Driver's choices and human error contribute to about 90% of car crashes.  The good news is that there is new technology that helps drivers avoid a car crash. 

Here are some Advanced Safety Features you should look for to help avoid car crashes:

1.  AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING.  Automatic Emergency Braking senses a potential  crash and the car initiates braking for you.

2.  FORWARD COLLISION WARNING.  This system uses laser, radar, or cameras to assess potential crashes and judge speeds of approaching cars.  It alerts the driver with a signal of a potential car crash --  this gives the driver time to react and try to avoid the crash.
 
3.  BLIND SPOT WARNING.  Blind spot warning technology warns drivers of cars they cannot see.  This technology scans the sides of your car for other cars' presence in your blind spots.  It uses a signal to warn you of a danger you can't see.

4.  BACKUP CAMERAS.  Put your car in reverse and a camera comes up on your console to show you what is behind you.  This safety feature will be standard on all vehicles made in 2018 or later.

5.  REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT.  This system senses traffic that could cross your travel path as you travel in reverse.  Some of these systems automatically brake for you to avoid impact. 

6.  ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONROL.  ACC systems automatically adjust vehicle speeds so a driver can maintain a safe following distance while using cruise control.

7.  LANE DEPARTURE WARNING.  A warning is given to let you know when you drift out of your lane so you can correct it.

These new technologies can help all drivers reduce their chances of an accident. Look for these features in your new car.

Buying a Safe Car can save your life and minimize injuries in a car accident.  To check out whether your car is safe, you should review its crash test results at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.safercar.gov/safety+ratings).  Below a link to the National Highway Safety Administration's booklet "Purchasing with Safety in Mind" which explains crash tests and shows the safety data for all 2014 vehicles by make and model.  

You should also consider whether your vehicle has advanced crash-prevention features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking and stability control.  You can keep up with the latest automotive safety technology at www.safercar.gov. 

Home Safety is important.  Here are 5 easy tips to protect yourself and your family:

1.  Working Fire Prevention Equipment.  Over 50% of home fire deaths happen because smoke detectors are not installed or are no longer properly working.  Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.  Have a fire extinguisher on every level of your home.  Remember to check your smoke detectors and install batteries regularly.

2.  Practice Kitchen Safety.  Do not leave the kitchen when you are cooking.  If you have small children, use the back burners to prevent burns and injuries.  Unplug small kitchen appliances when they are not being used.

3.  Inspect Power Cords.  Be sure your power cords are not damaged or frayed.  Do not put power cords under carpeting because they can overheat or be damaged.

4.  Check for Recalls:  Go to www.recalls.gov to check for product recalls.  You can also go to www.saferproducts.gov to see other people's product experiences and problems.

5.  Keep Dryer Vents Clear and Clean.  Clean your lint screen regularly to avoid dryer fires.  Clean your dryer vent and be sure that the dryer vents are clear.

Taking these few easy steps could avoid injury and possibly save a life.

All Vermonters know that winter driving can be dangerous.  Driving in snow, slush, ice and black ice can lead to car accidents. 

Here are 5 Winter Driving Tips to keep you safe on Vermont roads this winter:

1.  SLOW DOWN.  Slow down whenever there is snow or slush on the road.  Watch for ice and drive according to the weather conditions.

2.  ALL WHEEL DRIVE COUNTS.  All wheel drive and 4WD help maximize traction in snowy and slushy conditions. 

3.  USE PROPERLY INFLATED WINTER TIRES.  Be sure to use properly maintained winter tires so you are slow down and stop safely.  Do not forget to be sure the tires are properly inflated.

4.  KNOW HOW TO HANDLE A SKID ON ICE.  If you do start to skid on ice, do not panic.  Take your foot off the gas to slow down.  Tap or pump your brakes (do not slam them on) to help you regain traction and slow down.  Turn your wheel and look in the direction of the skid.

5.  PACK A WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY KIT.  Be prepared in case you get stuck or stranded by packing a bag and leaving it in your car. Include: an ice scraper, first aid kit, a blanket, de-ice, sand or kitty litter, water and snacks.  Do not forget to  carry your phone and a phone charger.

Winter has arrived so slow down and stay safe on the roads!

According to a recent special investigation by Consumer Reports, "the way insurers set prices is shrouded in secrecy and rife with inequities."  Here are the 6 hidden truths that Consumer Reports revealed.

1.        Your credit score-- more than your driving habits -- can determine your car insurance premium. Car insurers check your credit scores to try to predict whether you will file an insurance claim.  If they think your credit isn't high enough, then they will charge you more for car insurance.

2.        The insurers profit from accident you my never have.  Since insurers are charging more to people with less than excellent credit, consumers with less than excellent credit are paying for accidents that may never happen.

3.        You'll be charged more if Big Data says you won't notice.  This price optimization is luckily not allowed in Vermont.

4.        Adding a teen driver can cost a fortune, but it does not have to.  If you shop around, you should be able to find an insurance company who will offer your teen insurance at a reasonable rate.  Do not just add the teen to your current insurance policy without    pricing coverage with several companies.

5.        Promised discounts may never materialize.  Many company offer discounts for things like bundling insurance (auto and home), good grades, or installing anti-theft equipment.  Often these discounts are not significant or never materialize.

6.        Longtime loyalty to a company may work against you.  It is common to stay with the same insurance company for many years but that loyalty may be costing you money in the form of increased premiums.

For more information about car insurance pricing and Consumer Reports' investigation, go to:  http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/car-insurance/auto-insurance-special-report/index.htm.

If you are in a car accident, should you apologize for causing the accident?  Often our first thought is to apologize.  However, if you apologize for causing an automobile accident, it can be a legal admission of liability or legal responsibility.  

So be careful about apologizing!   You can say that you are sorry someone got hurt, or sorry that the car accident happened.  However, be careful about apologizing and accepting all the blame for causing a car accident.  If you did cause the car accident or think you caused it,  consult with a lawyer so that you do not make a legal admission that cannot be retracted.

Suddenly you are in a car accident, but luckily no one seems hurt at the accident scene.  Should you report the accident to your auto insurance company or the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles?  Yes!

Vermont law requires you to file an automobile accident report with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles whenever anyone is hurt or when the damage to all cars is more than $3,000.00. 23 VSA Section 1129(a).  This report must be sent to the VT DMV within 72 hours of the accident.

If you do not report your car accident to your auto insurance company, then there may be delays in getting your car repaired and processing the benefits you are covered for.  A delay in reporting personal injuries could hurt your ability to get a fair settlement for your injuries from the car accident.

Once you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to take five steps to protect yourself.  It is hard to think clearly after you have been hit so it is important to prepare and have a checklist, like this, in your glove box to help you remember what to do after a car accident.

1.  Determine the Extent of Injuries and Damage.   Stay calm and try to determine the extent of injuries to yourself and all others so that immediate medical attention occurs.  Remember that right after the accident your adrenaline is pumping which could mask pain or injuries.  If you think you are hurt, get immediate medical attention.

2.  Exchange Insurance Information.  Even if you do not think you are hurt, it is important to exchange insurance information with all drivers involved before you leave the accident scene.  Tip:  Use your phone's camera to photograph the insurance card and driver's license of the driver(s) involved.

3.  Get All Facts.  This step is often forgotten.  It can be crucial to get the names and complete contact information for all people involved in the car accident.  This includes all occupants, drivers, and all witnesses.  Remember to write this down and write down the makes, models, and license plate and driver's license information for the people involved in the car accident.  Tip:  If you are able to, take photos with your phone of the accident scene and the damage to the cars.

4.  Call Your Car Insurance Agent.  Call you own insurance agent immediately after an accident to report the accident and any injuries.  This is required by your automobile insurance policy and will help ensure that your claim is opened and processed quickly.

5.  File a car accident report with the police and Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.  Even in minor car accidents, it is important to make sure you file a legal car accident report.  Vermont law requires that all drivers to file a report after all car accidents with injuries or car accidents which cause more than $1,000.00 of car damage with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.