December 21, 2012... the end of the world?

This Friday, December 21, 2012, is the last day on the Mayan calendar. Some say it’s the end of the world, others say the Mayans just got lazy and stopped counting. Honestly, I’m not concerned because apparently the Mayan calendar doesn't include leap years and if you do the math the day in question has already come and gone.

Although most people aren't concerned about this upcoming “apocalypse” it has become a great excuse to throw a party! Facebook is blowing up with invites to “end of the world” parties. I've already been invited to multiple house parties, a paint party, and I can’t even count the number of bars and clubs that are using this theme to promote their drink and cover specials.

I’m a fan of themed parties and love a reason to get my friends together, but I would like to make a small PSA on the topic. Just because it’s not the end of the world, doesn't mean it can’t be the end of yours. When you drink and drive you put yourself and everyone around you at risk. Drunk drivers not only put their lives at risk, but their passengers and innocent drivers on the road often fall victim to the selfish act. Even if you spare yourself and others from injury and get lucky and make it home with just a DUI, with a starting cost of $8,000, a DUI is going to put a dent in your wallet and could mean the end of your job or career goals. But what if you don’t make it home? What if your decision to get behind the wheel means that someone else doesn't make it home? Personally, I wouldn't be able to handle the fact that I caused a preventable tragedy.

Please go out and have a wonderful time celebrating that it’s NOT the end of the world this Thursday and Friday but pledge not to drink and drive. Get a designated driver, call a taxi, do what you have to do to make sure that the Mayan calendar didn't predict the end of your world as you know it. 

Mall Parking Lot Safety

Black Friday may be over but ‘tis the season, as it were, for shopping! Although one of the more hectic shopping days of the holiday season has passed, the malls are going to be more crowded than usual all the way up to the new year.

Generally this is a joyous time however, with the fun of purchasing Christmas and Chanukah gifts comes an increasing amount of burglary, assault, and carjacking crimes. Be smart and keep your safety and security high on your priorities list this year by following these tips for mall parking lot safety.

1.       Be aware and alert to your surroundings at all times as you are going to your car.  Notice who is hanging around the parking lot - especially at night.  If you are talking on your cell phone and not paying attention to what’s going on around you, you are exactly the person the perpetrator is looking to attack. 

2.     Have your keys in hand and be prepared to use them as a weapon. If used appropriately, your key can be a handy weapon to ward off an attacker. A secondary weapon would be to carry pepper spray on your key chain. 

3.       As you near your car, only unlock the driver’s side door with your remote.  If you have a clicker for your car wait until you are fairly close before unlocking the door. Also, only unlock your side.  When you press the remote button more than once, it will unlock all doors and someone may be 

       hiding on the other side of your vehicle waiting to jump in. 

4.       Before getting into your car (especially at night), check to make sure there is not someone hiding inside. Purchasing a dual personal alarm with a loud siren and built-in flashlight will allow you to check inside your car at night.  Make sure to always lock your car doors upon exiting so that you don’t make it easier for someone to sneak into the car.

5.       Manually lock your car doors. If you use your car clicker to lock your doors, it is possible for someone to pick up the signal and use it to unlock the doors as you walk away. By manually locking the car, you eliminate this risk.

6.       Don’t leave your valuables unattended.  This is a great time for the criminal to rip off your packages or your purse.  If you’re trying to get a baby strapped into the seat, look around to see who is nearby.  If it looks okay, get your child strapped in and then put your valuables in the backseat or trunk.  Always be looking around and monitoring the situation.  You don’t want to give someone the ability to force you into your car OR the trunk because you were not closely paying attention. 

7.       If you’re going to be shopping for awhile, be sure to wear comfortable shoes…and that’s not high heels.  If you are attacked as you
                   head to your car, you may not be able to get away quickly if you have on 3” 

                   high heels so nix the heels for some comfortable shoes.  

8.       Avoid parking near large vehicles or shrubbery or up close to a building – especially if you are alone. If you are walking out to your car alone late at night to an unlit area covered with shrubs, you may become a target for some predators.  If you can’t find a parking spot and have to park there, come back before it gets too dark and move the car closer to the entrance or have the mall security escort you to your car.  When returning to your vehicle, be leery of large vans with sliding doors parked right next to your driver’s side of your car.  If your gut tells you this doesn't feel right, go back into the mall and have security escort you out to your car.  If you decide to approach and enter your vehicle without security, do so from the passenger side but make sure you lock doors immediately upon entering then exit the parking lot right away. 

It may seem like a lot to take in but it's better to be safe than sorry, right? 

Have a wonderful time shopping this year!

Safety Stocking Stuffers

Try saying that three times fast!

This year in lieu of exchanging expensive gifts, my boyfriend and I decided we are going to decorate stockings together and fill them with stocking stuffers. Cute, right? Even better, for me at least, is this is my first time ever doing the whole stocking stuffer thing! That being said I’ve been hunkering down and doing my research, which made me realize that there may be some seasoned stocking-stuffing veterans out there who are looking for new ideas. So, as a gift from the United Safety Council to you,
we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 favorite 

safety stocking stuffers!

1. Pepper spray – This can be a small can or key chain and maybe something that resembles a tube of lipstick or a pen. I love everything offered on this site because of the variety. There’s even a pepper spray weight you can carry while you’re exercising! This isn't really a gift that should be used frequently but it’s definitely good to have on hand in case of an emergency. 

2.  Key chain with a light and/or alarm – A flashlight can be useful on a daily basis. For safety purposes, we recommend using it to check inside and under your vehicle before you unlock the doors at night to avoid any predators who may want to abduct or rob you. The alarm aspect of the key chain also comes in handy if you are being attacked or feel threatened. The sound is loud enough to make anyone nearby come closer to investigate.

3. Storm-proof match kit – We all have those friends that make sure their survival kits are easily accessible and well-stocked. We may mock them at times but in the event of an emergency they are the first ones we go to for help. These kinds of matches are great for those who like to be prepared for anything. They are windproof, waterproof and will relight even after they are submerged. 

4. Cabinet locks – This gift is more for people with homes that have guns. Whether or not you have children in the home it is always recommended to keep your weapons locked up safely. Cabinet locks can also be used to keep children away from cleaning supplies and chemicals. You can find locks at any store that sells guns or gun supplies such as Walmart, sporting goods stores, and fishing and hunting stores. 

5. Reflectors/Reflective clothing – The perfect gift for anyone who goes out after dark, which is most people. It doesn’t matter whether they are riding a bike or walking the dog, your loved one may not be visible to oncoming cars and they will really appreciate that you care enough to give them some extra protection.

6. Pocket knife – Buyer beware, this is only a safety stocking stuffer if it is given to the appropriate person, as in not children! It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just something to get the job done. You can find some that suit your needs here.  

7. Ear plugs – This gift is more for the avid concert-goers. Frequent exposure to noise at a high decibel can do some serious damage to your hearing. Plugs like these will still allow them to hear the music they want to but offer a little protection as well.

8. Knee and elbow pads – OK, so mothers may appreciate these stocking stuffers more than their children but if you have someone active on your shopping list then padding is the perfect answer. You can find these items at any sporting goods store and at places such as Target and Walmart. 

9. Water-activated wristband alarm – Oops, this is also something mothers may appreciate more than their children. This stocking stuffer will keep you from worrying about your children when you’re camping, fishing, boating, etc. and they’re not supposed to be in water. Water activates the alarm and it is audible for up to 100 feet. 

10. Auto emergency escape tool – Anyone who owns a vehicle would be happy to have this handy tool in case of an emergency. It breaks 
windows, cuts through seat belts and some, such as 
this one, have a built in flashlight.

Holiday Office Decor

The beginning of December is an exciting time since it marks the beginning of the holiday season! Before you know it you get a break from school or work, get to see your family, eat great food, exchange gifts and the holiday fun continues until New Years!

Some offices enjoy decorating and even throwing parties for their employees. This is a great way to spread some holiday cheer. Although these are happy occasions it is important to be mindful of potential safety hazards. 

When decorating your work-space, keep some of the fire safety tips in mind:

• Do not use any decoration that has an open flame
• Don't place staples or nails through strings of lights
• Don't connect too many strands of lights together
• If decorating outside of the office, be sure to use lights for exterior use
• Turn off all illuminated items when the office is closed (put someone in charge of this task to avoid confusion)
• Before beginning to decorate, verify that all of your fire safety equipment is in proper working order (this includes smoke detectors and fire extinguishers)
• Think carefully before using extension cords to connect lights or other decorations
• Avoid placing trees, gifts, or freestanding decorations in heavily trafficked areas where people might run into or trip over them 
• Make sure your decor does not compromise people’s ability to exit the workplace in case of an  emergency
• Don't place decorative items in exit corridors, in front of exit signage, or on fire safety equipment including sprinkler head

And remember to keep all relevant OSHA regulations in mind when planning your office and party decor! By following a few simple safety tips, it's easy to enjoy festive holiday decorations and events at work without having to deal with injuries or property damage. 

Trick-or-Treat!

So you've already put together a great, visible costume for your young trick-or-treaters right? If not you can find some tips on how to make Halloween costumes more noticeable to motorists in my last post.  

Now that your costumes are safe to go out in, it’s important to make sure your kids are practicing safe trick-or-treating. Educate children on which houses to go to, proper street-crossing techniques, etc. so they have an
                                                      enjoyable and safe Halloween!

Click here for a Halloween safety game and read on for more tips.

• Always make sure an adult is supervising the trick-or-treaters.
• Older children traveling without a parent should travel in a group and have a pre-planned safe route and a curfew.
• Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism.
• Only go to houses with the outside lights on.
• Remind children to never enter a stranger's home.
• Tell your children that all of the candy needs to be inspected before they taste any. 
• Remind children to walk on sidewalks, cross only at corners, and to stay away from parked cars.
• Remove hazards from your own yard, steps, and porch.
• Place jack-o-lanterns and candles where they cannot be knocked over or reached by children.
• Use electric candles for a similar effect with less risk.
• Carry a flashlight and use it.

Have a happy Halloween! Don't eat too much candy = )

Halloween Costumes

Halloween is just sixteen days away! Maybe less depending on when you’re reading this post…

I just love this time of year! Scary movies, carving pumpkins, a plethora of candy, and the list goes on and on. My absolute favorite part about Halloween is the costumes though. Young trick-or-treaters look absolutely adorable and there are a few cute pet costumes too. As much as this is a holiday for children I’d say some adults enjoy it quite a bit. Aside from actors, clowns, and other children entertainers how many people can really dress up as anything                                                     they want without being frowned upon?

Whether you’re putting together a costume for an infant, teen, or adult it’s important to make sure the outfit is functional and safe to trick-or-treat in. Keep some of the following tips in mind when designing your costumes this year. If you've already planned your Halloween look it’s never too late to make a few modifications!

COSTUME TIPS:

• Costumes should be bright and light enough to be clearly visible to motorists.
• Add reflective tape to costumes as a precaution.*
• Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent tripping and snagging on decorations.
• Try to purchase/make costumes that are fire resistant. 
• Make sure your child can see out of their mask.
  Masks should be properly fitted to prevent slipping over their eyes.

*Reflective tape can be found at most locations that sell Duct tape.

Happy designing! If you've created a safe costume this Halloween or in past years feel free to share a photo below or on the USC's Facebook page!

The Importance of Being Neutral

Fun fact: The first six months after getting a license are the most dangerous
               times for any driver.

I can definitely attest to that statement. I have been a licensed driver for five years now and the only accident I have ever been in was within four months of passing the test. Not all car crashes can be prevented but mine could have been easily avoided. Being a new driver, I overlooked a simple step that would have saved me some money and embarrassment.

Here’s the story:

My high school had a one mile driveway that connected to the main road. At this time I drove a car that lacked cup holders and while going around the one curve my breakfast shake fell under my feet. I was extremely anxious because I was afraid the can would get stuck under my brake pedal and put me in a dangerous situation so, when the light turned red, I reached under the steering column to pick it up. While I was bending down my foot came off of the brake and I felt the car start to creep forward. I slammed on the brake pedal and almost immediately collided into the vehicle in front of me. I was still under the steering wheel so I had no idea if I had been hit or hit someone else. Apparently when I tried to brake I slammed on the gas instead! The light had turned green which put some distance between me and the car in front of me so I had reached a decent speed before the collision which dented both of our bumpers.

How could I have avoided this accident you ask? All I had to do was shift my car into neutral or park. After the accident, several of my friends had shared their own stories about their foot coming off of the brakes when they reached for something. Although we all had great driving instructors there was still a lot we needed to learn that only experience could teach us.

So learn from my mistake and hopefully you won’t repeat it. Tell all of the new drivers you know how important it is to put your car in park or neutral when reaching for something                                  in the vehicle. 

Sharing the Road with School Buses

Now that summer is winding up and many children are heading back to school I’ve noticed a lot more buses on the road. In fact, they seem to follow me around, which is no surprise considering over 480,000 busses operate daily nationwide carrying 26 million elementary school and secondary school students.

Since we are now sharing the road with so many of these oversized vehicles, it is important to understand how to drive properly when around them.

When the stop sign extends:

•  On a divided highway with a barrier or unpaved road separating the lanes, you may continue to drive if you are going in the opposite direction.
• On a two-lane road all vehicles are required to stop.
• On a multi-lane road, all vehicles must stop if a paved lane separates the lanes going in different directions.

Bus lights work like traffic lights:

• If the overhead lights flash yellow, be prepared to stop.
• If the overhead lights flash red, stop.
• When the hazard or warning lights are flashing, proceed with caution.

Whether or not you have to stop when the school bus stops, I recommend you always slow down and constantly examine your surroundings. Children can be unpredictable and dart out of nowhere and decreasing your speed is an easy way to increase your reaction time.

Following these extremely simple steps can make a huge difference in the number of children injured yearly. In 2011 there were 22 fatalities, 350-475 broken bones or worse, and 8,500-12,000 minor injuries like scrapes and bruises.

FYI: If potentially saving a child’s life is not enough motivation to stop when a school bus does, you should also know that if caught you can be fined, imprisoned, face a felony charge, and receive five points on your license.

Reducing Your Blind Spot

Some people are graced with height while others, like my mother, are what I like to call “vertically challenged”. At a whopping four feet and ten and a quarter inches (you can’t leave off that quarter inch!) Mommy faces a few daily challenges that don’t always include her inability to reach things on high shelves.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses you may already be aware that the information can be found on your driver’s license. Well my mother’s first license said that she had to sit on a phone book or pillow while driving. Seriously, she could have received an additional fine if she was ever pulled over and not using something to elevate herself!

Okay, okay, I know this post is silly but I have a good point to make, I promise!

I don’t understand the physics behind it but due to her height, or lack thereof, my mother has a larger blind spot when using her side mirrors. To alleviate this issue she has a simple trick, leaning forward.

 

I’m sure everyone has had their fair share of near-misses when trying to change lanes where the honk of a car horn alerts us that there had been a vehicle beside us the whole time. Hey, they don’t call it a blind spot for nothing! Well, once my mother was in the car with me during such an occasion and filled me in on her trick so I gave it a try. Mothers are always right so naturally this time was no different. My visibility increased astronomically as I moved forward slightly and glanced at my side mirror. To this day I do that every time I change lanes and can honestly say those near-misses are nearly gone.

I hope you found this post both educational and entertaining. Stay-tuned for some more personal safety stories! And please feel free to share some of your own tips in the comment section below.

Labor Day Weekend

As mentioned two months ago in my 4th of Julypost, the holidays are some of the deadliest days for traffic-related fatalities. According to the Florida Safety Council rates of DUI-related deaths rise dramatically over Labor Day Weekend which is why authorities will step up their DUI enforcement this weekend. 

This morning I happened to catch a commercial I have seen in the past. It was part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign and I realized that I see this commercial at very specific times during the year. Well now I know why! 43% of Labor Day deaths involve alcohol compared to the 32% during the rest of the year.  Numbers don’t always make the impact they should so click here for some great infographics!

One campaign slogan I am particularly fond of is “the last day of summer shouldn’t mean the end of your life.” Okay, if you’re a child going back to school sometimes it may feel that way but the point is there is no reason to risk your well-being because you are celebrating.

Here are some tips to enjoy a safe Labor Day weekend:

• If you choose to drink, never drive. Stay where you are or have a designated driver. You not only put yourself at risk but you are also endangering everyone on the road around you.
•  Wear your seatbelt. You can’t control what is happening in the vehicles around you but you can make sure you are being cautious in your own.
•  Be aware of drunk drivers. Learn how to spot a drunk driver on the MADD website.

I hope you have a fun holiday weekend! 

MOVE OVER!

Have you seen this sign before? Odds are you have, maybe even with a different
state listed at the top since this law is now enforced across the United States.

These signs seem self-explanatory but how often do you see a vehicle move over by one lane when there is a cop pulling someone else over? Perhaps a better question is how often do you? If you generally ignore this law you are not just risking a ticket and fine, you are risking someone else’s life. Below are answers to several questions you may have regarding this law.

First, what constitutes an emergency vehicle? Originally police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances comprised this list but as of this year the “move over” law was expanded to include tow trucks.

What do I do when I see a stopped emergency vehicle? That’s simple! Move over! If the lights are flashing on a vehicle at the side of the road you must move out of the lanes closest to them.

I can’t move over… Now what!? If you are driving on a one lane road or if changing lanes is impossible or would endanger you, don’t worry. You won’t get a ticket if you cannot accommodate by moving over... You will, however, need to reduce your speed by 20 mph below the posted limit – Yes, if the limit is 25 then 5 is the magic number.    

Understandably, many may ignore the “move over” law because they see that the civil servant is preoccupied with the task at hand and falsely assume they won’t get pulled over. There are many testimonials that prove otherwise and just because you may not get caught every time you don’t move over or slow down does not mean it can’t happen. Disobeying this law results in a maximum fine of $200 which can be raised to $500 if the violation results in property damage. If there is any bodily injury the offense will be enhanced to a Class B misdemeanor.

These individuals are risking their lives to keep citizens safe, yourself included, so why not adhere to the law and do everything in your power to keep them from being mowed down on the job?

Click here to learn more about the “move over” law in detail.

School Bus Safety

It's that time of year again. School is back in session! As a parent you have a lot on your plate. Did you buy everything on the list of supplies? Do you have a healthy lunch prepared? The list goes on and on... 

But let's take a moment to discuss something that may not be on the forefront of your mind; that big yellow bus. Statistics show school buses are actually nine times safer than other passenger vehicles during the normal school commute. While this figure may put your mind at ease, the children are the ones who put themselves at risk so it is very important that you educate them. Last year twenty-one children were fatally injured while riding on the bus and as pedestrians near the bus stop. Additionally 475 children obtained major injuries such as broken bones!

Below are some helpful hints to keep your child(ren) safe. 

At the Bus Stop:

• Always walk to the bus stop. Never run. 
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk of the left side of the road facing traffic. 
• Always go to the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus arrives.
• While at the bus stop, wait in a safe place away from the road. Do not run around and play while waiting
• Never speak to strangers at the bus stop and never get in a car with a stranger. Always go straight home and tell your parents if a stranger tries to talk to you or pick you up.
• When the bus arrives watch for red flashing lights and the stop sign to be extended and only cross when all traffic has stopped. 

On the Bus:

• Go directly to a seat.
• Remain seated and facing forward for the entire ride.
• Talk quietly so as not to distract the driver.
• If you need to talk to the bus driver wait for the bus to stop, raise your hand, and call the driver's name.
• Never throw things on the bus or out of the windows.
• Never play with the emergency exits.
• Keep aisles clear at all times (keep backpacks at your feet).
• If there is an emergency, listen to the driver and follow instructions.

Road Signs: Colors

Do you remember when you took the test for your driver’s permit? I recall that I needed to memorize what the shapes and colors of road signs meant. I only took my test six years ago but embarrassingly, when I drove home on the interstate, I had no idea what type of information was on the sign unless I read it. 

One of the primary reasons that road signs come in different colors is so when you are too far from them you will know whether or not you need to pay attention to what they say. Sometimes motorists don’t regard all road signs but if you are aware that certain colors are particularly important you may be more likely to read it so I thought I’d do a quick post to reeducate myself and others.

What the sign colors mean…

Green: Guide and directional information

          -These signs will tell you how far you are from an upcoming place

Red:   Stop, yield, do not enter, and wrong way

          -Look out for red signs, they are there for your protection

Blue:  Upcoming services for drivers

          -Displays restaurants, gas stations, and hotels

Orange: Warns of construction and road maintenance

          -Alerts you of the presence of road workers and if
           lanes are closed or uneven

Yellow: General warning or caution

          -They warn about hazards, identify your route,
           and direct the speed and movement of traffic

White: Regulations, ordinances, and enforceable laws

          -This category includes signs that show the speed
           limit and whether u-turns and other turns are
           possible

Brown: Indicates recreational or historical points of interest

          -This color is less urgent and more for leisure information

Was this information useful for you?
Would you like to see more posts like it?
Let me know! I’ll be more than happy to oblige.

"ICE" Your Cell Phone!

No I’m not talking about bling, although I do appreciate a little bit of sparkle!

ICE stands for ‘In Case of Emergency’ and is a simple and easy way for emergency responders and healthcare workers to contact the right people in case of, well, an emergency situation.

Wallets typically carry one’s license which can help emergency workers identify them and learn about any life-threatening conditions (for example, my photo caption says ‘Insulin Dep’ so they would know I have diabetes). However, my wallet isn’t always on my person and can be buried in my purse and difficult to locate. Cell phones, on the other hand, are almost an extension of some individuals and can be easier to find sometimes.  

When I was in grade school my emergency contacts were always my parents but now I live in a different city than them so if someone was to search for “mom” or “dad” it would really be a waste of time. Additionally, some people may list their parents by name instead of title which wouldn’t really help either. Emergency workers are trained to look for the codeword ICE in your contact list first so they can reach the right person.

So let’s take a minute to pick up our cell phones and create a new contact or edit an existing one. Add ICE in front of your emergency contact’s name. If you have multiple contacts list them as ICE 1, ICE 2, etc. and rank them in order of who would be the most useful. Listing additional people is helpful in case the first person does not answer their phone.

The cool part is if you aren’t carrying identification your contact can see that your phone is calling and alert the emergency worker. 

So help them help you and ICE your phone today!

Hydroplaning 101



Actual photo of my
cousin, the Facebook
caption read "wish I
took pics of my arms,
they were much worse"

All of these random summer storms and occasional flooding
have gotten me thinking about hydroplaning. I’ve felt it happen before but only for a few seconds. Two years ago my cousin actually hydroplaned on a major highway and crashed into the guardrail. Luckily nobody was badly injured but they needed to use the Jaws of Life to get her out of the driver’s seat and she suffered from various cuts from glass shards.

So what exactly is hydroplaning? Well, when roads are wet traction is diminished. When a layer of standing water builds between the tires and the pavement you lose even more traction which causes the vehicle to stop responding to control inputs like the steering wheel and brakes. When all four tires hydroplane simultaneously, attempting to maneuver the car is similar to operating an uncontrollable sled.

Safety and prevention are always better than dealing with the aftermath.

Ways to prevent hydroplaning include: 

• Making sure your tires are at the proper pressure.
• Using narrow and unworn tires; always replace balding tires.
• Driving below the speed limit.
  The speeds posted are generally calculated for drier weather and
  less slippery terrain.
• Avoiding standing water if you are aware of it.

If you find yourself hydroplaning, try to keep your natural instincts from kicking in as attempting to control the vehicle can be counterproductive:

• NEVER slam on the brakes
• Easing off the accelerator may slow down the vehicle enough to regain traction if the car is not in a turn.
• Trying to steer may cause the car to skid which is even more difficult to recover from. If breaking is unavoidable do it very smoothly and prepare for instability.
• Over-steering occurs when the car turns more than the driver wants it to. If this happens the driver should steer in the direction of the skid until traction is regained and then rapidly steer in the opposite direction to straighten the vehicle.

Hopefully you will never find yourself in the situation but, if you do, try to keep this information in mind. 

Road Rash

Most people appreciate a good looking pair of worn-out jeans and a sleeveless biker vest. I say most people because there are a few exceptions to that rule; motorcyclists who have fallen, were not properly covered, and suffered from road rash.

Road rash is more common in motorcycle accidents because the rider is not shielded by an automobile’s interior. This type of skin abrasion occurs when a body hits pavement at an accelerated speed and the dermal tissue is scraped off.

Sounds painful? That’s because it is. Since accidents can’t always be prevented here are some tips to lessen the chance of having severe road rash:

1)   Know the motorcycle you are driving before heading out. Each one handles differently and while you may be an experienced rider you still need experience with that particular machine.

2)  Wear proper clothing when riding. Padding and leather can be your best friends and reflective and bright-colored clothing are great ways to make sure other vehicles notice you share the road with them (see links below for examples). No flip-flops please, those aren’t even safe to wear on a bicycle much less something with an engine.

3)   Eye protection is essential. Any time you get some dust in your eye you take your eyes off the road. Tinted eyewear is also great so you avoid the glare and can see at all times. Remember not to wear sunglasses after sunset.

4)   Even if it’s not a legal requirement, helmets are always highly recommended. The leading death in motorcycle accidents is the lack of proper headgear. Make sure your helmet is DOT certified!

5)   Avoid riding in rainstorms. If you have to ride in the rain, try to stay in the tracks of the car in front of you to limit the chance of hydroplaning and increase road traction.

*Keep in mind that other people you share the road with may not be as aware of your presence as you are of theirs. Always know your surroundings and try to look at least fourteen seconds ahead of you at all times.

Links for protecive gear, as promised:

• Reflective Jackets
• DOT Certified Helmets 
• Padded Eyewear

Carpooling: Know Your Driver

Carpooling is great! Nobody can argue that it saves some green (gas money and the environment!) but is it always the best choice? If you know your driver’s history and are personally acquainted with them by all means drive each other to work, on errands, etc. If you’ve acquired this possible carpooler through other means then think twice before getting in a vehicle with them.

First, in a non-offensive manner try to find out about the potential driver’s record. Have they ever been at fault in a car accident? Did they receive a speeding ticket recently? If you found this person through a friend ask if the driver has any bad habits that they know of.

Second, once you have decided to ride together make sure this person is focused. Texting is the most common driving distraction but some people also eat difficult foods and apply make-up or shave. If you notice your driver is doing anything you do not feel comfortable with, speak up. I know it’s embarrassing but if you think about it just because they are willing to risk their life to do some task does not mean you are willing to risk yours.

Here are some suggestions to approaching these touchy subjects:

    ·     Offer to read their texts to them if they are that
   important.

    ·     Recommend they do their make-up at home, if they
   don’t want to you can offer to be picked up earlier so
   they can apply it in the parking lot at your destination.

    ·     You decide to drive! Instead of switching off you can
   have them pay you gas money instead. Yes, it’s more
   miles on your vehicle but it may lead to more miles on
   your life.

    ·     Be truthful, “I’m sorry, I’m not comfortable when you…”
   is a good way to start. Most people will respect that you
   addressed the situation instead of making excuses.

Even if you are close with the person you are considering carpooling with, that’s not always a good reason to get in the car with them behind the wheel. For example, this past school year my roommate went from having a clean driving record to totaling two different vehicles in three separate accidents. While she was not at fault in any of the scenarios I still don’t ask her for a ride because she seems to be an accident magnet.

If you realize after the fact that you may not be carpooling with the best driver don’t worry, it’s never too late to change your mind and get out of a bad situation. There are alternative ways of finding a ride including programs similar to Zimride, something the university I attend has implemented.

Hope this article helped you make a decision! If you do choose to carpool check out these Ten Commandments to being a great carpool buddy. 

Have you had an excellent/terrible carpool experience? Share your stories below!