Keeping Safe With Your RV

A recreational vehicle can be a great way for the outdoors lover to enjoy being close to nature in the winter months, while still having some of the comforts of indoors close at hand. It's important to remember some safety tips while driving and utilizing an RV, though.

Know how much pressure the tires should have. Know the weight limits for cargo it can safely carry. Know the height and width of the RV, so you'll know if you can safely make it through a tunnel or overpass.

Take the time to carefully adjust each mirror for optimal visibility. Account for vehicle size when turning; you'll need to make wider turns. Allow more time for everything, including braking, changing lanes, and merging onto a busy highway. Connect brakes and signal lights, and always check that the trailer's brakes, turn signals and taillights are synchronized with those of the tow vehicle.

Use care when backing up. Driving a tow vehicle takes some getting used to, because the trailer turns the opposite way we’re accustomed to turning with just a car alone. One tip is to place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, and then move your hand the way you want the trailer to go. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right.

Be aware of fire safety in your RV as you would be in your home. Check your smoke alarm and have a fire extinguisher. Also be aware of road and weather conditions and slow down or pull over when necessary. Beware of wind and the possibility of tipping in it.

Stock your RV for emergencies; take along warm clothes, bedding, and enough food to last for a few days. Taking a few extra precautions will ensure a fun and safe experience on the roads and out in the world.

John McCain and The 2nd Amendment

Recently, I wrote an article about some of the front-runners in the Presidential race and their views on the issue of gun control. At the time, it didn't look like John McCain's campaign had a lot of steam behind it, so I didn't include a paragraph about him and his viewpoints. As the primary elections began, it turned out that more people were rallying behind McCain than I (and many other people) thought. Enough people, in fact, for him to win the Republican primaries in South Carolina and New Hampshire. So, I decided it's about time I gave John McCain his own paragraph or two about his viewpoints, quotes and record on the issue of gun control.

John McCain has said that gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime. "Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals--criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway," he has stated. He voted yes on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: "Neither justice nor domestic peace are served by holding the innocent responsible for the acts of the criminal." McCain also voted against the Brady Bill (requiring a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases) and against the assault weapon ban of 1994. He has said, however, that he is open to voting for an assault weapon ban, depending on the details of it.

McCain also believes that banning certain types of ammunition is just another way to undermine Second Amendment rights. He supports instant background checks for gun shows and other transactions, and that such checks must be conducted quickly to ensure that unnecessary delays do not effectively block transactions.

John McCain is a distinguished Navy veteran, and spent five and a half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

Border Patrol Agents Seeing Increase In Assaults

The U.S. Border Patrol reported 250 assaults on its agents on the Mexican border between Oct. 1 and mid-December 2007, which was a 38% increase from the same period in 2006. Officials attribute this to the rising frustration of smugglers who are finding it increasingly difficult to get across the border illegally. Rocks, vehicles, and Molotov cocktails are the weapons of choice.

The San Diego sector reported the steepest increase, with assaults quadrupling to 110 during that period. There were 24 assaults during the same time frame in 2006. Agents in California and Arizona were recently equipped with a powerful pepper spray launcher that has a range of more than 200 feet. Tear gas has also been fired into Tijuana, Mexico several times in response to attacks.

By the end of 2008, the Department of Homeland Security plans to finish 370 miles of pedestrian fencing intended to stop illegal immigration on foot, and 300 miles of vehicle barriers to prevent drug smuggling on the southwest border. Additionally, the Border Patrol airs Spanish-language ads in Mexico to publicize the dangers of illegal border crossing, so as to discourage would-be illegals.

Don't Drink And Drive-Thru

After the bars have closed, many a drunken patron is left out on the streets wondering what to do next; it's the wee hours of the morning, and dinner was many hours ago. The alcohol is sloshing around in their bellies, and they need something else in there to absorb it. What better than a hot, greasy fast food meal from the ever-expanding selection of establishments that are open very late or all night?

However, if there's no sober driver to whisk them through the drive-thrus, the late night munchies can land drunken revellers in a world of trouble. This is especially true now in Surrey, British Columbia, where a program known as Project WULF (Would U Like Fries) was launched. In this program, officers in civilian clothes are stationed inside the drive-thru windows of restaurants where they observe and listen to the patrons. When the officers hear slurred speech, or smell alcohol on an individual, they advise a second officer outside to stop the vehicle as it departs. The merchants have been cooperative with the project. "They're really excited about it, they're having fun with it," said Sgt. Roger Morrow of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

It's not hard to find stories involving drunk drivers and drive-thrus; this is one from Iowa. Here's another one that ended tragically, despite a valiant effort from workers at a Taco Bell and a rapid response from police in Toledo, OH.