Category: Driving

May 15

‘You’re Pulling Us All Over’ State Trooper Surprised by Entire Car Club Sticking Together

Enthusiasts shows support for a buddy flagged by authorities.

A few days ago, a clip of a local car club driving together on the freeway broke loose. In the vid, a state trooper is seen turning their lights on toward the front of the pack. The officer picks out a Chevrolet Camaro.

Clearly, the filmer is stunned and upset by the trooper’s actions. What happens next, though, likely stunned the officer.

The entire group, mainly Dodge enthusiasts, heads to the shoulder with their buddy. From the looks of it, more than a dozen members of the car club were present. Initially, the filmer is completely disappointed and worried for the friend. Then, after realizing the team is sticking together, he offers excited words of support for the “fallen” driver.

A black Dodge Charger sedan driving on a paved road next to a concrete wall facing left in profile view
Andrii Baidak via iStock

The group moves to pull off to the side of an exit ramp. The team is so large that they have trouble preventing a log jam.

Humorously, a black Honda Accord is filed into the pack. It’s a bit of an outlier, no?

As expected, social commentary is mixed. Many are emotional over the supportive act. Others criticize the move as a possible threat to the officer. Some point out how the decision stopped the flow of traffic.

Undeniably, though, this is proof that the car club wasn’t going to continue their drive without the whole roster. As one commenter posted, “You leave here together, you come back together.”

May 15

People Can Hack Google Maps to Disrupt Traffic Patterns

One Berlin-based man proved how.

In 2020, Simon Weckert silently pulled a small metal wagon around some quiet, mostly car-less streets of Berlin. Little did people using Google Maps in close proximity know that he was causing a terrible traffic jam wherever he strolled.

The walk Weckert took and his eye-opening results became a viral sensation. It turned out that Weckert was creating a live art installation. His work involved obtaining 99 active cell phones with Google Maps in use. He carried all 99 devices in that little metal wagon.

The act sent signals to Google that dozens of “cars” had flooded the area. In turn, Google began rerouting drivers in close proximity to stay away from the “high-traffic” zone.

vladispas via iStock

Weckert’s act proved that Google Maps relies on devices, not cars or people, to determine traffic patterns and make decisions on where to direct users.

Many of us already know that Google tracks devices and that this is how it helps us get around. However, the installation shed light on how Google Maps manipulates our routes when artificial data is provided.

Weckert poses high-level questions about Google’s position in deciding how we interpret reality. He points to digital life overlaying our real lives and warns us to carefully consider who we give the power of “knowledge distribution.” Is Google — a private entity — the best one for the job? I don’t have the answer, only more questions to ponder.

May 15

Quick, Before the World Forgets: Here’s How to Drive a ‘3 on the Tree’

In the late 1930s, column shifters became the norm in cars. The steering column was coined the “tree.” As such, the typical three-speed manual transmission controlled by the column-mounted selector became known as “three on the tree.”

As some may remember, learning how to operate them wasn’t very intuitive. Of course, the remaining examples are now uber-classic. If you ever find yourself needing to drive one in some sort of dystopian post-apocalyptic event, here’s how to work a “three on the tree.” A couple of great (and humorous) tutorial videos are also embedded below.

How to shift a “three on the tree”

The pedals work like any other manual. You’ll have three: the gas, brake, and clutch.

Image a four-gear “H” pattern drawn on the side of the column that the shifter traces while you’re driving. Reverse is the top left corner of the “H.” First is the left lower corner. Second is the right upper, and third is the lower right.

The selector stick is spring-loaded, so it should almost guide itself along the “H” pattern with a bit of assistance.

Check that you’re in neutral. It’ll look between 2 and 3 o’clock on the steering wheel. Imagine it’s the center horizontal line of the “H.” You’ll notice some play in the shifter.

To go backward:

Reverse is straight up from neutral and a bit toward you. It’s high; think of putting the stick at about 1 o’clock on the steering wheel.

To go forward:

First gear is down past neutral. Notice the shifter moving slightly toward you due to the spring load, and lower it to between 3 and 4 o’clock.

Second gear requires a quick pit stop at neutral. Then, notice the shifter move ever so slightly away from you up to about 1 o’clock. Remember that if you forcibly “pull” it toward you and up, you’ll land in reverse. Let the shifter do its tracing.

Third gear is pretty much back where first was, between 3 and 4 o’clock. Again, the spring-loaded stick should know to go from second to third basically on its own.

And that’s it!

May 14

If You Never Own An EV, You Might Spend More Than $100K on Fuel in Your Lifetime

Depending on where you live in the U.S., you might even spend closer to $200,000 on fuel.

A personal finance outlet released a study this month on how much money Americans might spend on fuel in their lifetimes, depending on which state they live in. If you live in Wyoming, by the way, you’re about to spit out your coffee.

GOBankingRates analyzed a set of metrics related to individual fuel consumption. Using the average fuel tank capacity, the number of years of driving in a typical American’s life, and the mean gas price so far in 2024, the group compiled a list of lifetime fuel spend by state.

Many might assume California would be the priciest state for lifetime fuel spend. However, Wyoming is the most expensive state to fill up your car over time. If you live there for life, you can expect gas to tally $201,698.22 between the ages of 16 and 77.

Other states high on the list are California ($167K), Nevada ($158K), and Georgia (also $158K).

The majority of states fall in the $120K-150K arena.

New York and Rhode Island are the cheapest states on the list. Their lifetime fuel spending is in the $90K range.

An illustration of a large blue fuel pump with a drip containing a dollar sign and people and red cars underneath
invincible_bulldog via iStock

Admittedly, I see a couple of holes in the study. For one, fuel prices have varied significantly over the decades. Zippia’s 2024 demographics data reflect an average American driver age of 47. That means most Americans are already halfway through their lifetime of driving. Therefore, their spending has been less than 2024 gas prices.

Furthermore, global transportation trends point toward electrification. 2030 is looming as automakers’ zero-emissions cutoff date. As such, personal fuel spending will likely end for many of us before we actually stop driving. However, depending on how long it takes to mass-adopt EVs, some of us might be using gasoline until the end of our proverbial roads.

Hopefully, we’ll shift away from what some feel are the far-too-expensive individual costs of owning and operating a car. Fingers crossed that things change before any of us hit the $100K mark on fuel expenses.

May 14

3 of the Steepest Streets in the US Don’t Even Look Drivable

Notably, our list is reserved for streets that are drivable by passenger cars and have an official grade, even if the steepest part is only a short section. We’re calling out the three steepest streets in the country below.

Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh

Journalist Ernie Pyle described Pittsburgh in 1937 as looking like “it was laid out by a mountain goat.” As such, there are many vertigo-inducting streets and stairs in the city.

While only 630 feet long, Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was long regarded by PA residents as the steepest street in the world. After all, it has a max gradient of 37% in a certain section. However, even until 2019, when the Guinness Book of World Records presented a plaque to a Welsh street with a 37.45% gradient, Canton Avenue had never been formally dubbed the steepest.

In any case, the cobblestoned road sure is steep. Canton Ave is a particular highlight in the cycling world. Due to the dangers associated with driving downhill, especially during winter weather, vehicle traffic can only go one way: up.

Bradford Street in San Francisco

Many would assume that storied Lombard Street would top the list of steepest drivable paths in San Francisco, California. However, its average gradient is a “mere” 18.7%. That doesn’t even come close to Bradford Street.

While Bradford averages a 24% grade, there’s a section above Tompkins Avenue that nearly doubles in steepness – up to a 41% grade. The section is 30 feet long.

After Bradford, Filbert Street in San Fran is known for a section with a 31.5% grade.

Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii

Located in Honokaa, Hawaii, Waipio Valley Road is nothing short of panic-inducing steepness. Some sections clock a nauseating 45% grade.

The road has been paved and is considered regularly maintained. However, only vehicles with all-wheel-drive are permitted to travel it. What’s more, each direction is known to cause damage to cars.

On the way down, brakes are known to overheat and get damaged. On the way up, engines spike and stall. In fact, driving up is so tough on cars and so tricky for drivers that folks going down must yield to anyone heading to the top.

Recognizably, most of the steepest streets in the U.S. are located in California. Of course, there are many roads around the country that locals consider dangerously steep. Would you take a shot at driving any of the above?

May 01

Guys Pulls Out of His Garage and Straight Into a Tornado

Some amazing dashcam footage is circulating on social media. In the clip, a man drives his car out of his garage only to find himself in the middle of a strong tornado. The video is embedded below via Instagram and YouTube.

The clip starts with the driver reversing out of his garage and turning around onto the unpaved road. Immediately, a large tornado blasts the area, including the car. You can see large amounts of debris pelting the neighbor’s home and parked car until the tornado itself races across the screen.

Rainy tornado storm shown through driver windshield close view
summerphotos via iStock

Incredibly, the driver attempts to turn back into his garage. The structure is promptly leveled by the tornado. The framed siding structure easily crumbles from the force. Rainwater streams down the windshield and blurs the view.

The video originally circulated almost a decade ago, but the dashcam date stamp is even older. It reflects the year 2012. News sources place the footage in rural Russia.

In the American “Tornado Alley,” there have already been dozens of tornados sweeping around several states in 2024. In late April, terribly strong tornadoes ripped through parts of Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas, killing several people.

Oct 18

Top 10 Busiest Highways in the U.S.: Is Your State on the List?

An Overview of America’s Most Congested Highways

The United States boasts an extensive network of highways vital for connecting cities and facilitating the movement of people and goods. However, some of these major routes are notorious for their severe traffic congestion. According to the latest data from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), these ten highways are the busiest in America, reflecting the critical yet stressful nature of our transportation system.

Key Congestion Points Across the Nation

  1. Fort Lee: I-95 at SR 4
    The interchange at Fort Lee, New Jersey, where Interstate 95 meets State Route 4, is a major choke point, crucial for traffic moving in and out of New York City.
  2. Chicago: I-294 at I-290/I-88
    Chicago’s complex highway network, especially the interchange between I-294, I-290, and I-88, faces significant congestion due to heavy truck and commuter traffic.
  3. Houston: I-45 at I-69/US 59
    In Houston, Texas, the high traffic volume at the junction of I-45 and I-69/US 59, particularly from commercial trucks, highlights the city’s transportation challenges.
  4. Atlanta: I-285 at I-85 (North)
    The interchange between I-285 and I-85 (North) in Atlanta, Georgia, serves as a key junction for regional interstate travel, contributing to its heavy traffic load.
  5. Atlanta: I-20 at I-285 (West)
    Another critical point in Atlanta’s transportation network, the interchange between I-20 and I-285 (West), experiences significant congestion due to its strategic location.
  6. Chicago: I-290 at I-90/I-94
    Chicago’s role as a transportation hub is evident with its multiple entries on this list, including the congested interchange of I-290 and I-90/I-94.
  7. Los Angeles: SR 60 at SR 57
    Los Angeles faces its own traffic issues, with the junction of State Road 60 and State Road 57 being one of the city’s busiest and most problematic.
  8. Los Angeles: I-710 at I-105
    The interchange of I-710 and I-105 in Southern California frequently encounters severe traffic bottlenecks due to its vital role in the region’s freeway system.
  9. Nashville: I-24/I-40 at I-440 (East)
    Nashville, Tennessee, sees increasing traffic at the interchange of I-24/I-40 and I-440 (East), reflecting the city’s growth and rising transportation demands.
  10. San Bernardino: I-10 at I-15
    The intersection of I-10 and I-15 in San Bernardino, California, is heavily trafficked due to the movement of goods and commuters in the Inland Empire region.

Insights and Considerations

The U.S. interstate system, created in 1956, has been instrumental in economic development by providing essential transportation routes. Despite the high traffic volumes on these roads, there are also scenic and less congested routes offering a different view of the country. As traffic patterns and congestion levels fluctuate, understanding these dynamics helps improve the efficiency and safety of our transportation infrastructure.

Oct 18

Understanding Ignition Interlock Devices: The Essential Guide to Car Breathalyzers

Introduction to Ignition Interlock Devices

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs), commonly known as car breathalyzers, are crucial tools in preventing drunk driving. Installed in vehicles of individuals convicted of DUI offenses, these devices ensure the car won’t start until the driver successfully passes a breath alcohol test. This preventive measure has become a cornerstone in efforts to enhance road safety by ensuring that only sober drivers can operate their vehicles.

Functionality and Impact of IIDs

An IID requires the driver to perform a breathalyzer test before the engine will start. If the breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) is above the set limit, typically lower than the legal intoxication level, the vehicle remains immobilized. These devices also require periodic retests during drives to maintain continuous proof of sobriety. The implementation of IIDs has shown significant effectiveness in reducing repeat offenses among convicted drunk drivers, thereby increasing overall traffic safety.

Broader Applications and Future Technologies

Besides mandatory installations following DUI convictions, some individuals choose to install IIDs voluntarily to safeguard against potential impaired driving. Looking forward, there is movement towards integrating breathalyzer systems more extensively across new vehicle fleets. Emerging technologies might include touch-based sensors integrated into vehicle controls like steering wheels or seat belts, which could detect alcohol levels more seamlessly and prevent impaired driving proactively.

These advancements in vehicle safety technology represent a significant shift towards more responsible driving cultures and the potential for greatly reduced drunk driving incidents nationwide.

Aug 20

2023 Subaru Prodrive WRX Prototype: A New Era for the STI Legacy?

For enthusiasts who were disheartened by Subaru’s removal of the STI from the 2022 WRX lineup, Prodrive might offer a compelling alternative. This distinguished British tuning company, known for its motorsport heritage and collaboration with Subaru, has crafted a 2023 WRX prototype that delivers STI-level performance without bearing the STI name. This prototype introduces a host of enhancements that might just reignite your passion for Subaru’s rally-inspired performance.

Enhanced Performance and Design Features

The Prodrive WRX prototype boasts notable upgrades, including an engine tuned to deliver an extra 30 horsepower, pushing the total to 300. It features high-performance Prodrive-branded AP Racing brakes with six-piston front calipers and four-piston rears, ensuring it handles the added power effectively. The suspension system has also been significantly improved with stiffer anti-roll bars, revised bushings, and Bilstein dampers with firmer springs, resulting in a slightly lower ride height for better handling.

Aesthetic and Functional Refinements

In terms of aesthetics, the prototype stands out with painted arch extensions, replacing the less popular fender cladding and widening the car by 1.2 inches. The rear end is enhanced by a body-colored spoiler integrated into the trunk lid, while 19-inch satin grey wheels inspired by the Prodrive P25 and Bridgestone Potenza sport tires complete the striking look. Despite the absence of additional drive modes and the STI’s DCCD system, the prototype is designed to be track-ready and versatile.

Customization and Enthusiast Appeal

Although our test drive was limited, the Prodrive WRX showed promise with its refined handling and responsive chassis. The prototype retained the approachable nature of the standard WRX but offered a more precise turn-in and enthusiastic throttle response. Prodrive’s design allows for customization, letting buyers choose specific components rather than a pre-packaged upgrade, reflecting their commitment to catering to enthusiasts’ needs. If you’re eager for this performance upgrade, make your interest known—both Prodrive and Subaru are keenly observing feedback to guide their future decisions.

Jul 20

The Ultimate All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle: What’s Your Top Pick?

All-Wheel Drive: From Off-Road to Everyday

All-wheel drive (AWD) has evolved from a feature exclusive to off-road vehicles and trucks to a common option in everyday cars. This shift is evident as even basic hatchbacks now offer AWD capabilities. With the rise of this technology, it’s worth exploring which all-wheel-drive vehicle stands out as the best of all time.

Exploring the Best in AWD: Your Opinion Matters

With countless AWD options ranging from rugged Subarus to high-performance Ram TRXs and luxury Range Rovers, the choice can be overwhelming. Though the distinction between all-wheel and four-wheel drive exists, for this discussion, both are considered interchangeable. Personally, the Ram TRX stands out as an exceptional choice for its sheer power and presence, with the Jeep Wrangler also being a strong contender due to its off-road prowess.

Share Your Thoughts

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. What do you think is the greatest all-wheel-drive vehicle ever made? Share your top pick and join the conversation about the ultimate AWD experience.