85% Fail Tire Check
Despite the large number of emergency service calls involving tire problems, a recent study by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, reports that 85 percent of drivers still fail to check tire pressure. [FAILURE RATE]

SUV Crash Results In
In the Institute's first set of side impact tests of small SUVs, the 2003 RAV4 was among seven designs that earned the lowest rating of poor. Only the Subaru Forester with standard side airbags and the 2001-04 Ford Escape with optional side airbags earned good ratings. [SMALL SUV]

Shedding Inhibitions
In a recent survey conducted by Hideaways.com, 100 discerning travelers were asked if they are likely to shed their inhibitions--and their clothing--while on vacation. [SHED]

Clint Behind the Wheel
Under the guise of Clint, I can drive fearlessly between two heavy rigs on either side of my dwarfed Subaru, ramming the accelerator to the floor to speed right by. [ALTER EGO]

Sailing the Viking Pride
I believe passionately that Holland is enchanting any time of the year. But Holland at springtime, now that's magical. It's the season when the tulips are in full bloom, and the fields and farms are vibrant carpets of color that would rival Joseph's coat. [ENCHANT]

RTM Back Issues

Lost Luggage Woes
Lost luggage still remains the number one complaint of air travelers but under the newly ratified Montreal Convention airlines now face paying up to £800 for each item lost. [LOST]

High Seas Sickness
Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers. Although an infrequent occurrence, this exposure creates the risk for illness, either from contaminated food, water or more commonly through person-to-person. [SICK AT SEA]

When Brakes Talk
According to brake expert Akebono, your brakes often reveal possible serious situations when they make noise, pull, judder - another term for vibrate or soft. [SQUEAL]

Women Travelers
What kind of traveler are you? Do you take off for Timbuktu at a moment's notice, and figure it out as you go? Or do you want to know the plan in advance - how far, how strenuous, and what to pack for dinner? Studies have shown that women like more advance information than men. Adventurous Wench, a travel company specializing in active travel for women, caters to this need. [GO]

Automotive Lighting
Drivers who find it increasingly difficult to see the road at night may not need new glasses. Rather, they may not realize that their vehicle's standard halogen headlights naturally dim over time causing poor headlight projection. [SEEING BEYOND]