Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado |
June 27, 2004—
Nearly all experienced roadtrippers are already excellent
drivers. A common love of seeing "what's around the next bend"
tends to hone our collective abilities when we sit behind the wheel and
pursue our hobby of taking road trips. But I have yet to meet a single
individual—professional drivers included—who would not benefit
from taking refresher or advanced driving skill classes. While researching
this article, I took a
practice quiz on the DrivingDirectory.com Web site and was astonished
that I did relatively poorly on the highway sign identification test.
Since I drive hundreds of miles each month, and I am particularly interested
in highway signage, it occurred to me that other slightly-more-casual
roadtrippers might benefit from a page of resources that provides tips
and suggestions for enhancing their own driving skills. We've added such
a page to RoadTrip America this week, and we hope you find it useful.
(As always, suggestions are welcome!)
In case you haven't already discovered "Drive
Safe with Uncle Bob," allow me to introduce Robert "Uncle
Bob" Schaller, RoadTrip America's defensive driving expert. Each
week, he adds another rule to his growing compendium of safe driving tactics.
This week, Uncle Bob has
provided tips and suggestions for ensuring that your vehicle's tires are
kept in their best operating condition. He provides a compelling economic
argument for ensuring that tires are kept inflated at their correct pressure
and one that every owner of a car or truck should consider carefully.
As a result of reading Uncle Bob's columns each week, I know my own driving
skills have improved, and I highly recommend a spin through his articles.
It would be safe to say that virtually
every road trip enthusiast has driven while being a little
more tired or drowsy than is advisable. A number of Federal
and private programs have been developed to assist sleepy
drivers. On the Safe Driving
Tips page, we've included information about Awake
at the Wheel and the "Drive Revived" program
sponsored by Baymont Inns & Suites hotel chain. But the
best advice when you are a little too drowsy is get off the
road and take a quick cat-nap. Even 45 minutes can greatly
improve your alertness factor. Caffeine, a blast of cold air,
or loud music are poor substitutes for eyes-closed rest. In
those situations where even a short nap is not possible, I
find that conversations with other drivers on the CB radio
or having a spirited discussion with a roadtrip partner are
the best ways to stay alert and focused on the task of driving
down the road.
We have also provided links to organizations and companies
that offer free advice and fee-based educational programs to improve your
on-the-road driving performance.
Have a safe, alert, and fun-filled road trip
this week!
