Latest news with #FBL
Auto Blog
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Study Shows How Front-Facing Brake Lights Can Save Lives
Simple Idea, Big Impact New safety technologies have become almost overwhelming in their complexity. Some, like certain lane-keep assist systems, can be obtrusive. Others, like automatic emergency braking, are proven to prevent potentially fatal crashes. But often, the most effective safety technologies are not all that complicated. Seat belts are one example, and a new one being investigated is the use of front-facing brake lights (FBLs) on cars. A study from Graz University of Technology in Austria suggests that up to 17% of crashes can be avoided outright, and up to 25% can result in reduced injury severity, with the use of front brake lights. 0:01 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3 vs Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: the executive decision Watch More Assessing Other Drivers' Intentions Is The Key Source: MDPI As with good ol' rear brake lights and turn signals, the ability to predict the actions of other drivers close to you is a key aspect of vehicle safety. Whether someone is in the process of stopping or turning, you can take the necessary precautions and respond. FBLs simply add another means of communication that is especially helpful in certain scenarios. It's often difficult to gauge the intention of approaching cars in intersections, such as when cross traffic doesn't need to stop. Pulling into or crossing the road will require an accurate judgment, based on approaching traffic and how fast or slow you think other drivers are going. Instead of taking a complete risk, as many drivers do, FBLs can show whether an approaching driver is slowing down or continuing at a constant or increasing speed. That way, you can make a more informed decision about whether it's safe to go. Furthermore, pedestrians can also use illuminated FBLs to determine if it's safe to cross a road or not. The creators of the study proposed that front brake lights be green, much in the way a green traffic light is associated with right of way or it being safe to go. Even A Small Reduction In Reaction Time Matters Source: why kei/Unplash Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The study recreated 200 real car crashes to determine reaction times, carefully analyzing each step of how the collision took place and when the car/s started braking. Next, they recreated these accidents but added FBLs to cars coming from the front or side, while assuming that the quicker reaction times would apply when these lights are illuminated. Reaction times were measured at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 seconds. Obviously, a lower reaction time is better. According to the simulations, 7.5 to 17% of the original crashes could have been avoided entirely with FBLs, and as many as 25.5% of those crashes would reduce the severity of injuries, due to the drivers responding more quickly. Even a half-second quicker reaction time can significantly influence the severity of a crash. The researchers also pointed out that side brake lights would be important in some cases, where front brake lights aren't visible. Fortunately, as with the front-facing brake lights, these side lights could potentially be retrofitted, and they wouldn't cost much to install on new vehicles, either. While more evidence is needed to support the study's results, these findings suggest that this simple piece of technology could significantly improve road safety for commuters and pedestrians alike. But even if more conclusive proof of FBL's benefits were to emerge, it would still need to pass legislation via the National Safety Highway Administration (NHTSA), an organization that is notoriously slow to adapt to new safety technologies. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FBL honoured for championing disability-inclusive banking
KARACHI: Faysal Bank Limited (FBL), one of Pakistan's leading Islamic banks, has been recognised for its commitment to inclusion and accessibility at the Pakistan PWDs Finclusion Awards 2025. The Bank received the award for 'Most Disability-Friendly Branch Network' and was also named Runner-Up for 'Excellence in Employment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).' The awards ceremony, held in Karachi, was organised by Determined Pakistan and was inspired by the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) Policy on Financial Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. These awards reflect Faysal Bank's steadfast commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) and its purpose-driven approach to banking. Commenting on the recognition, Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO of Faysal Bank, stated: 'At Faysal Bank, we believe that meaningful growth is only possible when it is inclusive, accessible and rooted in compassion. Our vision is to build a banking system that reflects the diversity of our nation and leaves no one behind. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to embedding equity into our service, our spaces, and our culture.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Endumeni municipality sitting on damning report alleging corruption
The IFP leadership in Endumeni local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is sitting on a damning report on the findings of an forensic investigation which implicates councillors, officials and a municipal manager in fraud, corruption and maladministration relating to the awarding of a multimillion-rand security tender. The fraud relates to the controversial awarding of a security tender to FBL security company from Newcastle, relying on sections of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act. The law allows municipalities to appoint companies without following proper bidding processes on the basis that the appointment is urgent. TimesLIVE is in possession of the findings of the report which was first issued in April last year. For more than a year, the trouble-torn Endumeni municipality has not yet acted against those implicated. The report was released when Bongi Sithole-Moloi was still the KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MEC. The province now has a new MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi. On March 7, Buthelezi gave the Endumeni council 21 days to act against those implicated but nothing happened. The findings revealed that the appointment of FBL was irregular and recommended that those implicated be hauled over the coals. Buthelezi said his department has received a sworn affidavit with annexures that was compiled by a whistle-blower outlining allegations of fraud, corruption and maladministration which occurred in Endumeni in respect of the appointment of FBL which rendered protection services. 'The investigation has been concluded and a final report has been prepared with recommendations as to the corrective actions that are deemed necessary. There is an obligation on the council to implement necessary measures,' said Buthelezi. The findings also established that there was a corrupt relationship between Endumeni officials and FBL. The former municipal manager, Linda Hlongwane, who is also implicated in the report, is quoted as saying he was under pressure to appoint the company that has a relationship with politicians. The auditor-general also stated that payments made to FBL were irregular expenditure. Despite that, the municipality continued to pay FBL. Among those implicated in the alleged fraud and corruption is municipal manager Sthembiso Ntombela. Ntombela signed the letter appointing FBL while Hlongwane, the former municipal manager, initiated processes to appoint FBL. Contacted for comment, Ntombela admitted he signed the appointment letter but declined to comment further and referred other questions to the speaker, Andile Nsibande. Nsibande said he was aware of the report on and findings of the forensic investigation and a report from the office of Buthelezi but said the municipality had asked for an extension to look at Buthelezi's report as a council. KwaZulu-Natal Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the speaker of Endumeni had requested an extension for council to deal with the report, adding that the extension was granted. ANC chief whip in the Endumeni council Sphamandla Kheswa said it was disconcerting to watch the municipality being destroyed. Endumeni is one of the worst performing municipalities in the province and is sitting on a disclaimer audit finding from the auditor-general. 'It is sad that this is allowed to happen by the relevant authorities including the MEC Buthelezi, whose department is constitutionally mandated to oversee and support municipalities, as well as the premier of KZN as the ultimate executive authority in the province,' said Kheswa. Kheswa said the officials implicated in serious fraud, corruption and maladministration allegations, were still allowed to roam free and preside over the affairs of the municipality and destroy whatever evidence that might be remaining. Head of provincial government communications Bongani Gina said: 'The premier does not in anyway interfere with operations in municipalities outside the prescription of the law. The premier entrusted all local government matters to the Cogta MEC.'
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Faysal Bank unveils financial results for Q1 2025
KARACHI: Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) demonstrated resilient financial performance and on a standalone basis, reported a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of PKR 11.1 billion and net profit stood at PKR 5.1 billion in the first quarter of this calendar year (CY25).Impacted by reduction in policy rate and increase in the tax rate from 49% to 53%, earnings per share decreased from PKR 4.29/- to PKR 3.39/. The Bank declared an interim cash dividend of Rs 1.5/- per share, i.e. 15%. FBL's total assets were at PKR 1.6 trillion, deposits at PKR 1.1 trillion, and net financing at PKR 643 billion+. The Bank has a healthy Advance to Deposit (ADR) ratio of 57.8% and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at a solid 16.6%, comfortably exceeding regulatory requirement. The Bank's financial performance underscores its solid business fundamentals, prudent risk management practices, and focus on innovation. These further cement FBL's position as a key player in the industry, dedicated to delivering sustainable growth and value to stakeholders. Mian Muhammad Younis, Chairman of Faysal Bank, reflecting on the Bank's Q1 2025 performance, said, 'Alhamdulillah, the results of the first quarter of 2025 underscore the enduring strength and stability of our Islamic banking foundation. They are a direct outcome of the clear strategic vision of our Board and the dedication of our management. We remain grateful to our valued customers for their continued trust and for choosing Faysal Bank as their preferred Islamic banking partner.' Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO of Faysal Bank, added, 'The positive momentum we have brought into 2025 is a strong reflection of the resilience and depth of our purpose-driven Islamic banking model. By the Grace of Almighty Allah, our continued emphasis on delivering innovative, Shariah-compliant solutions, complemented by trusted customer relationships, and service excellence remains central to our success. With a solid foundation, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth through ongoing investment in our network, digital capabilities, and human capital.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
