Chapter 8
Time requirement of chapter: 55 minutes

THE MATURE DRIVER

Aging is inevitable, however most senior drivers are very capable drivers and have a lifetime of valuable driving experience. Their driving usually connects them to the goods, services and activities that make it possible for them to continue to live independently. As a group, persons age 65 and older are relatively safe drivers. In fact, drivers age 65 and older have a lower rate of accident involvement than drivers under the age of 25.

Among drivers over the age of 65, it is the oldest drivers who pose more risk to themselves and the public. Senior drivers have years of experience and most often make wiser decisions about their driving behavior than younger drivers. Aging is inevitable and it happens to everyone, but growing older doesn’t have to mean giving up an active life. However, older drivers experience physical changes that can affect driving ability. Changes in vision, reaction time, and flexibility all contribute to an older individual’s need to consider changing their driving behavior.

YOUR HEALTH AND THE EFFECT ON DRIVER PERFORMANCE
VISUAL LIMITATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGING PROCESS

As everyone over 40 knows, eyes change with age, and not usually for the better. Physically, each eye’s lens loses the ability to change focus quickly, peripheral vision narrows, and the retina becomes less sensitive to light.

A driver age 60 needs three times as much light to see as a teenager, and it will take more than twice as long to adjust to a change from light to darkness. The following are some common vision problems to be aware of.

VISION'S EFFECTS ON DRIVING PERFORMANCE

The following are some areas affected by reduced vision as we age:

DEGENERATIVE EYE CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AGING

The following conditions may have an effect on driver performance.

COMPENSATING FOR VISUAL LIMITATIONS AND CONDITIONS

The following are some guidelines to compensate for the visual limitations associated with aging.

HEARING LIMITATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH AGING

COMPENSATING FOR HEARING LIMITATIONS

Below are some tips to compensate for hearing loss associated with aging.

• Have regular hearing tests.
• Use hearing aids to compensate for hearing loss.
• Install additional mirrors to monitor traffic situations.
• Use eye and head movement to monitor traffic situations.
• Reduce interior noise levels.

PHYSICAL DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGING PROCESS

COMPENSATING FOR PHYSICAL DISORDERS
Below are some ideas on ways to compensate for the physical disorders associated with the aging process.

EXERCISES THAT CAN ASSIST OLDER DRIVERS IN MAINTAINING
FLEXIBILITY FOR THE DRIVING TASK

Below are some exercises which may help in maintaining the flexibility in making the physical maneuvers which may be required while operating a motor vehicle. Review with your physician for appropriateness.

CHIN STRETCH Move chin down to chest and slowly rotate head back and forward again.	NECK ROTATION Turn the head slowly from side to side.	SHOULDER STRETCH Twist each shoulder forward and back.
PRESS UPS Lie face down on the floor and slowly lift the head and chest, bending at the waist.	TRUNK ROTATION Rotate the center of the body from left to right and back again.

PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH AGING

COMPENSATING FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

Below are some ways to compensate for the physiological changes of aging.

• Have regular medical checkups
• Avoid driving in stressful traffic situations
• Drive in familiar areas
• Keep a farther distance from the car ahead
• Concentrate on the whole traffic scene
• Do not drive when emotionally upset
• Avoid prolonged hours of driving

EFFECTS OF MEDICATION AND ALCOHOL

MEDICATIONS WHICH IMPAIR DRIVING PERFORMANCE

OVER-THE COUNTER DRUGS

MEDICINE-RELATED PROBLEMS AFFECTING DRIVING PERFORMANCE

COMPENSATING FOR THE EFFECTS OF MEDICATIONS:

Consulting your physician:

• Ask about side effects of medication
• Discuss each drug taken including patient medication
• Discuss medication prescribed by other doctors
• Do not take medication prescribed for someone else
• When buying patient medication, discuss side effects with pharmacist
• Do not drive if feeling side effects of medication

ALCOHOL AND ITS EFFECT ON DRIVING PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR DRIVERS

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY:

• Amount of alcohol consumed
• Strength or proof of alcohol
• Length of time over which alcohol is consumed
• Amount and kind of food in the stomach
• Weight of an individual
• Physical condition
• Emotional condition

ALCOHOL'S PRONOUNCED SIDE EFFECTS ON THE AGING DRIVER:
- Slowed body functions, thought process and reflexes
- Increased visual impairment
- Likelihood of other drugs or medication being present and multiplication of side effects

CONTROLLING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL:

Best - do not consume alcohol when you might drive.

• Control intake
• Drink water or soft drinks
• Leave part of the drink in the glass
• Set unwanted drinks down
• Watch drinks being mixed
• Space drinks
• Eat food before or while drinking

CONTROLLING IMPAIRMENT:

• Limit blood alcohol concentrations
• Increase the time required to lower blood alcohol levels

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL:

• Strenuous activity, No amount of exercise will lower BAC.
• Tolerance, all the alcohol consumed will eventually reach the brain and all other parts of the body
• Coffee and cold showers, this is the myth created by movies and television
• Type of drink consumed, alcohol is alcohol and is does not matter what it is called

LEVELS OF INTOXICATION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING:

All states now have minimum levels of BAC where an individual is considered impaired.

Minimum levels of intoxication. All 50 states now have .08 BAC as the presumptive limit when an individual is considered impaired to the extent that their normal faculties are considered impaired.

Again, states may vary, but all have time frames for calculating presumptive levels.

Each state has laws controlling the use of drugs, both legal and illegal and operating a motor vehicle.

Implied Consent Law

Usually each state sets the standards for their implied consent laws, but basically, the laws state that when an individual accepts the privilege of operating a motor vehicle, they agree to the testing of their blood, breath, or urine for alcohol and or other drugs.

Below are the normal standards.

• Driver requirements
• Advisement required
• Test options and restrictions

ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE

• Stay in the right lane of travel except to pass
• Always maintain a minimum of a 3 second gap from the vehicle in front
• Use the 3 second plus additional rule in the following scenarios
• When being tailgated
• When vision is obscured or poor
• When traveling at increased speeds
• Where there is adverse weather conditions
• When following large vehicles
• When following motorcycles
• Limit the distraction in and outside your vehicle
• Look ahead to the next hill or curve and do not concentrate on the vehicle ahead
• Watch for brake lights on vehicle ahead not just the vehicle directly in front of you
• Start braking early when you see brakes light illuminated ahead
• Be watchful at intersections for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicle running red lights
• Be aware of vehicle parked on the side of the road or entering the roadway from driveways and side streets and parking garage entrances and exits
• Slowdown in adverse weather conditions

HOW TO AVOID BEING REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE:

• Increase following distance form vehicles ahead, but do not speed
• Signal early for turns, stop, and lane changes
• Brake smoothly and gradually
• Keep pace with traffic when possible
• Check mirrors for following distance of other vehicles
• Before changing lanes, check direction of travel
• After stopping, keep brake pedal depressed
• Keep rear lights clean and working

HOW TO CHOOSE AN ALTERNATE PATH OF TRAVEL AS AN ESCAPE ROUTE:

• Make good use of adequate visual leads
• Choose a safe path of travel ahead
• Make necessary speed or position adjustments
• Position the vehicle laterally
• Select speeds to position your vehicle among cluster of other vehicles
• Select a lane position within traffic clusters to allow greater maneuverability

• Try to identify potential hazards early
• Predict potential hazards
• Adjust speed and position to avoid potential hazards
• Anticipate and plan possible escape routes

• When there is a long line of vehicles approaching from the opposite direction be prepared to brake and drive to the right
• When approaching a curve, slow down before entering and stay in the right lane

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN A COLLISION CANNOT BE AVOIDED:

• Being struck from the rear
  
  • By maintaining the proper distance from the vehicle ahead, you can reduce the crash severity and injuries
  • Proper use of the vehicle head rests may prevent neck injury
  • Apply the vehicle brakes only if there is another vehicle ahead

• Being hit from the side
  
  • Maintain control of the steering wheel and attempt to steer away from the collision
  • Accelerate if possible to move the driver and passenger areas out of the direct impact zone
  • Proper hand position on the steering wheel may prevent additional injury

• Being hit from the front
  
  • Steer right in an attempt to move the impact zone to the rear of the vehicle.
  • Protect your face by wearing a properly fitted safety restraint

THE SIPDE METHOD OF DRIVING:

One of the best ways to avoid being involved in an accident is to utilize the SIPDE method of driving.

This method was developed after research into accident causation.

Good defensive drivers realize we all make mistakes while driving and we drive accordingly. We are ready to react if someone does make a mistake. We realize other drivers may be under a lot of stress, and drive more aggressively, so we stay calm and do not react to their aggressive behavior. Defensive drivers know the importance of having a well-maintained vehicle. Driver education experts many times use what is called the SIPDE method of defensive driving. SIPDE stands for

Scanning, Identifying, Predicting, Deciding, and Executing.

Defensive drivers learn to scan the roadway environment, not just to the front of their vehicle, but 360 degrees around the entire vehicle. Drivers should scan to the front of the vehicle by looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead of their vehicle. While driving in an urban area, this will mean looking approximately one to two blocks in front of the vehicle. Scanning on interstates and open highways will involve looking to the next hill or curve in the road. Drivers should also scan the vehicle's rear and outside mirrors about once every 5 to 7 seconds. Scanning will help in the observation of any potential hazards on or near the roadway.

Defensive drivers who scan the roadway ahead are able to identify potential hazards before they become immediate hazards.

Defensive drivers will then predict what may happen during their travel and start to plan what may be required to avoid crashes. Predicting reduces the perception time of any hazardous condition and also reduces the amount of reaction time. In many cases this helps to avoid a collision.

If a defensive driver predicts any hazardous event about to occur, they will decide the best option to take to avoid the mishap or reduce the effect of the crash; thereby, reducing the possibility of injury and/or death.

Once a defensive driver decides on what appropriate action to take in the event of a mishap, they must be able to effectively execute the maneuver, to either prevent the crash or reduce the likely hood of causing an injury or death.

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

The following are some guidelines to follow if you are involved in an accident.

• First, never ever leave the scene of the accident
• Contact 911 or have someone go and contact 911
• Remove the vehicle(s) from the traffic lanes, if possible
• Protect yourself and others from moving traffic - if distracted they might hit stopped vehicles
• Request emergency assistance if needed - help by telling them number injured, number of cars needing tow
• Comply with a requests of law enforcement and rescue staff
• Exchange information with other drivers and occupants, which may be part of an accident report
• Never get into an argument with other drivers or occupants.
  Do not make any statements other than to law enforcement officers or your insurance agency.
• NEVER EVER talk to the media. Leave this up to law enforcement or rescue staff
• Contact your insurance agency as soon as possible
• Take photographs of the accident if able and know how to use the camera on your cell phone

PLANNING A TRIP AHEAD AND HANDLING HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS IN PLANNING A LONG TRIP:

• Be aware of your physical health and limitations
• Make sure to plan for medical conditions requiring special dietary needs
• Have an adequate amount of medication available
• Keep track of times for medication
• Be familiar with side effects of medication
• Let a family member or friend know general route and dates

WEATHER CONDITIONS FOR TIME OF YEAR AND AREA:

• Be familiar with adverse weather conditions, and how to safety maneuver in those conditions
• Slowdown in rain, snow and fog
• Check weather before leaving
• Make smooth starts and stops
• Have additional equipment available for adverse conditions
• Blankets
• Extra clothes
• Water and food
• Lights
• Candles for warmth
• Shovels and salt
• Consider postponing trip if adverse weather conditions are anticipated
• Be familiar with the type of weather you may expect for your local area.
• Consider the possibility of fog, rain, snow and dust storms. All these can have a dramatic effect on the driving environment.

TYPE OF VEHICLE AND CONDITION:

• Have the vehicle serviced before the trip
• Become familiar with a vehicle before you use it - emergency flashers, etc.
• Have safety equipment checked before the trip
• Plan on taking emergency spare parts if traveling in unpopulated areas or in adverse weather
• Purchase vehicles that provide comfort and are easy to maneuver and allow for proper mobility
• Some sports cars are not a good choice for senior drivers.

LONG TRIPS IN UNFAMILIAR AREAS:

• Obtain up-to-date maps to plan the route
• Be familiar with alternative routes in case primary routes are closed or inaccessible
• Try to avoid using a route with potentially hazardous terrain
• Attempt to become familiar with condition and maintenance of the roadways on your route
• Select routes that may be longer, but present less hazards and unfamiliar traffic congestion
• Check anticipated weather conditions and plan to have appropriate safety equipment with you
• Attempt to become familiar with intrastate traffic laws and restrictions

GENERAL FACTORS FOR AVOIDING FATIGUE ON LONG TRIPS:

• Set realistic goals for daily mileage
• Determine the time of day you want to travel to avoid congested traffic conditions
• Avoid driving from dawn to dusk
• Do not take stimulants to stay awake
• Make room reservations in advance to avoid rushing - arrange for late arrival
• Get a good night's sleep before starting out
• Eat lightly but regularly
• Take periodic rest stops
• Share the driving whenever possible

Sleep Disorders

Many people are not aware they have a sleep disorder. A sleep disorder might cause a driver to fall asleep at the wheel while driving.

Voluntary sleep deprivation is one of the most common sleep disorders and it is also the easiest to cure. Other sleep disorders are not as easy to diagnose or cure. Untreated sleep apnea syndrome and narcolepsy increase the risk of automobile crashes. In sleep apnea syndrome, brief interruptions of airflow and loss of oxygen during sleep disrupt and fragment sleep. The condition also is associated with loud, chronic snoring. Although people with untreated sleep apnea syndrome may not be aware of the brief disturbances, poor sleep quality often leads to daytime sleepiness. In untreated patients, involuntary 10-to-20 minutes naps are common at 2-to-3 hour intervals throughout the day, many times while driving.

RESOURCES
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Drowsy Driving and Automobile Crashes,"
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/perform/human.Drowsy.html pages 4, 17

Below are some indications of a sleep disorder:

• Does it often take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night?
• Do you awaken frequently during the night and have a hard time getting back to sleep?
• Do you wake up earlier than you need to in the morning and cannot fall back to sleep?
• Do you feel groggy and lethargic when you wake up in the morning?
• Do you feel sleepy during the day, particularly during monotonous situations, like reading or watching television?
• Have you been told they snore?
• Have you ever fallen asleep while driving?
• Do you feel drowsy during the day even though you slept during the night?
• Do you experience leg pain at night, or feel the need to move your legs frequently to feel comfortable?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you could have a sleep disorder, and might want to consider consulting a sleep specialist or your doctor.

RESOURCES
Nerl, Wendy, “Sleepless in America,” Health Magazine, June 2001, page 62

WAYS TO PREVENT FATIGUE

• When traveling, make sure to stop often and walk around.
• Exercise can actually help prevent fatigue, so exercise at least three times per week.
• Get the recommended eight hours of sleep per night.
• Do not take naps in the afternoon, but stay active and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Taking a nap disrupts the circadian rhythm.
• Do not consume caffeine products after 12:00 pm.
• Never drive after consuming alcohol.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist if any of the medications you are taking may cause drowsiness or keep you awake. Ask if there is an alternative medication that may not have the same side effects.
• Keep track of the times during the day when you seem most fatigued and try to determine why.
• If fatigue keeps you from having an active lifestyle, talk to your doctor.

PLANNING FOR DAILY TRIPS

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DAILY DRIVING:

• Make sure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate driving aids for physical limitations
• Take medications as directed and at specified intervals
• Avoid driving for dusk to dawn
• Do not drive if not feeling well

ROAD CONDITIONS:

• If you have a GPS - take time to program the trip before leaving home
• Choose a familiar route, freeway versus city streets
• Avoid poorly maintained or unmarked roadways
• Avoid congested areas

TRAFFIC CONDITIONS:

• Commute hours vs. non-commute
• Choose the time of day to avoid congested and unfamiliar conditions
• Be familiar with local traffic conditions that may affect the driving environment and your driver performance.
• Consider rush-hour traffic conditions, construction zones, weather and roadway conditions.

WEATHER CONDITIONS:

• Do not drive in unfamiliar or adverse weather conditions
• Choose the time of day to avoid
• Do not drive in unfamiliar or adverse weather conditions

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE:

• Have your vehicle periodically serviced by authorized mechanics
• Periodically check safety equipment

GOING THROUGH DEEP WATER:

• Do not overload the rear of the vehicle
• Shift to a lower gear
• Maintain control of the steering wheel
• Do not over-steer, remember that the vehicle will pull to the side of the water

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SAFETY

Many senior drivers also operate Recreational Vehicles and therefore this program shares some guidelines for the safe operation of RV’s.

Traveling safely should be important to everyone who plans on traveling with a motor home. Before setting out on any trip, take a few minutes to review these safety tips for a safe, trouble-free journey.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT CHECKS

Before The Trip

Make sure the RV is well maintained and ready to go before leaving. That's the first step toward having a safe, trouble-free trip.

If the RV is a rental or borrowed for a trip - have owner go over all equipment with all potential drivers.

• Make sure there is a deadbolt door lock on the RV
• Prior to heading out, have a mechanic inspect all belts and hoses for cracking, especially radiator hoses. Replace them if needed.
• Check headlights and turn signals and make sure they are operational
• Check the hitch and/or towing equipment
• Check the braking systems - including emergency brake set and release
• Make sure you have proper insurance coverage for all the states being visited
• Make sure all fire extinguisher are charged and smoke alarms are operational
• Clean the cooking vent hood to avoid grease fires
• Leave a travel itinerary with relatives or friends in case of emergency

On the Road

Be sure to note the common (yet too often overlooked) basics of safety.

Obey the speed limit, know the vehicle height before you go, and always utilize the vehicle’s safety restraint system.

Items to have available:

• Flashlight
• Jumper Cables
• Flat Tire Repair Equipment
• Free standing highway flares or reflectors
• Adjustable Wrenches
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Duct Tape (for temporary repairs to ruptured radiator hoses)
• Cell phone charging cable for vehicle (cigarette lighter / socket)

Severe Weather Tips

Stop as soon as possible and park in a protected area. In thunderstorms, avoid trees or power lines which could fall on your vehicle. The safest place during lightning is inside the RV. If you're in the path of a tornado, you are safest in a tornado shelter. As an alternative, you can park under a bridge overpass or exit the vehicle and wait below ground level in a ditch. Avoid parking in low areas that are prone to flash flooding.

Carry Your Insurance Information

Make sure to carry all vehicle and medical insurance contact information in the vehicle, including the vehicle insurance toll-free claim service number if available.
If you are injured in a collision, seek medical assistance first. Contact your insurance company or have someone else make the call for you, once treated at the scene.

RV Propane Safety

"Better safe than sorry," is a motto you can live with! There's no better advice when it comes to propane safety. While the RV industry has done a lot to ensure high standards regarding propane safety, propane can cause disaster if mishandled or used improperly. When propane leaks from one of the lines inside an RV, it can build up until a source of ignition (match, cigarette, spark, pilot light, etc.) causes it to explode.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth A Pound of Cure

You should have your motor home, travel trailer or fifth-wheel propane system inspected each year by an authorized RV dealer or by a Railroad Commission-licensed propane gas supplier.

A certified technician can check the system for leaks and for proper regulator settings, inspect the valves and fittings and certify that tanks are free from rust and dents. Any damaged equipment should be replaced immediately.

Inspect the various propane-operated appliances in the RV, including the refrigerator, stove, furnace, lanterns and other devices. Be sure that the supply lines connecting these appliances to propane tanks are the correct length and properly installed, with no supply lines rubbing against sharp edges or corners.

Properly install a Propane Leak Detector based on manufacturer instructions and check it each time you use of the RV. If you suspect your RV's propane detector isn't working properly, replace it with a new one immediately.

When Full Is Too Full

One of the most common hazards with propane is overfilled tanks. Fortunately, all small propane cylinders (up to 40-lb. capacity) manufactured after September 1998 are equipped with an overfilling protection device (OPD).

Propane tanks equipped with an OPD are designed to be filled only to a certain level, which allows the fuel to expand into the vapor space as the temperature rises. Tanks filled beyond this level may leak excess pressure through the tank's relief valve and into the surrounding air. Or, propane liquid could enter the piping system, resulting in higher than normal pressure to appliances. Both scenarios present a hazard.

If you have an old cylinder, an OPD must be installed. Cylinders without OPDs can no longer be refilled.

When refilling on-board propane cylinders, turn off the RV engine, all appliances, and electronic re-igniters. Make sure no one is in the RV during refueling.

What to Do If You Suspect A Leak

If anyone smell gas, exit the RV immediately. Don't use electric switches or appliances. Leave the door open to air out the vehicle. Close the supply valve on the propane tank, and call a propane gas supplier or the fire department. Propane has a distinct garlic aroma.

Proper Identification and Installation

Propane tanks installed in hard-to-see places must be identified by the letters "LPG" in one-inch high or larger letters. The letters must be placed in a visible spot as near the tank as possible.

Propane used with RVs is stored in one of two types of containers: DOT cylinders or ASME tanks. DOT cylinders are typically used on trailers and truck campers and must be installed vertically, while ASME tanks are used on motor homes and must be installed horizontally.

Always have your tanks refilled instead of trading in empty tanks. This ensures you know where your tank has been and how it's been treated.

Recreational Vehicle Tire Safety and Maintenance

The life of an RV’s tires is extremely important. Tires are the most vulnerable part of any RV, and the most likely to fail. On every trip you take you rely on the quality of your tires. Remember that all tires are not created equal, and that regular maintenance and precautions are the best ways to ensure you'll remain safely on the road.

Wear and Tear Factors

The main reasons for RV tire deterioration are age, improper inflation, ozone and UV exposure, and excessive load weight and uneven weight distribution. Consider the following factors.

• Age: Though a tire may "look" fine, the average life of an RV tire is five to seven years. If unusual wear on the tread is observed, it is best to get the tires checked out.
  
  Believe it or not, a tire that is used regularly will generally last longer than one that isn't. Friction on the road causes a tire to heat up, thus releasing compounds within the tire. If these compounds are not released, the tires can dry out.
  
  If you are not sure of a tire's age, check the sidewall. There will be a line of letters and digits beginning with "DOT." The numbers following will indicate the tire's age, starting with the calendar week (i.e. 10 for the 10th week of the year), and then the year itself.
  
  
• Inflation: Over and under inflation can both be problems when it comes to tire thread area. If a tire is over-inflated, it will stand up too straight. The edges will then come off the road, resulting in faster wear of the tire's center. An under-inflated tires thread will arch inward at the road, causing rough wear on the outer edges of the tire, and little traction in the tread.
  
  With the advancement of radial tires, it has become harder and harder to tell a tire's pressure by just looking at it. The best thing to do is check tire inflation at least once a month, preferably first thing in the morning when the tires are cool. A simple tire gauge is one of the most important tools an RV owner can have.
  
  What is the proper air pressure to put in? Once you have your RV weighed, consult a tire chart (obtained from a dealer) to find out what the correct pressure for the tires should be. Typically, most tires will state the maximum pressure explicitly. The load range for a tire is also printed on its sidewall (in letter code) a chart will help you determine what the letters mean as well.
  

• Ozone and UV Exposure: Over time, RV tires are exposed to a great deal of UV rays and ozone poisoning. This can lead to cracks in the rubber, especially in a tire's sidewall. It's best to keep the RV tires covered when not in use to prevent this damage.
  
  
• Weight: Be sure that the size and load range of the tires you have installed are suitable for your weight needs. After all, an RV carries a lot more than a typical automobile. Try fully loading your RV as you would for a trip, then weighing the vehicle to make sure the tires are capable of handling the load. A RV can be weighed at a public weigh station for a minimal fee. Aim for even weight distribution throughout the RV. If for some reason that's not possible, tires on the same axle should still be inflated to the same pressure.

Knowing the importance of tire maintenance is the first step, and taking the proper precautions is the next. So be good to your tires - your safety is riding on them.

LOADING

When is an RV Overloaded?

Have you considered operating or towing an overloaded RV is a major cause of RV collisions? Even a slight overload or unequal weight distribution can seriously restrict braking, steering, and taking corners.

An overweight RV also increases the danger of early failure in the RV’s tires.

If any of these RV weight problems sound familiar, you are not alone. Disturbing statistics, compiled by RV safety experts during rally weighing exercises, show that nearly two-thirds of all the RVs weighed exceed one or more of their load ratings.

Does Your Rig Need A Diet?

Simply put, the RV is overloaded if it exceeds any of the manufacturer's established limitations for total load, axle load, or tire loading. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum amount the RV can safely carry. It includes both the wet weight (fuel, water, waste) and the cargo weight. Be sure to check the owner's manual for weight limitations.

Recent Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) weight-labeling requirements makes it easier for new RV buyers to judge weight and carrying capacity. When in the market for a new motor home or travel trailer, this information can be very helpful. But if you are already an RV owner, there are important steps that can be taken toward safer weight distribution.

If you have been gradually accumulating more and more "stuff" over the years, it's probably time to put the RV on a weight reduction program. First you need to take a trip to the scales. Don't guess at the RV’s load weight, it is easy to underestimate by hundreds of pounds. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Scales, Public" to find the location of scales nearest you.

Be sure to weigh the RV when it is fully loaded including fuel tank. It is also important to weigh each axle separately. After the weigh-in you might be surprised at how quickly the combined weight of your passengers and all the "stuff" adds up to more than expected.

Lightening That Load

If the RV turns out to be overloaded, check it over from top to bottom and consider what's necessary and what's not. Just because the RV has a lot of shelves, drawers and other storage space doesn't mean they have to be filled to capacity. If possible, remove all belongings, then repack with only the items that are really required for this trip. When reloading, remember to store heavy items low and forward, lightweight articles high.

Be sure heavy items can't slide into the water pump or other fixed equipment. Try to balance the load between the two sides of the RV. A simple measurement of clearances ground to bottom of RV on both sides can aid in proper balance. Swing, sway or wobble can be minimized if you keep the vehicle's center of gravity low. When loading a motor home or travel trailer, make sure everything has a place and is easy to get at when needed. Experienced RV operators prepare a packing map / checklist of luggage and storage areas for easy access. Secure all cargo inside and outside the vehicle. Anything rattling around loose is a potential hazard, as well as noisy. Consider using storage boxes.

CLEARANCE HEIGHTS:

• Be familiar with height of the vehicle and it's width, including mirrors
• Keep a label showing the height on the dash
• Do not use the top of the vehicle for extra storage - if you must - add this height to the note / label
• Watch for clearance signs at bridges and tunnels with overhead wires or structures

ALLOWING FOR EXTRA TIME AND DISTANCE:

• Stopping
• Passing
• Braking
• Pulling into traffic

DRIVER COURTESY:

• When turnouts should be used - some highways with inclines will have pull overs / turnouts for slower / heavier vehicles, RVs and trucks
• If traffic starts to back up behind your vehicle, attempt to find a safe place where you can pull off the roadway and allow traffic to pass safely.

SPECIAL:

• Loss of control, excessive speed can cause an RV to sway and go out of control
• Wind, strong winds striking the side on an RV can cause the vehicle to sway
• Turning, make sure to allow extra space for turning - to prevent rear wheels from striking curb / median
• Back Road conditions: consider rough roads, narrow roads with no paved shoulders, and winding roadways - slow down for safety and improve reaction time

WHEN TO STOP DRIVING

How do you know when it is time to stop driving? Many of us wait until we are forced to stop by a family member or law enforcement.

Take a look at these eight signs of trouble and determine if and when you might consider it time to stop.

1. A pattern of close calls: violations, collisions, near misses, even if they are minor.
2. Increasing difficulty seeing things on the road: Being surprised by passing cars; braking harder than normal for stop lights; running over curbs or going through stop signs.
3. Decline in physical abilities: Trouble turning your head or shoulders before changing lanes; difficulty adjusting to the glare of oncoming headlights; slow reactions; having a hard time keeping centered in the lanes of travel.
4. Signs of emotional challenges of driving: Increasingly nervous, frustrated and angry when driving.
5. Rapid onset of fatigue from driving.
6. Signs of decline in mental abilities: Getting confused in simple driving situations; getting lost; no longer using turn signals or mirrors; hitting the accelerator or the brake or vice versa.
7. Increasing confrontations with other drivers who honk their horns, tailgate or pass aggressively.
8. Medical conditions that may directly, or as a result of medications, impair driving: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, uncontrolled diabetes, seizure disorders, sleep disorders or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

ALTERNATIVES TO DRIVING

Ending your driving career is not the end of the world. There are alternatives. Below are some suggestions to consider.

• Check out bus services, trams, subway systems and their schedules.
• Check the costs of utilizing a cab or personalized driver services.
• Check with churches, senior centers, and retirement communities to see if they offer any type of transportation service to their events or for grocery shopping, as an example.
• Check with the local area Agency on Aging for the services they provide; or a list of known providers.
Make plans with family members or friends.

TESTING YOUR DRIVING IQ

You have reached the end of this chapter.

Once the timer below reaches zero the button on the bottom right hand side of the screen will be activated allowing you to continue with the course..