Lifestyle

Car Accident Rates Are On the Rise Again

Published

3 years ago

August 27, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic was undeniably an extremely unfortunate time for the entire world. However, early research has already indicated that the pandemic may have had some effects that were arguably positive. While these effects likely can’t make up for the negative impacts of the pandemic, they are deserving of study.

For example, people were driving far less often during the pandemic. This naturally had a positive impact on pollution levels throughout the globe. It also appears to have resulted in a decrease in motor vehicle accidents.

Sadly, it appears that trend is reversing. Now that the pandemic is ending and more people are driving often when compared to 2020, car accident rates are once again on the rise.

The fact that there are more cars on the road again is the main factor accounting for this reversal. That said, other factors may also be impacting a rise in car accident frequency.

For example, because people were driving significantly less during the pandemic than they typically would have during a normal year, their skills behind the wheel may have diminished. Returning to busy highway driving after not driving very much at all for almost an entire year can naturally be difficult for some. It’s possible this factor is also contributing to an increase in car accident rates.

An increase in car accident rates can have potential economic impacts for a variety of reasons as well. For instance, insurance companies are taking a greater financial hit than usual due to the rise in accidents. Additionally, many companies are responding to high insurance rates by purchasing less insurance than they may need, which could lead to financial ruin if their drivers are involved in numerous accidents for which they do not have coverage.

It’s important that everyone from the owners of large organizations to individual drivers take essential steps to guard against motor vehicle accidents. This involves more than simply practicing safe driving habits.

The steps one can take to help curb this alarming trend will depend on who they are and what degree of power they have. For example, the owners of companies who rely on drivers must ensure they enforce hiring policies that minimize their chances of hiring drivers who are unqualified for their jobs. They must also provide effective and thorough training.

On the other hand, the parent of a child just learning how to drive must provide them with clear and accurate instruction. If they’re unable to do so for any reason, they should strongly consider purchasing driving lessons for their child.

All that said, it’s also wise for drivers to familiarize themselves with the steps they should take in the event that they ever are involved in an accident. Drivers should understand the insurance laws in their state, know whether they can hire a personal injury attorney in the aftermath of an accident, and more. It may not be pleasant to imagine being involved in a motor vehicle accident, but because they are on the rise, drivers must prepare accordingly.

Lifestyle

Duravo’s Success Story: Engineering the Perfect Suitcase

Published

7 days ago

September 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo credit: Duravo

By: Mae Cornes

When Matt Muhr and Dan Cooper founded Duravo, they started with something other than luggage design. Instead, their journey began unexpectedly: the world of tactical and anti-ballistic gear. This unconventional background led them to discover a self-reinforced composite material used in professional sports equipment, military gear, and automotive components.

Working closely with a German engineering team, Muhr and Cooper developed Flexshell™, a material that combines strength and lightness. “We saw an opportunity to bring advanced materials science to an industry that hadn’t seen significant innovation in decades,” Muhr explained.

A Lightweight Contender in a Heavy-Duty Market

Duravo’s entry into the luggage market came at a time when established brands dominated the landscape. However, the company’s focus on material innovation sets it apart from competitors.

The Duravo International, an expandable carry-on, weighs just 5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than many competitors’ offerings. This weight reduction doesn’t come at the cost of durability or capacity. The suitcase expands from 37 liters to 46 liters, providing travelers with flexibility without exceeding airline size restrictions.

Cooper noted, “Our goal wasn’t just to make another suitcase. We wanted to change how people think about luggage durability and weight fundamentally.”

Rigorous Testing: Proving Durability in the Lab and on the Road

To validate its claims about Flexshell’s durability, Duravo invested heavily in product testing. The company reports subjecting its luggage to weighted tumble tests, extreme drop tests, and thousands of handle yanks.

The company does not publicly share specific test results, but it states that Flexshell provides five times the strength of traditional plastics used in luggage. This claim would represent a significant advancement in luggage materials if independently verified.

Technology Integration: Beyond Basic Storage

Duravo’s products incorporate several tech-friendly features, reflecting the changing needs of modern travelers. The luggage includes built-in USB access for charging devices, a hidden sleeve for tracking devices like AirTags, and compartments designed to protect electronics during travel.

These additions address common pain points for travelers, such as keeping devices charged and preventing lost luggage. However, it’s worth noting that some of these features, such as USB charging ports, are becoming increasingly common in premium luggage offerings.

Market Performance and Customer Reception

Since its launch a year ago, Duravo reports generating over 1,500 customers. While this number suggests steady growth, it’s modest compared to established brands in the luggage industry. The company currently limits its market to the U.S. and Canada, indicating potential for expansion.

The company reports positive customer reviews, a critical factor in the luggage industry, with an online star rating of 5 out of 5. However, independent verification of these ratings and a larger sample size would provide a more comprehensive picture of customer satisfaction.

Challenges and Competition in a Crowded Market

Despite its inventive method, Duravo faces significant challenges. Established brands like Away, Monos, and Tumi command substantial market share and brand recognition in a highly competitive luggage market.

Duravo’s focus on high-end materials and manufacturing in Germany will likely result in higher production costs. This could make it difficult for the company to compete on price with brands that manufacture in regions with lower production costs.

Environmental Considerations and Future Directions

Duravo emphasizes the eco-friendly nature of its products, stating that Flexshell is recyclable. However, specific data on the material’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle is not readily available. As sustainability becomes increasingly important for consumers, more transparent and detailed environmental information could benefit the company’s market position.

Duravo’s success may hinge on its ability to scale production while maintaining quality, expand its product line, and effectively communicate its value proposition to a broader audience. The luggage industry’s recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic will also play a crucial role in shaping the company’s trajectory.

As Duravo continues developing its brand and product line, its story is an interesting case study in bringing materials innovation to a well-established consumer goods category. The company’s future success will depend on its ability to balance innovation with market demands and effectively compete with more prominent, established brands.