Winter

Safe Driving

When you’re behind the wheel of a car – whether alone or with passengers – driving safely should always be your top concern. We’re more distracted than ever, so it’s crucial to know the basics of safe driving and practice them every time you’re on the road in order to drive responsibly. Here are some safe driving tips from Nationwide Insurance:

Focus on Driving

Ignoring distractions while driving and maintaining focus on the road is key to driving safely. In order to keep focused while driving, you should follow these steps:

• Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multi-tasking.
• Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
• Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.

Defensive Driving

What is defensive driving? Defensive driving is when motorists use accident-preventing techniques with a focus on driving safely. You may even be eligible for a defensive driving discount. To practice defensive driving:

• Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected.
• Assume other motorists will do something crazy, and always be prepared to avoid it.
• Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
• Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.

Make a Safe Driving Plan

• Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business.
• Adjust your seat, mirrors, and climate controls before putting the car in gear.
• Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.

Practice Safety

• Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.
• Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
• Have items needed within easy reach – such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Avoid driving when you're tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.
• Do not drive while under the influence.
• Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.

Winter Weather Preparedness

Winter is right around the corner to make sure you’re adequately prepared check out these tips from various resources in regards to winter weather.

Holiday Tips

Happy Holidays! From late November to mid-January, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes, safety should be top of mind. Check out the following resources to help ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

Slip, Trip, and Fall Safety

A few everyday habits can help you stay safe at home and around the community. Keep paths clear, choose proper shoes, and take a moment to check where you’re stepping.

Keep Your Path Clear

Give yourself room to walk by keeping floors, stairs, doorways, and exits clear. Keep an eye out for:

• Cracks, potholes, damaged flooring, and uneven thresholds
• Loose rugs, curled mats, roots, and changes in surface height
• Shoes, toys, packages, gravel, and branches in walking routes
• Electrical cords, hoses, or pet leashes stretched across walkways
• Remove loose rugs at home, and let your community office know about damaged or curled mats in shared spaces.
• Stay on walkways; landscaped areas can hide holes or irrigation equipment.

Watch Out for Slippery Spots

Wet floors, spills, leaves, mud, algae, and ice can create hazards. A little extra care goes a long way:

• Clean up household spills as soon as they occur, and keep others away until the floor is dry. Let community staff know about spills in common areas such as community centers.
• Follow warning signs and closures. Choose a dry route around wet or icy pavement.
• Take your time. Walk rather than run, slow down at entrances and surface changes, and avoid sudden turns.
• Go around standing water because it may hide slippery or uneven ground.

Choose Shoes That Help You Stay Steady

Well-fitting shoes with good grip can help you stay steady. Remember, even good shoes can’t make a hazardous surface safe.

• Pick slip-resistant soles that suit your activity, and skip loose slippers.
• Wear shoes rather than just socks on smooth floors.
• Give your soles a quick check for stones or damage before heading out.

See Your Way Clearly

Good lighting and fewer distractions make it easier to spot what’s ahead.

• Keep your phone tucked away while walking. Need to check it? Stop somewhere safe first.
• Stick to well-lit, designated paths. Bring a flashlight after dark and wear reflective items near traffic.
• Switch on lights before entering dark rooms or using stairs, and use night-lights at home.

Take Care on Steps and Stairs

• Hold the handrail as you go up or down stairs.
• Carry smaller loads so you can see the steps, and ask for a hand with bulky items.
• Look out for curbs, ramps, thresholds, and the first and last step of a stairway.
• Keep everyday items within easy reach, and never climb on furniture to get them.
• If stairs have loose rails, damaged steps, or poor lighting, choose another safe route and let your community office know.

Spot a Hazard? Let Us Know

See a spill, damaged surface, loose handrail, blocked path, or broken light? Please contact your community office. Your heads-up helps keep shared spaces safer for everyone.