Paying Attention Will Save Your Life

• If someone else is in the car you should refrain from talking with your hands, and realize that you are doing something that could, in one instant, become life threatening.   When speaking with someone else in your car don't feel as if you need to look at them when carrying on a conversation.  Keep your eyes on the road, and save those social graces for the dinner table.  ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROADWAY.
• Remember that cell phones and all other distractions increase your chances of having an accident.  If you must use your cell phone while driving on a regular basis consider reducing your risk by purchasing a miniature headset or hands-free device at your local electronics store.
• The left lane of any interstate highway is for passing.  By staying out of the left lane (and in one of the right lanes) when not passing, greatly reduces social stress on the highways which makes it safer for everyone.
• Always remember to buckle your seatbelt.  Even if the ride is just around the corner.
• Keep your children in proper restraint seats, or properly adjusted safety belts if they are older. (Using the phrase "OK everybody... buckle up!" works well before starting the car.)
• Keep your rear view, and side mirrors adjusted for maximum visibility.
• If you wish to be seen more easily in daily traffic consider using your headlights during the daytime as well as at night, and always remember to use your headlights when traveling on 2-Lane highways regardless of the time of day.

Driving Around Trucks & Busses: (Sharing the road with confidence)

• When passing trucks and busses, always do so quickly.  When you are approaching these vehicles from the rear always judge your passing speed and don't begin the passing process only to find yourself stuck behind another vehicle... trapped beside the truck or bus.  Always wait to let the vehicle in front of you complete their pass before beginning yours.  

• Be aware that most large commercial vehicles these days have 500 horsepower or more, and are equipped with cruise control.  Yet their companies have limited their top speed through their engines computer system to ensure safe driving & better insurance rates.  If you notice one of these vehicles seems to keep creeping up on you then make a decision to speed up and pull away, or slow down and let them pass.  (Chances are your just driving across town, and they are most likely nearing the end of a 600 mile drive... realizing this, will change your perspective and help you to make better decisions about what to do.)
• Trucks & Busses try to maintain a safe distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them.   Yet many automobile drivers commonly invade this "Safety Zone" to increase their position on the road.  When passing a truck or bus always leave at least 50 feet (or 5 car lengths) of space between you & them before merging back into the lane in front of them.
• Never zoom around a truck or bus only to pull directly in front of them.  Drivers that do this have no control over what might happen in front of them... placing their lives at risk, as well as the lives of others.  The larger vehicle will never be able to stop in time should the car need to hit its' breaks.
• Remember that: If you can't see a truck or busses rear view mirrors, then they cannot see you.   Let this simple fact be a gauge as to how close behind them you should be.   Always stay back far enough so that you can see their mirrors.
• Always be aware that busses carry lots of people, and at any given moment these people could be standing up or moving about the cabin.  No one wants to do something that could possibly injure 10 to 50 people.  Give busses, and their passengers, the courtesy they require.

On Ice or Snow

• It's always a good idea to head over to a large empty parking lot in your neighborhood (i.e. mall or superstore parking lot) when the seasons first snowfall hits.  The reason for this is to give you a little time to re-acquaint yourself with your winter driving abilities in an empty parking lot, and the feel of your car on the slippery road.
• Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Slow down and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Keep windows clear of snow and ice.
• Keep your speed steady and slow -- but not too slow. In deeper snow, it's often necessary to use the car's momentum to keep moving.
• Use brakes very cautiously. Abrupt braking can cause brake lock-up, which causes you to lose steering control.
• Antilock brakes are designed to overcome a loss of steering control on wet or slippery roads. Yet they have little or no effect on ice.  To make antilock brakes work correctly, or work at all, you should apply constant, firm pressure to the pedal. During an emergency stop, push the brake pedal all the way to the floor.  There is an old saying... "If the roads are wet, then drive like it's snowing.  If the roads have snow, then drive like they're icy.   If the roads are icy, then don't drive."
• If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate slowly. Avoid spinning the tires, because the heat friction caused by spinning tires melts the snow and creates a thin layer of ice.   Use sand or cinders under the drive wheels to increase traction if you get a little stuck.  Never stand in traffic to push a car that's stuck.  Someone else could loose control and seriously injure or even kill you.

In High Winds

• Use extra care and consider if a trailer, van or other "high-profile" vehicle should be operated at all.

When it Rains

• The road becomes slippery as water mixes with road oils, grease and dirt. Also, your car's tires tend to ride on the surface water, reducing traction... Slow down.
• Visibility is often impaired. Turn on your head lights at the first sign of rain. Use the defroster or air conditioner to keep windows and mirrors clear.

When It's Foggy

• Stay to the right of the roadway.
• Turn on your headlights -- day or night -- to low beam.
• If fog thickens -- run your hazard flashers to aid others coming up from behind you, increasing the ability for others to see you better.
• If your having difficulty seeing the road's edge, pull off at the next exit -- well out of the traffic lane -- turn on the emergency flashers and leave your headlights on, and vehicle running.

In Severe Weather

• High Winds--use extra care and consider if a trailer, van or other "high-profile" vehicle should be operated at all
• Hailstorms--find shelter by driving under an overpass or bridge.
• Severe thunderstorms--listen to your car radio and be alert. If you spot a tornado, don't try to outrun it. Get out of the car, find shelter in a ditch or low-lying area and lie face down to protect yourself from flying debris.
• Hurricanes--avoid low areas and move inland while there's still plenty of time.

This information highlights examples of safety precautions you can consider to help protect yourself, others, and your personal property. This list is not meant to be all encompassing. Moreover, a particular precaution may not be effective in all circumstances.

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Please Note: The information contained in this Web site is provided solely as a source of general  information and resource.  It is a not a statement of contract and coverage may not apply in all areas or circumstances.  For a complete description of coverages, always read the insurance policy, including all endorsements.