Exercise Caution This Fall & Winter with Nighttime Driving

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Night driving tips in Salt Lake City, UtahThe joys of fall and winter include going to pumpkin patches, seeing family and friends for holidays, skiing, sitting by a warm fire, and more; however, these seasons also bring longer nights which means increased risk on the roads.

Many drivers aren’t aware of the challenges of driving in the dark and with longer nighttime hours ahead, it is a good time to touch up on some safety tips for evening drives.

Sometimes, there’s no way around driving at night. So here are some suggestions to help you make a safe trip– whether you’re just running to the store or you’re headed to another city.

  1. Make certain your car’s lights are in good working condition. Not only your headlights but turn signals, taillights, etc. Also, if there are no other drivers around, use your high-beam lights to allow yourself to see better and farther while driving.
  2. Avoid speeding. Leave a bigger gap between you and other cars than you would during daytime hours. Also, leave yourself even more time for the trip so you don’t need to speed to arrive at your destination on time.
  3. Eliminate distractions. You shouldn’t be on your phone, messing around with the radio, or searching for something while you’re on the road anyway. Distractions are a lot more dangerous at night.
  4. Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to the road as you drive and always be on the lookout for wildlife. You should also be aware of other drivers and keep your distance, especially if their driving looks suspicious. Nighttime is when you are most likely to encounter a driver under the influence.

Data shows that nighttime driving has an increased risk of fatalities, so slow your driving at night and take your time.

Nobody likes to be lectured on safe driving, but understanding what causes nighttime driving to be more dangerous can help you eliminate risks.

What you need to understand about driving at night:

  1. Your vision is reduced. Many drivers complain about decreased vision at nighttime. This can be due to a foggy windshield, poor windshield wipers, or simply the fact that our eyes don’t work as well at nighttime. In fact, peripheral vision is greatly reduced in the dark, and having a good peripheral vision is paramount to lane changes, crosswalks, and unprotected intersections.
  2. Speeds too fast for conditions. Did you know that you can drive too fast for your headlights? This means that your headlights can only illuminate so much of the road ahead of you. Driving at night greatly increases your chances of animal collisions because you are simply traveling too fast to slow your vehicle when an animal is in the roadway. When appropriate, slow your vehicle speed by 10-15% at night to give yourself great reactionary time to things like wildlife in the roadway.
  3. Impairment. The holidays and darker days increase the consumption of alcohol and drunk drivers. Because alcohol can decrease your good judgment, it is a good idea to consider using rideshare drivers. A simple Uber or Lyft ride can save you thousands, not to mention your life or the lives of others.
  4. If you are feeling drowsy or fatigued, immediately find a place where you can either rest and wake up, or if you have another eligible driver in your car, trade places with them.

Many drivers avoid driving at night altogether. Especially as we get older our confidence and reaction time decreases. If you have any more questions about driving at night or want to discuss your auto insurance policy, feel free to give our agency a call today.

How to Prep Your Car for Fall and Winter Seasons

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Fall and winter driving in Salt Lake City, UTWith summer coming to an end and cooler weather beginning to approach, now is a great time to get ahead and get your vehicle ready for fall and winter. Fall might seem early to get your car ready, but this season can produce hazardous weather that can make driving dangerous for those who are not prepared.

Depending on where you live or even where you might be driving, you could experience cold weather that can cause slick roads. To help keep you safe while driving during these seasons, we provided some tips to help get you and your vehicle ready for the changing road conditions.

Make Sure Your Car is Serviced

One of the best ways to help lower your risk of a car breakdown or accident is to make sure to keep your vehicle is well maintained.

Here is what to check:

  1. Check your tire tread. A good way to combat fall and winter road conditions is to make sure your tires are in great condition. If your tires have poor tread depth, this can affect your car’s traction abilities. If you drive over mountain passes or live in a cold environment, you should also consider adding specialized winter tires to your vehicle so you have an additional level of traction for driving.
  2. Is your heater working? Not only will this provide comfort for you when the air outside is cooler, but it will also help defrost your windshield in case fog or ice begins to form on your glass.
  3. Check your brakes. With the chance of the roads becoming slippery causing braking distances to be increased, you’ll want to make sure that your brakes are well inspected.
  4. Check your headlights. Fall and winter can bring the darkest time of the year, making objects outside of your car more difficult to see if your car’s lights are dim. Make sure all of your headlights shine bright enough so you can easily see any obstacles. Additionally, make sure your tail lights are bright enough too so that other drivers behind you can see you.
  5. Check your windshield wipers. Review your wipers to ensure they are in good shape. If your car gets into contact with any leaves, moisture, debris, etc. you can depend on your wipers to be able to keep your windshield clear and easily visible.

Additional items to consider:

Store warm clothes or a blanket in your car

In an emergency event where your car breaks down on the side of the road in cold weather, it is important to keep warm while you wait for assistance. Pack warm clothes in your car ahead of time so you can stay comfortable if this event ever happens. A good rule of thumb is to pack clothes that you would be comfortable wearing for a long time outside.

Keep Basic Tools in Your Car

  1. A windshield scrapper helps you quickly scrape ice from your windshield.
  2. A first aid kit can be very helpful. We recommend always keeping one in your trunk.
  3. Double-check that your emergency roadside kit is ready in the event you need to change your tire. This can include a jack, a jack handle, a tire iron, a screwdriver, and of course, your spare!

We hope you never have to experience a car breakdown or accident. Being prepared for the unexpected can help make a bad situation better.

If you have any questions about road safety, your auto insurance policy, or adding roadside assistance, please contact our agency.

 

Fun Ideas to Make the Most Out of Your Summer

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Fun summer ideas in Salt Lake City, UtahWe are already one month into summer. If you have kids, that means the new school year is just around the corner. Maximize your summer by using the last few weeks to create great summer memories. This doesn’t mean you have to take a special vacation, as you can easily find fun things to do around your house or in your local community. Here are a few ideas to make the most out of your remaining summer.

  • Make something fun in the kitchen

Summer offers amazing seasonal produce to create a fun experience in the kitchen. Consider making homemade ice cream, a fruit pie or cobbler, or grill up something fun on the BBQ. A new recipe or a family favorite recipe makes for an easy, fun experience at home. You can enjoy doing this by yourself or with friends and family.

  • Attend a local event

Local events can vary from attending a major or minor league baseball game, your local farmer’s market, music event, local festival, comedy show, and more. Consider seeking out what local events are going on this month for something new and exciting to try.

  • Get outdoors

When it comes to getting outdoors, there are many options to choose from. You can stay close to home by visiting a new park or you can hop in your vehicle and drive a few hours to fish, hike, camp, boat, paddleboard or kayak, and more. The outdoors can be a great space to get away, take a digital detox and enjoy nature.

  • Take a road trip somewhere in your state

Sometimes many of us like to venture somewhere out of state for road trips even though fun places exist closer to home. It is easy to think you can visit something close to home at any time. Pick a time this summer to plan a day trip or extended road trip to something new you haven’t seen in your home state. You may find it could be a new favorite location to visit.

  • Plan a Gathering

Fun gatherings always create lasting memories. Nothing says summer like a summer BBQ, pool party or slumber party for your child with his or her friends. Finish summer off with a fun gathering with friends or family.

Here are a few tips for having a safe gathering:

  • If you have kids near or in a pool, make sure there is a dedicated adult watching the pool.
  • Do not leave the grill unattended, especially if there are children present.
  • When BBQing, make sure you have a fire extinguisher ready.
  • Keep food at the recommended safe temperature before cooking to avoid making you and your guests ill.
  • Make sure your grill is clean of grease and gunk, and there are no bits of metal left over that will contaminate your food.

We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer season. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, we are here to answer your questions. Contact us today.

A Beginner’s Guide to Traveling in an RV

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RV Insurance in Salt Lake City, UtahBuying your first RV, camper or trailer is an exciting time! Before you make the purchase, you are already visualizing how you want to enjoy your trailer or RV. Owning an RV or camper allows you to enjoy nature & relax. Here are a few things to consider to have the best time.

  1. Get Comfortable Driving Your RV

Whether you must drive your RV or tow your camper, it is important to be comfortable. We’re not talking about physical comfort; we’re referring to being comfortable with driving the vehicle. Begin by driving it around unpopulated areas such as neighborhoods and less-populated streets. When you’re ready, hop on a freeway and try it at freeway speeds. Remember, your braking will be dramatically different in a larger vehicle and especially so if you’re pulling a trailer.

  1. Check the Roads if Using the Backcountry

If you are going hiking or camping on forest service roads, be sure to watch for signs for “no turn-around” or “no trailers.” While most rural roads won’t mention this, it is important to remember you’re going to have to turn around. While traveling on forest service roads it isn’t uncommon for the road to be obstructed by a fallen tree or other hazards. Be sure you’re prepared for unplanned situations.

  1. Tie Down Your Luggage, Coolers, Etc.

Loose items inside of the vehicle can be a hazard when you must take evasive action or brake hard. Loose items inside of the vehicle will accelerate at the same deceleration as the outside of the vehicle. So, if they aren’t strapped down, they can move around your cabin and cause serious injury or damage. Be sure all your items inside are strapped down; especially the heavy items such as coolers.

  1. Make a Checklist for Packing

Referencing a master checklist for packing can be great to ensure you do not forget anything. This can be made on paper or your notes app on your phone. With each trip, you’ll learn what you need to create your perfect master list.

  1. Make Your Food Ahead of Time

By owning an RV or camper, you can easily save money by packing your meals for the road. Consider cooking your meals ahead of time or making double batches of easy meals you normally cook in the comfort of your home that can be frozen for future use.

When you pack food for the road, choose meals that can be reheated on a stovetop or a portable BBQ. For meals where you don’t want to spend the time reheating, pack items that taste good colds such as pasta salads, sandwiches, quiche, and more. You might feel like you are eating a gourmet meal out in nature! Consider examples such as pre-cooked burger patties, chili, stews, and even pizza (reheated on a BBQ for a crisp bottom).

If your RV does not have a refrigerator, you can pack a cooler. If you plan to use your RV for an extended period, there are temperature-controlled electric plugin coolers you can invest in. This may save money over the long run as it avoids you from having to eat out for many meals.

Owning an RV can be bring you joy and wonderful memories. If you have any questions about insurance for your RV, trailer, van, or camper, reach out to our agency. We can help you determine the best RV insurance coverage to protect your investment.

Taking a Summer Vacation? Why You Should Follow This Checklist to Protect Your Home.

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How to protect your home while on vacation in Salt Lake City, UTSummer is here! Whether you are looking forward to being on a big vacation overseas or local trips around your state, many of us look forward to our summer vacations. Keeping your home safe while you are gone can be simple and it can also offer you peace of mind while you are off enjoying your trip. We share some things to do before you leave for your vacation.

Actions that can decrease your risk for theft while you are gone:

Don’t share your trip plans on social media: we understand that posting on social media in the moment is ideal. However, posting content while you are on vacation tells many on the internet you are currently away from your home for an extended period which can increase your risk for theft.

Holding your mail: unless you have someone checking your mailbox for you every day, it is best to hold your mail through USPS. Letting your mail collect in your mailbox while you are gone increases your risk for mail theft. You can easily do this online by going to usps.com and setting a mail hold.

Stage your home: Staging your home to look like you are home may lower your risk for a burglary. Here are a few suggestions on how to do this:

  1. Set a light on a timer. Whether it is a lamp or your main room, this shows that someone is home.
  2. Don’t leave garbage or recycle bins out for multiple days in a row. This can be a clear indication you are not home to thieves. If you can, ask a neighbor if he or she can pull your bins off the road or place them back where they belong on your property.

Inform your neighbors: If you’re close with your neighbors, be sure to let them know that you’re going to be away on vacation. They can keep an eye out for suspicious activity at your home.

Invest in a home security camera. This can bring peace of mind knowing any strange activity on your property can be alerted to you via your home security app.

One simple action to prevent a home insurance claim: If you plan to be gone for weeks at a time, it is always best to shut off your water.

Home insurance claims are best avoided by taking simple precautions. If you have questions about your home insurance, please feel free to reach out to our staff. We’re happy to help.