special sections - spring/summer 2016 car care

Car CareSpring/Summer 2016

Driving technique changesTips for buying RVsWhat to do with a recall

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Spring/Summer Car Care peninSula Daily newS/Sequim gazette april 2016 3

table of contents

Basic automobile maintenance to get your automobile ready for warmer weather.

Page 7

State patrol putting the spotlight on drivers who use the left lane for a little too long.

Page 15

Take a sunny spring road trip on the Peninsula with the help of these safety tips.

Page 6Car CareSpring/Summer 2016 is a special section published by

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Driving today is different than it might have been when many motorists first earned their drivers’ licenses.

As a result, safe driving techniques have changed.

Learning these changes and adjusting driving habits can keep motorists and their passengers safe.

WATCH THE CLOCK Older guidelines indicated keeping

hands on the steering wheel at the posi-tions of 10 and 2 if you were imagining it as a clock.

New information indicates this can be dangerous to the arms and hands should the air bag deploy in a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American Auto-mobile Association (AAA) now say you should grip the wheel at the 9 and 3 positions, which safely allows drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

CHANGE YOUR TURNS Air bag safety also comes into play

when making turns. Rather than the

formerly taught way of hand-over-hand turning, drivers should push with one hand and pull with the other to steer the wheel, safely keeping their hands away from the plastic casing and the possible release of heat and pressure from an exploding air bag.

HAZARD LIGHTSUse hazard lights only when real

hazards are encountered. Some people are very generous in

their use of hazard lights, turning them on when double-parking, in bad weather or when they are carrying a heavy load.

Various states and areas have specific laws governing the use of hazard lights, including when and when not to use them. Hazard lights may inadvertently put drivers in danger because they can override turning signals.

Some other drivers have become so accustomed to seeing hazard lights that they may not take them seriously.

American insurance company Esur-ance suggests checking local laws to determine which situations warrant using hazard lights.

DON’T BLOCK THE ‘FAST LANE’ The far-left lane has long been consid-

ered the passing lane. Some police departments have begun

cracking down on those who drive in the left lane for extended periods of time, while others are slightly more lenient with the law. (See story on Page 15.)

When you do find yourself in the left lane, recognize that you should maintain highway speed or accelerate slightly to get around the car you need to pass.

Driving slowly in the left lane can compromise your own safety and that of your passengers and fellow drivers.

ANTICIPATE ROAD CONDITIONSThere are differences between driving

on rural roads, paved roads and heavily trafficked highways, especially during inclement weather or when encounter-

ing adverse conditions. There’s no magic speed or technique

that is ideal all of the time. Drivers need to learn to adapt to the

conditions to facilitate safe passage. Keep in mind that it can be difficult

to stop on gravel, wet roadways or those covered with leaves.

AVOID THE BIG RUSHAlways try to leave extra time to reach

a destination. This way you will not have to speed or make tricky maneuvers to get to an appointment on time.

Rushing around can lead to distrac-tions or unsafe practices. Reduce your accident risk by building extra time into your trip.

Driving rules are not static, and driv-ers should stay current on practices that are safe and those that are no longer correct to use on the roadways.

By METROCREATIVE

Safe driving techniques have changed

Adjusting what you think you know about driving can help keep motorists and passengers safe.

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The size and weight of a trailer and the cargo it’s towing must be considered before embarking on a trip.

Warm weather is on the horizon, and people from all over are preparing their vehicles for another season of road trips.

In addition to packing the interior cargo areas full of equipment and lug-gage, many road-trippers also haul gear and recreational accessories with them.

There’s more to towing than hitching a trailer and hitting the open road.

A number of factors come into play when towing cargo or another vehicle, including the towing capacity of the vehicle doing the hauling.

The following are some safety tips for road trippers hitting the road with trailer in tow.

TOW VEHICLESWhile many vehicles have towing

capabilities, not all of those vehicles are necessarily right for the job. Review the towing capacities of various vehicles depending on the type of trailer that will be towed.

A larger, more powerful vehicle may be necessary if you will be towing some-thing large and heavy, such as a boat or a recreational vehicle.

You may need more horsepower to maintain a safe driving speed when towing especially heavy cargo.

EQUIPMENTDifferent manufacturers offer towing

packages equipped to work in concert with your vehicle. Towing packages may include certain types of hitches, batter-ies, flasher systems, extended-view side mirrors, and even special axles and tires.

In many areas, a trailer with a loaded weight of more than 1,500 pounds re-quires a separate braking system and a

breakaway switch located on the tongue of the trailer that activates the trailer brakes in the event it separates from the tow vehicle.

Having the right equipment can mean the difference between safely tow-ing cargo and getting in a wreck.

ABILITYHaving a lot of power and the right

equipment is not enough to safely tow cargo.

Recklessness on the road, which includes driving over the speed limit, is a recipe for a wreck. It typically takes time and some practice for drivers to grow accustomed to driving while tow-ing cargo.

Driving while towing cargo requires that drivers maneuver their vehicles differently than they would in typical conditions and that they drive at slower speeds while leaving room for a larger turning radius.

In addition, drivers must accommo-date for the extra weight when braking.

VEHICLE CHECKVerifying that the trailer hitch is secure

is not the only inspection drivers must conduct before hitting the open road.

The vehicle doing the towing should be serviced, and any repairs should be made. Check fluid levels, particularly the transmission fluid.

In addition, make sure the water level in the battery is acceptable and have the motor oil changed if it is nearing its mileage limit.

It’s also a good idea to replace the air filter, examine the tires for adequate tread and test the brakes.

When the trip begins, give your vehi-cle and the hitch a once-over to double-check that everything is in working order. This can be done during service station stops along the trip.

Towing cargo safelyBy METROCREATIVE

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Spring is a season of rebirth for many people, who welcome the warm weather with open arms, especially those who just endured a harsh winter.

Spending time outdoors when the weather warms up is a popular pastime for many people each spring.

Road trips taken by college kids or high schoolers hitting the road for spring break or professionals and parents pack-ing up the car for a weekend getaway have become synonymous with spring.

A road trip is a great way to get out-doors and make the most of a warm day.

But there are a few tricks of the trade drivers can employ to ensure their road trips are as enjoyable as possible.

WASH THE CARGive your car a good wash. Drivers

who live in areas with heavy snowfall should give their vehicles a thorough cleaning before hitting the road for a spring road trip.

Salt and sand can build up on a ve-hicle over the course of a snowy winter, so a power washing will help remove excess salt, sand or dirt and help the car run more smoothly.

CHECK-UPGet the vehicle a tune-up. A tune-up,

including an oil change, should be part of your pre-trip planning.

Make sure winter hasn’t caused any damage to the vehicle’s body and ask your mechanic to perform a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s suspension and brakes. If any problems arise, address them before embarking on your road trip.

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCESubscribe to a roadside assistance

program. Roadside assistance programs, whether it’s American Automobile As-sociation (AAA) or a program offered through your insurance company, provide a measure of security to road-trippers.

Many roadside assistance programs provide variety of emergency assistance for members, including:

• Towing service if your vehicle can-not start or operate safely

• Battery service if your car’s battery needs a jump

• Flat tire service if you get a flat tire and don’t have a spare or cannot change the tire yourself

• Fuel delivery service if your car runs out of gas

• Lockout service if you lock your

keys in the carThese services can act as a safety net

should an issue arise when you’re on the road and far away from home or far away from a service station.

Keep your membership card in your wallet and store the customer service number in your cellular phone should you accidentally lose your membership card or lock it inside your car.

FUNDSBring cash as well as credit cards on

the trip. When embarking on a road trip, don’t

assume you will have ready access to an ATM on your trip or at your destination.

This means you may reach a point when you have no cash on hand. While it’s a good idea to bring some cash along on the trip, bring a credit card or cards as well should you find yourself with no cash.

A major credit card, such as a Master-card, American Express or Visa, is likely to be accepted at most filling stations.

GPSInvest in a road navigation system. A road navigation system, or GPS, is

a good investment for drivers about to embark on a road trip.

A road navigation system can be your best friend, helping you find your way in places with which you are unfamiliar.

Road navigation systems can alert you to traffic conditions while providing directions and alternate routes. Some systems will even alert you to nearby filling stations, lodging or restaurants.

Spring road trip tips for drivers on the PeninsulaBy METROCREATIVE

DRIVE-THRUS ON THE PENINSULA NEAH BAY: HIGHWAY 112 TO CAPE FLATTERYFor a long day trip, start early out on state Highway 112 and head toward Neah Bay and Cape Flattery. Once on 112, also known as the Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway, enjoy the rolling countryside that leads to scenic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

FORKS: COASTAL BEACHESA favorite route, no matter the distance, is heading down U.S. Highway 101 past Forks toward the coastal beaches. If starting in Port Angeles and eastward, drivers and pas-sengers can take in views of the Elwha River, Lake Sutherland and Lake Crescent before that long extension into Forks and beyond. Several miles past Forks, the Pacific comes into view.

PORT ANGELES: HURRICANE RIDGEA staple for any Peninsula local or tourist alike, the 17-mile drive up to Hurricane Ridge is worth the twists and turns. This trip requires an Olympic National Park pass.

PORT TOWNSEND: HISTORIC SEASIDE TOWNTraveling east on U.S. Highway 101, exit onto state Highway 20 and head northeast for 12 miles to historic Port Townsend. The highway turns into Water Street once in town and runs next to Admiralty Inlet ending at the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

BRINNON TO QUILCENE: SHORT DISTANCE TO VIEWSU.S. Highway 101 hugs the shore of the Hood Canal on the eastern edge of Olympic National Forest and provides plenty of spectacular views along each twist and turn. One scenic portion of this road is the short distance between Brinnon and Quilcene.

LAURA LOFGREN | Peninsula Daily News

A car travels along scenic Mora Road to reach Rialto Beach near LaPush on the North Olympic Peninsula’s West End. The two-lane road follows the Quillayute River to a parking area that supplies easy access to the driftwood-strewn beach.


Car maintenance should be performed routinely, but with springtime upon the North Olympic Peninsula, what better time than now to go over a few basics before heading out on the open road?

The first thing to check is your tire tread and pres-sure. Randy Schroeder, store manager at Les Schwab’s Port Angeles location, said tread depth often is over-looked by drivers.

He said an easy way to check to see if tires have good depth is the penny test.

“Turn the penny upside down and put it in the tread groove,” Schroeder said.

“If you can see the top of [President Abraham] Lin-coln’s head, then it’s time for new tires. If [his head] is partially covered, you’re usually OK.”

Schroeder said Les Schwab offers free tire-pressure checks for those who aren’t sure how to go about it themselves.

At home, make sure all tires are filled to their

Basic automobile maintenance going into warmer weatherLocal experts lend advice on what to do this spring to keep your automobile running down the road this summer and beyondBy LAURA LOFGREN | Peninsula Daily News

Keeping correct air pressure in tires makes them last longer, helps the car handle better and helps save money on fuel.

designated capacity, which is detailed on the tires. Keeping the correct air pressure in your tires helps

them last longer, helps the car handle better and safer and helps save money on fuel. It is recommended that drivers check their tire pressure every other time they fill up at the gas station.

As far as snow tires are concerned, Schroeder says you can ride on those as long as you like, but studded tires needed to be removed by March 31.

While rain came bearing down this winter and into spring, wiper blades got plenty of use. With chances of more drizzles ahead, double check your car’s wiper blades. Look for cracks and wear, replacing them each spring and fall if necessary.

To get your ride road-ready, check your fluids and look for fluid leaks. Another telltale and easily identi-fiable sign that a vehicle needs some maintenance is the sight of fluids beneath the car.

If you notice puddles or stains beneath where you normally park your car, your vehicle may be leaking fluids.

Note the color and consistency of the fluid and then call your mechanic to determine which fluid is leaking and how to fix the problem.

Leon Skerbeck, owner, operator and working technician of Rusty’s Import Auto Repair in Port Angeles — a shop that focuses on northern European vehicles — said he sees “at least one fluid level that needs attention” after about a year of no maintenance on a car.

Skerbeck said car owners should invest at least four times a year in an overall vehicle inspection, which includes brake checks, light checks, air filter checks, oil changes and more.

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Spring/Summer Car CarepeninSula Daily newS/Sequim gazette 10 april 2016<< ADVICE continued from Page 7

“We now have these extended service intervals,” Skerbeck said. “And it’s been a year since someone checked your car. It used to be [every] 3,000 miles.”

Whether your vehicle is brand new or has some miles on it, consult the owner’s manual for manufac-turer recommendations with regard to changing fluids and replacing filters.

Many recent models can now be driven roughly 5,000 miles before they need an oil change, but check your owner’s manual for the guidelines established by your vehicle’s manufacturer and adhere to that schedule religiously.

If you drive an older car, recognize that the vehicle may benefit from more frequent oil changes and tune-ups.

Skerbeck stresses that vehicle owners should visit an automotive repair shop that specializes in their make and model, and to put a little extra money into maintenance.

“It’s worth it to spend the money to protect the investment,” he said.

Look under the hood, as well. While many drivers feel that the area beneath their

vehicles’ hoods is best left to the professionals, you can still lift up the hood every so often to see if there are any glaring problems that demand attention.

Inspect rubber belts for signs of wear and tear, and know that such belts may need to be replaced every 50,000 miles or even more frequently depending on your driving habits.

Lifting the hood also is necessary when checking fluid levels, which you should check periodically and before and after any long trips.

And what better time than springtime to clear out the trunk. A car filled with clutter is carrying unnec-essary weight, making it harder for the car to acceler-ate and consuming more fuel than it should be.

MetroCreative content was used in this story.

A windshield crack is something that should be remedied soon.

The scenario is all too common. Drivers are travel-ing down the road, and a pebble gets kicked up and hits their windshield, causing a small chip to appear. Slowly but surely that chip turns into a spreading, snaking crack that only gets worse with each bump and pothole.

Having a broken windshield is not only unsightly and a big inconvenience, it can also be illegal. That’s because the crack reduces the efficacy of the window safety composition, meaning it may shatter in the event of an impact accident and cause extensive injuries.

The crack also may impede a driver’s ability to see the road clearly.

It’s important to note that liability car insurance typically doesn’t cover a cracked windshield that oc-curs in a collision. Instead, drivers hoping to be cov-ered need to have collision insurance on their vehicle.

However, not all windshields crack in a car accident. Many are damaged in nonaccident-related circumstances, whether this be a tree branch that falls on the car or a rock kicked up from the roadway.

It’s important to read an insurance policy thor-oughly to be sure that nonaccident-related cracks to the windshield will be covered.

Even if the damage is covered, it may not be worth the expense of paying the insurance deductible and filing a claim, which may end up raising your rate in the long run.

Many small nicks can be repaired easily with a kit purchased from an automotive supply store.

Inexpensive and user-friendly, the instructions guide users through the process of sealing the crack and preventing it from spreading.

If the crack is beyond the scope of a do-it-yourself fix, a windshield repair service that specializes in this type of work might be necessary.

These companies use products that harden quickly and reglaze the windshield so that the crack may not even be noticeable afterward.

Upon inspection, a mechanic or a windshield replacement company may determine that the crack is not something that can be mended.

The entire windshield will have to be replaced at this point. In some cases the windshield can be removed and replaced in the same day.

While there is no way to prevent a cracked wind-shield entirely, there are certain ways to reduce the risk.

This includes avoiding running over any debris on the road that can be kicked back at the windshield.

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Buyers should do their homework before purchasing an recreational vehicle (RV).

Opportunity for adventure abounds for RV owners. With a motor home parked in the driveway, a road

trip or instant family getaway is only a few steps away.

While RVs can be rented, serious road-trippers of-ten prefer purchasing one so that it can be customized with the features desired and always be at the ready.

RVs vary in price depending on the vehicle, and there are a few things prospective RV owners should know before they begin shopping.

First, drivers who have not previously owned an RV or even stepped inside of one might have an inaccu-rate perception of these vehicles.

Today’s recreational vehicles are much more than meets the eye, and it pays to attend an RV show to become acquainted with the various types of motor homes. This way you will be familiar with the jargon and have a reasonable idea of what you want before going to a dealership.

There are various classes of RVs, but the largest ones tend to be the most expensive.

Some RVs have an engine and are driven like a bus, while other models hitch to the back of a truck or van.

If you will be towing an RV, you must be certain the car or truck doing the towing is equipped to tow a vehicle the weight and size of your particular RV.

Some RVs have fixed dimensions, while others

expand, either manually or electronically, pushing out walls to provide even more interior room when the RV is parked.

RVs have different floor plans, and there are many different models to fit a buyer’s needs.

Many RVs are equipped with no frills furnishings, but there are models that feature top-of-the-line appli-ances and fixtures. It’s possible to get granite counter-tops and cherry cabinets in an RV, but such accesso-ries will increase the cost of the vehicle.

Upholstered sofas and dining room banquettes may be upgraded to leather. Some RVs have an additional kitchenette built into the exterior of the unit for easy access when barbecuing or cooking at a campsite.

How you plan to use the RV should also be consid-ered prior to purchasing one.

Will you be spending time cooking meals and sleep-ing inside, or will it mainly be used as a storage unit for your camping gear? Do you plan on taking ex-tended vacations and desire all the comforts of home? Defining these goals will help you find the right RV for you.

Another thing to consider is renting an RV for a day or two to get a feel for driving it and what it is like to spend a night inside.

You may be able to determine if you need more or less of a mobile home when you ultimately decide to purchase.

Make sure everything works before you drive the RV off of the lot.

Repairs can be expensive, and you do not want to be stuck with a lemon when you’re on the road.

Find out if there are any roadside assistance pack-ages that can be negotiated to offer you peace of mind with your first RV.

The decision of whether to purchase an RV re-quires ample forethought. Comparing a number of different models and designs and weighing personal needs can give buyers a good idea of which RV is right for them.

Consider angles before buying a recreational vehicleBy METROCREATIVE

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This is the prime season for road trips, which many people feel are the most affordable vacation option avail-able. They also provide unsurpassed views of the countryside and the ability to slow down and customize the trip as desired.

Packing the car for a road trip can be complicated. Although the goal may be to cram as much as possible into the car and get on the road quickly, part of the safety plan for this year’s adven-ture should include packing properly to avoid injury.

Americans drive trillions of miles in any given year.

Although it is difficult to make a direct comparison between how many people choose driving as opposed to flying, when comparing data from the Federal Highway Administration and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, for every mile Americans flew, they drove about six more in 2011.

With so many miles clocked on the road, it is essential to make the experi-ence as safe as possible — and that means properly securing belongings in a vehicle before getting on the road.

In 2009, a laptop computer became a projectile that killed its owner. Heather Storey of Surrey, B.C., was driving to work when her vehicle was hit by a tow truck. Her laptop was propelled at such a force that it caused a deadly injury to her head.

Unsecured or improperly packed items in a car or truck have the poten-tial to cause serious injury when on the road or, at the very least, may obscure visibility when driving, Consumer Re-ports said.

The organization and others offer drivers a series of tips that can help make travel safer.

• Adjust tire pressure prior to travel. Consult the owners manual to deter-mine the proper tire pressure when the vehicle is carrying a full load.

This will not only help alleviate un-necessary wear and tear on the tires, but also can help prevent a tire blow-out.

• Know the car’s limits. It also is important to stay below the maximum permitted weight or maximum load capacity for the car or truck.

Consumer Reports says that the capacity for small SUVs can span from 825 pounds to 1,155 pounds. Midsize SUVs may carry anywhere from 900 pounds to 1,405 pounds.

Minivan capacities can vary sig-nificantly as well. The load capacity is specified in the owner’s manual.

• Store the heaviest items at the low-est, most central part of the vehicle.

This helps reduce effects on handling that can lead to problems with steering or braking.

Drivers should keep the overall center of gravity lower to help reduce the risk of rollover.

• Make sure everything is secured in the car or truck. Use crates or boxes to house smaller items.

Use straps or rope to tie down any-thing loaded in the back of a truck or SUV to the vehicle’s cargo anchors.

Load as much as you can into a car’s trunk to avoid having loose items roll-ing around inside the passenger area.

• Keep a clear view of mirrors and the rear of the vehicle.

Do not pack any items higher than the level of the rear seats.

Not only can these items fly forward in the event of sharp braking or a crash, but they also may obscure the driver’s view of the road.

• Invest in a roof rack or cargo box. Only place light items on the roof of

the car so you can free up interior space. Secure roof items tightly, as they will

be caught by the updraft while driv-ing and you do not want to send them airborne and onto the roadway.

Also, if you do use the roof for storage, be aware of how much taller the items will make your vehicle so you know if you can safely drive beneath underpasses.

• Make sure passengers can be seated safely. Packing a car doesn’t always mean being able to fit suitcases and belongings.

It also means ensuring passengers can ride safely.

Do not seat more passengers than can be restrained by the seat belts in the car.

If there is not enough room, it is safer in the long run to take two cars.

Pack a vehicle safely and make sure it is maintained before heading out on your first road trip of the season.

How to pack a car safely

By METROCREATIVE

Taking the time to load up the car smartly for a trip could help save time — and save lives — this spring

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Today’s auto manufacturers under-stand that maximized cargo space is a feature many buyers want in their new vehicles. But even the most spacious car or SUV may not always provide the right amount of space drivers need to haul large items.

Roof racks benefit travelers and everyday motorists in numerous ways. Racks make it easy to transport cargo that does not fit the shape or size of a car trunk or cargo area of an SUV.

Also, roof racks enable drivers to free up interior space and keep sight lines open, contributing to driver safety.

By boosting a vehicle’s storage space, roof racks essentially transform the top of a car or truck into a second trunk. Moving items up and outside of the car can free up additional legroom and give passengers greater comfort on longer trips.

Plus, roof racks provide a sturdy surface on which to store kayaks,

mountain bikes, furniture, surfboards and more without damaging the paint and finish of the vehicle.

Roof racks are sold in a variety of styles and applications. Roof boxes and bags also can be purchased, if you have items that need to be protected from the elements.

Many auto manufacturers offer roof racks as an option on new vehicles, or they can be installed after-market by a qualified professional.

When purchasing roof racks, drivers should consider their needs and the size of the items they’re most likely to store.

Many benefits go with automotive roof racksBy METROCREATIVE

Vehicle safety recalls are designed to keep roadways and passengers safe.

New cars are purchased or leased to provide a reliable mode of transpor-tation. But some vehicles malfunction even when they are fresh off of the dealership lot.

Other times manufac-turers or safety watch-dog groups determine that certain cars and trucks have an issue that requires a recall to keep roadways safe.

Vehicle recall statistics are difficult to pin down. That’s because there is no standard rate of recalls per year, as recalls depend on safety statistics for par-ticular makes and models.

For example, in 2009 more than 40 million Toyota vehicles were

recalled due to a faulty gas pedal.

An automotive recall is how manufacturers inform drivers that there could be something about their cars or trucks that presents a risk of injury or property damage.

The recall may be independently conducted by the manufacturer or ordered by a safety group, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall involves the manufacturer providing a free, safe and effective remedy for the faulty component.

When a recall is an-nounced, drivers may not have to immediately visit a dealership to have the problem corrected. Own-ers should wait for an official letter.

The letter will narrow

down which vehicles are affected. There should be a specific window of time presented in which the vehicle can be repaired.

Vehicle owners are urged to pay attention to the performance of their cars or trucks to see if they are exhibiting any problems.

If so, schedule an appointment for repair according to the recall instructions provided.

The notification letter should include the risk of hazard posed by the problem as well as the free remedy and how long the repair should take.

There also should be a description of what an owner can do if he or she is unable to have the problem remedied within a reasonable amount of time and without charge.

AUTO RECALLS: What to do?By METROCREATIVE

>> RECALLS continued on Page 15

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Young children, cyclists and pedestrians are espe-cially vulnerable to injury when vehicles are backing up — either in or out of parking spaces or a driveway.

In July of 2011, 78-year-old Yolanda Casal was thrown into the air and killed after she was hit by a sports utility vehicle (SUV) that was backing up on the streets of New York City. Her daughter was also struck and suffered broken ribs.

In the same year, Judy Neiman was backing out of her parking space in Washington state when she struck her 9-year-old daughter Sydnee, who did not survive her injuries.

Neiman has since lobbied lawmakers to establish laws requiring mandatory back-up cameras on vehicles.

Backover is the term applied to hitting a person or object while a vehicle is in reverse.

With the prevalence of sport utility vehicles (SUV) and minivans, backover accidents have increased.

Figures from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say backovers kill 292 people on average in the United States every year.

There are many people who believe that back-up cameras on vehicles can save hundreds of people, par-ticularly young children, from backover accidents.

An SUV that has rear windows nearly 5 feet off the ground does not enable drivers to clearly see a person or object directly behind the vehicle.

Most children under the age of 10 (the segment of the population most likely to be injured in a backover) are much shorter than that height.

Even without legislation already in place, many SUVs and vans now come equipped with reverse cam-eras as a standard feature or as an option. Therefore, consumers can choose brands that offer this added safety feature. After-market cameras also are avail-

able for installation.In addition to using cameras, there are other safety

precautions drivers can take to reduce backover ac-cidents.

• Children should be instructed not to play in, under or around vehicles.

• Drivers should always assume someone or some-thing is behind the vehicle. Conduct an inspection behind the car or truck prior to getting in the vehicle and backing up.

• Do not back up the vehicle until you have ensured all passengers are in the car and safely belted in.

• Be aware of the vehicle’s blind spots at all times.• Always clear windows from visual obstructions

before putting the car or truck in gear. Do not reduce visibility any further.

• Always back up slowly and with the windows rolled down so you can look and listen for anything that might be behind the vehicle.

• Keep the radio off, put your cellphone away and avoid any distractions in the car when moving in reverse.

• Teach teens learning to drive how to safely move in reverse.

By METROCREATIVE

How can you prevent a backover accident?5A

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<< RECALLS continued from Page 13

If repair work has been done on a vehicle prior to knowledge of the recall, owners may be eligible for reimburse-ment for their expenses, provided they kept their receipts.

While reimbursement for damages that the defect may have caused are not covered by recalls, owners may be able to solicit reimbursement privately.

The following are steps to take when

informed of a recall:1. Contact the dealer service man-

ager and explain that you are inquiring about work required as part of a recall.2. If the manager has not remedied

the situation and provided the next steps, contact the manufacturer, which should be able to handle the situation.3. If all else fails, owners can contact

the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.recalls.gov.

Motorists never know when problems with their vehicles may force them to pull off the road and onto the shoulder.

Whether it’s a flat tire, a sputtering engine or an empty gas tank, such circumstances are never welcome.

But such situations need not be so unbear-able. Drivers who keep roadside emergency kits

in their vehicles may find themselves getting back on the road more quickly the next time an unfore-seen problem forces them to pull off the highway.

The following are some must-have items drivers should include in their roadside emergency kits:

• Roadside flares• First-aid kit• Jumper cables• Warm blankets• Flashlight• Batteries

• Screwdrivers (both flat-head and Phillips)

• Tire-pressure gauge• Spare tire• De-icing agent• Nonperishable

snacks• Extra fluids (motor

oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer)

• Pliers• Cellphone charger• Important phone

numbers (mechanic, auto insurance company)

Road emergency kit essentialsBy METROCREATIVE

Many Washington drivers are un-aware that driving in the left lane for extended periods of time can be against the law.

The left lane is designed to operate as a passing lane.

In order to combat this problem, Chief John R. Batiste said the Wash-ington State Patrol recently conducted a statewide emphasis patrol to bring increased awareness to the left-lane law.

State troopers focused their efforts on locating and stopping left-lane violators.

Last year, the State Patrol stopped 13,909 left lane law violators.

According to the law, RCW 46.61.100(2), upon all roadways having two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction, all vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, except for overtak-ing and passing another vehicle in the same direction, when traveling at a speed greater than the traffic flow, when moving left to allow traffic to merge or

when preparing for a left turn at an in-tersection, exit or into a private road or driveway when such left turn is legally permitted.

Left lane is a passing laneBy WASHINGTON STATE PATROL

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