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Showing posts with label Auto Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auto Safety. Show all posts

Friday, July 9, 2010

Your car just broke down on the side of the road, now what?

Your car just broke down and you’re on the side of the road, now what?
If your car breaks down, your first priority is the safety of the people inside the car:

    * Never get out of a broken down car to make a repair or examine damage on the spot. Move the vehicle to a safe place such as a wide shoulder or a designated emergency lane.
    * If you can't drive the vehicle, stay in the car and wait for help. Use your cell phone to call Farmers HelpPoint® (800-435-7764) or wait for help.
    * Remember to put on your hazard lights. Once you are in a safe place, mark your location with flares or triangles.
    * In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safe place before you attempt a repair - even if it means destroying the wheel getting there.
    * Farmers customers, can call HelpPoint® (800-435-7764) where 24/7 a representative will calmly help you with everything you need. HelpPoint can call you a tow truck to jump start your car or bring your vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. Your representative can also assist you with reserving a rental car so that you can get on your way as quickly as possible.

Cold weather suggestion: Always carry a warm blanket in your trunk in case you must wait for help in freezing temperatures. Also carry a shovel and sand in the event your car is stuck in the snow. Do not try to dig yourself out unless your car is in a safe place.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The top 5 things you should know about buckling up.

1) Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.

In 2008, seat belts saved more than 13,000 lives nationwide. From 2004 to 2008, seat belts saved over 75,000 lives — enough people to fill a large sports arena. During a crash, being buckled up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas being completely thrown out of a vehicle is almost always deadly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.

2) Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.

In fact, if you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag; a movement of such force could injure or even kill you. See www.safercar.gov for more on air bag safety.

3) How to buckle up safely:

Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
Adjust the lap belt across your hips below your stomach.
NEVER put the shoulder belt behind your back or under an arm.


4) Fit matters.

Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.
• Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit.
• If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.
• If you drive an older or classic car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today’s safer lap/shoulder belts.

5) Occupant protection is for everyone.

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site at www.nhtsa.gov and click on 4 Steps for Kids to find out how to secure your littlest passengers. If you’re expecting a little one, check out NHTSA’s “Should pregnant women wear seat belts?” brochure online to learn how important it is for you — and your unborn child — to buckle up the right way every trip, every time.

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