HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Speeding is a big factor in automobile accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa. gov), excessive speed was a factor in 1 out of 4 fatal accidents in 2017. The problem? Speeding reduces reaction time, making a collision more likely.

Wet or icy roads, glancing at a cellphone, not wearing a seat belt and alcohol and/or drug use also contribute to dangerous driving.

Driving within the posted speed limits is safer — a good habit to practice.

P.S. The posted speed limit is for ideal road conditions. Bad weather? Slow down more, and drive in the righthand lane of the highway.

DEAR HELOISE: My husband had a brilliant idea recently when we took a vacation. In the past, we had struggled to locate our rental car at crowded tourist locations.

We took along a small American flag that hooks onto the back window of a car. We installed it on our rental vehicle, and during the whole trip we had no trouble finding that flag (and our rental car) in any large, crowded parking lot.

— Alice A., Cerritos, Calif.

DEAR HELOISE: After the holidays, I cut the pretty scenes from cards I have received to use as bookmarks.

Birthday cards and other greeting cards can be used likewise, and I can continue to enjoy the cards; they take on a useful purpose.

— Joan U. in Houston

DEAR HELOISE: I work for one of the larger retailers, and we love to hire senior citizens. They are dependable, eager and hard-working.

I recommend older folks try getting out, staying active and seeing people in the community. Retail is a gateway to do all of that. Shifts can be as few as four hours per day.

— Janet T. in San Antonio

DEAR HELOISE: Most credit cards today have a red edge — makes it easier to select. My ATM/debit card has a white edge. I took a blue marker and put blue spots on the top and bottom edge — white-blue-white, etc. Now it’s much easier to find.

— Bruce Z., California

DEAR HELOISE: After brushing and flossing, a solution of salt and water can be as effective as alcohol-based mouthwashes. It’s almost free, and not harmful for the environment.

— Sam S., via email