Monthly Archives: December 2010

General Safety Issues

LET’S AVOID THOSE BACKUP COLLISIONS!

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We recently posted a guest blog, Drive, Park, and Enjoy Yourself Safely This Holiday Season, with all kinds of tips on driving and parking safety during this rushed holiday season.  One of our readers added a great idea to the issue of accidents caused when reversing your automobile.  She commented: “reversing is a tricky and dangerous driving activity to both yourself and pedestrians.  Get your reversing done while you have a clear view of the traffic, pedestrians and general area, while your mind is focused on driving.  Also, when you get in your car after shopping, you may not be totally focused on the hazards of the activity of backing out, nor what is going on around you, and that this is the worst possible time to be reversing.”  If there’s the chance that you can find a space to park that you can back into, do that, in order to make a safe exit from the parking lot when you are ready to leave. 

According to reports from the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, backup accidents by passenger vehicles result in 228 deaths and 17,000 injuries annually.  They most often occur in residential driveways and parking lots, and involve SUV’s or small trucks.  Sadly, many victims are children under age 5, and the driver was a family member or someone who knows the family.  The University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies states “all backing accidents are preventable.  The key is to plan ahead to avoid backing in the first place.”  Consumer Reports Magazine suggests that SUV’s, pickups and minivans are longer and taller and that their blind zones extend as much as 50’ from the rear bumper, which contributes to poor visibility. 

Here are some reasons for collision failures related to backing operations:

  • Failure to look before backing;
  • Failure to conduct a walk-around;
  • Failure to check mirrors often;
  • Failure to check blind spots;
  • Backing at an unsafe speed. 

Prevention organizations urge parents to use common sense and take safety measures such as installing cross view mirrors, audible collision detectors, rear view video camera, and/or some kind of reverse backup sensors.  Safer backing up is done when the driver turns completely around and looks out of the rear window of the car, rather than relying on mirrors.  By doing this, a wider field of vision and better control of the vehicle is provided.  If you have a passenger, ask him/her to help you watch for objects or persons. 

The Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007 requires the safety agency (NHTSA) to adopt a safety regulation that improves rearward visibility when a vehicle is in reverse.  NHTSA has proposed that all passenger vehicles be equipped with back-up cameras.  Based on the assumption that there are 16.6 million new vehicles sold annually, the cost would be $1.9 billion to $2.7 billion each year to equip them.  This proposal would require automakers to have 10% of new vehicles with these systems by 2012; 40% by September, 2013, and 100% by September, 2014.  The estimated cost passed on to consumers on purchasing new cars would be around $159 to $203 – a small investment for added safety.  Costs to consumers who already have some type of backup camera that could be adapted to meet new standards would be less. 

 There are many older cars out there that won’t have any of these safety features, with the exception of seat belts, and those drivers should be vigilant to watch for pedestrians and other cars when they are backing out.   (A while back, I almost got mowed down by a lady as she was backing out.  Luckily, I saw her, and thought she saw me, but she backed out, forged ahead and never looked back.  It could have been very bad for me – I have learned to stay clear of parked cars.)  This is a little wake-up call for pedestrians to watch, too.   There are many automobiles that already have back-up cameras, or sensors that warn drivers when a person or object is behind them.  (My car beeps like crazy, for which I am thankful.)

So, until we have cars that do everything  but drive themselves, keep all these safety suggestions in mind.  Think “forward” and try to avoid backing whenever possible.  Plan ahead to reduce backing operations.  We appreciate our fellow bloggers and readers for comments that help us all stay focused on safety.

General Safety Issues

DRIVE, PARK AND ENJOY YOURSELF SAFELY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

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This is a guest blog from Rebecca at Parking Sign Corner.  She has shared some good holiday tips with us, so please read on:

There is no other time of year in America when the roads, highways and parking lots are as busy with automobiles and buses as they are during the winter holiday season. We’re shopping for presents, we’re eating more meals at restaurants, we’re visiting friends and family, we’re getting snow tires put on our cars, we’re rushing to the store at the last minute crossing fingers they have just one snow shovel left! And don’t forget trips to the doctor when a nasty cold strikes. Those are the worst trips of all for sure. But the one thing each of these ventures has in common is the increase in traffic, which automatically makes things trickier, and the decrease in parking spaces available once we arrive at our destination. ParkingSignCorner.com has put together a list of tips to keep in mind when navigating holiday traffic, and safely parking your vehicle during this busy season. We hope this list helps make the holidays a little less stressful, and a lot more happy, as happiness is truly what it’s all about!

1.      Get yourself situated before you leave your driveway. Make sure you’re buckled in, your coat isn’t obstructing your ability to turn your head and your wheel, and that you’re just generally ‘comfortable’. You don’t want to be tugging at coat sleeves and fussing with scarves and mittens once you’re on the road. I also find it’s a good idea to keep calming tunes in my car during the holidays, whether it’s favorite Christmas classics, or music that soothes me in general. A little singing along makes a car ride much more enjoyable!

2.      As important as it is to ensure that you are ready for the road, make sure your car is ready as well. Check windows for fogging or ice before pulling out! Make sure your tire pressure is safe, and your windshield washer fluid full. You don’t have to check this every day, but with temperature changes I take a peek at my tires about once a week. I also keep some spare snacks in the car just in case hunger strikes and my journey takes longer than expected.

3.      Be mindful of the increase in drivers and pedestrians, especially if you live in a town or city that invites out-of-towners for shopping or entertainment. During the holiday season many new faces flock to towns with interesting shops, theaters, or holiday attractions. These people aren’t as familiar with your roads, and may be making quick stops or turns, or crossing the street at less than ideal locations. Keep alert, and try not to be too frustrated. After all, they came to where you live because it’s fun and festive!

4.      Pay attention to parking signs, particularly no parking signs! You may be the one that’s checking out new cities, and unfamiliar territory can lead to some questionable parking if you aren’t in the know about the best places to park. If possible, do a bit of online research before you leave to see if there are parking garages or lots near where you’ll be visiting. Many businesses even outline nearby meter parking if that is the best option, and some even tell you where not to park. A good rule of thumb is to not park somewhere you aren’t sure about, whether you aren’t sure if you can legally park there, or you aren’t sure if it’s a safe place to leave your vehicle. It can be quite stressful to seemingly drive in circles looking for a space, but it’s a loss less stressful than slashed tires or a ticket!

5.      Once you’ve found a place you’re sure you can park, look around for lights. If it’s likely that you’ll be returning to your vehicle after the sun has set, you won’t want to be returning to a dark alley or dark corner of a parkade. Park as close to streetlights or parkade lights as possible, and have your keys in your hand so you can get in your car as fast as possible. Walk quickly and assuredly; be aware of your surroundings by keeping your head up and your eyes scanning the scene, and whenever you can, walk with a friend. If you have no choice but to walk alone, keeping pepper spray at the ready is a smart idea. Just be sure you know how to use it beforehand!

6.      Have your cell phone in your pocket. I always have my phone in my pocket as I want the chances for losing it to be as minimal as possible. It’s an unfortunate fact that some of the most skilled pickpockets and muggers are among us during this season of hustle and bustle. If you have your phone in your pants pocket where it would be very tricky to swipe without you noticing, at least you’ll have a connection to friends, family and police should your purse, backpack, or wallet be stolen.

7.      When you do park your car, ensure that all valuables are out of sight. Don’t invite a thief – make your car as unappealing as possible for a potential break-in. If you’re out shopping, keep purchases in the trunk. Listening to music? Keep CDs and music players in your glove compartment or under your seat. Tuck away pricy gloves, that cup of change so many of us have, anything and everything that someone might see as a good enough reason to break into your vehicle.

8.      Last but not least – have fun! Take some time for yourself this season. The inbox at work isn’t going to stop filling, but it’s not going anywhere either. The holidays are first and foremost about togetherness, and there’s a lot more memories to be made with friends and family then there are to be made working overtime on Christmas Eve.

Thank you, Rebecca, for these helpful pointers.  Most of us have limited time to do our shopping, and we want it to be a pleasant and safe experience.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

ARE YOU AND YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER?

ARE YOU AND YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER? 

Because cold weather is on the horizon, it’s time to give your vehicle a good checkup.  You depend on it to get you safely wherever you are going, whether it’s to the grocery store, or a long trip.  If you maintain your car or truck with regular oil changes, and routine maintenance, hopefully, it will repay you with dependability. 

Here are some important things to check out on your automobile before you wake up to a freezing morning: 

  • Battery.  Cold temperatures reduce cranking power; your battery is asked to do more to start the engine with low temperatures, so be sure it is in good working order.
  • Don’t rev up the motor when you first start it; that won’t warm it up any faster.
  • Wipers and windshield wiper fluid.  Replace old wipers if they leave streaks on the window.  Normal life of wipers is one year.  Leave them in raised position to keep them from freezing to windshield if car is left outside.
  • Ignition system
  • Heater
  • Thermostat
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Belts and Hoses
  • Exhaust system
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Defroster
  • Brakes
  • Oil level.  Make sure you use the right engine oil. (Consult owners’ manual.) Oil becomes thicker in cold weather.  Oil with (W) in the viscosity index is formulated for winter.
  • Tires.  Your tires need to have good tread.  If your travel in heavy snow conditions, carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle.
  • Gasoline or Diesel.  Keep your tank at least one-half full at all times when possible. 

O.K.: Now you’ve checked out the car/truck,  and it’s good to go.  If you are going on a trip alone, be sure to tell someone where you are going, when you plan to arrive, and then let them know you got there safely.  Be sure your cell phone is handy, but please, don’t text and drive!  Here’s some things you need to take along,  just in case of an emergency: 

  •          Food items, such as energy bars, peanut butter and crackers, etc.
  •          Gallon of water
  •          A flashlight
  •          First-Aid Kit
  •          Hand Warmers
  •          Thermal or other blanket
  •         Motorist Emergency Safety Kit    
  •         Fire starting supplies 

Most of us do keep our cars maintained properly, but emergencies can happen, such as a flat tire, accident, or any unplanned incident.  Having these things in your car could make a huge difference in keeping you warm and safe until help arrives.  We hope you never get stranded, but be prepared, and call for assistance as soon as possible.