DEAR EDITOR:

Summertime, more of sharing the roadways, time for a “Driving 101 Refresher.”

Let’s begin with the roadway itself, its design, and more importantly, its markings.

• Pavement Markings: Lines, arrows, symbols guide the drivers on lane usage, where to turn, go straight, or stop. Most ignored marking is the solid, thick strip informing drivers where to stop at an intersection. Turning lane stopping distance from the intersection is a little further back than the straight lane.

The reason. Providing enough room for the driver turning into your roadway. We’ve all seen it, car to forward, turn can’t be negotiated, everybody trying to back up and make room. Very frustrating. Pay attention to those “Stop Lines”.

Staying with the communication aspect of driving, let’s address the vehicle itself.

Licensed drivers supposedly know how to operate their vehicle, but too many don’t fully understand some of the vehicle features, why, when, and how to operate. For example:

• The Horn: A communication device, alerting other drivers and pedestrians of your presence. A simple, quick one or two taps is sufficient in most circumstances. But it is too often used under frustration, the continuous horn blow telling another driver to move on, hurry up, get out of my way. So many road rage occurrences are the result of a simple horn blow. Take it easy and lay off the long, drawn-out blast.

• The Blinker: Ok, we all know it is the “Turn Signal”. As the horn they are simply a communication device, informing other drivers as to your direction. The problem, most drivers either never use them or don’t know when and how to use them. Traffic laws require the turn signal to be activated at a minimum of 100 feet before any lane change, simply letting the driver behind or in front know your intentions. Remember to make sure it is deactivated after the turn.

• Headlights: Obviously, headlights are there to “show us the way” when the sun sets, but they also are for communicating, letting the other drivers know you are there. Do you know that:

Headlights must be “on” from sunset to sunrise, and that means 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, even if it appears daylight. They are also required by law to be on during poor visibility periods, rain, snow, or fog. Also, and few drivers know or adhere to: “wipers on, headlights on”.

• Interior Rearview Mirror: Nothing should be hung from the mirror that may obstruct your front, side exterior view. A simple hanging air freshener, medallion, or whatever can block a distant vehicle, large or small, or more importantly, a motorcycle. “I didn’t see it coming” is often the response after an accident.

I hope this little refresher is taken seriously. Enjoy the summer, stay safe, stay informed.

JOHN P. LESEGANICH

Canfield