Holiday Driving: Safety Tips from a Racing Champion

With the Florida Institute of Technology jet dragster Larsen drives, "moving" means 280 mph at top speed. But the same sensibility should apply to anyone who drives – even if the vehicle does not have a jet turbine attached to it, according to Elaine and her husband, Larsen Motorsports co-founder and head crew chief Chris Larsen.

As nearly 46 million motorists hit the road for Thanksgiving travel this year – an increase of more than 3 percent over last year, according to AAA – and many more Americans prepare to visit the local mall, holiday gift list in hand, the Larsens are offering safe and sensible driving and maintenance tips honed on the racetrack but helpful no matter where – or what – you drive.

"It's all about common-sense driving techniques, awareness and proper maintenance," Elaine Larsen said.

• Minimize distractions. For Elaine in her jet dragster, that means no talking into her headset; for the rest of us that means no texting and driving and being mindful of other distractions like a blaring radio or friends or pets who have come along for the ride.

• Focus on where you are going. Whether that means checking traffic conditions before you leave, monitoring road closures or construction, or even scouting your route in advance, familiarity with what's outside your windshield contributes to safe, more focused driving.

• Keep your windshield clean and clear, and keep an eye on what's happening down the street. That helps reaction time if something unexpected happens.

• Keep the inside clutter-free. Ever tried to put the brakes on with an empty soda cup stuck beneath the pedal? And have your proper insurance and registration paperwork within easy reach.

• Before leaving, conduct a visual inspection. Tires properly inflated? Any loose parts hanging down? Headlight and tail light assemblies intact? And consider checking the terminals on your battery for corrosion.
  
  This is more than just an academic exercise: Flat tires and battery-related issues will be among the primary causes of the estimated 330,000 motorists that AAA expects to rescue over the Thanksgiving holiday, the agency said.

"Heading into the holiday season, we will almost certainly encounter drivers who are distracted as they deal with squirming kids, sing Christmas songs with the radio or are looking for a place to park – or maybe all three," Chris Larsen said. "As a gift to yourself and your family, don't become one of these drivers."

Contact: Adam Lowenstein
FIT News Bureau
321-674-8964
[email protected]

SOURCE Florida Institute of Technology

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