Category Archives: Safe Driving

How to Install an Infant Car Seat

The best way to learn is by example. I can give you all sorts of statistics about the mortality rate of children who are not properly secured in their car seats. Instead though, I think I’ll just make this a “How To…” post and focus on saving your child’s life rather than use fear to help you realize the importance of securing your child in your car properly. Remember, most accidents happen within 5 miles of your house, so buckle them up EVERY time they are in the car.

Watch the video below, it contained a surprising installation technique that I didn’t think about.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5Oskgb508Y

If you have any questions, or want step by step installation instruction, Freeman Grapevine Service would be happy to walk you though it.

Tips for Vacationing in Your New Car

Thinking about taking “The Family Truckster” on the road? Here are some guidelines to get you and your vehicle geared up for the trip.

* It’s a good idea that, before you hit the road, get your vehicle inspected. A basic inspection is not very expensive and will cover the brakes, tires, suspension, lights, cooling system, and other basic drive train components

* Make sure your tire pressure before you leave on a road trip. Most tires require between 30-32psi.

* Pack an emergency kit with you. A good emergency kit should include a flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, rope, and power point tire pump.

* Always bring extra water. Although you may be traveling on major roads, you’ll be thankful if you have a flat tire or breakdown miles from the nearest exit.

* Learn how to change a flat tire before you leave! Practice in your driveway a few times before you head out on your trip.

* While on the road, try to take a 15 minute break every 2 hours.

* this is probably the most important tip…Pack plenty of entertainment for children! Travel toys and games can help pass the time.

* Whenever you travel make sure that everyone has proper identification and required documentation.

A road trip can be a fun experience. Follow these tips to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable journey.

Inexperienced Drivers and their New Cars

While ignorance is often bliss, when it comes to driving a car, ignorance is the passenger you don’t want to ride with.
It is so important for young drivers to get not only the necessary driving experience, but also a good background understanding safety issues, as well as being responsible for maintaining their new car

Young drivers between 16 and 19 are far more likely to be one car accidents than any other age group. Excessive speed, not knowing vehicle limitations and inexperience are the culprits.  Just because you pass your driver’s test doesn’t mean you are a pro behind the wheel just yet. There’s still a lot to learn.

Car Maintenance

Simple basic car maintenance such as checking the tire pressure and making sure that all the bulbs work correctly should be a “no brainer”. The young new car driver needs to get in the habit of checking and changing oil regularly. Knowing how to change a tire or headlight bulb is mandatory.

The Reckless Youth

I remember the days when I thought I was invincible, too. The years when you start gain responsibilities but neglect the rules.  The reckless youth ignores important road rules such as speeding, driving without a valid license, insurance, texting, talking on the phone, horsing around with the passengers, taking unnecessary risks…we’ve all been there.

If you drive a car you must always remember this: You are on your own.

It is important to remember that there are new car drivers and those that just have licenses. Having the freedom to drive is a terrific thing and a major part of growing up. It should be embraced and encouraged as long as it is NOT done at 120mph.

Ok, that’s the end of my rant. I remember how exciting it was when I got my first new car, so enjoy it. I welcome all our young people to share the roads, but do so in such a way that you aren’t a danger to you or the drivers around you.

The Potential Danger of Rubber Mats in your New Car

This is a potentially dangerous problem.

Can All-Weather Rubber car mats be a danger in your new car? The simple answer is, “Yes.”

Even the most conscientious drivers could find that they are in danger as a result of something that should be protecting their car. All weather car mats are great for keeping dirt off of the carpets and they can still be used, a simple measure can ensure that you remain safe while your carpets remain clean.

The infamous, “sticky gas pedal” might not be as infamous as we thought. In many, many cases, new cars which were reported to have sticky pedals had in fact simply been trapped underneath all weather rubber car mats. The advice is, that if you intend to use rubber new car mats you must first remove the new car’s factory carpet mats, as stacking them can obstruct the pedals. This advice is relevant to any car make and model.

Pedal entrapment may also occur if the new car’s mats are not correctly fitted. Universal new car mats are prone to slipping and sliding and gathering which is a serious hazard. It is always advisable to buy tailored car mats from a reputable car mat manufacturer who can precisely cut the mats into the right shape for your car model.

If you have any questions about the safety of your new car’s floor mats, swing by and we’ll take a look at them.

5 Potential Risks of Driving With Your Pets On Board

Photo Courtesy of Hillary Hartley/Flickr
Photo Courtesy of Hillary Hartley/Flickr

Driving, it itself, is a complicated process. Your eyes have to be scanning for potential problems, keeping tabs on the cars in front of, behind and beside you, calculating distance with our eyes, etc.. The list goes on and on. Just because we do it every day and mostly without incident does not mean that we can introduce another factor without risks. It may seem like a good idea to let your dog ride with you in the front seat, or in your lap, but there are plenty of problems that can arise from it. Here are 5 risks that you put yourself in danger of every time you let man’s best friend ride along.

1. Distraction

Your dog has no idea how to drive and they know nothing of the attention and concentration it takes to maneuver through traffic. They will jump in your lap, bark at passing motorists or jump from seat to seat, all causing you to take your eyes off the road, even for a split second. Which could be tragic.

2. Airbag deployment

There’s a reason we do not recommend having children in the front seat. The same goes for dogs. It’s the airbag and it could cause serious injuries or death in the event of an accident that causes them to be deployed. Being an animal lover, I don’t even like to think of this scenario.

3. Rescue Aversion

If you are in an accident and you’ve got your pooch with you, you run the risk of stalling rescue efforts. Accidents are a high-stress event and if your dog is trapped in the vehicle with you , it may retaliate and attempt to bite anyone coming to rescue you.

4. Tickets

Many states have laws in the books for allowing your pet to roam around the car, unrestrained. If you let your dog sit on your lap, stick its head out the window or roam around the bed of your truck, you could very easily get pulled over and handed a hefty fine. Play it safe, keep them restrained.

5. Stepping On Power Window Switch

I’ve seen this one firsthand! In the days of the crank windows, this was not a problem, but now with just about every car manufactured, your windows can be activated by the push of a button. While you’re headed down the highway, your dog could easily figure out that button and if that happens, it could be extremely dangerous. Always be sure your child locks and window locks are activated to eliminate that problem.

Towing Tips, Part Two

https://www.flickr.com/photos/diamondbackcovers/6100484635/in/photolist-ai5zxz-ai8nHb-ai5zor-ai5zkM-ai5yZB-ai8mN5-ai5yx2-ai8mFf-ai5yjz-adYNpS-adYLPQ-abW9qA-abW9oC-abW9nA-abTgUv-abTgQ4-abTgzF-abW7FQ-9PW3ox-9PYUMy-92HNdo-92HN7w-8QvGB5-8QvGxu-8QsAAD-8Qsyft-8QsycM-8Qsyan-8NnfZC-8Nb7cR-8Necsf-8N5dqK-8MZURT-8MZTU2-8KikHj-8K52Ke-822Mv4-825VLf-822L6g-81Jxr1-7LWC4W-7LRBsb-7LHdBH-7LMb2U-7LMaZw-7LHds6-7LHdoR-7LHdkP-7LHdh2-7LHdex
Diamonback Truck Covers, Flikr Creative Commons

In the last blog we discussed thinking in terms of the space you need when pulling a trailer into and out of a lot, what to expect when reversing with a trailer, and what to think about when loading the trailer in a balanced way. This week we’re going to discuss the mind set required when towing a trailer.

Those old fashioned drivers education instructors used to hollar: Defensive driving! Defensive driving! Defensive driving! Heck, the class you used to have to take to get out of a ticket was called Defensive Driving back then too. Fact of the matter is, you really need to drive defensively when dragging a trailer along behind you! And by defensively I mean you have to have your mind a block or so ahead of your truck and prepared for any eventuality. For example, how many times have you seen a truck pulling a trailer swing a little to the left in order to make a hard right turn in order to not jump the curb with the trailer wheels? How many times in that exact scenario have you seen some jerk in a small car whip into that vacant spot in order to turn right and cut off the truck and trailer? Is that driver just oblivious or ignorant of the space the truck with trailer needs in order to turn safely? In reality it doesn’t matter, what matters is that you as the driver of the truck need to plan for the worst and be able to react accordingly.

Trucks hauling a load require greater space to maneuver, greater space for braking, and more time to accelerate  when they are lugging a loaded trailer behind them. As long as you recognize that and work within those limitations you’ll be fine, however, you also have to drive that heavier than normal combination through town having no faith whatsoever that the knuckleheads zipping all around you even see you much less recognize you have reduced performance. That is defensive driving, and the safest way to drive your rig through town.

Towing Hints

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cogdog/4940775232/in/photolist-6cGnrH-5Uu6cZ-5WcgAX-8xd2tM-xN47g-4kBue-8owdo9-2bhZfR-81Jxr1-5rf5cM-kn88zS-61njWr-61rvVu-61nkf2-61rvS1-LfMC-4syLdP-9SZNxi-8wALkS-5fWa5Q-eNnUL-6R41HE-qGBjh9-67AGdU-cEgX3Q-5Uu6vT-5Uys5Y-5Uu6hr-5Uu68n-aksPAa-q3CEY-29Z3XU-58FnzC-5KDMak-6jZdb3-fDiZzy-feQ76B-47FJJ-5rjpLw-bnNtRz-siZe9X-ei9D1v-aF5GGY-5KDM7B-d8aRP-nDiJGe-qKQ4E-cEgTBJ-4P7Wfc-4PcaJE
Alan Levine, Flikr Creative Common

So, you just bought that beautiful brand new 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and before you’re used to that awesome new truck smell, you need to hook up the trailer and use that gorgeous hunk of metal like a…well, like a truck. Maybe it’s been awhile, maybe you don’t have much experience hauling a trailer, or it could be you’ve never had the opportunity to do any towing at all, so today I thought we could cover some do’s and don’t’s of hauling a trailer.

One of those nasty little surprises that creep up on you when you haul a trailer for the first time is that first time you have to back up. What was so easy now becomes complicated and nightmarish if you don’t keep your wits about you. A lot of folks who are seasoned trailer haulers will look for any  entrance or exit that will allow them to pull through without reversing. Definitely think about that when pulling up to the fuel pumps on the road. A lot of gas stations on the highways are sized for trailers and RV’s these days, but the older neighborhood convenience stores don’t seem to have that sort of space luxury. Tips for reversing successfully are to steer from the bottom of the wheel, and do everything slowly!

You might not consider weight and weight placement to be a factor when towing, but baby you’d be wrong! When loading a trailer, remember to load it with the weight centered on the trailer. By centered I mean in both a left/right AND forward and rear sense. You don’t want the trailer to tip on a turn, You don’t want too much weight to the rear which would cause the trailer to pull up on the hitch. You certainly don’t want too much weight forward which would cause the trailer to push down on the hitch thereby placing too much weight on the rear axle of your truck and even reducing steering authority by lifting the front wheels slightly.

These are just a couple of tips on hauling a trailer safely. Of course, there are plenty more and we’ll discuss them in the next blog, be safe out there y’all!

Aw Man I Got A Ticket!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/renneville/4796783835/in/photolist-ckhN1w-4MghVA-5Wf4Hk-8iSLHz-ckhLu3-ckhLQy-8ft1Sp-ckhJTq-aq2MPT-6Hmfjp-9cF1CF-7V9HTQ-9aB5La-cjyYdE-7V9J59-7V9Kau-cmyCNj-8UrVDo-a7LqQa-6bczSw-afAAFp-gDtoXT-7JbuVJ-dSaPmw-oTAPNU-snztny-cjyYxW-8zpCSr-ckhMdu-cjyZCq-7V9JtS-7V6t9V-7V6uot-cjonH5-dLq1vw-7V6tH8-cmyFeA-7V9J2N-cU7wN7-7V9Kuo-cjyZfW-e4fvLz-cjyYUq-7V9HF7-5asEBb-9WvkHj-9nCLqH-sihGbm-g4Nuby-pX4c1i
Fe Ilya, Flikr Creative Commons

You’ve all probably been there, but hopefully not lately. You’re toodling along down the road, minding your own business, and all of a sudden…WHOOP WHOOP! You glance up in the rearview mirror and sure enough there are red and blue lights dancing around back there, so you start making your way over to the shoulder. The officer walks up, asks for your ID and insurance and explains to you that you were clocked at X miles per hour over the speed limit. Once he gets back from his car he writes you your ticket and tells you to slow down and have a nice day.

So, what do you do now? Most folks crumple that ticket up, stuff it into the glove box and forget about it until several weeks go by and then they wake up in a blind panic wondering if they’ve missed the deadline. So what do you do now? Now, this whole little narrative is predicated on the assumption that you were justly pulled over and were actually speeding and have no problem admitting it. If you feel you were wrongly pulled over, by all means appear in court to contest. Sometimes this is a good idea in larger metropolitan areas because there is a decent chance the officer won’t show at court and the judge will dismiss. Happens in Houston fairly frequently for example.

But the common option is seek ticket dismissal through taking a Dirver’s Safety Course so the ticket doesn’t appear on your permanent record and your insurance premiums remain unaffected. To take the course, you can do it online these days which requires a set amount of time in front of your computer with test questions scattered throughout. A different option is the comedy defensive driving courses offered in most larger metro areas. The comedians get up there and in a humorous fashion, hit all the test questions in a way that keeps you entertained as well as help retain the info. Best of all scenarios though, is to keep your car between the stripes and at posted speed.

Guardrail Damage Ahead

https://www.flickr.com/photos/qnr/3248711492/in/photolist-5X1fVH-5X5uK7-5X1gKV-5X1fwM-7YJuiB-7YMV5J-7YMY4q-7YMMtN-7YJBxX-7YN1Th-djEshD-a2DGnn-a2DGAR-a2DGX4-aiQA7D-aiTpMf-aiQAfe-mfizZ-8s4Uzo-ceGzoy
Terry Ross, Flikr Creative Commons

Anybody else notice the profusion of orange, diamond shaped signs that read “Guardrail Damage Ahead” springing up all over the state? Anybody else notice the profusion of distracted drivers springing up all over the state? Do you think there might be a correlation? According to TXDOT, there were 100,825 distracted driving caused crashes in the state of Texas in 2014. That’s a fraction over 276 crashes due to distracted driving every DAY. Heck, Texas only has 254 counties, and some of them have almost nobody in them, but if you spread these 276 DAILY crashes equally over Texas, then it gets even more ridiculous. 3214 of those crashes resulted in serious injury, 468 resulted in death.

I suppose the new billion-dollar industry for our state is guardrail repair. Those poor guys setting those first half dozen posts, are probably shrugging their shoulders knowing they’ll be back in a week or so to pull up the sheared off posts they just installed and install 5 or 6 new ones. I bet they feel like the Texas Highway Maids, or like parents of toddlers. As Bob Parr, Mr Incredible, said in the movie The Incredibles, “I just cleaned up this mess, can we keep it clean? Like, for 10 minutes!?”

Last month was National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the ramped up ad campaigns continue to remind us to arrive alive,  to talk and text later, as well as publish handy statistics like I used at the beginning of this blog. I don’t think the problem is awareness though. How can we miss the fact that the leading edges of a large proportion of guardrails are damaged? How can we miss the fact that guardrails themselves are springing up near every creek or drainage crossing? How can we miss all those poignant lists of final texts before the crash that are scattered about social media? I think the problem is one of feeling like it can never happen to us, because we’re the kings/queens of multitasking. Fact is though, busted guardrails don’t lie. Do that road crew a favor. Help them have a slow day. Keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on the road.

How old do you have to be to be TOO old to drive?

How Old is Too Old to drive?

Yes, I know that nothing is more touchy than discussing age and age related topics. Particularly when it’s time to suggest that maybe a loved one shouldn’t be driving because they are too old. Now, there’s no doubt that this topic is going to set me up for the inevitable, “You can pry my keys from my cold dead fingers” type comment, but this is a very serious subject that you may one day have with your parents or grandparents. The reason?

Elderly drivers now account for nearly 20 percent of all motorists, according to the Government Accountability Office. And that number isn’t shrinking in the coming years, because those who make up the first wave of the huge baby-boom generation turned 65 this year.

According to a recent survey from The Hartford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AgeLab, almost 1-in-10 adults are now worried about an older family member’s driving.

There’s little argument that driving for the elderly is the last bastion of their autonomy, so suggesting that it might be time to give up their keys won’t be easy without a fight. You are in luck though, as the American Association of Retired Persons has produced an online course, titled “We Need to Talk.” It helps family members understand the emotional connection to driving and gives suggestions on how to talk about when it might be time to hang up the keys.

20 things to look for:

• Decrease in confidence while driving
• Difficulty turning to see when backing up
• Easily distracted while driving
• Other drivers often honk horns
• Hitting curbs
• Scrapes or dents on the car, mailbox or garage
• Increased agitation or irritation when driving
• Failure to notice traffic signs or important activity on the side of the road
• Trouble navigating turns
• Driving at inappropriate speeds
• Uses a “copilot”
• Bad judgment making left turns
• Delayed response to unexpected situations
• Moving into wrong lane or difficulty maintaining lane position
• Confusion at exits
• Ticketed moving violations or warnings
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Car accident
• Failure to stop at stop sign or red light
• Stopping in traffic for no apparent reason

If mom or dad is still resistant to giving up the keys, then you will probably have to educate yourself on the guidelines set in place by many states. In fact, many states have medical review boards consisting of health care professionals who advise on licensing standards, and in individual cases, where a person’s ability to drive safely is in doubt. They will take into consideration any history of crashes or violations, reports by physicians, police, and others — state licensing agencies may require renewal applicants to undergo physical or mental examinations.

There is no doubt that this type evaluation is embarrassing for everyone who has to go through it, however you must remember that, one day, you too will probably be at the end of this line.

It goes without saying that determining the age that you or a loved one should hang up their keys not only varies on a case by case basis, but also will prove to be more heart-wrenching than you may think.

If you’ve recently had to suggest that your parents or grandparents consider their driving status can you offer any advice for the rest of us? I’d love to hear it.