Safety Tips
Spring Is In The Air And It’s Time To Ride
Thursday, March 29th, 2012 | Safety Tips | No Comments
The bike has been away all winter and now the weather is starting to get warmer and the days are longer. It’s a perfect time to start dusting off the bike and begin the new riding season. But before that first ride there are preparations that are needed to be done. Here are some good ideas to consider.
Have Your Bike Serviced First
I know this isn’t rocket science and it’s a given that this is a necessary step, but not everyone considers this important. Especially if the weather is pretty and going for that road trip becomes very tempting. Always have your bike serviced prior to your first road trip. No matter how diligent you are winterizing it, there may be some unforeseen issue that could occur and you don’t want to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.
Wear The Proper Gear
The day may start off warm, but spring brings a fluctuation of temperatures. So be prepared with extra layers that can be removed or added as the temperatures vary. Also, it’s a good idea to cover up as much as possible. Shorts and sandals may seem more comfortable on those warmer days, but there is no protection between you and road. Road rash is not only painful but can leave serious scarring or worse.
Carry An Emergency Tool Kit
Think about the situations you could get into and fortify your emergency kit with the proper tools. Flat tires, fouled up spark plugs or a blown out light are all things that are possibilities that could happen. Always carry a flashlight and some road flares in the event of a breakdown at night.
Tell Someone Where You’re Going
The true story of the hiker who was trapped for 23 days made quite the impact on anyone who heard the story or watched the movie. Point made is to always tell someone of your whereabouts and when you are expected to return. Also, always carry a cellphone on you at all times.
Now You’re Ready To Cruise
You’ve finish your to-do list and now you’re prepared. Always ride responsibly and make some great memories.
We Would Love To Hear From You
If you have some great road trip pictures or stories to tell, we would love to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to post your stories and pictures on our blog to share. Or better yet, like us on Facebook (see link below) and share your stories there.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you. We are able to offer a complete line of personal & commercial insurance products for all of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Come visit us at www.donmedeirosinsurance.com or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at http://www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.
Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Website
Donald J. Medeiros Facebook Page
Take the Pledge: Safe Texting Campaign
Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 | Safety Tips | 2 Comments
There isn’t much of a difference between drinking & driving and texting & driving, both are deemed dangerous and have been known to be fatal. Numerous studies have shown that talking or texting on a cell phone has the same effect on your driving ability as drinking. While many states have adopted the law restricting cell phone usage during driving, the problem still continues to exist. According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 1.6 million crashes occur each year from drivers using cell phones and/or texting.
The best solution to the problem is to have self-discipline and leave the phone alone while driving. There are so many hands-free solutions that are available that there is no reason for anyone to have to handle a cell phone while in the car. If you’re guilty of having been known to text or talk on your cell phone while driving, consider the fact that you’re not only putting yourself at risk, it’s your passenger(s) and other motor vehicles on the road as well.
So, I challenge each and every one of you to take the pledge “Don’t Text and Drive”. You can take the challenge by clicking on this link to the Safe Texting Campaign. Also, on the site, you will be able to download a SafeTexting App for both the Blackberry and Android phone (app for iPhone will be available shortly). These apps use GPS technology and when your driving speed exceeds 10 miles per hour, the application will shut off the texting feature as well as eliminate all incoming and outgoing calls (emergency calls are allowed) while the car is in motion. The application will deactivate once the car has been stopped over a period of time. Note to parents of young drivers, this is especially handy if you want to limit or eliminate your teen’s access to the cell phone while driving. There is a parental password protected feature included in the app so that it cannot be turned off unless you sign in the application on the phone and turn it off.
Take the pledge and be safe. Don’t text and drive.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you. We are able to offer a complete line of personal & commercial insurance products for all of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Come visit us at www.donmedeirosinsurance.com or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at http://www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.
Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Website
Donald J. Medeiros Facebook Page
Tinsel and Ribbon and Pretty Christmas Things…
Monday, December 5th, 2011 | Safety Tips | No Comments
Even though we don’t carry Pet Insurance here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency, it doesn’t mean that we don’t think about our furry little friends, especially around the holidays. There are ribbons, wrapping paper, ornaments and tinsel that make really appealing chew toys for any playful pet. Cats, big or small, love to play with those shiny strands but they also like to eat it when they catch them too. If those strands end up entangled inside of them an infection may occur and the symptoms could show up too late. There are many Christmas things that are hazards to our pets, cats and dogs alike. Here are some items that can be of concern or at least to be cautious about.
Tinsel – if ingested, can cause infection if not passed
Holiday lights – remember National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Enough said..
Water from the tree stand & potpourri pots – may be toxic, depending on the contents
Boxes of chocolate – very toxic to both cats and dogs
Mistletoe – if eaten, very toxic
Poinsettias – surprisingly not toxic as once foretold, but may cause some stomach distress
The best preventative is to eliminate the tinsel altogether for it is difficult to monitor and make safe. As for the holiday lights just take measures to make sure they aren’t hanging too low where a pet can be tempted to chew, especially with puppies. Also, use grounded 3-prong extensions cords as well as take the time to disconnect them when not in use. It may be necessary to use a child gate across the doorways to keep your pet from the Christmas tree and decorations during your absence. Boxes of chocolate should be kept completely out of reach. It’s not enough that it’s enclosed for a dog can chew through a box or bag, especially if they can smell it. Place mistletoe completely out of reach of anyone for just handling the plant may loosen leaves that could eventually fall and become ingested. The typical tradition is to hang the plant well above the heads of guests in the entryways, but it is still a good measure to check it periodically for any loose leaves. Better yet, purchase a faux plant that you don’t have to constantly worry about.
If you would like any further information about safety tips for your pet, visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/holiday-safety-tips.aspx.
Everyone here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency would like to wish you and your furry loved ones a very safe and Happy Holiday!!!
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by outlining potential exposures and suggest solutions for all insurance needs.
Come visit us at www.donmedeirosinsurance.com or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at http://www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.
Back to School Safe Driving Tips
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011 | Safety Tips | 4 Comments
September is here and it’s back to school time! School buses are now crowding the roads once again. Below are five safe-driving tips that you can pass along to your friends and family to help them be better drivers during the back-to-school season.
Five Back-to-School Safe-Driving Tips
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, each year an average of 19 school-age children lose their lives in traffic crashes related to school transportation. With a new school year approaching, help stay safe by following these tips:
- Red Means Stop…Really. When you see the red flashing lights on a school bus, don’t be tempted to sneak past. Stop and stay stopped until the lights no longer flash or until otherwise signaled by the school bus driver.
- Slow Down Near Schools. Remember to slow down in accordance with the reduced speed limits in school zones. Watch for designated crosswalks and children who may not be paying attention.
- Conduct a Car Check. Check headlights, oil, turn signals, and tires before letting your son or daughter embark on their journey to college. You never know when these vehicle essentials may break down!
- Stay Back, Don’t Pass. It is illegal to pass on the right side of a bus. With many different stops on a bus route, remember to be alert when children are loading and unloading the bus.
- Stay Alert.
Children are unpredictable. Near a bus or in a school zone, you never know when they’ll run into the street unaware of drivers. Be one step ahead and anticipate a child’s move.
Be a safe driver, take the test!
Raise awareness about safe driving and suggest taking the National Drivers test to your friends and family! You will be able to share and compare their scores and see if they are smart and safe drivers. Visit http://www.gmacinsurance.com/ and click on the National Drivers Test button to take the test and see how you size up when it comes to knowing the rules of the road. If you’re on Facebook, don’t forget to check out the National Drivers Test Facebook App where you can “challenge a friend” to take the test!
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by outlining potential exposures and suggest solutions for all insurance needs.
Come visit us at http://www.donmedeirosinsurance.com/or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at http://www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.