Road Safety - Recognise Danger Signs

Taking a driving holiday? Watch out for these everyday hazards:

• Mobile phones. Tests show that even making a hands-free call dents your reaction time to road hazards.

• No seat belt. Don’t think you’re safe because you have air bags: they’ve been shown to be eight times less effective than seat belts.

• That goes for the back too. If rear passengers aren’t wearing seat belts, the people in the front are five times likelier to die in an accident.

• Loud, fast music. It affects your reactions. The British RAC Foundation names Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” as one of the most dangerous driving tunes.

• Dyslexia. Not much you can do about it, but one study indicates dyslexia might affect reactions as much as a moderate drinking session.

The Healthy Way to Fly

Panes are a haven for germs and other health problems. There are some stay-healthy tips:

• Keep clean. A study reports we're at increased risk of catching cold and flu viruses during flights, due to the close quarters. Wash hands often, and if you're really worried, wear a protective mask that's labelled N95. It screens out 95 per cent of airborne particles.

• Clear your ears. Changes in air pressure can suck the eardrum inward, and that hurts. A decongestant clears nasal passages so pressure doesn't build up.

• Get Up. When you sit for too long, blood pools in the legs and may lead to potentially deadly clots. Wear loose-fitting clothes and walk around the cabin twice and hour.
  

A Stopover to Remember

All international travelers have faced it: an hours-long stopover between flights in an unfamiliar airport. Rather than warming an uncomfortable seat at the departure lounge, why not take advantage of the airport's facilities or, better yet, explore the city you're in?

worldairportguide.com offers the inside scoop on more than 200 airports around the world. Killing time in Paris? The Charles de Gaulle Airport page includes details of airport facilities and transportation, as well as nearby attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower. Ask your travel agent if you need a visa to clear immigration at our stopover, and to give yourself plenty of time to get back to the airport to catch your next flight.