Road trips are back in a big way. As driving season approaches, here are several tips:
Posting your travel plans on social media may increase your chances of getting your house broken into.
It is always good to check the weather along your travel route before your departure.
If you're stopping overnight find a well lite parking spot, remove items from inside your vehicle or lock any items in your trunk.
If you are traveling a scenic route—make sure you have enough fuel since there may not be a fuel station for miles.
Make sure your vehicle is ready for the roadway, check tire pressure and wear and check all fluids.
Be prepared for unexpected situations.
Pack a flashlight, jumper cables, warm blankets, and a first aid kit.
It is always good to charge all your mobile devices before traveling and bring charging cables.
While navigation and map apps on mobile devices are great, you can never go wrong with paper maps to find alternate routes.
Drive defensively.
Make a visible check list of the items above plus your own must have items and save them on your computer for future trips.
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Change your clocks...Change your batteries
You don’t necessarily have to change your car battery, but you should change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every six months. Detectors with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no alarm at all. To help you remember - when you change your clocks, change your batteries. It’s important to have a smoke detector on every floor and in every bedroom. Every floor should have a carbon monoxide detector.
Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every 5 to 7 years. There should be a date on the back of the detector. It’s a good idea to mark the front of the detector with a replacement date. The detector’s alarm function should be manually checked once a month.
There are two types of smoke detectors - Ionization and Photoelectric. Ionization detectors are quicker to warn about flaming fires where Photoelectric detectors are best at warning about smothering fires, which is often the case in a garage. It’s a good idea to use both types of detectors.
Carbon monoxide detectors detect a poisonous gas that can be produced by a home furnace, garage heaters, clothes dryers and fireplaces. These sources of carbon monoxide should be checked regularly by a professional. In case of a leak it is critical to get everyone to fresh air as soon as possible. These detectors can be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor and also on the ceiling. A carbon monoxide detector should also be placed in an attached garage.
Install detectors, change the batteries, be safe and have a great holiday season.
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Using Plastic Bags Safely
We all are spending a lot of time eating at home these days, and the use of zip-top bags is very popular. Some people, myself included, like to reuse them for economic and environmental reasons. If you like to reuse them, here are some safety tips:
According to a Ziploc representative, the storage, freezer, snack, and sandwich bags are re-useable by hand washing and thoroughly drying before reuse. But remember, if the bags were used to store raw meat, fish, or eggs or allergy triggering foods, they should not be used for any other food items. Bags used for microwave cooking, such as steam bags, should not be reused to avoid cross-contamination.
The number of times a bag can be reused will depend on its condition, if the bag no longer zips or if the plastic becomes thin or torn then it is time to toss.
A good way to get information on how to reuse the ones you use is to visit the manufacturer’s website.
Stay healthy.
Credit: Food Network
Jerry Mulick - President
Fighting the Flu and Other Viruses
Clean and wipe down shared surfaces such as counter tops, doorknobs, keyboards, and phones. Some viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
Avoid touching your month, nose and eyes and be sure to wash hands thoroughly often.
Get plenty of sleep and stress less. Meditation, laughter and exercise help handle stress.
Try to avoid people who are already sick and stay home if you become sick.
Eat healthy foods to build up your immune system, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Exercise moderately to maintain a healthy immune system.
Jerry Mulick - President
Prevent Falls Around the Home
Being safe at home is just as important as being safe on the road
Arrange furniture to provide open pathways to walk through.
Periodically check the condition of outdoor walkways and steps and repair as necessary.
Remove fallen leaves or snow from outdoor walkways.
Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas.
Use non-skid throw rugs in potentially slippery places, like bathrooms and kitchens.
Install handrails in stairways and porches.
Never stand on a chair, table or surface with wheels.
Use a sturdy step stool when climbing or reaching for high places.
Always wear sensible footwear.
Keep floors and stairs clean and clear of clutter.
Maintain good lighting both indoors and on outdoor walkways.
Clean up all spills immediately.
Jerry Mulick - President
Driving Tips for Hazardous Weather
FOG
Use your wipers and defroster
Don't use your high-beam headlights
Keep enough distance between you and the car in front of you
Slow down
RAIN
Use your wipers and low-beam headlights
Slow down
If you begin hydroplaning take your foot off the accelerator
HIGH WINDS/ DUST STORM
Use your wipers and low-beam headlights
Slow down
If you begin hydroplaning take your foot off the accelerator
SNOW/ ICE
Keep all windows clear for better visibility
Use low-beam headlights
Slow down
If you begin to skid, let up on accelerator and turn wheels towards skid direction
Jerry Mulick - President
Cyber Security for Travelers
Eight Cyber Security Tips for Business Travelers
1. LOCK DEVICES DOWN-- Most smart phones, laptops, and tablets come equipped with security settings that will enable you to lock the device using a PIN number or fingerprint ID. Do this on every available device. While traveling, change the PIN numbers you regularly use.
2. INSTALL ANTI-VIRUS PROTECTION-- This is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can keep your personal information, as well as company information, secure while traveling, in addition to using a trusted brand of security, make sure that you regularly update the software as new versions become available.
3. BE CAUTIOUS OF PUBLIC WI-FI-- The laws and regulations that govern cyber security in other countries are typically not going to be the same as those found in the US. Free WI-FI access can be very appealing for business or leisure travelers but is also particularly vulnerable to security issues. Avoid unencrypted WI-FI networks: ask your hotel about its security protocol before connecting to the Web. Be extra cautious using internet cafes and free WI-FI hotspots.
4. DISABLE AUTO-CONNECT-- Most phones in the US have a setting that allows a device to automatically connect to WI-FI networks as you pass though them on your day-to-day activities. While this is a nice feature to have at home, it's not something you should allow while traveling abroad.
5. MINIMIZE LOCATION SHARING-- It's very common for travelers to update social networking sites as they move about new countries or cities. The problem with this type of excessive sharing is that it creates a security threat at home. By signaling your every location, you make it easy for a criminal to determine that you're not in your hotel or at your home, leaving your personal belongings within those areas vulnerable to a physical intrusion.
6. UPDATE OPERATING SYSTEMS-- Just like your anti-virus software you should keep your operating system as current as possible. This also goes for the apps on your phone: take special care to update apps that you regularly use to conduct financial or personal business.
7. UPDATE PASSWORDS-- If you plan or traveling, change all of your passwords you regularly use. Make sure if you must create a PIN for a safe or security box in a hotel room, make sure it is unique and not something you commonly use. Once you return home you can return all of your passwords back.
8. DISABLE BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY-- Just like your phone's automatic WI-FI connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity can present problems. Bluetooth signals can come from anywhere. If your Bluetooth is left on, nearby assailants can connect to your phone and potentially hack into your device, Keep Bluetooth disabled as much as possible while traveling abroad.
Good luck and be safe out there.
Jerry Mulick - President
Falls and Fractures
A simple thing can change your life--like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. If you fall you could break a bone, like thousands of older men and women do each year. A broken bone might not sound awful. But, for older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems.
Many things can cause a fall. Your eyesight, hearing, and reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when you were younger. Diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance. Some medicines can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy, making you more likely to fall.
Don't let a fear of falling keep you from being active. Doing things like getting together with friends, going on Corvette trips, or being more active in the Corvette club helps you stay healthy. The good news is that there are simple ways you can prevent most falls.
* Stay physically active
* Have your eyes and hearing tested
* Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take
* Get enough sleep
* Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
* Stand up slowly
* Use a walking stick if you need help feeling steady or if your doctor tells you to use one
* Be very careful walking on wet or icy surfaces
* Wear non-skid, rubber soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet
Jerry Mulick - President
Safe Lift for a Safe Back
How often do you lift something? Dozens of times a day? We are lifting things all day long, from a toothbrush in the morning to bags of groceries, small children, big heavy boxes and furniture. Lifting is such an integral part of everything we do that we tend to do it automatically, without thinking. And that''s when it can become a problem - suddenly we've lifted something and our back starts to hurt.
Lifting things incorrectly can cause a variety of injuries to our back and other parts of our body. Back strain, caused by overstretching certain muscles, is the most common type of injury. Lifting incorrectly can also cause a hernia. These types of injuries can be worse if we're not in good physical condition.
The best lifters in the world are small children. As adults we should emulate the techniques they use automatically. Watch any small child and you will see them:
Bend at the knees, they squat
Keep the head up, they squat
Keep the back straight they don't have the agility to bend and lift at the same time
Lift with their legs, they don't have a choice, with their weak arms
Hold the load close to their body, if it's too far away from their body, they can't get their arms around it
Avoid twisting , they fall
Find stable footing, they fall
Let you know when it's too heavy, they cry or call out for help
Safe lifting involves learning how our back works and using the right methods whenever we lift something larger than a toothbrush. There are several steps to take every time you are about to lift something:
Size up the load:Look it over, decide if you can handle it alone or need some help. Often we look at something that is questionable and lift it anyway, rather than appear weak to others. Keeping up the appearance that you are strong is not worth hurting your back.
Size up the area:Before you begin moving things make sure that there aren't any obstacles in the way. Make sure that you can make any turns without running into another object or stumbling over something on the floor.
Keep your back straight: Bend at the knees, not the waist. As we grow, we have a better sense of balance and forget to use our leg muscles to do the work. Bending at the waist will put strain on the back.
Get a good hold: Your grip has to be firm in order to move something efficiently. If you don't have a good hold on the item, it can slip out of your grasp and fall, damaging the item and possibly you as well. Using gloves will also help give you a better grip and keep hands safe.
Find stable footing: You will be able to keep your balance better and use your leg muscles more effectively. These muscles are stronger than your back muscles.
Lift close to the body: Don't try to lift something that is away from your body. You won't be able to get a good grip on it. Reaching may strain your back.
Avoid twisting: Use your feet to change directions. Always move with your whole body. Twisting your upper body to move an object will put additional stress on your back.
Teamwork: It's easier and faster to have a helper in moving things. Be sure to discuss how you're going to lift, and what direction you're going in, and make sure that there are no obstacles. Lift, carry, and lower the object in unison. If you're losing your grip, warn your partner and put the load down, reposition yourselves, and then continue. A moment's pause may save dropping or injury.
A back injury, besides being very painful, can leave you incapacitated for weeks and may even cause permanent damage. Follow the steps for safe lifting, and you will be carrying things for years to come!
Jerry Mulick - President
Taking Care of Bug Bites
TAKING CARE OF BUG BITES
Most insect bites and stings are not serious,but some people may have an allergic reaction and sometimes, diseases can spread by insect bites. If bitten or stung, follow the tips below:
IF BITTEN OR STUNG
If bitten by a mosquito, try not to scratch. Scratching irritates the bite and may cause infection. Contact the doctor if you have flu-like symptoms and suspect West Nile virus.
Remove ticks with tweezers as soon as they are found. Grab them as close to the skin as possible and pull the tick up and out.
See a doctor if symptoms of Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever appear. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, aches and fatigue. There may also be a bull's-eye rash around the site of the bite. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include fever, aches, nausea and vomiting.
If stung by a honeybee, do not pull the stinger out. Honeybee stingers have a small hook at the end. They will eventually fall out on their own.
If stung by a wasp or hornet, leave the area immediately. These insects can sting repeatedly. Gently scrape the stinger off using the edge of a credit card or your fingernail. You might squeeze more venom into the skin if you use tweezers.
Bee, wasp and hornet stings may feel hot and itch. A red bump or swelling may appear where the sting was. Treat bee and wasp stings by washing the area with soap and water, then applying cold water or ice.
If there appears to be an allergic reaction to a sting--hives, nausea, fever or trouble breathing--go to the emergency room.
If bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider, go to the emergency room.
Jerry Mulick - President
Sun Exposure
Exposure to sunlight is good for you. It prevents vitamin D deficiency in the body. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of diseases, hormonal imbalances, depression, osteoporosis, and even some forms of cancer. Sun exposure also has its downside, as it is linked to skin cancer. So enjoy some time in the sun --and use some form of sun protection.
TYPES OF SUN PROTECTION
DIET - You can boost your internal resistance to some sun damage by changing what you eat. Antioxidant-rich foods and the supplement astaxanthin, for example, will boost your natural resistance to sunburn.
SUNSCREEN - The best sunscreen products are broad-spectrum, perfumefree, and mineral-based with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 but not higher than 50. Avoid sprays.
AVOIDANCE - Limiting time in the sun is important even when using other forms of sun protection
HOW TO APPLY SUNSCREEN
Apply sunscreen generously, making sure you cover all exposed areas especially your face, nose, ears, feet, hands and the back of your knees, and rub it in well.
Put sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors so it has time to absorb into the skin.
Use sunscreen any time you spend time outdoors. Remember that you can get sunburn even on cloudy days because up to 80% of the suns UV rays can get through the clouds. Also, UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow, and concrete, so make sure you and your children are protected.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel.
SOOTHING SUNBURNS
Use aloe vera plant or aloe vera plant based lotions.
Drink water or 100% fruit juice to replace lost fluids.
Run cool water over the burn.
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide some relief for painful sunburns.
Medicated lotions can be used with a doctor's approval.
Stay out of the sun until the sunburn is fully healed.
Jerry Mulick - President
Safety in Driving
Unchecked emotions can lead to aggressive driving and even road rage. Here are some tips to identify dangerous habits and how to prevent them.
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING
Speeding, weaving, tailgating
Changing lanes without signaling
Cutting in front of someone and then slowing down
Running a red light
Blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes
ROAD RAGE
Cursing and making rude or obscene gestures
Throwing objects
Ramming or sideswiping another vehicle
Forcing a driver off the road
SAFETY TIPS
Monitor your driving habits and always try to be a better driver
Don't offend: Don't intentionally force another driver to brake or turn in response to your driving.
Be tolerant and forgiving: Don't take it personally if the driver of a vehicle is tailgating or cuts you off. The other driver may just be having a bad day.
DO NOT RESPOND
Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver, don't make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle and call 911 if you believe you're in danger.
Drive safe out there!
Ed Harms
Caravan Safety
Being in a caravan may increase your safety on the road, but it can increase your risk. Here are some important tips…
Keep a safe interval, depending on conditions, without dropping back. (Recommended interval is 3 seconds) Remember, you have a line of cars that will have to rush to catch up when the leader picks up the pace if you’re behind. This causes an unsafe “whiplash” effect.
Let a metal car pass and/or get in the line when they want to. Other cars on the road can be very discouraged or challenged by a long caravan and we can’t control other drivers. Safety first!
Don’t “follow the leader” if conditions don’t lend themselves to a safe move for you. Instead, wait until it is safe to follow; remember, you can always get back into the caravan further up…we’ll let you in!
Although we enjoy “pedal to the metal” when traveling alone, a string of Corvettes makes a great target and the sheer number of cars might dictate a slower speed. This is especially true in congested areas/towns.
When appropriate, we’ll “play”, especially on back roads, but you should drive at your comfort level keeping interval in mind.
It is courteous to change positions in a caravan from time to time. It is much easier to be right behind the leader than at the end of the line, so give everyone a turn. Be aware of the cars just in front of you and behind you so you can report if they have a problem.
Help the caboose; they have a huge responsibility to keep the caravan safe. The tighter a caravan rides, remembering safe intervals, the less difficult it is to keep everyone together.
When we come in towns and have a 4-lane road with stoplights, it is helpful to take both lanes. After the light, merge back into one line.
When the leader indicates they are going to change lanes and you are near the back of the caravan, move over when it is safe; this makes it easier for all the cars in front of you to change lanes.
If you need/want to leave the caravan for any reason, notify the leader and caboose first…perhaps it’s time for everyone to take a break. We won’t worry if we know why you left and you can catch up later.
Keep your FRS radio on channel 11-0 for directions and safety warnings.
Put your parking/road lights on to increase visibility.
Ed Harms
Yikes! Potholes!
Defensive driving takes on a whole new importance this time of year.
Potholes pose a real danger to your tires, your rims and your suspension It can be an expensive proposition. Keeping tires properly inflated can help ward off damage.
Another real danger is zigzagging to miss the pothole. If you don’t take the time to look before you move you can cross into another lane, or worse, hit another vehicle. It can happen very fast.
Even more unpredictable is the other drivers on the road. They may swerve to avoid a pothole and go right into your lane. So be very careful out there and keep your eyes on the road. Especially this time of the year.
Ed Harms
Heart Attacks in Women
It’s very important for women to be aware that the symptoms they experience may not be anything like men.
Men may have a sudden stabbing pain in the chest and cold sweats, grabbing the chest & dropping to the floor. Women may experience something totally different. Below is the story of one woman who experienced a heart attack without any previous symptoms.
--- I had a heart attack at about 10:30 PM with NO prior exertion and NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might have brought it on. I was sitting all snugly & warm on a cold evening, thinking, 'A-A-h, this is the life.
A moment later, I felt that awful sensation of indigestion but hadn't’t had a bite since about 5:00 PM. After it seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up my spine gaining speed as they continued racing up and under my breast bone.
This fascinating process traveled into my throat and branched out into both jaws. 'AHA!! NOW I stopped puzzling about what was happening -- we all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of an MI happening, haven't we? I said aloud to myself, Dear God, I think I'm having a heart attack!
I got up and started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. I thought to myself, if this is a heart attack, I shouldn't be walking into the next room but, on the other hand, if I don't, nobody will know that I need help.
I walked slowly into the next room and dialed 911. I told her I thought I was having a heart attack. She said she was sending the paramedics over immediately, asked if the front door was near to me, and if so, to un-bolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see me when they came in.
I unlocked the door and then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness. I don't remember anything until I woke up in the hospital. I did not wake up again until the Cardiologist had threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up my femoral artery into the aorta and into my heart where they installed 2 stints to hold open my right coronary artery.
I know it sounds like all my thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call, and the fire station and hospital are only minutes away from my home. My Dr. was ready to go and got going on restarting my heart which had stopped somewhere between my arrival and installing the stents.
This is what I learned firsthand and every woman needs to know:
1. Be aware that something very different is happening in your body. Many more women than men die of their first (and last) MI because they didn't know they were having one. My female friends, your symptoms might not be exactly like mine, so I advise you to call the Paramedics if ANYTHING unpleasant happens that you've not felt before. It is better to have a 'false alarm' visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!
2. Note I said 'Call the Paramedics.' And if you can, take an aspirin. Ladies, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
- Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER - you are a hazard to others on the road.
- Do NOT have someone else drive you – they will panic.
- Do NOT call your doctor. He can’t get to you and won’t have the equipment he needs. The paramedics will call him for you.
3. Don't assume it couldn't be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep.
Special Note…You can use Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant to call 911 for you!
Let's be careful and be aware. The more you know, the better chance you have of survival.
Ed Harms
Caravan Reminders
Being in a caravan doesn’t increase your safety on the road and can actually increase your risk. Here are some of the dos and don’ts…
Keep a safe interval, depending on conditions, without lagging behind. (Recommended distance is 3 seconds) Remember, you havea line of cars that will have to rush to catch up when the leader picks up the pace if you’re behind. This causes an unsafe “whiplash” effect.
Let a metal car pass and/or get in line when they have a need to. Other cars on the road can be very discouraged or challenged by a long caravan and we can’t control other drivers.
Don’t “follow the leader” if conditions don’t lend themselves to a safe move for you. Instead, wait until it is safe to follow; remember, you can always get back into a caravan further up…we’ll let you in!
Although we enjoy “pedal to the metal” when traveling alone, a string of Corvettes makes a great target and the sheer number of cars might dictate a slower speed. This is especially true in congested areas/towns.
When appropriate, we’ll “play”, especially on squiggly roads, but you should drive at your comfort level keeping interval in mind.
It is courteous to change positions in a caravan from time to time. It is much easier to be right behind the leader than at the end of the line, so give everyone a turn. Be aware of which car is just in front of you and behind you so you can report if they have a problem.
Help the caboose; they have a huge responsibility to keep the caravan safe. The tighter a caravan rides, remembering safe intervals, the less difficult it is to keep everyone together.
When we come in towns and have a 4-lane road with stoplights, it is helpful to take both lanes. After the light, merge back into one line.
When the leader indicates they are going to change lanes and you are near the back of the caravan, move over when it is safe; this makes it easier for all the cars in front of you to change lanes.
If you need/want to leave the caravan for any reason, notify the leader and caboose first…perhaps it’s time for everyone to take a break. We won’t worry if we know why you left.
Keep your FRS radio (tuned to 11-0) handy for directions and safety warnings.
Put your parking/road lights on to increase visibility.
Ed Harms
It's Racing Season!
Spring is a great time to give your car a thorough safety checkup before you get on the roads. This is especially true when you are planning to join NSCC at a racing event. Spending time now prepares your car for optimum performance and safety! Here’s what you can do at home to prepare your car for the track.
Empty the car of any/all loose objects. Leave as much as you can at home.
Seatbelts: need to be checked for good operation.
Windshield: cannot have any cracks that threaten safety. Be sure your wiper fluid is full to keep the windshield clean.
Brakes: adequate pads, rotors in good shape, and adequate fluid. Solid pedal with no “sponginess”. When did you put in new fluid last? Be sure your brake lights work.
Tires: street legal with minimum 2/32” tread in good shape. (Racing slicks exempt). Be sure to check your tire pressure.
Tie rods, ball joints, and steering links: solid, no play or binding.
Motor mounts: no play of mounts or engine rubbing on hoses or cables.
Coolant system: all hoses free of cracks, clamps tight and reserve tank to the full line. Have you had it flushed lately?
Fuel system: throttle linkage free and tight. Hoses solid, clamps tight, no visible leaks.
Oil system: be sure it’s topped off with no visible leaks.
Helmet: Snell or DOT (loaners are available)
Battery: make sure it is secure.
Our autocross events are low speed. However, you will do lots of braking, turning and generally putting your car through actions not experienced in everyday driving. A car that is carefully maintained and given a good going over on a regular basis can save you problems later—it’s especially important for a racing event.
Eric Kirchner
WHY SPRING DRIVING IS DANGEROUS
With winter fading into the background (not yet) and better weather around the corner, you would think the roads would be safe again.
Rainy days and flooding
Spring rain brings slippery road conditions and flooding. According to the Federal Highway Administration, rain was a culprit of 46% of all weather-related crashes from 2005 to 2014, and wet pavement in general accounted for 73. What makes rain and wet pavement so dangerous? For one, slippery roads reduce your cars handling and increases the distance it takes to stop (up to 4 times normal stopping distance). Big puddles can also cut down on tire traction and could lead to hydroplaning.
Hail season
Beware of hailstorms, particularly if you live in a hail-belt state. Even small hailstones can shatter windshields, and falling balls of ice are never good for roads.
Winter road wear and tear
In many states, winter wreaks havoc on the roads (no kidding). Snow plows, salt, sand and the aftermath of ice can all leave roads a bit battered. Once snow melts away, expect to drive over new and bigger potholes.
Animal activity
Animals are incredibly active during the spring. Some are emerging from hibernation, and others are entering mating season. This could mean animals are crossing roads and roaming around. Many animals, especially deer, are most active at dawn or dusk. Do not overdrive those headlights.
More bicycles on the road
Spring also brings cyclists and motorcyclists out of hibernation. Driving alongside cyclists can make traffic maneuvers, from turning right to parallel parking, more dangerous.
SPRING DRIVING TIPS
Check your lights, since spring rain hinders driving visibility, make sure all your lights work, including headlights, taillights, backup, turn signals, parking and brake lights.
Replace your wiper blades, worn-out wiper blades may not be up to the task of clearing water away from your windshield.
Check your tire pressure, as harsh winter weather (for those whose Corvettes left the garage) can deflate your tires. Make sure you have enough air in them once spring rolls around. Proper inflation can mean better gas mpg.
Slow down and drive carefully, the first few rainy days of spring can produce exceptionally slippery roads due to oil and other leaked fluids mixing with rainwater, so slow down and increase your stopping distance when it’s raining.
Keep your eyes peeled for bad road conditions, remember that harsh winter weather breeds potholes and other driving obstacles.
Once again, keep your eyes open for animals and motorcyclists, they are both coming out of hibernation.
Eric Kirchner
Inside Your Home
Replace your filters Inside your home can be up to five times more polluted than the outdoor air, especially during the winter when we trap our indoor air inside with us. To help your indoor air quality, air out your house while spring cleaning and clean or replace the filters on your air conditioning unit and furnace, as well as your dryer, vacuum, and refrigerator.
Go Green Use organic cleaners to help minimize the risks associated with toxic cleaners. Be aware that “natural” does not necessarily mean “nontoxic,” and carefully review labels for dangerous chemicals before purchasing any cleaners. You can also make your own household cleaners out of common household items, like vinegar and lemon juice.
Test, and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors It’s vital that your family can hear every detector from anywhere in the house. Press and hold the test button on the detector. If it doesn’t let out am alarm loud enough to hear, perhaps move the detector closer, or replace it if the alarm is not as loud as it should be.CO detectors have a limited lifespan. Replace or recalibrate them at least every five years.
Review or create your Family emergency plan Take advantage of the new season by reviewing your disaster preparedness plan with every family member of your household and update it to reflect anything that may have changed in the last year. Your plan should include at east two rendezvous points, an emergency contact person, and an evacuation route. Once you have reviewed the plan, run a few drills for the natural disasters that can occur in your area, like fire, flooding, and tornados.
Clean out the medicine cabinet Properly dispose of all expired and unused medications in your home. Many medications are considered too dangerous to throw away or flush down the toilet, so call your pharmacy or local poison control center to find any drop-off sites that will take your expired medications.
Update your first aid and 72 hour kits Check your first aid and 72 hour kits and replace any missing or expired items. Make sure you have all the essentials, including bandages, water and emergency phone numbers for the local poison control and your family MD.
Check your fire extinguishers Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher in an easy to access location. Although fire extinguishers can have a long shelf life, they do eventually expire, and once they do, they are useless in a fire. Make sure you check the expiration date on your fire extinguishers and keep them updated.
Eric Kirchner
Clean Your Electronics
You probably don’t want to know what lurks on your devices. Embrace your inner germaphobe and get scrubbing.
Phones and tablets:
Most likely you have taken your smart phone or tablet into a less than sanitary condition. (Bathroom?) You wash your hands but then you pick up your phone or tablet, and all the germs that have attached themselves to it. It’s a gross fact that phones tend to have ten times the bacteria that toilet seats do.
To scrub a phone or tablet, you have to take extra care since it’s likely that it has an oleophobic (fingerprint resistant) coating that might come off. Even a tempered-glass screen protector is likely to be treated with the same substance. The gentlest way to clean the item is to take distilled water and a barely textured microfiber cloth and wipe it down. Use cotton swabs to clean around crevices like the edge of the screen and buttons.
If your device has a screen protector that doesn’t have a coating, you can get together some isopropyl alcohol, distilled water, a spray bottle, and a microfiber cloth. Pour one part alcohol and one part water into a spray bottle and then spritz the microfiber cloth with the solution and wipe down the phone.
Make sure to remove any case you might have on your phone or tablet and also clean that with some water and a microfiber cloth. Make sure it’s thoroughly dry before you put it back on.
To keep your phone or tablet clean on a regular basis, keep some wipes, like Wireless wipes handy and swab it down daily.
Eric Kirchner
Holiday Safety Tips
Stockings should be hung at least 3 feet from a heat source.
Purchase holiday lights and extension cords from a reputable retailer.
Make sure they bear the mark of a nationally recognized testing lab.
Outdoor lights must be marked for outside use.
Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
Inspect lights and extension cords for damage before using.
Fasten outdoor lights and decorations securely to the tree or your home.
Keep light strings away from snow or standing water.
Unplug electric decorations before replacing fuses or bulbs.
Christmas trees are wonderful.
Purchase a fresh tree. It will last longer.
Keep the tree hydrated. Water it twice a day.
If buying an artificial tree, make sure it’s label states fire resistant.
Do not put electric ornaments or lights on metallic trees.
Decorate trees with non-combustible materials.
Place trees at least 3 feet from heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters.
Turn off electric decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors save lives.
Make sure they are working and properly installed.
Change the batterys when you turn the clocks back.
Portable generators and space heaters can be deadly.
Make sure you have the proper ventilation.
Follow the manufactureres directions.
Holiday cooking is great fun.
Make sure your fire extinguishers are near by and up to code.
Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
Supervise young children around heat sources.
Keep combustible items away from the stove top.
Locate all appliances away from the sink.
Candles add to a festive mood.
Consider using battery-operated candles.
Never leave an open flame unattended. Keep them in-site.
Keep combustible materials away from the decorations, drapes and the christmas tree.
Place candle where they can't be knocked over.
Extinguish all candles before going to sleep or leaving the house.
Children should never be left alone with lit candles.
Keep your kids safe during the holidays
Use appropriate decorations for young children in the home.
Always read the instructions included with the decorations.
Lights and garlands pose a strangulation hazard. These are not play things.
Choking hazards include holly berries, wax fruit and any small decorations.
Don't have sharp or breakable decorations around small children.
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
Avoid colds and flu this season
Flu symptoms
Fever and chills
Headache and body aches
Fatigue
Cough
Preventative Measures
Clean and wipe down shared surfaces, ie countertops, doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.
Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes and wash your hands often.
Avoid sick people if possible, and stay home if you do get sick.
Get a flu shot.
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.
Get plenty of sleep and stress less. Meditation, laughing, and exercise can help reduce stress.
Keep your immune system healthy by exercising moderately.
Consider vitamin supplements such as D3.
Improve your lifestyle and diet.
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
Safe Driving in Heavy Rain
Not to rain on your parade, but heavy downpours can be dangerous: more than half of flood fatalities are vehicle related, according to the National Weather Service, and Federal Highway Administration data shows that more weather-related crashes happen in rain than in snow or sleet. We asked James Solomon, subject-matter expert on driver safety at the National Safety Council, how to stay safe if you need to drive in a downpour.
Drive a clean car in good condition
When visibility is limited by wet weather, it’s important that your car itself doesn’t impede your sight. Once a month, clean the outsides and insides of windshields and windows, and check your windshield wiper blades for wear. Check the level of your washer fluid once a week.
Solomon also recommends doing a quick check of headlights, taillights, turn signals and tire treads before driving the car for the first time each day. “Rain or no rain, operating without [signal lights], you’re a hazard—and it’s a ticketable offense,” he explains.
Know the roads
Roads are built to withstand different weather conditions in different parts of the country, so if you’re new to an area, use extra caution during or after a storm. In many southern states, “the asphalt isn’t as compressed,” Solomon explains. “This means it can rain and the road can look totally dry, but it’s not. You’ll squeegee up the water that’s caught in the road aggregate, and now your tires are wet and slick and you don’t even know it.”
Take a moment to consider your route, too. If it takes you through low-lying bridge underpasses or past ditches prone to flooding, it might be a good day to take the freeway instead.
Switch on lights, not brights
Though many newer cars come with automatic running lights, turn on the actual headlights when using windshield wipers so your taillights come on as well. “The idea behind having headlights is so other people can see you,” says Solomon. “When you turn your headlights on and your back lights come on, you identify all four corners of the vehicle.”
You don’t, however, need to flip on your brights; the brighter light will just reflect off wet surfaces, bouncing back into your eyes and irritating other drivers.
Slow down!
Leave at least five seconds of following distance between your own car and the one in front, and don’t feel pressure to drive the posted speed limit. “The speed [listed] on the side of the highway is the maximum speed for perfect weather and perfect road conditions, so if the road is wet, it could be too fast for existing conditions,” says Solomon. “If other people don’t like it, they can pass you.”
And remember: never use cruise control on wet roads. If you hydroplane under cruise control, the automatic acceleration can cause you to lose control of your vehicle when your tires regain traction.
Don’t get in too deep
If water is covering the markings on the road, it’s too deep to drive on. According to Solomon, you can lose control with as little as three inches of water on the road. And even if you manage to stay in control, a larger vehicle could push some of that water underneath your car, causing your engine to stall.
Steer where you want to go
If you’re going too fast and end up hydroplaning (which Solomon calls surfboarding or waterskiing, “because that’s what you’re doing”), turn the wheel in the direction you want to go—and don’t be afraid if you don’t steer out of the skid on the first try. It may take three to five adjustments to get back on course (and a little while longer for your heart to stop pounding).
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
How to Adjust Your Side Mirrors
When do we rely on our mirrors the most? Probably when we are changing lanes. Our objective is to change position without getting in another driver’s way or cutting him/her off.
The positioning for the inside rearview mirror is fairly obvious — you should be able to see out of the rear window. Be sure the day/night switch found on most rearview mirrors is in the day position during daytime operation.
As for the side mirror or mirrors, most people adjust them so they can see the side of the car on the inside edge of the mirror. Consider the view when the side-view mirrors are set up as just described. Essentially, you have created “tunnel vision” to the rear. Your side-view mirrors overlap much of what your inside rearview mirror sees and you’ve also created blind spots
What is the solution to tunnel vision and blind spots?
Simply adjust the side-view mirrors just beyond the point where you could see the side of the car on the inside edge of the mirror. With this setup, you almost completely solve the blind spot problem. To adjust the outside mirrors this way, follow these two steps (This of course, is for vehicles with an inside mirror):
For the driver side mirror, roll up the window and press your head against the glass. Adjust the mirror so that you can just see the edge of the car
For the passenger side mirror, place your head in the center of the car (directly behind the inside mirror mount) and adjust the outside mirror so that you can just see the edge of the car. This is necessary even with convex (curved) mirrors where the image is distorted a little.
When you’re in your normal driving position, you won’t be able to see the sides of the car but will be able to see other vehicles in the adjacent lanes.
For those times where there is a vehicle present in the other lane that isn’t visible when checking the mirrors, the other vehicle’s position will probably be such that its front is adjacent to your door and you’ll spot it in your peripheral vision as you check the side-view mirror.
Most of us have dealt with blind spots by turning our head for a quick check. This isn’t generally a problem in terms of missing something ahead; however, there can be a dangerous side effect.
Unless you’ve worked to control it, your arms will move in the direction your eyes are looking causing the steering wheel to turn.
With well-positioned mirrors, your head won’t have to turn as far to check any remaining blind spots.
There are other applications of changing lanes that this setup is useful for as well. For example, when getting on a highway, your ability to judge how to best merge with the traffic flow will be greatly enhanced with the view provided by the “wide-view” side mirror. Likewise, as you pass interchanges on the highway, your ability to monitor traffic entering the highway is enhanced. And finally, a good guideline for deciding when to move into the passing lane or back into the traveling lane is to make sure that you can see the headlights of the vehicle you want to pull in front of in the rearview mirror. We can all appreciate the value of adequate pull-in space.
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
Summer Tires Can Crack in the Winter
(Consumer Reports published 3-15-14)
Summer tires not only lack grip in cold weather, but they can be damaged by low temperatures.
Anything made with rubber can become more rigid as temperatures get very low, as evidenced by some ultra-high-performance summer tires being used by General Motors and other manufacturers on some vehicles. These tires not only lose grip in cold weather, but they risk cracking, compromising longevity.
This is a significant concern for buyers in northern climes, with GM notably advising not to drive such vehicles during winter chills at the risk of developing damaging cracks. It is likewise important to owners looking forward to spring drives in their performance cars to inspect the tires thoroughly.
GM bulletin #13-03-10-001A: "Information on Tire Cold Weather Cracking" – (Jan 30, 2014) advises “avoid driving, moving, or test-driving vehicles equipped with high-performance summer-only tires below 20º F as operating at these temperatures can cause damage to the tires.” The car models affected include the 2012-2014 Buick Regal GS, 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport, 2012-2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Z/28, 2014-2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, and the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Stingray Z51, and SS sedan.
In GM’s quest to deliver the ultimate handling in these cars, they built performance tires with essentially a racing compound to deliver the goods. These tires are great for driving in temperate areas and are ideally suited for track use, but the practicality of the tires stops there.
Reaching out to a GM tire supplier, Pirelli, a spokesman explained that the performance tread compound becomes so stiff on such tires that it can lead to cracking when deformed in cold weather. In measuring the hardness of numerous brands of summer tires at 0º F, we have found the tread becomes almost inflexible and the tires lose their bounce when dropped. The cracking is characterized as cosmetic, but in our experience any cracking shouldn’t be taken lightly as it can evolve over time. If there is crack, you should replace the tire. (GM’s service bulletin also recommends discarding a tire with cracking.)
Here is what you need to do if you own or are considering purchasing one of the GM cars mentioned in the bulletin or any car that comes with summer tires.
When looking at a new car with performance summer tires at a dealer’s lot, check the tires on the car for cracking in the tread area. The car may have only a few miles on the odometer, but if it was parked in the cold and moved around during transport or by the dealer, the tires could have cracked. This is the time to have the dealer change the effected tires, because once you make the deal and drive off, it’s your headache.
If you own a car with summer tires, refrain from using it at all in cold temperatures as the tires may crack. Leave it parked. Beyond cracking concerns, summer tires have diminished grip below 40º F on dry and wet roads and virtually little to no grip on snow and ice.
If you bought your dream car with summer tires on it and live in an area that does have winter, then consider using performance all-season tires or dedicated winter tires. These will provide better cold-weather grip and preserve the pricey summer times for the other seasons. Through our testing, we have found a number of ultra-high-performance all-season tires that provide handling and dry and wet grip on par to many summer tires we have tested. (See our fulltire ratings).
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
Preventing Mosquitoes from Biting You
Wear mosquito repellent. A variety of specially-formulated insect repellents are available for sale at camping or sporting goods stores. Apply insect repellent to uncovered skin surfaces when outdoors, especially during the day. When using sunscreen, apply it before insect repellent. Here are a few common chemical solutions effective at repelling mosquitoes:
Repellents containing 30% to 50% DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are recommended for adults and children over 2 months of age and effective for several hours. Repellents with lower amounts of DEET offer shorter-term protection and must be applied more often.
DEET can irritate skin when applied directly in high concentration or for long periods of time. It can even cause severe skin reactions in certain individuals.
Despite rumors to the contrary, DEET has never been scientifically proven to cause cancer.
Repellents containing up to 15% picaridin, which must be applied often, are available in the US. Repellents with higher concentrations of picaridin may be available in some regions outside the US.
Consider an all-natural solution. Experiment with non chemical solutions such as Citronella (natural plant oil). Tea tree oil and vitamin B have reportedly helped some people repel mosquitoes. As with any product, their effectiveness depends on the situation, your own skin chemistry, and the exact type of mosquito you are dealing with. Note, however, that so-called "alternative" solutions sometimes aren't held to the testing standards that mainstream commercial repellents are - research alternative solutions and read testimonials before spending any money.
Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes from biting you is to simply cover your skin. Wear your sleeves and pant legs as long as possible to cover as much skin as possible. Also keep your clothing as loose as possible. This serves two purposes: first, it's much more comfortable in the hot,humid weather where mosquitoes thrive. Second, mosquitoes can sometimes bite through clothing that's held tight against the skin, especially if the fabric is thin.
If you have the money, camping and sporting goods stores often sell specially-designed pants and shirts made out of strong yet lightweight material. These clothes offer maximal protection from mosquito bites along with a relatively high level of comfort.
Clothing may also be sprayed with repellent containing permethrin or another EPA-registered repellent for greater protection. (Remember: don't use permethrin on skin.)
Don't waste money on an electric hanging bug "zapper." These have been shown to kill many bugs very effectively but generally the bugs killed are the non-harmful ones. Plus, the noise they generate tends to be obnoxious. Mosquitoes can be more effectively killed by one of the dedicated machines that use heat and carbon dioxide to attract the mosquitoes and then entrap or kill them using nets, containers or chemicals.
Sleep with a mosquito net over your bed. The mosquito netting has fine holes big enough to allow breezes to easily pass through but small enough to keep mosquitoes and other biting insects out. Hang the netting over your bed, securing the top of the net to one or more surfaces. Support the net so that it's tented without hanging down onto you. Make sure to sleep without touching the sides - mosquitoes can actually bite you through the netting if it's tight against your skin. Check for holes regularly - patch them with duct tape for a quick fix..
Protect infants less than 2 months of age by using a carrier draped with mosquito netting with an elastic edge for a tight fit.
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
How to safely jump start your vehicle
What is the right way to jump-start your car? Before we go into the details, we must give you the safety lecture because batteries can have the explosive potential of three sticks of dynamite.
Wear eye protection whenever you work around a battery. And follow the sequence for connecting and disconnecting the jumper cables. You want NO spark near the battery. NO flames and NO smoking either. Do NOT lean over the battery when making your connections.
Pull the running, donor vehicle near enough to the car with the dead battery for the jumper cables to reach, but do not let the cars touch. This could create an electrical connection for the ground, or negative side of the circuit
Connect the cables in exact order.
Connect the red cable clamp to the positive post on your dead battery or the remote access point if one is provided, usually near the under-hood fuse box.
Connect the other red cable to the positive post of the donor’s good battery or access point.
Connect the black cable clamp to the negative post of the donor’s good battery.
Connect the other black cable clamp to a good ground on your car ( dead battery car) not the battery. The engine, or a bracket or bolt on the engine, are good choices.
Start the running car and allow it to charge your dead battery for a few minutes, then start your car. If it does not start you may need a new battery, or the battery connections may be corroded.
Once your car is running, disconnect the jumper cables in this order:
Disconnect the black clamp from your car’s ground.
Disconnect the black clamp from the donor car’s negative battery terminal.
Disconnect the red clamp from the donor car’s positive battery terminal.
Disconnect the red clamp from your car’s positive battery terminal.
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
Tips for driving in he rain
Springtime is here, the snow will be but a distant memory soon,I hope. But you know the old saying April showers bring May flowers. With that below is some good advise on driving in heavy rain.
If you live for rainy weather, good news: this spring is predicted to be wetter than average across the southern U.S. and up the East Coast, thanks to El Niño storms. (And it’s already started; January’s storms in California caused widespread power outages and prompted flash-flood warnings.)
Not to rain on your parade, but heavy downpours can be dangerous: more than half of flood fatalities are vehicle related, according to the National Weather Service, and Federal Highway Administration data shows that more weather-related crashes happen in rain than in snow or sleet. We asked James Solomon, subject-matter expert on driver safety at the National Safety Council, how to stay safe if you need to drive in a downpour.
Drive a clean car in good condition
When visibility is limited by wet weather, it’s important that your car itself doesn’t impede your sight. Once a month, clean the outsides and insides of windshields and windows, and check your windshield wiper blades for wear. Check the level of your washer fluid once a week.
Solomon also recommends doing a quick check of headlights, taillights, turn signals and tire treads before driving the car for the first time each day. “Rain or no rain, operating without [signal lights], you’re a hazard—and it’s a ticketable offense,” he explains.
Know the roads
Roads are built to withstand different weather conditions in different parts of the country, so if you’re new to an area, use extra caution during or after a storm. In many southern states, “the asphalt isn’t as compressed,” Solomon explains. “This means it can rain and the road can look totally dry, but it’s not. You’ll squeegee up the water that’s caught in the road aggregate, and now your tires are wet and slick and you don’t even know it.”
Take a moment to consider your route, too. If it takes you through low-lying bridge underpasses or past ditches prone to flooding, it might be a good day to take the freeway instead.
Switch on lights, not brights
Though many newer cars come with automatic running lights, turn on the actual headlights when using windshield wipers so your taillights come on as well. “The idea behind having headlights is so other people can see you,” says Solomon. “When you turn your headlights on and your back lights come on, you identify all four corners of the vehicle.”
You don’t, however, need to flip on your brights; the brighter light will just reflect off wet surfaces, bouncing back into your eyes and irritating other drivers.
Slow down!
Leave at least five seconds of following distance between your own car and the one in front, and don’t feel pressure to drive the posted speed limit. “The speed [listed] on the side of the highway is the maximum speed for perfect weather and perfect road conditions, so if the road is wet, it could be too fast for existing conditions,” says Solomon. “If other people don’t like it, they can pass you.”
And remember: never use cruise control on wet roads. If you hydroplane under cruise control, the automatic acceleration can cause you to lose control of your vehicle when your tires regain traction.
Don’t get in too deep
If water is covering the markings on the road, it’s too deep to drive on. According to Solomon, you can lose control with as little as three inches of water on the road. And even if you manage to stay in control, a larger vehicle could push some of that water underneath your car, causing your engine to stall.
Steer where you want to go
If you’re going too fast and end up hydroplaning (which Solomon calls surfboarding or waterskiing, “because that’s what you’re doing”), turn the wheel in the direction you want to go—and don’t be afraid if you don’t steer out of the skid on the first try. It may take three to five adjustments to get back on course (and a little while longer for your heart to stop pounding).
Hold off on unnecessary trips
It’s one thing if you need to get home to your children or you’re already on the road, but otherwise, ask yourself if you’ve driven in this kind of weather before and if you’re ready to handle it right now. When bad weather is in the forecast, “a lot of people feel they have to go to the store,” says Solomon. But just as you would stay off the roads in heavy snow, it’s OK to stay home in heavy rain. If you have a small business in a flood-prone area and there’s lots of precipitation on the way, try to make arrangements for employees to work from home so they don’t have to worry about making the commute on potentially flooded roads.
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
We have all seen it on the road. The crazy and or aggressive driver. We may have even done it ourselves. Read the following and learn what it is and how to avoid it.
Aggressive driving is defined as reckless performance behind the wheel, such as:
Speeding in heavy traffic Tailgating Cutting in front of another driver and then slowing down Running red lights Weaving in and out of traffic Changing lanes without signaling Blocking cars attempting to pass or change lanes Using headlights or brakes to “punish” other drivers
Road rage is malicious behavior directed at specific drivers, which may escalate to violence. Examples include:
Cursing and rude or obscene gestures Throwing objects Ramming Sideswiping Forcing a driver off the road Brandishing or discharging firearms.
Manage your behavior, manage your responses
Here are some tips to avoiding aggressive driving and stop road rage at its root:
Allowing enough travel time so that you don’t begin your trip stressed, hurried or impatient. Making your vehicle a conflict-free zone. Driving and intense conversations don’t mix; even if you are just debating the idiot on talk radio or responding to a bumper sticker. Listen to relaxing music. Breathe. Stretch. Smile.
You will see other drivers doing things that are illegal, inconsiderate and even incomprehensible. Don’t respond personally. Most drivers are not thinking about their impact on you; they are just rushed, distracted or upset.
Follow the rules of the road.
Maintain adequate following distance. Use turn signals. Allow others to merge. Use your high-beams responsibly. Tap your horn if you must (but no long blasts with accompanying hand gestures). Be considerate in parking lots. Park in one spot, not across multiple spaces. Be careful not to hit cars next to you with your door.
Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel lowers your risk of an unpleasant encounter – with another driver and with law enforcement. Several communities now deploy teams to target aggressive drivers. Repeat violators may be fined, required to take anger management classes, lose their license or serve jail time.
Eric Kirchner
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
Tips for driving in our
"second driving season"
Ok it’s that time of year again, our second driving season. The first being construction season. Here are some tips to avoid trouble in our second driving season, WINTER.
Before starting, remove any ice and snow from windshield, windows, and mirrors.
Make sure the cooling system is full and at the correct strength to protect the engine.
Make sure the defroster and heater are working.
Make sure the windshield wipers are in good condition and working properly. Also make sure the washer is full, with winter blend, and is working.
Make sure your tires have enough tread, and are inflated to proper pressure. Remember your tires lose air as the temp falls.
Make sure all lights are working. To include headlights, turn signals, and hazards.
Start gentle and slow. When first starting, get a feel for the road. Do not hurry.
Drive slowly and smoothly. Keep a steady speed.
Make turns as gently as possible. Do not break any harder than necessary.
Remember bridges freeze before the roadway.
Watch the weather, check before you leave on a trip so you are aware of any bad weather in your area.
Do not use cruise control.
Keep your gas tank full.
Carry an emergency kit with you. To include some of the following. Blanket, extra clothes, road flairs, high energy food, flashlight, chains or some sort of traction devise, hazard signs, phone charger, first aid kit, shovel, ice scraper.
Do not overtake snow plows.
When taking off at a green light, wait a second or so extra, cross traffic may not stop.
Eric Kirchner
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
School's Open - Drive Carefully
Eric Kirchner - Safety Chairman
I would like to start my first safety article by thanking the members for electing me Safety Chairman for this year. I have in the past held the office of secretary but I missed being on the board last year. I have been a member of NSCC since 1999, and am now a lifetime member. I own 2 Corvette’s, 1994 polo green convertible, and 1981 white coupe (although most folks have yet to see it) along with a 2007 Harley Davidson Street Glide. I am unaccustomed to writing so I will keep my first article short. Here are some summertime tips.
Sunscreen Use it when going outdoors for any length of time. Follow the direction on the product, it works better that way.
Insect repellant West Nile has been reported in the area. Again follow product directions. Keeping exposed skin to a minimum also works.
Drink water Dehydration is not something you want to happen to you. Drink something (preferable non alcohol) even if you do not feel thirsty, by the time you feel thirsty it’s almost too late.
Wear sunglasses Uuse them while driving. They are great at cutting glare. And seeing that car about to make that left hand turn in front of you is priceless.
Driving in the rain
Time: Give yourself more time for heavy traffic
Following Distance: Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you
Speed Limit: Drive slower in the rain, braking ability is not the same as dry conditions
Lights: Turn on your headlights...it’s the law in Illinois
Windscreen Wipers: Make sure your wipers are in proper working order. Believe it, Rain-X helps on the highway.
Read the Signs: Never drive through moving water that you cannot see the ground. Do not drive around barricades, they are there for a reason.
Drive carefully and stay safe!
Eric Kirchner
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Distracted Driving
I’m sure you are all aware that as of January 1, 2015 Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held cell phones, texting or using other electronic communications while driving. Most of us have probably noticed the posted signs in school zones. All persons over age 18 are allowed to use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth. Even with these devices it is still considered a distraction to drivers.
It is recommended that you pull off to the side of the roadway when talking on a phone or if you are using an electronic device. Exemptions to this rule apply when you are reporting an emergency situation or traffic is stopped due to an obstruction in the roadway. It is legal to use these devices anytime your vehicle is in neutral or park. It is also legal to use our FRS radios at anytime while driving.
There are many other distractions beside cell phones: reading or writing, tuning the radio, putting on makeup, eating, drinking, smoking, brushing your hair, reaching for items including those in the glove box, and into deep conversation with passengers. A few years ago I was driving on the Edens Expressway. A driver was in the far left lane driving 50 mph with a map on his steering wheel!
Just a few statistics. Nearly 6,000 people nationwide died last year in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver and there were 1.6 million crashes in North America.
This will be my last article as Safety Chairman. It's been fun and I thank all of you.
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Six Tips for Good Eye Health Care
Take care of your eyes. Here's six tips that will help you do that:
Good Nutriments
Eat green leafy vegetables, salmon, oily fish and foods with vitamin C.
No Smoking
You are more likely to get cataracts, nerve damage and macular degeneration.
Wear Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays are the best. Polarized lenses reduce glare when driving.
Safety Eyewear
Always wear safety glasses when working with power tools and when working under your car to prevent rust and other contaminants from entering your eyes.
Eye Doctor
Visit your eye doctor regularly. Tell him about your working conditions. Computer work may require special lenses.
Computer Screens
Staring at a computer screen too long can cause headaches, blurry vision and neck and back pain. Use the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Computer work may require special lenses.
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Cold Weather Tips for Being Outdoors
Low temperatures, wind, and wetness can bring on injuries and illness. Chose the right clothing and shoes for the climate conditions. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing conditions. Keep hydrated.
Snow Shoveling Safety Tips
Use a lightweight shovel and take small scoops when lifting.
Take breaks often and allow your body to warm up. If possible, share the workload and take turns.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol. It will give you a false sense of being warm.
Avoid smoking. Tobacco smoke constricts the blood vessels.
Keep your cell phone handy so you can call a neighbor or 911 if necessary.
Frostbite - The Most Common Cold Related Injury
The first signs of frostbite include numbness, redness or pain in any skin area.
Get into a warm room or vehicle.
Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water.
Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow.
Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp or the heat of a stove as the affected areas are numb and can be burned easily.
Always consider medical care.
Dehydration During the Winter
Cold dry air and wind chill can cause dehydration in the winter.
If you haven't emptied your bladder for several hours, or your urine is a strong yellow color, you are dehydrated. Urine should be light yellow to clear.
Make sure you have easy access to fluid to keep well hydrated.
Don't gulp large quantities of fluid at once as this could chill you. Take small sips frequently. Don't wait until you are thirsty!
Do not drink too much tea, coffee or soda and avoid alcoholic beverages.
It is best to drink a sports drink along with water.
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Watch for School Buses!
It's that time of the year again. The kids are back in school and that means SCHOOL BUSES! Know the rules.
School buses make lots of stops. State law requires school buses to stop at all railroad crossings. If you are approaching the bus from the front you may proceed past with caution. If you are approaching from the rear, the law prohibits driving over the center line to pass if the bus is within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
Most children are injured or killed outside the bus. On two-lane roads, all traffic in both directions of travel must stop when meeting a stopped school bus. On roads with four lanes or more, with traffic in both directions, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of a stopped school bus need not stop. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Many drivers aren't sure of the rules and will slow down or stop, so drive with caution.
Fall is approaching and that means flu season. It's time to get a flu shot.
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
New law bans cell phone use while driving
Illinois has now joined a dozen other states with this new law. It bans the use of all hand-held devices while driving, except in cases of emergency. Drivers will have to use headsets or speakerphones. First time violators will be fined $75 and repeat offenders could pay as much as $150, which may include a moving violation on their record. Also, three moving violations in a year can lead to the suspension of a driver’s license. With this new law distracted motorist who harm other drivers will face a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in fines up to $2500 and less than a year of jail time.
Distracted driving has the same effect as driving while Intoxicated. Exceptions to the law is the use of two-way radios. Remember that there are many other means of distractions Beside cell phones - watching your nav system, searching for radio channels, putting on make-up, eating and drinking, and of course texting.
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Winter weather requires some special attention
It's that time of the year again. The fiberglass goes in the garage and the metal comes out.
Safe driving habits
It's that nasty ”black ice” season where you must maintain a greater distance between you and that driver in front of you sliding all over the place. Slow down and use your hazard flashers to warn the driver behind you. If the weather is really bad the best advice is stay home if you don't have to go out.
Tire pressure
It is important to maintain the correct tire pressure. When the temperature drops there is a demon out there robbing air out of your tires. You will lose about one pound of pressure for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit drop in air temperature. For example, if your tire pressure is 35 psi at 70 degrees, it will drop to about 28 psi at 0 degrees. Air also escapes through microscopic spaces between the rubber molecules in the tire (called permeation or diffusion). It has been estimated that up to one psi of pressure may escape each month a tire is in service. Claims have been made that nitrogen filled tires lose less pressure. Nitrogen is good but it can't change the law of physics. Nitrogen is a gas and is affected the same way air is. However, nitrogen molecules have a more difficult time escaping through the microscopic spaces and the loss of pressure is reduced by about 1/3.
Whether you use air or nitrogen be sure to check the tire pressure often throughout the winter. When filling tires never exceed the maximum psi marked on the tire.
Fuel and fluids
The price of gasoline is no bargain but keep the tank full. You never know when you might be stuck in traffic for hours. Remember, your engine is your only source of heat. If the fuel level is in the red, cold temperatures can cause condensation to form on the walls of the tank. Since water is heavier than gas, it will eventually sink to the bottom and find it way into the fuel lines where it will freeze.
Also remember that summer windshield washer fluid will be of no use once it is frozen. You should also check those wiper blades and be sure your anti-freeze is rated to -35 degrees or below.
Be sure to buckle up front and rear!
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
The summer heat is upon us
so stay cool!
Here are some things to remember
Heat Exhaustion
Signs: Pale and clammy skin, profuse perspiration, rapid pulse, weakness, headache, nausea and abdominal cramps or limping.
Treatment: Call 911 and explain the symptoms. Move the person into the shade or a cool place such as an air conditioned vehicle but do not let the person become too cold. Shivering should be avoided. If the person is conscious and is not vomiting or having any difficulty breathing, give the person a few sips of fluids. Give an adult a fluid with a small amount of salt and give an infant an electrolyte solution. Do not give the victim salt tablets or alcohol.
Heat Stroke
Signs: Confusion, difficultly talking or walking and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.
Treatment: Call 911 immediately. Move the person into the shade or a cool place. Cool the person’s body by spraying or sponging it with cold water. Fan the person with an electric fan or with a towel, newspaper or magazine. Do not give the victim alcoholic beverages.
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
"There may be safety in numbers
but being in a caravan can actually
increase your risk of an accident."
Here are some of the do's and don'ts
Well if you haven’t changed your clocks by now, you must be on a remote island! So, lets discuss the rest.
Smoke Alarms
There are two types, ionization and photoelectric. To be truly safe in case of a fire its vital to have both types.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
On the average 170 people die every year from CO (carbon monoxide) produced by non-automotive products. Be aware that the average life span is about 2 years- check your product literature. Checking the alarm does not check the status of the detector on many models. CO detectors should be placed on a wall approximately 5 feet above the floor in the hallway near every separate sleeping area. I noticed there are new models out that have built in batteries and are suppose to last 10 years. Might be great if you have a poor memory, But don’t forget after 10 years. Good idea to put a date on the unit when installed.
Fire Extinguishers
The 1-A:10-B:C is ideal for most kitchen and living areas. The top of the extinguisher should be 3.5 to 5 feet above the floor- they can explode if knocked over or fall off the wall.Maintenance - every 6 years they must be emptied, mechanical parts checked, recharged and re-tagged. Many insurance companies provide discounts if you have a fire extinguisher on every floor of the house and garage. Ken Such Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Well if you haven’t changed your clocks by now, you must be on a remote island! So, lets discuss the rest.
Smoke Alarms
There are two types, ionization and photoelectric. To be truly safe in case of a fire its vital to have both types.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
On the average 170 people die every year from CO (carbon monoxide) produced by non-automotive products. Be aware that the average life span is about 2 years- check your product literature. Checking the alarm does not check the status of the detector on many models. CO detectors should be placed on a wall approximately 5 feet above the floor in the hallway near every separate sleeping area. I noticed there are new models out that have built in batteries and are suppose to last 10 years. Might be great if you have a poor memory, But don’t forget after 10 years. Good idea to put a date on the unit when installed.
Fire Extinguishers
The 1-A:10-B:C is ideal for most kitchen and living areas. The top of the extinguisher should be 3.5 to 5 feet above the floor- they can explode if knocked over or fall off the wall.Maintenance - every 6 years they must be emptied, mechanical parts checked, recharged and re-tagged. Many insurance companies provide discounts if you have a fire extinguisher on every floor of the house and garage.
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Car Fire!
1 out of 5 fires involve motor vehicles and 1 out of 8 fire deaths result from motor vehicle fires. These fires can produce toxic gases and severe burn injuries. Flames from burning vehicles can shoot out 10’ or more and parts can burst because of the heat shooting debris great distances. Although relatively rare, gas tanks can rupture and spray flammable fuel posing a clear threat and in extraordinary instances, can explode. Vehicle fires are so dangerous that firefighters wear full protective equipment with self-contained breathing apparatus. They also have the ability to extinguish the fire quickly. If there is a vehicle fire, what can I do? • Get yourself and all others out and away from the vehicle and if in a garage or other building, exit immediately. • After you are a safe distance away, call 911. • Remain away from the vehicle. • If you use a fire extinguisher, only do so from a safe distance. Use a Class “B” or “C” extinguisher. • Do not open the hood or trunk as it will add air and enlarge the fire. Remember, toxic fumes are present and the fire can burn at 1500° F. Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Information taken from United States Fire Administration, L-202, Feb. 1993
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Asbestos where?
Could be in your car
Check out http://www.asbestos.com/automotive/when you get a minute…it may prevent harmful exposure to asbestos that may be in your car.“For many decades, asbestos has been used by the auto industry in brake pads and linings, clutch facings, and gaskets. Millions of these products still remain on vehicles currently in use today, which poses a severe risk of asbestos exposure to current and former auto mechanics…”“Nonprofessional and home auto mechanics that repair or replace their own brakes or clutches are also in danger of exposure to asbestos and asbestos related illnesses. Rarely do people working on cars at their home take the proper precautions…”“Asbestos is known to cause Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, and Pleural Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that attacks the lung lining. Mechanics do not develop these diseases until 15 to 50 years after their initial exposure to asbestos, so they may not realize the extent of the damage to their health.”Robert Rule of The Asbestos and MesotheliomaCenter sent this information to NSCC via our website. Since asbestos was very common in cars in years past and is still in use today in some cars, this may be a “word to the wise” for all auto enthusiasts!
It was 7:00 am on a beautiful Sunday morning, a perfect time for a relaxing ride. I pulled off the road in a parking lot and set up my GPS for a route through beautiful Wisconsin roads.
I stopped at a traffic light that was just turning red on Rt. 45 and Buffalo Grove Road, a brand new, wide, well marked intersection, checking my rear view mirror as I stopped…not a car in sight!
Then I looked down at my GPS and BAM! I was hit from the rear! I was pushed 25 ft. into the middle of the intersection where I came to a stop. Where did he come from? Why didn’t he see me? Maybe the real question should be…what could I have done to avoid this accident?
If only…I had watched around me, and checked my rear view mirror to see the car approaching too fast instead of checking the GPS…I could have easily moved forward into the empty intersection and prevented the entire incident.
The moral of the story? STAY ALERT!
Ken Such
Safety Chairman, North Shore Corvette Club
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Emergency planning...
Are you ready?
Are you ready for an Emergency? What about a flood? A fire? A tornado? An extended loss of power? What would you take with you if you needed to evacuate your home within minutes without ever having the ability to go home again? Here are some suggestions.
Inventory Your Life Make a list of all your possessions and important personal documents. Have photos of items, receipts and copies of other essential information to document what you own. Store this information in a secure location away from your home.
Records Gather important personal papers such as bank accounts, tax returns, prescriptions, family records, insurance policies and other critical documents. Store them in a fire-proof box that can be readily moved in case of an evacuation. Family Plan If you need to evacuate, where would you go? You may not always be able to meet at the same location due to changing conditions, so have alternative locations. Be sure all family members know where to gather.
Supplies Prepare boxes that you can grab as you evacuate. Include your life inventory, important personal documents, baby supplies, pet supplies, medications and other essential items for immediate use. Other items may include a computer hard-drive, batteries, food, water, portable lighting and a first aid kit. Test it Planning is not good unless it is tested. Take 10 minutes to “evacuate” your home. Afterwards, decide if you took the right things and if everyone knew what to do. You can then refine your plan as necessary.
Ken Such - Safety Chairman
Many cities and suburban towns are installing Automated Traffic Enforcement Cameras, otherwise known as Red Light Ticket Cameras, at busy intersections. It is important that you know how they can affect your driving safety. Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications web site states “Red-light camera enforcement programs are designed to improve safety and positively change driver behavior…” As documented by members of the National Motorists Assoc., Chicago has set their yellow light interval to three seconds, the federally recommended minimum. It does not allow for other factors such as:
driver reaction time
weather
vehicle size
traffic
driver’s age
pedestrians
If your vehicle crosses the stop line by as little as 1/10th of a second after the yellow changes to red, this is a violation. You need to be very careful as you approach intersections and be aware of the dangers of slamming on your brakes and risking being rear-ended, as well as running the red light. This can be a delicate balance. In addition, cross traffic may “run the red light” due to the short yellow, making it even more important to make sure the intersection is clear before you take off on the green.
As with all driving, the most significant factor for safety is staying alert and being aware of your surroundings at all times which prepares you for the unexpected.
(Information from “Speeding Up to Stop” by Barnet Fagel)