Most RVs are wider than the typical passenger vehicle - or at least that's how it seems when you're pulling a rig, or driving a motor home. I'm always checking my passenger side mirror and center line to make sure I'm not hanging over the line, particularly when I'm in heavy traffic, or on a narrow road. But a couple weeks ago I discovered a little gem that, after installing it, seemed like one of those 'duh' moments.
The device is called LaneSeeker and is a nice solution to the problem of trying to stay within the lines on the road. In itself, LaneSeeker is a LED light mounted on a plastic strip that attaches via suction cups to your windshields. The LED runs on AA battery pack. Installation is simple, and consists of mounting the plastic strip on the inside of your windshield so that the LED lines up between your eyes and the center line.
What does this accomplish? Simple... it provides a point of reference for you and your position on the road. The first step in installation is to park your vehicle about 12 to 18 inches from a center line. The instructions recommend finding a parking lot or other non-busy location, and stopping your vehicle at an appropriate distance from the line. In other words, at about the distance you would normally want to drive in relation to the center line. Once you've parked, position the plastic strip and LED on the windshield, sit in your normal position, and adjust the LED from side to side on the strip, till it lines up with the center line.
It really is a simple approach. Once positioned, you can judge your position on the road by lining up the LED with the center line, and you know that you're about 12 to 18 inches from the center line.
I used the LaneSeeker on a recent trip, and it worked nicely. I found that I wasn't constantly checking the right side mirror for the position of the edge of the road. I was more constantly looking at the LED, and keeping it on track. During the day, I turned on the LED to make it a stand out a bit more from the bright sun. At night, I turned it on to make the reference point more visible.
I wondered if simply putting a strip of tape on the windshield, in place of the LED might serve the same purpose, and in some ways it does the job just as well. However, the tape only works well in daylight since I wasn't able to see the tape well at night. Also, the battery pack provides a simple power source for the LED, but I'm certain the first time I forget to turn it off, the batteries will be dead next time I try to turn it on. I think that an option to plug the LaneSeeker into a cigarette lighter socket would make for more reliable use.
At any rate, for $30 or less the LaneSeeker is a nice addition that reduces my driving stress, and keeps me from wandering into my neighbors' paths.
