Protection During a Hailstorm

Staying Safe on the Road During Hail

It may sound surprising, but there are approximately 3,000 hailstorms in the United States each year. The size of hail can widely vary – from golf-ball size to softball size. And when it starts building up size, hail can cause not just severe property and vehicle damage, but also bodily harm and even death. On average, hailstorms annually cause over $1 billion in damage to property, approximately 1,500 injuries and 80 deaths annually.

One of the most frightening places to be during a hailstorm is on the road in your car. Obviously your vehicle is at great risk of damage, but even more importantly, you are in danger in the event you can’t see well enough to drive or your windows are broken in by the power of the storm.

Here are some pointers for navigating a hailstorm while on the roads:

• Make sure you have a blanket in your car at all times. It can help protect you from glass injuries in the event the hail breaks your windows or windshield.
   
• Turn on your low-beam headlights, and slow down.
   
• Make sure you have more distance than usual in front of you so you have ample space to brake if necessary.
   
• Turn on the local weather radio station to stay apprised of the status of storms.
   
• If there is enough space on the shoulder of the road, pull over.
   
• Turn on your hazard lights, regardless of whether you are pulled over or moving slowly; this will help other vehicles to see you and avoid accidents.
   
• If there is a covered shelter to pull underneath, do so; this will reduce the damage sustained by your vehicle.

http://www.safeco.com/blog-detail/protection-during-a-hailstorm/1240019242456

Hitting the Road on 2 Wheels? Plan Ahead for Maximum Fun

Prepare and Pack for a Motorcycle Trip

Whether you’re headed to the nearest state park or traversing multiple state lines, a little planning will help you make the most of your summer motorcycle getaway.

Not sure where to start? Our tips will help you figure out where to go, what to pack (spoiler alert: not too much) and how to get there safely.

Where to Go

No, you don’t need an exact plan. But you do want to have a general idea of where you’re headed; you can always switch it up on the fly.

• Trip-planning resources abound online. Try Harley-Davidson’s ride planner or locate great bike routes in all 50 states at motorcycleroads.us.
   
• Book hotels online or by phone. Often you’ll get better rates than you would by just showing up at the front desk.
   
• When you have a general plan, be sure to let friends or family know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.

What to Pack (and What Not to Pack)

Packing smart – not just light – is one of the best ways to prepare for an extended motorcycle ride. We’ve all been on a trip with someone who brought four bags for three days. Don’t be that person.

• Make a list or you’ll forget something. Guaranteed.
   
• Go light on the clothes. Plan to wear things multiple days and to do laundry during one of your stops.
   
• Bring a spare key, along with emergency contacts (family members, insurance company, roadside assistance, etc.).
   
• If you’re on the fence about bringing something, consider leaving it out — and then buying it on the road if you really need it. Odds are you won’t.

How to Get There Safely

Regular motorcycle maintenance is vital, but so is inspecting your bike prior to hitting the road.

• Before each ride, follow the T-CLOCS inspection protocol: Check Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and electrical, Oil and other fluids, Chassis and Stands.
   
• Keep the right equipment on hand in case of trouble: A repair kit, your owner’s manual, your insurance identification card, a first-aid kit, a GPS device or map, emergency flares and a flashlight.
   
• Distribute weight evenly when you pack the bike – a road trip means you’re carrying more stuff than you typically do for a shorter ride.

Finally, know your limits when it comes to how much ground you can cover in one day. The more well rested you are, the safer you’ll be — and the more fun you’ll have. See you on the road!

 http://www.safeco.com/blog-detail/motorcycle-trip-preparation/1240025309078

12 Ways to Stay Safe on your Personal Watercraft

Enjoy Your Recreational Watercraft With These Tips

There’s no more exhilarating way to enjoy a day on the water than atop a personal watercraft, a small vessel on which you sit or stand, rather than ride inside of like a boat. But, with the horsepower of a large outboard engine and the acceleration of a motorcycle, a personal watercraft is no toy.

It’s a Class A vessel, subject to all the same laws as boats under 16 feet. So, before you jump on and zip across the water, get up to speed on these regulations and safety tips.

Personal Watercraft Regulations

Per federal regulations, personal watercraft must be registered with a validation sticker and registration number displayed on the vessel. State regulations vary, but may require operators to be of a minimum age (usually 14 to 16), complete a safe boating course and/or obtain an operator’s certificate. State and local governments may also limit speed, hours and areas of operation.

Required equipment for personal watercraft includes:

• A Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard and anyone being towed.
   
• A Coast Guard-approved B-1 fire extinguisher.
   
• A sound signaling device such as a whistle or a horn.
   
• An emergency engine cutoff lanyard attached to the operator.
   
• A functioning backfire flame arrestor and passive ventilation system.

Personal Watercraft Safety

Once you meet all of the above requirements, you also need to know a few rules of the waterway. Follow these 12 tips to inject some much-needed safety and sanity into your personal watercraft adventures.

1. Keep away from shorelines, rocky areas and other vessels, especially ones towing wakeboarders or tubers. Also keep an eye out for people in the water.
    
2. Learn the meaning of navigation marks and signs.
    
3. Never ride after consuming drugs or alcohol.
    
4. Carry no more passengers than the vessel’s rating allows.
    
5. Check your craft for proper function before riding.
    
6. Respect ecologically sensitive areas and wildlife.
    
7. Always give priority to large vessels, sailboats under sail and paddle craft.
    
8. When meeting another craft head-on, steer to the right and pass like cars.
    
9. If overtaking another boat, pass on either side, but keep clear.
    
10. Crossing paths with another vessel, let the craft on the right continue at the same speed and direction, while you alter speed and direction to pass safely behind.
     
11. Always maintain a proper lookout to avoid collisions by scanning constantly.
     
12. If unsure about the rules, reduce speed and take early defensive action.

Finally, be sure you have the insurance coverage you need for your personal watercraft. Think about agreed value coverage that will cover a total loss after the deductible without a complicated depreciation formula. And, look for ways to customize your coverage with options such as emergency assistance, as well as roadside assistance for your towing vehicle and trailer.

Remember, having fun and staying safe on your personal watercraft aren’t mutually exclusive. So, do both and enjoy the ride. And, don’t forget the sunscreen!

http://www.safeco.com/blog-detail/personal-watercraft-safety/1240028238907