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Honda worker dies in forklift accident at Ohio R&D complex

Ghouse Gulam, a contract worker at the Honda R&D Americas complex in Raymond, OH, died January 4 after being hit by a forklift and suffering a skull fracture. Union County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Michael Justice tells Autoblog that this is still an open investigation, but there are no pending charges. He said it could be about three months for the authorities to make a final determination until the coroner's report is complete. According to Automotive News, the accident happened between two buildings on the site's campus, and the forklift was carrying an empty trash bin when it struck Gulam. A media release (as a PDF) from the Union County Sheriff's Office showed that police responded at 6:01 AM. Justice would not reveal the name of the driver, but said that the person had retained legal council. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration also opened an investigation, according to AN. In a statement (in full below), Honda expressed sympathy to Gulam's family. "Associates of Honda R&D Americas are deeply saddened and extend heartfelt sympathy and condolences to family members, friends and colleagues." On Monday, January 4, 2016, at approximately 6:00 a.m. Ghouse Gulam, a contract worker at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Raymond, Ohio, was injured in an accident involving a forklift driven by another contract worker. On-site emergency personnel responded immediately to the incident, followed by emergency responders from the Raymond, Ohio based Liberty Township Fire Department. Mr. Gulam was transported by Liberty Township Fire to Memorial Hospital of Union County where he later passed away. Mr. Gulam, 61, was a resident of Livonia, Michigan. Local law enforcement officials were notified of the incident. With respect for the privacy of Mr. Gulam and his family, no additional details will be provided. Associates of Honda R&D Americas are deeply saddened and extend heartfelt sympathy and condolences to family members, friends and colleagues.

Honda poised for growth, Detroit to hold steady, Car Wars study says

The automotive industry is expected to keep booming in the US over the next several years, but the train might start running out of steam in the long term, according to 2015's Car Wars report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy. The forecast focuses on changes between the 2016 and 2019 model years, and the latest trends appear similar in some cases to the past predictions. Sales are expected to keep growing and reach a peak of 20 million in 2018, according to the Detroit Free Press. The expansion is projected to come from a quick pace of vehicle launches, with an average of 48 introductions a year – 26 percent more than in 1996. Crossovers are expected to make up a third of these, maintaining their strong popularity. However, Murphy predicts a decline, as well. By 2025, total sales could fall to around 15 million units. As of May 2015, the seasonally adjusted annual rate for this year stands at 17.71 million. Like last year, Honda is predicted to be a big winner in the future thanks to products like the next-gen Civic. "Honda should be the biggest market share gainer," Murphy said when presenting the report, according to Free Press. Meanwhile, in a situation similar to Car Wars from 2012, a lack of many new vehicles is expected to cause a drop for Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan. Based on this forecast, Ford, General Motors, and FCA US will all generally maintain market share for the coming years. The report does make some future product predictions, though. The next Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra might come in 2019, which is earlier than expected. Also, Lincoln could get a Mustang-based coupe for 2017, a compact sedan for 2018 and an Explorer-based model in 2019, according to the Free Press. Related Video: News Source: The Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Nam Y. Huh / AP Photo Earnings/Financials Chrysler Fiat Ford GM Honda Lincoln Car Buying fca us

Pedestrian deaths increase; cell-phone distractions may be culprit

In Philadelphia, city officials are running a public-safety campaign that implores road users to simply "Put. Phone. Down." In Florida, a similar advertisement reminds people, "Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow." What's unusual about these messages is that they target pedestrians. Amid widespread concern about distracted drivers on American roads, there's a growing body of research that suggests distracted walking is equally problematic. Pedestrians engrossed in their phone, text or Tinder conversations are stepping into intersections without so much as a glance at oncoming traffic. That may be one reason pedestrian deaths are increasing. They jumped 15 percent in a five-year period between 2009 and 2013, according to a study released this week by the Governors Highway Safety Association, with 4,735 killed in 2013. In the same time, overall traffic fatalities have fallen by 3.4 percent. Pedestrian deaths now comprise 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, and approximately one pedestrian death occurs every two hours in the United States. Alcohol is still a top culprit – it's involved in 49 percent of pedestrian deaths on either the part of driver or walker – but as cities rush to implement a wave of slower speed limits, wider sidewalks and street medians to counter pedestrian deaths, there's new focus on holding pedestrians accountable for eliminating distractions. "Undoubtedly, motorists are responsible for many pedestrian accidents," said a July newsletter from the National Motorists Association. "But pedestrians must also assume responsibility for their own safety." This week's report from the GHSA cites growing research that suggests pedestrians aren't yet doing their part. At 20 high-risk intersections, 26 percent of pedestrians wore headphones, 15 percent were texting and 13 percent talked on the phone, according to a 2013 University of Georgia study. More recently, a William Paterson University study issued earlier this year found more than 25 percent of New York City pedestrians were distracted by either their phones or headphones. Half of the pedestrians who crossed with a "Don't Walk" signal were distracted. "Getting smashed at the bar? Don't get smashed walking home." - Minnesota public-safety campaign.