3 Ways to Stay Safe in Traffic

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traffic cones and sign for lane closure and safety

August is National Traffic Awareness Month.

We want you to be aware of ways you can stay safe in traffic for a safe commute.

Feel free to share this with your family and any employees operating vehicles for work purposes.

Traffic Statistics

Before we share how you can stay safe in traffic, check out these traffic statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

  • “Pedestrian fatalities in crashes increased 44 percent in the last decade (2010 to 2019), with the pedestrians’ share of traffic fatalities increasing 32 percent, from 13 to 17 percent.”
  • In 2019, Wayne County ranked in the highest 25 counties with annual pedestrian fatalities with 33 deaths reported that year.
  • “In 2019 there were an estimated 205,000 young drivers injured in traffic crashes.”
  • “On average, 3 children were killed, and an estimated 502 children were injured every day in traffic crashes in 2019.”

Wear Your Seatbelt

Wearing your seatbelt is one of the safest things you can do while driving. Encouraging your passengers to wear their seatbelt is also best for them as well.

Michigan has a seat belt law. You can view the full seat belt law here, but Michigan requires passengers and drivers to buckle up. You can be ticketed if an officer catches you and your passengers without one.

According to Michigan State Police and Michigan.gov, passengers who are aged 8-15 must “buckle up in all seating positions.” This also goes for drivers and front seat passengers. They too are required to wear a seat belt.

Watch Out for Pedestrians

According to Michigan.gov, “In Michigan, more than 100 pedestrians die each year. Most of these deaths occur between 6 p.m. and midnight, with many fatalities occurring when pedestrians cross the roadway somewhere other than at an intersection or when a driver fails to yield.”

As a driver, here are some steps you should take to help keep yourself and pedestrians safe:

  • Yield to pedestrians
  • Give yourself enough room to stop way behind crosswalks, so that other drivers can see pedestrians crossing the street.
  • Don’t pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you can’t see could easily step out in front of your vehicle.
  • Always follow the speed limit. Use extra caution when approaching crosswalks and driving through residential areas. Be careful in school zones too.
  • Drive carefully and safely in bad weather conditions. Make sure you can see and don’t assume pedestrians will see you.
  • Be aware before backing up vehicles. Pedestrians can walk behind your car if you’re not paying attention.

Stay Focused and Remove Distractions

There’s a reason so many states have banned the use of cell phones while driving.

It’s estimated that 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the U.S. is due to texting while driving.

Studies also show that talking on a cell phone while driving — even by using a hands-free device — can increase your odds of having an accident.

Stay focused on the road and make sure you’re paying attention to your surroundings. Never allow distractions while you’re driving.

You will need to be alert and focused in case traffic suddenly slows down, you get rerouted, or if you need to address any other issue that could come up while driving.

Please encourage your family and your employees to practice safe driving habits. It is our hope that no one will have to file a claim, but should you need to, we are here to help.

We hope you all continue to stay safe on the road! Be sure to contact us if you have any questions about your personal or commercial auto policy and coverage.

Chris Beardslee Awarded Agent of the Year for MRL Fund

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photo of Chris Beardslee

Recognized for his efforts throughout the pandemic

Rochester Hills, Mich.— 8/9/2021 — The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Fund (MRL Fund), MRLA’s highly successful workers’ compensation program, announced that Chris Beardslee is their 2021 Agent of the Year.

“I am honored to have been selected as the Agent of the Year. I know that my hospitality clients have had a tough year and a half, and I am excited that I can help them manage risk and be a true partner,” said Chris Beardslee, Executive Vice President at Allied Insurance Managers.

MRL Fund Agent of the Year

The MRL Fund Agent of the Year is awarded when an agent has clearly demonstrated their commitment to the hospitality industry and has gone above and beyond to put their clients’ needs above all else.

“Both the MRLA and MRL Fund have heard from members who expressed their gratitude for the constant support they received from Chris and Allied Insurance Managers along with their clear guidance on reducing exposures and costs.,” according to the MRL Fund announcement. “By working together with his clients, Chris made necessary adjustments along the way, safely met in person whenever possible and provided numerous resources to help them get through the pandemic.”

Focused on Communication

Located in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Allied Insurance Managers has been successful in serving their hospitality clients with sound risk management advice and valuable resources. Chris and his team had a simple, but effective approach based on reliable communication. They have consistently proven their team to be a valuable resource for their hospitality clients. They implemented innovative technology to further expand their reach to clients in some highly creative, and easily accessible ways.

5 Ways to Stay Safe in the Heat

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mother applying suntan lotion to daughter's face to stay safe in heat

August is one of the hottest months of the year.

Swimming in the pool, walking through the sand, family barbecues, outdoor picnics, and walks in the park are just some of the activities people like to do during the summer and around this time of the year.

For others, their job may require them to be outdoors in the sun.

Whether you’re taking time out to have fun in the sun or if you’re out in the sun for work purposes, here are facts about heat and tips to keep both families and employees safe while outdoors in hot weather.

Heat Can Be Dangerous to Your Health

According to the National Weather Service, “excessive heat” ranks highest for weather-related death in the U.S.

“Heat-related illness, also called hyperthermia, is a condition resulting from exposure to extreme heat where the body becomes unable to properly cool, resulting in a rapid rise in body temperature,” per the CDC.

The CDC says that heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two of the heat-related illnesses that are the most serious.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include the following: fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, feeling faint, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of heat stroke can include: unconsciousness, no signs of sweating, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and red and hot/dry skin.

Stay in Air-Conditioned Environments When Possible

If you can, one of the best things you can do to prevent heat illness is by staying in a home or a public place that has air conditioning. If you’re in a home without air conditioning, try to get to a friend or family member’s house where you can cool down for a bit.

Drink Plenty of Water

Please stay hydrated and make sure you have access to plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcohol when the temperature outside is high. According to the CDC, alcohol can hinder your body’s ability to regulate its temperature, which will put you at risk for a heat-related illness.

Protect Your Family and Your Employees

It’s important to keep your family and your employees safe.

Make sure you have the proper outdoor items for your family such as first aid kits, water, sunscreen, and access to a cool down spot when your family needs a break from the sun.

For employees, OSHA has a law that requires employers to provide a workplace that is “free of known safety hazards.” According to OSHA, employers should do the following to protect their employees during the heat:

  • “Provide workers with water, rest and shade.
  • Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize or build a tolerance for working in the heat.
  • Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.
  • Monitor workers for signs of illness.”

For more resources on how to protect your employees by industry, you can check out OSHA’s Heat Exposure Page here.

Wear Proper Clothing

Not wearing the proper clothing for hot temperatures can also put you at risk for a heat-related illness. When possible, avoid wearing too many layers, and tight and bulky clothes. According to the CDC, you should wear “lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing,” and try to do activities in the cool parts of the day when you can.

Take a Break

Never allow yourself and your team to go without a break when you’re outdoors in the heat.

Make sure you pay attention to the signs of heat illness and take the steps to prevent it from happening to your family and team when you’re outside.

We want your family and your employees to be safe during the hot days we will have left this summer. We hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer and keep these tips in mind the next time you spend time out in the sun!