Drivers need to be more aware

I've had some close calls the last two weeks while crossing pedestrian crosswalks at four-way stop signs with car drivers failing to stop their cars as I was walking. One driver turned back to apologize but the others didn't even see me. I don't get it. The weather was clear and not too sunny to produce blinding glares on car windshields and not too dark that I wouldn't be visible crossing the street. And yet the drivers didn't stop, as is both the law and a safe and considerate driving habit to practice at all times. Last Friday, I almost got hit once again in a crosswalk when an older woman was looking at her phone while driving and swerved into the bike lane. She didn't even see me stepping onto the curb; her phone was more interesting to her. I'm glad there were no bike riders around. Accidents can happen in a second and to anyone, including at crosswalks with stop signs and those without the signs. When we get behind a vehicle's steering wheel, though, we're responsible for driving as if everyone's lives depend on it. Because the lives of everyone around us when we're behind the wheel do depend on how careful and aware we are every second. My own driving safety habits are far from perfect. When I see a car go through a stop sign or red light, I'm reminded that could have been me driving and I also have to be more aware of my surroundings. We can't afford to be distracted for even a second. Almost 10,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes in California last year, according to the California Highway Patrol last week. Some of the most common types of distracted driving, according to the CHP, are texting, talking on a cell phone, eating, grooming, talking to passengers, operating a navigation system and adjusting the radio. Distractions affect a driver's reaction time and can result in "potentially devastating consequences," according to CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. Going back to the near misses I had from drivers while walking in my neighborhood during good weather days, I dread how these drivers will be when we have bad weather conditions, such as heavy rain this week. I am not always a good driver in adverse weather. I forget if I'm supposed to brake in the rain and which way to turn the wheel if I hydroplane. So I really appreciated winter driving tips emailed last week by Placer County, CHP and other public safety-minded agencies in anticipation of approaching storms. The emails were great reminders that I must give myself more driving time to reach my destination, drive slower and ensure my windshield wipers, tires, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system work. And there were little nuggets of knowledge in the emails such as "Don't drive in flooded water. One foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away" that I never considered before. I also checked the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website and realized I needed to brush up on more weather safety tips so I can be a safer driver. Those tips, according to the DMV, are: * In a heavy rain at speeds of 50 mph or more, your tires can lose all contact with the road and your vehicle will ride on water or "hydroplane." A slight change of direction, applying the brakes or a gust of wind could make your vehicle skid. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down gradually and do not apply the brakes.* Slow down at the first sign of rain, when many roads are the most slippery. Go five to 10 mph slower, reduce your speed by half on packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice. As the DMV explained, "turn on your windshield wipers, low-beam headlights and defroster. In a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, you might not be able to see more than 100 feet ahead of your vehicle. When you cannot see any farther than 100 feet, you cannot safely drive faster than 30 mph." * Reduce your speed when there are high winds for better vehicle control and to have more time to react if a strong wind gust hits your vehicle. Be alert. Look ahead for wind-blown debris along your path so you have more time to avoid it. Don't use cruise control so you can maintain maximum control of the accelerator pedal when wind gusts occur.* If you must drive in fog, drive slowly, turn on your windshield wipers and use the low-beam headlights instead of high-beam headlights to decrease glare. Never drive with just your parking or fog lights on. Increase your following distance and be prepared to stop within the space you can see ahead. Avoid crossing or passing traffic unless absolutely necessary. Use your wipers and defroster. Many times when I'm on Highway 80 or Highway 65 in bad weather, most of us drive like we're on a racetrack. Only a few drive at a recommended slower speed. This year, I'm going to be one of the drivers decreasing their speed. I hope other drivers will also read the winter safety tips and join me in the slower lane.