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3/18/2019

avoid deadly distractions behind the wheel

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Not texting is a start, but there's more to safe driving

Here's the bad news: Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents every year, many of them fatal. The good news? If you're driving, it's 100% preventable.

You've seen them around your city or town. You may know a few of them.

And you might even be one yourself.

Distracted drivers come in all shapes and sizes, all makes and models. And even if you're not one today, you could become one at any moment—in the time it takes you to answer your phone, or check the kids in the back seat.

But before you say, "I can talk on my phone and drive just fine," think about this: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2016 nearly 400,000 people were injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers—and in 2015, more than 3,400 were killed.

It's not just about texting, either. Although that is perhaps the most dangerous distraction, there are many others that can impact how you drive, whether you realize it or not. And they can be just as deadly.

Here are just a few of the things that can distract drivers on the road:

Talking on the phone, even with a hands-free device
Eating or drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming (yes, there really are people who apply makeup or shave on their way to work)
Reading, including maps
Adjusting the stereo

Younger drivers are the most distracted of all—according to the NHTSA, teens were the largest age group reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes.

With distractions more prevalent than ever—nearly 800 billion text messages are sent in the U.S. every month, for example—how can you, and those you love, be safer behind the wheel? Here are a few tips:

Don't use the phone: This includes texting as well as talking, unless it's an emergency. Even hands-free conversations can take your attention off the road.
Eat before you leave, or after you get there: Scarfing down that burger with one hand on the wheel means your focus is divided—and you probably don't have as much control over your car as you should. Bonus benefit: Keeping your meals and your driving separate means you're much less likely to get ketchup on your pants.
Know where you're going: Nobody likes to be lost. But messing around with your car's GPS (or the maps app on your smartphone) while you're moving can lead to something you'll hate even more—an accident.
Talk to your family about safe driving: Having a conversation with your spouse as they're driving home? That's a perfect opportunity to say, "I'll let you focus on the road; we can talk when you get here." And if you have young drivers in the household, be sure to have a conversation about their phones and other potential issues, such as their passengers—a key distraction for teens.
Watch for other distracted drivers: Just because you aren't distracted doesn't mean that other drivers are focused on safe driving. Stay in control and be vigilant—you'll be ready to react when someone else makes the wrong move.

Distracted driving isn't just "one of those things" that happens, like a tire blowout or mechanical failure that isn't anyone's fault. It's 100% preventable—and by committing to avoiding distractions while you drive, you'll help make the road safer for everyone.

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3/6/2019

Jewelry Coverage?

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Whether it's a gift from someone special or a gift to yourself, a new piece of jewelry can bring some sparkle to your life.

However, many people who find themselves victimized by burglars—or worse, a fire or some other disaster—also find out too late that they didn't have enough insurance to replace their jewelry.

Here's why: Homeowners policies typically only cover valuable items such as jewelry and watches up to a specific amount. For example, if your limit is $5,000, but you have a $15,000 diamond ring, you'd be on the hook for an extra $10,000 in order to replace it. There might be other issues as well, such as whether your policy covers each individual piece of jewelry at a set amount, or provides coverage for your collection as a whole.

This all might sound complicated, but it's really not—especially when you work with an independent agent who can explain your options and make sure you get the right coverage. No matter how you buy your insurance, though, below are a few things you'll want to consider.

Do you need more coverage? Look at your policy language, or ask your agent to explain your coverage. Do you have one or two expensive pieces, or a number of smaller items that when added together exceed your limits? You probably need to purchase additional protection.
What kind of coverage should you get? This depends on your lifestyle. You may want to consider whether items are covered no matter where they are (such as if you travel internationally). You'll also want to ask about actual cash value versus replacement value, and if you would be required to actually replace the jewelry in the event of a loss or if you could just keep the cash payment.
Do you need an appraisal? In some instances, an insurance company will require you to get a piece appraised to determine its value.
Do you have items with mainly sentimental value, or ones that are irreplaceable? If so, you might not need to purchase any additional insurance at all. But we recommend talking to your agent before making that decision.
Do you have the ability to increase your deductible? Usually, a higher deductible means a lower premium—so that's an option to potentially offset part or all of the cost of increased coverage for your jewelry.
Do you have pictures? This doesn't necessarily have to do with your insurance, but jewelers often are able to recreate lost or stolen pieces with the help of a photo.

Whatever you choose to do, remember that you play an important role in keeping your jewelry protected, too: Be sure to store it securely, whether in a safe at home or a safe-deposit box at a different location. After all, having the right coverage is great—but it's even better when those special pieces stay with you and your family for years to come.

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avoid deadly distractions behind the wheel

Jewelry Coverage?

Jason Thompson

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