How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Recent reports in my local club of two serous accidents have prompted this thread.

Update: One of the husbands in one of the accidents died. I don't know any of the details and he died days after the accident so it could have not been related. He was an older gentleman.

I read a recent report that most accidents occur at intersections and that the serious ones are where a car hits the driver side of the vehicle, or the passenger side when there is a passenger. Examples are people running lights or stop signs or turning in front of your car, which I see frequently. This has prompted me to not proceed through a green light until I check for traffic both ways.

We all have to be safe when driving our Model A's. What are your thoughts?

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I’ve been driving defensively in modern or old cars for 20 - 30 years ! You gotta keep your head on a swivel , the other drivers are amateur drivers ! When I drove a motorcycle , EVERY car out there was going to hurt me !

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

My thoughts: Be right with God.

Also- Life is short, so eat dessert first.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Yes, and that is the way I still drive my Model A and moderns.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Paul. I like that, but I will make one change.

Life is short, so eat dessert first, then go for a Model A ride!

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I had three red light runners yesterday. I stopped in a double left turn lane (as the light turned yellow) the light turned red and three cars passed me to turn left. Seems very common here.

I have always done the "right, left, right" check before proceeding. Also, if I can't see around a vehicle (lots of huge pickup trucks here), they get to go through the light first.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Just know they that will do something stupid, falling out of an airplane if they could,

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Just expect them to do something stupid, even falling out of an airplane if they could,

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I always try to use a "Blocker" when taking off from a light. Let the guy next to you make the first move.

What is really getting to be a major issue around here is kids (and some adults) on e-bikes burning stop signs in residential areas. No regard for traffic rules at all.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I learnt that the hard way, many years ago.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I've been riding motorcycles for almost 60 years. Like some of you on here, I assume that the primary goal of everyone on the road is to kill me today and I drive/ride accordingly. I've had that attitude all these years and drive/ride (old or late model) cars/trucks/cycles the same way. So far so good.

There is snow on the ground right now so I'm going to move the A out in front of my house and snap some pix. Shouldn't have to drive defensively in my own driveway.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I agree that red light runners are a big problem but most of the "accidents" involving our cars that I hear of here are modern motorists running into the back of our older, slower cars. I can't figure out why that is, just is.
As for red lights, it is the law here that a driver must stop on the amber light if safe to do so and MUST be stopped by the time it turns red yet we still see people driving through the red. Crazy!

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Just remember you have 9 gallons of gasoline in your lap!!

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Not an excuse for rear ending someone, but I have seen some pretty dim rear lights on Model As. It doesn't help that they only have one. I run LEDs in all rear lights and a flashing RED one in the center. I hope it helps the driver behind me texting on his cell phone...

https://live.staticflickr.com/4908/4...ca31bd75_z.jpg

Here is the unit that flashed my third brake light. https://www.amazon.com/United-Pacifi...s%2C241&sr=8-1

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Todays distracted drivers are a concern for all of us. I bought this emergency strobe and use it regularly. I can tell you that it is extremely bright and annoying to distracted drivers behind you!! It's rechargeable and uses strong magnets to attach to the car body...

https://www.amazon.com/BooYu-Operate...0CTWT1MP3&th=1


My wife was following me one day and told me how irritating it was to be behind me because of the extreme intensity of the light. It also has variable flash modes to help get attention. I highly recommend one of these for a little extra visibility. Inexpensive and helps other drivers see you!

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Trapdoor said check "Right - Left - Right" before proceeding ... I was taught " Left - Right - Left" because the danger nearest to you at the intersection will be approaching from the left.

Joe B

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

You both have good points, but I keep my head on a swivel. I look both ways at least two times and usually three or more.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

We live in a world where modern 1.5 liter engines can produce 350 horsepower and people want to use their car as a time machine. I agree with everything said above and would add that I plan my Model A excursions to avoid rush hours and post Happy hour. We must always remember that distracted, drunk, drugged and dumb is the everyday norm.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

If in an accident, always ask to see their phone/text/email/internet usage records. Make that part of the investigation right off the bat.

Mike

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I used to teach the AT&T Driver Training Program when I worked phone company. One of the things we stressed was the a green light was the most dangerous one. Look before you proceed.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Just now a semi truck ran the red light as I was turning left. He was going 55 mph. I was driving my modern pickup and had my left foot posed above the brake pedal. I was able to stop in time to keep from getting hit. Scary. This is the first time I have seen a semi truck run a red light. Usually the professional drivers are better than that.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

X2, I used this unit from Amazon. My flashing amber color light attached to the top of my spare tire. It has successfully kept tailgaters back, in addition to a "SLOW VEHICLE" red/orange triangle sign attached to the back of my trunk.

https://www.amazon.com/4-5-30V-10Amp...+Normally+Open

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Check your state laws. This from 45+ years ago, but in Indiana, the triangle could only be used on vehicles going very slow, maybe different now.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I agree with Paul & old31...
On a more serious / safety note, I like the idea of a amber or red led light in the back. Having ridden a bike to work often in nice weather (before I retired), flashing lights front & rear gave me somewhat of an advantage making drivers notice more.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

The Geezer - What does the flasher unit do?
I’ve seen some center-high mounted-signal-lights that start with a rapid on/off three or so times, then solid. Is it this?
Thanks
PS re the triangle - I’ve seen a 3-cylinder two-stroke SAAB with a rear sign: SLOW CAR, SORRY.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

David, see post #14. I linked to the a flasher unit as you describefor my third brake light. Flashes three times, then solid. The speed of the flashes is adjustable.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Here is the link to the flasher that I use. https://www.amazon.com/United-Pacifi...aps,241&sr=8-1

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

A flasher would not have saved my @$$ when the semi ran the red light. The thing that did save it was my ability to stop quickly which was due to me going slow and my left foot posed over the brake pedal. I now look to make sure traffic is stopped in both on-coming lanes. If there are vehicles there then I know it would be impossible for anyone to run the light. There is no separate right-turn lane at that location so no one would be able to go around the stopped vehicles.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I just saw this article on flashing lights and thought I would pass it along. Some members indicated they drive with flashing lights on their cars. Take it or leave it...

https://autos.yahoo.com/safety-and-r...231000515.html

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

found this one for 6v vehicles.
I installed brake and run light, and turn signals from Logo Lights. but the brake light doesnt come on when hit, dont know why. wrote the company and they never wrote back.


https://www.amazon.com/Pre-Wired-Uni...dp/B0C658NYTK/

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I have the same, doesn't work and no reply from the seller.
I may try one on a motorcycle and see how that goes.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Hi Barners
Try measuring twice and cut once before moving from a light.

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

Driving with hazards on , flashing strobe lights , rotating yellow lights , whatever ?! Think your doing something safe ?) how many stories have you here of police , tow truck drivers, construction workers hit and or killed working alongside of highways !! I feel it makes you a target for someone to aim at ! Like putting a target on your back

Re: How to be safe driving your Model A
 

I had just finished the restoration of my 1932 Coupe and was driving the car over to a neighbors house. I was about to take left turn into his driveway with hand signals. The window was down so I heard this car coming up behind me and passing me. I was really lucky, I abandoned the turn and let this guy go past me. GET TURN SIGNALS and avoid left turns by changing your route if possible. Ed