Drunk Driving Facts on Thanksgiving Eve!

Thanksgiving Eve is the second biggest party night of the year. Everyone that you went to high school with is back home to visit family for Thanksgiving and is planning on getting drunk at the local bar with old friends. Most of the people that read this will drink on Thanksgiving Eve, just do it responsibly. No matter where you are, you can get a cab. It’s worth it! Make sure you know which one’s of your friends or family members will be sober so that they can pick you up in any emergency situations.

A person's chances of being involved in a drunk driving accident increase dramatically after every two beers they drink. At the point when you have reached a six pack, your chances of being in a drunk driving accident are up to 44%. With this and other drunk driving facts in mind, think before the you pick up the keys.

Here are some facts about Drunk Driving:

• One person is killed every half-hour due to drunk driving

• Each year approximately 16,000 are killed in alcohol related crashes

• Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all traffic fatalities

• Every other minute a person is seriously injured in an alcohol related crash

• Over 40% of fatal automobile accidents are alcohol-related

• Approximately 30% of Americans will be in an accident involving alcohol

• According to estimates, someone is injured in an alcohol-related accident every two minutes

• Accidents involving alcohol are more likely to occur at night… about five times more likely

• About two-thirds of DUI convictions are for first time offenders

• Every other minute a person is seriously injured in an alcohol related crash

• More than one-third of all fatal traffic accidents involve at least one person with a BAC over0.08%.

Do you still think you can dodge the drunk driving bullet? Drunk driving facts do not lie. Do what you can to avoid becoming a statistic.

Tips For Teen Driving Safety at Night

Because of decreased visibility and an increased risk of dozing off, driving at night can be quite dangerous. While experienced drivers often don’t think twice about the extra risks associated with driving at night, for inexperienced teen drivers, night-time driving can be quite dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], fatality rates at night are three times higher than those during the day. In fact, driving between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. only accounts for 23 percent of all vehicle miles traveled yet it accounts for more than 50 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities for those over 16 years old.

As your teen is learning to drive, you should take some time to make sure they understand the dangers of driving at night and are taking the proper steps to ensure a safe trip to and from home.

Here are ten tips for late-night driving.

1. Check your vision
As the school year comes to an end, your teen probably has a lot more free-time to go to the optometrist. Whether they’ve always had perfect vision or wear contacts and/or glasses, a quick visit to your local eye doctor could diagnose any problems and give you the assurance you need, especially if you’ve noticed your teen squinting more.

2. Prepare your vehicle
Before your teen heads out, you should check and clean the headlights and taillights and remove any dirt or smudges from the windows and mirrors. Dirt and finger prints on the windows and mirrors can cause glares at night. If it’s been a while since your last safety inspection, you should also make sure your headlights are properly aligned because mis-aligned headlights can blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road. If your teen plans on using their car during college, you can consider anti-reflective coating which can help reduce glare at night. You can also purchase anti-reflective coated glasses.

3. Use your lights courteously
Although you should always turn on your headlights one hour before sunset you should keep you headlights on low beams if you are following a vehicle or if you see an oncoming vehicle on the other side of the road. This way, you can avoid blinding other drivers with your lights. You should also use low beams during heavy fog because high beams can reduce your ability to see and may blind other drivers. If you see an oncoming vehicle with its high beams on, you can avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.

4. Slow down and stay back
While you should never speed or tailgate cars, doing so at night is even more dangerous because the lack of light makes it more difficult for you to gauge depth perception. Also, because you peripheral vision is often compromised when it is dark, you will need more time to react to unexpected situations

5. Limit the number of passengers
Studies have shown that 59 percent of teenage passenger deaths occur in vehicles driven by another teenager and fatal crashes involving young drivers are much more likely to occur when other teenagers are in the car. While these figures are grim, they make sense because teen drivers are more likely to get distracted by their friends and have less experience reacting to emergency situations on the road. While many states have laws limiting the number of passengers a teen driver can have in his/her car, you should talk to your teen about limiting the number of teen passengers in their car to one or two people.

6. Avoid distractions
Studies show that almost 80 percent of crashes involve driver inattention within three seconds of a crash and at 40 mph, a car can travel almost 180 feet within three seconds. Talk to your teen about keeping their eyes and mind on the road and hands on the steering wheel at all times. While music can make a ride more enjoyable, it should never take priority over driving. Visit VehicleVibes.com to find some tips on avoiding distracted driving you can share with your teen.

7. Sleep more
Because of decreased visibility and the increased risk of an accident, driving at night requires you to be completely alert and 100 percent focused on the road. Unfortunately, as it gets later into the night, drivers may find themselves dozing off behind the wheel, putting themselves and other drivers at risk for a fatal accident. Encourage your teen to get at seven to eight hours of sleep each night and consider providing them with some extra cash for a cab, just in case they are too tired to drive.

8. Buckle up
According to the National Safety Commission, two-thirds of traffic fatalities at night involve drivers or passengers who were not wearing seat belts. Currently, 30 states have primary seat belt laws, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seat belt without another traffic offense taking place and 18 states have secondary seat belt laws. New Hampshire is the only state without a primary or secondary seat belt law for adults.

9. Check your meds

Many over-the-counter and prescription medication can induce drowsiness or fatigue, so before taking them, check the warning labels and/or stickers. If you still are not sure, ask your pharmacist. Often times, these medications can impair your driving ability and make staying awake behind the wheel even more difficult.

10. Communicate
While you may not want to annoy your teen with constant phone calls, it is always a good idea to have your teen text or call you with an update of where they are and where they are going every one to two hours. This way, you have a general sense of where they are and who they are with and can react appropriately if needed. Although you may want to constantly check-in on your teen, showing a little restraint will show that you trust your teen enough to make responsible decisions.

Is Texting While Driving More Dangerous Than Drinking and Driving?

You're driving on the highway and your phone lights up. You have a text from your friend. What do you do? Your first reaction is to see what it says. A ton of people, mostly young adults and teens, aren't thinking of the consequences and dangers involved when texting while driving. It doesn't really sink in until something happens to you or a close family or friend.

A solution that could help the problem is to get a car with Bluetooth capability, or buy one at a store. Best Buy has the kind that you can put on your car visor that works real well for $80. Click here to check it out.

Not only is Bluetooth convenient and cool, it’s also a major safety feature as well. Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash much more than previous studies have shown with motorists taking their eyes off the road longer than they do when talking or listening on their cell phones.

The Obama administration reported that nearly 6,000 people were killed and a half-million injured last year in vehicle crashes connected to driver distraction with cell phones and texting. Driver distraction was involved in 16% of all fatal crashes in 2009. Dialing a cell phone and using or reaching for an electronic device increased risk of collision about 6 times in cars and trucks.

According to a study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve some form of driver distraction. The distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash!

On any given day last year, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by someone using a handheld cell phone during the day. The greatest proportion of distracted drivers were those age 20 and under. Twenty four states have already passed laws to make texting illegal while driving.

Think next time before you text in the car, it may save your life or someone elses!

Please leave comments below!

Property Insurance Can Cover Halloween Tricks

Halloween can be a blast for youngsters, although some find fun in more than just trick-or-treating.

Homeowners may wonder what happens if Halloween hellions cause damage to their home. Property insurance should cover costs associated with vandalism. The same goes for the comprehensive coverage offered through auto insurance.


However, consumers will want to assess whether getting the repairs fixed through a property insurance policy is really worth it. If damages are less than the deductible, filing a claim may not be worth it.

What could be an advantage, however, is if law enforcement authorities catch a vandal in the act. Doing so means a consumer's insurance provider could try to pin the costs on the perpetrator.


As with any kind of property damage that warrants involving a home insurance company, policyholders will want to report the mishap as soon as possible. Taking photos could also help the claims process move along quicker.

Preventing vandalism may be the best way to avoid trouble in the first place. Homeowners should make sure their property is well-lit, which should discourage people from targeting it.

Tips for Renting in a Tough Market with Low Vacancy Rates

At the end of 2009, the apartment-vacancy rate soared to a 30-year high to approximately 8 percent. For many Americans, this meant the beginning of a renter’s market. Instead of fighting for scarce apartments and dealing with “ruthless” landlords, many renters were receiving major incentives to sign their leases.


However, as the economy continues to improve, economic experts are forecasting a decline in apartment vacancy rates resulting in higher rent. While this may seem like bad news for bargain real-estate renters, don’t give up on your search for a reasonably priced apartment just yet. If you’re ready for an upgrade from your immediate post-college apartment or you’re just ready to move out of you parent’s house, now is still the perfect time to start looking for an apartment.

With the proper research and a little patience, you can still find an affordable, high-quality apartment. Here are five tips for securing the apartment of your dreams:


1. Consider a roommate
While you may have given up roommates after you graduated college, having a roommate can also have its perks. Aside from having a friendly face in the apartment when you’re lonely, having a roommate can also save you a ton of money. Aside from splitting the utilities, two bedroom apartments are often cheaper per square feet than a one-bedroom or studio apartment.


2. Set your budget and stick with it
While the granite countertops and marble floors may be tempting, the extra money on rent each month for the upgrade will add up quickly. Once you’ve calculated how much you can afford, stick with your budget and be sure to resist any temptations of an upgrade for “just a little more per month.” While there is no magic equation to calculate the maximum amount you can afford each month, a good way to set a rental budget is to take your monthly income (after taxes) and deduct your mandatory monthly expenses (loan payments, food, utilities, etc) and then deduct the amount you’d like to save each month (401(k), emergency savings, etc.). The amount you have left over is the maximum amount you should spend on rent each month.

3. Use online resources and go mobile
Resources like Craigslist, MyNewPlace and HousingMaps are great sites to find apartment listings on the internet for free. With Craigslist, you can subscribe to search-based RSS feeds that are delivered to your phone. Once you’ve entered all your search criteria, go to the bottom of the page, copy the link from the “RSS” text and add it to your feed reader. When setting up Craigslist feeds, the more keywords you track, the more listings you will find. So create feeds for neighborhood names (including nicknames) and street names. But remember, once you see a listing you’re interested in, the quicker you call, the better your chances.


4. Hit the streets
While the internet and Craigslist can bring hundreds of apartment listings directly to you, sometimes hitting the streets to find available apartments can be extremely effective. If you are interested in living in a particular neighborhood or area, consider walking around the area and keeping your eyes open for “For Rent” signs. Chances are you’ll find one or two places that you haven’t seen listed online.


5. Don’t sign on the spot
Although you should always schedule a visit quickly as soon as you see a listing you’re interested in, you should never feel obligated to sign a lease on the spot. Be sure to read the contract and understand all the policies and fees associated with your agreement – especially the penalty for early termination. Make sure you pay attention to any red flags that may pop up during your search like abnormally cheap rent or a landlord that seems like she/she is hiding something.

Homeowners Insurance Made Easy

Certain losses aren’t covered by homeowners insurance:

· Breakdowns in the home: most homeowners insurance policies do not cover basic maintenance repairs. Your coverage doesn’t serve as a substitute for having your heating, cooling and plumbing systems regularly serviced.

· Floods, earthquakes and water backup: typically, floods, earthquakes and water (sewer) backups are excluded from most homeowners insurance.

However, there are optional coverages that may be purchased as add-ons to an Allstate policy*

• Extended coverage on jewelry, watches and furs: Increases limits for jewelry, watches and furs

• Scheduled Personal and Property: Increased limits for personal property such as jewelry, cameras, antiques, recreational equipment and more

• Identity Theft Restoration: If your identity gets stolen, this coverage can help with legal work, phone calls and lost wages

• Water Backup: Helps cover damage in your home from backed up

drains or broken sump pumps

• Increased coverage on business property: Protects items you’re keeping in your home as business samples or for sale

*coverages may not be available in all states and limits may vary

Filing a Claim

You can file a claim in one of three ways:
1. Call 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828)
2. Log on to your account at Allstate.com

3. Call Johanna James at 610-584-6888

Then what?

The Allstate claim process will vary based on the extent of damage. Here’s the typical process:

Step 1: If needed, we can provide referrals for assistance with temporary repairs such as boarding up windows

Step 2: We’ll evaluate damages and prepare an estimate

Step 3: Your Allstate claim representative will go over your policy with you to explain which coverages and limits apply

Step 4: Where available, you can choose an Allstate-recommended repair vendor and have the workmanship guaranteed by the vendor. Or you can choose your ow

n vendor.

Step 5: We wrap up your claim by answering any questions you may have an provide you with payment when appropriate

What to do in case of a catastrophe

A catastrophe can impact many homes in an area all at once. When this occurs, a dedicated Allstate team will be dispatched to the site to make sure your claim is handled as quickly as possible. Call 1-800-54-STORM (1-800-547-8676)

FAQ’s

What if I don’t have all the information to file a claim?
Calling Allstate as soon as possible can help speed up the claim process. Even if you don’t have all the information, you can always provide us with additional details later.

What else can I do to speed up the claim process?
Taking an inventory of your belongings before anything happens can be very useful in verifying what you have an what it’s worth. To help you, you can download free inventory software from Allstate.com/homeinventory

My repair person has found additional damage from the loss that wasn’t on the initial estimate. What do I do?
Once the repair process begins, further damages could be found. If this happens, call your Allstate claim representative, who will arrange to investigate the newly found damages. Sometimes there’s no need for us to physically inspect the damage and an additional payment, up to the policy limit , can be issued right away.

What if I don’t agree with the estimate I received?When you disagree with our evaluation of damages, please contact your Allstate claim representative or your Allstate agent. Our commitment is to always settle claims as fairly as possible.

Why does the check I received from Allstate include the name of my mortgage holder?
If you have a mortgage on your property, the mortgage holder is usually included on your policy along with your name. Most mortgage companies require that claims payment checks include the name(s) of the mortgage holder(s). Simply contact your mortgage holder to find out how to obtain their endorsement on the check.

Johanna James

Allstate Agent

610-584-6888

My Web site

Free Online Access to your Policy Anytime!!

Manage your Homeowners policy at your convenience. Visit the Customer Care Center to enroll in helpful online services.

Johanna James Allstate Insurance wants to enform you of the free online access to your policy anytime through our Customer Care Center.

You can do all this 24/7:

• Pay your bill

• View your policy online

• Sign up to receive email statements

• Request policy changes

• Report a claim or check claim status

Enrolling is easy. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions.

3 easy steps to enroll in our Customer Care Center:

1. Visit the Customer Care Center

2. Answer a few basic questions

3. Click "submit"

Johanna James
Allstate Agent
610-584-6888
My Web site

Listen to Your Parents: Teen Driving Safety

Johanna James
Allstate Exclusive Agent

“You should always listen to your parents.” It’s a line American teens hear on a regular basis. And it’s one that lawmakers should take to heart as they consider the dangers facing young drivers today.

An alarming number of teens—roughly 4,000—die each year in teen-related auto accidents. That’s an average of 11 each day. These are teens whose lives could have been saved and whose families could have been spared heartbreak if stronger teen driving laws were in place.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just released results from a national survey of parents of teen drivers that found a strong majority of those surveyed said that GDL laws are lifesavers. In fact, according to the study, more than half of parents believe the minimum unsupervised driving age should be 17; 82 percent say that the number of unrelated passengers should be limited to one or less; and a majority favors GDL laws as strict or stricter than exist in any state.


These moms and dads are telling us something more people need to realize—that GDL laws are effective. They curb dangerous behavior and they save lives. Some states already know this, and have done a good job of improving teen driver safety through programs that emphasize gradual licensure phase-ins and distraction free driving conditions. Other states, however, need more encouragement.

This is why Allstate supports a federal proposal called the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act (H.R. 1895 and S. 3269) as a way to give states the guidance and resources to improve safe driving standards for teenagers—something that will benefit all drivers. The more we can do to encourage states to strengthen their laws, the more lives we can save.

When young drivers take to the road without the right preparation, they are more than a danger to themselves—they also put other drivers at risk. We applaud IIHS for helping to combat this by raising awareness among parents about the value of giving teens the right education and experience to become more alert, seasoned drivers. The time is long overdue to address this crisis. It’s time to listen to our parents.

For more tips and materials on teen safe driving, you can visit Johanna James Allstate Insurance Agency at 3821 Skippack Pike in Skippack, Pa or call 610-584-6888.

Life Insurance: "Because He Loved Me" Poem

Because he loved me,

He did the dishes
Rubbed my feet
Suprised me with tulips
Took me to musicals even though he didn't like them
Carried my bags while I did the shopping
Held my hand.

He died of cancer four years ago.

Because he loved me,
I can stay in our home.
I can be here for our children.
I can afford to pay for their college education
I can worry about the other things in life besides money.

He still loves me. And he shows it.

Life insurance. You do it for love.

Please call Johanna James at (610) 584-6888 to learn more about the power of life insurance.

Stripped in Seconds: Auto Theft Fact Sheet

- In less than ten minutes, Allstate Insurance Company’s three-man Stripped in Seconds team can turn a car or truck into an empty shell and a pile of parts. The real bad guys can do it even faster.

- A car is stolen in the United States every 33 seconds (according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau).

- There were an estimated 956,846 thefts of motor vehicles nationwide in 2008 (according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report).

- With a screwdriver and as little as seven seconds, an auto thief can break into a vehicle. They can drive away in less than one minute.

- Many of the most commonly stolen cars are snatched for their parts – not the joyrides seen on TV or in the movies.

- For many vehicles, the parts are worth more separately than the vehicle as a whole.

- Auto theft rates are among the things driving what we pay for car insurance.

Allstate suggests seven simple steps that could make your car less of a target:

1. Lock your car and take your keys – One out of every five vehicles stolen had the keys in it, and almost half of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked.

2. Consider VIN etching - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can easily be etched on windows, doors, fenders and other car parts. This makes it difficult for a thief to market your stolen car parts.

3. Don't hide a second set of keys in your car – Extra keys can easily be found if a thief takes time to look.

4. Park in high foot traffic, well-lit areas – This is a deterrent to would-be thieves, and thieves do not like witnesses and often prefer unattended, unlit parking lots.

5. Roll up your windows - Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home.

6. Don't leave your car running unattended – Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATMs, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up.
7. Hide your valuables – Don't make your car a more desirable target for thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.

Call Johanna James at 610-584-6888 for an Insurance quote.