The Allstate Blog » Sean

Homeowners Insurance Mega-Quiz

Sean — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 20:01:43 +0000

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Auto Insurance Mega-Quiz

Sean — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:57:02 +0000

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5 Tips to Take Your ATV Virtually Anywhere

Sean — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:00:32 +0000

ATVs—known as four-wheelers among those who use them—have become essential transportation for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe seeking to access and explore everything from the back 40 to truly remote backcountry. Virtual mini-tanks on wheels, they can travel off-road up and down hills, between trees, over rocky ground and through mud and shallow water. But, they can also be dangerous if not used properly. According to the latest ATV statistics on record from the Consumer Product Safety Commission there were 317 deaths and 115,000 emergency room visits as a result of ATV accidents in 2010. To make the most of your next ride (and to do it safely), follow these tips from Field & Stream’s Camping Guide and the ATV Safety Institute.

Safe Climbing

When approaching a steep incline, put the vehicle in the lowest gear that still allows sufficient forward momentum. Lean forward, standing if necessary, to keep your weight centered and low to the ATV, while keeping your hands solidly on the controls and your feet on the footrests. Approach the hill straight on, never at an angle. Maintain a slow but steady speed. Avoid pressing hard on the throttle, as this can spin tires and lessen their contact with the ground, making the ATV less stable.

Going Down?

Aim the ATV directly downhill to keep the weight distributed across all four tires. Put the ATV in the lowest gear to minimize speed, and lightly feather the brakes during the descent. This can prevent tires from locking up, which can cause the ATV to slide on loose or muddy ground. It also helps maintain a safe speed. Lean back as far in the seat as possible without losing reach of the brake controls. This will better distribute your weight over the quad, ensuring a low center of gravity until on level ground.

Negotiating Obstacles

When approaching uneven ground, logs, rocks or other obstacles, lock the ATV in four-wheel drive and slowly approach from a perpendicular angle. Pull to the edge of the obstacle and then apply enough power to crawl over the log or rock, keeping in mind that it might not be sturdy. Stand or lean if necessary to shift your weight so that the ATV remains balanced and in contact with the ground or other solid surfaces at all times.

Hauling Loads

Secure heavy loads on the ATV’s rear rack, as close to the center of the vehicle as possible, using ratchet straps or strong bungees. However, if you’re climbing a hill, temporarily place the load on the front rack to keep the front of the quad on the ground during the climb. If at any time a load is so heavy it causes tires to lift or hinders maneuverability, drag the items behind the ATV instead or divide the load and make separate trips.

Crossing Water

First, determine the water’s depth and be sure it isn’t so deep it will go over your engine’s air intake. This can lead to a stalled or even ruined engine. You should walk the path to assess the water depth and to spot any submerged obstacles. Avoid fast-moving streams and only cross where there is a gradual incline upon entering and exiting and the bottom is rocky or solid. Maintain a constant speed, watching for submerged obstacles, and remember when back on dry ground that your brakes may be wet and will not work as well until they dry. Speed the drying process by lightly applying the brakes as you ride. These tips should help your next ATV adventureto be safe and worry-free. What’s the best ATV trip you’ve ever taken? Photo Attribution: Photo courtesy of ATV Safety Institute

Top 5 Home Fire Safety Tips for Fire Prevention Week

Sean — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:00:21 +0000

Beep! Waking up to a smoke detector can be a terrifying experience, as my next-door neighbor Jolene recently learned. After lighting a candle on her windowsill, Jolene fell asleep before blowing it out. She awoke 30 minutes later to a room filled with flames. Wind coming through the open window had blown the draperies right into the candle’s flame. Thanks to her bedroom’s smoke detector, Jolene escaped unscathed, although her house sustained substantial damage. In its report "Fire Loss in theUnited StatesDuring 2011," the National Fire Protection Association reported that residential fires, like the one caused by Jolene’s forgotten candle, killed an estimated 2,550 civilians and injured 14,360 civilians. Many of these fires occur during the hectic holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. It’s easy to get caught up in chaotic holiday preparations and overlook potential fire hazards, like turkey fryers and space heaters. This year, don’t let your family’s celebration go up in smoke. Get a jump-start on the holidays with home fire protection during Fire Prevention Week. Follow these home fire safety tips to keep your family safe.

No. 1: Cook with caution.

Nearly half of all home fires are cooking-related, says the National Fire Protection Association. Keep a fire extinguisher ready to battle open flames on the stove or splattered cooking oil. The extinguisher should be rated for both grease and electrical fires. To use it, remember the acronym P.A.S.S.: Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle at the fire’s base. Squeeze the nozzle to spray. Sweep back and forth while spraying the fire’s base.

No. 2: Never leave space heaters unattended.

Heating systems, especially space heaters and wooden stoves, can easily ignite nearby household items. Keep all space heaters at least three feet from household items. Turn heaters off before leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave pets or children unsupervised with a space heater or wooden stove; in addition to the risk of starting a fire, heaters and stoves pose a danger of burns, as well.

No. 3: Check your electrical cords.

Faulty, cracked or deteriorating electrical cords can shoot sparks onto flammable surfaces – like your family’s Christmas tree – and quickly start a fire. Check all your electrical cords for fraying or other signs of wear. Do not overload circuits; use a power strip instead.

No. 4: Replace open-flame candles with LED tea lights.

With flammable holiday decorations covering tabletops and mantles, lighting real candles can be an invitation to disaster. Instead, choose battery-operated candles, like LED tea lights. They flicker just like the real thing and are an important part of home fire protection. Just ask my neighbor Jolene!

No. 5: Test your smoke detectors.

Jolene’s smoke detector saved her from suffering serious burns or even dying. Stay safe by installing a smoke detector on every floor in your house. If possible, each bedroom should also have its own detector for added home fire protection. Replace the batteries twice per year and practice family fire drills. What rules do you follow to prevent home fires? Recommended by the Editor: A 3-Pronged Approach to Fire Safety Don't Get Burned: Fire Safety Beyond 'Stop, Drop and Roll' Precautions Prevent Holiday Fires Make Your House Safe from Common Hazards

A Racer’s Guide to Avoiding Accidents

Sean — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:00:49 +0000

Fender-benders – and worse — are common in the world of racing. It is not unusual to see racers “trading paint” now and then as competitors jockey for position. And doing the “bump” is sometimes part of the art of passing, especially in short track racing. But even the most skillful racers know that they are taking a risk when they hit another vehicle. Avoiding contact is almost always the best policy for even the most aggressive race driver because he could get the worst of the wreck he triggers. That’s why Tim O’Neil, who teaches road rally driving for Ford Racing, emphasizes techniques that will help race drivers — and ordinary street drivers — avoid crashes. Even the average drivers commuting to and from work, picking up the kids or traveling to the big football game can learn a few tips that will keep the integrity of their vehicles intact. Here’s what he suggests to help achieve safer, smarter driving:

Watch the weather

Before you leave the garage or the parking lot, get a weather report. If there has been a change in temperature, you can almost always count on encountering some lousy driving conditions. Adjust your route and give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going safely. If your windshield is freezing, turn off the wipers and turn on the defroster. Drive cautiously and patiently.

Have a Plan B

If the route you usually take involves traversing an area where there are frequent accidents, look for a way around the problem spot. There is almost always an alternative route. If you absolutely can’t avoid the problem area, look for a way to stay out of the fray.

If you get stuck in an unexpected tough spot, look for a way out

Ask yourself some what-ifs. What if the driver in front of you slams on his brakes? How will you respond? What if a deer jumps out in front of you? Where will you go? If you plan what you would do, when and if the problem happens, you’ll respond automatically.

Try not to freeze

Many accidents happen because inexperienced drivers waste the seconds between seeing a problem – for instance, a car that pulls out in front of them — and doing something to avoid it. Practice reacting to tough situations. The trick is to keep your eyes on where you want to go, not on what you want to avoid hitting. The car will go where your eyes go. Consider building your skills and confidence by using a simulator. Computer games aren’t just for kids.

Don’t fly over the top of a hill

Lots of accidents happen in hilly areas when a driver is giving it all he’s got going up a hill. When the car hits the peak, the driver is unable to see what’s on the other side, but the car starts down the hill anyway, still going top speed. Or, the driver hits the brakes when heading down the other side and loses control. A better approach is to slow down as you crest the hill and see what’s ahead of you. If there are impediments, like slow traffic or slippery road conditions, don’t just rely on the brake. Shift the vehicle into a lower gear if you're traveling at a lower speed – even if you are driving an automatic.

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel

Too many people drive when they are distracted, stressed out and not paying attention to what’s going on around them. Don’t be that driver.

When all else fails

Sometimes you just can’t avoid a fender-bender. Make sure that when you are behind the wheel, you always carry your driver’s license, registration and your insurance card.

Steps to Help Prevent West Nile Virus

Sean — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:00:18 +0000

Earlier this month, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the United States is experiencing its largest surge in the West Nile virus since 2004, with more than 1,590 confirmed and probable cases in 47 states. So far this year, 66 people have died from the virus as of the time this article was written. It’s important to note that 80 percent of those infected with WNV will not show any symptoms and will recover without treatment. Up to 20 percent will experience flu-like symptoms, including head and body aches, nausea and vomiting, fever and occasionally swollen lymph glands and skin rashes. According to the CDC, one in 150 will become seriously ill, with symptoms including high fever, headache, disorientation, tremors, neck stiffness and muscle weakness. In the most severe cases, victims will experience convulsions, vision loss, stupor, numbness and paralysis. Among this group, the disease can be fatal. Although the virus can spread through transplants, transfusions, pregnancy and possibly breastfeeding, the vast majority of victims are infected by the bite of an infected mosquito. Simple, often overlooked health concerns like this can be a bit scary. And since September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, there's no time like the present to ensure that your affairs are in order should the unthinkable happen. So, what can you do to reduce your risk and that of your family? There are two key strategies to keep in mind: Avoid exposure to mosquitoes and eliminate mosquito-breeding sites on your property.

How to Protect Yourself

Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn, dusk and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
If you are going to be outdoors at those times, or if you’re going to be spending time in an area known for mosquitoes, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Ensure that your children do the same.
Use mosquito repellent with DEET, and apply it to both your skin and clothing. Keep it off children’s hands, so they don’t inadvertently put it into their mouths or eyes, and never use on children under the age of 2. Remember: The higher the percentage of the active ingredient, the longer it will work.
If you are outdoors with an infant or very young toddler, use mosquito netting over the child’s stroller or playpen.
Make sure you have good screens on all windows and doors, and keep an eye on those coming and going so no one accidentally leaves a door standing open.
If you have a pet door, make sure it has a hardy flap in place, and check it frequently to ensure it remains in good condition. If it’s showing signs of wear or if the seal is no longer secure, replace the flap.

West Nile Prevention on Your Property

Although you won’t be able to keep mosquitoes off your property, you can eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes breed, to keep the population down:

Check and unclog your gutters often.
If you have birdbaths, change the water frequently — once per week at a minimum.
Empty outdoor pet dishes frequently. Don’t allow water to stand in a pet’s bowl for days on end.
Empty unused swimming pools; this includes popular baby and toddler wading pools. Store them on their sides or upside-down when not being used.
Do you have any containers or children’s playthings that can hold water? These also are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Eliminate them, or empty them out immediately after a rainfall. If your kids have a tire swing, drill a hole in the bottom so the water drains out. If they have a sand-and-water table or box, empty or change the water frequently.

Seek Help if You Experience Serious Symptoms

Although preventative measures can’t guarantee that you won’t become infected withWest Nile, these steps can help minimize your risk. If you or your loved ones are bitten, however, keep an eye on each other. If your partner or child begins complaining of more serious symptoms, or if you observe such symptoms, seek medical attention. To learn more about the West Nile virus, visit the CDC and Mayo Clinic websites. Have a house and a car? Consider combining insurance.

Allstate Seniors’ Guide: The New Rules of Safe Driving

Sean — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:01 +0000

Remember the basics from driver’s education? Keep your hands at 10 and 2 o’clock, pump your brakes to keep your wheels from locking in a panic stop and turn in the direction of a skid to regain control. It turns out that those rules aren’t always the best way to avoid an accident anymore. New automotive safety technology is keeping everyone on the road safer, but it can only do its job if you know how to use it properly.

New Tech and New Skills

The cars that a lot of baby boomers and older drivers learned to drive in had basic braking systems, no airbags and few computerized parts. New cars today have all that technology and then some. Whenever you get behind the wheel of a new or unfamiliar car, pay attention to what safety technology it has so you can make sure to drive in a way that allows those high-tech systems to do their jobs. Anti-lock brakes: Anti-lock brakes are not new, but many people who learned to drive before they were common don’t know the proper way to use them. Anti-lock brakes do the pumping automatically. If your car has anti-lock brakes and you pump the brake pedal during a panic stop, all you’re doing is applying braking power intermittently. Instead, apply firm, consistent pressure to the brake pedal during panic stops, and don’t be surprised if you feel a pulsing or shimmying sensation coming from the pedal. Being familiar with how anti-lock brakes feel can make you less likely to panic and let up on the brakes in an accident. Airbags: Airbags have been credited with saving thousands of lives and preventing millions of injuries. As a system that activates after a crash, you may think that airbags don’t have any impact on the way you should drive. That’s incorrect. While you may have been taught that the best place for your hands on the steering wheel are at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions, hands that are at 10 and 2 may actually interfere with airbag deployment. Airbags explode out of the steering wheel, and hands in the 10 and 2 position can get caught in the airbag deployment. That can result in mild burns to your hands, but the bigger risk is that your hands and arms will fly back toward your chest and get between your torso and the airbag. That can cause extensive injuries not only to your arms but also your chest. Stay safe by lowering your hands on the steering wheel. The 9 and 3 o’clock positions are best for maintaining control of the car and also staying safe with airbags. Electronic Stability Control: Older driver’s education classes focused a lot on how to recover from a skid, in part because older cars didn’t have the ability to avoid skids and traction losses on their own. Today’s cars are much better at keeping the driver in control. Electronic stability control, which is required on all 2012 and newer cars, uses a sensor under the car to tell when a loss of traction is imminent. The sensor tracks the car’s movement and the driver’s steering, braking and accelerating inputs to determine where the driver intends the car to go. Then, the system brakes or gives power to individual car wheels to keep the car on its intended path. The car needs you to continue to drive so it can read conditions and determine where you’re trying to go. Just keep your movements controlled. If you want to keep up with the latest driving skills, organizations like AARP and even some car insurance companies offer refresher courses. Devoting a few hours to learning the newest driving techniques can pay off down the road by keeping you accident-free. For helpful hints about vehicle maintenance, check out the Tools and Resources section on Allstate.com.

The Distraction Epidemic: Does Anyone Just Drive Anymore?

Sean — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:00:16 +0000

Just a couple decades ago, it would have been impossible to take a phone call while driving down the road – just imagine how long the phone cord would have been! However, that’s not the case today. Between phone calls, text messages, emails and social media, we’re more connected to the world around us than ever, and that connectivity is largely due to our cellphones and smart phones. Still, there’s growing concern that the distraction caused by smart phones is making our roadways increasingly dangerous. Does anyone just drive anymore?

The Basics of Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration describes distracted driving as any activity that takes your attention away from “the primary task of driving.” Distractions behind the wheel can endanger you, your passengers and others around your car. The NHTSA says there are three types of distraction that you face as a driver:

Manual: A distraction that takes your hands off the wheel.
Visual: A distraction that takes your eyes off the road.
Cognitive: A distraction that takes your mind off driving.

The NHTSA reports that text messaging, using a cellphone, eating or drinking, reading, talking to passengers, grooming, adjusting your stereo, watching a video and using a navigation system are all examples of distracted behavior. Of these distractions, texting is particularly concerning because it requires your manual, visual and cognitive attention.

How Distracted Driving Causes Accidents

In a survey conducted in 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 25 percent of drivers in the U.S. admitted they talk on their cellphones “regularly or fairly often” while driving. Additionally, 9 percent gave the same response when they were asked how much they text or email when they’re behind the wheel. The CDC reports that distracted driving is even more prevalent among younger drivers, noting that almost 40 percent of drivers ages 18 to 29 say they talk on the phone “regularly” or “fairly often” while driving. In addition, more than 25 percent of respondents in that age group say they text or email “regularly” or “fairly often” while operating a motor vehicle. According to the NHTSA, the average driver takes his or her eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds when sending or receiving texts. In that amount of time, you could travel the length of an entire football field if you’re driving 55 mph. As a result, the likelihood of a crash is “23 times worse than driving while not distracted.” Additionally, NHTSA reports that using a cellphone or portable electronic device behind the wheel makes you four times as likely to get into a crash in which you’ll sustain injuries. In 2010, distracted driving was linked to 18 percent of crashes that resulted in injury, according to NHTSA. Additionally, crashes that involved a distracted driver resulted in 3,092 deaths, while about 416,000 people were injured.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

Because distracted driving is so dangerous, it’s important to take preventative steps to help keep our roads safe. The National Safety Council encourages us to stop using our cellphones while driving, and to share information about the dangers of distracted driving with friends and family. If someone calls you while they’re driving, the NSC also recommends telling them “that you’d be happy to continue the conversation once you have reached your destination.” By avoiding distracting behaviors behind the wheel, you’re taking positive steps to help keep yourself and your passengers safe. The phone calls and texts can definitely wait until you’ve parked the car. For more on distracted driving prevention, check out the Tools and Resources section on Allstate.com