Are you a part of the 86%?

I consider myself one of the lucky ones. My drive to work is short and sweet – very minimal traffic and very few miles. But even with a shorter commute, I have found that the worst way to start a work day is with a phone call from a friend or family member saying, “I am fine, but I can’t say the same for my car.”

Our country is a nation of drivers. According to an American Community Survey, approximately 86 percent of Americans drive to work.

The following Roadway Safety Tips will help keep you safe during your commute no matter how long or short it may be:

1. Focus your attention on driving.

The only thing you should be doing is driving. Put down the breakfast or the makeup and put away the cellphone. Distracted driving is estimated to be a factor in 25% to 50% of all traffic crashes.

2. Keep your distance.

Driving too closely behind the car in front of you will not get you to work any faster. Give yourself room to react. You’ll need it in a crisis.

3. Drive at a speed that is reasonable for conditions.

Speed Limits are posted for ideal driving conditions. When traffic, roadway, weather or visibility conditions are less than ideal, consider driving at a slower speed. Crashes at higher speeds generally cause more severe crashes.

4. Scan your environment.

Be aware of upcoming cross streets and decision points. Spotting a traffic sign or signal early allows you to be prepared to stop.

5. Maintain your vehicle.

See that all cargo is properly secured. Set your temperature controls and pre-set the climate control, radio and CD player prior to driving.

6. Create a “safety cushion” around your vehicle.

When merging into a lane make sure that you expand your “safety cushion” to allow adequate distance and reaction time between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you.

7. Eliminate blind spots.

Adjust your side and rear-view mirrors in advance of driving to provide as much sight-distance as possible.

8. Know your limitations.

The decreasing daylight means you’ll be commuting in twilight or dark conditions. A driver’s vision, including depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision is affected by darkened conditions.

9. Know your surroundings.

Be aware of trucks and buses as they need more room to turn, change lanes and stop in traffic. Trucks and buses take longer to accelerate from a stop or slowing pace, be patient.

10. Share the road.

When starting from a green light at an intersection, always check one last time to verify that there are no pedestrians crossing or bicyclists in your travel path. Be considerate of other road users.

Last, but certainly not least – make sure you’re driving with insurance! If you’re in the market, consider contacting Radius Insurance Agency to talk about an auto insurance policy.

Motorcyle Insurance Explained

 

Motorcycle Insurance

Choosing the right insurance policy is much like choosing the right motorcycle. You want it to fit your needs and lifestyle, but at the same time be within your budget. Although most states require you to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, other types of coverage are usually optional. Always ask your insurance agent or company representative which laws apply in your state.

In order to find out what coverage is best for you, it is important to understand all the options available.

Liability coverage

Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage that you may cause to other people involved in an accident. It doesn’t cover you or your motorcycle. Find out if your coverage includes Guest Passenger Liability, which provides protection in the event that a passenger is injured on the motorcycle. Whether or not this is included depends on the laws of your state and the company issuing the policy.

Collision coverage

Collision insurance covers damage to your motorcycle if you are involved in an accident. Your insurance company pays for damages, minus your deductible, caused when you collide with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance usually covers the book value of the motorcycle before the loss occurred.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft or vandalism. However, just like collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for damages, minus your deductible, and will cover only the book value of the motorcycle.

Keep in mind most comprehensive and collision coverages will only cover the factory standard parts on your motorcycle. If you decide to add on any optional accessories such as chrome parts, a custom paint job, trailers or sidecars, you should look into obtaining additional or optional equipment coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage covers damages to you and your property caused by another driver who either doesn’t have insurance (uninsured) or doesn’t have adequate insurance (underinsured) to cover your damages.

This coverage typically pays for medical treatment, lost wages and other damages. If your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage includes property damage, then your motorcycle would also be covered under the same circumstances. Check with your insurance professional to see if property damage is included or needs to be purchased separately.