Cell phones are a distraction – period

Cell phone usage while driving is distracting, whether the driver is using a hands-free device or not. A report from the National Safety Council references more than 30 scientific studies and reports describing how using a cell phone – hands-free or handheld – requires the brain to multitask, a process it cannot do safely while driving. The paper describes how drivers who use cell phones have a tendency to “look at” but not “see” up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment. A form of inattention blindness occurs, which results in drivers having difficulty monitoring their surroundings, seeking and identifying potential hazards, and responding to unexpected situations, according to the National Safety Council. The Council estimates that more than one out of every four motor vehicle crashes involve cell phone use at the time of the crash.

Electric vehicles need energy management at home
Adding an electric vehicle to a household can double home energy consumption while the vehicle is charging, according to Microsoft and Ford. The companies announced they are teaming up to implement the Microsoft Hohm™ energy management application for Ford’s electric vehicles, beginning next year with the Focus Electric. Hohm is said to help owners determine when and how to most efficiently and affordably recharge battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It is designed to also help utility companies manage the added demands of electric vehicles on the electric grid. Ford plans to put five new electrified vehicles on the road in North America and Europe by 2013.

Car prices make a comeback
Vehicle prices have been increasing in recent months after several years of stagnation, despite the discount programs that car companies have been offering, according to Forbes.com. The average selling price for a typically equipped new vehicle in January 2010 was $29,404, up from an average of about $28,100 for the same month during the previous three years. Forbes listed 10 cars that have gotten more expensive: Ford Taurus (average selling price increased $6,200, or nearly 25 percent, after the 2010 redesign); Hyundai Tucson (now sells for an average $25,602, up 21.5 percent over the 2009 model), Lincoln MKZ (at $38,562, the average 2010 MKZ now sells for 20 percent more than its predecessor); Mercedes R-Class (now sells for an average $55,467, up 24.5 percent); Chevrolet Suburban (now sells for an average $51,383, up 21 percent over the 2009 model); Toyota FJ Cruiser (selling for an average $29,322, up 19 percent over the 2009 model); Buick Lacrosse (selling for $32,521, up almost 18 percent over 2009); Cadillac STS ($49,106, up $3,770 from 2009); Mercury Mariner (average price $28,877, about $4,000 more than 2009); and the Mercury Mountaineer (with an average price of $36,131, or about $5,500 more than the 2009 model).