Every day, lives are lost, and families are affected by drunk driving. Yet, these tragedies are entirely preventable. By raising awareness and taking action, we can help ensure safer roads for everyone. Whether it’s through planning a safe ride home or promoting responsible behavior, we all have a role to play in preventing drunk driving and saving lives. Let’s explore how simple choices can make a world of difference.
The Reality of Drunk Driving
The Numbers: Nearly 40 people die each day in drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s about one person every 39 minutes. In fact, almost a third of all deadly crashes in the U.S. involve drunk drivers.
The Legal Consequences: The penalties for drunk driving include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Consequences vary from state to state, but most use blood alcohol content to measure intoxication. In nearly all states, 0.08% is the threshold for drunk driving. Some states have zero tolerance for drivers under age 21 with any amount of alcohol in their system.
The Emotional and Financial Costs: If you’re convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), it’s an expensive proposition. You may have fines to pay. Your insurance rates will increase. You will have to arrange for transportation if you cannot drive while your license is revoked. The emotional toll is significant as well, especially if the crash caused injuries and/or the loss of a loved one.
Why Drunk Driving Happens
Impairment: Alcohol affects your brain, causing you to react more slowly and lose coordination. It can make you drowsy. You may have trouble judging distances and tracking moving targets. If you have enough to drink, you could have difficulty maintaining your lane, braking appropriately, and controlling your vehicle.
Overconfidence: Many people overestimate their ability to function after drinking. They believe they are less impaired than they truly are. They may not realize how even small amounts of alcohol can affect their judgment and reflexes. This false sense of control increases the likelihood of accidents and mistakes.
Social Norms: Social pressure often plays a role in drinking. Friends or colleagues might encourage you to drink more, dismissing concerns about impairment or consequences. This can make it difficult to set personal boundaries or say no, leading individuals to drink more than they intended.
Practical Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving
Drunk driving remains a significant danger on the roads, but it’s one that can be prevented with proactive measures. Here’s how to play your part in keeping yourself and others safe:
Plan Ahead
A little foresight can go a long way in avoiding risky situations:
Be the hero. Volunteer as a designated driver and coordinate with friends to rotate this role for group outings.
Choose alternative transport. Opt for a rideshare, taxi, or public transportation if you plan to drink. These options are often cheaper than the cost of an accident or a DUI.
Stay the night. If you’re attending a gathering where you’ll be drinking, ask the host if you can crash on their couch.
Know Your Limits
Understanding your own boundaries can prevent poor decisions:
Be alcohol aware. Alcohol affects everyone differently based on factors like weight, drink strength, and tolerance levels. Know how it impacts you.
Use tech tools. BAC calculators or personal breathalyzers provide a snapshot of your intoxication level—but don’t rely solely on them to decide if you’re fit to drive.
Err on the safe side. If you’ve consumed any alcohol, you could be impaired. Make decisions accordingly.
Host Responsibly.
When hosting, you can create an environment that discourages drunk driving:
Offer alternatives. Serve non-alcoholic beverages alongside alcoholic ones to give guests choices.
Feed your guests. Snacks or meals can slow alcohol absorption, helping guests pace themselves.
End alcohol service early. Stop serving drinks at least an hour before your event ends.
Keep an eye out. Pay attention to your guests. If someone appears intoxicated, offer them a ride home or a place to sleep.
Speak Up.
Your intervention could save a life:
Step in when needed. Offer to drive friends home if they’ve been drinking or insist they use alternative transport.
Take the keys. It’s tough to confront someone, but preventing an impaired friend from driving is worth it.
Be firm about your safety. Refuse to ride with anyone who’s been drinking.
Educate teens. Have open conversations about the dangers of drunk driving and ensure they know they can always call you in an emergency.
Drive Defensively.
Even if you’re sober, staying alert can protect you from impaired drivers on the road:
Stay vigilant. Watch for erratic driving behavior like swerving, inconsistent speeds, delayed reactions, or incorrect signaling.
Maintain distance. If you suspect someone is driving drunk, give them plenty of space to minimize risk.
Report suspected drunk drivers. Call local law enforcement with details such as the vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate, and location. Never try to stop the driver yourself.
Finally, protect your vehicle with the right insurance. Happy holidays and safe travels from all of us at California Casualty.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
As temperatures drop and roads become icy, taking steps to winterize your car ensures you stay safe and stress-free. From checking your battery to swapping out wiper blades, preparing for the season is all about protecting yourself and your ride. Ready to keep your car in peak performance through the cold months? Let’s get started!
Take care of your tires.
You depend on your tires to grip the road. Make sure they’re in the best condition to help you maneuver safely.
Check the tread. Tread gives you traction, and worn tread will take longer to stop on slippery roads with ice and snow. Put a penny into one of the grooves with Lincoln’s head facing you and upside down. If you see all his head, your tread depth is dangerously low. Replace your tires.
Rotate your tires. Tires don’t wear evenly. The front tires usually have more wear on the outside edges, because they lean when you turn right or left. The front tires also hold the weight of the engine. To help your tires wear evenly, you need to rotate them every 5,000-7,000 miles.
Align your tires. If you’ve ever taken your hand off the wheel while driving, and notice your car veering toward the side, you need an alignment. You need to align your tires to keep them pointing straight ahead. You can easily knock them out of alignment by going over a pothole. If you don’t align your tires, you can experience steering problems, poor fuel economy, and uneven tire wear.
Consider snow tires. If you live in a place where snow is heavy, you may wish to switch to snow tires. Their softer rubber remains flexible in cold weather and helps them grip the road. Their wider grooves also are better at repelling water and gaining traction in snow.
Check your tire pressure. As the weather changes, you will notice corresponding changes in your tire pressure. That’s because air expands as it gets hotter, which raises the pressure. It contracts as it gets colder, which lowers it. In cold weather, tire pressure can decrease about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. That’s why it’s important to check your tire pressure when the weather changes, in extreme heat and cold, and adjust as needed.
Take care of your fluids.
Cold weather affects your car’s essential fluids.
Change your oil. Cold weather thickens engine oil. That makes it harder for parts to turn. It also puts a strain on the starter and the battery. Choose a lighter weight oil for winter. Check your owner’s manual for the proper oil weight.
Top off coolant (antifreeze) Coolant prevents your engine from overheating or freezing. Check the reservoir tank (not the radiator) and ensure the level is between the “min” and “max” lines. Use the correct coolant specified in your owner’s manual, as using the wrong type can damage the engine. Mix coolant with water in the ratio recommended in your manual.
Refill windshield fluid. We use our windshield wipers a lot in the snow and rain. Make sure you have enough wiper fluid. Use a formula designed for low temperatures to avoid freezing. Keep an extra gallon in your car for emergencies.
Change differential fluid if needed. This fluid helps to lubricate the gears and helps the wheels rotate at different speeds. It should be changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles as the fluid breaks down over time.
Take care of your car’s components.
Cold weather can wear down critical parts of your vehicle. Getting your vehicle checked out with routine maintenance helps you stay on top of things.
Test your battery. Cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions in the battery, reducing power. Check for corrosion and ensure it holds a charge. Replace old batteries to avoid breakdowns.
Inspect belts and hoses. Cracks or wear in belts and hoses can lead to failures in cold weather. Address any issues immediately.
Check your brakes. On slippery winter roadways, your brakes must be in good condition. Check and make sure your pads are not worn down. Otherwise, it will take longer to stop and could cause an accident.
Check your spark plugs. Worn spark plugs can make your car more difficult to start in the winter. Look for signs of wear like carbon buildup, a damaged ceramic insulator, or oil deposits. Check your owner’s manual for recommended replacement intervals.
Change your wiper blades. Snow, salt and slush builds up on your windshield. Your wipers need to work well. If your wipers look dry and feel brittle, if they make noise, or if they leave streaks, you will want to replace them. You can also get winter wipers which have a rubber edge and are heavier than regular wipers. A heavier weight makes the wiper motor work harder so make sure to remove them come spring.
Change the cabin air filter if needed. A dirty filter can cause your HVAC system to perform poorly. It can slow down defogging of your windows, and not screen airborne contaminants. Change the filter at recommended intervals.
Equip your car with emergency essentials.
Winter driving can be unpredictable, so pack for the unexpected.
Be ready for snow and ice. Make sure you have an ice scraper and snow brush.
Bring along cat litter. Keep a bag of cat litter to sprinkle if you get stuck in the snow or on a slick patch. The extra weight will also increase your tire’s grip on the road.
Stay fueled.Fill up your gas tank every time it hits the halfway mark. That way if you’re stranded, you’ll have gas to run the heat and keep you warm until help comes.
Stock up. Keep bottled water and snacks handy. In case of a breakdown, that will help.
Finally, protect your vehicle with the right insurance for added peace of mind. Safe travels this season.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It’s a moment every driver dreads: the sudden thud, the jolt of your car, and the sinking realization that you’ve hit an animal. Your heart races, and questions flood your mind—what should you do next? Knowing how to respond calmly and responsibly in this situation can make all the difference. Let’s break down the steps to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Honk and brake.
You see a deer—or a raccoon, coyote or other animal. Your first instinct might be to swerve. Think twice, as it could put you directly into oncoming traffic or cause you to crash into the trees. The best thing to do is sound your horn and hit your brakes. The hope is the animal will be startled and run, or that you’ll slow down enough to lessen the impact. The only time you should swerve is for animals, like moose, that weigh 1,000 lbs. or more.
Pull over to the side of the road.
Hitting an animal can be nerve-wracking. Do your best to remain calm. You’ll want to pull over safely to the side of the road as soon as possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Put up flares if you have them so you’re visible to other drivers. If it’s dark and the animal is lying on the road, you can point your headlights toward it, so the animal is visible to other motorists.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
You just experienced a collision. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and if anyone needs immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, attend to any pressing injuries using your first aid kit.
Call the police.
Report the accident to the police. (In some areas, there are fines for not reporting collisions with animals who are 55 lbs. or more.) You will want to let them know if the animal is obstructing the road and is a danger to other drivers. The police will file a report which you can use when you submit an insurance claim.
When it’s safe, get out of your vehicle.
The only times you shouldn’t exit your vehicle is if you hit a predatory animal like a mountain lion or bear, or if conditions outside are dangerous. When you feel comfortable, get out of your car and survey the scene. Carry a light so that any approaching vehicles will be able to see you.
Do not approach the animal.
Take stock of the animal from a safe distance but do not approach. If the animal is hurt, it could be afraid, dangerous and unpredictable. Do not try to move the animal; wait for police or wildlife control assistance. If you hit a farm animal or a family pet, there may be a tag or other identification. This will allow you to contact the owner. Owners of farm animals that are not correctly corralled could be charged with negligence and could be required to pay for your damages.
Take photos of any damage.
Collisions with animals could cause significant damage to your vehicle, including dents you can see and issues you cannot. Take pictures of any damage to your car’s body or bumper. Also take photos of the area around the accident. Make notes about what happened, including road conditions, exact location, date, time, and any other details that tell the story.
Contact your insurance company.
If your car is damaged, you may want to file a claim with your insurance company. You will need comprehensive coverage for collisions with animals. This is an optional addition to your standard vehicle insurance policy. If you don’t have this coverage, you may want to consider adding it.
Take your car to a reputable auto body shop.
You had an accident, and you want to make sure there’s no damage below the surface that you cannot see. If you have a diagnostic scan tool, you can use it to pinpoint issues and know whether your car is safe to drive. You will want to get your car checked out with your trusted mechanic to make sure everything is still working well.
Reduce Your Risk of Hitting an Animal.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of hitting an animal in the future. Follow these guidelines.
Animals are more active at dusk and dawn. Be alert during these hours.
Pay attention to animal crossing signs. These are areas where animals are likely to be.
Look for movement along the side of the road. That could indicate an animal nearby.
Be careful when roads are slippery, and visibility is reduced.
Use your brights to see farther at a distance, if other cars are not coming the opposite direction.
Ask your passengers to watch out for animals too. Another set of eyes is always helpful.
Avoid distractions that could take your attention away from the road.
Finally, make sure your vehicle is protected with the right insurance. This will help your peace of mind should you get into an accident. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Turn your next drive with your kids into a meaningful moment. Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a longer journey, being in the car together can spark conversation. It’s the perfect chance to connect and dive into the little things that matter most. With fewer distractions, the car becomes a place where stories flow, questions unfold, and you create memories that last beyond the ride. Here are some guidelines to get the conversation started.
Create an Inviting Atmosphere for Great Conversations
Ensure it’s easy to listen and be heard by keeping distractions to a minimum—turn down the radio and ask everyone to stow away devices.
Mix up the topics with a balance of fun and thoughtful discussions that match your child’s age and interests.
Keep the vibe upbeat and supportive—focus on connecting rather than correcting.
Engage by listening just as much as talking. Listening is the key to deepening your bond.
Encourage open dialogue by asking questions that spark more than a yes or no response.
If the conversation doesn’t flow right away, stay patient and keep the lines of communication open.
Creative Ways to Build Stronger Connections
Try any of these creative approaches to tap into topics that are meaningful to your child or teen.
Hobbies and Interests:
Whether your kids are into sports, art, reading, or something else, ask them about it. Your interest shows that their hobbies matter and helps boost their confidence. Inquire about the latest scrimmage, the book they’re reading, their favorite TV show or another beloved activity. You will want to show genuine curiosity and pose follow-up questions. Remember, your role isn’t just to guide, but to celebrate their unique interests and growth.
New Technology:
There are plenty of fun, new gadgets and apps that help us manage our world. Talk with your children about some of the latest tech. Then reveal what the world was like, before they were born, without this technology. Help them imagine what it was like with an engaging story or two. Ask them what new technology of the future should be invented. You never know how that might inspire them.
Current Events:
Talking about social media trends or other age-appropriate current events with your teens is an opportunity to teach them about the world and develop their critical thinking. Encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions, asking open-ended questions like, “How do you feel about what’s happening?” or “What do your friends think about this?” These discussions can help them process information, understand different perspectives, and build a sense of empathy and awareness. Create a safe space for them to ask questions or express concerns.
Role Plays:
Car rides can be the perfect time to role-play with your child and help them work through different problems in a relaxed setting. You can create scenarios based on challenges they may face, like dealing with a disagreement at school or preparing for a big test. By playing different roles, you can guide them to think through solutions, practice how to respond, and build confidence in handling tricky situations. It’s a great way to engage their problem-solving skills. Plus, the casual environment of the car makes it feel less pressured for both of you.
Fun and Silly:
For a lighthearted and engaging conversation with your kids, try mixing in some fun and silly questions. Ask them, “If you were an animal, what would you be?” or “What food could you eat every day for the rest of your life?” These boredom-busting questions can spark creativity and laughter. You might also ask, “If you could switch places with anyone in the world, who would it be?” or “If you could change your name, what would it be?” For an extra challenge, try speaking only in questions to keep the conversation flowing in unexpected ways. And when all else fails, throw in a dad—or mom—joke to lighten the mood!
Driving Safety:
Being in the car is a natural time to talk about vehicle safety. Again, keep the conversation age appropriate. If you have a teen, point out decisions that you make as you drive, and share safety tips such as how to safely pull over on the side of the road. Note the dangerous behaviors that you see from other drivers such as tailgating. Get them ready to focus on the road by asking them to navigate and tell you where you should turn. For younger passengers, point out road signs for stop, yield and crosswalks. Ask them what they notice when looking outside the window. Talk about why we wear seatbelts and what could happen if we forget. Teach them safety around vehicles.
Finally, you’re traveling with precious cargo when you transport your family. Make sure your car is well-maintained and protect it with the right car insurance. Safe travels.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Transportation Expense (TE) coverage, often called rental reimbursement is an optional coverage that can be added to your auto insurance policy to help cover the costs associated with renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered loss, such as an accident.
Many drivers opt for the minimum rental reimbursement coverage, but is that enough? With the rising cost of vehicle rentals, extended repair times, and other complications, minimum coverage often proves insufficient, leaving policyholders to cover unexpected expenses out of pocket.
Understanding TE Coverage
This coverage provides a fixed daily amount, up to a total limit, that is put toward rental car expenses. For example, if you have $30/$900, these amounts refer to the specific limits:
$30 per day: The maximum amount your insurance company will reimburse you per day for rental car expenses.
$900 total: The maximum amount your insurer will pay out for rental car expenses over the entire repair period.
On the surface, opting for low rental reimbursement coverage could seem like enough, but it may not go as far as you think when you need it most – leaving you responsible for the difference.
Rising Rental Car Costs
The price of renting a car has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2023, the average daily cost of renting a car was between $50 and $70, depending on the location, vehicle type, and availability. This is a significant increase compared to previous years, primarily driven by supply chain disruptions, vehicle shortages, and inflation.
If you have minimal TE coverage that offers only $30 per day, but rental prices are closer to $50 or more per day, you would be left covering the difference of $20 per day. This gap can add up quickly. For example, if your repairs take two weeks and the daily rental cost is $60, your insurance would cover only $30 of that each day, leaving you responsible for the remaining $30. Over 14 days, that adds up to $420 out of pocket—a substantial and unexpected expense.
Extended Repair Times
Another factor that can make $30/$900 rental reimbursement coverage insufficient is the time it takes to repair vehicles. Repair times have increased due to various factors, including shortages of auto parts, labor shortages in repair shops, and the growing complexity of modern vehicles. What used to be a simple fix taking a few days might now take weeks—or even a month—depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of parts.
If you have minimum coverage, the total limit might not cover your rental for the entire repair period. For instance, if your car is in the shop for 25 days and you’re renting a car at $50 per day, you would need $1,250 in rental car coverage. However, with minimal TE coverage capped at $900, you’ll be on the hook for the remaining $350, even though you’ve been responsible and maintained insurance coverage.
Limited Vehicle Options
The type of vehicle you need can also impact whether carrying minimum rental reimbursement coverage is sufficient. For instance, if you typically drive a larger vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan, you may need to rent a similar-sized vehicle to accommodate your family or lifestyle needs. Unfortunately, rental prices for larger vehicles tend to be significantly higher than those for compact or economy cars, sometimes reaching $80 to $100 per day.
If your insurance only reimburses $30 per day, but you need an SUV rental that costs $90 per day, you would be responsible for the $60 daily difference. Over the course of just days, this could result in hundreds of dollars of out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Protect Yourself from Paying Out of Pocket
While minimal TE coverage may seem like a cost-effective choice at first, it’s important to weigh the risks and consider upgrading your coverage to ensure you’re fully protected in the event of an accident. Here are some ways to avoid financial surprises:
Choose Higher Daily and Total Limits: For a small increase in cost, upgrade your TE coverage limits to $50/$1500. By selecting a higher daily limit and total coverage amount, you’ll have greater peace of mind and reduce the likelihood of out-of-pocket expenses.
Pro Tip: As a California Casualty policyholder, we give you the option to update your coverage at any time during your policy period.
Choose an Economy Rental: If possible, opt for an economy or compact car. These vehicles typically have the lowest daily rates, making it more likely that your $30 daily allowance will cover the cost. Even if you normally drive a larger vehicle, renting a smaller car temporarily can help you avoid additional costs.
Go Through CalCas: Take advantage of our partnership with Enterprise so you can benefit from:
Negotiated rates that are below the published daily rate
Expedited reservations services
Direct billing from Enterprise to California Casualty for your covered transportation expenses
Pick up and drop off service in many areas when using our Guaranteed Repair Network of body shops
While choosing minimal Transportation Expense coverage might seem like a smart way to save money, it can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses if rental costs, repair times, or vehicle needs exceed your coverage. With rental prices on the rise and repairs taking longer, a bit more coverage now could help you avoid unwanted surprises later.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
The car ahead suddenly collides with another vehicle, forcing you to brake hard to avoid the crash. Your heart races, adrenaline kicks in, and as the dust settles, you realize you’re not just a passerby—you’re a witness. But what happens next? Knowing your role in that critical moment can make all the difference.
While it’s not a legal requirement to stop at the scene of an accident, many people do. As a witness, you’re often the first to arrive and can play a crucial role in calling for help. You may also provide key information that helps clarify what happened and determine liability. If you witness an accident, here are the steps to follow.
Find a place on the side of the road near the accident that is about 100 feet away. Stay
away from broken glass, leaked fuel, downed power lines, and other hazards. You don’t want to put yourself or your car in danger. Once you’ve parked, shut off your car and put on your flashers.
2. Call 9-1-1.
Don’t assume someone else is doing it—unless you see and hear them doing it. Notify the police about the accident, which can be more serious than it looks. Be prepared to give your location. Look for the nearest cross street, a mile marker, or nearest off ramp. The operator will ask how many people need help, and if they are conscious, breathing, or bleeding. Now is the time to step out of your car to check.
3. Exit safely if you can.
Only leave your vehicle if it is safe to do so. Be careful of cars whizzing by and of debris on the road, including broken glass and twisted metal. Be aware of smoke, odd smells or fluids that could signal a potential fire danger. Your safety is your priority.
4. Offer comfort and, if needed, first aid.
Approach the vehicles with the accident victims. Ask if they are okay. Let them know that first responders are on their way. Importantly, do not move an injured individual unless there is an immediate danger of fire. You can bind wounds and stanch bleeding; ask the 9-1-1 operator for direction if you’re unsure.
5. Stabilize the scene.
Make sure all vehicles are in park and turned off. If cars are still on, and fuel is leaking, that could cause a fire. If you need to, and if you can, move the damaged car off the road. Otherwise, set up warning flares (only if there are no fuel leaks) or traffic triangles. You can keep these in your trunk for just this purpose.
6. Document the accident.
The victims may not be able to take photos of the crash. Go ahead and do so and add notes so you will remember what happened. Get contact information so you can get the pictures to the people involved in the accident. Pay special attention if it was a hit and run. Any details you remember could help police track down that car.
7. Talk to the police.
When the police arrive on the scene, they will want to talk with you. Simply share the facts. Don’t speculate on fault if you are unsure who caused the accident. Do not feel pressured to answer every question and do not guess at the answers. “I’m not sure” and “I don’t know” are valid responses. It’s possible that you may be called to testify in a court of law. Don’t ignore a subpoena if you get one. That is against the law, and you could be fined or go to jail.
Some final thoughts…
Witnessing any kind of accident is upsetting. Seeing a fatal accident can be traumatic. Make sure to talk to your pastor, doctor or a therapist to help process the experience.
Did you see the accident occur or did you come by after it happened? If you didn’t see it, then you’re not a witness. You can still stop and help but let the police know that you do not have any information on the crash.
Finally, make sure your own vehicle is protected with the right insurance. This will help add peace of mind if you should get in an accident.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
