Dear Dr. Gridlock:
Many pickup and SUV drivers do not seem to realize that their vehicles' larger tire treads can kick up loose rocks as they drive.
I would encourage owners of these vehicles to add tire flaps to reduce the likelihood of flying rocks that can chip and crack windshields.
Purchasing a set of mudflaps is far less expensive than paying for a damaged car and losing time and pay to go to small claims court.
Albert Banwart
Waldorf
That seems like a sensible suggestion. What do you folks think?
Class for Older Drivers
The AARP and Civista Health Inc. are conducting a class in Southern Maryland to teach drivers age 50 and older safety tips and how to improve driving skills and avoid accidents.
Topics include age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills, rules of the road, local driving problems and license renewal requirements.
The session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is free, but registration is required by calling 888-332-4847.
Right Rubbernecking
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
I've long heard and read about drivers railing about a backup at the scene of an accident being caused by rubbernecking. While backups are frustrating, I submit that rubbernecking is not necessarily always the cause, but may actually be the result of proper, careful driving.
A responsible driver sees an accident ahead and instinctively eases up slightly on the accelerator and may even prepare to brake, thus decelerating perhaps only a few miles per hour.
The driver behind him senses the slight deceleration and likewise eases up on his accelerator, most likely dropping even a few more miles per hour. And so on.
If traffic is heavy and closely packed, rather than being sparse and sufficiently spaced to allow adjustments, eventually the chain reaction will cause those farther back in line to come to a crawl, if not a complete stop.
Thus the backup has not been caused by rubbernecking, but actually by responsible driving.
Donald M. Simonds
Kensington
But what caused the first vehicle in line to slow down? Responsible driving, rubbernecking or both? It's the rare driver who can pass by an accident scene without wanting to look.
