I don’t mean that you can use your mobile phone to drive. You know what I mean by that – a lot of us have become largely dependent on our mobile phones that we are rarely seen without them. When on the road, the mobile phone is not turned off (not that I am proposing this) and is even used by the person behind the wheel.

Many states have already imposed bans on this habit and rightly so. Driving is a focus-oriented task and the slightest distraction can make the difference between life and death. The split second that it takes to glance at the cell phone screen just might be the split second that you need to save someone else’s life or your life.

So how can you drive safely with your mobile phone?

Use voicemail! Instead of picking up, let the call go to your voicemail. That’s what it’s there for. If the call is really important, then pull over before answering it. If your argument is that you have a hands free feature, let it go. You know as well as I do that carrying a conversation can prove to be a distraction.

Ask your companion/s to take the call for you. If you’re not alone in the car, there is no need for you to take the call or answer the text message. Ask the person with you to do it for you.

If you do have to use the hands free feature (they were made for a purpose, I suppose), then at least make sure that you don’t spend too long on the phone. Also, make the road your primary focus. Last, be aware of your speed – be consistent and don’t speed up or slow down suddenly.

Written by Marcel on January 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Seriously. I know you’re probably scoffing or chuckling at that title, but it’s Christmas and people tend to forget their senses around this time of the year. In the last two weeks, I have had to go to more Christmas parties than I cared to. I did have fun at most of them, but there was one thing that I noticed: people just didn’t care that much when it came to drinking and driving!

These are people who have stable and excellent day jobs. These are intelligent people who look down on those who may not be as smart as they are. But after each party, the story was the same. Tipsy guys and gals would head on to the parking lot and drive unsteadily home. Some were drunker than the others. Some were merely tipsy. It doesn’t matter, though, once you’ve gotten enough alcohol in your blood stream, you’re a danger on the road.

We all know that, but how come there are still a lot of people who just go ahead and drive? I can’t answer that because I really don’t drive (drunk or not), but if you ever find yourself in that situation in the near future, please, let your common sense prevail. I don’t need to tell you all about the rationale behind NOT drinking and driving. You’re smart – you already know that. I think it’s more about making a commitment to make the right choice when the time comes. Have a Merry and SAFE Christmas!

Written by Marcel on December 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment

It is all over the news – you have probably heard of the “one free swerve” controversy by now. The issue stems from the a decision made by the Virginia Supreme Court to allow police officers to stop drivers who are thought to be under the influence of alcohol, but only after they see the motorist do something potentially unsafe – like swerving. This is where the “one free swerve” label comes into the picture.

Quite understandably, the motion has stirred up a lot of controversy and people are reacting left and right. One high profile person, in particular, has expressed his dissatisfaction over the ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts has been quoted as writing:

The decision below commands that police officers following a driver reported to be drunk do nothing until they see the driver actually do something unsafe on the road — by which time it may be too late.

Reuters reports further that:

Roberts noted that close to 13,000 people die in alcohol-related car crashes a year, which equals to one death every 40 minutes.

Roberts said a majority of the courts have said it doesn’t violate the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure to pull over drunk drivers based on anonymous tips from programs like the “Drunk Busters Hotline.”

So my question to all responsible motorists out there is this: what do you think about the ruling? Should we be understanding and give “one free swerve” to drunk drivers? I would say not. Chief Justice Roberts is right – it is better to err on the safe side!

Written by Marcel on November 2, 2009 | 3 Comments

Many people have dreamed of getting an RV when they get older, and going around the country at a leisurely pace. In this day and age, when hopping on a plane to get from one destination to another is the norm, driving a good old RV is not that common anymore. But anyone who has had the experience of traveling on one will tell you that there is nothing like it. Of course, you have to pay attention to the details and know how to drive safely in that oversized van. Here are some tips to stay safe on the road in an RV.

Take your time. An RV is not meant to go fast. It is the ride of choice for those who want to take it slow and take in the scenery. Going up a hill, you cannot expect to do it the same way as you would if you were driving, say, a Mustang. Don’t rush it!

Never drive down a road/street if you’re not sure there is an exit. Have you ever tried having to bust a U in a small space, or maybe back out of an alley in an RV? If so, then you would know that this piece of advice is perhaps the best that you can ever have. Before you turn into a side street, make sure that you have a way out.

Trust those side mirrors like anything. If you’re used to looking at your rear view mirrors, you better get the hang of relying almost solely on RV’s side mirrors. You will not be able to see much from the rear view mirrors (except your bed maybe) and you’ll need those side mirrors more than anything else in an RV.

Written by Marcel on September 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Texting and driving has been an issue for the longest time. Ever since using the mobile phone for more than making voice calls became a common thing, texting behind the wheel has proven to be a serious problem. I suppose one factor is that many people do not see texting while driving as deadly as drinking and driving. It just seems to be “safe” and not really dangerous – at least to those who have not really thought about it or to those who have not had a bad experience.

In Great Britain, though, they are taking this very very seriously. There is this Texting While Driving PSA that is currently airing in the country, and it is quite graphic! It can be quite disturbing, actually. Here, take a look for yourself.

I hadn’t gotten through halfway of the video and I already felt as if there were a huge thing crushing my chest. The sound of metal on metal, the girl’s screams, the blood…this is only a video but it really had an effect on me. Other viewers feel pretty much the same way. As a matter of fact, I read that there are some people who have been complaining about the graphic nature of the clip; that it is way too much for the general public. I think that it should be shown to anyone who can drive. If that means showing the video to a 16-year-old, then so be it! If a person can take the responsibility of driving and potentially placing his life (and the life of others) at risk, then he can take this video. What do you think?

Written by Marcel on September 9, 2009 | 1 Comment

So you’re going to Europe, and you want to explore behind the wheel. This is not at all uncommon, as hitting the road can get you places which are out of the usual tourist paths (of course we know that this is the best way to explore). Before you get into the driver’s seat, however, make sure that you know exactly what you are getting into. The European Union may have united many of the countries in the continent, but that does not mean that the laws of the road are the same in each country. Take a look at these tips before you travel.

Whether you’re driving your own car, borrowing a friend’s car, or renting one, you should always have three things with you:

1. Driving license
2. Insurance papers
3. Vehicle registration papers.

Plan, plan, plan. While adventure is fun, it is also practical to have some idea of your route. You know, just to have a fallback in case you find yourself lost in the middle of nowhere. Oh, and bring your GPS with you – it just might save your life.

Make sure you have headlamp beam deflector strips and warning triangles. Also know that in some European countries, the law requires you to dip your headlights during the day. Some of these countries are Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland.

Know the blood alcohol limits in each country you plan to visit. While drinking and driving is a NO NO, we know that you might find yourself behind the wheel after having a glass of wine with dinner. Just make sure that you know exactly what is legal and safe.

Written by Marcel on August 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Safety is paramount when you are behind the wheel. Driving has become such a part of our lives that sometimes, we take our safety for granted. Take those who take pride in being able to multi-task while driving. Mind you, these people are normally reasonable and logical people. I know some people who would not drive if they had taken even just a glass of wine in the past hour. But it is a different story altogether when it comes to texting while driving. But have you ever thought about just how dangerous texting while driving can be?

According to Car and Driver, texting or reading e-mail is extremely distracting. The study that they conducted has been described as “loosely structured,” but the results are nonetheless alarming. They asked for two volunteers who drove in a drunken state and then drove while texting.

So what did they find out? The Ottawa Citizen reports:

While over the limit, the drivers managed to stop about four feet into the simulated car they were supposed to be following, whereas texting slowed reaction times to the point that drivers had travelled upwards of 70 feet ahead of where a normal driver would have stopped.

Followers of texting and Twittering culture might wish to notice that a new abbreviation has been added to the growing list of time-saving acronyms. In e-speak, this message indicates that the sender is currently having an accident: HRHH%^&UB%6UB6U65 TTTTTT.

It is scary, isn’t it? One thing I know – I will not stand for texting and driving anymore!

Written by Marcel on August 7, 2009 | Leave a Comment

I am willing to bet that most of you would answer WINTER. After all, it is during winter that we experience ice and snow on the roads. It is during this season that sometimes, the weather just takes a turn for the worse with only a moment’s notice.

While all that makes sense, the answer is NOT winter! In a new study conducted by researchers the University of Michigan Transportation Safety Institute in Ann Arbor, it was revealed that the most dangerous season for driving is actually FALL! How is this possible?

The study discovered that the danger of dying in a car crash is 16% greater in October than in March. Last year, October was the month which had the highest death rate per distance driven. While the numbers support the findings, the rationale is not really clear, is it?

Well, according to Michael Sivak, “Everything else being equal, inclement weather — snow and ice — should increase the risk of driving. However, because inclement weather also leads to general reductions in speed, the net effect is not clear… this pattern is likely the consequence of joint contributions of several factors.”

I suppose that as with other things in life, this is not easily explained. I tend to accept Sivak’s explanation that people are more careful in driving during the winter months. I know that I am. After all, I have always thought that it the most dangerous time to be driving. And during fall, I don’t really think that I am in much danger.

In any case, this should be an eye-opener for all motorists – months and times of the year do not dictate our safety on the road. Our driving habits do. Drive safe!

Written by Marcel on July 25, 2009 | 1 Comment

Drinking (alcoholic beverages at least) and driving are never a good mix. Everyone knows that. But has it ever occurred to you that eating and drinking non-alcoholic beverages while driving can be just as fatal?

Think about it, how often have you passed by a fast food’s drive through and eaten your meal while driving? The chances are that you have done this so many times you can’t even count! And why not? With the fast paced life that most of us live these days, there are instances wherein we can only grab a quick bite while on the road.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, this is not such a good idea. They recently conducted a study which showed that about 80% of all car accidents and 65% of near misses are due to motorists being distracted. So what’s new? Well this is what’s new – the drivers are distracted by their burgers and drinks! Instead of focusing their attention on the road, drivers involved in accidents are probably eating, the study says.

And if you think that drinking coffee makes you a better driver, you might want to think again. The study actually ranked the worst food and drink items that you can eat/drink while behind the wheel. Yep, coffee is one of them. Researchers say that the distraction stems from the potential spill each time you hit a bump or turn a curve. Same goes for that cheeseburger – the pickle might fall, forcing you to reach for it….

Bottom line? You might want to think twice before getting a Big Mac meal to go.

Written by Marcel on July 20, 2009 | 1 Comment

Late last week, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced that city employees are not allowed to send text messages while driving vehicles. The Boston Globe spread the news Thursday last week:

Starting Monday, city employees will be banned from sending text messages while driving in city-owned vehicles, Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced this afternoon outside the Government Center T station, which in May was the site of a train collision apparently caused by a driver occupied by his cell phone.

“We don’t want to say you should not do it when we’re not doing it ourselves,” Menino said.

Menino said he has asked the city’s Office of Labor Relations to work with unions to draft the specifics of the policy, including punishments for offenders.

I don’t know about you, but I think that offenders should be suspended. After all, no one should really be exempt from this law. Lives can be lost because of inattentiveness while driving and even if you’re driving a government vehicle, nothing changes. To be honest, I don’t really understand why this ban on texting while in a city-owned vehicle had to be highlighted. It should have been a given in the first place, don’t you think?

In any case, at least things are made clear now. I am not sure if similar measures have been enforced in other cities, but as I said above, it should be a given. Private vehicle or not, motorists should not be allowed to text while driving.

Written by Marcel on June 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment