Automobile safety experts offer the following advice to help drivers reach their destinations without incident.

Before leaving home:

• Plan ahead. Make left turns at intersections where there are green-arrow signals. As an option, proceed to the next intersection and then make three right turns to get headed in the desired direction.

• Adjust the driver's seat. Your chest should be 10 inches or more from the steering wheel.

• Check your sitting posture. Move the steering wheel, position your seat, or use a seat cushion to get your eyes at least three inches above the top of the steering wheel.

• Maximize visibility. Position side mirrors to eliminate the driver's "blind spot." First, lean your head close to the driver's-side window and move the mirror so that you can barely see the rear of your car. Then, lean your head toward the middle of the car and adjust the right side mirror in the same way.

While driving:

• Minimize distractions. Limit conversation. Turning the radio as well as heating and cooling units to low settings helps eliminate noise.

• Look well ahead and on both sides of the road. To avoid the glaring headlights of oncoming vehicles, glance toward the right side edge of the road.

• Keep a safe following distance of one car length for every ten miles of speed. Watch when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign or other fixed point. Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot. Slow down if you pass the mark too quickly.

Exercise Monitor: Mark of Fitness

A glove-style monitor can help track heart rate, calories burned and time elapsed during exercise. The MF-180 utilizes a sensor set flat against the index finger and a monitor wrapped around the wrist. Our test editor reports that it works as advertised and is more convenient to use than a chest strap. The downside: it's a bit pricey at about $150. Heart rate monitors are a good way to gauge exercise intensity and avoid fatigue. Make exercise a lifelong habit.

Oxygen and Air Travel

Most major airlines now allow their passengers to use tank-less devices called portable oxygen concentrators (POCs), making air travel easier for Americans who require daily oxygen therapy. Battery-powered POCs filter out nitrogen from room air and deliver the oxygen to the patient. James Goolsby, a 74-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, says the Inogen One POC allows him and his wife the freedom to see their family and lead more active lives. They recently took their dream cruise through the Panama Canal. Airlines such as America West, Delta, Midwest, Northwest, Southwest, and US Airways permit use of POCs during flights.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Keep the following basics stored in your vehicle to help you cope with unexpected problems.

• two roadside flares

• tire inflator product

• one quart of oil

• pen and paper

• small first aid kit

• rags

• extra fuses

• flashlight

• help sign

• multipurpose tool (containing pliers, knife, bottle opener, and screwdriver)