ROCKLEIGH, N.J. – Preparing to take a road trip this holiday season? While it’s a time to be thankful and merry, Irv Gordon – who as the first person to drive 2.8 million miles in the same car has taken more road trips than anyone – encourages people to also be keenly alert on the roadways.
Gordon is a 70-year old retired science teacher from Long Island who has gained worldwide notoriety for his shiny red 1966 Volvo P1800, which the Guinness Book of World Records honors as the highest mileage non-commercial vehicle driven by a single owner.
According to AAA, as many as 38 million people took to the roads last year for Thanksgiving weekend road trips.
“The holiday season means more people are driving to places to which they are not familiar and are in their cars for lengths of time to which they are not conditioned,” Gordon said. “Planning and diligence are key to ensuring a safe holiday road trip and that families reach the destination we all seek, a Happy New Year.”
Gordon offers five tips for safe holiday road trip driving:
Check your bulbs and more. “A person may spend hours checking every bulb on the holiday lights he’s displaying in his front yard, but how much time does he spend checking his brake light bulbs?” Gordon asks. “Check your lights and turn signals. In fact, have a certified mechanic inspect for you, along with tire inflation and treads, brakes, fluids, etc. It’s good to have a full tune up before you take your trip.”
Prepare for a winter wonderland. “While it may be 60 and pleasant in Denver as you hit the roads at dawn, it might be 15 and snowing as you pull into Boise at 11 p.m. that night,” Gordon said. “Winter can be as unpredictable as Uncle Steve’s crude jokes at the dinner table, so prepare for the absolute worst conditions, even if the forecast tells you otherwise. Keep a blanket, ice scraper, an emergency roadside kit, snacks and bottled water in the trunk.”
Rotate your drivers. “Let’s all agree that everyone’s attention spans are much shorter than they once were, so don’t put it to the test on the roadways,” Gordon said. “Switch out drivers every couple of hours. If you’re driving solo or there’s no other person with a valid driver’s license in the car, take breaks at rest stops every 90 minutes or so. Stretch the legs and snack on some leftovers.”
Batteries not included. “Make a rule that nothing requiring a battery charge reside in the front of the car. Cell phones, MP3 players, DVD players, etc. They are all potential distractions. Put them in the back or even the trunk,” Gordon said. “In fact, make a rule that everyone put their gadgets away. Road trips are wonderful times to reconnect with family members and enjoy the beautiful views this nation offers.”
Be mindful of others on the road. “While the holidays bring out the best of us in person, it can bring out the worst of us behind the wheels,” Gordon said. “Keep your emotions in check and be mindful of others on the road. Allow plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Merge with caution. Keep in the right lane unless passing. Essentially, show goodwill toward all.”
About Volvo
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, www.volvocars.com/us is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada. For more information on the entire Volvo product lineup please refer to the VCNA media website at: http://www.volvocars-pr.com/, and follow Volvo’s blog at: http://www.volvoblog.us/.
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From the only person to drive 2.8 million miles in the same car –Irv Gordon, owner of record-breaking 1966 Volvo P1800, suggests patience, diligence and planning.
Gordon purchased his Volvo P1800 in June 1966 from a neighborhood Volvo dealership for $4,150. His 125-mile daily commute to and from work, his passion for driving and his meticulous care for his car enabled him to clock the miles. Gordon breaks his own world record every time he drives his celebrated car. His goal is to reach three million miles within the next two years.
Wiper blades!!!! This makes so much difference if your blades are more than two years old. Also, put proper windshield washer fluid in your car.
Check your headlamps and make sure both work. It may be worthwhile upgrading to Sylvania Silverstars which are 35% brighter.
And really, really important for older cars is the plastic headlamp covers always oxidize after 5+ years. That means that they block up to 50% of the light coming out of your bulbs. Replace the whole thing. Or if you’re handy, you can buy a clear lens kit where you sand out the oxidation and buff it clear again.
The plastic headlamp lenses on our 8 year old Outback are terrible. And we live in California where the temps are mild compared to other parts of the country. They are way overdue for replacement.