Car Careful

8/6/2019 Car Careful

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Dont Be A Crash Test Dummywww.CrashProofDrivers.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Your Teenage Driver Must Know

2. Dont Talk Yourself to Death

3. Bad Habits Most Drivers Dont Know They Have

4. What Should be Found in Every Car

5. Wisdom of the Senior Driver

6. Avoiding Road Rage

7. Hidden Ways Your Car Can Kill You

8. How to Change Lanes Without Taking Your Eyes Off

the Road

9. Sharing the Road With the Big Rigs

10. Why Are Traffic Laws Becoming Stricter?

11. Sounds and Signs That Mean Stop Your Car NOW!

12. Become an Offensive Driver

13. Its the Defense That Wins Championships

14. Avoid the Dumb Accidents

15. Safe Driving Is Serious, So Lets Stop For a Laugh


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TESTIMONIALS

I received the Maxi View Mirrors and they do exactly what they

claim they do. They are easy to attach and look as though they are part

of the original equipment. They dont impede on the original mirror view

at all, and the extra margin of safety they offer is great. Even in a

household where cars are shared and different drivers may forget to

adjust the mirrors as they should, the Maxi View Mirror eliminates blind

spots. The quality and the view they offer far exceed anything I haveseen in auto parts stores and I am glad to get them not only for myself

but for everyone in the family.

D. Ferguson, Missouri.

I have an in-home fitness training business, so I am on the road

quite a bit traveling to and from my client's home. MaxiView has removed

so much stress on the freeways and surface streets because I KNOW I

see the entire road without turning my head to see what is in my blind

spot. When I drive a rental car and forget to put the mirrors on it, my

drive is much more stressful. The technology of the car manufacturers to

put sensors on vehicles for blind spots is a cost you can save with this

simple product. I highly endorse this product! Once you start driving withthese mirrors, you will never go back.

Thomas Hadley, Irvine, CA.

As a real estate agent, staying in touch with my clients is critical.With ZoomSafer, I am not only safe and legal while driving but Im alsostill connected I take my phone calls hands-free and because thesoftware automatically responds to text and emails my clients know I amdriving but will get back to them shortly. My clients appreciate the rapidresponse as well as my social responsibility to not text and drive.

Joseph Evans,Remax


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1 P a g e

1. WHAT YOUR TEEN DRIVER MUST KNOW

A section for teens and parents to discuss together!

There is nothing more exciting to a teenager than

getting a drivers license and being given the privilege of

driving without parents. There is nothing more heartbreaking

than the death of a young driver or the friends that were

passengers in the car.

This chapter is not just for parents wanting to know

what to tell their teenagers about the dangers of driving, but

also to communicate to all ages why teens get into so many

accidents and what makes driving so much more dangerous

to the younger driver. This is not information based on just

government or insurance company statistics, but also on the

responses of teenagers themselves. Parents must not only

set rules, but must also ask questions of their teenagedrivers. Both parents and teens must be able to discuss and

understand that the dangers of driving and the punishment

for breaking laws are beyond the control of either of you.

The teenage driver has a lot to learn, but he or she

also knows more about what they are doing in the car, what

is distracting and what is helpful to them than most adults

do. I hope that whether you are a parent or teenager who is

reading this section you remember that it is true that a

teenager has a great deal to learn, but he also has ideas anddesires that you may be able to accept. If you are a

teenager who is old enough to drive, you must have the

ability to listen and understand an explanation of why driving

responsibly is not just a motto or a set of rules made by

boring old people. The parent is in the frightening position of

giving a new form of freedom that comes with a great deal of


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2 P a g edanger. The teen driver must recognize that there are

events and decisions that occur in driving that he has never

faced before and that the freedom to drive comes with a

great deal of responsibility. The driver of a car has the ability

to cause pain, costly expenses and possible death to

themselves and those around them. They should realize the

parent is not only concerned for their safety but that by

allowing the use of their car they are placing trust in themthat could cause them tremendous sorrow or expense. Even

a traffic violation or an accident in which no one is injured will

cause financial damage to the parents in the form of raised

insurance rates or even canceled insurance, as long as the

driver is on their policy. If the driver causes damage by

doing something with the car that the insurance does not

cover, the car owner can face a lawsuit that could wipe out

their financial resources.

It may seem like just a corny saying, that driving is nota right but a privilege, but its absolutely true. Just because

you have enough candles on your birthday cake to be legal

does not mean you should be behind the wheel of a car. It

may be frustrating, but it's okay if you need a little more time

to have the judgment and patience to drive a car. Everyone

knows somebody who claims his folks let him drive when he

was thirteen. What a lucky guy. If hes not lying then he

and his parents are all lucky. Hes lucky to be alive and his

parents are lucky not to be sitting in a rented shack because

it took everything they owned to pay fines and damages.

The body and mind both need to mature enough to

handle the physical and emotional demands of driving, and

you have to work at it. You may be surprised how many

people your age are not driving, many because they


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3 P a g ethemselves dont feel ready. The ones that care about you

and the ones that are smart enough to have an opinion that

matters will be able to respect the decision to wait until Ive

had a little more practice.

Parents must recognize the abilities and limits of their

own children. Giving in to make them happy can bring the

greatest misery of their lives. Dont settle for the staterequirements and high school driving certificate as the

measure of your son or daughters right to drive. Ask your

teenager what he feels confident in or nervous about behind

the wheel. Most teenagers are so surprised when you

actually talk to them as equals that you may be surprised at

what intelligent and logical answers you receive. It may be

something that strikes you as simple, which is the very thing

that the new driver has trouble with.

Remember how difficult it is for a teenager, especiallya boy, to acknowledge being unskilled or nervous about

driving. Its even okay to let them know that you have weak

areas in your driving that you have to work harder at (and its

still okay when they start reminding you of this and giving

you advice a month after they get their licenses). Spend all

the time in the car with them that you can, and evaluate their

ability not only to put the car neatly next to the curb but also

to decide when to give that child on the sidewalk a careful

look and a wide berth, and whether its worthwhile to pound

the horn at the little old lady at the stop sign.

I remember my father deciding I didnt need to be

driving any further one day when I drove at full speed

through a deep puddle, heedless of the lady on the sidewalk.

Denying driving privileges because of failure to clean up a

room or for lying about completing homework is not just a


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4 P a g emeans of punishment; these behaviors are a measure of the

same maturity and responsibility it takes to be a safe driver.

Those rotten old statistics: Motor vehicle accidents

are the reason for one third of the deaths of teenagers.

More than illnesses, more than sports injuries; more than all

other reasons for teenage death combined. More even than

embarrassment, which many teenagers fear more than

death but, by itself has yet to kill anyone (even the

embarrassment of having your dad drive you somewhere in

the minivan with the My Kid is an Honor Student bumpersticker).

Per mile driven, teen drivers are several times more

likely to be in a crash than any other age group. Aside from

the 3,500 teenagers killed (think about that; probably more

kids than there are in your whole school are killed each year,

every one of them with friends and families, hopes and

plans) in 2008, over 350,000 were taken to emergency

rooms from car accidents. Try to imagine how many

survived but were crippled physically or mentally disabled byhead injuries or scarred or faced months of painful and

expensive treatment. This is not about scaring you, but

when you picture yourself or someone you know going

through these things, maybe parental warnings wont seem

so stupid and the laws too strict and meaningless.


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5 P a g e

Boy drivers were more than twice as likely to be

involved in crashes as girls, and girls are more likely to be

speeding or drinking. This still means that an awful lot of

girls are in accidents, and many are doing the same dumb

things. Insurance rates have traditionally been lower for girls

than boys, but that has been changing in recent years as the

numbers get closer.

By the way, studying actually does pay off. Good

grades make your insurance rates cheaper.

This is a test of your comprehension: Teenage drivers

are more likely to underestimate hazards or fail to recognize

dangerous situations. Now, did I just say that teenagers are

stupid? One sign of the maturity and reason needed to be a

good driver is to be able to tell facts from insults. Parents:

This test is a reminder that a good teacher must be able to

give facts without being insulting. The teenage brain has not

fully developed in areas that affect judgment. This is a fact,

and it outweighs things like youths faster reflexes and better

eyesight when it comes to driving. This is why, even more

than an adult, a young driver must learn to use his safety

belts, clear the car of distractions, and make sure he has

every advantage in the form of clear windows and the best

blind-spot mirrors.


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6 P a g eIf you want to play the guitar, you start with slower

melodies and scales. If you try to play the screaming licks

from your favorite bands, you will fumble until your muscle

memory and coordination develop with practice. You might

be frustrated but you recognize that there is no way to force

your mind and body to do what they are not yet ready to do,

so you work within your abilities as you progress.

If you try to play harder material than you are ready

for on the guitar, you just look silly and sound bad. If you try

to drive faster or in situations beyond your abilities, you can

look and sound very bad, indeed, and you can take others

down with you. Acknowledge your limitations, and not only

will you stay safe but also you will earn the trust of those

who control your driving privileges.

Many states limit the number or ages of passengers in

a car driven by a teen. This is one of the most annoyinglaws for a young driver to deal with. After all, the whole point

of driving is to go where you want to with your friends. The

problem is your friends can get you killed when you are a

young driver, and you can do the same to them.

Teen passengers in the car increase the risk of

accidents with a young person driving, and the more

passengers the higher the risk. In a survey of over 5,000

high school students from across the country, 94% (if youre

sick of math, just say almost every doggone one of them)see teenage passengers doing something that was

distracting to the driver. 75% of these students reported

seeing teenagers driving while fatigued, which is another

chronic problem for teen drivers. School, homework, part-

time jobs, athletic events and social activities keep

teenagers at a pace that would put a lot of adults in intensive


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7 P a g ecare, and most young people are sleep deprived to some

degree. Most accidents involving teenagers occur between 3

pm and midnight and during the weekends.

By the way, you parents might like to know that 66%

of the students surveyed said they cared about their parents

opinions on cellphone use while driving and 56% said they

relied on their parents when learning to drive. Thats nice toknow and important to remember. You have more influence

than anyone else in your son or daughters life. Not just in

driving. You cant be perfect but dont ever waste that gift or

avoid that responsibility.

Laws and rules do not make as much impact on

drivers as having real responsibility. Many parents foot the

entire bill for insurance and even give the young driver a car.

It is a better gift and makes for a better driver if the teen

must pay for the additional insurance costs either by earningthe money or through chores. A car will definitely be treated

with more respect if the teenager must earn it.

Cell phone use and texting are deadly to teenage

drivers, partly because they are doing it more than any other

group. The dangers of phoning and texting have been

covered thoroughly in other areas, and, like any distraction,

the risks are much higher for the inexperienced driver. Most

texting teens are proud of their prowess, and certainly teens

can baffle their parents with the dexterity they show with acell phone. Dexterity does not change the fact that the driver

who is texting is four times more likely to have an accident.


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8 P a g eTeenagers do not want their parents to know that they

talk or text while driving; however, peer pressure is huge for

teens. But studies show that a parent often has more

influence on their son or daughters decision than they

expect.

The top answer stimulating the end of cell phone use

while driving was losing the drivers license.

The typical drivers education course is about 30

hours of classroom and 6 or more hours in the car. The

student must also log 20 hours or more practice driving with

a licensed driver. Then if you pass the test you are

considered ready, with some limitations, to be in control of a

3,000-pound instrument of destruction. Compare this with

the hundreds of hours of training and supervision required

before you are allowed to do other things, from putting in

plumbing to giving a massage. It takes a college degree,years of experience, and successful examinations to be a

licensed landscape architect, which is defined as the person

who arranges features of the landscape and garden

attractively. With all due respect to their knowledge and

skill, there are very few petunia-planting fatalities. Countries

that have more demanding licensure requirements have

fewer accidents and fatalities. Australia safety organizations

recommend at least 120 hours of parent-supervised driving,

and their crash rates are much lower than the U.S.'s.

Being a competent driver takes more than meeting

the minimum requirement. The hours spent learning to drive

will pay off in years to enjoy life.

Who is the best teacher of an up-and-coming driver?

We already know the greatest influence on the young driver


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9 P a g eis the parent; and, if you are a good driver, then all is well

with the world. Certainly the parent should be involved and

interested in the young drivers progress and proficiency, but

this is a time for honesty. Ask your teenager if he or she

considers you a good driver. You may have to promise no

punishment, probably in front of witnesses and possibly in

writing, before you get an honest answer. Almost no one

wants to admit they are a bad driver. Its like being told youhave no sense of humor; the first response is denial, usually

followed by anger. The sense-of-humor accusation is often

then followed by an embarrassing attempt at a joke or, in

truly grim situations, an impersonation. At least when

someone is told they drive badly they dont insist that

everyone pile into the car for a demonstration.

Ask others for an honest opinion, not only of your

driving but also of your patience and ability to instruct. Take

advice. Its good for the moral fiber.

The problem is that even if you are a reasonably good

driver you may be a terrible teacher. It can be nerve

wracking to control your temper when your child is grinding

gears or scraping the tires against the curb, and if you

cannot control your temper the driving practice will be a

nightmare for both of you. Remember, whether she admits

to it or not, your child is nervous and unsure and wants to

learn quickly not only for her own confidence but also to

please you. Even if its a smart-alecky, goofy-haired kidwhose music has surely killed your brain cells, he needs

your patience and wants to impress you with his driving.

Taking the wheel of a car is probably the biggest step in a

persons life up that point. It can be a time when

relationships are healed and strengthened or when


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10 P a g enervousness and frustration bring out the worst in both of

you. The new driver knows you are nervous and out of your

element, so showing a calm and reasonable demeanor will

help ingrain that approach to driving as well as making the

time together pleasant and successful.

Remember that the driving student is doing everything

for the first time and must think through every move. While

you can see the gap, hit the turn signal, give more gas,

check your mirrors and scratch your nose simultaneously.

The new driver has not developed muscle memory andreflexes to accomplish all these things and get directions at

the same time. You must be able to give instructions clearly

and concisely. If you cannot say, Follow that red truck on to

the ramp and then go right at the light, its not good enough

to shout, Hey, go where that guy goes. No. That guy!

Turn.nonot yet!

Many school districts provide driver's education

programs, and if those are not available in your area, there

should be some other professional training available. It isoften best to have the course taught professionally simply

because it is easier for the student to make mistakes with a

teacher rather than a parent.

The professionals will teach the basics thoroughly and

in a way that will meet the licensing requirements and will be


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11 P a g eup on recent traffic regulations or changes that you might not

be aware of. Be sure that you are involved in practicing with

the person who will soon be soloing in your car and that you

read the manuals so that you are on the same page as the

driving instructor. Of course, make sure the school is

reputable and licensed, if it is a private company. Even if

you have worn a comfortable slouching groove in the drivers

seat and have some disagreements with what the instructorsays is the right way to position the seat or grip the wheel,

try to compromise and explain or discuss when the car is not

in motion and pick your battles.

The young driver needs basic, safe techniques that

are taught consistently. Save corrections while driving for

those things that are important and which must be done for

safe and legal driving and which other aspects of being a

good driver techniques are built on. Do not try to fine-tune

every move or dictate every twitch of the wheel. Rememberto give credit for good moves. Your son or daughter may roll

his or her eyes when you say something as inane as, That

was a good smooth turn, but it doesnt hurt a bit.

While your teen is studying the manual or attending

class, prepare a checklist of information she might need

when she begins driving alone. List phone numbers to call

in the event of breakdown or accident, insurance information

and towing services. Make sure that they understand that

you know mistakes will happen and honesty is the right wayto deal with accidents or tickets. Learn to control your

temper and make sure they know your first concern is their

safety.

While the most worry and most time is often devoted

to high-speed driving, the mall parking lot and parallel


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12 P a g eparking are where more accidents will take place. Parallel

parking is one of the most difficult skills to learn and

demands the ability to judge space and distance. The driver

must show patience and develop recognition of the

perspective the mirrors provide. This can seem boring and

slow, but it needs to be a large part of driving practice.

Remember that gaps in traffic are difficult to judge forthe new driver. Better to let easy ones go by than to rush at

the wrong moment. Remember when you are judging the

moment to turn into traffic you are used to seeing it,

deciding, hitting the gas (your turn signal was already on,

wasnt it?), and turning the wheel, all nearly simultaneously.

When you are out practicing with your student, you must see

it, say it, and he or she must hear it, process it and relay all

those messages for the physical movements required. The

essence of learning is patience, and of learning to drive is

speed and distance.

The young driver has better reflexes than someone

even ten years older. His vision is usually sharper and his

hearing is often better. Yet the young driver has more

accidents and more moving violations than other age

groups. The first explanation is judgment, which, as we have

already discussed, is to some extent beyond his control.

Until that faculty completely matures, which studies suggest

is at about age 25 (and which, wives say, in men is probably

never), the young driver must compensate by driving slower,allowing more space between vehicles, and having fewer

distractions.

Unfortunately these are all the things a young person

finds most difficult to do. The younger driver is most likely to

be speeding, and remember that speeding is not just going


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14 P a g eposition. If you cannot stop a drunken friend from driving,

get out of the car, and be a true friend and call police. A

persons desire to keep a license or a friendship does not

excuse the risk of the lives of others. Many medical workers

will tell you that it seems that it is always the innocents hit by

a drunken driver that are more seriously injured than the one

that caused it.

If you are a teenager drinking or using any type of

drug to enjoy your social life, do something unimaginable

and very brave. Talk to your family. It is not true that you

need it, and it is a rather cowardly lie that Everyone does

it. But it is very difficult to know for yourself if you are able

to handle it (How many people have you ever heard admit

that they couldnt?) and much more difficult to overcome

these habits without help. Even bad days are a precious

part of your life, and the good ones and really fun memories

are too valuable to be lost to alcohol and hangovers.

Parents: Ask your teenagers about using alcohol or

dope, including marijuana. Dont accuse but ASK. Dont

accuse but dont condone either. If you want to be their

friend, care enough to ask and care enough to face scary

answers. You may be amazed at the fact that your son or

daughter is willing and maybe waiting to talk about these

things. If you drink or use weed, get legal yourself. If you

can honestly say you can drink responsibly and dont take

any risks of driving when you know you have had morealcohol than is safe (and that is very little), then you can

have a reasonable discussion. If you are one of the many

who cant drink a little without drinking a lot, your child is

already well aware of that, and perhaps you can help each

other. Some people cannot drink at all without drinking all


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15 P a g ethats there (most teenagers are in this category), and it is

not weakness to admit that and simply avoid the risk. Some

parents dont want to be called hypocrites. This is too

important. Get OVER It!

This may have all seemed over the top, but just one

drinking episode can cost your life and those of others.

Some risks are just too great and losses too painful. Talkingabout this subject, patiently and wisely, may do wonderful

things in many areas of your relationship far beyond knowing

your son or daughter is driving safely. A teen who can say

that they have to check in when they get home and that their

parents check for traces or alcohol or smoke often benefit in

the form of reduced peer pressure.

Road-rage incidents are more common for younger

drivers than older ones. The fact that emotions are closer to

the surface for younger people is natural, but it means thatthe young driver must give more space to other drivers and

be willing to ignore stupid mistakes or aggressive driving.

Losing your temper puts you in the wrong and often in

danger. Learn to take a deep breath and let the incident go

by. Let the other guy act stupidly, and be proud that you

know that the few moments of dealing with an irritating driver

have no importance in your life.

Sometimes it seems that the teenager never gets a

break from being warned, taught or scolded. Lets getsomething straight, boys and girls (I bet you hate being

called that): There is nothing wrong with you. You are

young, unique, have your own personalities and interests,

and you are valuable. You are not stupid and you are not

here just to be bossed around. The things that affect your

driving and safety also affect the driving of parents, teachers,


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16 P a g eand people of all ages; and the more you know now the

longer and better your life will be. Dont hesitate to say and

demonstrate that you know and understand these things to

older people. Be courteous and patient; we learn slower as

we age.

Still, distractions and driving errors are more common

and more dangerous to young people simply because theyhave more of them and they do not have experience to help

balance the risks. That is why it is important to minimize all

the risks and distractions you can. Cell phones and texting

are far ahead of the field in contributing to accidents and

fatalities, but other distractions that contribute much more to

young people than to adults are passengers, some of whom

actually think its funny to try to bug the driver. There is no

possible way to claim to be mature if you do that or allow it in

your car.

Music is a big part of most teenagers lives and

personalities. Played too loud it can affect your attention and

also drown out warning sounds from your engine, horns or

shouts from people and cars around you, and, most

humiliatingly, that wailing noise from the car with all the

flashing lights filling up your rear-view mirror.


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17 P a g e

The few seconds it takes to change the radio tuner or

replace a CD are often enough for the driver to veer into

another lane or collide with another vehicle.

Eating and drinking in the car are done more by

younger drivers and are the cause of accidents not only

through not paying attention due to reaching for food or

obscuring your vision with the sandwich or cup but also bynot being able to grip the wheel. Many one-car accidents

are caused by spilling drinks and jerking the wheel in reflex.

Other objects in the car can be equally distracting, such as

books or packages on the seats or floor that can shift and

distract your attention or slide or roll under the brake or gas

pedals.

Make the drivers seat your own. Even though this

causes irritation between drivers sharing the same car, you

must position the seat and the mirrors to give you the best

control and the best view around you. Mirrors are your eyes

in many situations. Purchase high-quality wide-view mirrors

and attach them properly. Do not try to compensate by

leaning or slumping. It only takes a moment to make the

adjustments you need to be able to see better and react


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18 P a g efaster, as well as to prevent becoming tired or cramped while

driving. Teenagers are the least likely drivers to use seat

belts, and this neglect is responsible for more frequent and

more severe injuries.

Remember that many areas use Graduated Driver

Licensing systems, allowing different levels of

independence. The license may restrict the beginningdrivers from driving at night or with passengers in the car.

These systems allow more freedom as the driver gets older

or has more time as a licensed driver.

If you are in an accident remember to stay calm and

evaluate what needs to be done. Do not lose your temper or

panic. Call for help. Get to a safe place and assist anyone

who is injured. Do not try to move any injured people unless

they are in danger of fire or oncoming traffic. Place flares or

reflectors as needed. Let the professionals help and guideyou through whatever is needed.

Driving is fun, and driving safely makes it fun for a

whole lot longer.

Lets Recap:

Taking the wheel is usually the most challenging step

in a teens life up to that point.

Learning to drive is a time for both teens and adults tolearn about safety and each other.

The greatest influence on how a beginner drives is

the parent.


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19 P a g eThe teen has a lot at stake when learning to drive, but

parents are risking a great deal in allowing the use of

the car. Give each other some slack.

Per mile driven, teens are more likely to be involved in

an accident than any other age group

Judgment does not fully develop until about age 25.

There is no shame in driving within this limitation.

Teen drivers underestimate or do not recognize

hazards; allow more space than you think you need.

Alcohol affects any driver but has greater effect in

smaller amounts on teens.

Parent or teen, dont wait for the other to talk about

drinking or other safety issues.

Financial responsibility is an great motivator.

Phone Use and Texting are the number one

distraction for teens in accidents.

Young passengers in the car greatly increase the rate

of accidents for teen drivers.

Recognize the higher levels of energy, emotion,

anxiety, and exhaustion that teens deal with.

Parents, spend all the time you can with your youngdriver, but recognize your own limits.

Eliminate all distractions from the car

Set the seat, steering wheel and mirrors for the

individual driver.


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20 P a g eGet Maxi View Mirrors to improve your childs safety.

The first few years of driving may have special

limitations on the license.

Remember, Its about safety, not punishment.

If you are in a crash, stay calm, get into a safe place;

call for help and place flares or reflectors as needed.

2


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21 P a g e

2. DONT TALK YOURSELF TO DEATH

Did she mean to text I love you when the

air bag hit the phone?

Driving distractions come in all shapes and sizes

when we drive. Eating, reading, putting on makeup, people-

watching, or looking at maps are all common mistakes many

people make. Every one of these steals your attention from

the road and places you in a position that can ruin or end

your life or the lives of others. What follows is mostly about

phoning and texting, the most common driving distractions

today, but please remember that the car is traveling just as

fast and you are taking just much risk if you try to do any of

those things that take your eye and mind off the road, or

your hands off the wheel.

We have all seen people drifting unevenly down theroad as they chat into their phone, letting go of the wheel to

make gestures that the caller cannot see. Maybe you arent

that bad. Perhaps you face forward and keep one hand on

the wheel as you discuss small events and great thoughts

with your friends, but the fact is you cant be as good a driver

as you should be if you are trying to communicate with

people who are not in the car. For the purposes of this

discussion we are referring only to earthbound people and

talking to them by phone, and especially texting. Attempts at

telepathy or spirit contact are even more demanding anddistracting but would take too much time to go into.

There has been a great deal of discussion in the news

and chat shows about the use of phones and texting while

driving. Twenty-nine states have already passed laws

banning texting and more are in the process. Even if it


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22 P a g eseems that the lawmakers are just a bunch of spoil-sports

trying to control everybody or make money from fines, traffic

laws really are designed to keep you safe, and there is logic

and science behind most of them. Some controversy is

added because in some places the laws restrict texting only

to younger drivers, and you may think this is very unfair.

You have a good point.

Texting is distracting at any age, and there is no

reason to be typing away while you try to drive no matter

how long you have been driving. The only slight reasoning

behind placing more restrictions on young people is that

younger people tend to do more talking and texting and the

older driver may have enough experience to respond

instinctively to hazards even if not fully focused. That slight

advantage is not enough. Anyone in control of more than a

ton of steel and glass, traveling at over 95 feet per second,

should be using all their faculties to keep themselves and therest of us safe.

THIS IS NOT A SOLUTION!


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23 P a g e

Its true that teens and young drivers have much faster

reflexes than older drivers, but that is balanced somewhat by

needing more time to make decisions due to inexperience.

Now, add texting and your reaction time is slowed by

30%. In fact, texting can slow a young persons response

time to that of a 70-year-old, so put the phone down orlet grandpa drive.

The fastest human reaction time is about half a

second, which means if you are going 55 miles an hour, your

car will travel over 40 feet by the time you start to deal with

some sudden change. Depending on the person and any

distractions, reaction time can take several seconds and

hundreds of feet. Dont convince yourself you are the

exception no matter your age or skill. Ego gets people

killed! Every person being lifted into an ambulance orlooking at the wreckage of cars or lives felt able to multi-task

and take care of himself and the car. Think back over every

conversation you have had for the last few weeks, and try to

imagine one that would have been worth even damage to

your car, let alone injury to yourself or someone else.

Lets do the statistics thing

You may think numbers are boring, but they tell a

story and they tell the truth. You can ignore the statistics on


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24 P a g eroulette if you want to, but the casino still gets your money.

Ignore the facts on driving distractions and the highway can

get your blood.

If you care enough about being a good driver to be

reading this, then you are intelligent enough to know how

stupid it is to drink and drive, yet texting is about six times

more likely than driving while intoxicated to cause anaccident.

Over 21% of fatalaccidents involving drivers 19 and

under involves texting while driving. Thats more than one

out of five, and the percentage gets higher each year. Think

of five people you care about and try to decide which one is

expendable for the chance to talk or text just a little bit

sooner.

25% of accidents are caused by cell phone use. The

Harvard Center for Risk Analysis reported that cell phone

use is estimated to contribute to 636,000 crashes, 330,000

injuries, 12,000 serious injuries (dont try to play the odds

with that statement; remember that its a seriousinjury if it

happens to you), and 2,600 deaths per year. The University

of Utah simulator studies show that there is no reduction of

risk using hands-free devices rather than hand-held phones.

Before you compare talking on the phone to just talking to

someone in the car with you; the U. of U. also found that it is

significantly safer to talk to the passenger.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics study showed

that someone using a cell phone is much slower to react to

brake lights and slower to regain speed after braking, so you

are a danger from the front andthe back.


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25 P a g eFrom the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute:

Texting is the most dangerous of phone-related activities.

Truck drivers were 23.2 times more likely to have a crash or

near-crash while texting than when not distracted.

Remember these are pros who drive for a living.

Eighty percent of accidents are caused by distracted

drivers, and there may be more dangerous activities thanusing cell phones but that is the one that occurs more often

and for longer periods. Cell phone use is the number one

driver distraction.

The numbers go on and on, and there simply are

none that would make you think driving and cell phones,

whether texting or talking, is worth the risk. It only takes a

few minutes to pull off the road and communicate important

messages.

Its about more than safety

I mentioned ego earlier, in the sense that you should

not convince yourself you are an exception to reaction times

and statistics. Now Id like you to think about self-respect,

which some people confuse with being egotistical, but is not

the same. Respect for yourself and others is a very good

reason to leave texting and phone calls for when you are not

driving. You deserve to be safe and to not be put into

dangerous situations. You deserve to treat yourself with this

kind of respect and you deserve to have friends and family to

treat you this way also. The time in the car is a wonderful

time to relax and clear your mind. Sometimes it is the

closest thing to privacy we get.

For centuries people could not communicate every

thought that came into their head without even seeing the


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26 P a g eperson they were talking to. This doubtless prevented both

fights and unwise relationships. The people who wait to

hear from you appreciate your time and company. Im sure

you realize how meaningless so much of your conversation

is when you simply talk for hours because the phone allows

you to do so, and you are simply filling in silences. To put it

crudely, some people call this kind of chatter a mind vomit.

No thought and no value. When you wait to talk tosomeone, and you know your time with them is limited, you

both tend to think about what you want to say and consider

the other persons interest and reaction. It feels good to use

your mind to express yourself the best way you can, instead

of relying simply on the number of words spoken. Respect

for yourself and others are great trade-offs for the dubious

convenience of wireless chat.

Texting is much more distracting than talking, and

your car travels a surprising distance in the time it takes youto read a text message. If you take only 3 seconds to read a

message while driving on the expressway, your car will

travel the length of a football field before you even look up to

see what is coming.


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27 P a g e

Notice the distance in car lengths

. There are plenty of statistics and studies to show how

dangerous texting and driving is, but you already know why.

Not only are you distracted by the conversation; you are

taking your eyes off the road to read, you use more of your

concentration to type than to speak, and of course you have

at least one hand off the wheel.

One more little note about respect: It is rude to text

when you are with other people. You will find that those who

disagree only do so depending on their place in the situation.

Texting while in the company of others serves to exclude

those people. The one text message that should be

acceptable while driving is in the nature of: He has a gun,

hes hearing voices, and we just crossed the state line...

There is time to enjoy conversations (or snacks, or

books, or having great hair or makeup), and a time to be a

safe and courteous driver with a healthy future. Knowing


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28 P a g ewhen to do the one helps ensure a lifetime of the others.

LETS RECAP:

A few seconds distraction can mean a lifetime of

regret (or no lifetime at all).

A car at 55 miles per hour travels over 80 feet per

second.

80% of accidents are caused by distracted drivers:

TextingPhones

Eating

Drinking

Changing radio or other music player

Using GPS or other device

Reading

Watching video of some type

Make-up or shaving

Anger at other drivers

Emotional upset

If you can think of it, people have probably tried

to do it while driving.

Anything taking your focus from driving or hands fromthe wheel is a distraction.


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29 P a g eCell phone use is the number one driver distraction.

Texting slows your reaction time by over 30%.

Texting is the most dangerous phone-relatedactivity.

More than one fifth of teenage driving deaths arerelated to texting.

Texting while driving is illegal in most states.

Young people are most likely to text, but the risksfrom distractions affect all ages.

You deserve to drive safely without distractions.


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30 P a g e

3. BAD HABITS MOST DRIVERS DONT

KNOW THEY HAVE

Many people do careless things without even realizing

it, or dont understand how dangerous some of their behavior

is. While some of these habits may not seem as dangerous

as others you might think of, the very number of people

doing them and the frequency that they take place makethem a high priority for change.

The behavior that makes number one on just about

any list of high-risk driving habits is texting, and talking on a

cell phone runs close behind. The idea that a quick phone

call is that you will only talk for a very short time ignores the

fact that the act of dialing or reaching to answer a phone is

more distracting than the actual conversation. Even drinking

while intoxicated causes fewer accidents than phone use.

There has been much more written elsewhere on

driving while distracted, and this section is about other,

sometimes subtle errors. Consider whether any of the things

on this list hit close to home.

Speeding is almost too easy to list, but just saying

everybody does it is not an excuse any adult should be

using, and there is more to consider than just the number on

the street sign. The simple idea of driving the posted speed

limit is not the most important factor in how fast you drive,although of course going faster than the limit will get you a

ticket. Studies show that speed as a factor in collisions is

usually because the driver is going too fast for conditions.

Far too often we drive at the speed that is posted or that we

are used to driving in a familiar area but which is far too fast

when the pavement is wet or icy. Materials spilled from


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31 P a g etrucks can ruin traction and obstacles, or road damage can

limit room to maneuver and damage your cars steering or

braking components.

Rain, snow or fog can reduce visibility. Be aware of

road and weather conditions and adjust your speed

accordingly. The amount and type of traffic is a factor, too.

Allow for unusual motor traffic but also pedestrians in thearea, especially children. Adjust speed to your own

condition too; certainly if you have had any alcohol or are

using medications, but also if you are tired, ill, anxious or

distracted. Sometimes the only right speed is what you can

achieve by walking.

Tailgating is a habit that many people do regularly but

almost all would deny, yet those same people are very

aware of when someone is following them too closely.

Some people tailgate because they feel that they canintimidate the person ahead into moving aside or picking up

speed; this type of tailgater is also often the one flashing his

headlights at the car ahead. The most likely result of this

behavior is to distract or temporarily blind the person in front

of you from the lights in his mirror, or to cause him to

become irritated or anxious. This means his driving

judgment will be poor, and that makes two of you.

Tailgating obviously makes accidents more likely.

Remember that the one in the rear is almost always

considered at fault. It is a trigger to many road-rageincidents. What tailgating will rarely do is get you to your

destination much faster.


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32 P a g e

Sometimes tailgaters are simply not experienced

enough to realize what the safe distance is from the car

ahead. Its not enough to estimate some fixed space such

as 2 car lengths, because the distance it takes to react andstop increases with speed. A simple means of keeping a

safe distance is to make sure you are at least 2 seconds

behind the car ahead. Watch for a fixed object such as a

road sign or tree and as the car ahead passes count slowly:

0ne-one-thousand, two-one-thousand; if you reach the

marker before two seconds have passed, you are following

too closely. If conditions are slippery or foggy, allow a longer

gap, preferably double the length or more. Remember your

closeness to the car in front of you has nothing to do with

how fast you get where you are going.

Turning signals are not just there so you can be polite

to the drivers around you if you choose to. The use of turn

signals is required by law and can save you from serious

accidents. Remember the people around you are capable of


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33 P a g ehitting your car with more than 30 tons of force even if

driving less than 30 miles an hour. Its a good idea to give

those people all the warning and cooperation you can.

Turning signals are to be used when you are making a turn

or changing lanes. Signal about 100 feet before the turn.

Use your turning signals every time it is called for,

regardless if you think you are alone on the road or not. Notonly do you want to have the habit of signaling ingrained so

strongly that you do it without thinking, but this is exactly the

situation when collisions often occur. In those times that you

feel like you are alone on the road and need not worry about

signaling, someone that you have not seen may be

approaching and your signal would alert them to your move

and save you both.

It is probably more common to fail to signal when

changing lanes than when turning a corner and also moredangerous. You may suspect a person at an intersection is

going to turn, but there is no way to predict when a person is

going to move into your lane unless they signal.

Aside from the chance of accident, do not

underestimate the anger and frustration that people

experience when taken by surprise by a thoughtless driver.

In these days of road rage, simple courtesy is not only the

right way to behave; it can save your life.

In newer cars, turning signals are made to

automatically turn off when the steering wheel is

straightened after the turn is complete, but it is not

uncommon for this feature to fail. Be sure that your signal is

not flashing when you are notplanning a turn. This can be

as dangerous as not signaling, for example, if you are driving


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34 P a g estraight through an intersection when other drivers expect

you to turn.

Some cars have a warning tone that will sound if your

signal stays on too long. There are no mechanical devices to

remind you to turn your turn signal on, but a good substitute

if you have kids or grandkids is to teach them when you are

supposed to signal; An excellent method for this is to angrilypoint out other drivers who failed to use signals. After that,

your kids will almost certainly remind you every time you turn

or change lanes without moving that simple little lever and

making the signal click and flash.

Know when to use your high beams. Laws may vary

depending on your locale, but typically you must dim the

lights if you are within 500 feet of cars traveling toward you

and 300 feet of a car ahead, moving in the same direction.

Be courteous to pedestrians and bicyclists as well. The highbeams are designed to be used, and you should take

advantage of the improved vision they afford, but dont forget

how blinding they can be. A person being blinded by high

beams can become disoriented and drift from his lane.

Remember that wildlife will often freeze when hit with bright

lights but may also become confused and blindly rush into

your path.

It is common practice to flash your own high beams

on and quickly off when meeting someone whose brightsare in your eyes. In some places this is illegal. Some

people also use this as a signal to oncoming drivers that

there is a police car ahead. Police tend not to appreciate

this dubious method of good fellowship, and it is probably

wiser to assume that the folks you meet are driving the

speed limit. The other common and dangerous response to


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35 P a g emeeting someone who does not dim their lights is to put your

own high beams on and leave them until the other person

dims theirs. Of course, now both of you are dazzled and

quite often there is a clash of wills between bright lights and

dim drivers. Sometimes this occurs because one driver

simply doesn't realize his lights are on high and he thinks he

is the wronged party. It's best to assume the other driver is

not intentionally being a pain in order to keep your owntemper and judgment.

A better response when meeting a person who does

not dim their lights is to leave your lights on dim and direct

your eyes toward the left edge of your lane. The bright lights

are much less dazzling when seen with your peripheral

vision, and your eyes will adjust much more quickly when the

other driver has passed.

Scratches and smears on your windshield make

bright lights much more blinding. Keep your windshield

clean and maintained. Fog or snow can reflect the light from


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36 P a g eyour own high beams back at you, making the situation

worse. Use the right light for conditions.

Turning safely is an art. One of the most common

driving errors everywhere is made when there is more than

one turning lane. The proper way to turn from one multi-lane

street onto another is to stay in the lane you start from. If

there are two lanes for turning left and you are in the lanefurthest to the right, then you will stay in that position

throughout your turn and be in the same lane on the road

you turn onto. It is most common to see people drift toward

the inner lane as they turn, but some drift outward, possibly

to position themselves for another turn down the road.

There are too many things happening in that situation,

with oncoming traffic and those behind you and beside you

to keep track of. Remain in the same lane position until you

are out of the intersection and traveling down the street youhave entered, and then safely change lanes if you need to. If

you are turning left onto a one-way street, you always turn

onto the left-most lane of that street.

When trying to turn left at an intersection when the

light is green, you must, of course, wait for an opening in

oncoming traffic. If no other left-turning vehicle is already in

the intersection in front of you, you may enter the

intersection and turn when there is a safe opening or when

the light turns red and oncoming traffic stops. Use your turnsignals, but keep your wheels pointed straight until you

actually begin your turn. That way, if you are hit from

behind, you will not be driven into oncoming traffic.

There is such a thing as being too polite. When you

are at an intersection controlled by stop signs rather than


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37 P a g elights, the first to arrive is the first to go through the

intersection. If two or more cars arrive at the same time, the

car furthest right has the right of way. Do not be such a nice

person that you ignore these rules and wave the other driver

ahead when you are clearly the one whose turn has come.

This is confusing and frustrating to the other drivers, and

rather than a smooth waltz through the intersection there is

usually a flurry of starts and stops and gestures that aredistracting and often result in near misses if not fender

benders.

The person who stops traffic behind him to allow

drivers to exit a driveway or turn across the lane can also be

doing a good deed with bad consequences. This may just

cause more traffic delays and frustration behind you, but it

also may place the person you are letting through in the path

of oncoming traffic that he cannot see for your vehicle,

especially someone coming up from behind you in the nextlane, or coming around you because they may think you are

simply stopped or stalled.

Driving while drowsy is becoming a universal

condition. It is all too easy to blame your workload, your

kids, or just having a bad night for the fact that you are not

alert enough to drive safely. Many people are so chronically

tired that they are not aware that their judgment is impaired

and their reflexes slow. Coffee is not an adequate substitute

for alert senses.

If you realize you are becoming too sleepy to drive, do

not try to force yourself to stay awake. Get off the road and

get some rest. If you cannot stop in a safe place and take a

nap or rest for the night, then at least get out of the car and

stretch your muscles. Walk around, stop for something to


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38 P a g eeat or drink, and honestly evaluate your ability to continue

before getting back on the road.

Sleepiness may be a chronic state for you, but that

does not mean it is normal. Several illnesses or conditions

such as sleep apnea are serious, dangerous, and require

medical treatment. Determine if any medications you are

taking are contributing to your sleepiness. Driving whiledrowsy is far too great a risk to continue.

Music that is too loudis a distraction. No one is trying

to stop you from listening to your radio in your car, unless

you have converted it into one of those rolling boom-boxes

with the super-powered bass amps, in which case you may

face anything from rock-throwing pedestrians to senior ladies

in BMWs approaching you at ramming speed. (Not

condoning those things either; just sayin) This is not

about your taste in music but about safety. Todays newercars are soundproof, and with windows rolled up and the

heater or a/c blowing outside sounds are already muted.

Keep your music set at a volume that you can hear the

sounds of your engine or drive shaft giving warning cries.

You should be able to hear your cars electronic warning

signals or the shouts or horns honking outside your car. Its

also a bad thing if your music keeps you from hearing the

police car so that he thinks you might have been ignoring

him.

Follow the rules, be as polite as you can safely, and

play fair; driving is a lot like first grade, but no coloring while

you are behind the wheel.


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39 P a g e

LETS RECAP:

Remember the big ones: Do not eat or drink, text, talk

or focus on anything but driving.

Using turn signals isnt a just a courtesy, it is a law

and a life-saver.

High beams are for your safety but misused can be

dangerous to you and others.

Use the right lights for the road and weather

conditions.

Keep your cars windows clean and scratch-free for

safe vision.

Learn the rules of the road; turn within the proper

lane.

Tailgating is stupid. Cant say it any nicer.


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40 P a g eRemember the 2-second rule to stay a safe distance

from the car ahead.

Pull over when you are drowsy; chronic sleepiness

can be a symptom of illness.

Be courteous but within the rules of the road and

established right-of-way.

Music is to accompany your driving experience, not

overwhelm it.


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41 P a g e

4. WHAT SHOULD BE FOUND IN EVERY CAR

Sometimes the car seems like a self-sufficient room on

wheels. If you have a dependable car and keep it

maintained properly, it will take you where you want to go

almost any time, but every car eventually needs a little rest

and repair, and it usually seems to happen in the worst

possible place. Cell phones make being broken down atthe side of the road a little less hazardous than it used to

be, but you still need to be prepared, either to fix the

problem yourself, or to stay safe and reasonably

comfortable until help arrives.

The articles in this list are easy to find and need not take

up a lot of space. Few would cost as much twenty dollars,

and many of them you will already have. They are useful

for any location, but your particular area or driving habits

may give you a sense of which should be a priority andideas for other items you consider being necessities. Give

it some thought, and enjoy creating a stash in your car that

gives you confidence in your ability to deal with

emergencies.

1. Cell phone and battery charger that plugs into your

car lighter.

2. Owners manual; if you dont have one, get one

through the dealer or buy a basic repair manualspecific to your car at an auto parts store. They are a

gold mine of information.

3. Spare tire; I know it seems obvious but its surprising

how often the spare is missing or flat. Check the air

pressure when you have the oil changed.


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42 P a g e4. Four-way lug wrench; these give more leverage and

are safer to use than the simple jack-handle type and

will let you remove different-sized lug nuts.

5. Cheater bar (this is not something to whack your

boyfriend with if you think hes fooling around); it is

simply a pipe about 3 feet long, just large enough to fit

over the lug wrench handle. Too often repair shopsusing air-wrenches tighten lug nuts so much that you

cannot get them free without the extra leverage a

cheater bar affords. Slip it over the lug wrench handle

and use the extra length to grip and lift. Be careful

that the wrench does not twist or slip off the nut.

6. Small, wheeled hydraulic jack. These are more stable

than most of the jacks that come in the car and often

allow you to roll it into place and lift the car with little

effort. Be sure to point the length of the jack in the

direction of the slope if you are on a hill. Of course,

your brakes should be set and a rock or chock placed


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43 P a g ebehind the wheels of the car when jacking it up, but if

the car moves downhill, it is better for the jack to roll

than to tip the car. They do take up trunk space, but it

can be well worth it.

7. A small flat piece of wood to give the jack footing on

soft ground and a chock to block the wheels.

8. Tire sealer (commonly called fix a flat) for slow leaks,

or partially flat tires for situations that are unsafe for

tire changing. I recommend two cans. Be sure to

warn the tire repair shop if you have used this stuff

because it will stay in the tire and excess material can

spray out when they break the tire loose from the rim.

This is a temporary fix only, and I have read varying

opinions on whether it will actually damage the inside

of the tire or prevent having it permanently repaired

later, but it can get you out of a dangerous situation.You get the idea that tires are good things to take

care of by now, dont you?

9. Flashlight and extra batteries, or crank-and-shake-

type batteries. These allow you to recharge the light

by turning a crank or shaking the flashlight.

10. Reflectors or warning lights. The orange triangles are

standard warning emblems and dont rely on

batteries. Many fold flat. Flashing LED lights areattention getters, and the batteries are very long

lasting. The lights that joggers wear are very handy

and inexpensive. Get enough to place behind and on

your car and one or two to wear while you are moving

around at roadside. Being seen is the key to avoid

being hit.


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44 P a g e11. Flares used to be a basic staple in the trunk, but

electric devices and reflectors have replaced them as

they usually only burn for less than 30 minutes. On

the other hand, they are very visible and drivers have

no doubt that they are a warning of a stalled car.

They also are a great fire starter if you are broken

down in cold weather and are going to be stuck for

awhile. They have even been used to keep someonewho did notstop, because he wished to be helpful, at

a safe distance. This is definitely not advice to use

them as a weapon. Your best course when in doubt

of a persons intentions is to lock yourself in the car

and use lights, horn and cell phone to get attention.

Jumper Cables: There are few things as depressing

as having your hood up as you stare at a dead battery

and, when someone offers a jump-start, finding neither of

you have any cables. Battery booster or jumper cables

are heavy wires with large clamps on each end. They

come in various lengths and 10 to 12 feet will usually be

long enough for any situation. They usually will be

marked with a number called the gauge of the wire. The

lower the number, the thicker the wire, and the better the

conductivity of the cable. Never get a cable smaller than

an 8-gauge; and 6 or 4 are best.

Be very careful to match the clamps to the same battery

post on both cars. Put the red clamp on the positive.

Crossing them will cause a short circuit, a very hot cable,

and maybe a battery explosion. Place the positive clamps

on first and then the negative. It is safest to clamp the

negative clamp onto the engine block rather than directly

onto the battery post. This keeps any sparks (and your


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45 P a g eface) away from the battery. Car batteries can release

gases that are explosive.

Allow the booster car to run for a short time before trying

to start your car. If your car is very low or if you have lights

or other accessories turned on you may hear the donor

cars engine slow down as your car pulls energy. The other

driver may need to increase the rpms by giving the enginea little more gas. Do not pump the gas pedal if your car is

reluctant to start as that will flood the engine. Do not hold

the key on for more than a few seconds since that will

make the starter get hot and create more electrical

resistance. Cranking the starter motor for too long can

damage it. Disconnect the cables as quickly as possible

when the car starts.

12. Battery Jump-Starters: These are great for the person

who is very independent or just cant ever get

anybody to help them (in which case you might want


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46 P a g eto work on your first impression or move to a different

town), but that can get expensive. They are basically

a nicely packaged battery with jumper cables

attached. Some also have lights and even air

compressors.

You hook these to a low battery just as though

you were being jumped from another car. There aredownsides, such as the cost; certainly over $50.00 for

one that has enough cranking power, which is

measured in amps, and the higher the better. Higher

amps and more frills can increase the cost to well

over $100.00. You also must charge these units from

an electrical outlet periodically, because they will run

down while sitting in your trunk. They are wonderful

when you need them and they are ready to use, but

probably a low priority due to cost and infrequent

need. This device might be something to save for a

winter purchase.

13. Poncho or rain gear

14. Large plastic bags: Used to lie on or protect or store

other items

15. Blankets: one regular soft blanket rolls up tightly and

takes up little space, and they are great for warmth or

cushioning. The emergency-type Mylar blankets takeup almost no space and can keep you warm or be

used to reflect the sun to help keep you cool.

16. Water: Gallon Jugs, not just drinking bottles. Water

has always been and will always be a staple of life.

On the road it can fill an overheated radiator, cool you


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47 P a g eby dampening your clothes, and even when warm

from the trunk will prevent dehydration when you drink

it. It can also be used to clean cuts. It is surprising

how quickly a broken-down vehicle and a long wait or

an unplanned walk for help make us realize how

precious water is.

17. One container of each of the basic fluids: oil,transmission fluid, antifreeze, power-steering fluid and

windshield cleaner. The antifreeze and windshield

solvent are the only gallon jugs; the rest are quarts or

less. Your engine and steering pump life and

efficiency depend on fluids, so learn how to check

them and do it routinely.

18. Long-neck funnel. This is a must to get transmission

fluid into the filler tube. You fill the transmission

through the same hole that the dipstick goes in, andits rarely in a good spot. Remember that the

transmission has to be checked with the car running,

and the stick is marked in pints, rather than quarts.

This funnel will also be handy for some brake fluid

reservoirs and power steering pumps. Let the funnel

drain and wipe it out before using it with different

fluids or storing it.

19. Waterless hand cleaner and towels: You dont want to

just get to your meeting after a car problem; you wantto look like you handled it with ease. Seriously, you

will feel much better if you can clean up after a

setback. More importantly, you want to be able to

clean any cuts or scrapes you may get while getting

back on the road.


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48 P a g e20. Fuses: An assortment of fuses of the type designed

for your car. Use your manual and only replace a

blown fuse with the same size. The fuse holder itself

will often have a diagram of which fuse controls which

devices. Fuse boxes may be under the dash or inside

the glove compartment, or a few other places. Some

designers seem to think that fuses should be kind of a

hidden treasure. The little fuses are often difficult toremove, but there may be a little gadget either in the

box of fuses you bought or in a little nook in the fuse

box itself.

21. First-Aid Kit: You dont need a terribly extravagant

first-aid kit, but at least go further than Band-Aids.

Get one that includes gauze and tape, aspirin, and

absorbent pads. The self-cooling ice and warming

packs are a welcome addition. Get the most complete

kit you can afford, and read the manual. Its a great

feeling to know what to do in minor emergencies, and

you dont want to be trying to read directions if you

are in the middle of one.

22. Fire extinguisher: A extinguisher designed to work on

all materials, called a multipurpose or A-B-C

extinguisher, will weigh under 5 pounds and usually

comes with a mounting device so that you can clamp


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49 P a g eit in an accessible place in your trunk. There are

smaller ones available that could be fixed under the

dashboard if there is safely room to mount it there.

You dont want them rolling around your floorboards.

A fire extinguisher can save damage to your car by

preventing a small fire from getting larger, but if there

is any question that the fire is out of hand, then forget

the extinguisher and get away from it. Remember theP.A.S.S. system to use the extinguisher.

(P)ull the pin in the handle

(A)im at the bottom of the fire

(S)queeze the trigger

(S)weep the spray from side to side

23. Lubricant (Oh, be serious): Spray lubricants can free

a sticking bolt or lug nut. Some lubricants can be

sprayed on damp electrical connections such as coil

wires to overcome the moisture and get you moving,

but check the manufactures' recommendations and

beware of flame and sparks. Dont leave any aerosol

can on a hot engine. You may free a sticking lock by

spraying into the cylinder or onto the key itself. Get

one of the cans with the spray tube to reach small

spaces. These little tubes invariably fall off and get

lost, so put a couple of fat rubber bands around the

can to keep them together.

24. Money: A small stash with enough to get you some

gas or pay a toll, including some change in case by

some miracle you find a real pay phone if your cell

phone is dead. Keep it in the trunk and forget it is

there until you reallyneed it. Midnight munchies are

not an emergency.


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50 P a g e

25. Long-lasting foods, nuts, or MREs (Meals Ready toEat). These are military food packs, but you can find

similar items in a camping supply store. If you are a

city dweller you may not think this is necessary, but

having some nourishment may make the difference

between an inconvenience and a really miserable

breakdown experience, if not actually a matter of

survival.

26. Duct tape: Come on, you knew that was going to be

on this list, didnt you? Include a small roll ofelectrical tape as well.

27. Light rope: I dont know why. You just gotta have

rope in your trunk. Actually, you will find hundreds of

uses, from supporting an injured limb, or securing

your new garage sale purchase on the roof, or

keeping the trunk closed, to keeping your mother-in-

law from feeding the kids all those snacks.

28. Tow rope or strap: Usually about 20 feet long, thesecan be used to get you out of an icy or muddy

situation. Be careful to stand away from them as they

can pull loose or break with a great deal of force.

Pulling or being pulled requires knowledge of safe

places to hook onto the frame of your car and the

ability to control your speed and brakes in synch with


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51 P a g eanother person. That is not easy, and you need to be

aware of your limitations and the laws in your area. A

tow rope is only to get you to safe place or solid

ground and not for pulling a disabled car more than a

very short distance.

29. Basic tools: If you arent very mechanically inclined,

you may not get much benefit from a set of tools, but

a couple of screw drivers, both flat blade and Phillips,

a set of Hex wrenches (I refuse to make a pun about

using them to put spells on people; they are often

called Allen wrenches), needle-nosed pliers, heavy

channel-lock pliers (often called plumbers pliers) and

an adjustable wrench or two, plus a hammer and a

utility knife, will meet many basic needs for minor

repairs. There are ready-made kits for cars whichcome in their own little compact cases, and these can

be handy, but quality is definitely linked with price on

these. If you are the do-it-yourself type you may

prefer to assemble your own kit with better quality

essentials.

30. Ice scraper with a brush


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52 P a g e31. Gloves: Get a pair not just to keep your hands clean

but also to protect them. Keep some thick gloves,

preferably with leather or heat-resistant palms.

Remember that parts of your engine and exhaust are

well over 200 degrees. The rims of your wheels can

be hot enough to burn you, because of the heat

generated from friction.

32. Large candle and matches: This can help you start a

fire if stranded in the countryside, and a single candle

can warm the inside of a car enough to help you

conserve body heat. This is never recommended

except in extreme situations, of course, because there

is always the chance of flammable gases inside the

car.

33. Extra cell phone with car battery charging adapter:

Even cell phones that are not on a current providerplan can often be used to call 911.

34. Extra set of clothes: When you have been exposed to

rain or snow, these can help you stay clean and

comfortable, or they can save your life.

35. Carpet remnant: This can lie flat in your trunk under

everything else but be handy to lie on or to place

under your tires if stuck on ice.

36. Bag of road salt or sand for traction.

37. Small shovel: OK; you may think of this as overkill,

but it makes all the difference when stuck in snow or

mud, and the small, folding shovels made for camping

will take up very little space.


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53 P a g e38. Camera: Just something cheap and disposable can

be nice to have to document an accident or prove you

were abducted by aliens.

39. Note pad and pencil: Not vital but useful to take down

directions. If all else fails, you can leave a note for

those left behind to let them know how you got

yourself into such a dumb situation.

This may seem like a lot of items, some obvious and

some you may not have thought of but which will come in

handy. It can be fun to decide what is needed and look

around for some of the cool, compact items, and you will

be surprised how much of this will fit into a plastic storage

container that sits neatly in your trunk Almost all of it can

be placed in one container. You may want to store

liquids in a separate box or just fitted, like the jack, along

the inside walls of your trunk where they will take up littlespace.


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54 P a g e

5. WISDOM OF THE SENIOR DRIVER

We hopped into the back seat together,

but only because we opened the wrong door.

Becoming an older driver is no joking matter. Age

and experience rarely get the respect they deserve, and

years of driving bring skill and decision-making ability that

younger drivers dont have. There are some harsh realities

we all have to face, however, and there are some limitations

and changes that are part of being a careful and responsible

driver. A sign of the wisdom, judgment and courage that

come with age is adapting to the changes that come without

embarrassment but with the recognition of what is best for

yourself and those around you.

The problem with so many of the things that affect

driving skills as a person gets older is that they can occurvery suddenly, as with a medication change, or they may

creep up on you so that it is difficult to be aware of them.

Vision dims over time, and little by little we may be driving

closer to the person in front of us or having to make sudden

stops or turns as a sign pops up unexpectedly. The car

crossing the intersection far ahead may be frighteningly

close by the time your foot travels from gas pedal to brake.

Traffic congestion or disruptive road work seem so much

more nerve-wracking than they used to be, and its so

frustrating that things arent marked clearly. What the heckis everybody honking for all the time, anyway?

Try asking yourself a few questions, and honestly

think back over your driving experiences lately. Ask

someone close to you to answer these questions from their

experiences with your driving. Promise not to hit them.


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55 P a g eHave I been drifting in my lane more or

dropping the tires onto the shoulder?

Are the road signs hard to read, or am I having

trouble remembering what some of the

symbols mean?

Is my parking less accurate, either when next

to a curb or when fitting between the lines in aparking space?

Do I hesitate, have to think about, or actually

mistake the brake or gas pedal sometimes?

Do I get confused or forget which turns to

make or miss my exits?

Is driving more frustrating, more difficult, or do I

get anxious more often when driving?

Is it true that people are honking at me or thatvery few of the gestures they are making are

friendly waves?

Have I gotten traffic tickets or warnings or had

any close calls while driving?

Are my friends or family worried about my

driving?

Is steering or working the pedals becoming

uncomfortable, difficult, or painful?

Few people are the best judges of their own

driving, no matter what age they are.


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56 P a g eA FEW LOUSY FACTS

Medications can affect your vision, thinking,

and level of awareness. Overcoming these

effects is not a question of willpower. It is

simply the way your body and mind react, and

is not something you can control or should be

ashamed of.

Older drivers receive the most traffic tickets for

failing to yield, improper turning, and running

stop signs and lights. These are all indications

of decreased driving ability.

In accidents where different ages collide, the

older driver is often the one hit, but in 28% of

those crashes the older driver was making a

left turn, more than 7 times the number of left-

turn accidents caused by younger drivers. This

reflects the decreased judgment and reaction

time of the older driver.

We all know that young people get into a lot of

accidents, but the sad truth is that in a 2007

study the rate of total accidents and the

number of fatal accidents were the same for

those aged 19 and under as for those aged 65

and over.

We dont bounce as well as we used to. The

older driver is injured more seriously, and

accidents are more often fatal, even when

wearing safety restraints. You are a valuable

and ever more fragile person; treat yourself like

one.


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57 P a g eADAPT AND CONQUER

Smart drivers, regardless of age, use every tool or

method available to keep themselves and the people around

them safe.

Give the cars around you enough room to allow you

to slow, stop or steer away from a collision. This means

greater distances as you get older and your reflexes slow.

Allow more time to get to your destinations; try to

avoid night driving and times of heaviest traffic. Plan your

route to avoid schools and truck traffic.

Stay physically active to maintain your strength and

flexibility. Consider some exercise classes to make it more

fun and consistent.

Get out of the aggressive drivers way. The driverriding your rear bumper or hugging your side of his lane may

be a jerk and is certainly wrong, but the safest and easiest

way to handle the situation is to let him get by and go on his

way. Dont let other drivers get on your nerves

Make sure your eyes are checked regularly and your

eyeglasses are correct.

Find a mechanic that you can trust and have your

cars checked regularly, especially the brakes and tires.

Drive with a companion to help watch the road, keep

you alert and warn you if you start to show diminishing

ability, but do not become distracted by conversation.

Some states have tried to pass laws requiring more

frequent testing for older drivers. In some cases these


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58 P a g ewould be based not only on age but on driving accidents or

tickets. Senior citizens advocacy groups have contested

these laws with the understandable desire to protect senior

citizens from biased laws. If there are no such laws in your

area, it would speak well of your judgment and responsibility

to voluntarily be tested or take refresher courses.

Be aware of physical changes which can be helpedby accessory items, such as cushioned steering wheel

covers to offer better grip for those with diminishing hand

strength.

Make sure your windows are kept clean and free of

obstructions. Do the same for the lights and mirrors.

Weakening vision and slowing reflexes mean you want more

warning of people coming toward you. Peripheral vision also

is reduced as the years go by. Eliminate blind spots in your

mirrors by using a well-made, effective device like the MaxiView mirror found at www.maxiviewmirrors.com


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59 P a g eWhen its time to say good-bye.

Sooner or later everyone reaches the point where it is

better not to drive. Make this decision for yourself and do it

in a positive way. Plan ahead for the day when you decide to

hand over the keys.

Set up a network of family and friends that can take

you where you wish to go. This is a wonderful opportunity to

spend private time with people who care about you.

Public transportation or shuttles for the older person

are available in most communities. If there is no publicly

provided service, check with hospitals or churches.

Shopping from home has become very easy, but be

careful to deal only with reputable companies, and protect

your credit information.

Enjoy the freedom from the responsibility that car

ownership includes. Appreciate the extra money saved from

gas, insurance, taxes and repairs.

Consider the gift you can give to someone you care

about. Almost everyone knows a person who really needs a

free or inexpensive automobile.

Lets Recap:

Age and experience deserve respect, but changesare inevitable.

Be honest in self-evaluation and consider the view of

those who know you.

Do not ignore the warning signs: near-misses,

forgetfulness, tickets, and others.

Be aware of the effects of illness and medications.


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60 P a g eTake care of yourself physically; stay active.

Use all the tools and accessories available to make

dri

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