Safe Stopping Distance

Did you know that it takes 292 ft to stop your car if you’re driving 60 MPH on the perfect road surface? Throw in some messy weather and all bets are off. In order to be able to stop safely, you need to keep some things in mind: It takes about three-quarters of a second to react to a situation and step on the brake pedal. You should always make sure that your brakes are in good working order and that the thread on your tires are good. Other braking tips are:

• Warn pedestrians, bicyclists, or other drivers of possible trouble. Brake early and gently when preparing to stop or turn.

• Do not let your foot rest on the brake pedal while driving. (This is called riding your brakes.)

• If your vehicle has antilock brakes, never pump the brakes. (In 2010, 89% of new cars and 99% of new light trucks have antilock brakes.)

• Always slow down near a curve or an area where you cannot see clearly ahead.

Health Conditions That Are Dangerous for Driving

Before you get behind the wheel of your vehicle, you should always be aware of your physical and/or health condition. Driving has become so complicated because as drivers; we need to be aware of other dangers that may cause us to make a quick decision and react even quicker. You need to be at your best before you get behind the wheel to drive. You shouldn’t drive if:
• You have vision or hearing issues. Make sure that your eyes and ears have been checked. Also remember to wear sunglasses on sunny days.
• If you’ve been drinking alcohol. Your judgment and reaction time could be affected with the smallest amount of liquor that is consumed.
• If you’re taking medications, whether prescribed by your doctor or over-the-counter, that makes your drowsy.
• If you’re under the influence of any illegal drug.
• When you’re tired.
• When you are upset because anger and depression can cause you to drive carelessly.

Avoid Running Out of Money During Retirement

Many people have no idea how much money they will need to retire and/or think that they have plenty of time to plan for it. Before you know it, you’re about to retire and feel completely unprepared. Do you know how much you need to have available at your retirement? You need to consider your life expectancy and how much money you’ll need to maintain your lifestyle (which includes inflation). See your personal Financial Planner today to discuss what you’ll need to be able to have a retirement that is as stress-free as possible.

Should I Change My Homeowners Insurance Policy if I No Longer Live in It?

A homeowner’s policy is a homeowner’s policy, right? Wrong! If you are planning on moving out of your home and having someone else live in it; you need to contact your Insurance Agent Professional before you do so. The homeowner’s policy covers “owner occupied” homes so once someone else is living in it, the policy is no longer valid. Your property now needs a rental property policy in order for you to have the proper coverage.

Safe Summertime Travels with Kids

Summer time usually includes traveling time for so many families across the country. If you're planning on a road trip with kids, here are a few tips to help you travel safely over the summer:

Check Your Car Seats. Did you know that 73 percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly? Before you hit the road this season, please take 15 minutes for an at-home car seat checkup using the SafeKids downloadable checklist. The checklist offers ways to make sure your car seat is right for your child and that the seat is installed properly. These tips are important because we know that when used correctly, child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.

Use Booster Seats. Safety in the car goes beyond your little ones. Kids who have outgrown a forward-facing harness seat are not ready for a seat belt or front seat yet. They are safest in a booster seat that enables the adult seat belt to fit properly. Even when children have outgrown booster seats, they are safest in the backseat until the age of 13.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/blog/what-parents-need-know-safe-summer-travel#sthash.bKsa52Nx.dpuf.

Safety Tips for Walkers

It’s a beautiful day outside and you decide to go for a walk to get some exercise and fresh air. Have you taken the time to go over your safety plan first? Many people just go for a walk and never even think about what they need to do to stay safe. Here are some tips to have a safe walk:

  •Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.

  •Carry a flashlight when walking at night.

  •Cross in a well-lit area at night.

  •Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

  •Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

  •Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.

  •Don't assume vehicles will stop; make eye contact with drivers; don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.

  •Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road.

  •Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

  •Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking so that you won’t be distracted.

 Following these few safety tips could save your life. Go out there and enjoy a walk but make sure that you do it safely.

Safe Distance Around Other Vehicles

Did you ever wonder what the safe distance is between your car and the one in front of you? Well, according to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, it’s the 2 second rule. 

The rule goes as follows: Pick an object in front of you, like a sign post or a tree. When the vehicle in front of you reaches that object, count out "one one-thousand, two one-thousand…..". If you reach the object before you count two, you are too close. Slow down until you’ve put enough distance between you and the other vehicle.

The two-second rule is a minimum safe distance for good road conditions and moderate traffic. Count three or four seconds for added safety and when traffic allows. Keep more space behind a motorcycle and heavy equipment (for example, dump trucks, tractors) than you would for another vehicle.  You never know when someone is going to stop abruptly, so it’s a good habit to make sure you’re not following another vehicle too closely.