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Safest drivers pay attention to acknowledged safety tips
By Rita Baum
Most older people are interested and informed about issues relating to their health, longevity and quality of life. The subject of driving safety is no exception, as evidenced by the large number of seniors who take the AARP 55 Alive Mature Driving Course. We'll wrap up this series on older drivers with a checklist of important tips on accident prevention from the California Driver Handbook and the 55 Alive Mature Driving Course.
Many older drivers already practice the recommendations listed here--which is one reason why they are outliving their predecessors in large numbers. But even conscientious drivers need reminders now and then.
Accident Prevention Checklist
* Assess the intersection even if the green light is in the driver's favor.
* Keep eyes moving to see the total traffic picture, and look beyond the car ahead as far as possible to stay alert to potential problems.
* Frequently check all mirrors.
* When in the middle of an intersection waiting for an opportunity to turn left, keep wheels pointed straight ahead.
* Be aware when driving in the blind spots of trucks and vans. If you can't see the driver's face in his/her side view mirror, the truck driver can't see your car.
* Keep a safe distance from the car ahead. When stopping behind another car, its back wheels should be visible.
* When exiting the freeway, don't slow down until after entering the deceleration lane.
* A motorcycle has rights to the complete traffic lane, just like a car. Failure to yield the right-of-way to a motorcyclist is the most frequent driver error in accidents involving a car and motorcycle.
* Communicate with other drivers by always using turn signals at the proper time.
* When changing lanes, glance over your shoulder to check traffic.
* Turn to look backwards--and on both sides--before putting a vehicle in reverse.
* Parking lots are trouble spots for accidents involving backing up.
* To make backing up easier, avoid parking alongside a long van or truck.
* Make sure seat belts are worn across the front of the chest, never under the arm.
* Keep head restraints raised high enough to be level with the ears.
* Set the seat as far back as is comfortable to avoid hitting the windshield in an accident and to avoid excessive force from airbags during impact.
* Position the rearview mirror so it reflects the entire rear window.
* Maneuver the left side view mirror until you can no longer see the side of your car. Repeat for the right side view mirror. This shrinks the blind spot so you should only have to turn your head as far as your shoulder to see a car passing on either side.
* Remove obstructions such as objects in the car attic, on the dashboard or hanging clothes. Keep all windows clean.
* Start the engine with radio and fan in the off position so that unusual sounds from the engine can be more easily detected.
* Gasoline stops are a good time to check for worn or bald tires that lessen overall control and increase stopping distance.
* Don't pump the brakes if your vehicle has an anti-lock brake system. Apply smooth, steady pressure to stop.
* Never assume you have the right-of-way without assessing the situation. Yield to an aggressive driver.
* Don't drive in the fog. Postpone the trip until the fog clears. If caught in the fog use only low-beam headlights. Increase the following distance and be prepared to stop within the space you can see in front of the vehicle.
* Avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights. Look toward the right edge of your lane, watching the oncoming cars out the corner of your eye.
* If your car breaks down, pull off the road as far as possible and turn on the emergency flashers.
* Pay attention at all times! Inattention is a common cause of accidents.
* Be alert to problem situations such as other drivers whose view is blocked by buildings, trees, or other cars, and drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces.
* Also be aware of drivers who are distracted or in trouble, including delivery persons, construction workers, drivers who pass when approaching a curve, drivers who appear confused and children playing near by.
* Leave a large gap when crossing or entering traffic.
* Don't allow the gas tank to go below one-quarter of a tank.
* Keep doors locked while driving.
* Park in an outside parking area with an attendant, if possible.
* If a near accident occurs, learn from the incident. Analyze the situation once you have arrived at your destination. Could the near accident have been avoided with a different reaction? Did the driver fail to see something or do something? Did you?
* Use a booster seat for children until they can sit back against the vehicle's seat with their knees bent comfortably at the seat's edge.
Perhaps the most important item on a safe-driving checklist is to be courteous and respectful of other drivers and pedestrians, no matter what.
This checklist is only a partial summary of accident prevention suggestions. The California Driver Handbook contains a more complete description of safe driving practices. You can also purchase a copy of the "Vehicle Code" for $3 at any DMV office, or visit the DMV web site at www.dmv.ca.gov.
Rita Baum is a Los Gatos resident. She has a master's degree in gerontology and has worked in the field of aging for more than 20 years.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
