Winter Driving Safety Tips

Over the course of a Maine winter, Mother Nature tests even the savviest of drivers with snow, sleet, and freezing rain. And with the ample amount of precipitation that our state receives, it is to be expected that roads will become slippery, and when roads become slippery, accidents happen.

While slick roads may be inevitable in the Pine Tree State, preparing for poor driving conditions is not. And with a little preparation and the right mindset behind the wheel, drivers will be more apt to travel safely and avoid any unforeseen complications that may arise amidst their winter commute.

Here are a few driving tips that will help keep you safe and sound during the winter, and help minimize the risks on the wintery roads:
 

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Number Of Insured Drops With The Economy

As the economy continues its downfall, and unemployment rates reach new heights, more and more drivers are letting their car insurance lapse, putting both themselves and others at risk.

According to the Insurance Research Council, several hundreds of thousands of drivers have dropped their auto insurance in the past year. Some experts accredit rising insurance premiums as part of the problem, while others blame the poor economy and industry wide layoffs. Regardless of the reason, the increasing trend of uninsured motorists is bad news for all parties involved.
 

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Joe Bornstein's Holiday Cheer

The season's changed to winter and the snow is yet to come.
The holidays are upon us as the drums play rum pum pum.
Candles illuminate windows, and burn in menorahs too,
The holidays are a time to rejoice and that's precisely what we should do.

You've heard of Dasher and Dancer, and the rest that pull Santa's sleigh,
Carrying holiday spirit, along with games for children to play.
Rudolph is the most famous reindeer, something everyone can recall.
But do you know the name of Maine's most favorite lawyer of all?

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FDA Orders Suicide Warnings On Epilepsy Drugs

Makers of epilepsy drugs must now add a warning that states the medicines carry a risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. The companies must also develop a patient-friendly guide explaining the risks.

In January 2008 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that 11 epilepsy drugs doubled a person’s risk of suicidal behaviors or thoughts. In December 2008 the FDA announced it would be mandatory to place this warning on all eleven drug containers.

The 11 epilepsy drugs that must now include a warning are:

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How To Deal With Weather Related Property Damage

In the wake of the ice storm on Friday December 12, 2008, the Maine Bureau of Insurance has outlined the proper steps to take when filing for weather reported property damage. 

Mainers are advised to follow these procedures when safe to do so, and to contact the Bureau with any questions before or while in the process of reporting the damage:

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Holiday Season Safety Tips

The holiday season is upon us, and that means an abundance of decorations, dreidels, and desserts. But with all of the causes for celebration comes an increase risk in all things safety-related. And while it’s exciting to be swept up in the sea of holiday spirits, it is important to remember to be conscious and careful. Because after all of the gifts have been given and all of the trees have been trimmed, the only thing that matters is that we are safe and sound, and together again for the holiday season.

Here are a few Holiday Season Safety Tips that we would like to pass along to our friends, loved ones, and clients. Following these guidelines will help everyone have a happy and healthy holiday season, which is all that we really want for the holidays.

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When Roads Get Slick - The Slick Wear Seat Belts

With winter upon us, and snow and ice inevitable, driving conditions can take a turn for the worse at the drop of a flake. And while it is mandatory for everyone in the state of Maine to wear a seatbelt, now is the time for a friendly reminder of all state seatbelt rules and regulations.

In May 2007, Maine passed regulation that made seatbelts mandatory for all motorists and their passengers. Children, however, have slightly different safety laws than adults to obey.

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Ride The Bus For Free On Fridays

In an attempt to increase ridership, public transit buses in Maine will be free on Fridays through the end of 2008. 

Free Fare Fridays is a month-long campaign designed to educate Mainers about low-cost transit options available throughout the state. This is the third promotion of free rides, following previous campaigns where ridership was up as much as 38%, as hundreds of new riders got to travel for free in their local communities.

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