Crashing Chevy's- 1959 versus 2009

Those giant passenger cars of 1959 would be like tanks on the road today. There is a highway safety video showing the 1959 Chevy crashing head-on with a 2009 Chevy. The crash video is incredible and shows many different angles. i would not have guessed the results.

Both cars received incredible damage. The safety experts determined the driver of the 2009 Chevey would have an injured leg. The driver of the 1959 Chevy would have died on impact.

A participant in my AARP Driver Safety Program was a former safety engineer for a major manufacturer. He said 40% of the price of a new car is for safety features. It is clear from the crash results that the safety features are working.


View the video: http://www.automotiveaddicts.com/7322/offset-crash-test-video-1959-chevy-bel-air-vs-2009-chevy-malibu

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

The Lane-Weaving Speeder- Stay Clear!

I am driving in the center lane of a three-lane highway when a car driving at least 90 mph blew past on the right and cut in front of me. He was going so fast i did not even pick him up in my mirror checks every few seconds. Then the car cut back to the right, in front of another car. I am guessing that the speeding driver was angry at the slower car in the right lane. The speeder could have stayed in the far left lane and got through just fine.

He was going too fast to get the plate number and dial *347 to report him as a reckless driver. Lucky him.

Speeders may have been going to the hospital with a sick child or going to a fire, literally. That is why I never purposely block their path. Even if the person is just a jerk, stay away and let the person through. Blocking the lane can be dangerous for you and anyone behind you.

So move over and let the jerk fly past. Hope the next car he passes is an unmarked police car with an angry officer at the wheel.

The seasonal people are back in SW Florida. Watch out, be more alert and cautious. I know I will be driving my BMW much more defensively. So much for "Paradise Driving."

I'm Rob G. asking you to Drive Like Me.

BMW Service, the Good and Bad

Not all dealerships are alike. I bought a used 1997 BMW a year ago when I moved to SW Florida and have had terrific service at the Naples, FL dealership. Unlucky for me, there is another dealership that is closer to my work so I took my car there. Only 36,000 miles so the low mileage performance is all there.

I took my car to the "other" BMW dealership for a simple oil change and because the airbag light was on. They also replaced a $40 bulb in the tail light. The total bill was over $700. Whaaaaaat???
So they call me and said my car was ready. I went after work to pick it up and waited and waited and ... a half hour later they said if I could just wait a bit they would also wash the car. WAIT a bit??? Wait even more??? Just bring my car.

I jumped in my car and saw the "check engine" light was now on. I returned and the not-so-friendly advisor said to bring it back in a few days if the light was still on. Huh??? I would call that unsafe, maybe careless or dangerous. What do you think?

I drove home and found fluid leaking from under the car. I imagined it was just some oil that dripped off. WRONG!!! I dropped off the BMW again at the same dealership and there is a broken transmission bracket and a severed transmission line. Plus, they want to replace another part that MIGHT cause a problem. For $1,000! I assure you that I baby this car and did not hit anything. Who do you think damaged my car?

BMW has failed, big time!!! I can't wait to get the bill so I can post a mega-rant on http://www.skidmarkoftheweek.com/.

Just to make things worse for them, I will not fill out the comment cards or surveys they send. Let the owner figure out on his/her own why they are losing business.

They can't really think I would trade-in my car on another BMW after this. Maybe they don't care.

I am Rob G. asking you to DriveLikeMe.

Tell your friends and neighbors to be cautious. I learned the hard way. That's all I can say.

Allow them to Change Lanes

Watching my son drive in Seattle was a much different experience than driving in SW Florida. My son proved to me that putting on his turn signal caused any gap in the next lane to dissolve. Amazing!

When changing lanes in Naples or Fort Myers, FL, we put on our turn signal and the gap actually widens. Better drivers make room for the lane-changing car. We need to spread the word across the nation.

I suggest that Seattle drivers go back to driving school and get some driving tips on how to change lanes safely. Closing up gaps is dangerous and forces drivers to hide their intentions and eliminate lane-changing turn signals. Bad idea and not very safe.

When a driver sees the turn signal please back off and let the other driver merge in front. Give that driver enough buffer to get in safely and quickly. Restore your normal following distance and enjoy the feeling you are making the roads safer.

This is Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me.

Right Turn on Red? Look Twice!

SW Florida typically has very good drivers. There are a few busy intersections that challenge even the best of drivers. Here is an advanced driving tip to help the drivers in Naples, FL and surrounding areas avoid this situation.



Today I saw a car stopped at a red light drive right into the back of the car in front of him. The woman driving the car in front drifted and started to turn right on red. The car behind thought the woman continued to go and hit the other car. Crash! Call the insurance company!



Pointer for turning right on red: Please watch the car ahead totally clear the intersection before looking left for oncoming cars. The driver must insure that all cars ahead have gone before checking for traffic on the left. The driver may accellerate into that small gap only to look up and see a stopped vehicle in front of them. Embarrassing at best and worse if a pedestrian crossed between the cars.



Tell your hot rod drivers to read this post at http://www.drivelikeme.com/.



Rob G. asks you to Drive Like Me.

Update Your Driving Skills

The seasonal people are soon coming back to Florida. We in SW Florida love you but please go take a driver safety course before you arrive. Choose any course you want but I know the AARP Driver Safety Program is designed specifically with tips for mature drivers. The course reviews changes in vehicle safety tips, updates in state laws, advanced driving tips, and how the body changes with age. Drivers over 50 years old may also get a discount on their auto insurance, but check with your agent to make sure.



Find a class at www.AARP.org/driver. The six-hour course costs less than $15 and is packed with the latest driving safety tips. Fun, inexpensive, convenient and useful. Take some friends, learn the tips, practice the tips, and make the roads safer for everyone.



Ask your friends and neighbors to follow these updates at http://www.drivelikeme.com/.



This is Rob G. asking all of you to Drive Like Me!

Never use the Car Horn to Express Emotion

While driving in SW Florida I sometimes witness a careless driving act where two cars almost collide. The "violated" driver sounds the horn to get the violators attention and avoid a collision. Good, that is what the horn is designed for.



However, many other drivers continue to blow the horn even after the danger is cleared. Wrong action that defines road rage. This action can also cause certain gestures and even escalate to violence.



Here is a driving tip. Just breath, inhale...exhale...repeat.



There is little to be gained by escalating this incident. Are you trying to start a fight? Are you ready for a gun battle? Even if you win the fight you will face a lengthy trial and certain prison sentence. Why?



As a former police officer named Chuck F. told me his driving tip. Think of the acronym FIDO, which stands for: Forget It, Drive On.

Excellent advice to avoid an even worse situation than the collision itself.

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



Tell those hot-heads to follow me at http://www.drivelikeme.com/.

Disabled Traffic Signal Becomes a Four-Way Stop

Power outages happen frequently in SW Florida and elsewhere nationwide. What does a driver do when power is out and the traffic light does not work? Treat the intersection as a four-way stop sign.

Who goes first? There is a standard order for vehicles to proceed safely through the intersection. One must first come to a full and complete stop. Then use this order as compiled from the Florida Driver Safety Manual and the AARP Driver Safety Program:

First- the first car to the intersection is the first to go.

Second- if two cars get to the intersection at the same time, drivers must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on their right (right has the right-of-way)

Third- if two cars get to the intersection at the same time from opposite directions, vehicles turning should yield the right-of-way to vehicles going straight. Vehicles going straight have the right-of-way.

Be cautious of protected routes where one direction may have a yield sign or a flashing red or yellow signal. These signals take precedence over these rules.

Remember that one must not take the right-of-way, the other driver must GIVE the right-of-way.

Keep the roads and highways safer. Take a driving course to sharpen your skills and update your knowledge. Take a friend and make your roads safer for everyone.

This is Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me.

Anti-Lock Brakes

A State Trooper named Bill attended my class and told me his experience with anti-lock brakes (ABS) on police cars. The officers in New York attended annual safety training at an old airstrip and put the cars through demanding exercises and extreme braking. Bill stated that the ABS-equipped cars stopped 25 to 40% faster versus the cars without ABS. Amazing!



Bill said the police cruisers went through a set of tires every 3-4 days before ABS. Once the cars were equipped with ABS, the tires lasted about a month. Incredible!



So if you want to stop faster and have your tires last longer, use the anti-lock brakes. Remember to Stomp... Stay... Steer. If you would like more information, please attend an AARP Driver Safety Program in your area. Find a class at www.AARP.Org/Driver.



Take a friend with you to the course and make the roads safer.



This is Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me!

Role Models versus Skidmarks (Good versus Bad)

I realized recently that my "Skidmark of the Week" rant lacked balance. More importantly, the rant lacked proper balance between good and bad drivers. Yes, bad drivers should be singled out and chastised. But in life it takes bad situations to help us appreciate the good in life.

This is why I changed http://www.skidmarkoftheweek.com/ to also recognize good drivers. I see many more good drivers each day than I see bad. Good, courteous, and safe driving does not get enough recognition, let alone enough reward.

So I open the door for each of you to be recognized as a safe driver. I will make a strong effort to not let the negative emotions of bad drivers overpower this website. Read a little and learn a lot of great driving tips. The only thing better is to attend driver safety school.



All the best!

Rob G.



Visit the rant at http://www.skidmarkoftheweek.com/.

Ask your friends and neighbors to read the weekly post at http://www.drivelikeme.com/ and let me know what you think.

Seven Steps to Help Someone Retire From Driving

"We Need to Talk" are words no child or parent wants to say, let alone hear. Retiring from driving can be a difficult decision, especially if there are not many other transportation options. Many of us know someone who should limit their driving or stop driving altogether. Here are some tips to help someone retire from driving. I get ideas like this from the AARP Driver Safety Program (DSP) and The Hartford (see links at the bottom of this post before attempting to help a senior driver).

1. Do an assessment. Observe the person's driving. Problems may be related to reflexes, vision, flexibility, visual attention, and overall physical health.

2. Determine if the problem can be corrected. Medical treatment, driver safety training, and physical training programs can help extend a driver's ability to drive safely into one's golden years. Sometimes a physician may be the best judge of driving fitness and the proper course of action. The Veteran's Administration may have resources for veterans who qualify.

3. Can the vehicle be modified to help? Vehicles now have many more devices to help drivers perform safely. Pedal extenders, panoramic mirrors, seat lifts and safety belt extenders are just a few ways to make the car and driver fit better. Newer cars come with back-up cameras or sensors to avoid collisions when backing. Anti-lock brakes help drivers retain steering control while braking.

4. Start the conversation early and praise progress. Congratulate a driver for limiting driving at night or in bad weather. Express concerns about accidents, near misses, and health changes. Monitor medications and their effects, especially those that suggest not operating a motor vehicle. Suggest the driver avoid interstate highways and only stay on local, familiar roads.

5. When the time comes to take action, persuade the driver to stop. The spouse is the best person to deliver the message, followed by a child, a physician, or another specialist. Make a direct appeal that the high-risk driver stop before someone gets injured or killed.

6. Discuss transportation options. The Hartford has terrific worksheets on driver assessments and transportation costs. If someone does not drive a lot, it may actually be less expensive to use alternative transportation. Buses, taxis, shuttles, and ride-sharing are great ways to get around. It may be fun to let someone else do the driving. Have someone ride with the person for a few trips until he or she builds confidence with that form of transportation.

7. You can also refer the driver to take the AARP Driver Safety Program (DSP) at www.AARP.org/driver. DSP is only $14 and helps update the driver's skills in a very understanding manner, focused on senior drivers. DSP's goal is to keep drivers on the road as long as they can safely and comfortably meet the requirements of driving. DSP gives several self assessments for driving knowledge, a reflex drill, and a self assessment for driving fitness that may guide the driver to a more formal assessment.

In summary, you can make a difference in the lives of others by speaking up and helping out during the transition. This may require some valuable time for a while but should allow you to sleep better knowing you helped.

Before starting, please visit www.TheHartford.com/talkwitholderdrivers to get the latest details and some of the best advice on this subject. Best of success!

Ask senior drivers to visit this website for ongoing safety tips.

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

90% of Drivers Consider Themselves Above Average! Take the Quiz.

Several studies have show that over 90% of drivers surveyed in the United States and Sweden consider themselves to be above average drivers**. My observations indicate the percentage to be even higher. Very few people consider themselves to be below average drivers for safety or ability. Frequently, passengers would rate the drivers much differently than the drivers rate themselves.



Maybe the survey should be broken down differently. Consider individual ratings (10 being the best and 1 being very poor) for important factors like:

• Hours of formal driver education training


• Knowledge of driving rules


• Knowledge of safety tips


• Compliance with road rules and safety tips


• Experience on the road (hours of driving and variety of experience)


• Vision


• Hearing


• Reflex speed (how long from the time you recognize a hazard until you react)


• Avoiding distractions from loud radios, cell phones, eating, drinking, etc.


• Distractions from passengers (spouse, friends, children, etc.)


• Taking medications


• Alcohol avoidance


• Anger versus calm


• Knowledge of your vehicle


• Vehicle safety


• Do you always plan your route before leaving?


• Do you always drive like there is a police officer behind you?


• And so on...

When one understands the complexity of driving, one may change his or her rating. Each of us can update our skills on a regular basis by taking inexpensive courses. Here is a quick quiz to see if you need an update:

1. Do you know and practice the "three-second" rule for following distance?
   
2. Do you know how to activate the lane-changing turn signal? Hint, it is not the same as the "full turn signal."
   
3. Do you know how to avoid bad drivers? Hint, it has to do with when you leave for your destination.
   
4. Do you know when to activate your turn signal for optimum safety?
   
5. Do you know what to do if your accelerator sticks or you lose your brakes?
   

If you are not certain about any of these answers, please consider taking additional driver training. One source of driver training is through the non-profit branch of AARP at www.AARP.org/driver. The class is about $14 and will help drivers of all ages. Drivers over 50 may have the added benefit of a discount on their auto insurance for the following three years. Not a bad investment.


Ask others to take the quiz and have them join you in a class. You will have fun and learn a lot.


This is Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me.


** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illusory_superiority#cite_note-hoorens-0

Driver Safety Courses- Inexpensive and Valuable!

We can all benefit from driver safety training. I get trained every year and still learn something from every class, whether I am the student or the instructor. There is always lively interaction that gives insight into how fellow drivers view the roads.

There are many different courses targeted to improve any driving skill. One general safety program is AARP’s Driver Safety Program (DSP). DSP is a separate non-profit branch of AARP that focuses on making the roads safer. There are several benefits, which include:
• Possibly receive a discount on your insurance premium for the next three years
• Learn updated skills that should keep you and your passengers safer
• Learn new safety features that can reduce the risk of accidents
• Learn alternate methods of transportation if a loved one decides to quit driving
Please note that insurance discounts for taking DSP vary from company to company. Typical discounts for drivers over 50 range around 5% but can be verified by calling your insurance agent.

Everyone can use a refresher. Ask good drivers who want to improve to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com.

Please take a Driver Safety Course through AARP or another venue. Course locations and dates for AARP DSP are found at www.AARP.Org/Driver.

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

Video: How to stop the car if your accelerator sticks

There is a minor epidemic of runaway cars because of stuck accelerators. Many argue that these incidents are operator error. Either way, watch this Consumer Reports video to find how to recognize and react to a stuck accellerator:

This video applies to all cars and is probably a good idea for everyone to view via the link below. We never know when info like this could save lives.

http://video.consumerreports.org/services/player/bcpid1886192484?bctid=48234862001

Everyone can use a refresher so tell anyone driving a late-model vehicle to watch this video! Follow me at http://www.drivelikeme.com/

I am Rob G asking you to Drive Like Me.

Three ways to avoid the "stuck signal"

Dave asked me to address this important issue:

I drive in South Florida and see many cars with the turn signal "stuck on" long after the driver makes a turn. Everyone knows the signal is on except the driver of the car. Like having something stuck between your teeth. Embarrassing. Also, dangerous if others ignore the stuck signal then you decide to turn! This happened to a motorcyclist and had a very bad outcome.

One can use three simple methods to make certain the turn signal turns off:

1. Listen for the "click." Every turn signal makes a click when it automatically turns off. No need to take your eyes from the road, just listen.

2. Glance at the dash after a turn to see if the signal is still on. You should be looking after a turn to see if you are at the correct speed. Look for the signal.

3. Make sure your next vehicle has an audible alert if the signal stays on too long. This option is becoming very popular, along with other advanced safety features like rearview video cameras and backup sensors.

Has anyone been taught how to get a driver's attention if their signal is stuck on? Get in front of the driver and alternate using your left turn signal, then right turn signal, then left... My father taught this to me many years ago and it seemed to work in Pennsylvania. Maybe the rest of the country never got the memo.

Everyone can use a refresher. Ask otherwise good drivers who leave on the signal to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com

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

What out for Bicycles!

When a stoplight changes to green, I always wait just a second to make certain no red-light runners are speeding to a crash. Today that red-light runner was a very foolish bicyclist who had to swerve 20 feet to avoid being flattened by a green-light jumper. Three different cars had to stop to let the bicyclist pass.

This is not to say that all bicyclists are maniacs and deserve to be hit. Quite the opposite. Most bicyclists realize the danger they face each time they ride in and around motor vehicles. Any contact means the bicyclist loses.

So stay extra vigilant for cyclists who are conserving natural resourses and staying healthy. There are many cities that welcome and promote cycling as an excellent alternative to automobile travel. As the saying goes, give them a "brake."


Everyone can use a refresher. Ask green-light jumpers and cyclists to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com.

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

Stay out of the Blind Spot

I saw an SUV nearly tip over on I-75 when the driver started to change lanes right into a car in the next lane. The SUV let the other car ride in the blind spot on the passenger side. The cars were riding side-by-side, even though the traffic was light and one could easily have changed speeds to move the vehicles apart. Another few inches and the crash would have thrown at least on vehicle off the road at 70 mph.

One must be aware of other vehicles and maintain a safe buffer from other cars. This is especially easy in light traffic. If another vehicle is riding next to you, change speeds so you are not side-by-side. That will minimize the chance that you will forget about the car and cause a high-speed crash.

Ask side-by-side drivers to follow me at DriveLikeMe.com. This website can help anyone who takes the time to update his or her skills.

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