October 2017

Don’t be tempted to skip a song, reply to a text, or browse social media behind the wheel.

The dangers of distracted driving are well-known at this point. Anything from texting on cell phones to futzing with the radio, to applying your make-up, can shift your focus from the road.

Unfortunately, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet report daily accounts of car accidents that have resulted from distracted driving. The numbers are ever-increasing with drivers using smartphones, and the invention of smart watches that make accessing technology a whole lot easier.

Distracted driving results from:

• Eyes off the road – From staring at billboards to gawking at crash scenes, distractions divert your eyes from the road and what is happening in front of you. If the car in front stops suddenly, you could end up in a rear-end collision.
• Daydreaming – If your mind is taking away from driving to focus on what your passengers are saying, your reaction times will only slow.
• Hands off the wheel – Eating, drinking, using a cell phone, or reaching for fallen objects – refrain from doing any of these, as once your hands are off the wheel, you’re asking for trouble.

To distract yourself from the distractions, use these tips and be a safer driver:

• Turn off your phone. Try putting your phone out of reach or shutting it down before you start driving. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Any text or call you receive while driving isn’t important enough to put your life, and other drivers’ lives, on the line.
• Be organized. Whether you need to get out your parking pass, set your GPS, or apply a touch of lipstick, do it before turning on your car. That way, you’ll be better prepared, and you won’t need to take your eyes, hands, or mind off the road.
• Find zen. We all need a little peace and quiet in our lives. Make your driving time quiet time to concentrate and be calm!

Remember that the use of any hand-held cellular phone while driving is prohibited on any New York road. Anyone who violates this law will be issued a traffic violation which will carry a fine of up to $150. Additionally, there will be 2 points assessed to the offender’s drivers license and driving record.

To better protect your drive, vehicle, and finances, secure yourself a quality auto insurance policy. For the best coverage at the best rate for you, contact Abatelli Group, Inc. today!

Switch safety gears and review your auto insurance for fall.

The fall season is upon us, and we’re welcoming in changing leaves, cooler nights, and the festive season. While we’re enjoying the colors of autumn, motorists face a new set of challenges while driving on the roads. From fallen leaves to inclement weather, drivers should prepare for fall driving dangers.

The fall leaves create quite a picturesque landscape – but a hazardous driving one! Here are just a few of the hazards that you may experience in the autumn:

• The autumn leaves and drizzling rain create a slippery surface on the road. Take care when you’re driving in areas with lots of bare trees and always slow down if you come to debris in the middle of the road.
• When it rains, the oil on the roads creates a slick surface. Be sure to leave enough space between you and the driver in front as your stopping distance may increase.
• Autumn is the time when we change our clocks, which means that you may lose visibility on the roads. Turn on your lights at dusk and dawn.
• Ice is especially prevalent during October and November. You may need to equip your vehicle with snow tires. Additionally, beware of black ice on the road by taking wet roads slowly.
• Fall is deer mating season, so the likelihood of you meeting a deer increases now. Slow down during dusk and dawn, when the deer are most active, and always drive slowly on country roads.
• Before you head out on that autumn driving trip, give your car some TLC to properly prepare it for the season and roads ahead.

Fortunately, when you’re involved in a disaster, your auto insurance can step in to help cover the finances. Now is the time to review your coverage to make sure that you’re protected for the season ahead!

Make sure that your car is protected with the right auto insurance policy for this autumn and beyond. Contact Abatelli Group, Inc. for a proper quote on your insurance needs.