Auto News & Features, Car Information » Driving Safety

The Safe Way to Drive Youngsters’ Passion for Speed

Jennifer — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:05:25 +0000

Steve Meade, a top Denver, Colo., radio personality known as 'Willie B,' co-stars on SPEED's 'PINKS All Out' program and advocates teaching young, would-be racers how to safely pursue their passion.

(ARA) – Just one day after the premier of “Fast & Furious,” a movie that spotlights the world of street racing, a mother and her 2-year-old child died in Charlotte, N.C., when their vehicle was caught in the middle of an apparently illegal street race. A 13-year-old passenger in one of the racing vehicles also died, and the driver of that car now faces three murder charges, police say.

It’s the kind of tragedy that illustrates the need to get young would-be racers to pursue their interests safely – off the streets and on a secure track instead, says Steve Meade, a top Denver, Colo., radio personality known as “Willie B.” Meade co-stars on SPEED’s “PINKS All Out” drag racing lifestyle series, which which premiered its third season in July.

Meade himself witnessed a similar tragedy as a young man when he watched an illegal street race go awry. Years later, the experience inspired him to participate in the Colorado Highway Patrol’s “Take It to the Track” program, a drive to encourage street racers to race on private tracks instead of public roads.

“When a young person is about to participate in a street race, they’re always going to have that one moment of reflection when they think ‘Should I really be doing this,’ ” Meade says. “We want to catch them in that moment and let them know that there is a safe alternative.”

The premier of the third “Fast & Furious” move may well inspire some young drivers to think they can race like actor Vin Diesel’s character, narrowly escaping death and avoiding harm to innocent bystanders. Meade hopes “Take It to the Track” will help aspiring racers to realize the difference between fiction and reality, and pursue their interest in a safer setting.

“If a young person has that desire to race, they’re going to find a way to do it,” Meade says. “If there’s no safe alternative for them, they’re going to race on the street.”

San Antonio resident Michael Andrews and his two sons enjoy a weekend together during the recent PINKS All Out shoot at San Antonio Raceway.

Parents who see the drive to race in their teens and young adult children should take steps to help ensure their passion is fueled in a positive, safe environment, Meade says. If the community has a local race track, parents can contact managers to see if a drag racing program is available. If not, they should encourage the track to found one. Local law enforcement can also be a resource for establishing and supporting safe racing programs in communities, he notes.

Fast cars and racing are an integral part of the American psyche, Meade says. Millions of Americans avidly follow NASCAR racing and millions more are classic car devotees, collectors or just enjoy working on cars in their spare time.

“If your child has that passion for cars and racing, you either help and encourage him to do it the right way, or you risk finding out about it by a knock on the door in the middle of the night telling you that he’s been involved in an illegal race or worse,” Meade says.

“PINKS All Out” airs 9 p.m. EST Thursdays on SPEED. To learn more about the “Take it to the Track” campaign, go to www.csp.state.co.us.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

NASCAR Driver Carl Edwards Educates Motorists on the Importance of Being Clear to Drive

Jennifer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 16:16:41 +0000

(ARA) – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving causes 100,000 crashes a year, resulting in 1,550 deaths and 40,000 injuries.

If anyone knows how important it is to be alert while driving, it’s NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Carl Edwards. This spring, Edwards is helping to encourage safe driving practices.

“Drowsy driving is dangerous, so I’m participating in the Claritin Clear to Drive campaign because I want to make sure people know to check medicine labels for warnings about drowsiness before getting behind the wheel,” says Edwards. “As an allergy sufferer who races cars for a living, it’s important for me to avoid taking medicines that might make me drowsy. It’s just as important for everyday motorists to stay alert behind the wheel, so they should look for an allergy medicine, like Claritin, that relieves symptoms without making them drowsy.”

The Clear to Drive campaign aims to prevent drowsy driving and encourage people to stay alert while on the road. This year’s campaign asks consumers to take an online pledge and commit to safe driving practices by visiting www.cleartodrive.com. For every pledge made, the makers of Claritin will donate $1 (up to $30,000) to the National Safety Council.

“As a leader in promoting safe driving practices, the National Safety Council supports the Claritin Clear to Drive campaign and its effort to prevent drowsy driving,” says Janet Froetscher, president and chief executive of the National Safety Council. “Considering crashes are the No. 1 cause of accidental death in the U.S., it’s important to pay close attention to our driving habits and take the necessary steps to stay alert on the road.”

Tips for Safe Driving

* Check the labels of any medicines, including allergy medicines, for warnings about drowsiness before getting behind the wheel.

* Get adequate sleep the night before driving.

* Avoid driving if you’re feeling drowsy.

* Stop driving if you start feeling drowsy behind the wheel.

* Schedule breaks during long trips or arrange for a travel companion.

Do your part and commit to following safe driving practices. For more information about drowsy driving and to take the Clear to Drive pledge, visit www.cleartodrive.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

“Clear To Drive” Campaign Educates Motorists on the Potential Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Jennifer — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 01:16:15 +0000

Drowsy driving can put anyone at risk for an accident, and NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Carl Edwards wants to make sure motorists know to stay alert while driving. Edwards, who suffers from allergies, has teamed up with the makers of the non-drowsy allergy medication, CLARITIN, for the “Clear to Drive” campaign. The campaign aims to make sure people know how important it is to read medicine labels to see if there are any warnings about drowsiness before they get behind the wheel.

“As someone who races cars for a living, driver safety is an issue that’s important to me, and that’s why I’m participating in the “Clear to Drive” campaign,” says Edwards. “When I’m driving at 180 miles per hour, I can’t risk taking a medicine that makes me drowsy. I choose CLARITIN because it gives me powerful, non-drowsy relief from my worst allergy symptoms.”

As a spokesperson for the “Clear to Drive” campaign, Edwards will record a radio announcement to raise awareness about drowsy driving, which can potentially result from taking medicines that may cause drowsiness. The radio announcement will be available on cleartodrive.com – a new Web site that will provide valuable information on safe driving. The site will also feature facts about drowsy driving and tips for preventing this growing problem.

The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Many drivers don’t realize that some common over-the-counter medicines could cause drowsiness. In fact, according to a recent survey, four in 10 Americans (38 %) report that there have been times when they were driving and realized that the medicine they had taken was making them drowsy.

“Taking a medication that may cause drowsiness can put people at risk for nodding off behind the wheel and potentially harming themselves or others,” says Marjorie Slankard, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. “It’s important to carefully read the labels of medications and understand the side effects.”

Tips for Preventing Drowsy Driving
* Always remember to check medicine labels, including allergy medicines, for warnings about drowsiness before getting behind the wheel
* Avoid driving if you’re feeling drowsy
* Schedule breaks during long trips or arrange for a travel companion
* Get adequate sleep
* Stop driving if you start feeling drowsy behind the wheel

For more tips on safe driving and additional information about the “Clear to Drive” campaign, visit cleartodrive.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Winter’s Top Rules of the Road

Jennifer — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 20:15:26 +0000

As soon as the snow begins to fall, as it has in most Northern cities across the country, drivers are faced with an entirely new set of challenges on the road. Snow and ice can be treacherous, but if you’re prepared for the dangers they present, winter driving is much less scary.

Whether you’ve already done a little slipping and sliding, or are hoping to prevent that scary occurrence altogether, it is important to make yourself aware of 10 road rules that apply in the wintertime:

1. Take steps to make sure your driveway will be safe to travel on. Before you even put the car in gear, sprinkle sand that is specially-formulated to increase traction on snow and ice on all areas you’re likely to walk on or drive over. Sand products are one of the most helpful and under-used products for winter driving, and the actual consistency of products such as Sakrete Multi-Purpose Sand was made to be poured over ice and provide immediate traction to your vehicle. You can find it at most home improvement stores and the re-sealable bag is suitable for rugged storage in variable temperatures.

2. Add ballast to your car. Products such as Sakrete’s Tube Sand adds weight and ballast to your vehicle to give you better traction, and if you need it, the sand inside also can help you out of a bind. “This is a product much like your spare tire,” says Shawn King of Sakrete, a leading brand of sand and concrete products. “A lot of people forget about it, but if something happens it immediately becomes the most important item in your trunk.”

3. Be prepared for an emergency situation. Emergency situations can arise at any time. The supplies you should keep in your trunk are a properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack, a shovel, jumper cables, tow and tire chains, two or more bags of sand and a tool kit. You should also carry a survival kit that includes a working flashlight and extra batteries, flares, matches, a compass, extra windshield cleaner, an ice scraper and snow brush, blankets, a first aid kit and non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.

4. Turn on your headlights. Even in the daytime to increase your visibility to other motorists, and be sure to keep your lights and windshield clean.

5. Decrease your speed. To drive safely on roads you suspect may be icy, decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

6. Watch for black ice and other frozen patches. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

7. Shift into lower gears. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

8. Drive defensively. If your front wheels skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go, then return the transmission to “drive” or release the clutch and accelerate gently. Steer in the direction you want your wheels to go. If your rear wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer left if you are sliding left and right if you’re sliding right.

9. If you get stuck, do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. If a light touch on the gas doesn’t ease your car out, open the trunk and take out your emergency shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. Then, put down the bag of Sakrete Tube Sand –Winter Traction Grit, kept in your trunk, and simply drive over it (The sand comes in a reinforced woven bag made specifically to be driven over). Once you’re out of your bind, don’t forget to stop and pick up the bag in case you need it again for traction.

10. If you become stranded, do not leave your car. Unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation; it would be extremely dangerous to leave your car. To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

No one wants to drive in inclement weather, but if you have to, being familiar with these 10 tips should make you feel safer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Winter Driving Tips for Safe Moves

Jennifer — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:10:42 +0000

Moving during the winter brings extra challenges when driving a rental truck.

Penske Truck Rental offers these tips to help make your winter journey smooth and easy:

* Get oriented. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle. Be sure to adjust the mirrors and know how the heater, defroster and wipers work. Pick up your truck a day early and practice maneuvering it.

* Wait out bad weather. The most difficult time to operate any vehicle is in snow and icy road conditions. If possible, wait out the bad weather until the roads are clear.

* Stopping takes longer. A 16-foot rental truck requires up to three times more distance to stop on a slick road. Larger trucks take even more. Always leave extra stopping space between the vehicles around yours on slick or dry roads.

* Clear snow and ice. Be sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice before you take to the road. Clear mirrors, windows, headlights, tail lights, and remove any excess snow on the vehicle’s hood and roof.

* Blind spots. Trucks have oversized blind spots, known as the “No Zone” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Know these spots by visiting www.sharetheroadsafely.org especially when changing lanes or coming to a stop.

* Antilock brakes. The key is to let antilock brakes do its work, and that’s accomplished by applying to the pedal constant and firm pressure. That should prevent brake lockup and loss of steering. There is no need to pump antilock brakes multiple times, as is the case with older cars.

* Speed. Slow down on slick roads. The recommended maximum speed for a loaded rental truck is 45 miles per hour in favorable road conditions and much slower in slick winter road conditions. So, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to safely reach your new home.

* Pack essential items. Be sure to bring along extra drinks and snacks, and especially a cell phone, in the event you are sidelined during prolonged weather delays.

* Rest up. Get a good night’s sleep before you take to the highway to maximize your reaction time.

Get more moving tips from Penske online at www.GoPenske.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tips for Getting Around Safely in the Winter

Jennifer — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:05:50 +0000

(ARA) – Looked at a calendar lately? Time sure is flying! It seems like just yesterday you were enjoying those long, sunny days out by the lake. Now you’re counting down the days till Thanksgiving and Christmas; but the holidays aren’t all you should be thinking about. The most wonderful time of the year is also the most dangerous time of year to be on the roads.

According to the AAA, loss of visibility, slick roads and poorly maintained brakes lead to thousands of accidents every year, and the highest number of weather-related injuries and fatalities occur during the wet and snowy months of winter. But there are precautions you can take to help prevent accidents, and to be prepared, just in case.

Now — before the flakes start flying — is the time to winterize your vehicle! Start by making sure it is well maintained and in good working order. Here’s a checklist of things to inspect:

* Check all fluids and replenish if necessary.

* Have your vehicle’s battery checked to make sure it is strong enough to make it through the winter.

* Check tire tread depth and tire pressure; consider special tires if snow or ice are a problem in your area.

* Check to see that all lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

* Be certain the heater and defroster are working properly.

* Change your windshield wiper blades if your current ones are worn or UV damaged to ensure good visibility during the season’s rain or snow storms.

It’s always good to be a defensive driver, but it’s especially important in inclement weather. Good winter driving depends on using common sense and adjusting your driving to weather conditions.

* Keep your gas tank full to minimize condensation, and provide an extra margin of comfort and safety in case of delays.

* Don’t use your cruise control or overdrive when it’s freezing (or colder).

* Trucks take longer to stop, so don’t cut in front of them.

* Don’t get overconfident with four-wheel drive. It helps you get going quicker but won’t help you stop any faster.

* Add weight to the rear of your car or truck for better traction. If you drive a car, add weight to the trunk by using sandbags. If you drive one of the more than 38 million registered trucks on the roads, you should add weight to the truck bed. This can be done with a Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliner. The liner adds about 50 pounds of weight to deter rear wheel skids. It also provides lifetime protection against the rust and corrosion that can form quickly in winter weather.

Finally, keep emergency supplies in your vehicle. Here’s a list of some items that will come in handy if you’re stranded:

* Basic safety equipment such as emergency cash, scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, and bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction.

* A breakdown kit that includes road flares, blanket, gloves, boots, warm clothing, flashlight, extra batteries, food, water, and first-aid kit.

* A CB radio or cellular phone can be a lifesaver for you or another stranded motorist in the event of an emergency or collision.

These tips and a little common sense will keep you and your family safe on the road this winter.

For more information on Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners, or to find the dealer nearest you, visit www.linex.com or call (800) 831-3232. Line-X has close to 500 locations across the United States.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Spring Ahead with Driving Safety Tips

Jennifer — Tue, 29 May 2007 19:09:52 +0000

(ARA) – When cold weather begins to warm, motorists may think their driving cares have melted away with the winter ice and snow. Not so.

“Spring brings its own set of challenges for safety conscious drivers,” says Jim Sinclair, vice president of service for Subaru of America, Inc. “Many drivers underestimate the need for control that all-wheel drive provides in slick rainy conditions – after the snow and ice have melted.”

Just as you winterized your car with an eye to safety last fall, it’s time to begin work on your spring automotive safety check list. Here are some hints for ensuring your car is in top condition for safe spring motoring:

* Rain is a common spring driving hazard. While most people think of ice or snow when cautioned about slippery roads, the truth is wet roads can be just as slick. Tires can hydroplane on a layer of water, losing contact with the road and causing the vehicle to skid. Rain lifts oil and other slippery fluids, dripped by passing autos, creating a slick layer on the blacktop. Flooded roads can flood out engines. Slow down on wet roads. Consider buying a vehicle with features like all wheel drive and electronic stability control.

* Start out with a safe car. Studies show that all wheel drive and electronic stability control significantly reduce the risk of being involved in a crash. Automakers are beginning to offer the technologies on more models. Subaru offers both as standard equipment on models like its B9 Tribeca that has earned the top safety ratings from industry watchdogs such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.safecar.gov) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

* Replace worn tires. Your tires are what keep the car on the road. Worn out treads provide less traction and greater chance to slide. Likewise, make sure tires are inflated properly according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

* Spring showers bring May flowers, but let this be a reminder to also check and replace worn wiper blades. Poorly maintained windshield wipers can hamper visibility in poor weather. After a long winter of salt and other road residue on the windows, wiper effectiveness is greatly enhanced by cleaning the glass with a strong glass cleaner that can remove the oily film. And don’t forget the inside of the glass. Removing the film on the inside can help the defroster clear faster and reduce moisture build-up.

As part of its National Car Care month in April, the Car Care Council recommends checking tire treads and windshield wiper quality in preparation for spring driving conditions.

“In our research of vehicles brought in for their April check-up, close to one-fifth of vehicles (17 percent) had front windshield wiper failures and 12 percent of vehicles needed service on their rear wipers and/or washers,” says Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.

* Spring rain can also dampen visibility so it is important to check all vehicle lighting including headlights, taillights, back-up lights, turn signals, parking lights and break lights. These lights are important not only because they help you to see, but also serve as a way to help you communicate clearly with other motorists.

* Take advantage of safety resources. Throughout National Car Care month, many dealerships offer free safety screenings to motorists who drive the brand of car sold at the dealership. For example, starting in April and continuing through spring, participating Subaru dealers will conduct free professional diagnostics on all Subaru models. The inspection includes a check up of all major operating systems and drivers receive a written report of the vehicle’s condition. Visit www.subaru.com to find a dealer in your area.

Courtesy of ARAcontent