DIY Network

Safe Driving: Eliminate the Clutter From "Auto Primer" episode DAPR-104

Eliminating driver distraction is one of the most critical factors in enhancing driving safety.

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DIY's Auto Primer is an introductory course on the basics of keeping your car safe and trouble-free. This episode focuses on driver safety, eliminating distraction, defensive driving and safe-driving tips.

In this first segment of episode 104, host Leilani Munter describes various organizers available to help keep your car free of clutter -- a common source of driver distraction.

Things that will help keep your car organized and clutter free:

Glove compartment
Center-console organizer
Seat organizer
Trunk organizer
Towel

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For experienced and daily drivers, the act of driving almost becomes something that feels automatic. But remember that driving involves the guiding of a powerful and extremely heavy piece of machinery that's moving at high speeds. Safe driving relies on the driver being focused and attentive to the many decisions that go into piloting the vehicle.

Distractions like talking on the cell phone, eating, reading a map or removing a CD from its case while driving are things that will effectively take your attention off the road. And given the right set of circumstances, just a second's lapse in focus could result in a serious accident.

	Figure A
	Figure B

The first and easiest step in ridding your car of dangerous distractions is to get organized and remove clutter from your passenger compartment (figure A).

Clutter in your car can be dangerous in that it makes it take longer for you to find the things that you actually need. Discard or remove items that you do not need. Keep only the things you really need while driving in the passenger compartment, and keep your available storage space in mind.

Place small items that you need to access often in the center-console of the vehicle (figure B) -- but don't overfill the console. As long as you can reach into the console and find what you need by touch, it will be possible to keep your eyes and attention on the road.

	Figure C
	Figure D

Your glove compartment is another good place for easily accessed storage, but again, only if it's kept clean and organized. Keep only things in the glove compartment that you'll actually need to access.

Some handy items that you should keep in the glove compartment include:

• Vehicle owner's manual (figure C)
  
• Vehicle registration (figure D)
  
• Proof of insurance
  
• Small flashlight with extra batteries
  
• Wet wipes
  
• Tire-pressure gauge
  
• Notepad and pencil
  
• A small amount of emergency cash

  Tip: It's better to keep pencils than pens in your vehicle. Ink pens will dry up over time with the heat that builds up inside vehicles.
  

  
  Newer vehicles typically have good storage compartments that are well placed and well thought out. If you need additional storage space for staying organized, there are after-market consoles and organizers that you can purchase at auto-supply stores. Some are made from hard plastic (figure E) and made to fit specific types of spaces. For adaptability, a better choice may be one that is soft-sided and flexible (figure F). Some are even set up so that the interior compartments can be adjusted to suit your needs.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

  
  Seat organizers are also available for helping keep necessary items together and within reach (figure G). This one can be attached to the seat so that it won't slip or roll around. Similar organizers are available for your trunk.

  Tip: Keep emergency supplies and tools from rattling around in your trunk by rolling them up in a towel.

  Tip: Add a piece of rubber rug-mat or drawer-liner to the bottom of your plastic center-console or storage unit to keep the items quiet and secure.
  

  
  In the segment that follows, Leilani shows how to install a CD player that also plays MP3's. This upgrade can reduce driver distraction since, with the MP3 format, several hours of music can be stored on a single compact disc. Since changing discs while driving can take your attention from the road, this technology can help reduce distraction while driving.
  

  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
  Author: Dan Ramsey
  ISBN: 0028635833
  Alpha Books

  
  Ultimate Auto Detailing
  Model: 0879389419
  Author: David H. Jacobs
  (1995)
  To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
  Motorbooks International
  

  
  Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
  Model: 0801983940
  Author: James Joseph
  (1998)
  To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
  Chilton Book Company
  Westchester, PA 19380
  Phone: 610-738-9280
  Fax: 610-738-9354
  

  Auto Repair for Dummies
  Author: Deanna Sclar
  ISBN: 0764550896

  Auto Audio
  Model: 0071346899
  Author: Andrew Yoder
  Publisher: Tab Books
  Order this title from Amazon.com.
  

  How Cars Work
  Author: Tom Newton
  ISBN: 0966862309
  Publisher: Black Apple Press
  To order this title from Amazon, click here.
  

  What's Wrong With My Car?: A Quick and Easy Guide to Most Common Symptoms of Car Trouble
  Author: Bob Cerullo
  ISBN: 0452269938
  Publisher: Plume (1993)
  To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Safe Driving: Eliminate the Clutter
  	Reducing Driver Distraction: MP3 vs. CD Players
  	Defensive Driving and Safety Tips
  	Enhancing Safety with GPS Technology
  	WEB-EXTRA VIDEOS: Auto Primer Tips, Volume 4