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2010-04-05T15:50:00.001-07:00

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Are You Guilty of TWD – Texting While Driving?

2010-01-14T09:50:00.000-08:00

Recent statistics show that approximately 46% of teenagers and 89% of all drivers text on their cell phone while driving. These numbers are expected, but still very alarming. Texting is certainly a quick and efficient way of sending a message to someone, be it your boss advising you of additional information for the upcoming meeting, your wife asking you to bring home supper, or a friend inviting you over for drinks.

It seems harmless to take 30 seconds to reply to that important text message, but it is 30 seconds that you have your eyes off the road. In those 30 seconds, you may not see the traffic light turn red, the driver in front of you stop, or the pedestrian crossing the road.

Texting while driving has been named as one of the major contributors to causing traffic accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Motor vehicle accidents will cause your car insurance rates to skyrocket. This has quickly become a growing problem for Canada and the United States, as more and more people rely on their cell phones for conducting personal as well as company business. Fast paced, hectic schedules make pulling over and safely answering a call or text seems like time that cannot be taken. Instead, we choose to risk ourselves as well as the lives of others in order to save a minute or two.

Recently, texting and talking bans have been implemented in several provinces, including Saskatchewan and British Columbia. This law came into effect on January 1, 2010, for these two provinces. In BC, if you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer because of texting while driving, you face a fine of $164.00 plus 3 points on your driver’s license. You will also face higher auto insurance premiums. These penalties, along with the risk of injuring or killing yourself or someone else, are definitely not worth it. Take a minute or two to pull over and answer your phone, or better yet, wait until you reach your destination. No phone call or text is important enough to die over.

Learn to Safely Navigate Winter’s Driving Conditions

2009-12-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

After several months of beautiful spring and summer weather, once the snow starts to fly, it seems like we all forget exactly how to drive according to the winter weather conditions. Roads can become snowy, icy, and extremely treacherous, all in a matter of a few short hours. It would be nice to park the car in a warm garage for months, but this isn’t a practical idea for most people. Instead, we need to follow a few simple rules that will help reduce the chances of becoming stranded in the cold, or being involved in a nasty collision. Safety and preparation are the two essential keys to survive another season of frigid weather.

First and foremost, bring your car in for a routine maintenance check before winter begins. Your vehicle should be in top running condition in order to last through the harsh temperatures and heavy snowfalls that come with winter. Your local mechanic or service station will check and top up your windshield fluid, oil, and antifreeze, as well as check and replace – if necessary – your battery, air filter, and wiper blades. Make sure that your tire pressure is equal and correct, and that your tires are not leaking air.
Keep your gas tank level at least half full at all times. This will help to prevent the gas line from freezing when the temperature drops.
Before driving anywhere, even to the gas station or convenience store, brush off your entire vehicle. This includes the hood, roof, headlights, and taillights. Snow left on the hood could blow up onto the windows, reducing visibility. When you scrappy your windows, scrape them entirely, not just a small area for the driver to see out of. You need to use your full range of visibility, especially in winter.
Always drive according to the weather conditions. This applies to all seasons, not just winter. Slow down and allow yourself more time for breaking on icy streets. Keep ample space between you and the vehicle in front of you, just in case they make a sudden stop. Many winter accidents are caused by following too closely and not having enough time to stop before sliding into the back of another vehicle.
If you are traveling long distances, make sure that you are prepared in case you become stranded. Monitor the weather reports before you travel and be prepared to change your travel plans. If you find yourself traveling in poor conditions, safely pull over if possible. It is better to arrive late to your destination to not arrive at all. Always bring a fully charged cell phone and an emergency kit. This kit should include blankets, extra clothes and boots, a flashlight, high energy food, and water. Never talk or text on your cell phone while driving. If you find it necessary to use your phone, pull over to make or answer the call.
Also carry an emergency car kit with essential winter equipment. This kit would include a tow chain, road flares, jumper cables, a small shovel, a brush and window scraper, and kitty litter or sand for tire traction.
If you happen to get stuck, stay in your vehicle. NEVER leave and try to walk for help. Hypothermia can set in very quickly, causing you to become disoriented and Can lead to death. Run your engine every hour to keep warm, and crack your window open to avoid getting the gasses inside the vehicle. Tie something brightly colored on the antenna to alert passing motorists.

Excessive Holiday Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix

2009-12-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Christmas holiday season is a time for celebration, cheerfulness, thinking of others, and spending time with family and good friends. For many, it is also a time to eat and drink. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a drink or two to toast loved ones or ring in the New Year. However, you must know your limit and drink responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption could lead to regrettable sexual jaunts, embarrassing phone calls or text messages, and inappropriate behavior at family and office Christmas parties. This behavior can severely – and permanently – damage your reputation and any chance for advancement up the corporate ladder.

The biggest and most dangerous decision people make while drinking is getting behind the wheel of a vehicle and believing they are fine to drive. Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of injury and death during the holidays; it is also one that can be avoided – 100%.

There are many misconceptions associated with drinking and driving. Following are some of the most common myths:

Larger people can handle their alcohol better than smaller people. While it is true that an individual’s size plays a factor in how they are affected by alcohol, there are several aspects that must be considered. Everyone has a different metabolic rate. This means that the body processes food and alcohol at different rates for everyone. A person weighing 200 pounds may have a slower metabolism than someone weighing 150 pounds. Therefore, alcohol stays in the body for a longer period of time. After the first drink is consumed, the effects are already taking place.

If you drink beer instead of hard alcohol, then you will be fine to drive. To be blunt, alcohol is alcohol. True, whiskey may have a higher alcohol percentage than a bottle of beer, but that just means that an individual is more likely to consume more beers; thus, becoming even more impaired. Alcohol – no matter what kind, affects the body.

Coffee will sober you up. Coffee contains caffeine, which will make you feel as if you are more awake, but it will not counteract the effects of alcohol. Alcohol impairs your judgment and vision, slows reaction time, and lowers your inhibitions. The only factor that can eliminate these effects is time.

If you roll down the windows and breathe fresh air, turn up the radio, or splash cold water in your face, you will sober up faster. Again, only time can eliminate the effects of alcohol on the body. These tactics are mere distractions that will not change your level of impairment at all.

The truth is, when you drink and drive, you risk more than just losing your good reputation. You also risk losing your job, your livelihood; even your family. You will accumulate hundreds – perhaps thousands – in fines and court costs. You will have a criminal record, which will prevent you from traveling out of country. Worst of all, you could severely injure or kill yourself or others – including your family. This is not a present that anyone wants to wake up to on Christmas morning.

So, by all means, have a great time during the holiday, but be responsible as well. If you choose to consume alcohol, then also choose to appoint a designated driver or arrange to take a taxi home. If you notice that someone on the road is driving erratically and could possibly be impaired, do not hesitate to call the police or 911. This way, everyone can arrive home safe and enjoy the season.

Make Christmastime Safety Time

2009-12-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

One of the best parts of the Christmas season is decorating the home and the tree. This activity can bring the family together as well as heighten the anticipation of the approaching day – a day of fun, festivities, food, and gift opening. Along with the festivities comes responsibility and care. You must use your common sense when decorating your home; both in the act itself as well as the materials that you choose.

Many of the everyday decorations that we use to adorn our homes come with potential hazards that can harm both pets and children, not to mention lead to devastating fires and the loss of one’s home. Following are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that your Christmas season remains merry and joyful:

Trees: Whether you are using a real or artificial tree this year, you need to pick out a stand that will be sturdy enough to hold up the tree. Many times, over excited children and pets can easily topple a tree, causing both damage to the home and possibly injuries to themselves. Also, make sure that the stand can easily accommodate the trunk, while at the same time offering easy access for watering (in the case of a real tree). Don’t place it near flammables or where it will be blocking an exit, in the case of an emergency.

When is comes to decoration the tree, never over load it with decorations, especially lights. Also, don’t use more than two strands of lights connected together and don’t overload electrical outlets. This can easily start a fire. Another cause of many electrical fires during the holiday season is faulty cords. If you are using cords from earlier years, inspect them for fraying or damages. This actually applies to new cords as well. There could be defects that occurred during their manufacture.

Never use candles or live flames on or near your tree. Again, this sets up the perfect scenario for a house fire. Countless numbers of families have found themselves homeless at Christmas time because of this.

Outdoor Decorations: The same rules apply when you are hanging outdoor light as with indoor lights. Ensure that you hang them where they will not sustain any water damage, which could result in a short, and ultimately a fire. Don’t overload the cords. In newer homes – 20 to 25 years old – the electrical systems in houses are equipped with a grounding feature that prevents them from shorting out.

** ALWAYS unplug your lights (inside and outside) every time you leave the house **

Other Decorations: Although there is less chance of starting an electrical fire with garland, tinsel, and wreaths, these decorations can still cause potential hazards. Anything containing small parts should be kept out of reach of small children and pets, as they can pose a choking hazard. Be exceptionally careful with ornaments that come equipped with wire hangers. These can also be swallowed and can tear the throat, as well as cause stabbing injuries. Avoid the use of glass ornaments if you have small children. They can easily be broken, causing cuts and scratches.

Greenery is also something that you must use great care with. Many Christmas plants – such as poinsettias and mistletoe are poisonous. Always keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

All in all, holiday safety is common sense and a natural routine that should be practiced by everyone. Make sure that your family has an escape plan in the case of a fire. By following the above rules, you will be guaranteed to have a happy and joyful Christmas season.

Away for the Holiday Season? Don’t Come Back to a Disaster.

2009-12-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

Empty homes are a surefire target for thieves. They are adept at spotting when a property has been vacant for a lengthy period of time. You can save yourself the worry and enjoy your vacation if you adhere to the following tips:

The first thing to do is to make sure that your window and door locks are sturdy and strong. True, a good thief will always find a way to bypass security, but as a rule, break and enter is a crime of opportunity. The harder you make it for a potential thief, the less chance he will have of targeting your home.

Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway while you are away. This gives the impression that there is someone constantly in your house. A potential thief will think twice about targeting a home that they don’t think is empty. Also ask a neighbor to collect your daily mail and newspapers. Better yet, call the post office and newspaper to have them both suspended while you are away. A stuffed mailbox is a sure sign of a vacant home.

Install motion detector lights in the front and back of your home. A bright light source will deter thieves, who prefer to break into a home under the cover of darkness if possible. Inside lights should be set on an automatic timer to give the appearance that someone is living there. Set the timer to go on and off at different times of the day and night. A good thief can pick up on timers that are set for the exact same time every day. Also consider putting your television or radio on a timer.

Always hide your valuables. If a thief manages to break into your house, he or she will want to complete the job as quickly as possible. Again, the harder you make it for a thief, the less likely they are to target your home. It would be a good idea to find a storage area in your home and equip it with a sturdy padlock that will take a thief some time to break into.

Another point regarding valuables – keep pictures or videotapes of your valuables in a separate area, away from your home. This makes it easier to identify the items if they are found by police. Many police forces can supply homeowners with identification numbers that can be etched into valuables. This also makes it easier to identify them should they be stolen. Because these items can be easily traced, they aren’t as valuable to a thief.

Have your neighbor open the drapes in the daytime and close them at night. Again, this gives the impression that there is always someone at home.

Leave your bathroom light on and the door slightly ajar. Any presence of light in a home will serve to deter a potential thief.

Lock your garage door as well. This is a common entry point for thieves as it is less noticeable than trying to break into the front or back door of a home. Put a padlock on the garage door track to prevent it from being pried open and cover any windows to obscure the contents of the garage from the outside.

Don’t announce your travel plans, except to family members and neighbors who will be watching your home while you are away.

Check your home insurance policy to make sure that it is up to date and that it will cover all of your valuables in the case of theft.

Here Comes Winter - Is Your House Ready?

2009-12-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

In Canada, winter can arrive unexpectedly and with full force. It is important to make sure that you are fully prepared. This means winter proofing your home against any weather related accidents that can leave you and your family out in the cold – literally. Before the leaves even start to fall from the trees, you should begin an annual inspection of your home – inside and out. This will help reduce the chance of having to make a claim through your home insurance policy. Following is a checklist of what to look for:

Furnace: As this will be your primary source of heat during the cold, harsh winter months, you need to ensure that your furnace is in top working order. Have a professional inspect it for any malfunctions, damage, or dangerous blockages. Remove any flammable materials from around the furnace area and keep a supply of filters on hand. You should change the filters every month.

Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, arrange for a chimney sweeper to clean it before the first use. Ensure that animals or birds cannot enter through the top and clean out the fireplace opening. Buy lots of wood and store it in a dry place.

Exterior Doors/Windows: Meticulously inspect the doors and windows for cracks, spaces, and drafts. Remove screens and install storm windows if needed. Replace caulking around the windows and seal with plastic to keep out cold drafts.

Roof/Gutter/Eaves: Inspect the roof and replace any shingles that appear to be loose, lifting, or curling. Remove any leaves or debris from the gutters and downspouts. Trim any tree branches that may be hanging over the eaves and roof. As winter progresses, snow can tend to accumulate on the roof. Pack an extra layer of insulation in the attic to prevent cold from entering the home.

Plumbing: Prevent your pipes from freezing by insulating any that are exposed. Drain your air conditioning pipes as well as hoses. Pipes that burst due to freezing is one of the leading causes of home insurance claims in the winter. These precautions will prevent potential water damages inside your home.

Foundation: Seal up any cracks or holes in the foundation and secure crawlspaces to prevent moisture and animals from entering. Remove any debris or rotting vegetation that may have accumulated around the foundation during the fall months. Ensure that there are no rodent or insect infestations. If you notice an accumulation, call a pest control expert immediately.

Outdoor Surfaces: Slippery and icy sidewalks and stairs can pose serious hazards and potential liability issues. If someone happens to slip and get injured on your property, they can make a claim against your home insurance policy. If you notice any cracks or holes, have them filled in to prevent falls. Keep an ample supply of salt, sand, or kitty litter on hand to melt any snow or ice that may accumulate. Keep all walkways shoveled and clear.

These tips and suggestions will help to keep you, your home, and others safe over the winter season. Following these important steps will prevent potential disasters or claims on your home insurance policy, and leave you with peace of mind. Winter should be a season to enjoy the beautiful sights and snuggle up in front of a warm fire, not one to be mopping up water from burst pipes or worrying about a broken furnace. Avoiding the hassle and expense of winter related problems is well worth the small amount spent on winterizing your home.

Travel Insurance for Canadians Visiting the US

2009-04-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Protect yourself from unexpected medical bills when traveling
Before you leave on your next vacation, remember to review your travel insurance coverage. Just like anything else, planning ahead could reap rewards in the future – in this case, avoiding costly, unexpected medical bills.

Meet George. George is a 35-year-old Fraser Valley man from British Columbia who was taking his annual motorcycle road trip to the US with friends when he had to make a frightening stop on his motorcycle while in California. He was cruising through the northern part of the state when the motorcycle he was riding hit road debris and crashed. The road trip was cut short and the vertebrae in his spine were shattered.

Recovery involved many days in the California hospital for tests and two surgeries including the insertion of a steel rod to support his spine. He was transferred back to Vancouver where he underwent physiotherapy and continued his recovery.

When traveling outside of Canada, the cost of medical treatment can quickly add up and sometimes exceed coverage available to you through the provincial government and any supplementary health insurance plans.

Each province in Canada limits coverage for out-of-province and out-of-country medical costs for its residents – a traveler from BC is eligible for up to $75 Cdn/day for in-patient hospital care.

But consider this: one day in a USA hospital typically costs more than $2,500 Cdn/day and $10,000 Cdn/day in intensive care.

Thankfully due to the foresight of having purchased travel insurance, George’s claim of $1,040,700 was fully covered.

Preventing the unpreventable
Accidents and emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. Have you ever contracted food poisoning or experienced chest pains in your hotel late at night? Have you done your homework to prepare for an emergency medical situation while traveling?

Emergencies that happen within Canada have the potential to be costly too. Reciprocal agreements between provinces provide a certain level of protection when travelling within Canada but there are many things that your provincial health coverage will not cover when travelling outside your home province.

Meet Margaret, a fun loving and adventurous 71-year-old Prince George, BC woman who flew to Halifax, Nova Scotia to visit friends. While on the Eastern Seaboard, she fell and broke her hip. As healthy as Margaret was, there was nothing that could have prevented this accidental fall.

After 30 days in hospital, she was able to return home; however, she needed the assistance of a medical escort. Without Emergency Excess Hospital/Medical Insurance, Margaret would have had to pay a total of $2945.95 out of pocket to cover the multiple ambulance trip costs, select prescriptions and medical supplies, her returned airfare back to BC and her escort’s hotel and airfare expenses.

Do your homework!
Part of the homework is looking at the type of travel coverage you might already have and identifying what might be lacking in that coverage. Sometimes travel protection offered by your credit card provider or supplementary health insurance plan is not enough. It may not reimburse you for all types of unexpected medical expenses incurred while traveling. Do a little research or speak to a Westland Insurance Agent to find out what travel coverage you might need.

Tips for safe travel
Safe travel seems like an oxymoron in today’s world. Nowadays, we have to be prepared for new challenges like threats of terrorism, viral outbreaks and a seemingly greater number of natural disasters. Despite the additional precautions, Canadians are continuing to travel and are even heading to more exotic destinations. For those Canadians venturing out into air travel, check out the six tips to take to safeguard your health and pocket books .

Simple Tips to Prevent Auto Theft in BC

2009-04-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

On an average day in BC 44 vehicles are stolen*. This means that over 15,000 British Columbians each year find themselves victims of auto theft. In the event your car is stolen, you should immediately contact the police with the following information:

Make
Model
Year
Color
License plate number
VIN
Approximate time of theft
Location
Witnesses (if any)

Following your report to the police, your next contact should be to your insurance company.

Preventative measures, however, could prevent this tragedy from ever happening.

Some tips to consider:

Install an anti-theft device
Never leave the keys in the vehicle, or the vehicle running, while unattended.
Keep doors locked at all times, and windows up.
Never store valuables or packages in plain sight.
Have your VIN etched into windows and other parts of your car, making resell on the black market more difficult.
Engrave your stereo and other on-board valuables with your driver's license number.
When parking on the street, turn your wheels, use your emergency brake, and park between other cars (making it harder for a thief to tow).
Avoid parking in long-term lots if at all possible.
Park in a safe, well-lit, or well-traveled area at night.
Avoid parking behind fences or hedges.
At home, light your driveway all night. Elsewhere, park in well-lit areas near pedestrian traffic.
After opening an automatic gate to underground parking, watch out for thieves waiting to slip inside. Wait for the gate to close behind you.
If you see any suspicious person or activity near a vehicle, call the police immediately.

*Based on claims reported to ICBC in 2007.
**www.icbc.com