Driving Distracted May Mean More Than You Think

Reaching in the back seat while driving

We most often hear that texting and driving being distracted driving, but it is far more.  Do you realize that distracted driving has been happening for decades?

Most people don’t think about switching music being a distraction.  In the 1970’s it was changing 8-tracks; in the 80’s it was changing cassettes; in the 90’s, it was changing CDs; and now, it is scrolling through music on your phone or mp3 player.  Throughout the whole time, changing the radio station can be a distraction.  Music and texting are not the only ones either.

What is Distracted Driving?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system—anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.”  For example, the average text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds.  If you are driving 55mpg, “that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.”

Do you want to drive safely? Driving needs your full attention.

There are three primary types of distraction:

  • Visual– taking your eyes off the road;
  • Manual – taking your hands off the wheel; and
  • Cognitive – taking your mind off the task of driving.

Examples include:

  • Texting
  • Talking on a phone
  • Eating or Drinking
  • Shaving or Applying Makeup
  • Reading
  • Using a GPS
  • Adjusting your music (such as changing the radio station, inserting a CD, or scrolling for music on your MP3 player)

For many people, driving is the most dangerous daily activity.  That’s why it is important to pay close attention at all times when you’re behind the wheel.

Small Changes to Make a Difference

Here are some ways that you can be sure to stay attentive when you are driving.

  1. Turn off the phone while in the car or use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature.
  2. If you have you receive a phone call while driving, pull over to answer the call or, if there is a passenger, ask them to answer for you.
  3. It’s better to not send text messages while driving.  If you must, pull over to send text messages.
  4. Know how to use your car’s features.  Be able to turn on your wipers, heat, air conditioning and other equipment without taking your eyes off the road.  If you get a new car, park and practice finding using your features with your eyes closed.
  5. When using a GPS, enter the address or location coordinates before starting your trip.  During the trip, if you need to enter information, pull over and stop to do so.  Also, keep the audio turn-by-turn directions are on and easy to hear.
  6. If you get upset, frustrated or angry before driving, take a few minutes to regain your focus and composure prior to getting on the road.
  7. If you need to address back seat situations with children, stop at a safe location.  Never drive while looking or reaching into at the back seat.
  8. Secure your pets. Do not let them roam free in the vehicle while driving.
  9. Get an adequate amount of sleep.  Avoid driving tired.
  10. Never drive with your knees.

Always remember, your safety is important to you, your family, your friends, and to Bob Johnson Insurance!

Back to School Safety: College – Prepping Your Car

Back to School Safety Guide

If your child is heading off to higher education, then you want to make sure that he or she is well prepared for life on their own. There are a lot of different things that can happen during college life, so it’s imperative that you talk to your teenager about how to stay safe in the process.  This week, we have a couple of tips for students going back to college.

Prepping Your Car for the Trip

If the university is a long distance away from home, then you will want to be sure that your teen’s car is up to the challenge. That being said, here are the most vital systems to check and update as necessary.

  • Check fluids. Brakes, power steering, and oil are all essential. Other options include windshield wipers, antifreeze, and possibly transmission fluid.
  • Check for leaks. If the car is leaving wet spots wherever it goes, there is a good chance that you have to get something fixed.
  • Test the battery. Unless it’s less than a year old, it should be tested to make sure that it will hold up, especially in hot or cold weather.
  • Check your tires. First, make sure that they have sufficient pressure. Next, check for balding, as that’s a sign that they need to be replaced. Also check to make sure that you have a properly-inflated spare tire that is in good working order.
  • Test your lights. Although brake lights and headlights are crucial, you should also check things like license plate lights and dome bulbs as well.
  • Find a local mechanic. Since you won’t be on hand to remind your teenager about car maintenance, it’s best to find a local shop that can help out.

More Back to School Safety to Come

Our focus this month is all about school safety. Like and Follow us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to keep up when we release new tips!

What If… I am in a Car Accident?

What if...

Accidents are one of the biggest dangers while driving on the road, and it’s important that everyone knows just what to do in case they find themselves involved in one.

Start by moving your vehicle to a safe area, if possible. Leaving the car in the way of other traffic can add to the problem and adds danger to those still on the road. Unless the vehicle is disabled completely or it would be unsafe to move the car out of traffic, pulling into a safe area is the best course of action. If the car can’t be moved then ensure the hazard lights have been turned on to help warn traffic of the upcoming problem.

Shut off the vehicle and exit it if possible. Once the vehicle has stopped, for safety purposes it’s best to set the car in park and/or place the parking brake, take a few calming breaths, check to be sure it’s safe to exit the vehicle and then get out. This is in case the vehicle may pose any dangers. It’s also important to grab flares or triangles to help set up hazard identification for those that may be driving up on the accident.

Check on everyone involved in the accident to see if emergency care is needed. Finding out if fellow passengers, people in other vehicles, pedestrians or other bystanders need help is the next step. If there are injuries be sure to call 9-1-1 immediately and try to render first aid if possible.

Call the police to the scene to file an accident report. Accident reports are important to insurance companies and in the case of any criminal activity. It’s best not to blame others for the accident to the police, nor should you admit blame, as their investigation will allow them to make a reasonable assessment of the situation and who to assign fault to, if necessary.

Collect as much information as you can, and provide all of your information to others involved in the accident. Getting other driver’s names, license plate numbers, insurance information, car information, the accident location, witness and police contact information and anything else that seems pertinent will help you resolve the accident more swiftly.

Call your insurance provider to see what they’d like to have done. Take photos, write notes, save information and let your insurance agent know exactly what happened. From there let the insurance companies figure out what needs to be done so that you can get back to driving your car as soon as possible.

Have questions?  Give us a call us at 800-624-3339 or click here to contact Bob Johnson Insurance.

Beach Safety Guide: Before You Go

Beach Safety Guide

For most families, going to the beach is a fun and relaxing way to spend your time. Whether you’re going for the day or taking a vacation against the sand and surf, the beach can be both rewarding and exciting. However, just because there are a lot of great things to do there, doesn’t mean that it’s without any possible downsides.

From getting swept away by the ocean to getting a nasty sunburn, there are more dangers than you might think when you plan your next trip to the beach. So, to help ensure that you and your family don’t have to worry, we’ve compiled a list of tips, tricks, and advice to help you get the most out of your next excursion.

Preparing Your Vehicle

For many people, planning a trip to the beach requires more preparation than heading down the street. If you don’t live close by the water, it could be a relatively long journey before you feel the spray of the sea in your hair.

As such, it’s imperative that you prepare your car beforehand so that you don’t run into problems later on. Some things to think about before you head out:

  • Check Your Fluids:if it’s been a while since you’ve changed your oil, brake fluid, and other liquids in your car, then you want to make sure that you don’t run out on your journey. Coolant is especially crucial if you’re going to a hot climate.
  • Clean Your Car:both the inside and out of your vehicle should be close to spotless before your trip. The reason for this is that it will be much easier to manage the sand that you will inevitably bring inside. If your car is currently messy, it will only get mixed in with the rest of the dirt, making it harder to see.
  • Check Your Tires: some beaches allow you to drive on them, which enables you to better access to the water and ensures that you have a place to set up camp for the day. However, if your tires are not in excellent condition, you could lose traction and wind up slipping and sliding on the sand.

Download a free Travel Safety Checklist at:

Summer Travel Safety: Checklist for Before You Leave

What If… A Recall is Issued for my Vehicle?

What if...

Vehicle recalls happen when a manufacturer or the government determines that a car has a safety defect. Recalls rarely mean that a car will be replaced, but often the repairs needed to fix or replace the defect may be covered at the manufacturer’s expense.

If there is a recall on your vehicle the manufacturer is required to send a letter to all owners of that particular vehicle. The mailing addresses they use are generally those that come from the DMV or where the car is registered, so it’s important to keep your mailing address updated when you register your vehicle each year.

If you purchased a used vehicle, you can check the NHTSA’s website for recalls as you may not receive a letter if it had already been sent to a previous owner. The recall letter or information provided by the NHTSA will include what the next steps are in handling the recall. Normally the information will have you make contact with the closest dealer that services your make of car to set up repairs.

Please note that a safety recall does not mean that driving your vehicle will place you in immediate danger. Generally it is safe to continue to use the vehicle until it can be taken in for repairs. However, the severity of the issue will be listed in the letter or on the NHTSA’s website, and that should be your first indication of how immediate the repairs are needed. Of course it’s best not to tempt fate, so if there is a recall of any sort on your vehicle it should be taken in for repairs as soon as it possibly can be.

Another item of note is that any recalls that have not been repaired appropriately may affect your car insurance rates, as a safety defect can raise the liability for which you are responsible if an injury or accident occurs. To be sure that the recall won’t affect your insurance premiums, it is best to contact Bob Johnson Insurance as soon as you receive the recall notice for recommendations about what should be done.

Summer Travel Safety: Be Safe at Rest Areas

Rest Area Safety

Rest Areas and Stops, Be Alert and Choose Wisely

One of the great things about traveling along US highways is that there are designated areas for stopping and using the facilities. However, many of these stops are in remote sections, which means that they are not always safe, particularly at night. If you are planning on traveling late into the evening, it’s imperative that you be smart about how and when you utilize rest areas to your advantage. Here are some tips.

●     Stay in well-lit areas. Not only can dangerous people be lurking in the shadows, but some animals may be wandering the area as well. Don’t go into a bathroom or facility that doesn’t have sufficient lighting.
●     Keep your car in sight. Even if it’s going to be just a few minutes, you want to make sure that your belongings are kept safe.
●     Don’t sleep in your car. Unless it’s necessary because you’re by yourself and it’s really late, try to avoid stopping at a rest area for a nap. You never know what could happen.
●     Don’t wander off. Stay close to the rest area so that you don’t get lost, especially at night.

Summer Travel Safety: Checklist for Before You Leave

Prepping for Spring

If you’re going to take your car on your vacation, then you want to be sure that it’s ready to handle that much driving. Not only that, but you have to prepare yourself as well since most of us don’t spend more than a couple of hours behind the wheel in a single day.

With that in mind, here is a checklist of things you should do before your trip to ensure that everything runs smoothly. (You can download this checklist with the link at the bottom of the page.)

  • Get a tune-up. Make sure that all of your car’s internal mechanisms are working properly, and be sure to check the fluids, particularly the oil and brakes.
  • Make sure your spare is ready to go. You never know what can happen on the road. If it’s been years since you’ve used your spare, make sure that it’s inflated and free of damage.
  • Get a full night’s sleep before heading out. Drowsy driving is unsafe driving, so be sure that you won’t fall asleep on the road. If you’re traveling alone, this step is even more crucial as you can’t ask someone else to take over when your eyelids are getting heavy.
  • Pack an emergency kit. You should already have one in your car, but make sure that you have the following components: flares, tire iron, car jack, tire pressure gauge, and jumper cables. It may also be a good idea to toss an empty gas canister in there as well.
  • Pack a cooler. Spending hours on the road can be exhausting, so make sure that you’re prepared by packing water, snacks, and other essentials to keep yourself fueled along with your car.

Last, but definitely not least, make sure that your insurance coverage is up-to-date and adequate for your needs on the trip.  A quick phone call to review your coverage takes only a few minutes:  865-922-3111.

Free Download:  Travel Safety Checklist

What If… My Car Breaks Down?

What if...

It’s not an uncommon sight to see, a vehicle on the side of the road, hazard lights flashing, hood up in the air, and with a frustrated driver stranded there. Nobody wants to be the victim of a broken down vehicle, but sometimes there’s no avoiding it.

There are usually two ways of experiencing a vehicle breakdown: walking out to the vehicle and it no longer starts, or the engine sputters to a halt while you’re driving. The worst of these two options is the latter, having a car break down while driving is scary and can leave you far from help.

If your car breaks down at your home, generally you can still make plans to work around it until you can find a way to get the car to a shop to get fixed. If you walk out of a store or leave work and the car won’t start then there’s certainly more immediacy to take action. When cars break down while driving, the situation becomes a roadside emergency that must be remedied immediately.

The important thing is to be sure your vehicle is in a safe place and away from traffic no matter where the breakdown occurs. If the car engine stops running while driving:

  1. First: Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers that your vehicle is no longer functioning properly and may be a hazard to those around you.
  2. Second:  Pull the vehicle over, getting as far out of traffic as possible whether that means taking it onto the shoulder of the road or finding an open parking space that can be used.
  3. Turn your wheels away from traffic, and set the parking brake.  If you need to exit the vehicle, always ensure it is safe to exit the vehicle before opening the door.
  4. Under most circumstances it is best to stay in the vehicle and use a cell phone to call for help rather than getting out into traffic. If there are signs of smoke, fire or odd smells entering the vehicle then exit as swiftly as you can while still being safe.

It’s best not to try to fix the vehicle yourself on the roadside. Instead, use your roadside assistance provided by:

  • A third party such as AAA.
  • Your insurance plan.

If you do not have a roadside assistance plan, call a tow truck directly if necessary.  If there is any sort of dangerous situation involved as well, immediately dial 9-1-1 for police/fire/medical support.

If you’re unsure if you have emergency roadside assistance through your insurance, contact Bob Johnson Insurance today to find out, or see if you can add it to your insurance plan.

Driving Tips: Being Prepared with Adequate Insurance Coverage

This month, we’ve been discussing all types of driving tips.

While following these tips will help you stay safe out on the road, you can’t always prepare for the future. As such, it’s imperative that you do an insurance review on a regular basis to make sure that you’re covered from various occurrences while behind the wheel.

For example, if you’re caught by a red light camera, does that count as a moving violation? Will that make your premiums go up?

What if you want to add a new teen driver to your policy? What kind of rates and coverage can you get? What happens if he or she attends a driving course?

When it comes to insurance, never assume that you’re covered. It’s always a good idea to review your policy with your agent to make sure that you have the coverage and protection you need. Don’t wait until you get into an accident to make changes or update your policy. Do it today, and you’ll have peace of mind next time you’re out on the road.

Contact us today, and we can do an insurance review with you at your convenience. Whether you want to come into the office or do it over the phone, we’re happy to go over your policy and make adjustments as needed. Remember, as insurance agents, we’re here to serve you.

Driving Tips: 5 Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving

Even though we know better, many of us have driven when we should be resting. Whether it’s been a long day at the office or we’re out late at night, driving while drowsy can be disastrous. In fact, it may be even worse than driving under the influence, depending on how tired you are.

According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 56,000 accidents per year are caused by drowsy drivers. Even if you’ve made it through unscathed before, it only takes one time to make it deadly.

Here are some considerations for you next time you get behind the wheel when you’re tired.

  • Let someone else drive. If you have passengers, don’t put the burden on yourself. Unless you’re the only person who can drive (i.e., everyone else is underage or under the influence), then let someone who is more awake handle it.
  • Take a nap first. There’s nothing wrong with pulling to the side of the road and sleeping for a few minutes. At least 15-20 minutes should be enough to help you get through the rest of your drive. If not, then either take a longer nap or try to find another solution.
  • Take a cab (or Uber). If you’re really drowsy and no one else is around, call someone to pick you up. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it’s better than getting into a collision.
  • Get out and stretch. In some cases, the fresh air can help restore your body and mind. Walking around can also get the blood pumping, which will help you feel more awake.
  • Utilize technology. Fortunately, automakers are helping combat this problem with high-tech solutions. Lane departure warnings, driver monitoring systems, and other built-in devices can ensure that you don’t let drowsy driving turn into a disaster. Consider these features during your next car purchase.