America’s Road Team offers summer driving tips

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The America’s Road Team captains give the following advice on how to safely navigate through highway traffic and congestion this summer and, at the same time, save costly fuel.

• Do a "walk around" before leaving — Check the vehicle's tires, wipers and fluids. Have the radiator and cooling system serviced. You can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave home.
• Plan ahead — Before you get on the highway, know your exit by name and number and watch the signs for the exit as you get close. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
• Get a map or program a GPS — Surprisingly, few motorists use maps, even when driving through unfamiliar areas. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving — it allows you to anticipate the road ahead and avoid a panicky search for directions.
• Leave early and avoid risks — Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to anticipate delays. Know your limitations: don't drive when tired, upset, or physically ill. Never try to gain a few seconds by attempting a risky maneuver and think twice about changing lanes just to get around a vehicle traveling at a speed close to yours.
• Be aware of truck blindspots — When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his/her mirrors, then that truck driver can’t see you.
• Expect the unexpected — Look 1/4 mile ahead for a safe path. Always leave yourself an out.
• Use your cell phone with caution — Pull off to a designated parking area to use your cell phone.
• Signal your intentions — To change lanes, signal ahead of time so other drivers can respond. If a truck is signaling to change lanes, allow it space enough to do so. Often, it is trying to avoid another vehicle.
• Do not cut in front of large trucks — Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Yield — On entrance ramps, remember highway traffic has the right of way; maintain proper speed, use smooth merging techniques, and don't slow down in front of a truck.
• Never stop on the highway — The most dangerous speed on a highway is zero. Stopped vehicles, even on the shoulder, create a severe hazard for themselves and others. If you are stopped for emergency purposes, understand that big trucks cannot always stop to assist you, but most will use their radios to contact the police or highway patrol if they see you are in trouble.
• Watch your gas gauge — To save fuel, take direct routes, minimize side trips, and keep a steady speed. A well-tuned engine, properly inflated tires and reduced speed will result in noticeable fuel savings. Have at least a quarter of a tank of gas before you get on a highway. Traffic tie-ups can use a lot of fuel — and may leave you stranded.
• Construction zones — Stay alert in work zones. Traffic may move more slowly, and lanes may be temporarily closed. Obey informational signs located within the work zone.

Members of America’s Road Team, elite professional truck drivers chosen by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), remind the motoring public that from driveway to highway, safety requires patience and dedication all the time. If you are interested in more information on ATA’s America’s Road Team, visit: www.americasroadteam.com/http://www.americasroadteam.com/