DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSES---Do they work?

Defensive Driving Courses.....we all hate to take them. There usually boring, take up our Saturday free time, and are taught by dull mono-tone instructors that don't want to be there either. But we do it so that we can get out of a ticket for speeding (which means we did something wrong).

Most people loose sight of the real purpose of Defensive Driving. The purpose is to remind us of all the things we have forgotten in regards to proper driving techniques and ediquette. As we age and become mature, seasoned, and experianced drivers our minds play tricks on us. We actually believe that we are better drivers while all the while ignoring the very basics of safe driving. Folks....THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!

So many times I see experianced drivers that do not know how to handle a 4-Way Stop intersection, proper passing techniques, or fail to actual come to a complete stop when required. They are also tailgaters, and are usually very aggressive drivers that will speed up just so they can prevent someone from merging onto a freeway. These people probably have not seen the inside of a Defensive Driving Class in many years (if ever).

In my own experiance, the few times I have taken the course, while boring, it has caused me to think more about my driving, be more aware of my surroundings and to be very self-concious in how I drive. My deduction from this???  DEFENSIVE DRIVING DOES INDEED WORK!

My next thought is.....If everyone was required to take a Defensive Driving Course every 5 years in order to maintain their license, would it help? I say YES!  It would keep fresh in our minds the proper way to drive and it would also be a good example to our youthful drivers who are just learning the importantance of good driving ediquette and safety on the roads.

Check out this link to the Texas Dept of Insurance. It is a great article about Driving Safety.

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/videoresource/t5defdriv.pdf

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this Newletter. Drive Safe!!

Randy L Lovelace

07/07/10

Buying Flood Insurance does not take care of everything!!

Educate Yourself

After getting flood insurance, there are several things you can do to minimize losses in your home and ensure your family’s safety.

1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a personal “flood file” containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

• A copy of your insurance policies with your agent’s contact information.
• A room-by-room inventory of your possessions, including receipts, photos, and videos.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

• First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
• Have a plan to protect your pets.

For more information on emergency preparation, talk to your insurance agent or visit Ready.gov.

Stay Safe During a Flood >>