Cooperative Living March/April 2016 - 24

SafetySense
Driving Tips from Professional Drivers
If driving is part of your job, whether you're behind the wheel of a rental vehicle, a company
car, van, bus or an 18-wheeler, then you are a professional driver.
I
t takes a dedicated
professional to drive
perfectly for thousands of
miles without getting involved
in an accident or other type of
incident. Defensive driving -
defined as " driving to save lives,
time and money, in spite of conditions
around you and the actions of others, "
is a critical component of maintaining a
good driving record. For those of us who
would like to emulate the safety record
of skilled professional drivers, here are
10 tips to stay safe no matter where you
drive or how difficult the conditions:
1. BE PREPARED MENTALLY AND
PHYSICALLY TO DRIVE.
You should never drive while under the
influence of alcohol or medications. It's
also important to be well-rested and in a
good frame of mind, especially when
undertaking a long trip and/or traveling
through an area with heavy traffic or
where you've never driven.
Defensive
Driving
Saves Lives
7. ANTICIPATE
TRAFFIC
PROBLEMS.
If traveling along the
interstate, you can call 511 or visit
online travel websites such as AAA.org
or the state motor-vehicle agency to
learn about highway construction that
may impact your travel. You can also
use a variety of free mobile GPS and
traffic apps to monitor highway
conditions on the day of your trip and
consider alternate routes, if needed.
caught in traffic with a nearly empty tank.
If you're getting drowsy, consider exiting
at the nearest rest stop and taking a quick
nap, or possibly a short walk to stretch
and make yourself more alert, provided
conditions appear safe.
2. CONDUCT A PRE-TRIP CHECKLIST.
Check the levels of engine oil, brake fluid
and windshield-washer fluid before
setting out on a long trip. Whenever you
refuel, check tires for proper inflation
and any signs of unusual wear. (Hint: If
one tire is noticeably warmer to the
touch than the others, it may be
underinflated and should be attended to
promptly to help avoid a potential
blowout.) Make sure your spare tire is in
good condition, and be sure you know
how to use the tire-changing tools. Carry
road flares and seasonally appropriate
emergency supplies if you are venturing
out in inclement weather or on a long
trip, especially in rural areas.
3. PLAN AHEAD WHERE YOU WILL
STOP TO REST AND REFUEL.
Consider tank size and fuel economy to
map out stopping points that will
prevent you from the possibility of being
22 | Cooperative Living | March-April 2016
4. COMPLY WITH ALL TRAFFIC LAWS.
Be courteous to others, especially in
merging situations and at four-way stops.
Provided you and the other driver can see
each other, hand signaling can let them
know if it's okay for them to proceed.
5. MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE BEHIND
VEHICLES IN FRONT OF YOU, NO
MATTER WHAT YOUR SPEED.
A good rule of thumb is one vehicle
length for every 10 mph. Vehicles at
55 mph should maintain at least five
vehicle lengths of separation, or follow
the two-second rule, noting when the
vehicle in front of you passes a fixed
object and ideally staying at least two
seconds behind.
6. BE AWARE OF YOUR VEHICLE'S
LIMITATIONS.
Take time to familiarize yourself with
the controls on an unfamiliar vehicle.
Even vehicles with anti-lock brakes can
skid in wet or icy conditions, and having
four-wheel drive doesn't mean you
can't get stuck.
8. CARRY A MAP AND DIRECTIONS
TO WHERE YOU WILL BE DRIVING.
While mobile-phone service areas
have expanded greatly in recent years,
having printed directions and a road
map may come in handy if cell service
is spotty.
9. PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING.
Focus your attention on driving and
limit distractions such as changing
radio stations or talking on the phone
(even in states where hands-free
communication is required). Use turn
signals and look all around you before
changing lanes. Avoid driving next to
another vehicle in the adjacent lane
for long periods of time and give a
wide berth to vehicles that are
speeding or driving erratically.
10. TAKE A DRIVING CLASS!
Many states provide an incentive
towards completing an approved
defensive driving course by offering
insurance discounts, or even a way
to mask a traffic ticket from one's
record. And it's a great way to
reacquaint yourself with defensive
driving skills. 
Sources: The National Safety Council,
www.nsc.org; American Automobile Association,
www.aaa.com
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Cooperative Living March/April 2016

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