Does it seem like your headlights are getting dimmer; that you just can't see as far as you used to? They probably are but it’s not the fault of the bulb.

Over the past ten years or so, headlights started to change. Older drivers may remember when it came time to change the headlights, having to get a large headlight fitting that included a new glass lens. Nowadays, when it comes time for a change, you just swap out the bulb by itself. It is much cheaper and there is no longer any need to adjust the headlights so that they are aimed properly.

The problem with this new system though is that the lens doesn't get changed and, over time, it tends to get scratched up and very dirty. It's not the bulb that is growing dim; it's the scratched and cloudy lens that is making it hard for the light to penetrate through. To correct the problem, you need to clean the lens. Cleaning the lens however isn’t as easy as running some soap and water over it. You need to remove the scratches that are holding the dirt.

There are several products on the market designed for cleaning headlight lenses. Most of these products are easily available at auto parts or big box department stores and they don’t cost much. Some are rub-on, rub-off type products similar to car wax in their application. Some products include a small buffer that can be used with an electric drill to polish the lens. All promise ease of use but some are easier than others. You'll have to experiment to see which one is best for you. Regardless of the type you use, the chore doesn’t take long and the results can be dramatic.

Remember, that driving safety rules say you should never drive so fast that you "over-drive your headlights". In other words, you need to be able to stop within the distance covered by your headlights. As your headlights become scratched and cloudy, that distance becomes shorter and shorter. Don't take a chance on over-driving your headlights; clean your lenses. You’ll be pleased with the results.

Labels: driver safety, headlights, thanksgiving traffic safety, vehicle safety

Crashes at intersections cause the most fatalities than any other type of crash location. Not only are red light runners responsible for the majority of these crashes but also drivers making U-Turns are often involved in these type crashes.

It is important that before making a U-Turn at an intersection, you know the law of your state. Some states allow a U-Turn at any intersection unless there is a traffic sign telling you No U-Turn allowed. Then there are other states where you can only make a U-Turn when a traffic sign says, U-Turn Permitted. Almost all states do not allow U-Turns over double yellow lines painted on the roadway.

First, you can only make a U-Turn when the traffic light facing you is either a green arrow allowing the turn or a solid green light. Many people believe that because they are going to make a U-Turn and are a considerable distance from the center of the intersection they can make the turn while the light is red. This is a violation because you are still moving your vehicle into the intersection on a red light.

Here are some rules you should follow when making a legal U-Turn:

• Plan your U-Turn by looking for pedestrians or individuals riding bicycles. This includes checking for pedestrians and others when you turn into the opposite direction.

Always look to your left and right before beginning your turn. If the light facing you has just turned green wait a second or two for possible red light runners approaching from another direction.

It's a good idea to take your foot off the accelerator moving it closer to the brake in case you have to make a sudden stop while making your U-Turn. By keeping your foot closer to the brake, you will have a better chance of stopping your vehicle should an emergency arise.

If you have entered an intersection when the signal light changes, complete your turn as soon as traffic clears. Never try to back up in an effort to avoid blocking the intersection.

It is important that you remember you will always be making a U-Turn from the left portion of the lane closest to the centerline of the roadway. You may never make a U-Turn near the crest of a hill, a curve, or any other place where other drivers cannot see you from 500 feet away in the same direction.

U-Turns may get you back to a location you missed and making a proper U-Turn assures you, you will get to your missed location with getting into a crash.

Labels: driver safety, intersection safety, thanksgiving traffic safety, traffic light safety, u-turn

In recent years texting while driving has become a heated topic throughout the country. Currently, about 135 billion text messages are sent or received in any given month in the United States. That number represents an 80-percent increase since 2008. So, it's no wonder that law makers are starting to take notice.

In 2010, bans on texting while driving will go into effect in New Hampshire, Oregon, and Illinois. Florida may also be added to that list. If a proposed bill is passed, Florida’s ban could go into effect on October 1, 2010. Including the three previously mentioned states, 19 US states and Washington DC currently have bans on texting while driving in place. Six additional states (California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington) ban drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving. Drivers in those states are still allowed to talk using a hand-free device such as a Bluetooth. No state bans talking on a hands-free device while driving, however some experts predict there may be pushes for such bans in the future.

Florida's proposed ban on texting while driving is moving quickly through legislation. In March, the Florida House of Representatives unanimously pushed forward a bill that would make texting while driving a secondary offense. A secondary offense allows law enforcement officers to write citations after they have pulled you over for another primary offense. For example, a driver could be pulled over if he or she is caught rolling through a stop sign while texting. In that situation, the officer would issue a citation for the primary offense (failing to stop at the stop sign) and the secondary offense (texting while driving).

In the proposed bill, the first offense will result in a $30 fine. If a driver is convicted of a second offense within five years the fine will be raised to $60. Some law makers are unhappy with the secondary offense classification of the proposed bill. They feel it should be a primary law because texting while driving is a distraction to drivers and puts other, innocent drivers at risk. Texting while driving has been named the cause of several fatal accidents across the country in recent years. These accidents and the desire to prevent further fatalities is a major driving force behind the movement to ban texting across the country.

Research has shown the majority of the country supports a ban on texting. However, research has also shown that a large portion of people who support a ban are also guilty of texting while driving. It seems to be another "it can't happen to me" situation. Similar to the way people think when they drink and drive. That is, until it does happen to them.

Whether or not Florida is the next state to ban texting while driving or not, Florida drivers should put down their phones and pay attention to the road. Drivers need to abandon the "It can"t happen to me" philosophy and realize that texting while driving is distraction and dangerous.

Read more about the Cost of Texting and Driving.

Labels: driver safety, florida driving laws, texting, texting and driving, thanksgiving traffic safety, traffic fines

For drivers, the most dangerous period of the year is approaching. Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled holiday period of the year with almost 90% of those traveling doing so by car and, if previous year statistics hold true, this Thanksgiving weekend will also be the deadliest holiday period of the year.

This year, the official 102 hour Thanksgiving holiday period will start at 6:00 pm on Wednesday the 25th and run through midnight on Sunday the 29th. During the same period in 2008, nationwide, 389 occupants of passenger vehicles were killed in car crashes; thousands more were injured. To lessen your chances of becoming one of the statistic this year, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Seat Belts

Of the fatalities during the 2008 Thanksgiving weekend;

• More than two-thirds (67%) of the total fatalities did not have their seat belts fastened.


• 40 percent of the fatalities in daytime crashes were not wearing seat belts.

Most of the 2008 highway deaths and serious injuries could have been easily prevented by the simple act of wearing a seat belt. Many states have strengthened their seat belt laws over the past year and 31 states now have primary seat belt enforcement laws; meaning that the police can stop and cite you for not wearing a seat belt without having to witness any other traffic infractions. As in years past, the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is sponsoring a nationwide "Click-It-Or Ticket" campaign. State highway patrol and local police departments throughout the nation will be on the alert for vehicle occupants who aren’t wearing seat belts and they will be giving out tickets. Keep yourself safe and ticket free by wearing a seat belt.

Speed

Speeding is the major reason for traffic crashes. Higher speeds reduce the time you have to react to an emergency situation and increase the crash forces in a collision. Along with looking for seat belt violators, the police will also be looking out for speeders. If you are doing as little as 5 mph over the speed limit, you run the risk of earning a speeding ticket.

Wednesday

Most of the travelers who are going long distances will be leaving after work on Wednesday evening. They will find that the normal rush hour delays will extend throughout the evening and far out into rural areas where traffic is normally light.

• Tired drivers who have worked all day and are now facing the frustration of being stuck in slow traffic for such a long distance may be tempted to take chances they might not otherwise take.


• Sleepy drivers may nod off at the wheel and are just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Sunday

Most drivers will wait until Sunday afternoon to return home where they will face many of the same driving conditions that they faced on Wednesday evening. Unlike Wednesday evening, they will face additional dangers due to:

• Drivers who waited until the end of football games before hitting the road and didn't give themselves enough time.


• Drivers who are drowsy after eating big meals of left-over turkey (Turkey contains Tryptophan, which is used as an ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids.)


• Drivers who have consumed alcohol while engaging in the above.

Take these actions to remain safe on the road:

• If you can arrange your work schedule, try to leave on Tuesday and return either on Saturday or Monday when traffic is lighter and safer.
  
• Give yourself plenty of time.
  
• Get enough rest and don't try to drive when you would normally be asleep.
  
• Swap driving duties with a companion
  
• To remain alert, stop every 2 hours or 100 miles.
  
• Don't depend on caffeine or "energy drinks" to take the place of sleep. When they wear off, you will fall asleep.
  
• Understand that traffic will be heavy and don't let your frustrations tempt you to take chances.
  
• Check for weather conditions along your route and leave earlier if necessary.
  
• Wear your seat belt!!! Seat belts are proven to save lives and prevent injuries.
  
• Make sure children are secured in an approved child safety seat.
  
• Children over 4 years of age are taken out of child seats too soon; their bodies are too small for seat belts to work effectively. Be sure any child under 4'9" in height is secured in a booster seat.
  
• Don't give into the temptation to speed. It won't get you there that much faster and it can lead to a ticket or worse, a collision.
  
• Use your cruise control to prevent speeding.
  
• Understand that driving is a complex task and it takes all your concentration.
  
• Eat light to prevent drowsiness.
  
• If you need to make a phone call, pull off the road and keep your call short.
  
• Don't answer your cell phone while driving. Let your cell phone take a message and pull off the road to answer your calls.
  
• Don't text and drive!!! Taking your eyes off the road for just a second or two can have tragic consequences.
  
• Don't consume alcohol!! Buzzed driving is the same as drunk driving.
  

Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Labels: driver safety, holiday driving, seat belt safety, thanksgiving traffic safety, traffic crashes

Summer vacation can be a time to relax and recharge, but can also be very hectic. Americans tend to try to pack as much into a short time as possible. If you are driving on your vacation this summer and packing in a lot of all-day activities, you could find yourself guilty of DWD (Driving While Drowsy).

As a society we are sleep-deprived. There seem to be too many things to do in a day, and we often sacrifice sleep to meet other demands. But sacrificing as little as one to two hours of sleep can affect the ability to stay awake during the day. Traffic safety experts have recognized that driving while sleepy is just as great a threat as driving under the influence:

•Studies show that 37% of drivers report having nodded off or fallen asleep while driving; 29% report that they have experienced this problem in the last year, and 10% in the last month. That means about 75 million drivers have nodded off in the last month.

•More than one-third (35%) of drivers who nodded off while driving within the past six months say their last experience occurred between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. An additional 17% report they nodded off between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

•Slightly more than one in five (22%) drivers who recently experienced a drowsy driving episode report having been on the road driving for five or more hours; nearly half (47%) were driving for an hour or less.

•National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that, over the past few years, there have been about 56,000 crashes annually in which driver fatigue or drowsiness was cited by police as the cause. Those crashes caused approximately 40,000 non-fatal injuries and 1,550 fatal injuries per year.

If you are packing in a full day at a theme park or a beach, you should be aware that all the activity under a hot sun will dehydrate, weaken, and tire you. Planning to hit the road for a long trip after a full day's activities could set you up for disaster. Nodding off at the wheel for only a very short time, which sleep experts refer to as microsleep, is extremely dangerous. Microsleep is an episode in which someone who is sleep-deprived nods off from a fraction of a second up to thirty seconds. If you are traveling at highway speeds of up to 70 mph, your car will travel 102 feet in just one second. Dozing off for only a second or two is long enough for your vehicle to leave the road or veer into the path of another vehicle.

Are you at risk for driving while drowsy? Before you drive, check to see if you are:

•Sleep-deprived or fatigued (6 hours of sleep or less triples your risk)
•Suffering from sleep loss (insomnia), poor quality sleep, or a sleep debt
•Driving long distances without proper rest breaks
•Driving through the night, in mid-afternoon, or when you would normally be asleep
•Taking sedating medications (antidepressants, cold tablets, antihistamines)
•Drinking even small amounts of alcohol
•Driving alone or on a long, rural, dark or boring road

Many motorists try to drive late at night to avoid traffic congestion on long trips. If you are planning a long trip, don't make the mistake of planning to drive at a time other than your normal waking hours. Don’t drive long distances after a full day of vacation activities.

When you are driving, these are the signs that you should pull off the road and rest:

•Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
•Daydreaming; wandering/disconnected thoughts
•Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
•Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
•Trouble keeping your head up
•Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
•Feeling restless and irritable

The National Sleep Foundation offers the following tips for drivers before hitting the road:

•Get a good night's sleep. While this varies from individual to individual, sleep experts recommend between 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and 8 1/2-9 1/2 for teens.
•Plan to drive long trips with a companion. Passengers can help look for early warning signs of fatigue or switch drivers when needed. Passengers should stay awake to talk to the driver.
•Schedule regular stops every 100 miles or every two hours.
•Avoid alcohol and medications (over-the-counter or prescribed) that may impair performance. Alcohol interacts with fatigue, increasing its effects - just like drinking on an empty stomach.

Once you are on the road, follow these guidelines to avoid driving while drowsy:

•Take a 15 to 20-minute nap. More than a 20-minute nap can make you groggy for at least five minutes after awakening.
•Consume the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Caffeine is available in various forms (e.g. soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, tea, chewing gum, and tablets) and amounts; but remember that caffeine takes about 30 minutes to enter the bloodstream and will not greatly affect those who regularly consume it. Try taking caffeine and then a short nap to get the benefits of both.
•If you are sleep-deprived, don't rely on heavily caffeinated drinks to keep you awake. Once the caffeine wears off, your body will demand sleep.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation.

Labels: driver safety tips, driving tips, drowsy driving, sleep, summer driving, summer vacation, thanksgiving traffic safety

Some recent news articles concerning road rage incidents have pointed out how people can draw themselves into a road rage incident and some of the terrible mistakes that drivers make when they try to retaliate against an aggressive driver. A recent incident in Florida involved an enraged driver who started shooting and another driver, believing he had to defend himself, shooting back, resulting in a pitched gun battle on an interstate highway while other drivers swerved to get out of the way. Not only was the “road-rager” arrested but the other driver, who felt justified in shooting back, was surprised when he was arrested as well.

In previous articles, we discussed the difference between aggressive driving and road rage and the fact that people often use the terms interchangeably or get them confused. Road rage occurs when a driver snaps and tries to physically punish another driver. In this article we are going to discuss how to avoid road rage incidents and what to do if you find yourself the target of an enraged driver.
Incidents of road rage have grown to epidemic proportions and a quick Google search turns up a surprising number of road rage incidents that happened within the past 24 hours, several of them involving gunfire. Current economic conditions may be adding to the problem.

In 2006, the American Psychiatric Association gave road rage its own diagnosis, referring to it as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). IED is characterized by a degree of aggressiveness during the episode that is grossly out of proportion to any influencing events; it is a form of temporary insanity, in which the enraged individual wants to hurt other individuals or to destroy property. IED is more commonly found in young men and it is estimated that one in fourteen individuals are capable of experiencing the disorder. The bottom line is that, when you are dealing with someone in a road rage incident, you are not dealing with someone who is rational or reasonable.

How can you avoid being the victim of a road rage incident? There are a number of steps you can take; the key is to avoid, as much as possible, irritating another driver.

• Pay attention to the road ahead and be aware of the drivers around you. If you see an aggressive driver approaching in your rear view mirror, get out of his way. Move into another lane or give him plenty of space to get around you.


• Giving full attention to your driving means staying off of cell phones. Cell phone users tend to drive slower and are slower to regain speed after stopping at a red light.


• Stay in the right hand lane unless you are passing another driver. Keep the left lane clear for passing traffic. If you are on a two-lane road and traffic is building up behind you, pull over and allow faster traffic to pass.


• Use turn signals and slow in time so other drivers will have time to react to your brake lights.


• Remember that you can’t take the right-of-way, you can only give it up to someone else. If someone else insists on taking the right-of-way, give it to them even if you legally have the right-of-way.


• Most importantly, be courteous to other drivers even if they aren’t courteous in return.

Retaliating against other drivers by honking your horn, flashing your lights, making gestures, or trying to keep another driver from passing can trigger a traffic game, which can lead to a road rage incident. You may have experienced a traffic game in the past. One example is when a driver slows down in response to a tailgater, only to have the tailgater pass the driver and slow down as "punishment." In this situation, the tailgater is trying to teach the first driver a lesson. If the first driver tries to pass and becomes involved in the game, the two drivers could very quickly find themselves in a life or death struggle.

If you find yourself in this type of situation, do whatever it takes to get out, including getting off the road if necessary. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn in to a traffic game. You are never in such a hurry that it is worth becoming the victim of road rage.

One mistake people make that often results in serious injury or death is to stop to argue with the other driver. Remember that this person may have temporarily lost all touch with reality and may react in a way that is totally out of proportion to the incident.

If you encounter an aggressive or enraged driver, remember the following tips:

• Never try to retaliate; don’t blow your horn or make any gestures. Let them go! You can't change their behavior and only law enforcement has the authority to correct their behavior.


• Never stop to confront an aggressive driver.


• Never get out of your vehicle if an aggressive driver leaves her vehicle. If you are trapped in traffic or at a red light, do not open your door or roll down your window if the other driver gets out and approaches you. If you have a cell phone, call 911 and ask for help. Let the other driver see you calling. Honk your horn loudly to summon help.

Another aspect of Intermittent Explosive Disorder is that, after the event, the individuals usually feel upset, embarrassed, and genuinely remorseful but, by that time, it is usually too late. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you must put safety first.

Additional Articles on Driver Courtesy: Forget It and Drive On

Labels: aggressive driver, aggressive driving, aware driver, cell phone, defensive driving course, intermittent explosive disorder, road rage, road rage incident, thanksgiving traffic safety