How to Drive Defensively

Driving can sometimes be a scary ordeal. Aggressive, inattentive, and impaired drivers not only pose a threat to themselves, but to other drivers sharing the road with them. While you can’t control the actions of others, you have the power to make the roads safer while protecting yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle by being a defensive driver. 

Follow these tips to hone your skills and stay safe behind the wheel:

• Be Aware. Being aware of your surroundings may seem like common sense, but this is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and others while traveling the roadways. Check your side- and rear-view mirrors periodically (every 5-10 seconds is suggested) and when your changing lanes or turning. Scan your peripheral for other vehicles and potential obstructions for at least a quarter-mile ahead. For those driving larger vehicles or towing wider loads, make a conscious effort to scan your surroundings more frequently. 
• Delete Distractions. In today’s digital world, our main distraction is the cell phone. While hands-free calling appears to be safer, it takes your attention off the road and increases accident risk. Your best bet is to resist the urge to use your phone while driving. If you need to make or take a call, pull over in a safe area and resume driving once your call is completer. However, cell phones are not the only factor. Checking your GPS for directions, adjusting the climate or radio, and even eating affects our situational awareness. Plan ahead by programming your GPS prior to the start of your trip and mapping our restaurants and rest stops along your route. 
• Rest Up. Tired or sleep-deprived driving is considered distracted driving and thus has a negative impact on your attentiveness. When driving long distances, stop every few hours to walk around, stretch out, and recharge your batteries. If you have a travel buddy, alternate driving shifts. 
• Get a Grip. In driver’s education we were taught to keep our hands at “ten and two,” but times have necessitated us to change to “nine and three.” Should you get in an accident and the airbag deploys, the “nine and three” position gives you the range of motion to turn and react if needed with a higher chance of avoiding injury. 
• Be Ready to React. Follow the “three-second rule” while driving; maintain a “three-second” following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Increase the distance inclement weather or other difficult driving conditions. This will allow you the necessary time to react to accidents or other unforeseen situations. 

Following these defensive driving tips will not only make the roads safer for everyone, but it also removes the fear-factor, allowing the drive to be an enjoyable part of the journey.

If you are driving a trailer this winter in the snow, contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website at www.ricevilletrailers.com. 

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Sources

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/driving-safety.html

https://driversed.com/driving-information/defensive-driving/defensive-driving-techniques.aspx

https://www.businessinsider.com/defensive-driving-tips-2017-2

When Should a Paintless Dent Repair be Used?

It goes without saying that when it comes to vehicle repairs, some issues are far easier (and more budget-friendly) to repair than others. Replacing your windshield wipers, for example, is substantially less severe than, of course, needing a new set of brakes. Need a new battery? While an initial investment on your part, this is still significantly more tolerable then removing and replacing your vehicle’s brake pads.

Thankfully, another common car issue on the less-extreme side of things are dents; while this is a problem that can cause severe damage to your vehicle (especially if left unchecked), the initial repair is a relatively quick and painless process, both for you and your car. This is especially the case when it comes to paintless dent repair.

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

Depending on the type of dent that is present on your car, your mechanic may choose to repair the dent using a paintless dent repair rather than a traditional dent repair. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that paintless dent removal, just like its name suggests, removes dents that massage the dent out of the vehicle without compromising the paint. Some of the best use cases for paintless dent removal will vary, depending on the kind of car you have, but in most cases, paintless dent removal is an excellent solution to remove bodyline damage, door dings, hail damage, and minor creases. This is an effective repair method for steel and aluminum parts and is also a budget-friendly repair solution. That’s because, with paintless dent repair, you maintain the original factory paint because no fillers are painted and used during the restoration process.

Now, before you get too excited, keep in mind that a qualified mechanic may not recommend paintless dent removal as the best method for repairing your car. It all depends on the extent of the damage to your vehicle. For example, if the metal was stretched upon impact too much, a traditional dent repair may be the only way to restore your car to its proper condition.

A paintless dent repair is an effective method that keeps your car looking and operating its best. If your vehicle is currently inflicted with dents, don’t wait another minute to get it back to its best possible quality. Trust your friends and experts at Terry’s Auto Body and Trailer Sales—we’d be honored to assist you however we can. Call us at 641-985-2536 or visit our location on Highway 9 in Riceville.

Driving During Deer Season? Learn How to Stay Safe

The change in landscape during the fall season is famous for its vibrant colors and incredible scenery.  While you are driving and enjoying the beautiful fall foliage, keep in mind that it is prime deer season. Educate yourself so that you stay safe on the road.

Knowing where deer live will help you know when to be more alert. At times, deer may wander into suburban neighborhoods. They are most frequently found on the outskirts of towns and in heavily wooded areas. They also will be seen near farms that grow fruits and vegetables.

DEER FACTS

• Deer are herd animals and travel together.
• During the fall harvest season, deer will be searching for food and not watching for vehicles.
• It is mating season, bucks will be chasing does across roadways.
• Hunters will be clearing deer out of the woods.
• They are most active at dawn & dusk.
• They are mesmerized by lights.
• They are unpredictable, especially when frightened.
  
  

DRIVER SAFETY

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• Look for Deer Crossing signs.
• Slow down if  you are driving through an area known for high deer populations.
• Use your high beams when there is no oncoming traffic.
• If you see one frozen on the road, slow down and flash your lights.
• One long blast of the horn will scare deer out of the road.
• When you notice a deer, tap on the brakes and slow down to alert drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
• If you do strike a deer, don’t approach it. Stay in your vehicle and call 911.

DID YOU KNOW?

• 60% of fatal animal crashes occurred when the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large animal-vehicle collisions resulted in an average of 187 fatalities in recent years.
• Deer whistles that you can mount to your car have not been proven to work.

Accidents can still happen, even though you know about deer and what to look for. If you need body work please call Terry's Auto Body and Trailer Sales at 641-985-2536 or visit us at  413 E Main St in Riceville.

Sources:

www.afgroup.com

www.schaeferinsurance.com

www.geico.com

What You Should Know About Height Clearance for Trucks & Trailers

Trucks, trailers, and commercial vehicles are essential to our economy, providing goods and services to billions of Americans every day. But “under blunders,” or low clearance accidents are still prevalent within the trucking community. Many truck and trailer drivers, after seeing the clearance measurements, still think their vehicle can fit underneath.  In order to maintain safety of all drivers and for this system to function efficiently, it is important that drivers observe the signs, rules, and regulations.

1. Knowing the Height of Your Truck

Sounds pretty simple, right? But these accidents are still happening. It’s important to know the height of the entire truck or trailer. Also, if traveling outside of the U.S., knowing the height in metric is key to a safe journey. To help American truckers who are traveling in Canada, and Canadian truckers who are traveling in the USA, a "Truck Height Feet to Meters Conversion Table" has been created. To get access to the printable PDF document, enter your name and email address in the form on this website.

2. Don’t Rely on GPS Alone

We have all had a problem with GPS at some point. Unfortunately, the GPS we use to navigate our way isn’t standardized for commercial truck and trailer use. Height regulations are rarely made apparent and could be a major cause of trucking accidents. This article by Fox News addresses this exact problem. FMCSA's information systems do not have crash statistics associated with the use of electronic navigation systems. However, even one truck or bus striking an overpass is one too many.

3. Pay Attention For Low Clearance Signs & Stay Alert for Temporary Ones

If your truck or trailer measures 13’6” in height and the clearance is 12’9”, simple math will tell you that you will not fit underneath. Knowing the height of your truck is the first step, but actually paying attention to the signs and understanding their significance, is another.

4. Unsure If You Will Fit?

Don’t try! Remember that you are a professional and are transporting something of value. Not to mention, you don’t want to put other drivers and passengers in harm’s way. It is always better to stop than risk having an accident.

Truck or trailer roof damage is more common than one might expect and can happen at the front or back. It is important that you take safety precautions and pay attentions to the road signs, especially those posted in regards to height clearance.

Learn more about trucks and trailers by visiting Terry’s Auto Body & Trailer Sales website or calling 641-985-2536.