While the amount of danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans are likely to face some degree of severe winter weather throughout their lives. Winter storms can range from moderate snow over the course of a few hours to a blinding blizzard that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, ice, sleet and freezing rain.

A primary concern during winter storms and extreme cold is commuting safely. Most businesses, events and activities will only close down during the worst storms or extreme temperatures during winter. As such, it’s vital that you have your vehicle prepared for winter weather to make commuting in these conditions as safe as possible.

Winterize Your Vehicle

Check or have a mechanic review the following items on your car:

• Antifreeze levels—Ensure these levels are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system—This system should be in proper working condition, and all battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes—Check all brakes for potential damages or wear and tear.
• Exhaust system—Check this system for leaks and crimped pipes, and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning of its presence.
• Fuel and air filters—Have filters replaced regularly and keep water out of the system by using additives, as well as maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Heater and defroster—Ensure that both of these items work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights—Check all lights for potential damages and overall serviceability.
• Oil—Check oil level and weight. Heavier oils congeal at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat—Ensure that this item works properly.
• Windshield wiper equipment—Review this equipment for potential damages. Repair any problems and ensure a proper washer fluid level.
• Winter tires—Make sure all tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs in winter weather conditions.

Update the emergency kit in your vehicle with these items:

• A shovel
• A windshield scraper and small broom
• A flashlight
• A battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Water
• Non-perishable food items
• Matches
• Extra hats, socks and mittens
• A first-aid kit with a pocket knife
• Any necessary medications
• Blankets
• A tow chain or rope
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Fluorescent distress flags

If You Are Stranded in a Vehicle

If a blizzard traps you in the car:

• Pull off the highway. Turn on the hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
• Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful—distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
• Run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Exercise to maintain your body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs—the use of lights, heat and radio—with supply.
• Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
• If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out “HELP” or “SOS” and line the letters with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by air.
• Leave the car and proceed on foot—if necessary—once the blizzard passes.

Know the Terms

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify winter storm hazards:

• Freezing rain—This is rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.
• Sleet—This is rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
• Winter weather advisory—This means that winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening.
• Winter storm watch—This means that a winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, commercial radio or local television for more information.
• Winter storm warning—This means that a winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
• Blizzard warning—This means that sustained winds or frequent gusts (35 mph or greater) and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
• Frost/freeze warning—This means that below-freezing temperatures are expected.

Rinehart, Walters & Danner is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. For additional risk management guidance, contact us today.

Fall can be a particularly dangerous time to drive. Fortunately, by considering the following guidance, you may be able to limit your risk of accidents:

Watch for children.
With school back in session, you should be mindful of increased foot traffic, as well as the frequent presence of school buses.

Prioritize lighting.
As the days get shorter, you may find yourself driving in the dark more often. Be sure to turn on your headlights as soon as it starts to get dark.

Consider driving conditions.
Avoid driving at excessive speeds and take your time when changing lanes or making other maneuvers, as fog, frost and fallen leaves can all affect your visibility and traction.

Be mindful of animals.
Many animals may become more active during the fall, including deer. Take particular care to watch the sides of roads at dawn and twilight, as this is when many animals are most active.

Contact us today to learn more about automobile safety.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is when drivers and riders are encouraged to take a closer look at how they share the road. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are overrepresented in traffic crashes each year.

Motorcycle Safety Month is about cooperation and awareness. Motorcyclists are harder to see, especially in traffic or bad weather, and they don’t have the same level of protection as someone in a car or truck. The NHTSA’s message is clear: Motorcyclists’ safety is everyone’s safety.

Two key factors contributing to car vs. motorcycle incidents are speed and alcohol impairment. These risks don’t just affect motorcyclists; they impact everyone on the road. So what can you do as a motorcycle rider or other motorists? 

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS

• ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GEAR. Even if it is not required by state law, it is crucial to wear a helmet to prevent head injuries if an accident occurs.
• BE VISIBLE. Use your headlight day and night so you are easier to see.
• GIVE YOURSELF SPACE. Drive defensively by giving yourself time and distance to account for other motorists’ driving.
• STAY IN YOUR LANE. Make sure to remain in your lane. Do not weave in and out of lanes.
• WATCH THE WEATHER. When riding, make sure you have a plan of action if bad weather occurs.

Other Motorists

• ALWAYS CHECK TWICE. Before changing lanes, check to make sure you didn’t miss a motorcyclist who could have been in your blind spot.
• USE CAUTION. When passing or changing lanes, make sure there is enough room to do so.
• PAY ATTENTION. Pay attention while driving at night for motorcycles; they are smaller, so they may not be as easy to see as a car.
• KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. When driving behind motorcycles—or any other vehicle—ensure you have enough space to stop safely if an accident or problem occurs.
• DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. Always drive defensively to avoid accidents and account for other drivers’ actions.

Whether you’re behind the handlebars or the wheel, being aware of your surroundings, slowing down and driving or riding sober are simple steps that can make a real difference.

So this month—and every month—take a moment to check your mirrors, give space and ride or drive responsibly.

The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel. Review the following article for more information on distracted driving and ways you can help prevent it.

Distracted Driving Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are three main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness behind the wheel, including:

1. Visual distractions—These distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include reading emails or text messages, focusing on vehicle passengers, looking at maps or navigation systems, and observing nearby activities (e.g., accidents, traffic stops or roadside attractions) while driving.
2. Manual distractions—Such distractions entail motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Key examples of manual distractions include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking or performing personal grooming tasks (e.g., applying makeup) while driving.
3. Cognitive distractions—These distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples of cognitive distractions include talking on the phone, conversing with vehicle passengers or daydreaming while driving.

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that contributes to a significant number of accidents on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 2,800 people are killed and 400,000 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver each year—equating to approximately eight deaths and 1,095 injuries per day. Considering these findings, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Prevention Tips

Whenever you get behind the wheel, keep these distracted driving prevention measures in mind:

• Put away your phone. Silence your phone and store it in a location that is out of reach while driving to lower the temptation to check it.
• Plan your trip before you leave. Program your navigation system prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.
• Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.
• Secure passengers. Ensure kids are properly situated in car seats (if needed) with seat belts fastened. Keep pets stationary in the back seat.
• Avoid multitasking. Never complete additional tasks—such as eating or personal grooming—behind the wheel.
• Stay focused. Concentrate your mind on the road by keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead.

For additional driver safety tips, contact us today.

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When renting a car, the rental company will typically ask if you’d like to purchase insurance coverage for the vehicle. It’s at this point when you have to ask yourself: Do my personal insurance policies provide the coverage I need, or should I purchase insurance through the rental car company?

Although standard auto insurance policies may extend to rented vehicles, you should never assume you are protected. Examining your own auto insurance policy will show you the types of coverage you already possess and where additional coverage may be needed. Since auto policies differ, it’s a good rule of thumb to contact your broker so they can help you navigate your policy and determine if you have the appropriate amount of coverage when renting a vehicle.

Examining Your Insurance Policies

When deciding whether or not your personal insurance will cover your rental car, there are a few different coverages you should have. If you answer yes to all of the following questions, you may not need to purchase additional coverage:

• Do you have liability, collision or comprehensive car insurance? Liability, collision and comprehensive insurance are the three main coverage options available when purchasing car insurance. Although it is not always required to purchase all three coverages, they can optimize your protection in the event of an accident.
  • Liability insurance provides coverage if you damage or injure another person or their personal property.
  • Collision insurance provides coverage if your vehicle is involved in a collision, either with another vehicle or object.
  • Comprehensive insurance provides coverage if your car is damaged by a variety of exposures such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
• Does your policy cover administrative fees, loss of use or towing charges? It’s always a good idea to check see whether your insurance company pays for—or provides a rider for—additional fees associated with rental cars. This coverage can be helpful if a car you rent is lost, stolen or damaged.
• Do you have a renters or homeowners policy that will cover your belongings if lost or damaged? Your homeowners or renters insurance policy covers your personal belongings from theft, fire or vandalism within your home. Policies often include off-premises coverage that can extend your coverage to outside your residence. Therefore, if personal belongings in your vehicle are stolen or damaged, your homeowners or renters insurance policy may be able to cover a percentage of your losses. Not all insurance carriers will extend coverage to protect personal belongings within your vehicle—always check with your broker to see what your renters or homeowners policy covers.

What Is Rental Car Insurance, and What Does It Cover?

Car rental companies provide additional coverage that is often used to supplement insurance you already possess.

Rental car agencies offer four different coverage options:

1. Supplemental liability insurance: Most car rental companies need to have the minimum amount of liability coverage required by the state, but oftentimes it isn’t an adequate amount of coverage. If you have a personal car insurance policy with a high liability limit, you may not need additional protection.
2. Loss damage waiver (LDW)/collision damage waiver (CDW): This is not insurance per se, but rather a document that can alleviate your financial responsibility should your rental vehicle be damaged or stolen. This also includes loss of use coverage if the rental company charges you for the amount of time the car could not be used while being repaired, as well as other administrative fees the car rental agency assesses. The LDW may become void if the incident occurred from the driver of the rented vehicle exhibiting reckless behavior, speeding or the vehicle being driven on unpaved roads.
3. Personal accident insurance: This will cover the driver and any passengers within the rented vehicle for any medical bills caused by a car crash. This coverage is useful if you do not already have health insurance or personal injury protection insurance.
4. Personal effects coverage: This covers any personal belongings that are stolen from the rental vehicle. If you already have renters or homeowners insurance, this may already be covered under your policy.

The coverages offered are oftentimes the same as what you already have for your personal car insurance. Again, to avoid paying for coverage you already have, review your policy before renting a vehicle.

Does Your Credit Card Provide Rental Insurance?

Many reputable credit card companies offer rental insurance to their customers. To utilize this secondary form of coverage, you must put the total amount of the car rental on your credit card. In many cases, credit card companies will also require you to deny any insurance offered by the car rental agency in order to access their coverage. In the event that your rental car is in a covered incident, the credit card company will help cover costs of damage or theft up to a certain dollar amount. Various rental car fees can be covered by your credit card, but this can vary by provider.

Before purchasing any additional coverage through the car rental facility, call your credit card company to see if your card offers car rental insurance. Since most credit card rental insurance is classified as a secondary form of coverage, you may need to rely on your personal auto insurance coverage first.

Ask About Your Policy

Deciding on your rental car coverage can be a tricky endeavor. Before purchasing any extra coverage, talk to your insurance broker about your personal auto insurance policy and whether you may need to purchase any additional insurance. No one wants to pay more for their auto insurance, and you shouldn’t have too.

If you have any questions or are unsure if rental vehicles are covered under your policy, contact Rinehart, Walters & Danner today.

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