Tag Archives: Safe Driving

Stay safe this summer: Readying yourself for a road trip

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By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

With summer approaching, our family’s favorite activity is taking road trips. We are so blessed to be in Northern Ohio since we can find awesome destinations no matter which direction we head.

However, despite all the choices, the one thing I’ve learned is that you need to be prepared for emergencies. The “it won’t happen to me” syndrome is a risky one, and who needs the guilt of knowing better but not taking precautions?

Getting ready

I’m a nut for lists. For years, I’ve been using spreadsheets (either Excel or Google Sheets). I’ll make a master list, and at the end of each trip, I’ll add whatever items that we should have taken. Then when the next road trip comes up, we won’t forget that item a second time. I’ve been keeping them for years, and my lists cover just about anything we could need. We don’t take every item on every trip by any means but at least we forget very, very little.

One item we always pack, and fortunately have only needed a few times, is a First Aid kit. I’ve actually got multiple ones that vary in size for my bike bag, my backpack and the car. While I’ve been a pretty safe person, there have been numerous times we’ve been able to come to the rescue of others, who weren’t quite so prepared.

Another lesson I learned in an American Red Cross Safe Driving course is to adjust your rearview mirrors out farther than most people do. Basically, while sitting behind the steering wheel, lean as far left as comfortable, and then set your left rearview mirror so you can just barely see the left fender of your car. Then lean right as far as comfortable and set your right mirror the same way. That radically improves your chances of not hitting someone in your blind spot. I know it’s saved me at least four times.

Lastly, get enough sleep before you set out on a long road trip. When I haven’t done that, the instant I feel myself getting drowsy, I’ll find a place to pull over and try to take a quick nap. I set my alarm on my watch for 15 minutes, and that’s a perfect time to be refreshed enough to drive another couple of hours. Any longer than 15 minutes is too long (strange sleep science).

For more information

The American Red Cross just issued a 20 Steps to Help You Stay Safe this Summer article for road trips, swimming, backyard grilling and camping. Item number 18 is definitely one that could save your life. Then enroll in a Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED course, either online or in person.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross Board Member and volunteer

When the Weather Outside is Frightful, Driving Can Be, Too!

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By Brad Galvan, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

When wintry conditions strike, it can make for treacherous travel.  Follow these suggestions for staying safe so you can get over the river and through the woods this winter.

If you do not HAVE to go out, stay home.

– many employers have flexible options for poor weather days – speak with your supervisor and work out a proactive plan that involves Skype, email and instant messages so you can still get the job done.

⁃ generally, meteorologists give plenty of notice when winter storms are on their way. That’s your cue to stock your pantry and tackle any errands that may need to get done prior to being snowed-in.

If you truly need to go out, here’s how to stay safe:

Vehicle: make sure your car has plenty of fuel, windshield washer fluid, a snow brush and a safety kit. The best kits contain: flares, a bright safety vest, a blanket, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, flashlight and minor first aid supplies. Your vehicle should be equipped with quality tires, working wipers and heat as well as a working defrost system. You’ll also want to make sure your cell phone is fully charged.

Bring enough of the following for each person:

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Rain gear, extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and wool hats
  • Newspapers for insulation
  • Plastic bags for sanitation
  • Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy snacks (Include a non-electric can opener if necessary)
  • Warm broth in a thermos and several bottles of water
  • Keep a cell phone or two-way radio with you. Make sure the battery is charged.
  • Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person with you.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
  • Before leaving, listen to weather reports for your area and the areas you will be passing through, or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.
  • Be on the lookout for sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous

The drive: Prior to hitting the road, be sure to have your preferred route and a back-up route in-case the weather gets to be too severe. You’ll need to make sure all snow, frost and ice is removed from your vehicle, including the roof.

Once you are behind the wheel, it’s important to maintain proper distance from the vehicles ahead of you. The slick roads could cause breaking to be a challenge so give yourself plenty of space. Additionally, the snow plows on the roads are there for your safety – please be generous with the space you give them, too. The plows generally travel well below the speed limit, so be patient.

For more winter driving tips, visit here.26196357_10155747520710071_8760805260501895770_n

As pretty as Northern Ohio winters can be, they can be even more frustrating to navigate. Remember to take your time and take precautions to travel safely. And if it can wait, just enjoy a cup of hot cocoa from the comfort of your warm home!