At The Truck Junction, we pride ourselves on the performance-oriented and highly capable vehicles we sell. But we’re also aware that these categories come second when compared to the importance of safety and the habits of a responsible driver. This April coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and we’re here to do our part to bring many of these issues to the forefront and shed some light upon them.

Frightening Statistics

Last year, there were over 31,000 deaths in the United States alone due to drivers being distracted by texting while operating a motor vehicle. This number is not only frightening, but it’s also steadily increasing as more and more drivers are paying less attention to their surroundings and the road ahead of them. But it’s not just texting, it’s using a cell phone in an attempt at multitasking that can end up being fatal.

The Dangers of Cell Phone Use

Now more than ever, cell phone use is a part of daily life that many have difficulty separating themselves from. These are three contributing factors that have a direct correlation to the rise in vehicular accidents and fatalities.

• Use of a phone while driving limits both visibility and awareness by a large amount. Someone checking a text message while traveling on the highway is extremely foolish and dangerous. The NHTSA estimates that the checking of a message while traveling at 55 MPH is equivalent to driving the length of a football field while blindfolded.
• Because it takes dexterity to operate a phone, this hinders reaction time while driving.
• Texting and calling require a thought process that forces your concentration to stray from the road.

Other Deadly Distractions

While the use of a phone has led to a rise in accidents, it’s not the sole cause. A recent study found that these are also contributing factors to drivers becoming distracted while on the road.

• Eating & Drinking
• Adjusting your car’s GPS
• Adjusting the radio or stereo system
• Interacting with pets and passengers in a way that forces you to take concentration away from the road or your surroundings.

Distraction Prevention

Preventing yourself from being distracted is easier than you might think. If you’re traveling a short distance, turn off your phone or leave it in your pocket. Many modern vehicles have available driving assistance features that rely on sensors to detect sudden changes in traffic patterns. While these will certainly help, they don’t replace the habits of a safe and responsible driver.

Trust us, that text message or phone call can wait.

Staying safe on the road is the most important aspect of driving. For vehicles that have the latest and greatest safety and driving assistance features, check The Truck Junction. You can find us located at 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota. Stop by today!

Let’s face it—mistakes happen. Many times, we find ourselves embarrassed by them, but it’s important that they can occur to anyone and everyone. That’s right, mistakes are the great social equalizer that unites the social classes. While that analogy might be a bit of a stretch, it’s no more unbelievable than filling your gasoline-powered truck with diesel fuel. But, this happens, and it happens more often than you might think. So, what happens if you make this mistake? Well, we’re here to find out.

The Difference Between Diesel and Gasoline

Not all fossil fuels are alike. While you might have noticed that diesel fuel is right next to the 87 octane and unleaded at most gas pumps, there’s a great deal of difference that separates the two. Gasoline is refined a great deal and has a consistency that’s closer relation to water. (Though drinking it can be fatal.) Diesel fuel has a much thicker consistency. Diesel engines are built very differently than ones powered by gasoline. As a result, gasoline engines cannot run on diesel fuel, and attempting to do so will result in your vehicle stalling out.

What Do I Do If I Accidentally Put Diesel Fuel into My Engine?

First, don’t panic. Mistakes can be made but they can also be rectified. Here’s a step-by-step procedure if you happen to make this mistake, that while uncommon, is possible.

• Do NOT Drive Your Vehicle We cannot stress this enough. Driving with diesel in your gasoline-powered engine isn’t the same as driving with a flat tire to the gas station to throw a spare on. Even the smallest amount can cause extensive damage, so turn your car off and don’t entertain the idea for a moment.
• Take Note of How Much You Put into Your Vehicle Before you do anything else, take note of how much diesel fuel was pumped into your tank. Check the meter reading at the pump, or talk to the clerk inside and get a written receipt. Knowing how much is in your vehicle will allow a mechanic to determine how much potential damage there might be.
• Call a Mechanic ASAP While any mechanic might find this situation somewhat comical, their job is to assist their customers. In the event of diesel is pumped into a gas tank, this means having it properly drained. While this might be a costly endeavor, it’s better than having a vehicle with irreparable damage that you won’t be able to drive again.

No Junk at The Truck Junction

There are trucks that are powered by diesel and some by gasoline. You’ll find both at The Truck Junction, and no junk in sight. For directions, inventory, and much more, visit our website, and to see us in person, cruise on over to 4791 Clark Road in Sarasota. Just be sure to put the right type of fuel in!