Too many people remain unfocused behind wheel
Bill Love
Auto Columnist
Driver diversion still runs amok. The woeful results of distracted driving head the topic list of driving columns like cell phone use tops the list of driving distractions. In other words, lack of attention gets a lot of attention when it comes to motor vehicles.
In this column, I've promoted the concept of paying attention to the task at hand as we drive many times, while other print and electronic journalistic efforts tout the same.
And the task at hand that we are talking about is not text messaging—it's driving.
But evidently, the message to stay focused merits repetition. Private, commercial, and law enforcement drivers I speak with all have stories of drivers who dilute their driving focus with extracurricular activities.
These activities may range from simple daydreaming, to downright absurd acts. I've discussed my lists right here, including cell phone use (of course), eating, hot cigarette ash chasing, and scary insect shooing. All of those things can steal enough of a driver's attention to increase the odds of crashing.
These days, however, "common" multi-tasking does not satisfy some drivers. An Internet Blog I recently visited asked for examples of ill-focused drivers spotted on the roadways. Some of the postings were concerning to say the least. A "twenty-something" woman was applying eyeliner as she passed a lady who was going 70 mph on the
freeway - this happened right here in Washington. A few other reports consisted "only" of cell phone use, eating, and book reading.
A trucker out of Indiana, though, added a new twist to the reports of reading. He saw an Interstate driver reading a newspaper at night with the dome light on! Have you ever tried to see out of your car at night with the interior lights on? This driver coupled reduction of his visibility with the distraction of reading - quite a feat. Along with tending to hair and makeup, this commercial driver has spotted teeth brushing, flossing, and laptop computer use by drivers - he believed one was watching a movie! His sightings even included drivers changing clothes, and X-rated activity not appropriate for this column.
The wildest report came from a New York driver, where a fellow Long Island Expressway driver was seen playing the violin from sheet music propped upon the steering wheel. The Big Apple is certainly upholding its reputation for crazy drivers.
It's troublesome, and scary, to think that we have to share the roads with drivers exhibiting these extremes of attention deficit. The point is to try to stay focused on your driving - we must, in order to watch out for the ones who don't.
Light Gripe
Two weeks ago, I wrote of the importance of maintaining vehicle lighting. On that subject, reader J.S. voiced a reminder about parking lights. He noted, "The next time you compose an article on the same subject, perhaps you might mention how dangerous it is to drive at dawn or dusk with only one's parking lights on. I believe it's against the law, and it surprises me to see that it happens so frequently."
I used to see the misuse of parking lights a lot, but thought it was diminishing - it may be so common, though, that I'm overlooking it. Nevertheless, it's a good way to attract the attention of a law officer. I can't find a specific law prohibiting it in the RCWs, but the Washington Driver Guide states, "Whenever driving and lights are necessary, use your headlights. Parking lights are for parked vehicles only." You would be pulled over for it if spotted by police.
Keep Your Distance
An article I read last month recounted a major mishap on Interstate 5 near Fresno, Calif. The reported pileup involved over 100 vehicles. In the story, fog and speed were blamed for the melee that took many lives, and caused countess injuries.
Of course, speed and visibility were factors, but improper following distance was never mentioned. I have traveled that stretch of highway, and it is basically an endless "freight train" of cars and trucks traveling 80 mph bumper-to-bumper. Tailgating is a major cause of road rage and traffic accidents. Please remember to maintain a safe following distance behind other vehicles, especially in dark and/or foggy conditions.
Winter Reminder
On mountain passes, when "traction tires" are required, your tires must have at least 4/32nds of an inch of tread depth to qualify. In addition, they must have a sidewall designation of "M & S (mud and snow) or its equivalent. All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles are exempt from "chains required" postings, but must still carry chains in the vehicle for at least two wheels to be legal crossing Washington mountain passes.
Readers may write to Bill Love, c/o The Spokesman-Review Auto Section, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Or you may contact him via e-mail at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.
