New Study Reveals Link Between Drivers Who Speed and Use Their Phone While Driving
A new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study analyzed telematics data from insurance‑company apps to examine the relationship between speeding and smartphone use while driving. The analysis covered trips of at least 18 minutes, using GPS to detect speed violations and gyroscope data to identify phone interaction. Results show a 12% rise in phone use for every 5 mph over the limit on limited‑access highways, and a 3% rise on other roads. Higher posted speed limits further magnify the phone‑use increase.
Why Some Stop Signs Have Small Holes — And What Drivers Should Know
Engineers intentionally perforate some stop signs to let air flow through, reducing wind pressure on the sign and its mounting hardware. Studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information show that these holes improve wind‑load resistance and can lower the...
Smart Meters Explained: Will They Raise or Lower Your Energy Costs?
Smart meters are digital devices that record household electricity use in near‑real time and automatically send the data to utilities. Major U.S. utilities such as PG&E, Duke Energy, Southern Company and Xcel Energy are rolling out the technology to cut...
Lifted Pickup Flattens Lamborghini— Are Oversized Trucks Getting Out of Hand?
A viral video of a lifted Silverado crushing a $250,000 Lamborghini has reignited debate over the safety of oversized trucks and SUVs. Consumer Reports found that modern SUVs provide 58% less forward visibility than models from 1997, and Moneywise reports...
Don’t Panic — Here’s Why Your Car Ticks When It’s Cooling Down
Car ticking noises are usually harmless thermal contractions that occur when metal components, especially the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter, cool after the engine is shut off. The phenomenon, known as slip‑stick friction, creates short, audible clicks as metals contract...
How Homeowners Are Funding Renovations Amid Rising Costs and Sinking Budgets
Houzz’s 2026 Renovation Trends survey shows 54% of U.S. homeowners are still undertaking remodels, with median project costs steady around $20,000. High‑end spending is climbing, reaching $150,000 for the 90th‑percentile—a 7% jump from 2024. Homeowners are tightening budgets, lowering the...
Smart Ways to Save Water During a Drought Warning
Rising water bills—up 24% since 2019—and drought restrictions have pushed homeowners to seek easy conservation methods. Experts highlight that simple habits like turning off the tap while brushing or timing showers, combined with quick fixes such as repairing leaks (often...
How Will Rising Gas Prices Impact My Electricity Bill?
Rising natural‑gas prices are pushing wholesale electricity costs higher, which will translate into roughly a 4% increase in average residential electricity rates in 2026. Natural gas fuels about 41% of U.S. power generation, so its 10.9% year‑over‑year price jump directly...
Domestic Disasters: That Awful Shower Drain Smell Has a Surprising Culprit
Homeowners Tim and Kathy in Atlanta discovered that medicated dandruff shampoo was creating a sulfur‑like odor in their shower drain. The residue from surfactants, oils, and selenium‑based actives builds a biofilm that fuels anaerobic bacteria, producing the foul smell. Plumbers...
Is Your Car Allergic to Pollen, Too? How to Deal With Pollen On and In Your Car
Pollen isn’t just a nuisance for allergy sufferers; it can degrade a vehicle’s paint, clog engine and cabin air filters, and even lower fuel efficiency. Experts explain that wet pollen turns acidic, acting like fine sandpaper on clear coats and...
How to Keep Your Home Warm and Your Energy Bill Lower This Winter
Rising winter energy costs are prompting homeowners to adopt practical measures that keep homes warm while trimming utility bills. The article outlines a series of low‑cost actions—such as sealing drafts, installing programmable thermostats, boosting attic insulation, and using heavy curtains—that...
This 2-Ingredient Carpet Deodorizer Makes My House Smell Like a Hotel
A DIY carpet deodorizer made from one cup of baking soda and 10‑20 drops of essential or fragrance oil can freshen a home in minutes, delivering a boutique‑hotel aroma. The mixture neutralizes acidic odor molecules from pets, sweat, and mold,...
You Have Options If You Can’t Make Your Mortgage Payment – What to Know
Mortgage delinquencies surged 30% in 2026, reflecting job losses, inflation and other hardships. Lenders, including loanDepot, urge borrowers to notify servicers early, unlocking forbearance, payment plans, deferrals and loan modifications. Federal programs such as the Homeowners Assistance Fund remain available...
Looking for a Sidewalk Sofa? Best U.S. Cities for Free Furniture Finds
Lighting company Pooky analyzed landfill tonnage, renter rates, and online search data across 25 populous states to rank the U.S. cities most likely to yield free furniture. The study identified Las Vegas, Denver, Boston, Washington D.C., Houston, San Jose, Nashville, Seattle, San Diego and...
5 Inexpensive Ways to Get Pro-Level Textured Walls
Design experts outline five budget‑friendly methods to achieve pro‑level textured walls without a full remodel. Options include peel‑and‑stick wallpaper from brands like Serena & Lily, repurposing picture frames as faux paneling, adding dimensional wall art, installing prefabricated paneling kits priced...