10 Big Wheel Tips
Road Rules
March 11, 1998

Recently one of my best friends had the good fortune to cash in all of his employee stock options and become a multi-millionaire overnight. What was the first thing he did? He bought a red Ferrari convertible.

As we careened down the winding backroads of rural Maryland, I couldn't help thinking that we were going to die very shortly. When I mentioned this to my friend, he just laughed and said, "Yea, but we'll die happy!"

Well, maybe he would have died happy. But I would have died regretting that I let him go that fast. Although we Fools are as fun as my overcompensated friend, we also like to think that we'll be around to enjoy the fruits of our stock options instead of them just being a part of our estate.

So what are the things you should remember when the temptation to put the pedal to the metal becomes too great? Check out our 10 Foolish Big Wheel Safety Tips below for safety advice on all your adult transportation toys.

1. Buckle up. According to the recent Presidential Safety Initiative "Buckle Up America!", safety belts are the single most effective safety device in cars today. "Seat belts are estimated to save 9,500 lives each year. Yet only 68 percent of the motor vehicle occupants are buckled. In 1996, more than 60 percent of the occupants killed in fatal crashes were unrestrained." The initiative hopes to get 90% of us to regularly buckle up by the year 2005. According to the Buckle Up folks, if 90 percent of Americans buckle up, we will prevent more than 5,500 deaths and 132,000 injuries annually.

2. Get airbags. Even with all of the controversy surrounding them lately regarding children, airbags have made a huge difference in driver and passenger safety. There have even been some recent advances in technology that will make us even safer. If you'd like more information on the child/air bag controversy or the latest news on airbag advances, check out the Airbag Page courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

3. Don't drink or take drugs and drive. This seems so simple, so why is it that it's still happening? According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, more than 17,000 people were killed in accidents involving alcohol in 1996. And what's worse, "...alcohol-related traffic deaths among youth ages 15-20 increased for the first time in seven years from 2,206 in 1995 to 2,315 in 1996." If you'd like more information about how to talk to your teen about not drinking and driving or if you'd like to support their work, check out the MADD website.

4. Get your rest. Sleeping is a close second to drunkenness in causing impairment-related crashes. If you feel tired, find a motel, pull off into a rest stop, or ask someone else to drive.

5. Buckle up your baby. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, "motor vehicle crashes cause about 1 of every 3 injury deaths among children 12 and younger. Among those 5-12, crash injuries are the leading cause of death." It's obvious that buckling up the munchkins is the Foolish course of action. But are you sure of how to do it? If you need a short course in what to do and what not to do, check out the IIHS website.

6. Teach your teenager. Doesn't it seem like teens always get the shaft? Well, according to the IIHS, "The risk of crash involvement per mile driven among drivers 16-19 years old is four times the risk among older drivers. Risk is highest at age 16-17. In fact, the crash rate per mile driven is almost three times as high among 16 year-olds as it is among 18-19 year-olds." What's a Foolish mom and dad to do? Not let them use the car? How about teaching them to be a good driver in the first place? Talk to them about not drinking and driving. Talk to them about the importance of staying within the speed limit. Talk to them about how much your insurance costs because of them. Set a good example and be a good driver yourself.

7. Keep an eye on Grandma. Don't tell her that I'm talking about her behind her back, but she could use some help, too. Only 1 percent of deaths among older Americans involve motor vehicles. But elderly people have higher rates of fatal crashes then any other group except young drivers. Why is that? Mainly because their reflexes have slowed down and their senses may not be what they used to be. If you have an elderly family member, talk to them about your concerns. Try not to start the conversation with, "No you can't borrow my car, you blind old coot!" Be respectful, but concerned. Remember, it was probably Grandma who was on your side when you wanted a driver's license when your mom said no.

8. Wear a motorcycle helmet. Depending on where you live, you may not have to wear a helmet if you drive a motorcycle. I have great concern for state legislatures who make such decisions regarding their citizens' safety. And yes, I know I'll get flamed on this, but you really should wear a helmet. I grew up in a family whose every member at one time or another owned a motorcycle (including myself). I cannot tell you how many times we all were glad that our dad made us wear helmets. I am here today because he was "so mean" and made me put it on. Thanks, Daddy!

9. Don't be a duck brain. So your toy of choice zips through the water instead of speeding through the subdivision? Well, you have safety concerns of your own. Let's start with the fact that 80% of all drownings involving boats occurred in 1996 because the riders weren't wearing a life vest. Go over to Commander Bob's website for a very complete checklist of what you should do to keep yourself, your boat, and your passengers in tip-top shape.

10. Don't be a snowbird brain. So while you'd really rather have a boat, the only thing that water does in your back yard is turn to ice crystals. If you're like 3 million other North Americans you have a snowmobile. Yes they go fast, yes you can drive them before you drive a car (in many places), and yes they are mega fun. It also hurts like the dickens to have one flip over on you. Be sure and check out the State of Wisconsin's Snowmobile Safety Tips. And you thought that Wisconsin only knew about cheese!

-- Trudy Bowen (TMF Hoyden)