Keeping You Safe – Big toys can mean big risks

2020-07-29
By: Denise Koslowsky

After months of being cooped up inside, the beautiful summer weather inspired a trend… families were heading outside to explore the great outdoors.  Hiking, fishing, kayaking, tennis, golf and road trips to the beach have been very popular, as have the use of sport vehicles in many forms from RVs to motorcycles and watercraft such as boats and Jet Skis.

Following our theme of Keeping You Safe, we wanted to share some safety information so that you can lower your risks as you enjoy time with your big toys!

Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

The summer of 2020 has seen a significant increase in the use of RVs as more and more people are hitting the open road for their family vacation. When you own an RV, you want to be sure it is insured properly.  Talk with your insurance agent about how frequently you plan to travel, where you will be going, what you will be bringing and any anti-theft devices that are installed on your RV.  You want an expert to put together coverage that is tailored to your specific needs and a standard auto insurance policy may not be your best bet.

We want you to be safe before you travel with your new recreational vehicle. You should:

• Make sure you choose the right type of RV.  They can be hard to park, get gas and navigate in cities.
• Practice driving especially backing up before you hit the road.
• Plan your trip.  Not all roads are ideal for RVs, some roads do not allow trucks or campers.  Pro tip – If your GPS device has the option, set it to the “truck” setting to avoid roads that are for cars only.
• Drive slowly.  Think 5-10 miles per hour under the speed limit.  The feel is different than being behind the wheel of a car.
• Expect everything to take longer.  Learn to go with it and enjoy the ride.

Motorcycle

Our best advice for motorcycle enthusiasts is to remain visible!  75% of all accidents involving motorcycles occurred because the other driver claimed they could not see the motorcycle.

Our visibility tips include:

• Ride with your headlights on
• Always use your turn signals
• Wear bright clothing

Boats

Just like with recreational vehicles, 2020 has brought on an increase in boat ownership!  Whether you own a power boat or a sailboat, you want to be sure you have adequate and comprehensive insurance.  We can help you find coverage that is tailored specifically to how you and your family plan to enjoy the water!

We want to keep you safe while enjoy your time on the water!

Our top boater safety tips include:

• Wear a life jacket!  In 83% of all boating fatalities, the person who drowned was not wearing a life jacket.  You will want to provide one for each passenger.
• Take a boating safety course.  You may even be able to get a discount on your coverage upon completion!
• Be mindful of the weather.  You don’t want to be caught on the water when a storm is occurring.
• Much like when you are behind the wheel of a car, you should observe the following rules:
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Don’t drive distracted.  Put away cell phones when you are navigating your watercraft.
  • Don’t speed.

Personal Water Craft (Jet Ski or Wave Runner)

Were you aware that your personal watercraft is not generally covered by your homeowner’s policy and is never covered by an auto policy?  If you love skimming the waves in your jet ski or wave runner, it’s worth a conversation.  We can help you find the right coverage and offer some tips to keep you safe while enjoying the waves!

Advocate’s tips for personal watercraft safety:

• Always wear a life vest
• Take a safety course
• Be prepared.  Be sure you have the following on board before you hit the water:
  • A first aid kit
  • A horn or whistle
  • A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher
  • A flashlight

Advocate wants you and your family to enjoy summer and the time you spend with your sport vehicles.  Providing educational information is all a part of us keeping you safe so that you can sit back and say, It’s a good life!  If the information in this blog brings any questions to mind, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 914-723-7100.