Category: Tips, Tricks & Trends

May 16

The Escalating Threat of Pedestrian Incidents in Traffic Accidents

Growing Risks in Crosswalks and City Streets

Crosswalks, traditionally sanctuaries for pedestrians, are witnessing a distressing rise in dangerous encounters with vehicles. Urban environments, notorious for their dense traffic, are seeing an uptick in accidents where vehicles strike pedestrians. This worrying trend underscores the failure to safeguard pedestrians in spaces specifically designed for their safety.

Trends and Drivers of Increasing Incidents

Recent findings by the Governors Highway Safety Association point to a concerning spike in pedestrian deaths, with the numbers exceeding 3,000 in the early months of 2023—an alarming increase from prior years. Contributing to this surge are factors such as the heightened instances of impaired driving and the dominance of larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks on the roads. These larger vehicles inherently carry a higher risk of fatal outcomes when they collide with pedestrians due to their bulk and structural design.

Strategies for Enhanced Safety and Vigilance

Addressing this growing problem requires committed action from both motorists and pedestrians to enhance road safety. Motorists are urged to eschew dangerous driving behaviors, including excessive speeding and impaired driving, and to pay meticulous attention to pedestrian crossings. Conversely, pedestrians must maintain vigilance at all times—especially when legally crossing—and avoid unsafe practices such as darting between parked cars. Through improved awareness and strict adherence to safety measures, both groups can help decrease the frequency of these tragic occurrences on our streets.

May 16

Unveiling the Paradox: States with the Fewest Licensed Drivers Show Worst Driving Behaviors

Licensing Trends Across States

Recent data analysis reveals surprising patterns in driver licensing across the United States, highlighting states with notably low percentages of licensed drivers. New York stands out with only 58% of its residents holding a driver’s license, the lowest nationwide, largely due to the extensive public transportation network in New York City. In stark contrast, Delaware boasts an 85% licensing rate, one of the highest, reflecting its smaller population and possibly different transportation needs.

Texas: A Case Study in Driving Challenges

Texas, a state known for its vast expanses and dependence on car travel, has an unexpectedly low licensing rate of just 62%, placing it second lowest in the country, even trailing behind Hawaii. Despite the necessity of vehicles for transportation across its sprawling cities, Texas also reports some of the most concerning driving records. Forbes Advisor points out that Texas drivers frequently engage in risky behaviors such as drunk and distracted driving, particularly prevalent in major cities like Dallas and Houston.

Societal Shifts and Transportation Dynamics

This analysis also touches on broader social trends affecting transportation, such as the decline in public transit usage in Texas and the younger Texan population’s apparent disinterest in driving. The average age of a Texan is around 35, suggesting a demographic that might be less inclined to traditional car ownership and possibly more open to alternative modes of transport. However, the persistent low rate of licensed drivers paired with poor driving records poses significant questions about mobility and safety in the state. Addressing these issues could potentially improve Texas’s notorious ranking in national driving safety statistics.

May 16

Understanding the Legality of Firearms in Vehicles Across the U.S.

Legal Framework for Vehicle Firearm Possession

In the United States, the legality of keeping a firearm in your vehicle varies significantly by state. As a fundamental right, Americans are entitled to bear arms; however, the specifics of transporting and storing firearms in vehicles require a clear understanding of both state and federal regulations. Misunderstanding these laws can lead to severe legal consequences, including problematic encounters with law enforcement.

State-Specific Regulations on Firearms in Vehicles

Different states have different requirements and restrictions regarding firearm transportation in vehicles. For example, California permits the transportation of firearms in a vehicle provided they are unloaded and securely locked away, such as in the trunk or a locked container. Conversely, Texas allows individuals to carry loaded firearms in their vehicles without the need for them to be concealed. This variability underscores the importance of familiarizing oneself with the laws specific to one’s state of residence.

Risks and Recommendations for Keeping Guns in Vehicles

Owning a firearm designated as a “car gun” or “truck gun” for ease of access while traveling can increase the risk of theft, turning a personal protection tool into a potential criminal asset. Many thefts are opportunistic, spurred by visible gun brand stickers on vehicles, which suggest the presence of a firearm inside. To mitigate risks, it is advisable to avoid leaving firearms in vehicles for prolonged periods and to refrain from using decals that could advertise the presence of guns to potential thieves. This approach not only enhances security but also promotes responsible gun ownership and storage.

May 16

Warren Buffett’s Timeless Wisdom on the Volatility of the Airline and Automotive Industries

Revisiting Warren Buffett’s Stance on Transportation Investments

Warren Buffett, the renowned investor and leader of Berkshire Hathaway, has long been skeptical about the profitability of the airline and automotive sectors. Despite the transformative impact of these industries on modern society, Buffett’s analysis, dating back to 1999, remains remarkably relevant today. Even as Berkshire once invested in BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, they have been gradually reducing their stake, indicating a cautious approach to what many see as a revolutionary market.

Buffett’s Historical Perspective on Automotive and Airline Investments

In a 1999 interview highlighted in a 2014 investment blog, Buffett expressed his reservations about the long-term investment appeal of the automotive and airline industries. He observed that despite the vast number of car manufacturers that existed at the turn of the 20th century, only a few remain today, none of which have been particularly lucrative investments. Similarly, he noted that the airline industry had, up to that point, cumulatively earned zero profit since its inception—a startling statistic that underscores the high-risk nature of these businesses.

The Ongoing Relevance of Buffett’s Insights Amidst Modern Challenges

The enduring wisdom of Buffett’s views is underscored by recent troubles in the transportation sector, such as Tesla’s financial struggles, Boeing’s reputational damage, and significant losses reported by major airlines like Southwest. These issues reflect the inherent volatility and challenges within these industries, reinforcing Buffett’s skepticism about their suitability as long-term investments. As we continue to witness shifts towards electrification and sustainable transport solutions, Buffett’s cautious stance provides a critical lens through which to assess potential opportunities and pitfalls in these historically tumultuous markets.

May 16

Critics Slam Chinese Electric Car Tariffs as ‘Bad Policy’ and ‘Not Enough’

It’s no surprise that Chinese electric vehicles undercut the price points of North American alternatives. To stave off the prospect of cheap EVs upsetting the car market here in the United States, the Biden Administration introduced substantial tariffs. However, critics say the tariffs could be anywhere from “poor leadership” to simply “not enough” to prevent cheap Chinese electric cars from challenging American alternatives.

Even with record-breaking restrictions, critics think the latest Chinese electric car tariffs are ineffective

Earlier this week, U.S. President Joe Biden and his administration levied 100% tariffs on Chinese electric cars among other imported goods. While the president asserts that the move is “intended to protect US jobs” from “unfair policies.” However, not everyone believes the move will be as beneficial as intended.

According to The Economist, the global trade system has benefited from a commendable decrease in worldwide tariffs. As such, the global GDP has increased threefold and then some. Tragically, critics state that President Biden’s latest tariffs have the potential to damage that growth.

Still, tariffs aren’t the only recent development with protecting North American-built EVs in mind. The U.S. Department of Energy restricts clean vehicle tax credit eligibility to vehicles with final manufacturing in North America. Not only does that restrict Chinese electric cars, but it also leaves European EVs out of the mix.

A yellow BYD Seagull shows off its small hatchback construction.
BYD Seagull | BYD

Shocking as it may seem, a 100% tariff may not be enough to block the importation of low-cost Chinese electric car models like the BYD Seagull, per CNBC. After all, the Seagull sells for the U.S. dollar equivalent of around $12,000 in the Chinese domestic market. Conversely, the most affordable EVs in the United States are around the $30,000 mark. For instance, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, one of the most affordable new EV options for American buyers, starts at $27,495.

Moreover, the tariffs don’t name Chinese imports in neighboring countries like Mexico. Consequently, we may see cheap EVs from Southeast Asia make their way into the United States via unconventional means.

May 15

National Park Service Asks for Help After Someone Mangled a Historic Landmark Winching Their Car

This happened away from the legal road, where deep mud can lurk.

The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting assistance with finding out who damaged a historic salt tram tower in Death Valley National Park. The 113-year-old tower came down between April 1 and April 24, NPS says. It suspects this happened when someone used it to winch their vehicle out of deep mud.

The Saline Valley Salt Tram has a rich history dating back to 1911. The Saline Valley Salt Company constructed it. The 13-mile tramway was an engineering marvel designed to transport salt from Saline Valley to Owens Valley. It climbs over 7,000 vertical feet, with some sections having steep vertical grades up to 40 degrees.

Due to its age, length, steepness, and notable surrounding landscape, the Saline Valley Salt Tram is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As such, it’s considered nationally significant.

Historic landmark salt tram tower #1 in Death Valley National Park
Salt Tram Tower #1 before damage | National Park Service

Most of the tramway is on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. However, the first four towers are within Death Valley National Park. The damaged tower, known as Tower #1, is the closest to the Saline Valley lakebed.

The damage may have occurred weeks before being discovered

Park rangers discovered nearby vehicle tracks leading off the legal road into the mud. It appears the tower was used as an anchor to free the stuck vehicle, causing it to topple over and rip its concrete footings out of the ground.

Before this incident, the NPS had plans for a salt tram stabilization project funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. It is yet to be determined if the funds can be used to fix this specific damage to Tower #1.

The damaged Salt Tram Tower #1, toppled over from what appears to be a winch used to haul a stuck vehicle
Historic Salt Tram Tower #1 after damage | National Park Service

The NPS requests you contact them if you have any information about this incident. The tip line can be reached at 888-653-0009 or visit go.nps.gov/SubmitATip.

May 15

They Forgot to Roast What Tom Brady Drives

The roast of Tom Brady hit hard. No one held back against the NFL superstar. However, his car collection wasn’t mentioned during the relentless rounds of jokes. The car that Tom Brady drives could have been included by multiple comics.

Tom Brady drives a practical yet odd electric vehicle

Tom Brady drives a Tesla Model S. Despite having a $5 million car collection he regularly keeps things simple with a Model S.

Also, it’s painted yellow, which is an interesting choice. I’ve seen thousands of Tesla models on the road, but never a yellow one, unless it was a cab.

As of 2024, the Tesla Model S starts with an MSRP of $72,990 and the top-spec Plaid model increases the price to $87,990.

These prices enter luxury territory but for someone who can afford $5 million worth of cars, he could go for a more luxurious electric vehicle. For example, what about the Lotis Evija, Mercedes EQS, BMW i7, or Lucid Air?

Some could say that he’s making a practical or down-to-earth choice. But according to J.D.Power, the Tesla Model S only has a reliability rating of 75 out of 100. It’s just average and may have serious problems sooner than expected.

But on a positive note, Tom Brady enjoys helping the Earth. He shares that he enjoys driving the Model S because it’s the most environmentally friendly option in his 15-car garage.

Brady shared that it’s important to be conscious about the impact we all have on this planet. There are things we can individually do to improve sustainability.

Plus, he thinks not going to the gas station is the coolest thing ever. But how much is he really helping? Does his Model S negate the pollution for private jet flights?

Lots of people could argue that there are cooler things than the lack of gas stations. For example, his Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is worth $3 million. It’s only one of the 450 models ever produced.

Other cool cars in his collection include the Rolls Royce Ghost, Aston Martin DB11, Ferrari M458-T, and Maserati GranTurismo.

May 15

Can You Trade a Car You’re Still Paying For

Many people keep their vehicles until the metaphorical wheels fall off. However, there’s also a decent bit of the car-buying public that elects to trade in their car when they want something new. The problem is that they sometimes want a new vehicle while still paying their car loan. However, you can trade in a car you still owe money on. Plus, if the resale value for your car is good, it may not be too costly.

Here’s how to do it!

Determine the value of your trade in based on the resale value of the car

Resale value is one of the aspects of a car that not everyone considers when buying. However, this will determine how easy and affordable it is to trade in a car you’re still paying for. If you’re lucky enough to have a car worth more than what you owe, you have positive equity in the car. However, you have negative equity if the opposite is true.

Drivers with negative equity in their car will need to pay the difference between what they owe and the trade-in value. This is being upside down in a car loan. According to The Washington Post, this was the case in 1 out of 5 car sales that involved a trade in 2023.

How it works

The process of trading in a car you still owe a balance on isn’t as confusing as most people may think. Buyers with positive equity will have money from the trade-in that they can apply to the cost of the new vehicle. This is why doing research and making on-time payments is necessary.

People with negative equity wanting to trade in a car will pay more over time. Of course, it’s best for these types of buyers to wait until they have paid more of their balance. However, those who need a car may be able to do what’s called rolling over the negative equity into a new car loan.

People with negative equity wanting to trade in a car will pay more over time. Of course, these buyers should wait until they have paid off more of their balance. However, those needing a vehicle may be able to roll over the previous car’s balance into a new loan, which will cost much more down the line.

Trading in a vehicle you still owe money on isn’t always the best decision. However, it is possible and the process can come in handy for some buyers.

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!