MORE TIPS FROM NHTSA

WRECK-LESS DRIVING ©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

MORE TIPS FROM NHTSA
*Do you sometimes miss a sign?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says, "Scan the road for signs and signals. Drive familiar roads. Make sure you know signs by their shape and what the standard symbols mean."
*Are Roads getting too confusing?
NHTSA says, "Drive during non-rush hours whenever possible."
*Are gaps in traffic harder to judge?
"Don't feel pressured into making a turn or passing until you're sure you can do it safely."
*Do you take medicine?
"If you are taking any medicine, even non-prescription drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it might affect your driving." Remember, also, that both street drugs and alcohol affect judgment and physical agility. When or if you use them don't drive.
*Is it tough to make sharp turns?
"Go as slowly as necessary to stay in your lane when turning. Use your turn signal, and make sure it is off after you complete your turn".
GHD86 all rights reserved. wellnessebooks.com/ebookstore.asp

OTHER DRIVERS TOO FAST

WRECK-LESS DRIVING ©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

OTHER DRIVERS TOO FAST
OKAWAHA, FL.: Driving the major highways scares Juliett R. because so many other vehicles are moving much too fast. They take chances passing her or harass her with horns, flashing lights and hand signals if they cannot pass. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has this to offer Juliett and others: "Drive the speed limit. Don't drive too slowly. This is unsafe! Drive in the right lanes whenever possible".

Additionally, Juliett, do not return the road rage with similar signals, especially insulting ones. These too fast drivers are dangerous enough without giving them cause to retaliate physically. In most places the traffic police give fast drivers a few miles benefit of the doubt. So you might want to keep your speed up with the majority of vehicles (not the fastest ones). If you feel unsafe doing this try to drive these roads at times other than local rush hours.
As an aside, across the country police officers tell us that the more speed citations are given now to young women about age 25 to 35. One analyst thinks this may be due to the equal pay laws which permit these young ladies to purchase the same fast sport cars previously affordable only by the young men.

There is no doubt that the once small underpowered cars have been "improved" and are now capable of moving much more quickly. A large portion of the driving public enjoys speeds faster than the law allows, whether in small or large vehicles. Please remember, SPEED (both kinds) KILLS! When we speed just for the fun of it rather than because of some (usually imagined) necessity we are tempting the fickle finger of fate.
GHD85 all rights reserved. wellnessebooks.com/ebookstore.asp

CARS APPEAR SUDDENLY

WRECK-LESS DRIVING ©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

CARS APPEAR SUDDENLY
BURR HILL, VA.: George Z. observes that vehicles appear before him so suddenly that he feels in continual danger while driving or as a passenger. He no longer drives if he can get to his destination by some safer means.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has this to offer for better safety: "Be on the lookout for other cars. Make sure mirrors are adequate. Don't wear glasses with side pieces that block your view".

George may have also a depth perception problem which gets worse as further aging affects his ability to focus his eyes properly or quickly. He should discuss this with his ophthalmologist or optometrist. Perhaps a new prescription is needed. There is no perfect answer to this problem which we all will face in time. Just be mighty careful. Have the courage at some point to admit that it is no longer safe for self or others to continue to be behind the wheel.

The number of older persons in our communities is growing rapidly. All of us need to be concerned about this either because our "time" is near also or because our safety on the streets is threatened by others. We need to provide good alternatives to driving even though it obviously is going to cost our communities some extra money.
GHD84 all rights reserved wellnessebooks.com/ebookstore.asp

ROARING UP BEHIND

WRECK-LESS DRIVING ©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

ROARING UP BEHIND
SWAIN DEER, AR: Archie K writes that there seem to be more and more drivers stopping suddenly in front of him at traffic lights, stop signs, and every where else. Says it annoys him no end to have to constantly make fast stops and put all that extra wear on his brake pads and more pain in his stiff right knee.

Could it be that all drivers are making more fast stops than previously? Or just the older ones, like Archie? If you notice this happening to you (or if your spouse points it out to you) this suggestion from the National Highway Traffic Administration should help you be safer.

"Be alert to the car in front of you. Keep adequate space between you and the car in front: 1 car length for each 10 miles per hour".

The AARP DRIVER SAFETY student manual has a 4 second spacing rule which we have discussed previously. And there may be other effective ways to cope which you and your friends have worked out. These could be: avoiding rush hours, taking less congested routes, combining errands, and car-pooling to be driving less. The important point is that it is your responsibility to know your limitations and to have your vehicle under safe control at all times - as you will hear from the Judge if you mess-up.
GHD83 all rights reserved wellnessebooks.com/ebookstore.asp