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ROAD READY by Ken Gadsden Many years ago a social scientist named Maslow de- scribed the human condition as a "Hierarchy of Neads." We ii all have needs; - eating, sleeping, the toilet, to love and be | loved, etc., etc. As our more basic physical needs are resolved we move on to higher more intellectual pursuits. To illustrate; if you are i caught short your focus is completely on resolving that prob- \l lem. The national debt, the price of tea in China, Maggie \{ Thatcher's resignation, the dump issue {no pun intended} all disappear until you solve your immediate problem of finding a washroom. Such exclusivity should apply as well to driving. Unfortu- nately all too often it doesn't. Fact is, we're too comfortable with driving. Unless there's an ice storm or a blizzard most drivers don't give a second thought to the drive. How often do you see a driver slouched against the door with one wrist resting on top of the steering wheel and barrelling along at a speed well over the limit. | believe that the majority of people whom you see driving in such cavalier fashion regard themselves as responsible citi- zens. The problem is their minds are anywhere but focussing on the task at hand. When you step behind the wheel you undertake a major assignment. It isn't mission impossible but it is critical. At that point nothing - repeat - nothing is more important than getting safely to your destination. Recognizing that fact is one of the first steps to becoming a defensive driver. The Canada Safety Council defines defensive driving as "driving to prevent collisions in spite of the actions of others and conditions around you." No matter what the other guy does nor how bad the N weather?? That's a pretty tall order! Can we do it? You bet your sweet bippy! Right off the bat we must recognize and accept the fact there are many things which we can not control - other driv- ers, pedestrians, animals, weather, road conditions, - but what we we can do is to develop an attitude or Anproach along with driving techniques which will allow for those haz- ards. This requires a certain amount of study, practice and above all, constant application. To apply it means to concen- trate on it. Have you ever taken a trip and not remembered driving \ through particular areas? Most of us have experienced this. XN The mind goes on vacation leaving the body to do the work \} {or pay the price!} 3 It isn't possible to shut everything out while driving but the more you work at focussing on driving, the greater your chances of avoiding a collision become. In other words, as with most things in life, you do a better job if you think about what you are doing. The C.S.C. recommends that in every instance before getting behind the wheel drivers should go through a "pre trip mental inventory." This exercise consists of an evaluation of the "six conditions of driving. These are: Light; Weather; Traf- c; Road; Vehicle; Driver. They are all important factors in the driving equation. fail- ure to take any one of them into account could lead to a colli- : sion. Which one would you consider of greatest importance? We'll be discussing each of them in detail next week. DEER HAZARDS An article on the front page of the last issue of the Port Perry Star reported that seven deer had been struck by auto- mobiles in the previous week and that "all of the incidents took place either in early morning or at dusk." The hazard of deer or other animals is extremely great at dusk and dawn but they can show up anytime. Here are some quick tips which may help to avoid them: - Deer can bound into the path of your vehicle at any time, but be extra cautious between dusk and dawn. This is when they are most active. 3 - Reduce your speed to no more than the legal limit, es- pecially in areas where deer crossing signs are present. - Stay alert - avoid distractions within your vehicle. 3 - Keep a watchful eye for dark shadows on the road 3 shoulder or in the ditch. - Watch for the bright green reflection of a deer's eyes in your headlights. - If you see one deer, reduce your speed immediately, they seldom travel alone. You may see two, ten, or twenty at one time. Reduce your speed to a crawl until safely out of the crossing area. - Be particularly cautious in low-lying areas, it's their fa- vourite crossing point. See you next week. Ken Gadsden took early retirement from Bell Canada to work as an independent consultant. A Canada Safety Council member, he is accredited to teach their defensive driving § course. "Roadready" appears in the Port Perry Star on a regu- § lar basis. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE WHERE IT PAYS i ore a: A 8 Sa Gi NS N A = N A N NY 3 RN N 2 2 NN RR 2 NS A | Myrtle News On Saturday, Myrtle United Church Sunday School entered its first float in the Port Perry Santa Claus Parade. Our float was the Christmas Eve Nativi- ty Scene and fifteen children took part. Many thanks go to Donna and Dave Kirk, Sonja Graham and Bonnie Reynolds for the or- ganization and construction of ER IN TU PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, November 27, 1990 -- 25 the float. Thanks also to Mur- ray and Anne Franklin and Roger Cryderman for the trans- portation vehicles and their help. After the parade we were in- vited back to the Whistle Stop by owners John and Joanne, to be warmed up with hot choco- late and apple cider and freshly baked cookies. Thank you both Now at your [024003 1 1A (010) IA E\7 § 231018) 14 0) V:N 8 2) | Sunday School had float in parade again. It was a great day and it put everyone into the holiday spir- it. The Craft sale two weeks ago was a big success once again and we look forward to plan- ning another one for next year. Proceeds from the table rentals and baked goods went to the Church. Sv Wr On almost every new car and truck in stock! ZERO DOWN! ZERO PAYMENTS! ZERQ INTEREST roar 91! x % $700 CASH BACK 'Program applies to all new 1991 and prior model year Ford, Mercury cars and light trucks excluding Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Continental, Town Car, Mark Vil and Explorer. Purchases must be made and taken from dealer inventory. All 1990 models include dealer participation excluding Escort and Bronco ll. No payment for 120 days. Ford of Canada Limited will pay interest for the first 90 Jaye. Example: 48-month contract, cost of money for first 90 days is nil. $15,000 financed over 45 months at 15.25% A.P. only to retail buyers financing their purchases through Ford Motor Credit. On approved credit. monthly payment is $439.74. Cost of borrowing is $4788.30. Offer available * 'Additional cash back of $350 on Festiva, $450 on Escort, Tracer, $500 on Probe, Mustang, Tempo, Topaz, Bronco li, Ranger, $700 on Taurus, Sable, Thunderbird, Cougar, Aerostar, Econoline, Bronco and F-Series. See Dealer for details. ID[®)\ IV IISNIN 5108 (O51 i 1\[@131:8D) 1H ONO) 3 3 11 SH @) eee] pa YOUR 15 "FORD-LINCOLN-MERCURY DEALFR! Where customers become friends. TAYLOR FORD - MERCURY Hwy. 7A West, Port Perry 416-985-4451 BRANDON FORD MERCURY SALES Hwy. 47 South, Uxbridge 416-852-6185