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Vintage Ford Ranchero
1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1956 Vintage Chevrolet
Hands-free phones no safer than hand-held: US study
The Governors Highway Safety Association study analysed more than 350 scientific papers on distracted driving published between 2000 and 2011.
From the research, it concluded that drivers are no less distracted when using hands-free than when talking on a hand-held phone.
It did, however, report that texting while driving is most likely riskier than simply talking on the phone.
Despite the increased level of distraction, the study also found that in dangerous driving situations, the average driver paid less attention to their phone conversation and focused more on the road, bringing their level of concentration close to that of a driver who was not using a phone.
Although it acknowledged the increased risk of using a phone while driving, the Governors Highway Safety Association believes states should conduct more research before completely banning the practice.
Using a phone while driving is banned in nine US states and texting while driving is banned in 34.
The report encouraged greater investment into road surface safety features like rumble strips, as well as the implementation of distracted driver communication programs and distracted driving policies and programs for workplaces.
In Australia it is illegal to touch a phone while you are behind the wheel of a car with the ignition on.
What do you make of the findings? Do you agree that using hands-free is just as distracting as using a hand-held device? And should phone bans exist, or are they unnecessary? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
2012 Corvette Z06 Laps the Nurburgring
Microsoft Launching Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel
Microsoft is enjoying a new generation of success with the release of its Kinect add-on for the Xbox 360, but true gamers aren’t fooled by all the motion-sensing gimmickry. The thought of enjoying Forza 4 while waving your hands and arms aimlessly in the air pretending to drive a car is a little discerning, to say the least. So we’re more than a little grateful to see that Microsoft will be releasing a new Wireless Speed Wheel for those that still want to hold something in their hands while they virtually drive. Forza 4 isn’t too far behind and it looks like the release of this wheel will be synced in time for those passionate virtual racers. Interestingly enough, this wheel isn’t your standard circular steering wheel, but rather a U-shaped device that Microsoft found to be a compromise between a comfortable controller and a steering wheel. Even better is its affordable price tag at $59.99, set to release on September 26th. The Wireless Speed Wheel does feature motion sensors for accurate steering, trigger buttons for acceleration and braking, your standard Xbox 360 buttons for game interactivity (though the shoulder buttons are noticeably missing, but shouldn’t impact driving games) and Rumble feedback. So for those that have been cringing at the price tag of Logitech’s offerings, this may be your best bet to get an affordable, real-world driving experience. Just don’t be that guy magically driving in Forza 4 with nothing in your hands…please, don’t be that guy.
Preparing you for the Road
Believe it or not, it’s already Memorial Day, which means the official start of summer is only weeks away. Although, if you take a step outside, it feels like summer has already arrived. Nevertheless, as June quickly approaches and as the school year nears its climax, there is time for only one thing: family vacations. Many families, however, may be reluctant to plan any type of vacation due to the outrageous gas prices, and understandably so. Planning a road trip with the family can be a stressful and overwhelming task just by itself, yet, when you account for the price of gas, it can, at times, seem unbearable. But there is no need to worry. The resourceful folks at AAA not only have a Fuel Cost Calculator, but they have also invented a free and simple mobile app known as the TripTik Mobile Phone App.
AAA: Helping you along the way
Most of us associate AAA as the folks who help us with our car trouble on various highways and interstate roads, but they’re much more than that. Take for instance, the resourceful and consumer friendly AAA Fuel Cost Calculator (ADD LINK). The AAA Fuel Cost Calculator allows you to plug in the START and END location, make, model, and year of your vehicle and the “calculator” will total the cost of gas for you. Simple enough, right? However, that’s nothing compared to their TripTik Mobile App.
TripTik Mobile App
With AAA’s TripTik Mobile App, available for both the I-phone and Android devices, the driver can “simply enter your route in the app, select the gas pump icon and then view gas prices at various stations in your desired area (tnooz.com).” The unfortunate reality is that each gas station offers a different price than the next, as a result, it may take more time than you have to find the cheapest gas. Therefore, AAA’s TripTik Mobile App, similar to a GPS system, guides you to the nearest and least expensive gas station. It’s free and simple, what more could you ask for?
