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Thursday, July 2, 2026

My Brand New Basement Smelled Like a Sewage — You’ll Never Guess What Caused It

Welcome to Domestic Disasters, where we take a look at some of your worst mess-ups and grossest finds. We take them to the experts to find out how big of a problem they are and how expensive they are to fix.

A couple of years ago, Marisa and her husband finished their basement and added a half bathroom. With four children in the house, the extra space was a relief — until recently, when a stinky odor developed. “My children started blaming one another for farting, until the smell became unbearable,” she says. “It was clear something more was wrong.”

Marisa’s husband sniffed down the offender. Inside a small closet near the bathroom, the downstairs sewage was overflowing. The submersible sewage pump had stopped working, and apparently, the alarm that should have warned them about it had also malfunctioned.

In an effort to DIY a fix, he loosened the bolts on the pump, inadvertently unleashing a sewage backup. “My husband is pretty handy, but plumbing isn’t his wheelhouse,” she says.

What They Tried

The plumber couldn’t get there until the next day, so her husband ran a wet vac, for more than an hour, collecting the spillage until it subsided. By that time, the smell had crept upstairs, engulfing the kitchen and living room. “The whole house stunk,” she says.

After inspecting the scene, the plumber informed them of the problem: a wad of baby wipes had jammed the pump motor’s impeller. “Presumably, our toddler was the culprit here, since the big kids know better,” she says.

The fix was only around $150, but it took 24 hours for the smell to subside. “And lesson learned: we no longer keep baby wipes in that bathroom!” she says.

Now the only off-putting smells in the house are actual farts from the kids. But did Marisa and her husband fix the problem the right way?

A Pro Weighs In

We spoke to some experts to learn whether Marisa and her husband handled the situation correctly, plus how to prevent such grossness from unfolding in other people’s homes. Here’s what they said, plus a little background on these pumps.

Submersible sewer pumps, aka sewage ejector pumps, raise waste from downstairs plumbing up to the level of a home’s main sewage drain line. They are common in houses with basement plumbing. “Most homeowners don’t know what a sewage ejector pump is, or think it’s the same thing as a sump pump, until it backs up,” says Mark Kay, founder and editor of SepticTankHub.

There are a number of reasons sewer pumps can fail, including jammed float switches, bad check valves, normal wear and tripped circuits, but clogged impellers are the most common.

“Many of the sewage pump failures we see come from flushing things that shouldn’t be flushed,” says master plumber Aaron Adams. “Feminine products and wipes labeled as flushable are the most notorious killers. Dental floss can also get tangled in them.”

As for the sewage pump alarm, those typically fail from electrical issues, like tripped breakers, faulty wiring or dead backup batteries.

And once a pump stops working, the problem can quickly turn dire, with sewage backing up in toilets, showers and eventually onto floors. That biohazard not only has the potential to cause health issues, it requires major remediation before mold becomes an issue.

Did the Homeowners Get it Right?

Partly. “They fought to contain the overflow, and they had a plumber out the very following day,” says Key. “That urgency really helped to contain the damage.”

But, our expert says the way they handled the overflow was dangerous. “I get the panic; when it’s flooded like that, you do what you can, but it means direct exposure to raw sewage and its gases,” says Kay. Also, floors and walls that come into contact with sewage should be cleaned by a professional water remediation company to prevent mold, says Adams.

How The Pros Would Handle It

The first step a pro would take is to block inflow into the system by shutting off the water to the whole home, then disconnecting the power to the pump at the breaker. “As soon as a pump failure is detected, all water usage should stop,” says Adams.

Next, a pro would ventilate the area before figuring out what’s wrong with the pump. Once it’s repaired, they’d test the rest of the system and recommend a water remediation company.

The Panic Meter

We rank Domestic Disasters on a four-point scale.

Do It Yourself: The easiest issues to fix. You can handle it all on your own.
Phone a Friend: This issue might require a little outside assistance.
Call a Pro: This situation warrants professional assistance.
SOS: Problems that are so dangerous, you’re directly at risk of injury or worse.

When addressed early on, sewage ejector pump issues can be DIY-able, but it can be tricky to diagnose larger issues, which means calling a pro is usually the best course of action. “If a pump is clogged with wipes and hygiene products, a homeowner could attempt to clear the debris, but this is a very messy, unsanitary job, plus the float switch needs to be carefully set to ensure proper function,” says Adams.

The Cost Differential

If you periodically test the alarm and take action to clear a clog right away, the DIY costs should run between $0 and $50. That includes basic supplies like gloves, disinfectant and a new alarm battery. If your system doesn’t have a high water alarm, having one installed one typically runs from $100 to $300.

Hiring a plumber to diagnose and clear a clog usually costs between $150 and $600. That could increase by $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on whether you need a new pump, float or other parts.

But, if the problem is neglected or ignored, costs can quickly escalate, soaring into the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars for expert sewage remediation and replacing flooring, drywall and other finishes. “The math is brutal,” says Kay. “A $20 battery and two minutes a month separates you from a five-figure cleanup.”

The Right Way to Fix Sewage Ejector Pumps

Shut off water to the house, to prevent adding to the overflow.
Cut the power to the pump at the breaker, before you touch anything wet in the basement. Also, for safety, unplug the pump motor and float switch, since some pumps are hardwired.
Ventilate the space by opening windows and running a fan to clear out sewer gas before anyone spends time there.
Use PPE, including heavy-duty rubber gloves, eye protection, an N-95 mask, pants and boots.
Vacuum up excess sewage with a wet vac.
Call a plumber.

In Marisa’s case, the plumber was able to clear the wipes from the impeller, plus inspect the float switch and check valve. “This is where the homeowners nailed the job,” says Kay. “Next-day service kept the damage contained.”

If You Choose to DIY

Protect the area around the pump with old towels or plastic.
Get a bucket ready to collect what you pull from the pump.
Disconnect the line going from the pump at the check valve.
Remove the lid of the pump basin.
Reach into the pit and lift the pump by its handle
Set the pump into the bucket, then clean out any debris. Pliers will help.
Try to turn the impeller. If it moves, that means you’ve successfully cleared it.
Remove any wipes or other debris from the pump basin.
Replace the battery on the alarm and test the alarm to make sure it triggers.
Refill the pit with clean water from a hose.
Reinstall the pump, making sure the float switch can float freely

After repairs, test the system by putting water into the basin. “Confirm the pump activates at the correct level, discharges effectively and shuts off properly,” says Joseph Wade of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “This ensures the system is fully operational, not just temporarily fixed.”

Call a Water Remediation Specialist

You might be able to safely DIY this part of the job by disinfecting everything the sewage touched, but if it reached flooring, drywall or framing, it’s time to call in a pro. “Don’t gamble with mold in a finished basement,” says Kay.

How to Prevent Submersible Sewer Pump Issues

Put only toilet paper and human waste down the drain. Never flush wipes, even if they’re labeled as “flushable.”
Test the alarm every month or two by hitting the test button or lifting the float. Replace the battery once a year.
Pour a bucket of water into the basin every few months to confirm the pump is cycling on and off cleanly.
Get the pump professionally inspected yearly, and have the basin pumped and cleaned of sediment every three to five years. “A pro inspection runs about $100–$300 and is the best-value maintenance you can buy” says Kay.
Add a battery backup or Wi-Fi smart alarm, which will text your phone if something goes wrong while you’re away.
Replace your pump before it fails. Pumps typically last seven to 10 years, or longer with good maintenance.
Check pumps more often if you have a high water table or live in a flood zone. In cold climates, ensure the discharge line and vent can’t freeze.

“Because they move waste from below the sewer line, a lot of strain can be placed on these pumps,” says Wade. “They need regular maintenance to ensure they are running efficiently.”

Also, keep an eye, ear and nose out for early signs of failure. Besides a sewage smell, those can include gurgling or slow-draining drains, water or moisture around the basin lid, strange noises coming form the pump and a pump that never runs or runs constantly.

What the Homeowner Learned

“It really does matter what you flush down the toilet!” says Marisa. “And don’t start taking things apart if you don’t know what you’re doing. While my husband didn’t cause any damage by trying to unscrew the lid on the pump, it caused whatever was already up in the pipe came rushing down, and surely made the situation worse.”

Also, Marisa recommends installing a smart sensor for extra protection. She recommends this one, which they now have.

About the Experts

Mark Kay is the founder and editor of SepticTankHub, a free, data-driven directory for homeowners to find and compare verified septic and wastewater professionals. He pens the site’s homeowner guides on pump alarms, system maintenance and how to avoid expensive backups.
Aaron Adams is a master plumber with more than 20 years of experience. He’s also CEO of Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, which serves the north Atlanta, Georgia, area.
Joseph Wade is VP of Operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, which operates in more than 300 locations across North America.

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How to Turn Your Yard Into a Refuge for Fireflies

Watching blinking fireflies on warm evenings has been a hallmark of American summers for generations. These misnomered insects (they’re actually beetles) not only give us enjoyment, but play a critical role in healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, this symbol of summer is declining in numbers, due in large part to human habits and behaviors. The good news is that we can help reverse this trend, starting in our own backyards.

Read on to learn how to make your yard safe for fireflies and how you can help encourage their survival for future generations.

Understanding Firefly Environments

There are over 100 firefly species found across most of North America, but only those east of the Rockies blink their bioluminescence on summer evenings. However, all fireflies have certain needs for food, water and shelter that are becoming more difficult to meet in our modern world.

Food: Newly hatched larvae eat voraciously as they grow and mature into adult fireflies. They rely on snails, worms and slugs primarily. “As adults, their diet varies,” Dellinger says. “Some eat nectar or pollen, some eat other firefly species and some don’t eat at all during their short adult life of about two months.”

Water: Fireflies require damp areas with moist soil and high humidity levels. Their primary food sources as larvae (snails and slugs) are found in these environments, and their soft bodies can quickly dehydrate in dry conditions.

Shelter: As they progress through the life cycle, fireflies need different shelter types. Eggs and larvae need leaf litter, fallen logs and damp, healthy soil. Adult needs differ. “Adults require varying heights of vegetation, such as native long grasses, shrubs, and trees, because different species prefer to flash from different heights (some from the ground, others perched high up),” Dellinger says.

Common Threats To Fireflies

Pesticide use, habitat loss, artificial light at night (ALAN) and climate change are all contributing to declining firefly populations.

The Impact of Outdoor Lighting

ALAN is likely the leading reason why we’re seeing fewer fireflies each summer. They need darkness to effectively use their bioluminescence, which serves a critical species function.

“Fireflies are actually beetles that ‘light up’ to attract a mate,” Dellinger says. “Outdoor lighting can interfere with this process, making it harder for the fireflies to find their mates and thereby decreasing the population of the next generation.”

Creating a Natural Firefly Habitat

Encourage fireflies to grow, mate and reproduce in your yard by employing a few simple habits.

Leave the leaves

Instead of raking up and removing all the leaves from your yard in the fall, consider letting some remain as a habitat for firefly larvae. “By leaving the leaves, or moving them to your garden beds to rest undisturbed, you’re supporting entire hidden worlds of wildlife,” Dellinger says.

Leave some woody debris

While rotting logs and sticks may be unsightly on wooded edges, they’re critical hunting grounds for firefly larvae. Leave some in place for hungry larvae to find food.

Plant in layers

Plan your landscape to include a variety of plant heights. “Grow a mix of native canopy trees like native pines, shrubs like buttonbush, and native grasses or wildflowers like switchgrass and goldenrod,” Dellinger says. “This gives them places to seek shelter and different heights to flash from.”

Reconsider manicured lawns

Plant native plants along lawn edges, especially those that border wooded areas. Native plants don’t require pesticides or fertilizers like grass does, allowing fireflies to flourish. Also, consider mowing a section of your lawn less frequently. “Female fireflies frequently sit on tall blades of grass waiting for males to flash overhead,” Dellinger suggests.

Fix your lighting

Avoid outdoor lights, especially at dusk or early evening, to allow fireflies to find each other in the darkness. If security lights are non-negotiable, switch to motion-activated lighting and use yellow bulbs, which are less disruptive to firefly mating signals.

Avoiding Pesticides

Pesticides used to prevent mosquitoes, grubs and ticks are also killing fireflies. Lawn treatments like grub killers inadvertently kill firefly larvae’s main food source, leading to fewer fireflies reaching adulthood. Tick and mosquito pesticides kill adult fireflies on contact.

Instead of pesticides, adopt integrated pest management techniques to keep pest populations down. For mosquitoes, remove standing water and plant aromatic plants like citronella instead. Apply milky spore to lawns to kill damaging grubs and add nematodes (harmless worms that feed on grubs in the soil).

FAQ

Do fireflies need water?

Fireflies must have damp, humid conditions to survive.

When are fireflies most active?

Fireflies are most active at dusk. “To see the fireflies, go outside as the sun is going down but it’s not completely dark yet,” Dellinger says. “They emerge in late spring-early summer.”

About the Experts

Julie Dellinger is a marketing director and content creator at Garden for Wildlife, a National Wildlife Federation program that promotes native gardening education.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2026

T-Mobile Forces Veteran Customers Into More Expensive Plan

Many of us have a love-hate relationship with our cell service providers. We depend on them for many of our communication needs, but we also often resent rate hikes and other inconveniences. One thing we generally count on, however, is that our plan won’t change for the duration of the contract. Apparently, this is not always the case. Thousands of T-Mobile customers just found out that their plans will be changing soon. The catch? Many of these people are currently on a T-Mobile plan that was supposed to be prevented from changing.

Is My T-Mobile Plan Changing?

According to a report by Gadget Review, the change will bump “legacy Magenta, ONE, and Simple Choice customers onto pricier 5G plans mid-July.” These plans do come with a five-year fixed price guarantee, but there’s some fine print. The Gadget Review article observes that “T-Mobile’s five-year guarantee excludes fees, which the carrier has already raised twice in one year.” Customers who are losing their old plans are looking at a price increase of up to 60% in some cases.

Is This Legal?

Many customers are already questioning the legality surrounding this change. Back in 2017, T-Mobile introduced a series of new promises for customers, including the “Un-contract.” Per their own press release, the Un-contract “notched another industry first with the first-ever price guarantee on an unlimited 4G LTE plan.” This price guarantee was supposed to be permanent. Customers on the T-Mobile ONE plan were told that they got to “keep their price until THEY decide to change it. T‑Mobile will never change the price you pay for your T‑Mobile ONE plan. When you sign up for T‑Mobile ONE, only YOU have the power to change the price you pay.”

T-Mobile isn’t the only cell provider to pull something like this. Gadget Review notes that both AT&T and Verizon have also updated their legacy plans, but adds that (unlike in T-Mobile’s case) “neither staked its entire identity on never pulling this move.” The company claims that the updated plans feature newer offerings, including 5G, but it remains to be seen if the mandatory switch will be upheld.

What Can I Do?

As of right now, there’s not yet a class action lawsuit. You’ll have to look at your bill to find out when and how it will change. If you find the new prices too high, it’s worth checking them against other cell providers, both large companies and small, to see where you can get the best rate.

Sources

T-Mobile Just Ripped 8 Million Customers Off Their Grandfathered Plans – and Raised Their Bills, Gadget Review, 2026.

The Un-carrier Goes ‘All In.’ T‑Mobile ONE Now Includes Taxes & Fees., T-Mobile, 2017.

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Need Better Sleep? Your Phone Can Double as a White Noise Machine

We know getting a good night’s sleep regularly is important for our health, but that’s not always easy to do. Temperature fluctuations, distractions, stress from the day, and more can all work to keep you up at night. While there’s some research suggesting that noise at night isn’t the best solution, many people find white noise a helpful sleep aid that consistently soothes them to sleep at night.

If that describes you, then we have good news! You don’t have to shell out for an expensive machine. Instead, you can use your phone to create white noise to help you sleep.

How to Make Your iPhone a White Noise Machine

The white noise capability is built right into iPhones operating on iOS 15 and newer. Simply go to Settings, navigate to “Accessibility,” and select “Audio and Visual.” From there, go to “Background Sounds” and toggle that setting to “On.” From there, you’ll be able to pick a few different option including white noise and an assortment of nature sounds. Adjust the volume to your liking, and you’re set!

If you’ve enabled Siri, you can ask the virtual assistant to play white noise or any of the other sounds from the menu. This way you don’t have to sift through the layers of the Settings menu to get there. But whichever method you prefer, you’ll have your white noise ready to go quickly.

Alternatives

If you don’t like the ambient noise options built into your phone, there are plenty of white noise apps on the market you can try as well. Several are free or have free options, so you can still save money going this route. Play around with a couple to see what works best for your sleep needs.

Source

How to Play White Noise on iPhone and Android Phones, Consumer Cellular, 2026.

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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Your Car’s Gas Tank Probably Has This Secret Feature You Never Noticed

For most drivers, the routine of filling up a car with a tank of gas has become muscle memory. It’s an expensive but necessary task for any daily driver, and if you asked most people, they’d probably say they have the process down to a T.

But what if I told you there’s a part of gassing up a car that many people are probably unaware of? Turns out, there’s a small but highly convenient feature hidden in plain sight on many gas tank doors— and it’s more common than you might think.

The Secret Cap Holder

Still don’t believe me? Let’s watch as TikToker Stephanie Booth shows exactly how this nifty little feature works (and where you can look for it on your own vehicle).

@stephanieboothhome Did you know your car has a gas cap holder? #carhack #lifehack #tiktokpartner #learnontiktok #carhelp ♬ Dandelions – The Young Ebenezers

As you can see, Stephanie highlights two metal brackets on the backside of her car’s fuel flap. While these might go unnoticed or ignored by many drivers, they’re actually a very intentional part of your vehicle’s design.

Most of the time, gas caps are connected to a car via a small plastic tether. Letting the gas cap hang from that tether while you fuel up might seem fine, but it’s not ideal. A hanging gas cap can bump into your car, causing scuffs in the paint, and it’s also more vulnerable to being damaged. And if that plastic tether connecting your gas cap to the car snaps, the odds you’ll end up losing it increase exponentially.

That’s why this secret cap holder exists. All you have to do is unscrew the cap and set it into the bracket. The metal will hold the cap in place, keeping it from scraping or scratching your vehicle and protecting it from any potential harm.

Another benefit is that when you put your gas cap in the holder, you won’t be able to close your gas cap if it’s still in there. That means you won’t have to worry about absentmindedly forgetting to put the cap back on your gas tank and driving away with it dangling from the side of your car— not that that’s ever happened to me, of course.

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These Car Accessories Could Be Killing Your Gas Mileage

Since the 1970s, I have only owned station wagons or SUVs, plus I do not mess with the looks of my cars. However, I am guilty of adding factory accessories that negatively affect fuel mileage, such as roof rack cross rails, mud flaps, running boards, wind deflectors, and towing packages.

All these accessories alter aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance and load-lessening MPG, but adding a little pizzazz to my cars—sort of like jewelry, giving them a polished look. And I’m not the only one.

According to Specialty the Equipment Market Association (SEMA), “U.S. consumers spent over $52 billion dollars accessorizing and modifying their vehicles” in 2024. Additionally, Research and Markets forecasts the Car Modification Market will grow to over $80 billion dollars by 2034. Custom car enthusiasts want to build something that reflects their style and taste. People customize their cars to express personality, increase performance, driving pleasure, or sometimes even to solve problems.

Unfortunately, adding accessories, even original equipment manufacturers (OEM) approved, and dealer-installed add-ons destroy gas mileage. Here, experts explain how common accessories quietly diminish MPG.

How Car Accessories Affect Fuel Economy

Manufacturers design and build cars to squeeze every mile out of a drop of gasoline to achieve maximum fuel economy. Everything from the headlights, hood, windshield angle, door handles to the antenna is mounted in such a way to increase cars’ aerodynamics.

Anything that adds drag or forces the engine to work harder eats away at MPG. For example, “JustAnswer” Auto Expert Chris Pyle, says, “Body kits and rear wings that state your car will become more aerodynamic, so you get better MPG. Actually, they grab more wind because anything that sticks out into the airflow increases drag, forcing you to apply more throttle, and making the engine work harder just to maintain the same speed as without these add-ons.”

Even glue on hood scopes causes turbulence that affects MPG.

“Mounted equipment can hinder vehicles from having a streamlined airflow over the vehicle cabin,” said Eliot Vancil at Fuel Logic LLC. Even small items such as window deflectors to deter wind buffeting or light bars affect fuel economy.

“While the effect of most add-ons is usually small, adding multiple accessories can quickly lower MPG,” said Vancil.

The Impact of Roof Racks

Because it sits in the cleanest, highest‑pressure airflow [area] on the vehicle, “even when not carrying cargo, car roof racks cause aerodynamic drag and reduce your gas mileage,” said Vancil. Even though I am a fan of roof racks, the increased head-on mass creates turbulence over the roof, forcing the engine to work harder to maintain speed, especially above 55 MPH.

To enhance my 1978 Pontiac LeMans station wagon, I added a factory rear wind deflector, even though I knew it would cut the fuel economy by one MPG. Added Vancil, “Roof racks can reduce fuel economy up to five MPG.” He suggests removing the crossbars when you are not using them. Always observe the roof rack’s weight limits and properly tie down the load.

Lift Kits and Vehicle Modifications

By raising the suspension, lift kits expose the body’s undercarriage, which creates more underbody turbulence. “If the vehicle frame geometry is changed due to a modification, the altered suspension [angles] increases rolling resistance and rotational mass,” said Vancil. Why do you think racing cars are so low to the ground? Being lower reduces air flow under the car, lowering turbulence and drag while increasing stability at high speed.

Even a small two-inch lift can result in one to three MPG loss. An aggressive off‑road modification [that includes heavier tires and added components] can result in a 20 percent MPG loss. Driving with the tailgate down doesn’t help improve fuel mileage either.

Heavy Aftermarket Accessories

Although they add visual appeal, as well as functionality, a custom truck bed storage system can weigh between 200 and 250 pounds, empty. Other weighty items, such as steel (chrome) bumpers, winches, skid plates, rock sliders, rollbars, cab covers, bull bars or cargo organizers all increase a vehicle’s weight.

Adding significant weight hurts fuel economy, particularly during city stop‑and‑go driving. “Every extra 100 pounds will lower MPG by one to two percent, or more,” said Pyle. He added, a full coverage package that protects the engine, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank of “off‑road armor easily can add 200 to 400 pounds [additional weight] before you even load gear.”

The added weight forces your engine to work harder, which means you’ll need to push the throttle harder [using more gas] to reach and hold the same speed you’d get without the added accessories. Like racing cars, less weight equals more speed with better fuel economy.

FAQ

Are larger tires always worse for fuel economy?

It depends. Yes, heavier wheels coupled with larger tires are almost always worse for fuel economy. Larger tires increase rotational mass, rolling resistance, and often have more aggressive tread, which reduces MPG. The biggest MPG losses come from wider, heavier, or off-road pattern tires. “A wider tread requires a greater amount of power to keep it moving at highway speed, potentially increasing fuel usage 10 percent,” said Vanci.

Although some factory wheels may lack visual appeal, OEM wheel designs are made to help achieve greater efficiency and safety. On the other hand, if tires with an overall larger diameter made from low rolling resistance compounds and are fitted correctly (called tire fitment—a tricky set of calculations that do not affect the delicate balance between tire performance and safety), this can increase MPG.

Is a hitch-mounted cargo carrier more efficient than a roof box?

Although a hitch-mounted cargo carrier may lower MPG up to two percent, a hitch-mounted cargo carrier is practically always more efficient than a roof box. Depending on the speed, size and shape of the roof box, expect to see a 10 to 25 percent MPG drop. Even modern aerodynamic rooftop cargo shells can cause up to a five MPG loss. A hitch carrier sits in the vehicle’s aerodynamic slipstream, causing minimal drag.

“A roof box is a large, blunt obstruction that just grabs more wind, causing resistance,” said Pyle. “Mounted equipment hampers vehicles from maintaining a smooth, streamlined airflow over the vehicle.”

About the Experts

Chris “Moose” Pyle is a master-certified technician with 20-plus years of automotive experience. He has also worked as an expert for JustAnswer since 2006, where he answered hundreds of car maintenance and repair questions a day. (Electronic communications June 16, 2026)

Eliot Vancil is CEO of Fuel Logic LLC, a Dallas, Texas-based company specializing in comprehensive fuel management solutions, including delivery of various diesel types and gasoline nationwide. (Electronic communications June 16, 2026)

Resources

Steve Haney, Corporate Technical Trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket (June 16, 2026)

Jim DeLeo, Northeast Division Manager at Hunter Engineering Company (June 17, 2026)

Bodyshop Business: “SEMA Releases New Market Report on Consumer Trends in Aftermarket” (Published July 1, 2025)

Car and Driver: “Decked Drawers Pickup Truck Bed Storage System” (Aug 2024)

Research and Markets: “Car Modification Market Outlook 2025-2034: Market Share, and Growth Analysis By Type (Overall Modification, Local Modification), By Category (Performance, Cosmetic), By Vehicle, By Sales Channel Type” (Published Aug 2025)

U.S. Department of Energy: “Find and Compare Cars Fuel Information” (May 13, 2025)

U.S. Department of Energy: “Many Factors Affect MPG” (June 17, 2026)

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Bad Driving Habits Put You at Risk— So We Asked Experts How to Counter Them

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Traffic crashes are a leading cause of death—especially for teens.” It is a given that you take a risk every time you get behind the wheel. That risk becomes exponentially greater due to drivers’ age (young and older) and experience, adding to the driving risks already present on dangerous roadways and to poor decisions made while driving.

I consulted with experts, reviewed studies and spoke with a PennDoT-certified driver’s education instructor on strategies new and veteran drivers can employ to dramatically reduce the risk of a crash. Here’s what you need to know.

Driving Can Be a Risky Business

There are a number of behaviors that contribute to accidents, especially when teens are involved. That is why insurance premiums start high for young drivers, drop in middle age, then rise again for seniors. These include:

Speeding

Unfortunately, posted speed limits have become more of a suggestion than a rule of the road. Driving too fast for conditions, even with traffic enforcement cameras watching, is one of the top three critical errors in crashes. As reported in the Journal of Safety Research, “drivers also face greater difficulty when it comes to vehicle control and hazard [accident] avoidance behavior, as they tend to have more loss of control and run-off-road crashes.”

Seat belts

Injury Facts (NSC) analysis of NHTSA and Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data show that 49.2 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2023 were unrestrained, with similar proportions in 2020 to 2022. And when it comes to teens, a demographic that The Omega Law Group found to consistently use seat belts less than adults, that number is higher. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that in 2023, 53 percent of teen passengers killed in accidents in cars driven by another teen were unbuckled.

Teen passengers

According to NHTSA, “a teenage driver was two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer compared to when driving alone” or with an adult. Peer pressure and distractions increase the possibility of a crash with each additional teen passenger, even if the teen passenger is a sibling.

Impaired driving

Statistically, younger drivers are less likely than adults to drive after drinking alcohol. However, their crash risk increases substantially when they do; even with low and moderate blood alcohol levels,” reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Other research shows even small amounts of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs—including prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs—impair judgment, slow reaction times, greatly raising driver crash risks.

Personality traits

Drivers are especially vulnerable to strong emotional influences in social and driving situations—such as road rage—compelling them to take unnecessary risks that can quickly lead to reckless, deadly decisions. As Ronald E. Dahl M.D. explained, self-control abilities seem to develop slowly across adolescence and continue to “mature throughout our lifetime.”

Experience, or Lack Thereof…

Both experienced and inexperienced drivers lack the familiarity to recognize road hazards or respond appropriately to new, unexpected driving situations. The best approach for lowering possible crash conditions is for drivers to develop critical skills in lower-risk conditions that benefit them when driving in high-risk, unfamiliar situations.

What drivers don’t see can hurt them (or others)

Instead of continually visually scanning the entire roadway for turning locations, road signage, other vehicles, and road conditions, “most drivers don’t look ten feet past the hood,” Norman said. “Poor judgment, critical errors such as not fully observing or grasping the situation, misjudging distances, or overcorrecting are common errors any driver can make which contribute to higher accident rates,” said Erin Kemp, Research Strategist at Bumper.com. “Among crashes attributed to driver error, 21 percent were due to a lack of scanning that is needed to detect and respond to hazards.”

A recent data review by Pegasus Legal Capital, LLC. shows that “young adults aged 16 to 24 accounted for 6,693 deaths in 2023…with nighttime driving being especially deadly, with 57 percent of crash deaths occurring after dark.”

Lane changes, parking, backing up/reversing, pulling away from a curb, merging onto or exiting a highway safely all begin with using your eyes and mirrors, giving drivers plenty of time to act. However, an older study by Ronald Mourant ph.D., and Ronald Rodney found drivers “concentrated their eye fixations in a smaller area, sampled their mirrors less frequently and made fewer eye movements [when pulling away from a curb, merging onto or exiting a highway driving] than when driving.”

Pickup trucks

A pickup truck’s size and distinctive handling characteristics increase crash risk factors. Further analysis of the Pegasus analysis shows that “pickup trucks often create dangerous blind spots because of their tall, wide hoods, which can hide pedestrians (particularly small children) directly in front of the vehicle.”

These blind zones can extend 10 to 15 feet in front of a pickup, making it more difficult for a driver, particularly new teen drivers, to see pedestrians as they enter an intersection or when making left turns. Moreover, pickup trucks, because they are heavier, have longer stopping distances, and have higher centers of gravity makes them more likely to rollover when speeding, or driving on poor roads or weather conditions.

Tailgating

Tailgating is consistently identified across federal and independent datasets as one of the most common driver behaviors leading to rear‑end collisions. According to Youth.gov, “drivers do not always realize the consequences of their actions and are more likely to take risks such as tailgating.” Data show inexperienced new drivers are more likely to tailgate and be involved in rear-end crashes than experienced drivers.

Distractions Can Be Deadly

Distractions are any action that causes a driver to take their eyes, hands, or mind off driving. They are often chiefly external, such as phones or passengers. Behaviors, on the other hand, are the actions a driver makes in response to those distractions.

Teens are more susceptible to distractions because their youth and inexperience both magnify the impact of even the smallest distraction. “Although they account for a smaller share of licensed drivers, teens are disproportionately involved in fatal crashes, particularly those linked to speeding and distraction,” said Robin Saghian from Omega Law Group.

Cell phones/texting

Driving while on the phone creates tremendous distractions and has become the greatest cause of deadly car crashes. A new study by Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys found phone and texting use was the cause of more than 3,200 deadly crashes in 2022, accounting for roughly 12 percent of all fatalities on U.S. roads.

Distractions inside a vehicle

Using a navigation system, adjusting music or climate controls, reading or interacting with in‑car touch screens.
Eating and drinking.
Grooming: putting on makeup, combing your hair, or yes, shaving.
Smoking.
Adjusting mirrors, seat position, or dashboard controls.
Peer pressure or showing off for friends.

Distractions from outside a vehicle

Looking at crash scenes (A.K.A. “rubbernecking”)
Looking at roadside events, construction, or billboards
Sightseeing, looking at people, cars or objects outside the car that interest you.
Weather conditions.

Other distractions

Daydreaming, not paying attention to the road or being “zoned out.”
Driving with strong emotions keeps focus off of driving.
Loss of mindfulness if driving when upset or stressed.
Lack of concentration.

Strategies to Combat These Risks

If you expect drivers to adopt safe driving behaviors and routines, “The best and most important way [to have drivers follow these behaviors] is to model them yourself,” said certified driver’s education instructor, Steven Norman. Whether driving too fast, talking on the phone, or having a conversation with a passenger, “new drivers adopt the habits they observe from their parents,” added Norman. To reduce the likelihood of speeding, and used in a helpful, supportive manner, consider installing a real-time speed monitor.

It’s also important for parents to help newly licensed teens become experienced drivers by continuing to ride along as passengers in challenging situations, such as driving in heavy traffic or at night. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) notes, “Parents may also want to consider drafting a parent-teen driving agreement and carefully monitor driving progress, only increasing driving privileges when teens demonstrate maturity and skill.”

An agreement emphasizes responsibility and safety. It avoids seeming strict while still being firm and clear that consequences are part of a system designed for teen drivers to follow road rules. Also, if you feel it’s necessary, be prepared to take away driving privileges or provide additional training to improve driving skills.

Crash data shows experience alone doesn’t eliminate risk. While experienced drivers may not have lost their skills, they can become overconfident, lessening their vigilance and decreasing reaction times. The best strategy to avoid tendencies that lead to an accident? Go back to following driving fundamentals:

Pay attention at all times.
Increase the distance between you and other cars.
Slow down.
Pull over when you’re tired or drowsy and be cognizant of “invisible fatigue.”

“Practice situational awareness by anticipating braking in heavy traffic, slowing down when driving at night, in bad weather, or school and construction zones,” recommends Norman.

Experts

Erin Kemp is the consumer advocate at Bumper.com. She has extensive knowledge of automobiles, combined with my undying passion to make car ownership and maintenance more approachable. Her main strengths are the practical and cost-saving pointers that make her an indispensable guide for car owners and travelers. Erin has been featured in automotive-focused articles in publications, including, Jalopnik, GoBankingRates, and USA Today. (Phone interview Oct 30, 2025)

Robin Saghian, a California personal injury attorney and founding partner of Omega Law Group, is a recognized authority on roadway safety and motor vehicle accidents. His experience representing crash victims and deep understanding of driver behavior make him a trusted voice on teen driving safety. (Electronic communication Nov 5, 2025)

Steven Norman, M.Ed., is a certified Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and PennDOT certified behind the wheel driving instructor and driver’s license examiner currently teaching elementary physical education at Manavon Elementary School in the Phoenixville Area School District. In addition to his 15 years teaching driver’s education, Steven holds his PDE K-12 Principal, Curriculum and Instructional and Supervision Certificates. (Email interview, electronic communication Nov 8, 2025)