City Driving

     To Jack, right-turn-on-red was the greatest thing since sliced bread. He was a person on the go, a man in a hurry. To him every city inter­section was just one more obstacle standing between him and his next appointment. Right-turn-on-red was his license to never stand still. Moving, moving, keep that car moving. Bad habits breed bad results, and right-turn-on-red soon progressed to "rolling stop through red" and "ignore NO-right-turn-on-red warnings." He finally came to his senses the day he was broad­sided by a city bus and spent several weeks stuck in his hospital bed.

     City driving is filled with hassles and delays, but these minor incon­veniences aren't going to be avoided through reckless or rude behavior. The best advice is to maintain a calm and patient attitude.

Surviving Intersections

     About 50 percent of all city driving collisions occur at intersec­tions, usually because a driver failed to yield the right-of-way. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study reports that red-light runners are responsible for an estimated 170,000 injuries every year, about 900 of which are fatal. Worse, the number of deaths related to red light running is rising! To keep intersections safe, remember these tips:

·  The vehicle on the left always yields to the vehicle on the right.

·  Rolling stops can be a dangerous habit. You can miss spotting a vehi­cle and cause a collision.

·  As you approach a "stale green light" cover the brake with your foot and be prepared to stop. Indications of a stale light include: traffic flowing smoothly, considerable cross-traffic, blinking pedestrian signals, and people standing on the corner.

·  When a red light turns green, check to see that traffic has stopped on the intersecting street. Look left, then right, then scan left before you proceed. You invite disaster if you don't check for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

·  Turning right on a red light is allowed only when it is legal, your vehicle has come to a complete stop, traffic is clear, and pedestrians are clear of the crosswalk. Always take the few extra moments to look for a no-turn-on-red sign.

·  When you encounter a yellow light, always stop if it is safe to do so. The purpose of a yellow light is to allow you time to clear an inter­section you have already entered, not one you are approaching.

Roadside Distractions

·  A lack of consideration can cause trouble. Demanding the right of way can lead to a confrontation that benefits no one.

·  Keep your eyes moving for potential problems such as children playing, cyclists, pets, and cars backing from driveways.

·  Establish a high visual horizon. You should be able to see one block ahead of you.

·  Blind spots are everywhere. If you can't see beyond an object, slow down or change lanes to improve your vision.

·  Don't tailgate. Maintain at least a three second following distance.

·  When waiting to make a left turn, point your wheels straight ahead. If you are hit from behind with your wheels turned to the left, you would be forced into traffic.

·  Whenever possible, avoid getting boxed in. Speed up or slow down as required.

·  Don't fiddle with the radio or other nonessential equipment in heavy traffic.

·  If a left turn is risky because of heavy traffic or poor vision, make a right turn and use an alternate route.

Backing Up

·  Always check behind your car. Pedestrians and small children can be hidden from your view.

·  Use your outside mirrors to help your vision.

·  Do not back into busy streets, highways and pedestrian crosswalks.

·  Keep your foot firmly on the brake before shifting into reverse.

· Back slowly. Glance over each shoulder out the windows.

Holiday Safety

Open Me First

     For most of us during the holi­days there just aren't enough hours in the day. However, if we don't slow down and take some time for safety, what should be a joyous period can become a season of regrets. Here's a collection of sug­gestions to help keep you safe for the holidays.

Fresh Trees And Safe Lights

·  Buy a fresh tree that smells like pine. Be sure its needles are hard to pull from the branches. Otherwise, it may be too dry and a fire risk.

·  Keep the tree outside with the trunk in water, snow, or wet dirt or sand until you're ready to use it.

·  Place your tree at least five feet from heat sources that can dry it out.

·  Saw about two inches off the trunk. Keep water in the stand.

·  Check the water in the tree stand daily.

·  If a tree begins dropping its needles, put it outdoors at once.

·  Light strings should have the UL mark. Don't use strings that are frayed or have broken wires.

·  Unplug electrical decorations when making adjustments or repairs, and when leaving the house or going to bed.

·  Don't run extension cords under the carpet, through doorways or near heaters. Be sure cords are not pinched behind or under furniture.

·  Secure electrical cords so no one will trip over them.

·  Use no more than three standard sets of lights per outlet.

·  Plug lights into multiple-outlet surge protectors.

·  Never use light strings marked "For Indoor Use" outdoors.

·  Power for all outdoor lighting should be supplied by permanent weatherproof wiring, and installed by a professional electrician.

·  When stringing outdoor lights, work in pairs.

Candles, Fireplaces, And Potpourri

·  Decorate with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials.

·  Read labels before you use special holiday materials.

·  Put candles in stable holders.

·  Keep lighted candles away from decorations, trees, draperies and other flammable material. Never put them in windows or near exits.

·  Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly.

·  If you build a fire, use a fireplace screen and do not leave young children unattended.

·  Always keep a fire extinguisher handy. Know how to use it.

·  Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass "angel hair" to avoid irritation to eyes and skin.

·  Use a sturdy ladder or step-stool to reach high places.

·  Keep kids' safety in mind when decorating and buying holiday treats. Carefully supervise youngsters during holiday activities, including when you visit relatives or friends.

Adults Just Want To Have Fun

     Children aren't the only ones who want to have fun this holiday season. If you plan to host or attend a holiday party, keep these safety stocking stuffers in mind:

·  If you have guests, be sure walks and steps are well lighted. Clear any ice or snow thoroughly.

·  Avoid leaving perishable food at room temperature for more than two hours.

·  Provide smokers with large, deep ashtrays, and pay special attention to any smoker who is drinking. Empty ashtrays often, wetting their contents before dumping them.

·  After the party, check on and under cushions for cigarette butts.

·  Use a designated driver if you plan on drinking, or call a cab.

·  Eat before and while you're drinking alcohol. Food in your stomach slows the absorption of alcohol.

·  Make your first drink a large glass of water, juice, or soda to quench your thirst. Never drink alcohol because you're thirsty.

·  Stand away from the bar. Dance, mingle and talk to the guests.

·  Space drinks to a maximum of one an hour. Alternate between alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

  ·   Stop drinking alcohol 90 minutes before the party is over. There is no other way to sober up.