The
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Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Summer 2011
Drive
WHATCOM
What’s Inside... Lynden man shares collecting tips. See C5 inside
A supplement of the &
Redesigning Passat to show at Northwest Washinton Fair.................................................C3
Kia Optima takes on hybrid with new design ........................... C6
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
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Projected MSRP based on preliminary manufacturer’s pricing. Excludes taxes, title, license and transportation. Dealer sets actual price. MSRP based on comparably priced competitive models. Based on manufacturers’ published data comparing non-premium midsize base model sedans. †3 yrs/36,000 miles of no-charge scheduled Carefree Maintenance, whichever comes first during term of new vehicle limited warranty. Some restrictions. See dealer or program for details. ©2011 Volkswagen of America, Inc. *
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
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Roger Jobs will show off newly designed Passat at Lynden fair 2012 car arrived this month in Bellingham Tim Newcomb Tribune assistant editor WHATCOM — Roger Jobs Volkswagen has a story to tell, so the company will bring that story — one that details the “experience” of driving a new 2012 Passat — to the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden in August. Travis Graddon, Roger Jobs sales manager, said the 2012 Passat is basically a completely new car and what better place to let people know than the fair? “My hope is that we can get the experience out, show this car and get some excitement,” he said. “We want to show the public a car they maybe didn’t even know was on the marketplace.” The new Passat rolled onto lots in July and the Iowa Street dealership has even more new cars arriving for sale next week. The complete redesign of one of Volkswagen’s top cars comes with a new price too: a lower new price. By dropping the projected MSRP about $7,000 to “around $20,000,” the 2012 Passat now gives buyers a European-style driving experience priced competitively with Asian imports, Graddon said. “Now they have a choice. I think people are excited about a mid-size car with German quality and German driving feel directly competing head-on with Asian imports,” he
said. “Now they can get the European car they want that before was priced out of the marketplace.” Along with the new look and price comes a new home for production: the United States. Volkswagen’s new state-of-the-art production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., boasts one of the most environmentally friendly production plants in the world. The new plant comes complete with a new technology that captures overspray when painting the vehicles using limestone dust to trap the particles. Not only does the process turn the limestone overspray into concrete, but it also cuts water usage by 50,000 gallons per day. The 2012 make also signifies the return of the Passat diesel, offered for the first time since 2005. With 795 miles on an 18.5-gallon tank, the diesel engine delivers fuel efficiency. But it also offers a “true driving experience for enthusiasts,” as the diesel is available in a manual transmission for the first time since the mid-90s. “It has been a pretty long time,” Graddon said about the manual diesel. “That’s pretty cool.” Other fun features include a new audio system designed by Fender. Email Tim Newcomb at tim@lyndentribune.com.
Repower your engine, repower your wallet Everyone is looking to save these days. If you have an older vehicle that needs engine work and you can’t afford to buy a new vehicle right now, one way to repower your wallet is to repower your engine, according to the Engine Repower Council.
Repowering is a sensible economic option that saves big money in the long run, according to Ken Carter, chairman of the Bethesda, Md.-based council.
Lynden Tribune | COURTESY PHOTO
See ENGINES on C9
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
Roll safely and smoothly with proper tire pressure Gain more fuel efficiency too As the rubber meets the road this summer, are you prepared? Summer heat can be tough on tires, which makes regular tire checks a critical part of your general vehicle maintenance schedule. Heat combined with improper tire pressure, uneven wear or damage and poor alignment can cause potentially dangerous driving conditions and put a damper on your summer road plans. “Unfortunately, 83 percent of motorists aren’t aware of how under- or over-inflated tires affect a vehicle’s steering and braking control as well as fuel economy,” explained Mark Ballard of Discount Tire, the world’s largest tire and wheel retailer. “In addition, regularly checking your tires for uneven or worn tread and bald spots, as well as replacing all four tires instead of
one or two at a time, will help avoid hazards like blowouts and keep you on track to your destination.” According to the Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, more than 23,000 towaway crashes were due to flat tires. Here are the top five tips to ensure proper tire safety: 1. Get the pressure right. In its 2011 Tire Care Awareness Survey, the RMA found that 62 percent of drivers don’t know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle. The specific inflation pres-
also negatively impacted. 3. Rotate before you go. Regular rotation helps achieve uniform tire wear and improve road performance. Tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles prolong the life of the tire and help maximize your tire investment. It makes sense to get a tire inspection when you rotate. 4. Straighten up. Proper tire alignment provides safe, predictable vehicle control as well as a ride that is smooth, comfortable and free of pulling or vibration. Proper alignment helps tires wear evenly and last longer. 5. Bald isn’t beautiful. The RMA survey also found that 52 percent of drivers do not know how to tell if their tires are bald. Lack of tread affects the tire’s ability to grip wet roads. Make sure tires don’t have uneven wear, high or low areas or unusually smooth areas that can increase the risk of road accidents. To get more information on tire maintenance and safety, visit www.tires.com.
Take the right actions before turning on the ignition of the car
ous items to use in your car. Anytime you’re talking, texting or using GPS applications, you’re not paying attention to the road. Purner says that using cell phones while driving, especially to text message, is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Do yourself a favor, and turn your cell phone off. After switching off your cell phone, you should check and adjust your seat belt. The lap belt should rest low across your waist, and the shoulder strap should come over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the shoulder strap under your armpit. Before turning on the ignition, adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors. According to Purner, too many drivers set their mirrors to reflect the outside of their own car instead of the road. “You already know where your car is — you should be concerned about where the other cars are so that you can avoid them.” When positioning your hands on the steering wheel, hold the wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. In this position, you can turn the wheel the farthest without your hands crossing over. This hold also allows for a better “feel” and faster response time.
"83 percent of motorists aren’t aware of how underor over-inflated tires affect a vehicle’s steering and braking control as well as fuel economy."
Get your vehicle in shape for summer Just as you want to be in shape for summer, it’s important to have your car in tiptop shape before getting on the highway for a summer getaway. Firestone Complete Auto Care has the following tips to get your vehicle road-trip ready: Preparation • Before the summer heat really hits, be sure to have a full vehicle inspection — including the air conditioner — to be sure it is cooling correctly. Taking this step may help avoid costly repairs. • Check all four tires, as well as the spare, at least once a month and before every long trip. Use an accurate tire gauge to make certain your tire pressure is at the recommended level. Also, check the treads using a tread depth indicator. • When you are packing up vacation necessities, take care not to overload your vehicle. This could create excessive heat inside your tires and even cause tire failure. • Take a few moments to prepare and
sure number can be found on the vehicle placard located on the driver’s side doorpost, glove box door or fuel door or in the owner’s manual. For accurate pressure, check tires when cool, and don’t forget the spare. A properly inflated tire will save you nine cents per gallon at the gas pump and improve vehicle fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent. 2. Don’t overload the vehicle. Overloading decreases fuel economy due to increased wind drag and cargo weight. Handling, control and braking are
pack an emergency kit, including jumper cables, a flashlight and batteries, gloves, simple tools, flares, nonperishable food and water, and, if you have one, your auto club membership card. Getting on the Highway • Use good driving habits. Accelerating quickly and stopping abruptly can prematurely wear out your vehicle’s engine, transmission, tires and brakes. • To improve your fuel economy, try to maintain a constant speed in order to reduce strain on your vehicle. Use the cruise control setting when it is safe. • Caught in traffic with a rising temperature gauge? To eliminate some engine heat and help prevent your vehicle from overheating, put the vehicle in neutral and give it a little gas. Just like you invest the time to stay in shape, in your haste to get on the road don’t forget to take the time to make certain your vehicle is up to the task of safely hauling your family to your vacation destination.
—Mark Ballard
Checking mirrors and seat belts every time you get into your car might seem overly cautious, but driving experts say that what you do before you turn on the ignition may mean the difference between life and death. “So many accidents can be traced back to bad decisions before you even get in the driver’s seat,” said Jeff Purner, a professional driving instructor for Porsche Cars North America. Routine maintenance is critical to your safety. For example, under-inflated tires are the primary cause of tire failures and can adversely affect your car’s handling and fuel mileage. Check your tires, including your spare, at least once a month. You should check your wiper blades monthly as well. Worn blades impact visibility and create glare on the windshield, even when they are not in use. What you bring with you into your car could be the most critical decision of your day. Cell phones are one of the most danger-
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
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Lynden man collects the classics Brennick began collecting cars 10 years ago Brent Lindquist Tribune sports reporter LYNDEN — Daryl Brennick bought his first classic car about 10 years ago. He hasn’t looked back since. A lifelong car enthusiast, Brennick laid eyes on the 1937 Ford four-door sedan at an auto parts shop in Aldergrove, B.C. The entire vehicle was stock, and Brennick knew he wanted it. However, the car quickly disappeared. It wasn’t until later, on another trip north of the border, that he found the car sitting in a field. “It was just across the border at the Aldergrove crossing, about a mile and a half across,” Brennick said. “The owner had to sell his car in order to pursue his love of horses. I called him, and ended up buying it.” Brennick was just getting his feet wet. “The next one was a ‘35 Ford, twodoor sedan,” he said. “It was modified. It had a V8 motor in it, turbo transmission, a special rear-end and front end, and special paint and upholstery.” Brennick saw the 1935 Ford sedan at an Abbotsford auction. The car didn’t sell, so he met with the owner and negotiated a price. Ten years after his first collector’s purchase, Brennick is a full-fledged car collector. He knows the tricks of the trade, and he emphasizes the importance of buying cars that won’t take up more time and money than they’re worth. He used these tricks to acquire his first collector’s cars, as well as his favorites, a ‘47 Ford convertible and a ‘49 Chevrolet. “You need to have an understanding of their values and how to make them run, and how to keep them running and obviously a passion for them and know the market,” he said. “The prices can be all over the board. You can end up with something that’s going to need a lot of work. You will never get your money out.” This is why Brennick stresses collec-
Daryl Brennick has learned the art of car-collecting on the fly and has developed an eye for value. He has about 12 vehicles in storage in a private barn. — Lynden Tribune | BRENT LINDQUIST tion over restoration. “You’re better off to buy one that’s totally complete that somebody else has put together,” he said. Brennick suggests several ways to gain the knowledge required to be a successful and financially sound car collector. “You go to enough (car shows), pretty soon you get to know what you’re looking
for and what other people are looking for and what the price range is and what kind of flaws you’re looking for,” he said. Put simply, involvement is key to becoming accustomed to the world of car collecting. Even when he was attending school at Cashmere and Lake Stevens, Brennick loved cars. He spent 37 years working for Chevron, 10 of which were
spent working in service stations. Brennick was Lynden's mayor from 1997 to 2001. “The more you’re in (collecting), the more you get involved in it, the more you know where the values are,” Brennick said. Email Brent Lindquist at sports@lyndentribune.com.
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
Kia Optima takes on hybrid with new design A ‘true hybrid’ offers plenty of punch Adam Lewis Tribune intern WHATCOM — The 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid is now on full display at Smith Kia on Bellingham’s “auto row.” Equipped with a 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a 40-horsepower electronic motor, the Optima is powered by an environmentally friendly lithium polymer battery. With a sleek design from a former Audi engineer, Kia’s new mid-sized sedan pushes the limits of hybrid technology. When accelerating from a stopped position, the Optima Hybrid operates in electric-only mode before shifting to a gas/electric fusion depending on driving conditions. For instance, if you are traveling uphill, then the hybrid gas/electric technology will kick into action. “It’s a true hybrid,” said Jensen Moon, a Smith Kia automotive consultant. “This basically means it operates with an internal-combustion engine, or only an electronic engine, or both. A lot of cars today aren’t really true hybrids.” The Optima Hybrid features a sixspeed automatic transmission with an optional manual shifting mode. Accord-
A side view of the Kia Optima Hybrid shows off its sleek new design and 16-inch stock rims. — Lynden Tribune | ADAM LEWIS
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
The Optima Hybrid features a redesigned grille and new headlight lenses. — Lynden Tribune | ADAM LEWIS ing to Car & Driver’s annual review, the sedan gets 35 mgp in the city and 40 mpg when driving on the highway. However, that isn’t necessarily always true. It can
be even more gas efficient, according to Moon. “The main thing about hybrids is you are going to get out of it what you put into it,” he said. “If you drive
it like a nice young man and don’t get on it too much, then you can get some really good numbers out of it.” From a performance angle, Kia’s prized mid-sized vehicle tops out at 123 mph thanks to a governor and goes zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. More impressively, it comes equipped with an innovative artificial sound system. “When you’re running on just the electric motor, the car doesn’t make any noise,” Moon said. “So we have a sound system under the hood that stimulates engine noise. That’s so people around can hear you coming.” Additionally, it comes with sensitive regenerative brakes that help charge the electric motor when the car comes to a stop. Drivers will also notice the engine shutting down completely when idle in an effort to improve fuel economy. The Optima Hybrid’s interior comes complete with leather seating that the passenger can heat or cool. On the center console there is a rear camera view to help drivers spot their neighbor’s beloved cat before they back out of the garage. The rear view kicks in whenever the car is shifted into reverse. Also, the car’s power-ratio gauge provides an indication of whether the car is running on the electric motor or with the gas engine. The center stack even shows helpful information like current mpg and includes a seven-inch, high-resolution, touch-screen display. With every feature included, the Optima Hybrid checks in at a cool $32,250 MSRP. It comes with a classleading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program. Despite some criticism for powertrain deficiencies, Kia’s newest hybrid actually outperforms its competitors in a lot of different categories, the car maker says. “That’s what Kia does,” Moon said. “Every car that they make outdoes the competition.” Email Adam Lewis at community@lyndentribune. com.
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
Keep your engine cool when temps heat up You’ve waited so long for summer vacation, and now you’re ready for that family getaway or road trip. Whether you’re cruising down the open road or taking the kids to summer camp, the last thing you want is a vehicle problem that leaves you stranded on the side of the road. Cooling system issues are the leading cause of roadside breakdowns, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. To make matters worse, an estimated 23 million people are operating their vehicles with the wrong kind of coolant. During the hot months of summer, it’s just as important to hydrate your car as it is your body. Using the wrong coolant for your car could result in radiator and pump damage. Not sure which coolant is right for your car? Check the label under your hood or your owner’s manual. If you are buying coolant for your vehicle, make sure to read the label to confirm the product is made for your vehicle’s make and model. An excellent method of preventative maintenance for your cooling system is to have it flushed. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommendations. The frequency of how many times a year you have it done depends on the vehicle you drive and the conditions you drive it in. If you’re in a state that has sweltering summers, you may need to change your cool-
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ant twice a year or just before summer and winter. If your weather is moderate, an annual cooling system flush will be sufficient. Other checks are simple. Make sure your hoses are attached properly and that they do not have leaks and are not cracked or brittle. Look for signs of corrosion on your radiator and check to see if the radiator cap fits tightly. Are the coolant levels correct? Is your coolant clean and free of oil and sediment? Incorrect coolant levels and dirty coolant could also lead to your engine overheating. If you’re just running water through your radiator, consider using an antifreeze. It may seem a strange product to use during the heat of summer, but antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors that have a higher boiling point than water. When having your cooling system flushed, ask the mechanic to check the thermostat. If for some reason your thermostat is stuck, an incorrect reading could lead to your engine overheating. Although gas prices at the pump are higher now than last summer, Americans are still relying on their cars to travel to their destinations whether it is for work or vacation. Taking the time to make sure your car is ready for the summer drive will keep you on the road instead of stuck on the side of it.
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
When it does not make sense to fix your car — why not give it away? Cars4Charities offers help finding a charity During these hard economic times, we are all trying to stretch a dollar by keeping our cars longer. That means making repairs to a car that we would ordinarily have replaced a few years ago. So when does repairing the car fall into the category of throwing good money after bad? The answer depends on a lot of things and is different for everyone. Obviously, one major contributor is the cost of the repairs. If the cost is more that the car is worth, it makes no sense to fix it. If the repair costs are less than the value of the vehicle and you are handy, you can save the labor costs by doing the repairs yourself. If you are not handy and your car has
high mileage, is very old, has been giving you a lot of trouble or is generally in poor condition, it simply is not worth it to repair it. If you do decide to replace your car, you then have to figure out what to do with it. You can trade it in. However, most car buying guides suggest that you are likely to get a better deal without a trade-in. Also, the car dealer will probably not give you much for it. For the same reason, it may be hard to sell it privately. Most car buyers do not want to purchase a car if it needs repairs, particularly if it does not run. You can sell it to a junk yard for a couple of hundred dollars. That dealer will sell
Engines:
and higher insurance rates. With repowering, a vehicle’s engine or an identical one from another like vehicle is completely disassembled, cleaned, machined and remanufactured or rebuilt. Unlike used or junkyard engines with an unknown performance and maintenance history, repowered engines are dependable, reliable and backed by excellent warranty programs, according to Carter.
Continued from C3 For the cost of an average down payment on a new car or truck, it’s possible to repower a vehicle with a remanufactured/ rebuilt engine and gain years of reliable service without monthly car payments
all the workable parts for a lot more money than you got. You can dismantle your car and sell the parts yourself. That will cost you a lot of time along with some money for advertising. Then you have to decide what to do if someone claims the part you sold them does not work. You also have the problem of disposing of the leftover parts. Another alternative is to simply donate your car to charity. If you donate a car, you will get a tax deduction of the greater of $500 or the amount the charity sells your car for. Cars4Charities will gladly assist you with your car donation. Just call them at 866-448-3487 or go to http://www. cars4charities.org/.
Repowered engines run more efficiently, getting better gas mileage than a worn-out or junkyard used engine. This extra advantage will repower your wallet every time you fill up To learn more about the benefits of engine repowering, visit www.enginerepower.org. Carter can be reached at (734) 975-7903 or ken.carter@us.mahle.com.
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Northwest Honda offers a free 40-point inspection on Aug. 6 BELLINGHAM — Northwest Honda will give back to its customers on Saturday, Aug. 6. The car dealership located on Bellingham’s “auto row” on Iowa Street is offering Honda owners a free 40-point inspection with 15 percent off on all repairs until Sept. 15. A Honda 40-point inspection includes an evaluation of a vehicle’s lights, engine, battery, brakes, exhaust, tires and transmission. It’s an all-encompassing test to make sure Honda owners are taken care of, according to Northwest Honda general manager Tony Carter. The dealership also plans to open up its garage and sell a variety of different car parts and fluids throughout the day. Carter said Northwest Honda will have a barbecue to celebrate the sale. — Adam Lewis
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
How your credit score drives your auto insurance rates You know that where you live, what you drive and how you drive can affect how much you pay for auto insurance. But did you know that your credit score can also influence how much your insurance company charges you for coverage? Most vehicle insurers now use your credit score as one of many factors when determining your level of risk, and how much to charge you for insurance. Generally, the higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be eligible for an insurer’s best rates. If your credit score is low, you could get auto insurance quotes that are thousands of dollars higher than those given to consumers with high credit scores. While some consumer advocacy groups object to this practice, insurance companies say research supports the use of credit scores as a predictor of potential risk. The practice is rooted in the idea that people who manage personal finances responsibly are more likely to be responsible in other areas as well — including behind the wheel. If you plan to buy a car, apply for new insurance or just want to lower your auto insurance rate, here are some things you should know about vehicle insurance and credit scores: • Most vehicle insurance companies do consider your credit score when
Young drivers should be aware of links between careless spending and auto insurance rates. — COURTESY PHOTO determining your auto insurance quote. Don’t forget, however, that your credit score is just one factor; your driving re-
cord, the type of vehicle you drive, where you live, how many miles you drive each year, your gender and age, even your
education level are all other factors that insurance companies consider. • A vehicle insurer looks at your credit score differently than a potential lender might. For example, an insurer is likely going to be more interested in how reliably you pay your bills than in how many different types of credit are on your credit report. Insurance companies try to use your financial reliability and sensibility, as reflected in your credit score, to predict how reliable and sensible you’re likely to be as a driver and vehicle owner. • Your credit score is a fluid number that changes. Whenever a change occurs in your credit report, your score can change — going up or down, depending upon the change and its impact on your finances. If your score has improved significantly since the last time you applied for auto insurance, it may be worth it to see if your improved score will qualify you for a better rate. One of the main complaints consumer groups have made about the practice of using credit scores to set auto rates is that credit reports may contain errors. By monitoring your report regularly, you can help ensure it remains error-free and that your insurance company is looking at the most accurate possible snapshot of your credit history.
Share the road safely with big rigs this summer Allow a safe distance; beware of blind spots Summer time is driving time for many Americans, who take to the highways for weekend getaways, visits to family and friends and summer vacation. But while millions of drivers will be motoring toward fun, the nation’s big-rig truck drivers will be all business on the roads — keeping cargo moving and ensuring the products we all depend upon make their way to their destinations. Trucking is one of the most important and underappreciated industries in the country. “Over 75 percent of every-
“Safety on the road is everyone’s responsibility. When we drive in a courteous manner around a big rig, we’re helping truck drivers do a very important job — while making everyone on the road safer.”
—Robb Mariani
thing we touch has been transported by truck,” notes Robb Mariani, host of Speed’s original series “American Trucker,”
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which airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays. “Truck drivers are an essential part of our economy and our daily lives.” Statistically, big rigs are involved in just 2.4 percent of all vehicle accidents, according to the website TruckInfo. net. In fact, regular motor vehicles are three times more likely to be in an accident than are trucks, the site says. Regular vehicle drivers can do a lot to help ensure truck accident statistics stay low by following some safety rules for sharing the road with big rigs. Mariani offers this advice: • Be aware of the distance a big truck needs to stop. “At 55 mph, a big rig needs the length of a football field to stop,” Mariani said. “Wet roads and bad weather extend that stopping distance even longer.” Never cut in front of a big truck and then hit the brakes; the driver may not be able to avoid Phone-360.312.1235 Fax-360.384.8054
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SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM a collision. • If you’re behind a big truck and you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, it means the driver can’t see you. Avoid traveling in the truck’s blind spots — which are much bigger than the blind spots of a regular vehicle. • Courtesy counts, especially when on the road with a big truck. If a truck driver is signaling to merge into your lane, it’s courteous — and safer — to slow down and let him in. • As long as you’re not following too closely, behind a big truck may be the safest place to be when you have to be near one on the road. If a truck is going too slow, make sure you pass safely, giving the truck plenty of room. If you’re traveling on a three-lane highway, instead of passing a truck in the right lane, move all the way to the left lane to pass — but only when it’s safe to do so. • At an intersection, be aware that a turning truck may have to swing wide to make the turn. A truck has to travel farther into an intersection before initiating a turn than a passenger vehicle would need to. Give the truck plenty of room and never pass a turning truck on the inside (turning) side. • If you’re stopped at a red light and a big truck is approaching the light on the cross road, be aware that he may not be able to stop if the light turns yellow in front of him. Even if the light turns green for you, wait to be sure the truck can stop. • Hot roads may increase the possibility of a blowout for any type of tire. When a big rig blows a tire, flying rubber parts can cause dangerous conditions for other vehicles. While drivers are supposed to pre-
Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
C11 check their tires before getting on the road, it’s impossible for a trucker to anticipate when a tire might blow out. Try to avoid spending too much time beside a big truck; you could be at risk of getting hit by debris if a tire blows out. • When driving in the mountains, be aware of the truck’s challenges. The truck will go slower up an incline and gain speed going down. Never pass a truck going uphill and then cut in front of him on the downside of the slope. Likewise, never stop your car in or block the emergency truck ramp alongside a highway. The ramps exist to help slow and stop trucks experiencing brake failure. “Every time we go into a store looking for something, it’s there — because a truck driver delivered it,” Mariani said. “Safety on the road is everyone’s responsibility. When we drive in a courteous manner around a big rig, we’re helping truck drivers do a very important job — while making everyone on the road safer.”
Safety is the responsibility of all drivers, but awareness of truckers' needs can help prevent serious accidents. — COURTESY PHOTO
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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | Ferndale Record
SUMMER DRIVE WHATCOM
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