WANTS TO KEEP ON DRIVING

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

WANTS TO KEEP ON DRIVING
CHICAGO, IL: Our reader, Arlene J., writes that she knows she ought to quit driving but that alternate transportation is not an option for her. So, she asks, what can she do to sharpen her driving skills and remain independent for more years.

Fortunately there are a number of actions you can take, Arlene. The first is to calculate the total annual cost for maintaining and driving your car locally. Would this same amount of money pay for taxi fares to get you to the same places? Ask at the Senior Center if reduced taxi fares are available to you. Does your community have a low cost bus system especially for those without vehicles? Or is there someone who could drive you in your auto - a grandchild or neighbor teen, for example? Have you considered a community living center which uses vans to transport seniors to the needed critical locations?

If you absolutely must continue to drive, Arlene, then you must do the following:
*Take a safe driving classroom course, repeat it every year.
*Avoid rush hour and freeway traffic. *Drive only in daylight and when not tired.
*Watch the weather news and stay home when it is more than you can handle.
*Plan your stops to avoid repeated left turns. *Be extra vigilant on mall parking lots
*Match your speed to the weather and traffic conditions - not too fast or too slow.
*Use the vehicle lights properly; head and tail lights always on, turn signals off after turn.
*On longer trips plan the route, driving time, check the weather, use a map, rest hourly.
*Alternate driving days with senior friends and neighbors.
*Do not hold lengthy conversations or get involved with a radio or tape program.
*Carry a cell phone only for emergencies, not for gabbing while driving.
*Do not return perceived aggression.
*When you can not or will not do the above stop driving before your driving stops you.
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