HIGHROADS Online - May / June 2008

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Seniors: Does Your Car “Fit”?
Driving today is more difficult than ever because of more traffic, bigger vehicles and faster speeds. One thing older drivers can do is ensure that their vehicle “fits” them for maximum comfort and safety.
The CarFit Program focuses on the fit of your vehicle, ensuring that you have:

A clear line of sight over the steering wheel.
Room between your breastbone and the airbag/steering wheel.
Properly adjusted headrests.
Easy access to the gas and brake pedals.
Proper seatbelt positioning.
Maximum rearview- and side-mirror visibility.

Contact your local branch office to schedule a CarFit appointment with a trained technician. Appointments take about 20 minutes and are free for members.

Additional Driving Resources for Seniors
Keeping the Keys, a free workshop for senior members and their families, provides essential information and tools to help seniors evaluate their driving skills in order to stay on the road as safely as possible. To register, call 602-241-2945 or e-mail jreynolds@arizona.aaa.com. Spaces are limited.

ChezNous
14495 R.H. Johnson Blvd., Sun City West
January 23, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

SCAN Resource Center
1313 E. Osborn Rd. Suite 150, Phoenix
January 26, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Columbus Branch Library

4350 E. 22nd St., Tucson

January 27, 2:30 to 4 p.m.

For more resources, information and advice for senior drivers and their families, visit AAAseniors.com, a website dedicated to driving issues.

Life-Saving Resources for Teen Drivers
AAA continues our mission to help teens become safer drivers by providing information and tools to assist teen drivers and their families. Visit teensatthewheel.com for information on the new graduated driver’s license law, choosing a driving school, driver training products, research and more. Also, sign up for our free StartSmart e-newsletter to receive timely information directly to your e-mail. Subscribe to StartSmart by visiting AAAaz.com/news/parentsandteens.htm.

Dare to Prepare Workshops
Free, 90-minute workshops to help parents and teens navigate the learning-to-drive process.

AAA Phoenix
3144 N. 7th Ave.
January 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
February 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Columbus Branch Library
4350 E. 22nd St., Tucson
January 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Spaces are limited. To register, call 602-241-2945 or e-mail jreynolds@arizona.aaa.com

Join AAA on Facebook!
More than 43,000 people died on our nation’s roadways last year. Want to do something to stop this growing epidemic? Join AAA Arizona and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in the “Make Our Roads Safe for Everyone” cause page on Facebook. For a limited time, get at least ten friends to join the cause and receive a free Driver-ZED traffic safety DVD for the new driver in your life. Visit the Facebook cause page at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/73639.

Photo Enforcement — Don’t Get “Snapped”
Arizona’s photo radar enforcement is growing dramatically — the state legislature approved the installation of more than 100 new cameras on state freeways to reduce collisions and generate new revenue.

Offenders who are ticketed for speeding 10 miles or more above posted limits on state freeways receive $165 in civil fines, plus tax, but violations will not be reported to the Motor Vehicle Division for points added to their motor vehicle record. This means that — in most instances — these violations cannot be counted against the driver’s record for insurance rating purposes. However, motorists caught traveling in excess of 85 miles per hour on freeways — a criminal offense in Arizona — will continue to face stiffer penalties, including up to a $500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail.

However, photo-enforcement tickets received on city streets or streets other than state-run highways may result in points on the offender’s driver license.

In order to keep members informed, AAA Arizona has published and will maintain a listing of stationary freeway camera locations. For the most up-to-date list, visit AAAaz.com/news/articles/PhotoRadar.htm or visit the Department of Public Safety website at http://photoenforcement.azdps.gov/.

Light Rail Opens!
With light rail now operating along the approximate 20-mile segment in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, AAA Arizona wants to remind members of the following tips to stay safe along the route:

At intersections, never stop or park your car or bike on light rail tracks.
Stop on red and turn left only with a green arrow.
Never try to beat a train through the intersection.
Light rail trains are quiet. Listen for warning bells and watch for flashing headlights on the train.
Look both ways before crossing the tracks by car or bike.
Treat METRO high-voltage powerlines with the same respect as utility company lines.
Don’t walk on or stand near the tracks.
Jaywalking is illegal and unsafe. Cross only at crosswalks and obey the crosswalk signals.
Be alert when near the tracks. Light rail is quiet. Listen for warning bells and look for flashing headlights.
Teach your kids about light rail safety. Remind your children to stop, look and listen — especially around light rail tracks.
Teach children to cross intersections only in a crosswalk and to obey the crosswalk signs.
Never allow children to play near the tracks and never fly kites or models near the high-voltage overhead power lines.
When walking with children, keep them together and away from the tracks.
Skateboarding, rollerblading and riding bikes in the guideway or on light rail platforms is not safe and is not permitted.