EXTRA CARE ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS

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

EXTRA CARE ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS
AZTEC, NM: The road to Aztec Ruins National Monument passes through a residential section. At first glance one would think there is little in this quiet neighborhood to cause drivers to be extra cautious. Hans-Martin, a resident there points out that we need to look out for school zones and buses, 2-way and 4-way stops, low speed limits, and narrower streets. Also for uncontrolled intersections, yields, traffic signs, and lane markings. There may be pedestrians, bicyclists, kids playing, pets, and unsafe drivers.

Wow! How can we enjoy such a drive? In years gone by it was a pleasure and relaxing to take a Sunday drive and to go visiting. But now driving in many places is a full time chore demanding our total attention. Thus, crowded civilization has made the auto into just a conveyance and driving has lost much of its thrill. Of course, there are still wide-open spaces in NM and elsewhere across the USA. Let’s hope it will be so always. Incidentally, the Ruins are well worth the side trip.
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SENIORS IMBIBE LESS ALCOHOL

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

SENIORS IMBIBE LESS ALCOHOL
THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN: Skip R., age 64, writes that when he does drink alcohol he parks and walks. Safe driving experts say “good” for him, but he should be extra careful crossing the streets or walking along highways. More than one-third of pedestrians killed by cars are legally drunk according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you drink alcohol, better to park and sit. Cities, where a large number of seasonal tourists visit, have a greater problem with drunks perhaps because the "party" atmosphere may relax our usual personal standards of conduct. And, of course, it remains the legal duty of all drivers to be alert to persons who may be a hazard for whatever reason.

An interesting observation at dances, parties, and the like; older persons seem to be drinking less alcoholic beverages than did that same age group of ten tears ago. Must be the message is getting through to the older role models. And that’s good because there are a lot more of us seniors now and a real big bunch coming up right behind us.
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KIDS IN PARKING LOTS

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

LOOK OUT FOR KIDS IN PARKING LOTS
CODY, WY: Resident Knox P. says that driving in shopping and business areas gets more hazardous continually. Here are some of the things for which he says we need to be alert:: Traffic signs and lane markings. Change in speed limits. Parking lot entrances and exits. Controlled intersections. Heavy traffic with quick stops. Trucks and large RVs. And the ever-present reckless drivers. In these areas there may be more pedestrians who are distracted by the busy surroundings or intent on their errands rather than on their safety.

For older drivers all these simultaneous inputs can be overwhelming and thus require extra alertness to potential danger. Mall and superstore parking lots, especially on weekends, seem to have an abundance of playful children who are unmindful of the traffic. Be alert to children’s sudden change of direction and to their parents who may be more absorbed in remembering where they parked than in their child's safety.
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WIFE SPARES HUSBAND

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

WIFE SPARES HUSBAND
MONROEVILLE, PA: Georgette has stopped at the green light at the intersection where she intends to turn left. Her husband George, being a superior driver, chides her for not turning the front wheels to the left while waiting for oncoming traffic to clear. John is one of those efficient hurry-up drivers. She says that in her safe driving class she was taught to keep the wheels straight ahead while waiting. He did not attend class because it was Monday TV sports night.

After Georgette explained why, he grudgingly half-whispered that it made sense and that she was right. What she had learned was that if the wheels are turned in anticipation of a left turn, an out of control vehicle from behind could push her car directly into oncoming traffic. Her car could be in a double hitter, once from behind and one or more times on John's side of the car. Thus, Georgette may have spared Georges life.
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