How Much Do You Know About Motorcycle Safety?

It's Motorcycle Season ! Warm Weather brings  motorcycles  out of garages and riders hit the road.


The Motorcycle Safety Foundation urges all drivers to give riders some space.


Here are some hints that the driver of a car, should know about motorcyclists:


1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road

2. A motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots.

3. A motorcycle may seem to be farther away than it actually is.

4. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle

5. Motorcyclists often adjust their position within a lane to be seen more easily

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle are usually not self-canceling

7. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics.

8. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery

pavement makes stopping more difficult.

9. When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle. ( See the person

under helmet,who could be your friend, neighbor or relative)



Remember : Give them their fair share of the roadway and don't follow too close!

Is Your Pet Safe When Traveling With You ?

If your like most ... once you bring an  animal into your life, they quickly become members of the family.

Studies show that 74 percent of pet owners think of them as a child or family member. With such a high percentage, it should come as no surprise that many of these families want to take their pet with them whenever they travel.

Some pets love cars – others would much rather stay put for the rest of their lives.
There are many options to fit every animal's needs. Here are some pet travel tips .

Train them young. Cats generally don't like cars, but puppies can be trained fairly easily to become good travellers. Play with the puppy inside the car when it is stationary. Then switch the engine on. When it is used to this, start taking the dog for short rides.

Crate them. For larger dogs, it is a good idea to crate them, especially for long journeys. This will also protect a dog in case of an accident. Many animals will feel safer inside their crate, and therefore will put up less of a performance.


Pet carriers. If an animal does not like travelling, then it is very dangerous to transport them in a car, unless they are in a proper pet carrier of some sort. A clawing cat, or a yelping puppy can easily distract the driver and cause an accident. Don't use a cardboard box – it is too easy to escape from these.

When travelling with big dogs, it is a good idea to have part of the car partitioned, so that the driver cannot be distracted.

Don't leave animals inside a locked car in the sun. Remember, even if you park in the shade, the sun moves as the day goes on. If you have to leave an animal in the car, make sure it is inside a parking garage and that the windows are left open a few centimetres.

Remember ...a wide open window is an invitation to disaster. Some pets can be relied on not to jump through the window, but why take the chance? Most dogs like a bit of a breeze when they are inside a car, but ten centimeters will do it.

When driving a long way, remember that your dog needs to get out every now and then to answer the call of nature. Also make sure that you give your dog water whenever you stop. When travelling long distances with an animal that is not used to the car, save your sanity – and probably that of the animal – by going to the vet and getting a sedative before the journey. Remember also that you can get anti-nausea treatment if your animal gets car sick on long journeys.

Seatbelts are not that restrictive, as dogs will still be able to sit up, look out of the window or lie down, whichever they choose. But, they will go a long way to protecting the dog.

Bring familiar items from home with them in the vehicle including favorite toys and a towel or bedding still retaining the sent of home.

We don’t question the importance of traveling safely and we should always provide the same protection for our pets.

Is Your Child Passenger Safe ?

Did you know that each year thousands of children are injured or killed by safety seats that are improperly fastened by parents or caretakers. Statics indicate that  7 out of 10 children in safetly seats are not properly buckled in.

 Pennsylvania’s primary child passenger safety law, requires  children under the age of four to be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat anywhere in the vehicle.


Children from age four up to age eight must be restrained in an appropriate booster seat.

Children from age 8 up to age 18 must be in a seat belt.
For more information on child passenger safety in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project or call 1-800-CAR-BELT.


There Certified technicians that will inspect your child car seat, in most cases, free of charge - and show you how to correctly install and use it.  To find a child car seat inpection station in your area visit:

                                               http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/
Remember, most collisions occur within a mile of the home - so buckle your child in a safety seat for every trip, no matter how short.

Are You Ready for Summer Driving?

Summer is officially here .... Is your vehicle ready???


  To help avoid over-heating, a car´s cooling system, engine hoses, drive belts and battery should be inspected by a mechanic.






Regularly check fluid levels and tire tread depth. To quickly check the tire tread, insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln´s head upside down - if you can see the entire head, your tires are worn and should be replaced.



For maximum fuel efficiency, tires should be properly inflated. Hot weather can cause air pressure inside the tire to expand, causing a blowout if the tire is in poor condition.



Use extra caution while driving during a rainstorm, particularly after an extended period without rain, since extreme heat causes oils deposited from vehicles to be absorbed into the road and slick spots can result during rainstorms.



Prepare an emergency kit that is stocked with things that would be needed in the event of a breakdown, such as water, necessary medications, first aid supplies and portable cooling devices, such as battery-powered fans.



Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, which can heat up quickly during hot weather.



When traveling a long distance, try to plan your trip for early in the day or later in the evening when the weather is cooler.



Carry a cell phone and charger in case of emergency.



Remember to always buckle up and never drink and drive.



Drive Safely