Have you ever stood on the side of a busy road or highway? It can be a bit intimidating as traffic roars by; you can feel the wind of speeding cars and trucks and the sting from dust and pebbles thrown as they fly past. Now imagine that you are a first responder, law enforcement officer or maintenance worker trying to do a job, often just off of or in busy lanes of traffic.
Every day the people who protect us put their safety and lives on the line when they get out of their vehicles to help a stranded motorist, block a lane of traffic, clear up debris or provide first aid to someone hurt in a crash. This should be a reminder that we all need to be more careful as we drive along the byways and highways on our daily commutes or while on a special trip. Over the next hill or around the next curve could be an unexpected situation with a first responder or law enforcement officer who might be in a vulnerable situation while trying to help others.
Just such a situation recently turned deadly for 33 year old Colorado State Trooper Jamie Jursevics who was hit and killed while assisting people involved in a crash off I-25. Another driver, who has been charged with driving while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter, slammed into Trooper Jursevics. She died at the scene leaving behind a husband and an eight month old daughter.
The pain that Jursevics’ family is enduring is felt by hundreds of others every year. The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund reports that between 2005 and 2014, 134 officers died after being struck by a vehicle. In addition, hundreds of highway construction and maintenance workers were also struck and killed while on the job.
We all owe the men and women who keep our roads safe our undivided attention. This means not being distracted by cell phones or other electronic devices, never driving while overly tired or after consuming alcohol or taking certain prescription drugs, and slowing down when we see emergency vehicle lights either in traffic or off to the side of the road. It’s hard to imagine the horror of being distracted and causing injuries or death.
That’s why all 50 states now have Move Over laws on the books, to try and protect the men and women who protect us. Move Over laws require motorists to slow down, change lanes or move over as far as possible when approaching an emergency vehicle. More of us need to be informed about those laws, though; with surveys showing that 71 percent of Americans still have not heard of Move Over laws.
The American Safety Council reminds us to be extra vigilant when we see an emergency vehicle and to:
Pull as far to the right as possible to let them pass
Stay at least 500 feet behind them
Move as far over as possible when nearing a stopped emergency vehicle with lights activated and slow to a speed not more than 20 miles less than the posted speed limit
The men and women who swear to serve and protect us, as well as ambulance drivers, tow truck operators and construction workers deserve all the extra safety we can give them.
I think we can all admit that one time or another we’ve been in a hurry and exceeded the speed limit. Sure, it’s not safe, it depletes your gas mileage and you could get a stopped by an officer. And, when it happens your heart is pounding and you are nervous, but apparently you can get out of being cited with a good story. While we don’t condone going over the speed limit, here are some of the best stories to avoid a ticket we’ve heard:
A father said he was late picking up his daughter from school and didn’t want her waiting there alone
A wife explained she was mad at her husband and was practicing what she would say when she got home; the more she thought about it, the madder she got and the faster she drove – the patrolman let her go with a warning (glad he wasn’t the husband)
A grandmother who explained she was rushing home before the ice cream she had just bought at the store melted
A driver who explained he was speeding up to read the license plate of the vehicle in front of his because the driver had thrown a beer bottle out the window
A woman who claimed she spilled her M&Ms and didn’t realize how fast she was going as she tried picking them up – the officer let her go after she offered him one
A woman who told an officer she was trying to keep up with traffic; he noted there was no traffic she replied that’s how far behind she was (creativity does work sometimes)
Doctors, nurses and hospital workers who claim they are on the way to an emergency
Now keep in mind, no matter how creative you are, getting a moving violation can endanger you and others, and may affect your auto insurance rates. The best course of action is to follow the rules of the road and capitalize on your good driving record.
There’s really no good excuse for not having adequate insurance. A California Casualty advisor can provide you with a policy review to make sure you are getting the best rate and the discounts you deserve at 1.800.800.9410 or at www.calcas.com. Oh, and be careful out there and look out for the other driver who is still working on their excuse. And if you’ve heard of a good one that worked, or have been the recipient of one, let us know.
If you’re a police officer or law enforcement agent, you are exposed to stressful situations on a daily basis. While your training has equipped you to handle most of these circumstances, your body isn’t always prepared to cooperate.
Too much stress can leave you tired, unfocused, and careless. For both yourself and the city you serve, it’s important that you identify ways to manage and relieve work-related stress before it develops dangerous side effects.
The stress issue for police officers
Each yearvarious accredited groups rank the most stressful jobs and occupations in the US, and police officer is nearly always at or near the top of the list. According to arecent survey dated early 2015, serving as a police officer comes in just behind being a firefighter, enlisted military personnel, military general, or airline pilot.
It depends on the circumstances and location, but in most cases the pressure comes down to a combination of working with dangerous criminals and being under constant scrutiny by the public.
Tips for beating stress
While you can’t separate the scrutiny and risk from the rest of the job duties of being a police officer, you can find constructive ways to reduce stress and enhance your overall quality of life.
Here are a few of the best tips for current and former law enforcement agents:
Exercise regularly. According to a University of Buffalo study, police officers are much likelier to develop metabolic syndrome, which contributes to adult-onset diabetes and heart disease. The work may also entail cancer, emotional health issues, and alcoholism. As a result, it’s incredibly important to get adequate amounts of exercise and physical fitness. For maximum results, this should involve both strength training and aerobic exercise.
Learn to relax. In addition to rigorous physical activity, you should enjoy the opposite end of the spectrum: uninhibited relaxation. Each day, make it a priority to find a relaxing place and meditate, pray, or just be with your thoughts. You may also want to give progressive muscle relaxation a try; it serves the dual purpose of relaxing your mind and your body.
Develop coping skills. Over the course of their career, veteran police officers are often exposed to stressful incidents such as hostage crises, shootings, and car chases. Unless you develop good coping skills, you won’t have a long and healthycareer. Learning to identify negative attitudes and replace them with positive thoughts is easier said than done, but it’s crucial.
Separate work from home. When you finish your shift and clock out for the day, it’s essential to dump work issues at the door. You need time to spend with your family and friends, and brooding about work does nothing but waste your time off.
Find non-police officer friends. What portion of your friends are police officers? In many cases it may be 75, 90, or 100 percent. While there’s nothing wrong with liking your coworkers, you need more diversity in your life. Make an effort to find friends from other professions and expand your horizons. It’ll show you there’s more to life than being an officer and enable you to discuss non-work related topics.
While technology certainly presents many benefits on the job, it can be especially relaxing to unplug everything when you’re not working. Turn off your phone, log out of your email, shut off the television, and just slow down. Try reading a book or playing a game with the kids. The slower pace of life without technology can be reenergizing and it removes the burden of constantly checking in on things you can’t control.
California Casualty auto insurance
At California Casualty, we are proud to provide our local police officers with quality, reliable, cost-effective auto insurance as a token of our appreciation.
For more information on our policies and the various benefits we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Is there any industry that technology hasn’t revolutionized in the past few decades? Over the last ten years in particular, changes in Internet technology, the development of new software, and the influx of mobile devices have led to significant shifts in law enforcement, for example.
Revolutionizing law enforcement
According to Sean Petty of LawOfficer.com, the last century has been marked by gradual implementation of new technologies and subtle changes in how officers handle their daily duties. However, Petty believes the next three decades will be much different.
In his words, “The law enforcement community, and the greater public safety community, are on the verge of changes in technology that will come not only at a blisteringly fast pace, but that will each be nothing short of transformational.”
New technologies
Though the future looks bright in terms of new technologies, the truth is that currently changes are happening on a grand scale. New technologies have been introduced in recent months that are already having noticeable effects on the industry.
In addition, more technologies are coming, right around the corner. Take a look at a few of these specific devices and the effects they’re having.
Drone technology. Though not yet fully refined or regulated by many government agencies and municipal authorities, it’s pretty certain that drone technology will have a future in law enforcement. From providing real-time analysis of crimes to monitoring high-crime areas, drones will be able to give law enforcement officials more access and flexibility than ever before.
Social media. The power of social media has already exhibited itself in numerous cases and will continue to be a force into the future. Investigators are actually allowed to bypass traditional security mechanisms and gain access to a user’s Facebook or Twitter profile when they have reasonable doubt to believe it could provide useful evidence in a pending case or investigation.
Body cameras. An increasing number of police officers across the country are beginning to wear body cameras, which are capable of recording their interactions with criminals and citizens. They are small, compact, and usually attach to the upper torso of the officer. While these cameras are constantly being refined, they have already proven helpful in a number of cases.
Google Glass. While Google Glass has so far failed to gain much traction in the market, it may become a valuable technology for law enforcement agents if it ever takes off. This technology could furnish real-time information, facial recognition features, GPS directions, and more.
Less-lethal weaponry. Tasers and stun guns have been incredibly valuable for police officers over the past few decades, and new technologies could enhance weapons further in the future. Ideally, officers should have the ability to use less-lethal force whenever possible, and new developments may continue to make this an attainable goal.
Biometrics. Instead of relying on messy ink pads and fingerprint cards, many law enforcement agencies now have the ability to perform retinal scans, record digital fingerprints, and store DNA data with the assistance of advanced biometrics technology. As these databases and software continue to improve, it will become even easier to track criminal activity.
Tablets and mobile devices. While the average person enjoys using a tablet or smartphone to watch YouTube videos and play games, police officers actually use these devices to record and access information on the go, which allows them to utilize their time more efficiently while on duty.
California Casualty insurance
At California Casualty, we have the utmost respect for the law enforcement officers that protect our communities. As a way of showing our appreciation for first responders, we offer protection and peace of mind through superior car insurance policies and special benefits.
Whether you’re a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic, life as a first responder can be stressful and challenging. As a result of dangerous or hectic duties and long hours, many first responders are left with little time to care for themselves.
Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s important to start focusing on yourself a little more.
Tips for staying healthy and fit
It’s an admirable thing, to focus on the needs of others and care for strangers in challenging situations. However, there comes a point in time when you also need to think about yourself.
Try implementing any or all of the tips below into your daily routine to experience better overall health and improved fitness.
Get enough sleep. First responders often suffer from any number of sleep problems because of drastic irregularities in their schedules. If you believe you suffer from a sleeping disorder or condition, it’s critical that you see a doctor and get the situation under control. While it may be difficult, you should shoot for seven to eight hours of sleep per night. This allows your body to recover and keeps you mentally prepared.
Drink plenty of water. Your body thrives on hydration and needs adequate water intake to function properly. According to the Mayo Clinic, that means roughly 13 cups per day for men, and 9 cups a day for women. If you’re coming in under these marks, you’re probably not as energized or healthy as you could be.
Maintain a balanced diet.A healthy, balanced diet is key to staying healthy and in shape. For optimal results, eliminate as many processed foods as possible and focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You also want some lean protein in your diet, but too much can be a problem. Your muscles crave carbohydrates, and the more you can take in, the better prepared you’ll be for physically demanding situations.
Stop smoking. If you’re a smoker, you have to quit. Period. You understand the risks associated with smoking, and your cardiovascular health can’t handle this horrible habit. Smoking is one of the worst things you can subject your body to, and you won’t be able to perform well unless you curb this addiction.
Decrease alcohol intake.While you don’t necessarily have to give up alcohol altogether, you probably should decrease your intake. Avoid drinking alcohol right before bedtime, because this can disrupt your sleep cycles. If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, try to limit yourself to drinking only on off days … and doing so in moderation.
Exercise on a regular basis.While you probably get plenty of hands-on action on the job, you also need to set aside regular time each day for a targeted fitness regimen. Focus on both strength and cardio training with high-intensity workouts. Plan major workouts for your off days while making sure to include short fitness routines in your work schedule.
Discover ways to relieve stress.There’s no way around it: being a first responder is stressful. There will be days when it seems like it’s too much to handle. And while there’s no way to eliminate stress completely, you should work actively to reduce its effects on your life. Investigate constructive and safe ways to release stress, and learn to separate your duties from your personal life when possible.
Regular health screenings. Finally, it’s important to get regular health screenings a couple of times per year to ensure your body is functioning properly. High blood pressure is known as “the silent killer” and should be monitored on a regular basis.
Insurance for first responders
At California Casualty, we offer premiere auto insurance for first responders. Whether you’re a firefighter, police officer, or paramedic, we take pride in offering reliable and convenient policies that fit your lifestyle and provide valuable peace of mind.
