BACKING THRU THE REAR WINDOW

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

BACKING THRU THE REAR WINDOW
CLEMSON, SC: Tony K. was backing out of his driveway by holding the driver door open and sort of leaning out. He has been doing this for years and believed it the best way to get up the narrow, tree-lined drive to the street. Only thing is, he got too close to a small tree along his side of the drive and ripped the car door off its hinges. Tony no longer believes in the open door backup method. He was lucky, the tree could have caught his head, a small child could have run behind his car from the other side ; or who knows what else?

Also unsafe is relying entirely on the mirrors. Turn your head and look out the rear window while backing. Older persons may find it difficult to turn their head far enough and should compensate by turning the shoulder also. Backing onto or on a busy street offers even more hazard's, especially to those who have impaired acuities. When it is unavoidable, be extra aware of all that is happening around you. An additional minute is insignificant compared to the hours demanded to arrange for repair of a wreck or healing of a body.
GHD107all rights reserved

ANGRY DRIVERS ARE CRASH PRONE

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

ANGRY DRIVERS ARE CRASH PRONE
KINGSPORT, TN; Last evening I got all uptight about the political games being played with our Country's future. Stewed about it most of the night, dreamed "if I were in charge", and awoke angry. Do you believe this affected my driving skills this morning? It sure did. Our attitude and state of mind do affect our driving. When we are worried, angry, distracted, ill, or otherwise preoccupied we become crash prone. Safe driving and being upset are not compatible. Getting angry at other drivers fits here, too.

So, cool down or let someone else do the driving. A crash would really wreck your day. Older persons, especially, seem to fasten onto some bothersome subject at bedtime and can't let it go. Keeps them awake half the night. If so, we need to be extra careful behind the wheel the next morning. Just as with alcohol, give someone else the keys.

On average, every DAY there are 18,000 auto crashes (don't call them accidents). No doubt many are caused by emotionally upset drivers. After the crash they are even more upset!
GHD106 all rights reserved

DON'T MISUSE HANDICAP PARKING SPACES

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

DON'T MISUSE HANDICAP PARKING SPACES
DENVER, CO: Angie K. e-mailed the suggestion that I write about handicap parking spaces. The super store's large parking lot had numerous spaces set aside for the handicapped. Many of these spaces were empty. This causes some less thoughtful drivers to decide to use one even though not in need of close-to-store parking.

Do not be too quick to conclude that the person walking away from the auto is "cheating". Some disabilities are not apparent until the person overexerts, such as distance walking or lugging heavy purchases.. On the other hand, we should expect the vehicle to display a special handicap decal, license plate, or placard on the dash. Misuse of these spaces is prohibited by law and violators are subject to citations.

Some police departments have enforcement programs. Other communities seem to not care about who uses these spaces beyond mandating that the merchant set aside a specified number. In most instances the "honor" system works. If you are able, park elsewhere and be ever grateful that you can walk.

Occasionally we see vehicles with handicap license plates parked some distance away from empty handicap reserved spaces. That may be because there were no such persons in the vehicle. Or a more mildly handicapped person may have decided, wisely, that some walking is good therapy for her/his condition. One mildly handicapped driver explained that she saves the designated spaces for those who truly need them.
GHD 105 all rights reserved

SMOKING IMPEDES SAFE DRIVING

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

SMOKING IMPEDES SAFE DRIVING
LEEWOOD, KS: At dusk The Harveys were waiting at the traffic light on State Line Rd and took notice of the auto just ahead. Two senior adults in the front and two grandchildren in the back seats. Must have been safety conscious grandparents because everyone was belted in place.

Actually, it was somewhat difficult for the Harveys to see through this vehicle's tightly closed, untinted windows. There was heavy smoke inside. Grandpa was at the wheel, with a cigarette in one hand. So much for his safety consciousness! One handed driving, especially for persons who may have age related reduced acuities is asking for trouble.

Worse yet, smoking of tobacco produces carbon monoxide, a deadly gas which accumulates in the bloodstream. In lower doses it can affect night vision by impairing the eyes ability to adapt to the dark. The smoke fogs the windshield and distracts the driver's attention, making night driving quite hazardous. And, what about the effect of that captive second-hand smoke on others in the auto, such as Grandma and the children?

Tell us your pet peeves about driving situations and they will be discussed in future columns. What dangerous driving conditions have you seen which you would like to share with other readers of this column,
GHD 104 all rights reserved