Most people think that as you get older so does your brain. You can now set aside everything you believe about how your brain works with age. A recent study on this subject is mind-boggling. "Long-standing wisdom has been that brain function is destined to decline as we age," says Elizabeth Zelinski, PhD, a professor at the University of Southern California. "The good news is, that's simply not true." In fact, research now suggest you have a good chance of keeping your brain sharp if you commit to the right kind of concentrated effort. Scientist have recently came up with the term "brain plasticity" which means you can improve your brain function at any age.
Since the science is still new and evolving there is some controversy over how to build and maintain your brain. However there is a common agreement that in order to enhance brain function, activities must be both stimulating and challenging. Exercise your brain by doing crossword puzzles, learning to play a new instrument, play catch, etc.
One of the daily life activities that can benefit significantly from enhanced brain fitness is driving. This is good news for both older drivings and concerned adult children of older drivers. A car can swerve into your lane or a driver in front of you can clam on the brakes. A few millisecond in your reaction time can make the difference between a scare and a bad crash. That is why it is important to take an active role in staying safe on the road as you age.
For more information on brain fitness including fun activities to test your brain power visit. http://www.hartfordbrainfitness.com/
At CIS we are committed to taking care of our clients and providing them with the most accurate and up to date information. This blog is just one small step to informing you as a driver on how to stay safe and sharpen your brain.
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Showing posts with label car. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Be Prepared for Labor Day Weekend!
We want to wish everyone a fun and safe labor day weekend. We know many of you will be doing one last road trip or camping trip to wrap up the summer season. When taking long road trips or driving up the mountains it is important to be prepared for anything. At CIS we have come up with a car emergence kit. Having an emergency preparedness kit in your car is sort of like having good insurance. You hope you'll never need it-but boy are you glad it's there on road trips if you have an accident or need to help others.
Emergency kits with most essentials cost $30 to $100 at stores that sell auto accessories. You can also assemble your own kit in case of an emergency, heres what you should include.
Use a sturdy canvas bag with handles or a plastic bin to store your emergency preparedness kit and secure it so it doesn't roll or move when the car is moving. Include the following:
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Emergency kits with most essentials cost $30 to $100 at stores that sell auto accessories. You can also assemble your own kit in case of an emergency, heres what you should include.
Use a sturdy canvas bag with handles or a plastic bin to store your emergency preparedness kit and secure it so it doesn't roll or move when the car is moving. Include the following:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Cloth or roll of paper towels
- Jumper cables
- Blankets
- Flares or warning triangles
- Nonperishable snacks, such as energy or granola bars
- Drinking water
- Extra clothes
- First-aid kit
- Basic tool kit that includes screwdrivers, pliers and adjustable wrench
- Phone charger
- Auto-safety hammer
- Copy of insurance ID card
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Thursday, August 25, 2011
August: Deadliest Month
It's true August is the deadliest month on the road. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, going back to 1994 more Americans die in the month of August from car crashes than any other month of the year. In 2009 the agency says an average of 93 people die each day from motor vehicle crashes. That is one death every 16 minutes. However, the number of people killed in August 2009 dropped by almost 400 from 2008. August leads as the deadliest month, with September following in second, July is third and March as the safest.
Deadliest days of the week are weekends by no surprise. That is when Americans tend to run extra errands, visit family and when drunk driving increases. Saturdays are the deadliest day of the week averaging 123 deaths with Sundays coming in second with 107 deaths and Fridays following in third with 102 deaths on average. The safest day of the week are Tuesdays with an average of 69 deaths. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also narrowed down the deadliest hours between 6 pm and 8:59 pm where they report more than four people die an hour.
Of course we do not advise for everyone to stay off of the road for the month of August. Nor do we think no one should drive on the weekends or during rush hour. We give this information so you can be aware and remember that more people are on the road during these times which means more distracted driving, more people not paying attention and more people in a hurry to get somewhere. Focus on the only on the road and solely on driving only when you are behind the wheel.
At CIS we understand that accidents DO happen. That is why it is important to be properly protected and have a company that looks out for you, your loved ones and your vehicle. Get a free no obligation quote today. We are not just insurance agents, we are specialists. www.cisforyou.com
Deadliest days of the week are weekends by no surprise. That is when Americans tend to run extra errands, visit family and when drunk driving increases. Saturdays are the deadliest day of the week averaging 123 deaths with Sundays coming in second with 107 deaths and Fridays following in third with 102 deaths on average. The safest day of the week are Tuesdays with an average of 69 deaths. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also narrowed down the deadliest hours between 6 pm and 8:59 pm where they report more than four people die an hour.
Of course we do not advise for everyone to stay off of the road for the month of August. Nor do we think no one should drive on the weekends or during rush hour. We give this information so you can be aware and remember that more people are on the road during these times which means more distracted driving, more people not paying attention and more people in a hurry to get somewhere. Focus on the only on the road and solely on driving only when you are behind the wheel.
At CIS we understand that accidents DO happen. That is why it is important to be properly protected and have a company that looks out for you, your loved ones and your vehicle. Get a free no obligation quote today. We are not just insurance agents, we are specialists. www.cisforyou.com
Friday, August 12, 2011
7 Simple Ways to Change Driving Habits
According to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Distracted driving has led to more than 5,400 highway deaths and 448,000 accidents this past year.
To keep your mind on the road and your care out of an accident, follow these 7 easy safe driving tips!
1. Stow all phones-even hand free ones
Talking or texting behind the wheel is perhaps one of the most
important driving habits to break. Of all highway deaths last year,
18% involved drivers using a cell phone before the crash. When
talking on a cell phone your risk of accident quadruples and texting
makes you eight times more likely to crash!
2. Listen to-don't watch GPS devices
High-tech gadgets are supposed to help you navigate unknown streets,
but if you fiddle with the controls or pay more attention to the
screen than the road, you jeopardize your car safety. Program your
destination before you start driving and rely on verbal cues from GPS
instead of the screen.
3. Go 3-D when looking for an address
Before you head out to an unfamiliar destination, review maps and
directions. One tool CIS finds helpful is Google Map's Street View.
The 3-D view gives you visual clues so you don't have to take your
eyes off the road to look for street signs or house addresses.
4. Adjust Controls and set the playlist before you roll
Don't fiddle with gadgets like the radio, iPod, or climate controls
while driving. Set up everything before you turn on the ignition. If
it takes more than a glance to adjust a control, wait until you're
stopped to fix it.
5. Ban conflict-inducing conversations
When you talk with others in the car, heated arguments may pull your
attention away from the traffic signals and pedestrians. Make it a
habit that you'll save deep discussions for outside the car. The same
can be said for handling a misbehaving child.
6. Buckle up Rex
Unpredictable, unsecured pets can cause major distracted driving
concerns. There are a variety of restraints suitable for your type of
pet and car; from a cage in the back to a harness that can be buckled
with the seat belt. The backseat is also the best place for pets,
that way you won't be tempted to pet or feed them.
7. Take breaks to avoid spacing out
Daydreaming in a car can end up as a nightmare. If your mind is
wandering pull over to jot it down or make a phone call. Don't let it
keep running through your head. Take regular breaks, one at least
every two hours.
Get a FREE no obligation quote today from CIS!
http://www.cisforyou.com/
To keep your mind on the road and your care out of an accident, follow these 7 easy safe driving tips!
1. Stow all phones-even hand free ones
Talking or texting behind the wheel is perhaps one of the most
important driving habits to break. Of all highway deaths last year,
18% involved drivers using a cell phone before the crash. When
talking on a cell phone your risk of accident quadruples and texting
makes you eight times more likely to crash!
2. Listen to-don't watch GPS devices
High-tech gadgets are supposed to help you navigate unknown streets,
but if you fiddle with the controls or pay more attention to the
screen than the road, you jeopardize your car safety. Program your
destination before you start driving and rely on verbal cues from GPS
instead of the screen.
3. Go 3-D when looking for an address
Before you head out to an unfamiliar destination, review maps and
directions. One tool CIS finds helpful is Google Map's Street View.
The 3-D view gives you visual clues so you don't have to take your
eyes off the road to look for street signs or house addresses.
4. Adjust Controls and set the playlist before you roll
Don't fiddle with gadgets like the radio, iPod, or climate controls
while driving. Set up everything before you turn on the ignition. If
it takes more than a glance to adjust a control, wait until you're
stopped to fix it.
5. Ban conflict-inducing conversations
When you talk with others in the car, heated arguments may pull your
attention away from the traffic signals and pedestrians. Make it a
habit that you'll save deep discussions for outside the car. The same
can be said for handling a misbehaving child.
6. Buckle up Rex
Unpredictable, unsecured pets can cause major distracted driving
concerns. There are a variety of restraints suitable for your type of
pet and car; from a cage in the back to a harness that can be buckled
with the seat belt. The backseat is also the best place for pets,
that way you won't be tempted to pet or feed them.
7. Take breaks to avoid spacing out
Daydreaming in a car can end up as a nightmare. If your mind is
wandering pull over to jot it down or make a phone call. Don't let it
keep running through your head. Take regular breaks, one at least
every two hours.
Get a FREE no obligation quote today from CIS!
http://www.cisforyou.com/
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Winter Driving Tactics
During this time of year, many of us wake up to snow, sleet or freezing rain. Yet, we still need to climb behind the wheel and head to work, school or run errands. During the winter season it is important to keep a couple things in mind when living in this bi-polar weather state!
Always plan ahead
Keep an eye on the weather and see how much it is supposed to snow within the next hour or days ahead. If you are less experienced with navigating slick roads, take extra time before you head out. Staying calm and patient will make your trip go a bit more smooth.
Be on the defense
Consider taking a defensive driver class. Not only will this class come in handy when making the treacherous drive but could give you a discount on your auto policy. It is an inexpensive way to brush up on how to respond accordingly in dangerous driving situations and adverse conditions.
Take Care and Repair
According to Car Care Council, more than 5% of all vehicle accidents result from insufficient vehicle maintenance. Be sure to never skip out on a routine checkup especially during seasons of extreme weather.
Park it
It may sound simple but the best way to keep your car working and not involved in an accident is to not drive it during winter storms. Driving in severe conditions increases your chance of being involved in an accident. It's always best to stay safe at home than risk damage to your car or worse.
Since accidents do happen it is so important to be with an insurance company that will be there for you and your family in an emergency. At CIS we do business with 6 major insurance carriers that are all A/A+ rated with AM BEST. Our companies and claims services will be there for you when the roads get messy and an accident happens.
http://www.cisforyou.com/
Always plan ahead
Keep an eye on the weather and see how much it is supposed to snow within the next hour or days ahead. If you are less experienced with navigating slick roads, take extra time before you head out. Staying calm and patient will make your trip go a bit more smooth.
Be on the defense
Consider taking a defensive driver class. Not only will this class come in handy when making the treacherous drive but could give you a discount on your auto policy. It is an inexpensive way to brush up on how to respond accordingly in dangerous driving situations and adverse conditions.
Take Care and Repair
According to Car Care Council, more than 5% of all vehicle accidents result from insufficient vehicle maintenance. Be sure to never skip out on a routine checkup especially during seasons of extreme weather.
Park it
It may sound simple but the best way to keep your car working and not involved in an accident is to not drive it during winter storms. Driving in severe conditions increases your chance of being involved in an accident. It's always best to stay safe at home than risk damage to your car or worse.
Since accidents do happen it is so important to be with an insurance company that will be there for you and your family in an emergency. At CIS we do business with 6 major insurance carriers that are all A/A+ rated with AM BEST. Our companies and claims services will be there for you when the roads get messy and an accident happens.
http://www.cisforyou.com/
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