Driving is dangerous at all times of the day or night, no matter what the weather might be. Still, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that roughly 21% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. occur in adverse weather conditions. Plus, between 2007 and 2016, more than 5,300 people were killed in weather-related crashes, which accounted for roughly 16% of all traffic fatalities.     During the summer months, weather risks are very unpredictable. Flash floods, severe thunderstorms and similar occurrences could pop up suddenly on the road in front of you (even if you left home under blue skies). As a result, you must do your due diligence to stay safe despite these occurrences. It all involves staying calm, following the rules of the road, and taking extra precautions that might not be obvious at any other time. Rain and Thunderstorms Thunderstorm activity is widespread across most of the United States during the summer. Though they’re often brief, summer storms can be intense and cause a lot of roadway hazards in a short time. Should you drive into a thunderstorm: Turn on your headlights, wipers and defroster to increase visibility.?Some people also turn on their hazard flashers as warnings to drivers behind them. Drive in the tracks of the vehicle?driving?ahead of you and reduce your speed. Allow for increased space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you hydroplane, hold the steering wheel straight and remove your foot from the gas.? If you enter grayout or whiteout conditions, where the rate of the downpour makes visibility minimal, then consider pulling to the side of the road to wait out the storm. Parking lots are the safest places to pull over. However, if you pull over onto the shoulder of the road, make sure to leave as much space as possible between yourself and traffic that is still passing on the road. A Note About Tornadoes Compared to thunderstorms, tornadoes are entirely different ball games. Do not attempt to drive through a tornado or outrun one. Instead, get out of your vehicle and find shelter. If there is not a building nearby, lie in a ditch and place your arms over your head.? Driving in Fog? Due to summer humidity, fog, mist and haze are not uncommon, particularly during the early morning. Slow down before you reach a patch of fog in front of you. Use only your low beams or fog lights. Put on your defroster and wipers to increase visibility. If the fog is extremely thick, roll down your windows so you can hear other vehicles around you.? In all hazardous conditions, allow extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. In general, you will from three to 12 times the amount of stopping distance that you normally need. The more space you give yourself, the better off you will be. Call us today at (915) 599-2900 or visit www.MtFranklin.com to see how we can help you.

Driving in Extreme Weather?

Driving is dangerous at all times of the day or night, no matter what the weather might be. Still, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that roughly 21% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. occur in adverse weather conditions. Plus, between 2007 and 2016, more than 5,300 people were killed in weather-related crashes, which accounted for … Read more

August 5, 2021

An Uninsured Drive Hit Your Vehicle – Now What?

Being in an accident is one of the most worrisome of situations. You worry about your safety and that of others with you. Then you worry about the condition of your car. You also worry about the other driver.     In situations like this, auto insurance is there to help. Sometimes, the other driver … Read more

July 29, 2021

FAQs of First-time Life Insurance Buyers

If you have never bought life insurance before, then the process might seem like a challenge. For help, consider frequently-asked questions those in your position often ask.   1. What is life insurance? Life insurance will pay out an amount of money if a person, whose life the policy insures, dies. The sum it will … Read more

July 27, 2021

3 Home Improvement Projects that Can Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums

3 Home Improvement Projects that Can Lower Your Home Insurance Premiums  A home is the largest purchase most Americans will ever make. They want to protect it and their belongings in the event of an unpreventable disaster. This is why most people carry homeowners’ insurance.         Yet, having full coverage does not … Read more

July 22, 2021

An Explanation of the Certificate of Insurance and why It is so Important

A certificate of insurance matters a great deal in the business insurance industry. Sometimes referred to as proof of business insurance, this certificate is a snapshot of a company’s current insurance policies. Customers, vendors and landlords commonly request to see a business’ certificate of insurance.     This document helps such parties verify the business … Read more

July 20, 2021

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Let Your Auto Insurance Lapse

Although we are in an economic recovery, money can be a bit tight. But even in these situations, it’s important that you pay your auto insurance premium. There are severe consequences of driving without auto insurance.     It’s Illegal When you own a vehicle, maintaining at least the minimum auto insurance is a requirement. … Read more

July 15, 2021

How Business Insurance Premiums are affected by Business Practices.

In your efforts to obtain the best insurance policies for your business, a major concern might be the premium you will have to pay. Insurance companies use many factors when calculating your premium, including claims history and the risk associated with your business. Let’s look at a few ways business insurance premiums are affected by … Read more

July 13, 2021

Increase Your Home Security with These Tips

Home break-ins are all too common, especially during the daytime on weekdays when most people are away at their jobs. Home break-ins are also most frequent during the warm months of the year. However, many break-ins are preventable by increasing your home security. Use these tips to protect your property.     Install a Home … Read more

July 8, 2021

Practical Ways to Reduce Healthcare Costs

Increasing healthcare costs have most people concerned about keeping expenses low, even leading some to pass up health insurance because they think they cannot afford it. Under the Affordable Care Act, everyone must purchase healthcare coverage or risk paying a fine to the government. Truth is, even if you have to pinch pennies for a … Read more

July 6, 2021

Business Insurance Premiums are Affected by Business Practices

In your efforts to obtain the best insurance policies for your business, a major concern might be the premium you will have to pay. Insurance companies use many factors when calculating your premium, including claims history and the risk associated with your business. Let’s look at a few ways business insurance premiums are affected by … Read more

July 1, 2021

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