by California Casualty | Calcas Connection, Consider This |
Taking a ride on your snowmobile can be risky business. California Casualty has protection in case you or a family member accidentally runs into someone else gliding across the ice and snow.
Our snowmobile policies can provide coverage for:
Bodily injury and property damage liability- Comprehensive and collision
- Uninsured motorists
- Towing assistance
California Casualty also has the insurance you need for your RV.
Our Agency Services department can help insure high-performance snow machines and all-season, all-terrain vehicles such as quads and side-by-sides.
California Casualty wants to make sure that you can explore the great outdoors knowing that you have the insurance protection you need.
TAKEAWAY: Find out about the many insurance products California Casualty and our partner companies can provide for your snowmobile, ATV or RV at www.calcas.com/other-insurance.
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by California Casualty | Calcas Connection, Good to Know |
Americans are driving more and there’s been a corresponding increase in in automobile crashes. As we go about the routine of driving our kids to school, battling traffic to and from work, or heading to weekend events, it’s easy to forget the simple things that can make the trip safer. Nothing is more important than the safety of you and your family, and here are some traffic and driving reminders:
- Always wear seat belts – the most effective way to protect your precious cargo – even for a quick trip to the store or a neighbor’s house
- Secure children and infants in appropriate car and booster seats at all times to reduce the risk of injuries by 70 percent – it’s also important to have seats inspected (as many as half of the children riding in vehicles are in improperly installed safety seats)
- Pay attention to the roadway and avoid electronic devices, applying makeup or turning around to interact with passengers – actions that double your risk of a crash
- Be familiar with areas where you are driving and obey road signs and local traffic laws
- Slow down in bad weather – conditions can change rapidly
- Practice defensive driving techniques
- Keep your vehicle well-maintained
- Check for recalls on your vehicles (safercar.gov/checkforrecalls)
Accidents and breakdowns happen when you least expect them. Now is also a good time to assemble a safety kit for your car or truck that includes a spare cell phone battery, first aid kit, blanket, fire extinguisher, jumper cables, reflective warning triangles and foam sealant for flat tires.
TAKEAWAY: Find a wealth of auto safety tips at our resources page, www.calcas.com/resources.
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by California Casualty | Firefighters |
Firefighters say that house fires increase in the winter months. Most the fire starters include food left on the stove, candles left near flammable items like decorations or curtains, or space heaters left unattended and close to flammable objects.
As firefighters respond to calls during cold weather conditions, it’s not just about fire and smoke in the structure, but staying attuned to what is happening as a result of snow, ice, freezing rain or wind. Maintaining situational awareness is essential.
• Pay attention to your surroundings at the scene, including your crew and the building structure.
• Proper ladder placement can be critical. With harsh weather conditions, be extra diligent.
The weather can also affect the drivers during the winter. 24% of vehicle crashes occur during rain, sleet, snow or fog, and slick pavement.
Keep this in mind when responding to accidents. The same conditions the accident occurred, weather-related, will also pertain to your experience. It’s essential to arrive at a scene quickly, but not worth risking your safety too.
Uneasiness increases when drivers hear sirens or see lights behind them. Their reactions are mostly stopping short in front of you or skidding into oncoming traffic, which may turn into another incident.
• Drive appropriately for the weather conditions.
• Remember that driving defensively doesn’t mean aggressively
• Always wear your seat belt.
Importantly, stay alert, drive smart, be safe and stay warm.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
Fall is a glorious time to take a drive and enjoy the changing colors. Be careful, it’s also a dangerous time for wildlife.
Accidents with deer and elk spike across the United States from October through December, with November the top month for deer-car crashes.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates more than 1.5 million deer collisions take place every year in the U.S., causing over $1 billion in vehicle damage. The danger increases when your travel in rural areas where deer roam; just look at the scattered bumpers, grills and lights on the sides of the roadways.
The top ten states for deer-auto crashes in 2016 were:
- West Virginia
- Montana
- Pennsylvania
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
To reduce the risk of hitting deer or other wildlife:
- Don’t drive distracted
- Slow down
- Use high beams at night when there is no oncoming traffic
- Stay alert at dusk and dawn when deer tend to be most active
- Pay attention to wildlife warning signs
- Honk your horn to scare any deer off the road
- Break firmly and don’t swerve (many serious crashes occur when drivers lose control of their car or truck trying to avoid a deer)
If you hit a deer:
- Attempt to move your vehicle to the side of the road
- Use your hazard lights
- Call local law enforcement or the state patrol (especially if there are injuries, your car is not drivable or the animal remains in the road
- Don’t approach or attempt to move an injured animal (it can hurt you)
- Take photos of the crash, the damage to your vehicle, and the roadway where it occurred
- Fill out an accident report (some areas allow you to do it online)
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
by California Casualty | Educators |
Having students set their own academic and behavior goals allow students to take ownership and control of their accomplishments in the classroom. Students are more likely to succeed at a task or assignment if they have a self-created target in mind. Here are some tips to help students set their own goals.
- Set Attainable Goals: Setting attainable goals allows students to feel a sense of accomplishment when the goal is met. If the goal is too lofty, students may never reach it which can be a big hit to the student’s confidence. Students may need coaching in this area. Each goal can, and should be, challenging yet reachable.
- Write Goals In A Positive Way: Instead of “don’t get any wrong” the goal should be expressed as “score 100%.” It just sounds better.
- Be Specific: Focus on one task or assignment. My students like to use weekly spelling tests, vocabulary quizzes, math fact tests, and so forth. “Get better” won’t suffice. Students should provide an exact score or percentage and a date by which the goal should be completed. For example, a student might write a goal like this: I will score at least 90% on all weekly spelling tests during the 3rd quarter.
- Discuss How: Students should describe how they will meet their goal. Will they write their spelling words three times each night or study math flashcards for 15 minutes every other day?
- Document Goals in Writing: I have students keep their written goals in data folders. This way students “accidentally” see their goals at least twice a week when they record test and quiz scores. Written goals can also be posted in a visible place in the classroom.
At the beginning of each quarter, I have students set new math, reading, and behavior goals. If you feel like this might be too much work, start small, having students set just one goal per semester. Every other week, I conference with each student about their goals. If you can’t conference weekly, find time in your schedule when you can periodically discuss student progress toward goals.
Goal setting can help students be successful and build confidence in the classroom.
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.
