GeekSugar

Free iPhone Apps to Use on Your Weekend Road Trip

GeekSugar — Sun, 29 May 2011 03:11:24 PDT

I'm heading on a road trip south to LA this weekend, so it's time to stock my phone with must-have apps for my time on the road. Here, four can't-miss and free apps to help you out on any road trip - food, fuel, traffic, and tunes, we have you covered!
Please remember to drive safely - no app using while behind the wheel!

Avoid Traffic With Google's Latest Maps Update For Android

Kristen Hawley — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:45:44 PST

If you're on the go, using a smartphone to navigate a road trip or long drive puts you at a serious advantage. There are plenty of apps to track traffic and apps to help you on a road trip. Now, the latest update to Google Maps for Android will navigate you around traffic, finding the fastest route from point A to point B.

Previously, the app found the fastest route based on distance and expected traffic but didn't take real-time traffic into consideration, which could lead to a whole lot of frustration and wasted time if you hit an unexpected backup. Now, historical and real-time traffic results are both considered when displaying a route. According to Google, 35 million miles are guided by Google Maps Navigation every day, so this latest change could equal hours saved by drivers.

Starting today, Google Maps will automatically default to this new "fastest route" but will continue to offer alternate options, too.

When Can a Child Let Go of Mom's Hand While Crossing the Street?

Heather Maddan — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:00:00 PST

Crossing the street on one's own is a major milestone. But before children ever set out on the pedestrian path alone, a parent has to loosen their grip. At some point, mom or dad decides a tot is mature enough to walk next to them rather than hand in hand. The decision to take this step often comes with an incredible trust that the youngster will listen to directions and won't dart out into traffic. When did you allow your kiddo to do this?

How-to Track Traffic on the Go With Your Cell

GeekSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:50:08 PDT

It isn't a pretty picture: you're stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic cursing out the cars in front of you for clogging up the road. Instead of yelling at your fellow commuters, whip out your fancy phone for easy access to mobile maps that will offer alternate routes, drive time projections and apps that will tell you how long it's really gonna be.

Get Real-Time Traffic Info With the Traffic.com

GeekSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:20:00 PDT

From the same people who brought us the helpful Where iPhone app comes this must-have app - Traffic.com.

Traffic.com provides color-coded traffic maps, accident, and construction info, and informs you of traffic jams or severe delays. You can even save your regular routes to see what's happening on particular roads then sync and save these routes to the Traffic.com website. All this, and it doesn't even cost you a penny.

The Traffic.com app is now available in the iTunes app store and can be downloaded from here.

To watch a demo of the app in action, just

Eleven-Year-Old Takes the Law Into His Own Hands

LilSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:00:33 PDT

There's a lil man of the law in Louisville, KY. Aspiring police officer, Landon Wilburn, took matters into his own hands when he noticed how many drivers were speeding through his neighborhood. To protect the children at play, the young man who has three younger brothers, began tracking the speed of cars passing by. One report said:

About a month ago, he put on an orange safety vest, took a battery-powered flashlight with a built-in siren, and along with his radar gun, he hit the road.

As a result, when drivers see Landon, they hit their brakes.

Track Traffic With a New Facebook App!

GeekSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:11:45 PDT

I can't say I utilize many Facebook applications . . . I guess you can blame it on the fact that the hotness rating ones got a little nauseating?! But I do love tools and applications that make your life easier, like this Facebook traffic cam aggregator app called TrafficLand.

With this new application, you'll be able to check out live images from local traffic cams, so you know exactly how much traffic there is.

And if you aren't a Facebook user, you can always use Google Maps to predict traffic conditions for you!

Source

Give Your Car a Health Makeover

FitSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:30:00 PDT

Nothing is worse than being stuck in your car after work during rush hour. This is precious time that can really end up being a buzz kill to any after work health endeavors. So in an effort to health proof your car, here are some "dos and don'ts" when giving your car a healthy makeover:

DO: Have a new container of water with you -- I have my Sigg with me everywhere I go.
DON'T: Keep an open bottle of water in the car -- This can be a breeding ground for all sorts of germs and not to mention the fact that bottled water is bad for the environment.
DO: Keep a bag or container of nuts (or even an energy bar if it's not too hot) in the glove compartment.
DON'T: Keep candy bars, or any other kind of junk food you'll be tempted to splurge on while sitting in traffic.
DO: Keep your gym clothes in the trunk, ready to go so you can head straight to the gym.
DON'T: Plan on going home first to get your gear -- Think about it: An hour in traffic, then home, then back out to the gym... I don't think so.
DO: Keep some music in you car that is a sure way to pump you up.
DON'T: Sit there in silence (or listen to slow music) -- You'd be amazed how easy you can talk yourself out of going to the gym while sitting in an hour of traffic.
(*For those trying to quit smoking)
DO: Keep a pack of sugar free gum or hard candy in the car.
DON'T: Keep any cigarettes in your car, ever!

Source

High School Kids Are Annoying

GiggleSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 09:25:04 PDT

A class of juniors got together during a passing period and used an underground tunnel to completely stop traffic. It's amazing these kids were able to get their sh*t together to pull this kind of prank off, but where were their teachers during all this? And if this is any indication of how students spend their time at school these days, then I completely understand why U.S. American teenagers can't answer questions about the Iraq and everywhere like such as.

The How-To Lounge: Staying Occupied While Stuck in Traffic

DearSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:21:49 PDT

August is the busiest month of the summer when it comes to traveling. Now that airport delays are at record highs, many people are hitting the open road - but with so many people having the same idea, you have to deal with traffic. If you're anything like me, you loathe the slow crawl so here are some tips to keep you sane behind the wheel.

Getting in the right state of mind is key. If you're heading out of town for the weekend, especially a holiday weekend, come to terms with the fact that you're most probably going to hit traffic - there's just nothing you can do about it
Come prepared. Make sure you have snacks, water, gum, good music, DVD's for your kids, and a map. There's nothing worse than getting lost - it will only add more time in the car
Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers. If you're traveling with other people, some might like it warm whereas some might like it cool, so dress for both temperatures
Bring back the good old car games from when you were a kid. They may sound stupid now, but they pass the time. "Would you rather" is one of my all time favorite games to play no matter where I am
If you're really antsy, offer to drive - you can't be bored when you're concentrating on the road ahead

I hope these tips help and drive safely!

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