Icy weather can create challenging, and potentially dangerous, driving conditions in the winter months. Black ice forms on roadways and can produce a nearly invisible hazard. As temperatures approach freezing, icy conditions can develop, especially on roadways where elevation is higher, and bridges and overpasses. Adjusting your driving behavior for these conditions can help keep you, and others around you, safe on the road this winter.
Recognize Local Forecast
Changing winter weather can present hazards for drivers unaware of the local weather forecast. Knowing when ice may be present is an important first step. If you plan to drive in an area where snow or ice may be possible, check conditions in advance. You can sign up for weather alerts to receive text messages and optional alerts for your area. Just make sure not to use your smartphone while driving, as you will want your full concentration on the road.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
Even if you know the area and are familiar with driving on icy roads, other drivers may not be as experienced or aware of potential dangers. It’s important to increase your following distance to compensate for the increased stopping time it can take for you and other drivers to stop on slick surfaces. Be aware that larger vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, may require even longer to stop in adverse weather conditions.
Practice Caution in All Vehicle Types
While four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, Electronic Stability Control and other safety features can help you to drive more safely in the snow and ice, they may not be able to help drivers to safely drive at regular speed limits during snowy, slushy or icy conditions. The National Safety Council recommends a three-second following distance during ideal road and weather conditions, and suggests slowing down and increasing following distances during adverse weather conditions or when visibility is reduced. Depending on your vehicle and where you live, you may want to consider whether snow tires are necessary in the winter months.
Expect Changing Road Conditions
Even the day after a storm, road conditions can remain challenging as road crews work to clear snow and ice. The roads may be clear in one area and icy in another due to elevation, road treatment and other factors. Freezing and melting precipitation can create new dangers overnight. As air temperatures rise above 32 degrees, roadways may retain pockets of ice that can be dangerous to drivers.
Know Where to Stop Safely
Deciding to stay home or to get off the roads when conditions turn icy can be a smart safety decision. Make sure that you choose a safe spot to wait for conditions to improve. Rest stops and parking lots are generally safer than the side of the road, where limited visibility may create hazards from snowplows and other traffic.
Encourage Safe Driving
If you have friends or family planning to travel during the winter months, offer them a chance to opt-out of travel if conditions appear hazardous. For parents of newer drivers, consider creating rules about driving in snow and ice, and talk with your teens about the importance of changing their driving behavior during the winter months.
Icy conditions may present challenges for drivers, but there are steps that you can take to stay safer and to anticipate potential hazards. Know the local weather forecast, slow your speed, increase your following distance, allow yourself extra travel time and be prepared for unexpected icy conditions on the road. Just like other people’s driving, winter weather can be unpredictable.
But even the safest, most experienced drivers can get into an accident. That’s why it’s important to have the right insurance to protect you and your vehicle. At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs.
Source: https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/how-to-drive-in-icy-conditions
Rideshare Insurance for Uber and Lyft Drivers
On average, the roughly 1.5 million to 2 million people in the U.S. who drive for both Uber and Lyft earn $18.15 an hour before expenses. Just one car accident, though, could easily eat up that money—and more. That’s why Uber and Lyft drivers likely need separate rideshare insurance to supplement both personal auto insurance and the coverage that’s automatically provided by rideshare companies. A driver’s financial stability could ride on whether they’ve got rideshare insurance.
To understand the insurance for rideshare driving, it’s important to know the three phases while a rideshare app is on:
When an Uber or Lyft driver’s rideshare app is off, their personal auto insurance applies. But when the app is on, Uber and Lyft provide some coverage on the driver’s behalf. Personal auto coverage typically excludes rideshare trips. That’s because your auto insurance company has priced the policy assuming you’re driving yourself, relatives and/or friends, and that you aren’t earning money from private trips and putting a lot of extra miles on your car.
As a result, a rideshare driver’s personal auto policy typically won’t supply coverage while you’re making rideshare trips. A rideshare driver might be happy with the insurance provided by the rideshare company, especially if the driver carries only the minimum personal auto insurance required by the state. In those cases, a million dollars in liability coverage from Uber can look like a major bonus.
But there can still be gaps, which is where rideshare insurance comes in. For example, rideshare companies don’t provide collision or comprehensive insurance when the app is on and the driver is waiting for a ride request. And a personal auto policy that includes collision and comprehensive likely won’t cover that period. So, if you accidentally back into a pole, you’d have no insurance for the damage. Without additional rideshare coverage from their personal auto insurer, drivers may find their existing coverage may not apply to a loss that occurs while they are acting as a rideshare driver.
At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs!
Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/rideshare-insurance/
How to Drive in Icy Conditions
Icy weather can create challenging, and potentially dangerous, driving conditions in the winter months. Black ice forms on roadways and can produce a nearly invisible hazard. As temperatures approach freezing, icy conditions can develop, especially on roadways where elevation is higher, and bridges and overpasses. Adjusting your driving behavior for these conditions can help keep you, and others around you, safe on the road this winter.
Recognize Local Forecast
Changing winter weather can present hazards for drivers unaware of the local weather forecast. Knowing when ice may be present is an important first step. If you plan to drive in an area where snow or ice may be possible, check conditions in advance. You can sign up for weather alerts to receive text messages and optional alerts for your area. Just make sure not to use your smartphone while driving, as you will want your full concentration on the road.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
Even if you know the area and are familiar with driving on icy roads, other drivers may not be as experienced or aware of potential dangers. It’s important to increase your following distance to compensate for the increased stopping time it can take for you and other drivers to stop on slick surfaces. Be aware that larger vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, may require even longer to stop in adverse weather conditions.
Practice Caution in All Vehicle Types
While four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, Electronic Stability Control and other safety features can help you to drive more safely in the snow and ice, they may not be able to help drivers to safely drive at regular speed limits during snowy, slushy or icy conditions. The National Safety Council recommends a three-second following distance during ideal road and weather conditions, and suggests slowing down and increasing following distances during adverse weather conditions or when visibility is reduced. Depending on your vehicle and where you live, you may want to consider whether snow tires are necessary in the winter months.
Expect Changing Road Conditions
Even the day after a storm, road conditions can remain challenging as road crews work to clear snow and ice. The roads may be clear in one area and icy in another due to elevation, road treatment and other factors. Freezing and melting precipitation can create new dangers overnight. As air temperatures rise above 32 degrees, roadways may retain pockets of ice that can be dangerous to drivers.
Know Where to Stop Safely
Deciding to stay home or to get off the roads when conditions turn icy can be a smart safety decision. Make sure that you choose a safe spot to wait for conditions to improve. Rest stops and parking lots are generally safer than the side of the road, where limited visibility may create hazards from snowplows and other traffic.
Encourage Safe Driving
If you have friends or family planning to travel during the winter months, offer them a chance to opt-out of travel if conditions appear hazardous. For parents of newer drivers, consider creating rules about driving in snow and ice, and talk with your teens about the importance of changing their driving behavior during the winter months.
Icy conditions may present challenges for drivers, but there are steps that you can take to stay safer and to anticipate potential hazards. Know the local weather forecast, slow your speed, increase your following distance, allow yourself extra travel time and be prepared for unexpected icy conditions on the road. Just like other people’s driving, winter weather can be unpredictable.
But even the safest, most experienced drivers can get into an accident. That’s why it’s important to have the right insurance to protect you and your vehicle. At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs.
Source: https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/how-to-drive-in-icy-conditions
Holiday Pet Safety
The holidays are filled with joy, laughter and time spent with family and friends. In the bustle of the season, however, it’s easy to forget these festivities aren’t always pet friendly. We at A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc. know how important our pets can be to the whole family. Here are some reminders to keep your furry friends out of the vet clinic this holiday season, and visit us at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to consider us for your pet insurance needs.
When Decorating
Many traditional holiday decorations can be toxic to your pets. Plants that are typically used such as poinsettias, lilies, ivy, pine, and mistletoe can cause harm to your pets. Christmas trees can also be dangerous. Prevent your dogs or cats from chewing on limbs or pine needle droppings from the tree. Ingested pine needles could get lodged in the intestinal tract, puncturing the lining or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction. When decorating the tree, position your tree’s lights and tinsel draping away from the bottom of the tree where pets can get to them. The water base of a Christmas tree contains dangerous chemicals that could harm your pet. Don’t leave candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves, or accidentally knock them over and spill wax or start a fire.
Having Guests
Spending time with family and friends is part of the holiday fun. However; if you have guests coming in and out of your home this may be stressful to pets. Though the excitement of a party may overwhelm some pets, keep your pets inside during cold weather and provide plenty of toys to keep them busy. If needed, provide your cat or dog with a quiet room or crate during holiday parties and/or prepare ahead of time to discourage barking. Inform your visitors ahead of time that you have a pet.
Dinner Time
Holiday meals are a crowd favorite. Many guests may be tempted to share the goodies with your pets. Verify with them what is and is not safe for pets before they do. If your pets will be partaking in your dinner festivities, only share pet safe foods. Foods your pet can safely eat include: pumpkin, green beans, peas, carrots, apples (never the core or seeds), spinach, winter squash, corn (no cobs, as they can cause intestinal blockage), melon, berries, and bananas. Bones should not be given because they easily splinter and can cause serious health problems (even death) for your pet. Chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets—and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol should be avoided. Keep foods containing citric acid away from your pets. Foods such as cherry pits, peach pits and apple seeds contain essential oils that have the ability to cause irritations and even central nervous system depression if a significant amount is ingested. Coffee grounds, beans and chocolate-covered espresso beans should be kept out of reach. Raw eggs, grapes and raisons, nuts, onions, and salt should also be kept out of your pet’s food dish.
We hope these tips can help you and your pets have a great holiday season. Visit us at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to view our pet insurance options for peace of mind with your pets safety all year round. Warm wishes from all of us at A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc.
Sources: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/holiday-safety-tips-pets and https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/care/5-holiday-safety-tips-for-pets and https://www.billingsanimalfamilyhospital.com/holiday-food-for-pets/
Thanksgiving Safety Check
Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the dinner table in the company of family and friends and be thankful for all that you have. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, with unattended cooking as the leading contributing factor. Keep your holiday full of laughter and fun by following these safety tips.
In 2017 the U.S. fire department responded to an estimated 1,600 cooking fires on Thanksgiving. Keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during the holiday will keep you from having a Thanksgiving disaster! A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc. hopes you and your family have a safe and joyous Thanksgiving!
Sources:
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving
https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2010/11/24/thanksgiving-safety-tips-us-fire-administration-usfa
Vehicle Maintenance Checklist for Fall
The seasons are beginning to change and before we know it, cold weather will be here! The seasonal changes affect your vehicle in many different ways. Regular vehicle maintenance along with seasonal-specific car care tasks will help your vehicle last throughout the changes.
Check Fluids: This is the most important car care routine. The fluids lubricate, cool, and perform other vital functions to keep your car running. Check all fluids under the hood including: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
Inspect Tires: Tires affect the braking ability, handling performance, and overall safety of your vehicle – needless to say they are important! Measure the tread depth at the outer tread, center tread, and inner tread. If the any of the tread depths reading is 2/32” or less, the tires are a safety hazard and need replaced immediately! You should also check the tire pressure. Ensure the tires are inflated to the specification listed on the placard inside the door jamb.
Check Lights, Blades, and Brakes: Long summer days will be coming to an end soon. Since nighttime comes earlier in the fall, you’re more than likely going to be driving in the dark. Ensure all lights are in proper working order. Snow can fall at any time during the fall and winter months. You will want to ensure your wiper blades and windshield washer are ready for these conditions. We don’t have to remind you the importance of your car’s breaks. Before the snow starts to fall is the perfect time to take a peek at your breaks to ensure they are good to go!
Check Heater: You will want a warm car during the crisp fall mornings and in the winter. Now is a good time to check the heater to see if it is blowing hot air. If it’s blowing cold air, there may be an underlying issue within the cooling system.
Emergency Kit: You never know when you are going to break down on the side of the road or get stuck in traffic during the snowy weather. Having an emergency kit in your car is a great idea to keep you and your passengers safe and warm. Emergency kits should include: extra hats and gloves, blankets, a flash light and batteries, jumper cables, a multipurpose utility tool, and a first aid kit.
As we say “goodbye” to summer and “hello” to fall and winter A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc. wants to ensure you are safe on the road. While you are making your way through your fall vehicle checklist, give us a call at 973-340-9100 or visit us online at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to review your auto insurance policy. Stay safe, stay warm, and be prepared for anything!
Sources:
https://www.carparts.com/blog/five-fall-car-care-tips/
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/car-kit?
How to Jump Start a Car
Trouble happens. You left your lights on and now you’re stuck with a dead car battery. While learning how to jump start a car can be easy, there are risks in it if done so incorrectly. As your insurance agent, we care about your safety so we put together the following guide on how to properly get you and your car charged and back on the road.
What do you need to jump start a car?
Before you can recharge and get going, you need a few basics: jumper cables and a power source – either a portable jump battery (a jump box) or another vehicle.
Jumper cables are long, thickly insulated cables with toothy clips on one or both ends. These clips are called alligator clips. The clips are distinguished by color, usually red and black, to indicate positive and negative polarity. The red clip is positive. The black clip is negative.
Jump boxes are portable batteries used to jump start a vehicle without connecting to another vehicle and come with special jump cables. These cables connect the jump battery directly to the dead car battery. Road side assistance usually uses a jump box when helping stalled vehicles.
What do you need to know about car batteries to jump start a car?
Car batteries have two larger nubs, called terminals. There is a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Each should be clearly marked. Connecting cables to the right terminal is important to completing the circuit and gives power to the dead battery.
CAUTIONS WHEN JUMP STARTING A CAR:
Protect the donor battery
A quick test that there is enough voltage for the donor, be sure that the car giving the jump start headlights are steady and bright when the car is started. If the headlights dim, that can signal that the battery is low.
How do you use jumper cables to jump start a car from another vehicle?
After the car is jump started:
Unclip the clips in the reverse order you connected them:
If the jump works and your car starts, don’t shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to recharge your battery. If the car won’t start the next time you use it, the battery isn’t holding a charge and needs to be replaced.
Watch these steps for jump starting a car from Safe2Drive.
At A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc., your road safety is very important to us. Call us at 973-340-9100 or visit our website at https://www.acmarmo.com/ to discuss your auto insurance needs. We can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the insurance for your budget and needs!
Source: https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/how-jump-car-simple-steps-bring-your-car-battery-back-life and https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-jump-start-a-car/
Summer Safety Tips with Kids!
Sunscreen
Summer is the season for sunscreen! When the sun is out, everyone should be protecting their skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation has found that children who have gotten severe sunburns have higher chances of developing Melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in about 200,000 people per year in the United States. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is the best.
Sunscreen should be applied every 30 minutes and skin should be dry before applying. Regardless of age and skin type, always apply sunscreen to you and your children.
Poison Ivy
If your children are playing outside, make sure you and your children are aware of what poisonous plants look like. Let’s say a ball has been kicked into a grassy area and your child wants to retrieve it. Teach your child to check the area before walking through it. If they cannot tell or feel unsafe walking through the particular area, tell them to grab an adult.
If you or your children have been exposed to poison ivy, here are some symptoms of an on-coming rash:
Not all symptoms are severe and need medical assistance. For minor cases, home remedies like cold showers will help the symptoms to dwindle. If home remedies are not working and the rash continues to spread, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Bicycles
Bicycle accidents are common among children in the summer, especially those just learning how to ride one. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission states that at least 300,000 children in the United States make a trip to the emergency room due to bike-related injuries.
The best way to keep your children safe on his or her bike is to make them wear protective gear, such as a helmet, knee pads and shoulder pads. If a child does get into a bicycle accident, minor injuries can be treatable at home. For major accidents, like those that result in broken bones, must seek medical help immediately.
Swim Safety
Summer is the best time for laying out by the pool and swimming all day! Whether it is a public pool or a private pool, the same rules apply to each. To ensure that your children are safe at any pool, go over the safety rules with them.
Many rules like no running and no diving in the shallow end apply to almost any pool. If your child is not a very good swimmer, provide a life jacket to ensure their head is always above water. If there are no lifeguards on duty, watch your children at all times or swim with them. If there are lifeguards, provide the right swim gear necessary!
Hydration
Make sure you and your children are drinking plenty of water when being outside. Dehydration can happen to anyone, especially children. It is important to eat and drink frequently throughout a summer day. Here are some symptoms of dehydration that everyone should be cautious of:
Bee Stings
Bee stings are painful for anyone. Bees and insects are known for being practically everywhere during the summertime. Beehives can be located anywhere from trees to outside toys. Usually, hives are located in small areas where they are not always visible.
To make sure that your children are safe from getting a bee sting, check the area they are playing in for hives. Bug spray can help; however, it will not kill bees. In case of a bee sting, check if the stinger is not in the wound. Once removed, apply ice to relieve some pain and to shrink swelling. Once the area is less inflamed, wash the area and place a bandage if necessary. If your child is allergic to bee stings, seek medical assistance immediately.
Collector Car Insurance
Traditional auto insurance policies usually cover your car up to its actual cash value, which equals its replacement cost minus depreciation. Collector car insurance usually covers your classic vehicle for an agreed, or guaranteed, value that is mutually agreeable to you and your insurance company. Collectible cars generally increase in value, especially if they are well maintained and/or restored. Everyday automobiles generally decrease in value over time. So it is important to have the right insurance coverage for your classic car!
A.C. Marmo& Sons Inc. loves our classic cars and we know you do too! If you have any questions regarding collector car insurance, please give us a call at (973) 340-9100 or visit us online at https://www.acmarmo.com/ and we will be happy to assist you.
Source: https://www.valuepenguin.com/classic-car-insurance
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