LiveLoveAndDrive.com

It seems more and more accidents and near-accidents these days are due to drowsy driving.  What many don’t know, is that it can be as fatal as driving drunk. 

How can you always know if you’re TOO tired to be driving and putting yourself at risk?

• If your eyes close longer than just a blink.
• If you have wandering thoughts.
• If you struggle to keep your head up and focused.
• If you find yourself yawning too much.
• If you feel you have to jerk your vehicle back to your lane.
• If you find yourself not remembering the last few minutes of driving.
• If you are unable to concentrate on driving because you are blankly staring off.
• If your vision becomes dim or fuzzy.
• Sore or heavy eyes.

 If you do find yourself experiencing these symptoms, here are some things you should try.

• First and foremost…Don’t drive! If you know you are too tired don’t make the attempt.
• If you are driving near rest areas, take a break at every couple you see. Experts say that a 20 minute nap every couple hours can help on your long trips.
• Avoid taking any medications that may cause drowsiness.
• Stop at the nearest hotel and continue your drive after you get rest. If you are not on a road trip, this may seem unnecessary, but it would be well worth it considering the risks if you didn’t.

Many people believe that making yourself freeze with the window down or blaring the radio will keep you awake and focused, and they are simply not true!  The only real fix to driving while tired, would be to notice it before you ever get in the vehicle. It is better to avoid it all together. So the next time you feel too tired to drive think twice about it and remember these tips!

I found this great clock……at Target! I love the look of it and it is a great space taker for any blank wall.

I didn’t start off in life thinking “man, I want to work in the car business” No; actually the road to my career in the auto industry started when I was a new transparent to the pacific northwest 8 years ago. Having been in the health care industry for 20 plus years I got a job at a chiropractor’s office thinking it was something different then the home health, hospice and physical therapy I was use to doing but still be working with people. It was fine but I was basically a receptionist and didn’t feel fulfilled. One day the gal that did the books said “Simone you are wasting yourself here; they are looking for a customer relations manager at Dick Hannah Honda and you would be perfect.” I thought to myself, a car dealership? Boy, I’ve purchased vehicles in the past and did not have anything good to say about my experience and how could that possibly be something I would enjoy or feel good about, but she convinced me that the Hannah’s were wonderful people and I should give it a shot. So I gathered up some courage and went in to meet with the manager; he asked what my experience in the car business was? I said “Well, I owned a few but I’ve been taking care of people with amputations, strokes, and so on, I think I could handle buyer’s remorse.” Not even knowing I wanted the job for sure, I seemed to have convinced him I was the women for it. Now 8 years later, I can say from my heart; if it weren’t for the Hannah’s, I more than likely would not be in the business. I can also say it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I still get to work with people and help them but in a different way obviously; and the Hannah’s truly ARE wonderful people. Funny, when I hear people talk about car folk with negativity I have to smile. I remember those feelings years back and can say to them with conviction; you can feel safe with us. We haven’t forgotten it’s our customers that have kept us in business since 1949. We appreciate the trust they put in us. We will be here to take care of them long after they drive away. 

I have many friend/customers that have been with me since the beginning. I love seeing their smiling faces as they make a special trip over to see me and catch up on what’s been going on in each other’s lives. Lots of funny and exciting stuff and yes, sometimes the loss of friends and family. I can say to any one woman out there that if you love working with people and enjoy a challenge yet rewarding career; this is the business for you. Thank you for taking the time to read a bit about my life in the auto business. I hope it helps you make a decision on your career or where you may buy or maintain your present or next vehicle.