Cell Phones and Driving Do Not Mix
Cell phones may be convenient, but they are a huge distraction when you’re behind the wheel. The problem is that cell phone distractions are becoming more and more socially acceptable. Making the conscious decision to never talk on a cell phone while driving is an effort many are just not willing to make.
An accident caused by someone talking on a phone while driving can quickly become the case of a personal injury lawyer. Chicago is a busy town, and cell phone accidents are common. Usually, these accidents could have been avoided if the driver only put the phone down and paid attention to the road.
Even with the development of car speakerphones and handsets, talking on a cell phone can still be considerably dangerous. There is a limit to how much information the human mind can process. Add cell phones to the mix, and you distract your attention away from the road. If your mind isn’t on the road in front of you, you can quickly lose control that results in a tragic accident.
The dangers of talking on cell phones while driving have been overshadowed by the more sinister development of “texting while driving,” but they still remain. The act of having a conversation while manipulating digital technology can be cumbersome and distracting, taking your eyes away from your driving before you realize it.
In fact, recent studies have shown that 20-year-olds who talk on cell phones while driving have a slower driving reaction time than someone 30 years their senior. When you are driving a car, your mind needs to be on the road in front of you so your reaction times are primed and ready.
States across the nation have instituted various laws regulating the use of cell phones while driving, and these statutes can vary according to region. Ignorance of such regulations is no excuse and can result in an expensive citation.
If you’ve been injured by someone driving while they’re talking on a cell phone, call a personal injury lawyer. Chicago has numerous options, including some that only collect their fee if you win your case. Successful lawsuits assist change the world for the better by encouraging people to put the cell phone down and pay attention to their driving. The more successful settlements that happen as a result of such lawsuits, the less socially acceptable talking on a cell phone while driving will be.
Shall I Fix This Now?
I recently had some car trouble that could have set me back thousands more dollars than it did had I not taken time to research my repair options. Knowing the severity of any car problem and getting advice from an independent mechanic can be a real lifesaver. In my case, I learned that the transmission in my Ford Explorer had a leak in it. But whereas my mechanic told me that I would have to replace it, I learned from my research that leaks like the type mine had could be patched up to keep transmission fluid from leaking everywhere.
From talking to a Ford transmission expert, I learned that many transmission leaks can be repaired with either scrap metal or synthetic bonding materials that can handle the high heat of the engine. I also learned good tips for preventing needing a transmission changed, most of which have to with how you use the transmission's gears.
First, it is important to never tow over capacity. Doing so strains the engine, which in turn will strain the transmission, which will have to work harder than it is built to in order to keep up with the engine's revolutions. This will cause tremendous friction and heat inside the transmission that will oxidize the otherwise lubricant transmission fluid, causing it to leave residue on moving parts and make them sticky, continuing the cycle of friction.
Second, only change from or to Park, Reverse, and Drive from a stop. Putting the car into park, for instance, while you're still rolling, will put incredible strain on an automatic Ford transmission especially because there is no clutch to keep internal parts from abrading against one another as the parking gear makes contact with the output shaft. Don't overwork the transmission by abusing the speed-torque conversion either; that is, don't red line your low gears for extended periods of times, which can overheat the transmission fluid and cause stress on moving parts in addition to creating buildup inside.
Third, keep transmission fluid levels topped off at all times with the brand of fluid your car manufacturer recommends, and change the fluid as per your car's instructions. Most people don't change their transmission fluid often enough.
Last, if the transmission in your Ford does break as the one in my Escape did, consider a rebuilt transmission. When provided by a reputable dealer, they will be practically is good as new and generally cost a small fraction of the price.