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Wiper Blades: Are they in good
shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:
Have you checked all levels?
Lights: Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a
safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance
driving? Are the tires all inflated to
the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What's the
weather outlook along your route?
Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date
maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as
"highway hypnosis"? Or is it just plain
falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or
whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch
of road with the same scenery, along with
the hum of the tires on the road, the drone
of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you
sleepy. Don't let it happen to you! If it
does, your vehicle can leave the road in
less than a second, and
you
could crash
and be injured.
What can you do about highway
hypnosis? First, be aware that it can
happen.
Then here are some tips:
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Make sure your vehicle is well
ventilated, with a comfortably cool
interior.
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Keep your eyes moving. Scan the
road ahead and to the sides. Check
your mirrors and your instruments
frequently.
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If you get sleepy, pull off the road into
a rest, service, or parking area and
take a nap, get some exercise,
or
both.
For safety, treat drowsiness on the
highway as an emergency.
Hill and Mountain
Roads
Driving on steep hills or mountains is
different from driving in flat or rolling
terrain. If you drive regularly in steep
country, or if you're planning to visit
there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
(See "Off-Road Driving" in the Index
for information about driving off-road.)
Keep your vehicle in good shape.
Check all fluid levels and also the
brakes, tires, cooling system and
transmission. These parts can work
hard on mountain roads.
I L I
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