Los Angeles makes hailing a cab easier and the three-point seatbelt turns 50

Los Angeles attempts to boost its cab culture
The next time you go to Los Angeles you may have an easier time hailing a cab. Unlike most other big cities, Los Angeles discouraged taxi drivers from picking up passengers on busy streets, often ticketing them for tying up traffic. But last year, the city eased restrictions with the experimental Hail-A-Taxi program that encourages drivers in downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood to cruise for fares. The program will be extended another year in hopes more drivers will leave their cars at home and more tourists will go car-free.
--Associated Press

3-point seatbelt sees 50 years of safety
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 3-point seatbelt -- perhaps the most important lifesaving device in automotive safety. Invented by Volvo safety engineer Nils Bohlin in 1958, it was patented in 1959 and introduced that year in the Volvo Amazon (120) and PV 544 in the Nordic markets. Today, every modern car comes standard with 3-point seatbelts.
--NWautos staff