Driving Mistakes to Avoid

Drivers are not created equally, or perfect. Some drivers are too aggressive on the road, while others are too conservative. Regardless whether a driver is good or bad, mistakes can happen. Here are some driving mistakes you should avoid.

Side Mirrors - When you are positioning the side mirrors, you need to be able to see more of the road than your vehicle. When you place the mirrors a little more outwards, you don't lose visibility as to what's behind you, you gain visibility to what is beside your vehicle.

Passing lanes - Slower traffic usually stays to the right lanes. If you are driving slow in the passing lane, it can create traffic jams and causes more bad driving behaviour. Driving slow in the passing lane can have negative effects on emergency responses, aggressive driving and effects on traffic.

Signaling – Whether a signal is not used when turning or changing lanes or a signal is forgotten on and keeps blinking, it is a dangerous driving hazard. Signals are your only way of communication with over vehicles and is vital for safety on the road. Bicyclists and pedestrians included.

Cell Phones - No matter how confident you are in your ability to drive and text, you should NOT do it. Looking away at the road for even 1 second can have serious repercussions. The person in front of you could have hit their brakes, and if you weren't looking you would rear end them. It only takes 1 second!

#DriveSafe!

10 Tips to Treat and Prevent Windshield Vandalism

Vandalism is often dismissed as a victimless anti-establishment crime, with most people associating the act with spray-painted government buildings or toilet-paper bombing trees, but many innocent car owners will tell you that the reality is quite different.
 
Outside of the home, the car is typically one of two major investments made in a person's life, and it is unfortunately one of the most popular targets for vandals. Whether caused by gang violence or bored youth culture, thousands of side view mirrors and windshields are victimized each year by vandals. Read on for 10 tips to help you treat and prevent windshield vandalism in the future.
 

What do I do now that my car has been vandalized?

• Contact your local police department and report the damage immediately with a vandalism report.
• Contact your insurer for consultation on any property losses, or to repair any additional damage suffered during the attack. You may also seek reimbursement if you have comprehensive coverage.
  
• If any goods have been stolen, take appropriate preventative action. Cancel all credit cards, change locks on your home, or contact your cell phone service provider if any of these items have been taken.
• Contact Speers Auto Glass to schedule your repair. Speers are available for service 24/7, with mobile repair options offered, and the ability to pay up to 100% of your deductible.

How can I prevent vandalism or mitigate damages in the future?

• Make copies of all of your important information, credit cards, and passports, and do not store these items in your car for any reason.
• Park in well-lit areas. Ideally, the area will also have high traffic to deter any illicit activities. 
• Lock your car doors at all times when exiting the vehicle.
• Park in a garage whenever possible.
• Install a car alarm, or get a hold of some security stickers as a deterrent. 
• Do not leave your car unattended for more than a day, especially in the winter where inactivity is visible due to snow accumulation.
  

Winter Driving Tips

When it comes to winter driving conditions can become extremely dangerous. During heavy snowfall visibility may be limited and can cause the roads to become slippery. Freezing rain can also cause treacherous road conditions creating icy roads. It’s very important that you take the proper precautions while driving during the winter months.  

If you are going to be driving during the winter months it is crucial that your vehicle has winter tires. Snow tires give your car extra traction during the winter and provide better grip on the road, keeping you and your passengers safe. 

Before heading out ensure the snow on your vehicle is cleaned off. This includes clearing off your roof, lights, windows, mirrors, hood, and windshield (front and rear). This allows you to see clearly out of your vehicle while driving and prevents snow from falling off of your car and causing visibility issues. 

Check the road conditions before you leave! If there are slippery or icy road conditions reschedule your trip. 

You should have a winter safety kit in the car. This kit should include a small shovel, flashlight, matches, candle, blankets, winter boots, and food. If for some reason you do become stranded ensure that you and your passengers stay inside the vehicle. This helps to keep everyone safe. With snowstorms and poor visibility an oncoming car may not see your vehicle or you exiting it. You may also not see a car coming due to weather conditions, so it’s best to remain inside the vehicle. 

Keep these tips in mind and drive safely!