May | June 2006 Volume 80 Issue 3 |
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Member Feedback Comments on airport security article I read your airport screening article [March/April, p. 14] with great interest. I have a knee replacement that trips the metal detector, so I always go into secondary screening with the wand, the shoes off, the pat-down and the whole nine yards. I would like to see an addition to the program's current $80 fee: I would pay $40 a year as a senior to have Registered Traveler status. Can you go to bat for all of us who have hip and knee replacements, and other metal implants? If this is going to result in bags not being screened, I think it is a big mistake. There is nothing at all to stop someone from registering their fingerprints and then carrying a weapon on board some later flight. I think safety should come first, and if it causes a little more delay to assure this, we should all be willing to put up with it. I dislike the thought of this immensely. Although I'd be happy to speed through the security system at the airport, I truly doubt that would be the case. Instead, this is just one more infringement on my rights and freedom. Of course, it would be voluntary at first but would likely become mandatory and still be fee-based. I am all for any program that would speed me through airport lines, or any lines for that matter.
Non-rotating tires the wave of the future? I enjoyed your article on tires [March/April, p. 44]. I recently had to replace a snow tire, and was sold one that is marked as to location, i.e. left or right side. I was surprised, and not a little annoyed, to know I can no longer rotate tires. Is this becoming the wave of the future? Editor's Note: Our automotive department says “directional tread” is used on some tires to better resist hydroplaning. The tread pattern pushes water forward and to the outside, and is therefore intended for a given side of the vehicle. If rotated, this extra benefit is lost; however, no damage or premature wear to the tire will result. Driving in Britain It was good to see your recent article about driving on the left [March/April, p. 12] but I was surprised that you didn't mention the most likely danger: pulling out from a parking lot or side street onto a main road. If you do this by habit, you may turn head-on into oncoming traffic. I found that the solution to driving on the left is to always, always pay attention as if you're a first-time driver. As long as you're constantly thinking about what you're doing and not operating on auto-pilot, you'll be fine.
I learned to drive in Britain. After considerable research I discovered why the British drive on the left. It seems that in bygone days when highwaymen robbed travelers, people defended themselves with a sword or pistol, and as the majority are righthanded they would be safer on the left side of the highway when meeting their adversary head on. Seat Belt Bill Editor's Note: For member comments about this issue, go to www.aaa.com/safety.
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