Safe Driving

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Avoid common risky driving behaviors

Overheating is a common problem for travelers

Avoid common risky driving behaviors

Most drivers can name those bad behaviors that lead to car accidents. Even new and inexperienced drivers are well aware of the things they should not do while driving. Yet research shows that many of these same drivers admit to engaging in those behaviors, and not just once or twice, but frequently.

Distracted driving has become a key issue in overall driving safety. Statistically, more than 1.5 million accidents nationwide are thought to be caused by some type of cell phone use while driving, and experts estimate that as many as 25% of accidents can be attributed directly to talking or texting while driving. But using a cell phone isn’t the only distraction for drivers, and any time a driver’s attention is drawn away from the road, accidents can happen.

Risky behaviors while driving

  • Talking on any device
  • Texting
  • Putting on makeup
  • Eating
  • Reaching into a bag or purse
  • Reaching into the back seat

What surveys show

Driver safety surveys and questionnaires show that drivers recognize that distracted or aggressive driving is dangerous, but many admit to engaging in these habits anyway.

  • Up to half admit to using a hand-held device either to talk or text while driving
  • Nearly 40% say they have run a red light, made sudden lane changes or tailgated when distracted or in a hurry.
  • Close to half of drivers say they have missed a stop sign because they were distracted and fewer than 75% actually come to a complete stop when they do observe one.

For responsible drivers, making better decisions about driving activities needs to be less about getting caught and more about reducing the risk of an accident. While drivers overall have chosen to slow down and are less likely to get behind the wheel when they are tired, the cell phone continues to be a temptation many cannot resist.

Resist bad behavior

  • Put your cell phone in a place where it is not visible while you are driving.
  • Use a call blocking feature so your cell phone does not ring.
  • If you are using your phone for navigation, set your trip before you begin and place your phone in a holder where you can see it safely without touching it.
  • Allow yourself time to get to your destination so you are not tempted to speed or multitask while driving. (i.e., eating or putting on makeup)
  • Stop in a safe location if you need to make a call or get something out of a bag or the backseat.

At HD Auto Care, we prefer to see your car for routine maintenance rather than repairs needed due to an accident that could have been avoided. Be safe and schedule your maintenance check today.

Cross-country car tours need extra prep

You have finally decided to take that cross-country trip you have always talked about. You have spent weeks planning the route, the stops, towns you will pass through, and places you will linger a few days. The family packing has been carefully orchestrated to be sure no one forgets clothing and recreational items.

Don’t skimp on the planning for your car and risk putting the brakes on your trip! Thousands of miles and extreme weather conditions demand the same level of preparation as your vacation to be sure your car is up to the challenge.

Take an extra couple of weeks and talk to your mechanic. There are several precautions you should take before leaving on a long trip, and while many can be done by you, an expert opinion or a multipoint check-up is always a good idea.

Consider the following:

Overheating is a common problem for travelers

Regular flushing of anti-freeze is your best means of preventing overheating. If you are going to be traveling in hot climates or mountainous regions, your car will work extra hard. Running air conditioning only adds to the stress on your vehicle’s cooling system, so radiator service before leaving is a wise move.

Worn tires are frequently the cause of flats and blowouts

Tires don’t have to be bald to be a problem. Uneven wear can quickly lead to a problem when traveling at high speeds for lengthy periods of time since that wear is most likely due to poor alignment. Get your tires aligned and balanced before you leave, and replace tires that are looking worn. You can keep tires that have some wear left and bring one along as your spare rather than relying on the mini spare your car came with.

Brake problems can sneak up on you

If your radio is on whenever you are driving, you may not have noticed that slight grinding sound that indicates your brake pads are low or your rotors are worn. Take a drive with the radio off and listen to your brakes. Any suspicious sounds should be checked by an expert before you leave.

The color of the fluid is as important as the level

If you aren’t sure what color your oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, or power-steering fluid should be, take your car to an expert. A safety check from your mechanic includes checking all fluids, and the color matters. Dirt or discoloration can indicate a problem with the system in your car that it is supposed to be protecting.

A few other tips:

Check that your jack is intact and operable, that your spare is ready to go if needed, and that you have some basic tools available in the event you do have an emergency. Also, make sure your roadside assistance service is current, or sign up for a reliable service if you do not have one.

Outfit your car with a map of the areas you plan to visit. While many have become accustomed to using navigation apps, you’ll be lost if you get in an area where there is no signal!

Finally, call Hills & Dales Auto Care for a top-quality maintenance check and tips to help you keep your car in good running order all year round.