Staying alert is key to driving safely
By Anne Gilbert, Copley News Service | October 28, 2007
Every year there are millions of accidents on the road. And every year during the holiday season when the freeways are packed with travelers, the public is reminded of the discouraging facts. According to car-accidents.com, roughly 115 fatalities a day are a result of traffic accidents in the United States - one death every 13 minutes. With so many vehicles on the road, it is important to know how you can minimize your chances of getting in an accident. Experts say driving safely requires constant alertness and active involvement. "We are inattentive drivers," said Bob Schaller. Schaller is the author of the online defensive driving manual, "Drive Safe With Uncle Bob." He is also a driving instructor in Phoenix. "Almost all collisions are preventable, if drivers were paying attention to the driving task. We are distracted by dozens of nondriving activities, plus, by nature, we are mental multitaskers." Here are some tips: In order to stay aware, make sure you are well-rested for long trips. Driving tired is dangerous. If you are having a hard time keeping your eyes open, or find yourself unable to remember driving certain parts of the road, pull into a rest area and get a large coffee or sleep in your car for a few hours and start again. No time crunch is worth putting your life, and the lives of others, at risk.Even if you don't feel tired, driving is a mental exercise and you need to give your mind a break once in a while. According to the federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration, on long trips it is best to stop every two hours to get a breath of fresh air and stretch your legs.When you are behind the wheel, avoid distractions like eating, talking on cellphones, or constantly adjusting the radio and CD player."Mental distraction doubles your normal reaction time," Schaller said. Be aware of the drivers around you; if they seem distracted, they are liable to change lanes or brake unexpectedly. Never, ever drive under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 40 percent of accidents annually are alcohol related. Drive defensively because even if you are following the rules of the road, someone next to you could cause an accident.One of the easiest and most important ways you can protect yourself on the road is to buckle up. On long freeway trips, don't jeopardize your safety because you are trying to get comfortable. Stay buckled. Almost half of the fatalities on the road are a result of people not wearing seat belts (nhtsa.dot.gov).Avoiding accidents means driving the speed limit, and not tailgating. Stay calm and courteous in traffic situations. Driving aggressively will only amplify the tension on the road and increase the chances of an accident. To add to the drawbacks, rapid acceleration and braking are not fuel-efficient. According to the US Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov, these can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in town.Before any extended drive, make sure that your car is serviced; roadtripamerica.com suggests checking your tires, oil, brakes, and coolant. If you are driving through areas with snow and ice, double-check your heater, defroster, antifreeze, and windshield wipers.It is a good idea to have some basic supplies with you in case you happen to break down. Many people keep extra bottles of water, flashlights, and spare tires in the back of their car.If you plan to drive to an unfamiliar location, take directions and maps.Avoid the heaviest traffic times and plan time for your trip so that you will not be in a rush.
© Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
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