Wednesday, September 26, 2001

Hearing important when driving

Crowded roadways and distractions such as car phones, the car radio and traffic noise can make driving a stressful experience for anyone. For drivers with hearing loss, the challenges are even greater.

Here are some suggestions for safe driving:

If having a conversation while driving distracts you, ask passengers not to communicate with you unless necessary. It can be difficult to understand a conversation under these noisy conditions.

In order to hear traffic sounds, keep car radio volume to a minimum and place the air conditioner or heater on the lowest possible setting.

The use of a car phone while driving is not recommended.

Check your turn signal indicator occasionally to make sure it's not blinking needlessly. Consider installing the "Blinker Buddy" turn signal reminder. The audible signal becomes progressively louder until you turn, brake, or turn off the signal indicator. For more information, please call our office.

Make frequent use of all side and rearview mirrors when changing lanes and passing.

In some situations, such as approaching a railroad crossing, leaving your car window partially open will allow you to hear warning signals more clearly.

We hope these suggestions will help you drive more confidently and assure that you will indeed "have a safe trip."