gas up, pack a lunch and bring your swimsuit!

(Editor’s note: I did this drive back in the 70s. I hope they have paved the road since then. It was so bumpy, and so scary a cliff-hanger that we forgot to look at the scenery. It’s probably much better now!)

2. Turquoise Trail (Hwy 14), New Mexico: 45 miles from Albuquerque to Santa Fe
The Turquoise Trail has been a major trade route since at least 2000 BC. Today it’s the scenic back road between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, lined with quirky communities. Sights along the way include Tinkertown (an animated miniature village) and gorgeous desert scenery.

3. Columbia River Hwy (Hwy 30), Oregon: 74 miles from Troutdale to The Dalles
Finished in 1915, this gorgeous winding highway was the first paved road in the Northwest and America’s first scenic highway. It was also part of the Oregon Trail and the last leg of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. There are gushing waterfalls in spring, wildflower displays in summer and awe-inspiring views all year round. Hikers have plenty of trailheads to choose from, and cyclists can cruise two stretches of the old highway renovated for non-vehicle use.

4. Pig Trail Byway (Hwy 23), Arkansas: 80 miles from Ozark to Eureka Springs
Just north of the town of Ozark (no, you are not yet in the Ozark Mountains), this spectacular drive is lined with wild echinacea and lilies, and climbs through Ozark National Forest and into the mountains. This is an excellent way to reach the friendly town of Eureka Springs.

5. Hwy 12, Utah: 107 miles from Torrey to Bryce Canyon National Park
Locals call this ‘color country’ for the eye-popping hues that saturate this Southwest landscape. This most scenic of roads passes through Red Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, ending at the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park.

6. Overseas Highway (Hwy 1), Florida: 160 miles from Miami to Key West
Large parts of this divine island-hopping highway were built on bridges left from the hurricane-destroyed Overseas Railroad. Now, streams of travelers swarm down from the mainland to indulge in the alluring jade-green waters, laid-back island lifestyle, great fishing and idyllic snorkeling and diving.

7. Delmarva Peninsula (Hwys 50 and 13): 210 miles from Annapolis, Maryland, to Virginia Beach, Virginia
These unbroken miles of bird-dotted wetlands and serene waterscapes are hours from one of America’s busiest urban corridors. Virginia’s Eastern Shore is full of dock towns where watermen live off the Chesapeake Bay, and has the feel of a remote, maritime escape. The flat topography is made for bicycling.

8. Route 66 (initial section): 300 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to St Louis, Missouri
America’s ‘Mother Road’ kicks off in Chicago on Adams St just west of Michigan Ave, but in Illinois, much of the old road exists only in scattered sections paralleling the interstate. Still, there are many roadside attractions and oddball stops to be taken, plus pie shops and drive-ins for eateries.

9. Pacific Coast Hwy (Hwy 1), California: 332 miles from San Francisco to Santa Barbara
No trip to California is complete without a jaunt along the almost surreally scenic Hwy 1, one of the US’s most iconic roads. Slipping out of the City by the Bay, the narrow road ribbons above the ocean, overlooking beaches cast like pearls on one side, and soaring redwood trees on the other. Slow down - this region wants to be savored, not gulped.

10. Blue Ridge Parkway: 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina

The southwestern tip of Virginia is the most rugged part of the state. Turn onto the Blue Ridge Parkway and you’ll immediately plunge into dark strands of dogwood and fir, fast streams and white waterfalls. Wildflowers bloom in spring and fall colors are spectacular.

For more information and links to photos, visit:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/pacific-northwest/oregon/travel-tips-and-articles/42/788

Here’s a somewhat different take on the Top 10:

Test drivers from American Suzuki, who drive thousands of miles a year on a variety of roads in the U.S., have listed their picks for the top 10 scenic drive tours that motorists can enjoy at their own pace.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway from Virginia to Tennessee. This scenic highway offers over 450 miles of numerous varieties of trees, lush valleys and wildlife.

2. Route 7, Vermont - or the many quaint back roads and byways, along it.

3. Route 169, the Norwich-Woodstock Turnpike in Connecticut passes through many small historic towns of the state and view buildings, homes and churches from the mid-1800s.

4. Lancaster County, Penn., via US-30, provides visitors with a glimpse of the intriguing Amish, Mennonite and Brethren cultures.

5. The Florida Keys Scenic Highway, US 1, is great for spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

6. The Midwest's best travel routes include the Historic National Road in Illinois along US 40. This road is known as the "Main Street of America" because of its many historic towns and buildings.

7. The Bear Lake-Caribou Scenic Byway stretches across the borders of Utah and Idaho and offers visitors the chance to enjoy camping, fishing, boating and amazing scenery.

8. Begin in Northern California and continue north through the coast of Oregon up to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, Highway 101.

9. Highway 1, through Southern California, appeals to anyone who enjoys warm sunny beaches. Starting in San Diego and going all the way along the coast to San Francisco.

10. The Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon, referred to by some as the "King of the Roads," provides many trails for bikers and hikers and is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/scenicdrives#ixzz0kM9e3KQS

Finally, here are the Top 10 scenic drives according to Sherman Travels:
http://www.shermanstravel.com/top_tens/Scenic_Drives_In_The_U.S./Introduction


Which one will you drive this summer?

Surprising Ways to "Go Green," even before you buy your first hybrid.

If you don’t have a hybrid on your shopping list, there are still many cheap and easy ways to Green Your Car:

1. If you have a roof rack you never use, remove it. One consumer compared the gas mileage of his car at 54.7 mph (88 kph) with 1) no roof racks, 2) an empty roof rack, and 3) a mountain bike on the roof rack.

He found that compared to the baseline of no roof rack, the empty rack reduced his MPG by -12.7% and the roof rack with a bicycle reduced it by a whooping -27.3%. And since air resistance increases exponentially with speed, the difference would have been even bigger at 70 mph.

While the methodology isn't 100% scientific, and every vehicle will be affected differently by a roof rack, this gives you a good idea of how big a difference a roof rack (empty and full or not there at all) can make.

Read more about this at:
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/roof-rack-affect-mgp.html

2. Enable your car’s air conditioner to use less energy, while cooling your car faster. When you get in a hot, closed car in the summer, don’t turn the AC on right away. First, open all the windows, then start the car, hit the button for “Fresh Air” NOT “Recirculation” and turn on ONLY THE FAN, with it venting to the lower floor vents. Start driving. This is the fastest and cheapest way to get all the hot air out of the car, without making the AC do any work yet. When the inside of the car is cooled to the ambient temperature, then close the windows and turn on the AC. Once you have the interior temperature where you want to keep it, then hit the “recirculation” button.

Read the full story at:
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/cool-vehicle-quickly-heat.html

3. Five Ways to “Go Green” Your Current Car – for less than $25 each.

• Pump up your tires. You’ll use less gas.
• Clean out the junk in the trunk – The car will weigh less and you’ll use less gas.
• Change your air filter – It will work better. (wear a facemask!)
• Replace old spark plugs with eco-friendly spark plugs – The car will run more efficiently. (Consult your owner manual first to make sure you can do this!)
• Insulate your car battery – It will last longer. (Consult your manual first!)

Read the full story at: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tech-transport/green-carunder-hundreddollars.html


Share your ideas for going greener in your current car!

Tips to Prevent Accidents Caused by Driving Drowsy

With more and more Americans getting fewer hours sleep per night, the following bad news statistics shouldn’t surprise anyone.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes annually involve drowsiness and/or fatigue as a principal factor in causing the accident.

Those crashes result in an estimated 1,500 fatalities and 71,000 injuries each year, and an annual monetary loss of approximately $12.5 billion.

A recent survey by Farmers Insurance found that more than 10 percent of drivers admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel, while more than 20 percent say they have momentarily dozed while driving.

What is the solution? There are a couple of common sense things we all can do:

1. Get enough sleep when you are NOT behind the wheel. Experts say the average person needs between 7 and 8 hours sleep – teenagers reportedly need more.
2. Don’t drive if you are drowsy. Get someone else to drive you, or get some sleep before you get behind the wheel.

According to the Farmers survey, almost three times as many men (15.9 percent) as women (5.8 percent) said they had fallen asleep while driving. Those ages 55 to 64 had the highest percentage of any age group surveyed (13.7 percent).

Tactics to fight drowsiness

Now a new survey shows some of the tactics drivers resort to in an effort to fight drowsiness on the road. The most popular tactics those surveyed said they have used when they have become sleepy while they were driving were:

• Stop driving or switching drivers (59.5 percent)
• Open the windows or turn on the air conditioning (59.0 percent)
• Listen to the radio or CDs (57.7 percent)
• Stop to eat or drink (46.3 percent)
• Drink caffeine (42.3 percent)
• Singing to themselves (31.7 percent)
• Splashing water in their faces (18.4 percent)
• Slapping, hitting, or pinching themselves (a self-abusive 16.1 percent).

For more information, visit any of the following helpful sites:

http://www.drivers.com/article/680/

http://www.ehow.com/how_4488661_keep-falling-asleep-driving-alone.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4860629_stay-awake-driving.html