Turning Left Across Traffic

SW Florida can be a challenging place to drive. Teaching an AARP Driver Safety Class in Bonita Springs, FL allowed me to teach the participants as well as learn from their experiences. To get the right image, picture that drivers are turning left into a shopping plaza on your left while oncoming drivers uses the same break in the median to turn into a plaza on your right.

Ed and Louise debated how to turn left at a break in the median when oncoming cars were pulling into the same median break. They debated whether to turn in front of the oncoming cars or to pull in behind them, looping around them.

Ed made a good call when he insisted he will turn left before he reaches the oncoming car and will not loop past the car before turning left. He said oncoming cars could pull in front of him and block his turn. Good point.

I think turning left before you get to the oncoming car will allow smoother traffic flow and a safer traffic pattern. Note: if this advise conflicts with local traffic laws or signage, loop around as instructed. Use your best judgement to avoid a crash.

This is Rob G. asking you to Drive Like Me.

Tell drivers over 50 to attend an AARP driver Safety Program to help drivers improve their driving skills. Find an AARP Driving Course at www.AARP.com/driver.

Worst States to Drive are not a Surprise

Driving in SW Florida can be a challenge or a pleasure. The difference depends largely on the season. Snowbird season in Naples makes the roads more crowded with drivers who do not have the same courtesy and safety habits as our year-round residents. It seems many of the drivers have not recently been through driver safety training. Come to my AARP Driver Safety Course and I can give you some tips. Find a class near you at www.AARP.com/Driver



Florida is not the worst state in which to drive. Forbes listed the worst states to drive within the United States, based on gas prices, safety, insurance, infrastructure, and legal protections. California was the worst, followed by:



Illinois

New York

Michigan

Alaska





South Carolina was rated the best state for drivers, followed by:



Nebraska

Missouri

North Dakota

Mississippi



I like driving in the Carolinas and Florida best of any states. Read the Forbes article and tell me if you agree.

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1542/the-best-and-worst-states-for-drivers/



This is Rob G asking you to drive like me.

Rent a Car Before You Buy?

AARP Driver Safety Courses cover a broad range of driver safety tips. One tip that can keep you safe for years is to get a car that properly fits YOU. Larger people in a tiny car and smaller people in a massive car are obvious mismatches. But there are more things to consider.

Newer vehicles have a vast array of options available to help drivers. Hearing impair drivers may choose a device that picks out sirens and car horns, then gives a visual indication to help the driver. Other safety devices like rearview cameras and backup proximity sensors let the driver know that it is safe to proceed.

Choose a vehicle that seems to fit you and your personality. Then rent that model with similar features for a week or weekend to make certain the fit is good. This gives the driver time to check the fit and to think about the purchase.

This process may not work as well for used cars as a great deal can be lost by waiting. Get a good idea of what you want by renting very early in the process.

Best of success in your car search!

This is Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me.

Paradise Driving- modeled after Aloha Driving

We took a family vacation to Hawaii in 2007 to admire the beauty and calm of the islands. We visited Shawn a.k.a. "Skitz," my former U.S. Air Force roommate. I described to Skitz my impression of Hawaiian driving: calm, polite, and quiet. He called this "Aloha Driving" and told me the basics:

http://www.govisithawaii.com/2009/02/25/driving-with-aloha-in-hawaii/

I think we should promote similar acts of courtesy in all of our cities. This will make life better for all. I call it "Paradise Driving," to honor the Paradise Coast of Florida (SW Florida to be exact).

I think an appropriate thank-you-gesture would be either a thumbs-up, a shaka (the Aloha thumb-and-pinkie shake), or the traditional wave to show appreciation. This should also encourage many additional acts of courtesy.

Everyone can use a refresher. Ask uncourteous drivers to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com. Otherwise, I will Paradise Driving may not catch on as quickly.

This is Rob G, asking YOU to Drive Like Me. And have a terrific Memorial Day. Remember everyday our fallen heroes who gave everything for our country!

Crash - Part 3

I have mentioned that the innocent party should ALWAYS call the police and not let the other parties move their vehicles. Take pictures with your camera phone while SAFELY moving around your vehicle. Make certain to get ALL of the information from the other driver, including:



Name

Address

DOB

Phone numbers

Driver's license number, class, and any restrictions

Vehicle make, model, and license plate number

ALL insurance information

Names and contact information for any witnesses



The best move is to go to your local police department and get a crash report form. Keep the form in your glove box and hope you never have to use it. Better to be prepared and safe than unprepared and sorry.


Everyone can use a refresher. Ask crash-prone drivers to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com.

This is Rob G, asking YOU to Drive Like Me.

The Crash- Part Two

Okay, I want to rant a bit. First, I teach driver safety classes that focus on senior drivers. There is a time to quit driving and there are other options for getting around. One could use public transportation or sell the car and use that money, plus the savings on gas, insurance, maintenance, etc. to hire a ride. Many senior living communities offer a service that takes the residents to and from a shopping center. One can share a taxi ride with several other residents to reduce the cost.

Please, if you are having severe problems with your vision or reaction time, see a medical professional. Ask for advice. Also, drivers over 50 years old usually qualify for a 5% discount on auto insurance for three years, if they take the AARP Driver Safety class. Check with your insurance company to verify your discount

Sign up for AARP Driver Safety classes at www.AARP.org/driver