Kathryn Smith

Too often in the news, we hear about people dying from their injuries because of being ejected from their car during an accident. In many cases, a simple click of the seat belt could have prevented these deaths from occurring.

Sue Gerlach, personal lines senior underwriter, shares her personal story on how wearing a seat belt saved her daughter’s life. Sue also shares additional information that can help keep you and your teen driver(s) safe.

Last December, I was driving home from work and as I got closer to home, the more slippery the roads became. After nearly sliding past my driveway, I managed to arrive safely. Because my daughter would soon be leaving work, I texted her a warning about the roads and asked her to be careful. She replied she would be. In typical Mother fashion, I watched for her arrival which seemed to take forever. Then my phone rang; it was my daughter. She flipped her car. After a deep breath, I asked if she was okay. “Yes,” she told me. “I had my seat belt on and I am fine.” I was very thankful my daughter wore her seatbelt. While her car was a total loss, the seat belt saved her from injury … or worse.

The next month, a young driver just recently licensed, stopped on the way to school to pick up a classmate. As they continued on, she hit a patch of black ice. She lost control of the car and hit a tree. While her passenger was wearing a seatbelt and was fine, the driver wasn’t wearing hers. She was ejected from the car and died of her injuries. Her parents will always wonder why she didn’t wear her seatbelt. Did she take it off when she picked up her classmate or did she just forget? Unfortunately, they’ll never know.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the first three decades of Americans’ lives. More than half of the people killed in car crashes weren’t restrained at the time of the crash. Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to prevent death and serious injury in a crash.

During the summer months, roadways are busy and congested. Did you know that Memorial Day to Labor Day is considered the “100 deadliest days” for teen drivers? More time hanging out with friends and going to their summer jobs puts teens behind the wheel more often. Before your teen leaves home, remind them to buckle up.

Graduated licensing laws help remind newer drivers to buckle up. In addition, more people wear seat belts in states in which you may also receive a seat belt violation when pulled over for another offence. In states that fine people for not wearing a seat belt, even MORE drivers wear them. In addition, did you know that in many states, the driver could be ticketed if the passenger isn’t buckled up? Therefore, if you’re driving, make sure all your passengers are wearing their seat belts.

It’s unfortunate that we need these laws and fines to get people to buckle up. Of course, you need more than a seat belt to keep you safe. We all need to follow the rules of the road … obeying the speed limits, watching the lines on the road to prevent unsafe passing, slowing down at a yellow light and even stopping instead of speeding up. We all know what to do to be safe. So why does a tragic accident make us re-think our driving habits? Why are we always in such a hurry? Why do we always think it won’t be us in that accident?

Seat belts will always be one of the most important things you put on when you get in your vehicle.  Another important item is your paying-attention hat. Watch for distracted drivers and deer or other animals (in the country AND in the city), be prepared to stop for school buses, and above all, DO NOT look at your cell phone or text while you drive!

Remember: Be safe, be attentive, and remember to buckle up!

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 25, 2017 9:00:00 AM

If you use Siri, Cortana, or Alexa on a daily basis, you’re like many people who rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to help make life easier. AI can send a text to a friend, set an appointment on our calendar and provide us with driving directions when we are lost.

Many people think AI is robots working in a factory or staring in science fiction movies. In essence, AI is the technology our smartphones and other smart gadgets use. They listen for their name to be called and when it is, jump into service.

CyberScout and West Bend have collaborated to provide our insureds with the option to buy insurance coverage to protect them against identity theft. CyberScout has written an article titled, “Convenience with a twist: How artificial intelligence puts your data at risk.”

The article explains:

1. How data travels;
2. Data storage; and
3. Security and privacy unknowns.

In addition, the article provides tips on how you can protect your data that is floating through the cloud or being used by AI.

1. Limit sharing. Before you share personal information, take a minute to think about if that is a good idea. For example, if you are downloading an app and they ask for your date of birth, think about why they need that.
2. Limit use. When not using smart devices, turn them off or adjust settings to maximize privacy. Recently, my wife has been struggling with her smartphone maintaining battery life. While the battery needs to be replaced, it was amazing to learn about all the apps running in the background tracking her location.
3. Assume the worst. Unfortunately, hackers are always looking for ways to get at your personal data. What you say or do now could show up in the future.

Lastly, check out CyberScout’s infographic that shares some statistics and explains where and how artificial intelligence works.

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jul 18, 2017 11:37:19 AM

During the summer months, drivers face many different road conditions and driving situations. Weather patterns can change quickly, leading to heavy downpours and flooding. Summer vacations mean more cars on the road which can cause increased congestion and more incidents of road rage. Travelling through construction zones can be confusing and frustrating. Lastly, the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most dangerous time of year for teen drivers.

For more resources to help you safely navigate through summer, visit these links.

Road America Teen Driving School – Sponsored by West Bend

Eleven tips to avoid or handle hydroplaning

Six tips for keeping your tires in shape so you can be safe

No more mistakes when replacing windshield wipers

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 27, 2017 9:54:38 AM

Pools and ponds can make for fun in the sun for you, your family, and friends, but they can also be a liability hazard and attract unwanted guests. It doesn’t matter if you have an in-ground or above-ground pool or a pond on your property; you have a liability exposure with all of them.

Kim Bechler, personal lines senior underwriter, will explain how can you protect others from harm and yourself from a liability claim if you have a pool or pond.

If you have an in-ground pool, it should be enclosed by a fence that’s at least five foot high and has a latching mechanism on all gates that access the pool area. If there’s no fence, it must be protected by an acceptable automatic safety pool cover (check with your insurance carrier to be sure the pool cover meets the safety features required to obtain coverage). This will keep unwanted guests from getting into the pool when you’re not able to monitor or use your pool.

If you have an above-ground pool, make sure the pool is installed to comply with your city’s ordinances. These pools must also have latching gates at any deck steps that lead to the pool. If there isn’t a deck attached to the pool, be sure the ladder is stored away from the pool when not in use.

If you have a pond on your property and your home is insured with West Bend, it’s not necessary to enclose the yard or pond area with a fence. Most properties that have ponds are in rural areas with few or no neighbors in close proximity. A fence may take away from the nature and beauty of a pond.

West Bend can ensure a pool exposure; however, it’s important to take precautions against unwanted guests using your pool in order to prevent a liability claim.

A diving board and/or pool slides are okay for in-ground pools and can make pool time more enjoyable. They can also harm your guests if they’re not installed properly.

Diving boards and pool slides should only be installed on in-ground pools. A diving board should be a diving platform rather than a springboard. The pool depth where the board is located should be at least nine feet. This will provide enough room above the bottom of the pool for a diver to avoid injury.

• Pool slides installed on in-ground pools should be:
• professionally manufactured and installed;
• have handrails leading from the bottom to the top of the slide;
• have walkways and stairs leading to the top of the slide that are made of slip-resistant, rigid materials; and
• be no higher than 12 feet with a water depth at the slide’s drop off between 6-8 feet (depending on the height of the slide).

Diving boards and pool slides should not be installed on above-ground pools because water depths are typically not deep enough to prevent injury.

It’s also not safe to install diving boards or pool slides at your pond. The pond depth can vary from year to year and the bottom of the pond can change over time. A pond can develop debris and weeds. Rocks could surface on the bottom of the pond over time. The water may not be clear enough to see objects submerged in the water, making diving dangerous. For these reasons, neither diving boards nor slides should be installed on your pond.

Some insurance carriers will add more premium for these added exposures so always check with your insurance agent when installing a pool.

Whether you have a pool or a pond, keeping your family and guests safe — and unwanted guests out — will give you a more enjoyable experience for years to come.

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 20, 2017 11:32:17 AM

Another sign that warm weather is here is the roar of a motorcycle as it drives down your street. It’s always been my dream to own a motorcycle. A new motorcycle was going to be a gift to myself when I turned 30, then 40, and now it will have to wait until 50.

Like many things in life, a motorcycle must be respected by the rider and other motorists who share the road. Motorcycles are small, hard to see, and fast. Without proper training and a basic understanding of how they work, serious and dangerous situations can arise. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are 26 more times likely to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured than car occupants.

Here are some tips on how you can safely share the road with motorcycle riders.

1. Don’t be a bully. If you drive a larger vehicle, like a pickup or SUV, you may feel a bit aggressive when a motorcycle is in your way. Following at a close distance in an attempt to motivate them to go faster or get out of your way isn’t wise. This creates dangerously-short breaking distances. In addition, it may cause the motorcycle rider to become stressed and pull an unsafe maneuver. Everybody has the same right to be on the road. If you end up following a motorcycle, maintain a distance between of at least four seconds.
2. Double check your blind spots. Because of their speed and size, motorcycles may quickly come in and out of your blind spots. Always take a second look now that motorcycles are out on the road.
3. Be courteous. If you’re annoyed because a driver isn’t driving at your speed or if a blinker has been blinking for miles, take a couple of deep breaths. Little mistakes happen. If we blow them out of proportion, there can be dangerous consequences.
4. Be cautious when turning left. Making a left turn can be tricky, especially when traffic volume is heavy. You may have difficulty seeing due to sun glare, or because another vehicle is making a left turn opposite of you. You also have to watch for pedestrians in the cross walk. In addition, don’t forget about a motorcyclist. Most accidents between a car and motorcycle occur in intersections. Due to a motorcycle’s small size, we just don’t see them. When making a left turn, scan the intersection to determine what’s happening. Then scan again looking specifically for motorcycles. If everything looks good, safely make your left turn.
5. Allow adequate following distance. When it comes to slowing down, motorcyclists may not use their brakes immediately, so don’t expect to see brake lights. Motorcyclists may reduce speed by relaxing the throttle or downshifting so the speed will drop without ever touching their brakes.
6. Focus. Focus on driving and paying attention to what’s going on outside your vehicle. Eliminate distractions inside your vehicle.

If you’re a new rider or thinking about starting to ride, here are some tips for you.

1. Enroll in a class. Once you made the decision to ride, consider enrolling in a class. Basic rider classes, such as the one offered at Road America, teach basic riding skills in a safe controlled environment. They even provide the motorcycles! This is a great way to find out if riding is for you before making the purchase. The other benefit is that after you complete the course, you earn a motorcycle license. There’s no need to take a road test with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To find a class near you, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice. After completing the basic rider’s class, continue to practice. Riding in a quiet neighborhood allows you to continue to learn how the motorcycle handles without heavy traffic. The more you ride, the more comfortable you’ll be. In addition, riding in a quiet neighborhood during different weather conditions will help you learn additional driving skills.
3. Remain alert. When driving a motorcycle, extra attention is needed. Constantly scan the environment for changing conditions. Pay attention to what the cars around you are doing, and watch for pedestrians and darting animals.
4. Avoid drowsy driving. Never drive a motorcycle if you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. All these things can slow down your reaction time and cause a crash.
5. Make sure you’re seen. Because of the size and speed of motorcycles, your visibility may be limited to other motorists around you. Wear bright clothing and put reflective material on your motorcycle or clothing. Also, position yourself in your lane so you’re more visible to other motorists.

Source:

MSF

SOURCE:  WEST BEND, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 13, 2017 10:15:37 AM

It’s been reported in the news that the 2017 tick season is going to be worse than usual. If you’re wondering why they’re anticipating such a bad season, there’s some supporting evidence.

This year, our Midwest winter was on the mild side. While this led to less shoveling and warmer temperatures, it also allowed ticks to thrive and emerge earlier than they typically do. Mice are often hosts for ticks and because there’s a shortage, ticks are looking for other species to prey on … humans and pets!

Regions that will be most affected this year are the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and the upper Midwest.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bite by an infected tick causes approximately 300,000 infections each year.

If you plan to enjoy camping and other outdoor activities this summer, you should know:

• Where they live;
• How to protect yourself and your pets;
• How to perform daily checks; and
• Symptoms of Lyme disease.

Where they live?

Ticks live in wooded or grassy areas.

How to protect yourself and your pets

• Avoid wooded or grassy areas. Walk in the center of trails.
• Buy an appropriate repellant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using repellents that contains 20% or more DEET. If you use a repellant with DEET, please follow product directions carefully, especially when applying it on children. To find a repellent appropriate for you and your family, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency website.
• Wear proper clothing. If venturing into the woods, wear long pants, shirts, and closed toe shoes. Also, consider treating your clothing and other gear with 0.5% permethrin.
• Keep an eye on your pets. Avoid letting them run freely if you’re camping in a woods or near tall grasses. While this may not be as fun for them, it can help prevent tick bites. In addition, talk to your veterinarian about using tick collars and other possible treatments.
• Conduct inspections. Before entering your home, cabin, or camper, look at your clothing to make sure you don’t see any creepy crawlies. Also, inspect your pets.
• Take a shower or bath. Wash your body soon after you come inside to remove ticks that may be crawling on your skin.
• Wash your clothing appropriately. Wash your clothes immediately after coming in from outside using hot water to kill the ticks. If hot water isn’t an option, wash them in a colder temperature, and then dry them for approximately 60 minutes using high heat. If you can’t wash your clothes at all, put them in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes.

How to perform daily checks

Examine your body daily. Ticks like warm areas of the body. Check for ticks:

• Under your arms;
• Behind your knees;
• In your hair and around your ears;
• Inside your belly button; and
• Between your legs.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, here are some early signs of the disease.

• A red circular rash that extends out from the site of the bite;
• Facial palsy;
• Pain in muscles, joints, and tendons;
• Heart palpitations and dizziness; and
• Flu-like symptoms that may include headache, fever, and overall body soreness.

If left untreated after several months, the disease will progress and the symptoms may get worse.

If you think you’ve been bitten by a tick or have Lyme disease, please seek medical attention immediately. Untreated Lyme disease can be deadly.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website.

Sources:
http://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/the-year-of-the-tick/
https://www.cdc.gov/features/lymedisease/index.html

SOURCE:  West Bend, Posted by Scott Stueber on Jun 6, 2017 10:44:55 AM