Multi-million-miler Irv Gordon says patience, awareness, and
proper maintenance are keys to safe driving. And he should know: The first
three things Irv did 47 years ago after purchasing a shiny red 1966 Volvo P1800
were to adjust his seat, check the mirrors, and buckle up. After driving that
very car more than 2.99 million miles, the Long Island native still abides by
these rules.
Irv has gained worldwide attention by becoming the first
person to drive almost three million miles in the same car. In September, he
expects his Volvo P1800 to roll past the mileage milestone in Alaska, one of
two U.S. states Irv still hasn’t visited and a fitting backdrop for this
historic moment.
Reaching this unprecedented milestone is due in part to
Irv’s safe driving habits: driving with patience and awareness, and scheduling
regular tune-ups at his long-time Volvo dealership. Gordon offers these
additional safe-driving tips to fellow drivers:
1) Buckle Up. “It’s the most important thing you and your
family will do on a roadway,” says Irv. “Plus, it was a Volvo employee named
Nils Bohlin who created the three-point safety belt, which has been credited
with saving tens of thousands of lives so I’m a bit partial.” And don’t just
buckle in your human passengers; be sure you properly restrain your pets as
well!
2) Batteries Not Included. “Make a rule that nothing
requiring a battery charge reside in the front of the car. Cell phones, MP3
players, DVD players, etc. They are all potential distractions. Put them in the
back or even in the trunk,” Irv suggests. “In fact, make a rule that everyone
put their gadgets away. Road trips are wonderful times to reconnect with family
members and enjoy the beautiful views this nation offers.”
3) Expect Other Drivers Will Make Mistakes. “Be observant of
your fellow drivers,” says Irv. “Don’t assume a car pulling up to a stop sign
will stop until you see it stop. Allow five to six seconds of time between you
and the car in front of you. If a car is tailgating you, try to let that car
pass.”
4) Spend A Few Minutes Each Week Inspecting Your Car. “Even
the most mechanically challenged car owners can look for low fluid levels or
deteriorating belts and hoses,” explains Irv. He also suggests that you “look
to see that the battery connections are tight and corrosion free. These are the
most common sources of trouble on the road. And, walk around your car to ensure
the blinkers, brake lights, etc., are in proper working condition.”
5) Take Frequent Breaks During Long Road Trips. “This is not
NASCAR; it’s okay to take long breaks to stretch your legs, breathe fresh air,
and review your maps. It keeps you more alert on the road,” Irv says.
6) Adjust The Mirrors. “Rearview mirrors aren’t ‘vanity
mirrors’ designed for admiring your hair or applying lipstick,” admonishes Irv.
“Automotive engineers spent countless hours designing your car so that these
mirrors would reduce blind spots when driving. Do the engineers a favor, and
adjust your mirrors accordingly.”
7) Don’t Drive If You Can’t Stand The Conditions. “Is it too
late in the night? Too rainy? Too snowy? Too hot? Too cold? When you’re
driving, it’s not the time to be daring. If you haven’t gotten enough sleep, if
the roads are too wet, or if anything else will inhibit your ability to drive
safely, pull over at a rest stop or stay the night at a hotel. Maybe they’ll
have a swimming pool and a complimentary breakfast.”
8) Ensure Proper Tire Inflation. “There is a reason all
service stations have air pumps and every mechanic has a tire gauge in his or
her shirt pocket. Having your tires properly inflated is as important as having
oil in your engine,” explains Irv. We agree: It also ensures better fuel
economy. AND, if you don’t want to get your hands dirty, most tire shops will
check and fill your tires for free.
9) When Your Car Makes A Funny Noise, Listen To It. “Don’t
turn up the radio and hope that knocking noise goes away. It won’t. If your car
develops a condition, take it in immediately. The longer you wait, the greater
potential for danger.”
10) Weatherize
Your Car Year-Round. “Prepare for the climate you’ll be visiting and the season
that is approaching, not just the one that’s going on now. Have a qualified
mechanic check your tire inflation, treads, brake wear, fluids, etc., and let
him or her know the type of weather in which you could be driving. “
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