Law enforcement officers, emergency responders and other roadside workers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe — and that’s why it’s important to move over when you see them along the side of a road.

What You Need To Do

When a vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on or next to a roadway, drivers approaching the vehicle should:

• change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle, or
• slow down to a reasonable speed if you’re unable to safely make a lane change.

Move Over – It's the Law

All 50 states have "Move Over" laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders stopped on roadways, yet one-third of Americans are not aware of these laws. Violation of the Move Over law results in fines and in some cases jail time.

Remember, next time you see flashing lights on the side of the road or roadside workers, Move Over. It’s the Law.

Source: nhtsa.gov

Properly storing a classic car is not as simple as parking it and leaving it untouched. Preserving them requires careful planning and execution. Here are some important tips that are generally recommended by car experts for storing a classic car effectively:

Regular Visual Inspections:

Conduct visual inspections for signs of rust, leaks, and wear. If you do find rust on your vehicle and want to know how to get it off, there are many articles on the topic, like this one from Motor Trend that might help. As far as other things to look for during your regular inspections, it might help to check for loose bolts, damaged seals and any potential issues that might worsen over time.

Fluids Levels

Regularly check oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid levels. If any of these are low, you should fill them up as necessary to help prevent engine damage and overheating.

Tire Care:

Maintain proper tire pressure and inspect for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Rotate tires regularly to extend their lifespan. If your classic car will be idle for a long time, it may help to use jacks to lift the car up and take pressure off the tires. For more guidelines on storing a classic car, check out our classic car storage tips article.

Battery Health:

Experts say that keeping the battery terminals clean and corrosion-free is an essential step. While you can always replace a battery, sources like Batteries Plus states a corroded battery can still cause damage to other parts of the vehicle if the corrosion spreads. If your classic car will sit idle for extended periods, consider disconnecting the battery to prevent drain.

Brake Maintenance:

Regularly inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake lines. If any of these look like they're in poor condition, consider replacing them. Depending on how often you drive the vehicle, it may be a good idea to check your brake fluid as well and top it off as needed. Classic car brake service is crucial to ensure optimal stopping power and safety.

Electrical System:

Check lights, signals, and gauges for proper functionality. Faulty electrical components can lead to more extensive issues if not addressed promptly.

Fuel System:

Ensure the fuel tank and lines are clean. Consider using fuel stabilizers if the car will be stored for an extended time to prevent fuel degradation.

Drive It Regularly:

You may be tempted to simply start your classic car once or twice a month in an effort to keep it in good condition. But the thing is, classic cars love to be driven. According to Auto Art, for example, driving your classic car on short trips, about 10-15 miles each month, gets fluids going enough to help keep the engine lubricated and prevent parts from seizing.

Wax and Polish:

Protect the paint and maintain its shine by waxing and polishing your classic car regularly. This shields the finish from UV rays and environmental elements.

Interior Preservation:

Clean and condition the interior to prevent cracking, fading and other forms of deterioration. It is generally recommended that you use products specifically designed for classic cars, as the materials can be different than what's used in modern vehicles, which means it can react differently.

Source: foremost.com

Every vehicle should have an emergency supply kit in the trunk. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced regularly. Here's what to have in a car emergency kit:

• A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit and/or a multipurpose utility tool
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible
• Compass
• First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy
• Drinking water
• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Rain poncho
• Snow brush
• Shovel
• Windshield washer fluid
• Warm clothing
• Cat litter for traction
• Blankets

It's also a good idea to keep family and emergency phone numbers, including your auto insurance provider and a towing company, in your phone.

Source: nsc.org

Since Boston’s fireworks kick off on Thursday, we consider that the start of the weekend! Here are some exciting activities to enjoy each day, ensuring five days of endless fun in Boston:

1. Labor Day Fireworks – Thursday, August 29

Pop-off into the weekend, literally, with the Boston Harbor Labor Day Weekend Fireworks show! The annual event is the last Boston fireworks display until First Night, so you don’t want to miss them! Enjoy live music from Berklee students followed by a fireworks show over the Harbor!

2. Captain Your Own Charter with Boston Electric Boats – Friday, August 30

Boating, a quintessential Labor Day excursion, can be done right in the city. You don’t even need a boating license to captain your own charter! Boats accommodate up to 12 guests, breaking the cost down to just $42 per person for a private 2-hour boat ride!

3. Boston Jazz Festival– Saturday, August 31

The two-day 14th annual Boston Jazz Festival runs from Friday, August 30 through Saturday, August 31! The FREE festival features jazz artists including Grammy-Winner Jon Samsom and takes place at Maritime Park in Boston’s Seaport District.

4. Mingle and Meet at SoWa Open Market – Sunday, September 1

SoWa Sundays continue even during the holiday weekend. The outdoor market brings together dozens of vendors, food trucks, artisans, and artists to explore.

5. Enjoy Free Admission to the ICA Boston Seaport – Monday, September 2

On Labor Day itself, the Institute of Contemporary Art offers free admission from 10 AM- 5 PM. Five exhibits are on view on Labor Day: Tau Lewis, Wordplay, and Igshaan Adams plus last chances to see Firelei Báez and Hew Locke: The Procession!

Make the most of your Labor Day Weekend in Boston with these activities and more!

Source: bostonuncovered.com

Creating a 360 virtual tour is a simple yet powerful step towards enhancing your business or selling a home.

In this guide, we will explore the benefits of 360 virtual tours, discuss the importance of staging, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to create impressive virtual tours. Whether you are a real estate agency or an entrepreneur looking for a lucrative business opportunity, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to leverage the potential of 360 virtual tours.

To further enhance your understanding and expertise in the world of creating 360 virtual tours, it is highly recommended to delve into a wealth of knowledge available on this subject. By exploring these topics below, you can gain valuable insights and acquire the skills necessary to take your virtual tours to the next level.

Benefits of 360 Virtual Tours

Let's explore the key advantages:

Enhanced Visual Experience:

360 virtual tours provide an immersive and interactive visual experience, allowing potential buyers or clients to explore properties or businesses from the comfort of their homes.

Broadened Reach:

With virtual tours, you can attract long-distance buyers or clients who may find it challenging to visit properties in person. This expands your reach and saves time by narrowing down potential leads to those genuinely interested.

Time and Cost Savings:

Virtual tours eliminate the need for numerous in-person property visits, saving both real estate agents and potential buyers valuable time and resources. It streamlines the process and allows you to focus on more qualified leads.

Staging Homes for Success:

What is the role of staging in creating a compelling virtual tour? Staging plays a crucial role in making properties look visually appealing and inviting to potential buyers.

Source: cloudpano.com

Massachusetts residents love their ice cream. And now the state has unveiled an "ice cream trail" map that directs people to more than 100 shops and stands that use local ingredients for their sweet treats.

Gov. Maura Healey said the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail "highlights the incredible diversity of our dairy farms and ice cream shops."

"This new tourism trail is designed to invite residents and visitors to experience our creative dessert offerings at traditional parlors, innovative shops, and local farm stands," she said in a statement.

Below are all the ice cream spots on the map - and we've bolded the businesses that were also favorites of our viewers in the 2021 WBZ Ice Cream Social tournament.

If you don't see your favorite ice cream shop on the list, keep in mind that this map made by the Dairy Promotion Board, Department of Agricultural Resources and tourism office shows places that use locally produced milk from the state's 95 dairy farms for their ice cream.

View the ice cream shops across MA here!

What are the Dates?

In 2024, the sales tax holiday will be on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11.

What qualifies?

The sales tax holiday applies only to eligible retail items bought for personal use by individuals.

What is taxed on this holiday?

Purchases by corporations or other businesses.

Purchases by individuals for business use.

What retail items do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Meals
Motor vehicles
Motorboats
Telecommunications services
Steam
Electricity
Tobacco products
Marijuana or marijuana products
Alcoholic beverages, and
Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

What about internet sales? Do those sales qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Yes. An item will qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet:

On the sales tax holiday and During Eastern Daylight Time.

No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if delivery of the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend.

Do all retailers have to participate in the sales tax holiday?

Yes. All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday

Is there a limit to the retail value to which the sales tax holiday exemption applies?

Yes. The sales tax holiday exemption is limited to eligible sales of items costing $2,500 or less.

What if I spend more than $2,500 on an item?

If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid for the item is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds that threshold.

What if I purchase multiple items that each cost $2,500 or less, but the total price is more than $2,500? Are all items eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption?

If the price of each individual item is $2,500 or less, you can combine as many items as you want, tax-free, even if the combined items cost more than $2,500.

Source: Mass.gov

It's hot! With close to 200 miles of coastline, Massachusetts boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the USA. The wide variety of beach landscapes makes the Bay State unique. Granite boulders on the North Shore are in stark contrast to the miles of wide, sandy dunes along Cape Cod. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket add award-winning beaches that regularly appear on "Best of" lists.

Tidal pools, seafood shacks, historic lighthouses, and impressive surf add further interest. Of course, choosing the best beach is a very personal choice, and no two people would agree, but you can save yourself some time figuring out where to go with our list of the best beaches in Massachusetts.

1. Crane Beach, Ipswich
2. Race Point Beach, Provincetown
3. Chatham Lighthouse Beach
4. Singing Beach, Manchester by the Sea
5. Coast Guard Beach, Eastham
6. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
7. Head of the Meadow, Truro
8. Old Silver Beach, Falmouth
9. Madaket Beach, Nantucket
10. Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor
11. Cisco Beach, Nantucket
12. Rock Harbor Beach, Orleans
13. Plum Island, Newburyport
14. Marconi Beach, Wellfleet
15. Lighthouse Beach, Edgartown
16. Horseneck Beach Reservation, Westport

Click here to find out more about these beaches?

Source: planeware.com

Summer can bring hot temperatures, and working or playing in the heat can be dangerous. As you head out this summer, remember to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related injuries when you're far from climate-controlled environments. The good news is that you can prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.

Protect against sunburn.

Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain an average body temperature.

Take extra precautions with certain medications.

Ask your health care team your medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

Never leave anyone in a parked car.

This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F in 10 minutes. It's unsafe to leave a person or pet in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. Keep your car locked to prevent a child from getting inside when it is parked.

Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.

If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.

Get acclimated.

It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Limit time spent working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Be cautious if you're at increased risk.

If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure medical services are available in case of a heat emergency.

Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Left untreated, it can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.

Source: mayoclinichealthsystem.org

In 2023, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States—a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar crime, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion each year. Summers prove to be the worst season for vehicle theft. So, to help drivers keep their vehicles safe, NHTSA is continuing its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign during July — National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.