Q: Will regular sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses work as safety glasses?

A: Regular sunglasses and prescription glasses are not rated for impact resistance for flying hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) develops and enforces safety regulations in the workplace. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) develops and promotes voluntary industry standards for products, services, and processes. Look for frames and lens that are ANSI Z87.1 approved. You can pick up approved safety glasses with side shields for around $5.00 - $10.00. For more information regarding safety in the workplace go to www.osha.gov.  

Q: What does a flashing “SRS” light mean?

A: SRS is an acronym for “Supplemental (or Safety) Restraint System”, more commonly known as the airbag. A blinking airbag light indicates that the airbags are not working and there is a malfunction in the system. You need to bring the vehicle to the dealer or a qualified service center. Technicians can retrieve codes from the car’s computer to diagnose the problem.

Q: My vehicle has "advanced" frontal air bags. How are advanced frontal air bags different from basic air bags?

A: Since 1998, dual frontal air bags for the driver and the passenger have been standard equipment for all passenger cars sold in the United States. Since 1999, all light trucks, vans, and SUVs were also required to have dual air bags. Over the years, air bag improvements have been made. Advanced frontal air bags, which have been in some vehicles since 2004, will be required in all new vehicles manufactured after September 1^st, 2006 (2007 model year vehicles). Advanced systems use various sensors to minimize the risk of being injured by an air bag deployment, especially for children and small adults. These sensors commonly detect the size of the person sitting in the seat, the severity of the crash, the position of the seat, and whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt. The advanced systems inflate according to the sensor input.

Q: I have heard that some people have been injured when an air bag inflates. What can I do to minimize the risks from being injured?

A: Air bags save lives. However, given that air bags inflate rapidly, injuries can occur if an occupant is not properly seated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration even with advanced systems, the key to being safe is that you should always: (a) use your seatbelt, (b) stay at least 10 inches from the air bag cover, (c) remember that children 12 and under should sit in the back seat, and (d) never use a rear facing infant seat in the front seat of an air bag equipped vehicle. The back seat is the safest location during a crash. Some vehicles without rear seats (e.g., two seat sports cars and pickup trucks) have a manual override to turn the air bag off if it is necessary to transport a child. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual. For more information about air bag safety, go to www.safercar.gov.

Q: Is there anything I can do to keep the neighbor’s cat from sleeping on my car engine when it is cold outside?

A: It might be impossible to keep a cat from curling up under your hood for warmth. If you can't park your vehicle where it is not accessible to cats, try to remember to bang on the hood or honk the horn before starting it to get it to run off.

Q: What types of activities distract drivers and ultimately cause accidents?

A: Distracted, inattentive drivers cause many accidents each year. Some distractions include: using a cell phone; adjusting vehicle controls like the heater or radio; drinking or eating; reading or looking at objects outside the vehicle like billboards, homes, or an accident; reaching for things inside the vehicle; being sleep deprived; putting on makeup, combing hair, or shaving; reading a map, book, or newspaper; and being engaged in complex or emotional conversations. Some cities and states have restrictions on certain activities like using hand held cell phones. Special provisions are also enacted in some states for drivers with learner’s permit.

Q: I am looking to purchase an all-purpose fire extinguisher for my garage. What type should I buy?

A: Fire extinguishers are designed to put out specific types of fires. Fires need oxygen, heat, and fuel to exist. A fire extinguisher removes one of these requirements to put a fire out. A-type extinguishers put out wood, paper, and cloth fires. B-type extinguishers put out gasoline, oil, and grease fires. C-type extinguishers put out electrical fires. An all-purpose fire extinguisher will have a combination A-B-C rating.

Q: What should I include in a winter safety kit for my car?

A: Winter driving can be hazardous. You may find yourself stranded late at night in a parking lot, alongside a desolate road, or in a ditch. Certain items can help you get through an unexpected situation until help arrives. Before it gets cold outside and the snow is blowing put together the following items: basic first aid kit, tool kit, pocket knife, flashlight with new batteries, duct tape, blanket, jumper cables, gloves, hand/feet warmers, protein/energy bars, portable shovel, candles, matches, windshield scraper, a coffee can full of sand, and extra winter clothing. When you leave for your trip don’t forget your cell phone and a couple of bottles of water. It is also a good idea to let someone know your travel route and when you are expected to arrive.