Multi-million-miler Irv Gordon says patience, awareness, and
proper maintenance are keys to safe driving. And he should know: The first
three things Irv did 47 years ago after purchasing a shiny red 1966 Volvo P1800
were to adjust his seat, check the mirrors, and buckle up. After driving that
very car more than 2.99 million miles, the Long Island native still abides by
these rules.
Gordon offers these additional safe-driving tips to fellow
drivers:
1) Buckle Up. “It’s the most important thing you and your
family will do on a roadway,” says Irv. “Plus, it was a Volvo employee named
Nils Bohlin who created the three-point safety belt, which has been credited
with saving tens of thousands of lives so I’m a bit partial.” And don’t just
buckle in your human passengers; be sure you properly restrain your pets as
well!
2) Expect Other Drivers Will Make Mistakes. “Be observant of
your fellow drivers,” says Irv. “Don’t assume a car pulling up to a stop sign
will stop until you see it stop. Allow five to six seconds of time between you
and the car in front of you. If a car is tailgating you, try to let that car
pass.”
3) Spend A Few Minutes Each Week Inspecting Your Car. “Even
the most mechanically challenged car owners can look for low fluid levels or
deteriorating belts and hoses,” explains Irv. He also suggests that you “look
to see that the battery connections are tight and corrosion free. These are the
most common sources of trouble on the road. And, walk around your car to ensure
the blinkers, brake lights, etc., are in proper working condition.”
4) Take Frequent Breaks During Long Road Trips. “This is not
NASCAR; it’s okay to take long breaks to stretch your legs, breathe fresh air,
and review your maps. It keeps you more alert on the road,” Irv says.
5) Don’t Drive If You Can’t Stand The Conditions. “Is it too
late in the night? Too rainy? Too snowy? Too hot? Too cold? When you’re
driving, it’s not the time to be daring. If you haven’t gotten enough sleep, if
the roads are too wet, or if anything else will inhibit your ability to drive
safely, pull over at a rest stop or stay the night at a hotel. Maybe they’ll
have a swimming pool and a complimentary breakfast.”
6) Ensure Proper Tire Inflation. “There is a reason all
service stations have air pumps and every mechanic has a tire gauge in his or
her shirt pocket. Having your tires properly inflated is as important as having
oil in your engine,” explains Irv. We agree: It also ensures better fuel
economy. AND, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, most tire shops will check
and fill your tires for free.
7) When Your Car Makes A Funny Noise, Listen To It. “Don’t
turn up the radio and hope that knocking noise goes away. It won’t. If your car
develops a condition, take it in immediately. The longer you wait, the greater
potential for danger.”
8) Weatherize Your Car Year-Round. “Prepare for the climate
you’ll be visiting and the season that is approaching, not just the one that’s
going on now. Have a qualified mechanic check your tire inflation, treads,
brake wear, fluids, etc., and let him or her know the type of weather in which
you could be driving. “