MPmomof3Driving Safely During the New Year's Holiday
December 28th 2010 16:10
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Defensive Driving Tips
Well, the end of another year is almost here. I am sure that many of us have mixed emotions as we reflect back upon the good and bad things that have happened to us and our loved ones this year. The struggles and challenges we have faced have either overcome us or been overcome by us. At any rate, weather worse for the wear or emerging as stronger individuals, another year is nearly behind us as we ready to celebrate the year to come.
In much the same manner as our lives, New Year's Eve, the last horrah of this year and the peak into the new horizon of next year, often comes with its own misfortunes as well as celebrations. Many people who have done a bit too much celebrating will hit the road intoxicated.
Today I have been reflecting upon what each of us can do to stay safe and enjoy this holiday season. I searched the internet for defensive driving techniques, ideas and tips. Below are five essential safety tips.....
1) Common Sense and Alert Caution are Key.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation offers the following vehicle operation advice....
Drive Attentively.
This includes...
*Taking extra caution at intersections
vehicles.
*Thinking ahead - Are there children playing in the area? What's
around the bend?
*Being prepared to stop or swerve suddenly to avoid collision
2) Avoid Road Rage.
America Online Autos advises patience when driving in this season of heightened danger potential on the roads...
.....remember you may be inflaming a road-rage situation -- but perhaps more crucially, it distracts a driver for a split second or longer. The entire event could adversely affect their driving for the rest of the day.
Be aware of your surroundings.
3) Don't get too close to the car in front of you, no matter how late you are. It's not worth risking your life.
Defensive Driving Expert Bob Schaller provides the following wisdom:....
Use the Two-Second Rule. About 40% of all collisions are rear-end collisions. Avoid them by maintaining your following distance. This rule is so basic, and yet it is one of the most ignored. Also keep in mind that two seconds is the minimum -- three or four is better. Stretch it out when you can, because sometimes two seconds isn't enough. Don't believe for a second you can't use this technique in heavy traffic; you can, and that's when it is most important.
4) Try to have a designated driver if at all possible. That is the best thing to do for safety's sake. If you don't have one available, Bob Schaller provides this rule of thumb...
Don't drive impaired. Wait at least two hours for each drink before you drive. Staying on top of the driving task means being 100% there to do the job. You need all your skills and faculties for driving. Even small amounts of alcohol impair the most important skills you need to drive safely. Studies have proven that impairment starts with alcohol concentrations as low as .03% or.04% -- about half of the "legal limit" in most states, and the first thing affected is your judgment. Not surprisingly, studies have linked impaired driving to increased incidences of reckless driving. Typically, about 30% to 50% of all collisions have driver impairment as a factor, and fatality is more likely in alcohol-related crashes. .
5) Try to avoid mechanical problems.
Fatigue and alcohol can make it even more difficult than normal to handle vehicle breakdowns. Make sure your vehicle has enough gas and is properly maintained to avoid any known mechanical issues creeping up during the holiday.
I think Shaller puts it best...
Pay attention to your car's needs--and it will take you where you want to go on your roadtrip--safely!
Find more information about impaired driving at http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/. Learn more about distracted driving at http://www.distraction.gov/.
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