Fall/Winter Car Care for 2021

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE A publication of SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS

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AUTOMOTIVE CARE GUIDE

Fall/Winter 2021

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Don’t put off car repairs Maintenance is an essential component of responsible vehicle ownership. Routine maintenance can help discover problems before they escalate into potentially costly issues. Maintenance also keeps vehicles running smoothly, making them more enjoyable to drive and extending their life expectancy.

Various factors can help to determine how often drivers should change their vehicles’ fluids and take them in for tuneups. Such variables include how frequently a vehicle is driven, the type of driving (city or rural) drivers do and how many miles are on the car. However, drivers can still rely on this basic car maintenance schedule, courtesy of

Drivers delaying vehicle maintenance Many drivers recognize the importance of vehicle maintenance, but a significant percentage of drivers are putting off taking timely care of their cars and trucks. IMR Inc. surveys 25,000 households each quarter, asking participants how they have serviced and maintained their vehicles.

In the first quarter of 2020, much of which occurred prior to the declaration of a global pandemic, nearly 18 percent of respondents indicated they had delayed vehicle repairs or maintenance.

IMR classified “delayed maintenance” as repairs and maintenance that vehicle owners intentionally put off despite knowing the vehicles needed them.

That conscious decision to delay maintenance and repairs could prove costly in the long run, as adhering to a routine maintenance schedule is a great way to ensure cars stay on the road longer. In addition, adhering to manufacturerrecommended maintenance schedules is a great way to discover minor issues before they escalate into larger, more costly concerns.

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Routine maintenance can keep vehicles running strong for years on end.

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Advance Auto Parts, to serve as a guide.

3,000 miles/three months Advance Auto Parts notes that monthly fluid checks typically are unnecessary with newer vehicles, though older vehicles should be inspected for leaks once a month. Among the fluids to check after every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first, are: • Engine oil level; • Windshield washer fluid; • Coolant; • Brake fluid level; • Transmission fluid; and • Power steering fluid.

Drivers also can use 3,000 miles or three months as a benchmark to check tire pressure, hoses and belts. Many vehicles now display tire pressure for each tire on

the dashboard, and drivers should pay attention to those numbers and put air in their tires when necessary.

When inspecting hoses, touch them to make sure they’re not leaking and bulging.

Hoses should be a little flexible, especially when they are warm.

5,000 miles/six months Oil and oil filters should be changed at this interval. In addition, this is a good time to rotate tires and inspect lights to make sure they’re still operating at peak capacity.

Drivers also can check their cabin and engine air filters and replace them if need be. Changing these filters is a simple DIY project, and drivers can find an assortment of YouTube tutorials to help them complete these projects.

On the 2021

Wiper blades also can be inspected around this time or whenever drivers suspect the blades aren’t operating at peak capacity. Replacing wiper blades is another simple DIY project that drivers can complete in a few minutes.

10,000 miles/12 months

Advance Auto Parts notes that synthetic oil is typically used in cars made since 2010. Each manufacturer is different, and drivers should check their manuals for recommendations.

Synthetic oil and filters in vehicles that use synthetic oil is typically changed every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Once a year drivers should ask their mechanics to check the alignment on their vehicles and the condition of their brakes.

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Fall/Winter 2021

Tips for buying new tires Though vehicles can’t function without them, tires are something few drivers think about until something goes wrong.

A roadside flat tire or a tire rotation recommendation from a mechanic during a routine oil change appointment may be the only time many drivers give much thought to their tires. That no doubt leads to some confusion about what to do when tires inevitably need to be replaced.

The automotive resource Kelley Blue Book notes that the life expectancy of most tires falls between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. That’s a big gap, and car owners can check their vehicle manuals to see if their vehicle manufacturer recommends a more specific replacement interval. It’s worth noting that mileage is not the only barometer drivers should use to determine if they need to buy new tires. The following tips can help drivers determine if now is the time to outfit their vehicle with new tires.

Measure the tread KBB notes that a tire assessment should always include measuring the amount of remaining tread. Drivers can do this on their own in various ways.

One method involves looking at the tread wear bars, which are little bridges in the grooves between the ridges. If the bars are even with the tread pattern, then

be replaced. If only a little bit of hair is visible, then the tire is nearing its end.

The tire has sufficient remaining tread if the some of the forehead is concealed.

Check for damage

Check for other signs of wear and tear.

Little remaining tread is not the only sign tires must be replaced. Tires with cracked sidewalls, discoloration and/or bulging need to be replaced.

Look further

Maintaining a vehicle’s tires is vital for the safety of you and your passengers. Check the tires regularly for wear and tear.

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the tire has very little tread remaining and must be replaced.

The penny or quarter test is a popular way to determine if tires must be replaced. Insert a penny or quarter into

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the center of the tread between two ridges with Lincoln’s or Washington’s head facing you.

If you can see the very top of the head or the space above the head, the tire must

Confirm a larger issue isn’t lurking.

Uneven wear on tires is typically a byproduct of a larger issue. Though tires that have worn unevenly will need to be replaced, replacing them without correcting the larger issue will only lead to more uneven wear on the new tires.

That’s a costly mistake.

KBB notes that poor wheel alignment or suspension issues are typically to blame for uneven wear. This issue can be fixed and should be addressed prior to purchasing a new set of tires.

Tires sometimes exhibit telltale signs that they need to be replaced. Before buying replacement tires, drivers can inspect their existing ones and ask their mechanic to confirm that a larger issue isn’t affecting their performance.

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Easily forgotten road trip safety tips Getaways come in many forms. A getaway can be restful and relaxing whether it involves a journey to a small island thousands of miles from home or a favorite campsite that’s just a few hours away by car.

As the world gradually emerges from a pandemic that put travel on the back burner for billions of people across the globe, people anxious to get away from home may finally feel comfortable seeking getaways that don’t involve air travel. If the open road beckons you in the months ahead, the excitement ahead can make it easy to overlook certain safety measures. The following are four easily forgotten safety measures to keep in mind as you head off for parts unknown.

Road trips are popular in the fall and holiday season. Some simple safety measures can ensure drivers and their passengers stay safe.

Service vehicle The pandemic significantly affected people’s driving habits. Millions of people spent the pandemic working remotely, and many have continued to do so even after being vaccinated. Total driving distances fluctuated throughout the pandemic.

For example, the Federal Highway Administration reported that the total distances driven in July 2020 had declined by 11 percent compared to the same month a year earlier. That decline was more drastic according to figures examining total distances driven in April 2019 and April 2020, when driving had decreased by 40 percent compared to a year earlier.

Though driving may have increased as the pandemic wore on, it’s still a good idea for drivers to have their vehicles serviced before a road trip. Request a full tune-up that includes an oil change, a battery check and a tire rotation. These services and other maintenance tasks like fluid refills can reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and reveal any issues that might make driving less safe.

Check for recalls Recalls are issued if a safety issue has been uncovered since a car hit the market. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a list of recalls available on its website at NHTSA.gov/Recalls.

Recalls are fixed free of charge, and it’s best to look well in advance of a trip to ensure you have time to take the vehicle in for its update.

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a little pre-trip practice.

Practice Get used to driving with accessories on the vehicle.

Fall and holiday road trips are often taken with luggage racks attached to rear windows or the top of the vehicle.

Drivers unaccustomed to having storage units attached to their vehicles should make a few trial runs so they can get acclimated.

Backing up with items on the back of the car can be tricky for novices, so a little practice may be helpful.

Drivers who intend to tow campers also may benefit from

Pack a map Though maps have long since fallen out of favor due to the availability of GPS, people traveling to remote areas may find their smartphone signals fading in and out as they get closer to their destinations. A map can help road trippers overcome service interruptions and arrive at their destinations on time.

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On the road technology WAYS TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR DEVICES ON LONG CAR TRIPS Once an uncomfortable means to a worthy end, long car trips have changed quite a bit since many of today’s adults age 30 and over were children.

Parents are no doubt familiar with the familiar cry of, “Are we there yet?” emanating from the backseat. But such queries are now less frequent than they once were. And that’s thanks in large part to devices and the access to data that they provide.

Devices can help passengers stay occupied on long trips. Devices vary in terms of their capabilities, and that can affect just how useful they are on the road. But the following are three ways for travelers to get more out of their devices while on the road.

Download, download, download Downloading prior to a trip allows travelers to access content offline. That means service interruptions and Wifi dead zones won’t interrupt podcasts, television shows or movies.

Downloading ahead of time also saves people without unlimited data plans from having to pay data overage charges.

Turn your phone into a WiFi hotspot Smartphones have direct access to high-speed mobile network connections that tablets and

laptops won’t be able to access without a little handiwork. That handiwork involves converting a phone into a hotspot, which can be done easily through the settings function in most smartphones.

Once the phone is established as a hotspot, other devices can typically piggyback on its network connection.

Accessorize your vehicle Staring down at a smartphone or tablet for hours on end is no one’s idea of comfort.

Thankfully, comfort need not be sacrificed for entertainment.

A headrest mount can be attached to the headrest of a front seat and accommodate a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets. Devices are simply slipped into the mount so passengers won’t have to hold them in their hands as they watch their favorite television shows and movies.

Headrest mounts may be convenient, but kids might not be able to reach touchscreens while buckled in. In such instances, parents can replace their existing headrests with headrests with builtin monitors that come with remote controls that make it easy to adjust volume and other settings without undoing a seat belt.

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Access to devices can make long road trips feel less boring and more entertaining for kids. Technology combined with a stash of snacks and appropriate pit stops will go a long way to keeping everyone happy.

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Fall/Winter 2021

4 apps that can make driving safer

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Technology has changed the world in ways too numerous to count. Many of those changes have made the world a safer place, but a growing dependence on smartphones, particularly when behind the wheel, continues to put the safety of drivers, their passengers, fellow motorists, and pedestrians in jeopardy.

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that distracted driving was responsible for the deaths of more than 3,100 people in the United States in 2019. The threat of distracted driving is just as significant beyond U.S. borders as well. That includes Canada, where estimates from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database indicate 21 percent of the country’s fatal collisions involved distracted drivers.

Though smartphones are not the lone distraction drivers face, they do pose a significant threat. But smartphones also can help drivers be safer behind the wheel.

The following are four apps that drivers can install on their smartphones that were designed to make modern driving safer.

The SafeDrive app can block all the textual apps in a phone, removing a major threat to drivers’ ability to concentrate behind the wheel. Drivers who utilize SafeDrive can still make phone calls, but they won’t be able to receive or send messages.

LifeSaver The LifeSaver app runs silently in the background and then wakes up and locks the phone when a driver begins driving.

Parents of young drivers should know that the app’s “Family View” feature can enable them to track their children’s driving and even see when kids are behind the wheel so parents won’t contact them.

The app also can alert loved ones when drivers arrive at their destination.

TextDrive This app sends auto response messages to people who try to call or text drivers while they’re behind the wheel. Drivers can reply to messages using voice commands as well.

DriveWell Drivers who want some insight into their driving habits should consider the DriveWell app. The app is designed to provide drivers with feedback about their driving habits. Drivers can access trip summaries, details on their maneuvers and even track their speeds.

Drivers interested in utilizing technology to become safer drivers can try various apps designed to reduce driver distractions.

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Tips to ensure holiday road trips are safe and stress-free After a 2020 holiday season in which the pandemic forced the postponement or cancellation of festivities, families are planning to get together once again in 2021.

Many people will head home for the holidays this year, and the vast majority will take to the highway to do so.

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics says the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest for long-distance travel. The highways will be busy with motorists criss-crossing the country to visit loved ones. Holiday travel may require covering a long distance in a limited amount of time.

Finding ways to be efficient in regard to time management can reduce stress and improve safety.

Planning and preparation are essential to getting home safely this holiday season.

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Travel at night If you can safely manage it, you may experience considerably less traffic in the evening hours than during other times of day. In addition, if kids are in tow, they may sleep much of the way, helping to reduce the number of times they ask, “Are we there yet?” Share driving responsibilities with another person so that each driver can take a break to prevent drowsy driving.

Get a vehicle maintenance check No one wants to get stranded on the side of the road with a car filled with gifts and treats. It’s well worth the investment to have a mechanic give a vehicle a checkup prior to leaving. Get an oil change even if it’s a little early to do so.

Look at tire tread wear and ensure that you have the right tires for the road conditions where you’ll be headed.

Plan your route People often rely on mobile phone or dashboard GPS systems to get where they need to go. However, it helps

to have a general idea of the route so that if service drops out you can still find your way. Scout out rest stops or acceptable restaurants online prior to leaving so you have a plan for making stops in safe areas.

Stock the car While presents may be taking up valuable real estate, pack a cooler with snacks and beverages to help reduce how many times you need to get off the highway. Also, games or other forms of entertainment can keep children occupied on long trips.

Slow down in inclement weather The holiday meal can be reheated if you’re late, so don’t feel compelled to speed or drive erratically when the weather is stormy. It’s not worth the risk of getting into an accident that can cause serious injuries. Travelers United, a nonprofit organization that represents all travelers, also warns that quick storms that pop up after a long dry spell can immediately make road surfaces extremely slippery.

Use caution.

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Tips for first-time

RV drivers

Whether it’s the welcoming weather or the chance to follow a favorite football team or, of course, the aweinspiring foliage, fall compels many people to hit the open road. A car or truck might suffice for a day trip or weekend getaway, but those who want to travel more extensively often do so in an RV. Recreational vehicles, or RVs, provide a taste of home away from home for millions of people every year. RVs allow people to visit even the most remote locations without having to worry about finding food or lodging. As welcoming as the interior of an RV can be, it’s also easy for first-time RV drivers to feel a little intimidated.

RVs are the largest vehicles many people will ever operate, and even long-time drivers will likely need some time to adjust. That adjustment period can go smoothly if drivers take steps to grow more comfortable behind the wheel before embarking on their trips.

Practice makes perfect

A cross country RV trip is a dream vacation for many people, but drivers must learn to crawl before they can walk. RVs are much bigger and heavier than cars and trucks, and practice runs can help drivers grow acclimated to that size.

Don’t begin a practice run without first noting the class and height of the vehicle. The online camper resource Camper Report notes that Class C RVs average 10 feet in height, while Class A RVs are typically between 13 and 14 feet tall. Measure the height of your RV prior to your first practice run so you can be sure you can make it beneath all overpasses on your route.

Take a companion along Drivers behind the wheel of a car or truck may not give a second thought to driving in reverse or navigating their way around parking lots. But such situations require some forethought, and even a little help, when driving an RV for the first time. A traveling companion can direct drivers into and out of parking spots until they grow more acclimated to operating an RV.

Utilize leveling blocks RV leveling blocks help RVs stay level when parked on sloped surfaces. The RV experts at TheRVGeeks.com note that RVs need to be level in order for equipment to work properly. That’s problematic if you park at a campsite with uneven ground. Even if equipment is functional when parked on marginally sloped surfaces, navigating your way through an RV parked on such ground is inconvenient if not annoying. Leveling blocks also can keep jacks from sinking into soft ground, making them an inexpensive yet useful accessory for any RV trip.

Dumping the tanks Drivers whose RVs have toilets will eventually need to dump their waste. Drivers should practice this in advance of their first trip so they are practiced when the time comes to do it on the road. Tutorials on YouTube can teach drivers how to dump their tanks. Drivers also can invest in a highly rated, thick sewer hose to avoid being sprayed with waste while out on the road.

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RV travel is a great way to experience the open road. First-time RV drivers can try various strategies to get used to what it’s like to be behind the wheel of these unique vehicles.

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How drivers can handle suddenly unsafe driving conditions The chance to take in idyllic landscapes and sun-soaked views is a big part of what makes road trips so appealing. When traveling during certain times of year, such as spring and fall, seasonal landscapes dotted with vivid colors can be especially stunning.

Prior to embarking on a road trip, travelers can’t be blamed for getting caught up in the sights they’re on the cusp of seeing. But it’s equally important that drivers take steps to prepare for unsafe driving conditions. Even if the forecast is nothing but sunny skies, driving conditions can suddenly take a turn for the worse. The following are a handful of unsafe conditions drivers may encounter on the road, and what they can to do to make it through such situations safe and sound.

Aggressive drivers

Tips to safely drive in large cities A few simple strategies can help drivers calm their nerves about driving within city limits.

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Visitors to large cities often marvel at how drivers traverse urban roadways. Non-city dwellers may white knuckle their way through crowded city streets, all the while wondering how anyone could handle such a stressful experience on a daily basis.

Though suburban or rural residents may never master the art of city driving, they can embrace various strategies to make city driving safer and less stressful.

Take a small vehicle Rural and suburban roadways may be built for SUVs and other large vehicles, but that’s not often the case in cities. A feeling of claustrophobia contributes to the discomfort many drivers feel when driving through cities.

Some may be worried that their SUVs or trucks will hit parked cars, while others may prefer to be closer to the street so they can easily see pedestrians. Drivers who can choose between an SUV or truck and a smaller vehicle like a sedan may find that they feel more comfortable driving the smaller vehicle inside city limits.

Time it right Pick and choose your driving times. The National Safety Council says morning rush hour in most cities is typically between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., while afternoon rush hour begins around 4 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m.

Drivers nervous about city driving may benefit by avoiding cities during rush hours. During rush hour, city streets may be overcrowded with commuter buses, taxis and ridesharing services, and professionals anxious to get to work or get home after a long day at the office. That can make city driving especially stressful. If possible, avoid these times.

Stay in your lane The automotive experts at Edmunds.com note that switching lanes will only trim a negligible amount of time off your trip. Those extra few seconds or even minutes are not worth risking an accident.

Slow drivers tend to stick to the right lane in cities, though drivers who stay in the right lane should recognize that experienced city drivers who want to make right turns may be aggressive with other right lane drivers who they feel are moving too slowly.

Do your best to ignore aggressive drivers and resist the temptation to drive significantly below the speed limit, even when you’re in the right lane.

Be aware Don’t take turns and crosswalks for granted. Suburban and rural drivers may not give a second thought when approaching crosswalks. But city crosswalks are often filled with pedestrians. That requires a little extra patience and attention when turning or driving through a yellow light within a city.

Watch for cyclists Many large cities have established bike lanes to encourage more people to bike to work. Cyclists move more quickly than pedestrians traveling on foot, so always make sure to check sideview mirrors before turning to ensure speedy cyclists are not coming up behind you. In addition, never swerve into bike lanes, as cyclists have every right to be on the road.

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Aggressive driving or road rage is a significant issue, more so than some drivers may recognize. A 2016 survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous 12 months.

The insurance experts at Geico recommend that motorists who encounter aggressive drivers do their best to stay away from them. Consider safely changing lanes, gradually slowing down or even exiting the highway. Geico advises against stopping, as that can lead to potentially dangerous confrontations.

Bad weather Bad weather can include anything from snowfall to driving rain to thick fog. Though it’s wise for drivers to consult the weather forecast prior to hitting the road, no forecast is 100 percent accurate, which underscores the importance of knowing what to do when conditions suddenly take a turn for the worse.

If inclement weather appears unexpectedly, slow down and be sure to leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

The automotive analytics firm J.D. Power notes that many experts recommend drivers double the cushion between their vehicles and the ones in front of them when driving in rain, snow, sleet, and other adverse weather conditions. Doing so can help to offset the slower brake time that occurs when driving in bad weather.

Debris Road debris can include anything from materials that get blown away from roadside work sites to falling rock to tire treads to items that fall off of other vehicles. The suddenness of and the potentially serious consequences of being hit by or hitting debris is why a proactive approach is ideal.

Avoid tailgating so you have ample room to maneuver should anything fall into the road. It’s also important to leave room on the side of your vehicle so you can swerve out of the way.

On especially long road trips, share driving duties so whoever is behind the wheel is fresh and alert. Alertness improves reaction time, making it much more likely drivers can avoid debris.

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How to keep car interiors clean

Clean car interiors can make driving that much more enjoyable and even more healthy.

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Oil changes, tire rotations and even car washes may garner the bulk of drivers’ attention in regard to vehicle maintenance. But various smaller undertakings, including keeping vehicle interiors clean, are worthy of drivers’ attention as well.

Dust and dirt can accumulate in a vehicle over time, making for a less comfortable ride. Keeping vehicle interiors clean can make car and truck cabins more welcoming for drivers and their passengers, and such maintenance is simple and inexpensive.

Focus on the floors The floors in a car face all that weather has to offer. In winter, boots may track snow and deicing solutions like salt into a vehicle’s cabin. In summer, sand from the beach or dirt from hiking trails may find its way in.

Some drivers use the same floor mats year-round, but there’s an advantage to switching based on the seasons.

According to the automotive experts at Napa, fabric floor mats in summer will hold on to dirt and keep it from

spreading. Beachgoers will appreciate that after tracking sand into their cars. In the winter, swap fabric floor mats with rubber or plastic alternatives, as these mats will hold melting snow, rain or salt, preventing them from staining the floors.

Careful with seats When cleaning seats, drivers should be mindful of the materials those seats are made of. Cloth seats should be cleaned differently than leather and vinyl, and all seats should be vacuumed prior to cleaning. Consumer Reports notes that leather and vinyl seats are treated with a protective coating that requires gentle cleaning. Begin with a small cloth with a dab of dish or saddle soap, and then apply a leather conditioner to prevent the leather from drying out.

When cleaning cloth seats, an upholstery cleaner can be applied to stains, just be sure to follow instructions carefully. Cleaning products are not all the same, and application techniques may vary. A scrub brush can be used

to work cleaning solutions into the seats and any lingering moisture can then be wiped away with a microfiber cloth.

Clean windshield Use an interior glass cleaner to clean the interior windshields and windows. These surfaces can accumulate a significant amount of dirt due to interior vapors and air pollution. Consumer Reports recommends using a glass cleaner that contains alcohol. Interior glass cleaners are designed to prevent streaking and film buildup, which can compromise drivers’ vision.

Take on touchscreens Modern vehicles have touchscreens that can quickly accumulate dust and fingerprints. Toyota recommends soaking a clean cloth in lukewarm water and lightly wiping the surface of touch screens. Avoid substances like solvents, alkaline or acidic solutions, which can contribute to staining or discoloration on the screen.

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Safety tips for novice motorcycle riders Millions of motorists traverse the country’s roadways when the weather allows. An increasing number of those motorists are seeing the sights while riding motorcycles.

Riding a motorcycle can be an aweinspiring experience much different from riding inside a car or truck.

According to the motorcycle information resource Biker Report, 1.5 million Americans owned a motorcycle in 2018.

Even though motorcycle accidents have declined in recent years, a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, a nonprofit organization representing state highway safety offices, indicates that, when adjusting for miles traveled, motorcycle fatalities occur 28 times more frequently than fatalities involving passenger vehicles.

Alcohol and drug impairment, distraction and an aging motorcycle population have contributed to the elevated accident risk among motorcycle riders. However, inexperience also plays a role.

Here are a few tips to ensure a safe ride:

Get your license It is essential to ride with a license. In the United States, riders are required to have a motorcycle license or endorsement in addition to a driver’s license to legally ride a motorcycle. Depending on where riders live, a motorcycle safety course may be a prerequisite to getting a license and can help riders improve their skills on a motorcycle.

Enroll in a safety course

By adhering to certain safety measures, novice riders can avoid various risks and stay safe as they get more acclimated to their motorcycles.

STOCK PHOTO On the Road

A safety course can teach riders various strategies, including emergency evasive maneuvers. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers courses for riders, who can check to see if any such courses are available in their areas.

Wear a helmet Many states require motorcycle operators and riders to wear helmets when bikes are in operation. Helmets are required by law in Canada across all provinces and territories. The U.S. Department of Transportation also recommends a full-face helmet as an added safety option for novice motorcycle riders. Biker Report states that a helmet can reduce risks of brain injuries from a motorcycle accident by up to 67 percent.

Wear protective clothing In addition to helmets, jackets and other protective gear can reduce the risk of injury for riders involved in crashes. A 2011 study published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention determined there was a significantly reduced risk of injury to the upper body when riders wore fitted body armor.

Practice It is essential that motorcycle riders grow accustomed to riding the bike they will be taking out on the road. Doing so in a parking lot or a closed course enables riders to get a better feel for the throttle grip and brakes and steering.

Riders can gradually increase their time on the motorcycle and skip long distance trips until they feel comfortable on their bikes.

In addition to these tips, novice riders are urged to be as visible as possible while on the road. Bright or reflective items can make motorcycle riders stand out. With these safety measures in place, novice motorcycle riders can reduce their risk for accidents and injuries while on the road.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Be aware – signs of driver fatigue Few things elicit a sense of unbridled adventure as much as a road trip. Unlike more traditional vacations with carefully planned itineraries, road trips are a less formal, more flexible way to travel.

The sense of control drivers have on road trips can help make such excursions feel more liberating. But as any veteran road tripper knows, that control can begin to wane as drivers experience fatigue.

Driver fatigue is a serious safety concern.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that each year roughly 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving. The National Safety Council notes that drowsy driving accounts for more than 1,500 fatalities every year.

Learning to recognize the signs of driver fatigue can help road trippers know when it’s time to put their vehicles in park or hand over the keys to a fellow traveler.

The warning signs of driver fatigue can manifest themselves in various ways, affecting drivers’ bodies and minds and their performance behind the wheel.

Body The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes there are various ways the body exhibits signs of driver fatigue.

An inability to stop yawning and having difficulty keeping eyes open are two telltale signs of driver fatigue.

Drivers experiencing fatigue also might have trouble keeping their head up and find themselves nodding off. Drivers who are blinking with greater frequency than normal and are rubbing and itching their eyes also are showing signs of fatigue.

Mind The mind also is affected by driver fatigue. The AASM notes that fatigued drivers often cannot remember driving the last few miles. Drivers also may feel restless, irritable, impatient, or even aggressive as they become fatigued.

Difficulty focusing attention on the road and daydreaming are some additional mental signs that drivers are fatigued.

Driving Fatigue also manifests itself through erratic driving. The AASM notes that fatigued drivers may miss road signs, drift out of their lane and have difficulty maintaining their speed.

Passengers may not notice the physical and mental signs of driver fatigue, though they can do their part and look for them

The open road beckons millions of drivers every year. Drivers who answer that call should recognize the threat posed by driver fatigue and get off the road right away if they begin to feel drowsy.

STOCK PHOTO On the Road

during road trips, especially if drivers have been behind the wheel for a long time.

Passengers who notice the drivingrelated signs of fatigue should offer to take over immediately or strongly encourage drivers to pull over. Drivers who are starting

to drift into other lanes, missing street signs and/or tailgating other motorists should be asked to hand over the keys right away, as this behavior can greatly increase the risk of accidents.

(METRO CREATIVE)

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