BETTER TO YIELD THAN TO WRECK

BETTER TO YIELD THAN TO WRECK
TUSCALOOSA, AL: Bobby R. was driving to work at about the speed limit on Skyland Drive. Unexpectedly a gray haired driver rolled through a STOP sign at an intersection and was heading for a crash with Bobby's pickup truck. But Bobby was alert and saw the impatient driver coming and began braking in anticipation of his failure to yield. Bobby’s defensive driver training saved him from a crash and bodily harm.

Failure to yield is the number one driving violation for the drivers over age fifty. In most states the law gives no one the right-of-way, it only says who must do the yielding. Vehicles at a stop sign must yield to those traveling legally across their intended path. And, even if the other driver is ignoring a stop sign, or speeding, or doing some other illegality it is just plain smart to stay out of her/his way. When 2 vehicles approach a 4-way stop at the same moment, the one on the left must yield to the one on the right. If in doubt, yield. It is the safe thing to do.

All too frequently we are not alert to what other drivers are doing, more so the seemingly reckless ones. This is truer on roadways we travel regularly, especially in good weather. We tend to relax our vigilance when we feel safe. Take personal responsibility for avoiding unsafe drivers. Be on guard wherever and whenever you are driving. It may save your life.
GHD120 all rights reserved

UNSAFE DRIVERS COST US

UNSAFE DRIVERS COST US
TAMPA, FL: Bernie L. was heading South on I-75, far from his West Virginia home. He prefers to be behind the wheel and would rather drive than fly. He was particularly aware of the gray headed northern "snow birds" (license plates tell all) on their annual wintering to the sunny south.

In their haste to get there some of the south bounders were driving recklessly; 10 miles and more over the speed limit, often changing lanes, and wandering onto the shoulders. Perhaps they had too many hours on the boring Interstate. A rest stop or a motel room would be a lot less costly than a crash and a hospital bed.

We all pay dearly for the avoidable crashes of unsafe drivers. Auto insurance rates are higher for everyone due to high claim crashes. They are a factor in the high cost of our health system. Medical insurance premiums are higher because of them. For those who cannot pay, the medical providers are forced to increase the rates of those who can pay. Be a WRECK-LESS driver and save all of us some money.

Drivers over age 50 have fewer crashes than do younger drivers because they drive fewer miles. But they do have more crashes per mile. The good news is that those who complete an approved defensive driving program have significantly fewer fatal and injury crashes. In fact, a leading auto insurance company says that its 10% extra premium discount for such graduates is fully justified by their fewer loss claims. These refreshed drivers have also significantly fewer moving violation convictions.
GHD119 all rights reserved

THREE RIGHT TURNS EQUAL ONE LEFT

THREE RIGHT TURNS EQUAL ONE LEFT
CHARLESTON, WV: Ellen, age 61, was driving on MacCorkle Avenue where she caused a crash with a careless left turn. She was just one of the many older drivers who endanger others with their poorly done left turns. They can be found in every city. Watch for them!

About 15% of all vehicles at intersections turn left. But 45% of auto crashes and 31% of pedestrian hits involve left-turners. Safe left turns are the second most common problem for older drivers. As we age our visual, hearing, mobility, decision making and reaction skills decline. We need to be extra alert in driving maneuvers such as left turns.

All drivers need to plan ahead. It is much safer to turn left at traffic signals than at uncontrolled intersections or mid-block. When practical make three right turns around the block to arrive safely at the intended place.
GHD118 all rights reserved

COMMON MEDICINES GET US ARRESTED

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

COMMON MEDICINES CAN GET US ARRESTED
DANAMORA, NY: Pharmacist, Ron C, warns customers that some medicines can get them arrested for "driving under the influence". He says that not just alcohol but also common medicines can land a driver in jail. Many states have changed traffic laws from "driving while intoxicated" to "driving under the influence". This includes such commonly used drugs as antihistamines. When receiving a new prescription ask your physician or pharmacist about its effect on your driving. In most such states conviction means jail, fines, and loss of license..

At first this may seem like harsh treatment for an ill person. But does that driver have the moral right to endanger many others by driving while the senses are impaired by a chemical substance? I believe we have a duty to our fellow citizens to let someone else do the driving.

If by necessity we are "under the influence" of a medicine that lessens our ability to drive safely, we should not drive. This goes double for those who use recreational drugs or alcohol. The DUI laws are to protect the innocent from the careless and the careless from themselves..
GHD117 all rights reserved