Be a Good Passenger

We've all heard about being a safe driver, but sometimes we're not behind the wheel controlling the situation. Despite this, there are still things passengers can follow to contribute to a safer journey.

1. Don't distract the driver - either by showing them something on your phone, pointing something out in the area, or suddenly yelling at them.
2. Always wear your seat belt the way it's intended. This ensures that if an accident were to occur, you would have the best protection available.
3. Never get into a car with an intoxicated driver. Call a cab.

4. Do not steer the car for the driver from the passenger seat, even for a few seconds. This greatly lowers the reflexes of the driver and may result in an accident or worse. This also puts the passenger in a dangerous position should the car's airbags deploy.

5. Do not eat in the car. This one is not just to keep the interiors clean, but also supports the driver to not do the same. Numerous accidents occur every year due to food related crashes.

6. Do not wear headphones in the car. While you may not be driving, being constantly aware of your surroundings is important. This way, you'll be able to warn the driver if he or she overlooks anything.

7. On long drives or road trips, stay awake and talk to the driver to keep them talkative and active. This helps the driver stem off being sleepy. Swap places with them if they are not comfortable enough to drive. Never risk it.

Fall Safety Tips

With summer drawing to a close and fall beginning to take form across the nation, people seem to breathe a little easier when it comes to safety. No more pool parties, slippery water slides, or trips to the beach. But much like summer, fall has its own list of tips to take notice of, especially when most people and their guests begin to move indoors.


1. First and foremost, it's time to move all that summer gear to the storage shed. Many areas are notorious for getting snow in the fall and having pool toys laying around the yard or patio is a great way for a guest to trip and hurt themselves.


2. Keeping bags of sidewalk salt prepared to prevent icy walkways is always a good rule of thumb when heading into the coming months. This not only protects you, but your neighbors and mailman, too.


3. As a majority of activities will be taking place inside the house, make sure to test all smoke alarms and replace any batteries.


4. If you have a fireplace, make sure you clean the chimney before using it. Debris and other materials may have accumulated in it throughout the spring and summer.


5. Candles are nice for mood setting and smells, but never leave one unattended. Also clear away any items around the candle that may catch fire.

6. Since our area receives a lot of snow, make sure your roof is clean and prepared to handle the coming months of snowfall. House roofs have been known to collapse from the weight of the snow and injure those within.


7. Fix any steps or walkways around the house that may have become dislodged or loosened in preparation for winter.


8. Since your heater will most likely be on, and windows shut, install a carbon monoxide sensor in your home.

While there are plenty more safety tips around, these are just the start at helping keep you and your guests safe and accident free.