Escapees March-April 2019 Vol 40 Issue 5

                                    Sometimes, we can be lazy, and say

L et’s talk about driving RVs, discussing the mental state behind the wheel and defensive techniques to keep us safe. We need to start with attitude. The driver’s attitude is vital to safe driving. How mindful we are will determine how we drive. If we’re feeling rushed, we drive faster. If we’re irritated, we’ll take actions that we normally wouldn’t. Coincidentally, the focus is on our irritation, not our driving. When tired, a driver’s reaction time is increased. The ability to perceive subtle, important changes dulls in the dynamics of traffic. Vision narrows, movements become jerky and, eventually, the body will fall asleep. Never drive tired. Most likely, we have all done it and are all fortunate that we are still here. It doesn’t matter who you are, you are most dangerous when fatigued, so get off the road and rest.

things like; “I’ll get those new tires before the next trip.” “Those windshield wipers are good enough.” “My brakes will be fine for one more trip.” “A little overweight isn’t that bad.” Don’t put off what needs to be done. Think back on some the choices you’ve made in your RV, both pre-trip and on the road. Particularly, think about those choices that resulted in close calls or accidents, a blown tire, a lane switch without clearing the area or speeding up to make the light. Why were those options chosen? What was it that you did or didn’t do that could have altered the outcome? Driving with a positive attitude is essential to helping you apply defensive techniques that are most effective.   Other drivers can pose a possible danger to you, and there are various defensive actions you can take to be safe.

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