Depending on your vehicle and the position of your mirrors, it may not be possible to completely eliminate blind spots. There are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of an accident, however.

Adjust Your Mirrors

When you slide behind the wheel, ensure that your mirrors are correctly positioned. If you’re driving in a rental car, or someone has adjusted your mirrors, perform the following steps before you start driving.

• Move the rear view mirror until you have the best view directly behind your vehicle. You should make the adjustments with your head in its usual driving position.
• Lean your head across until it’s against your driver’s side window. Adjust the driver’s side mirror until you see the side of your car. When you sit back in a normal position, you should not be able to see any of your car’s bodywork in the mirror. You need to be able to see other cars, not your own.
• Now lean the other way until your head is in the center of the car, in line with the middle of the rear view mirror. Adjust the passenger’s side mirror until you can see the side of your vehicle. When you sit back in your normal position, you should not be able to see any of the car’s bodywork in the mirror.
• Your mirrors are now in the optimum position. You may still have a small blind spot, but it will be much smaller than if your mirrors were set up incorrectly.

Some modern cars now have what is known as mirror memory. It allows you to position your mirrors perfectly, and then save their position into the car’s memory. You can then return your mirrors to the exact same position with a push of the button.

This is particularly useful if you share your car with someone else who requires the mirrors to be in different positions.

Know Your Blind Spot

Once you have your mirrors set up to the correct position, you may still find that you have a small blind spot.

Learn exactly where your blind spot is, and how big it is. This will make you safer when on the roads because you’ll know the area that you need to watch.

The easiest way to find the size and position of your blind spot is to get out on the road. In your rear view mirror, find a car that is behind you, but is in the process of passing you. Watch it in your rear view mirror as it approaches and notice when it enters the view from your side mirrors.

You should be able to determine the exact point at which it disappears from both your rear view and your side mirrors. Now count seconds in your head until you see the car in your peripheral vision. This should be no more than one or two seconds, provided that the car is not passing you at almost the same speed you are traveling.

Try this a few times and determine the longest amount of time that any vehicle remains in your blind spot.

Wait to Pull Out

Now that you know how long vehicles are typically in your blind spot, you can reduce your risk of an accident by waiting for at least this long before changing lanes.

For example, if you notice that cars tend to be in your blind spot for two seconds at most, then when it comes time to change lanes, check both your rear view and side mirrors. If you don’t see anything, wait another two seconds before you pull out. This should give enough time for any cars that were in your blind spot to become visible again.

We always advise taking plenty of time to make your move into the next lane.

Look Over Your Shoulder

Another technique when dealing with blind spots while driving is to look over your shoulder.

If you cannot see a car in your mirrors, you should still be able to see it through the side windows. Because of the position of the most common blind spots, you will need to look over your left shoulder to do this.

Keep in mind that while looking back may reduce the risk of a blind spot accident, it could increase your risk of hitting the car in front. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are in tight traffic, stay safe by being selective when looking over your shoulder.

Use Technology

As mentioned earlier, well as thinking about your own blind spot, you should also and take into account the blind spots of other drivers. They may not be so aware of the problem as you now are, and they may try to pull out when you are driving in their blind spot.

If you are passing another car, avoid matching their speed too closely. This will cause you to remain in their blind spot for longer than if you were passing them more quickly. The less time you can spend in their blind spot the better.

Also take into account the blind spots of vehicles that cannot see directly behind them, such as large trucks, tractor trailers, big rigs or station wagons that are full right up to the roof. These drivers will only be able to see you in their side mirrors, so if you are too close behind them, you will be in a large blind spot.

They may brake suddenly, not realizing you are there. If you are traveling close behind them, you will have little time to avoid a collision.

Source: drivesafeonline.org

Dear EZDriveMA Customer,

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.

MassDOT urges customers to be cautious about email, text, and phone scams demanding payment of outstanding toll balances. Some attempts have been made to trick customers into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information by directing them to a website to pay their outstanding balances. MassDOT strongly encourages customers not to click the link contained in those messages.

Please Note: The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.

Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.

EZDriveMA customers can verify a valid text notification in several ways:

• EZDriveMA will never send invoices by text
• EZDriveMA will never request payment by text
• All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com

This smishing scam is part of a series of smishing scams that the FBI is aware of: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240412

The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:

1. File a complaint with the IC3, https://www.ic3.gov/, be sure to include:

• The phone number from where the text originated.
• The website listed within the text

2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.

3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.

4. Delete any smishing texts received.

5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

We encourage all customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact us at https://www.ezdrivema.com/ with any questions about EZDriveMA notifications.

Rideshare. It's a wildly popular and relatively new industry that's changing the way we think about transportation. Millions of people have become rideshare drivers, and even more have used their incredibly convenient services.

Here's one way to illustrate its astronomical impact: If you add up all the Uber® trips taken in the past five years, the total distance covered is enough for a round trip to Saturn. Add this with the miles covered by Lyft™⚹ and other companies, and it's easy to see that the rideshare industry is really going places (to say the least!)

The rideshare industry provides flexible work options that are appealing to many. If you have the right vehicle, a driver's license, a relatively clean driving record, a smartphone and customer service skills, you have the potential to be a driver. Of course, no matter how long you've worked in ridesharing, there's always more you can learn about being an efficient, safe and successful driver. That's why I've put together a list of five tips every rideshare driver should know:

1. Drive with a plan

As a rideshare driver, you have the benefit of setting your own schedule. Instead of deciding to go out on a whim, be strategic: set income goals, commit to a certain amount of hours per week and prepare a plan to optimize your driving time. Make sure you're aware of traffic patterns, surge price opportunities and other details about your area, like road conditions, airport demand and local event info. Know that early mornings and late nights are generally busy times for different reasons, and if driving in heavy traffic overwhelms you, avoid rush hours. Lastly, always be prepared with a full tank of gas, and bring snacks so you don't have to make unnecessary stops for food.

2. Invest in your phone

Obviously, your phone is an essential tool for being a rideshare driver. It connects you with customers via ridesharing apps, provides a GPS system and offers countless other resources. Running rideshare apps and a GPS nonstop can drain your battery, so make sure you always have a phone charger. A dead battery equals a dead business! A phone mount is also an important investment—it will help you more safely view your GPS while maintaining full visibility of the road.

3. Keep your vehicle squeaky clean

Your customers expect professionalism. Maintaining a clean vehicle, inside and out, is a simple way to give your customers the comfort of knowing they're riding with a professional. Get regular car washes, vacuum the interior and pick up any trash that's left behind after each ride.

4. Take action if you feel unsafe

If for any reason a customer makes you feel unsafe, end the ride. Park in a populated, well-lit area, and let the customer know that you are cancelling the ride. If you believe you are in a truly dangerous situation, call 911. Afterwards, be sure to notify your rideshare company and follow its reporting procedure.

5. Get rideshare insurance coverage

A recent survey of nearly 1,000 rideshare drivers found that more than 90 percent don't have a rideshare-friendly insurance policy. Many drivers may think they're already covered by their personal auto policy, but most are not. Generally, a personal auto policy isn't designed to provide you with coverage when you are working as a rideshare driver.

You may think, "Doesn't the rideshare company's insurance policy cover me when I'm working?" Well, if the rideshare company's policy does provide coverage, you may not have coverage for the time between logging into the company's app and getting matched with a rider. This means you could end up having to pay for damages out of your own pocket in the event of a claim.

To avoid a coverage gap, talk with an insurance agent who has experience insuring rideshare drivers. They can help you find a policy that meets your state's coverage requirements and that helps protect you every time you're on the road.

Overall, always make safety your number one priority. Be patient and learn through experience. Reflect on what works for you and what doesn't. Soon you'll find your rhythm and excel in your role as a rideshare driver!

Source: foremost.com

Talk to your vet about medications your pet might need for travel, such as to reduce anxiety or travel sickness symptoms. Test them on your pet in advance, to ensure that your pet doesn't suffer any adverse side effects.

Traveling with Your Pet by Car

• All cats should be in a crate or carrier.
• Dogs can be either in a crate or carrier, or restrained in a special harness that attaches to the seat belt. If you use a pet barrier in the back seat or deck of your SUV, be sure it is sturdy and firmly attached so it does not collapse on your pet.
• Never allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat (especially one that is airbag equipped).
• Never let your pet out of the car without proper restraint.
• Don’t allow your pet to ride with their head out the window; they could get hurt by flying debris.
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. He or she will be vulnerable to heat stroke or theft.
• If you are traveling out of town, stop regularly so that your pet can stretch his legs and have a drink of water.

Traveling with Your Pet on an Airplane

• Know that last minute air travel with pets is not always possible, and each airline and destination may have its own regulations, including for vaccinations and quarantine.
• If your pet is small, you may be able to carry him or her onboard with you (in a crate—check airline rules).
• If your pet must travel in the luggage or cargo area: a) take a direct flight; b) travel on the same flight as your pet; c) don't travel when temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit; and d) ask to watch your pet being loaded and unloaded.
• Notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is in the cargo area.
• If the plane has to taxi for a long time, ask that a temperature check be taken on the cargo area. Pets have been harmed because cargo area temperatures got too hot or too cold while the airplane taxied.

Source: redcross.org

Happy New Year! Thank you for choosing Lallis & Higgins Insurance and putting your trust in our service, we enjoy serving clients like you and hope to serve you again in 2025.

As this year comes to a close, we want to take this opportunity to send warm wishes to you and your family. We hope your New Year is filled with the warmth of family and an abundance of happiness and health.

Our valued customers and clients have been the backbone of our success. We hope you enjoyed 2024 and we wish for you an even better and refreshed new year. Here's to a New Year that is as amazing as you are.

As the holiday season approaches, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your families. We hope you and your loved ones have a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and happiness, food, laughter, and beautiful memories. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and support throughout the year. Here’s to a fantastic holiday season, may this special time be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories!

Yes, it’s been said, many times, many ways, but we still mean it just as much! Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, we appreciate your business and look forward to being your provider in the new year!

Nothing quite creates a winter holiday ambiance as well as a log in the fireplace and family gathered around to bask in its warmth and glow. Of course, playing with or near fire is dangerous for children, so please remember these tips from the AAP before you light your hearth.

• If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.
• Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly.
• Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
• Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
• The chimney should be checked annually by a professional.
• Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.
• Minimize your child's chance of burns from the hot glass front of some fireplaces, including gas fireplaces. Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns.
• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable (ie: furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.). If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, take your small child with you.
• Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child's reach. Also, remove any lighters and matches.
• Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Talk with children as early as possible the dangers of fires and the heat coming from them.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season from Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: healthychildren.org

For many people, owning your own home is a major life goal, but the process can be daunting. Large loans like mortgages have a set of processes and a commitment level that can intimidate first-time buyers, but with these tips, you can get through the financing, search and application process with ease.

Start with realistic goals

When you decide that owning a home is a life goal, you will first need to assess your finances. Typically, mortgage loans require a cash down payment before approval, which means you may need to save until you have a suitable amount ready. The average down payment typically needed to be eligible for the best interest rates is 20 percent of the sales price. For a home listed at $200,000 you would need around $40,000 saved as the down payment.

After you set your savings budget, determine exactly what you need in a house and separate those factors from what you want in a house. For instance, if keeping or decreasing your work commute is a priority, then a location near your job site is essential. Factors that may not matter as much to you should be relegated to a nice-to-have list, like a finished basement, or hard wood floors.

After considering the down payment and critical home features, the next stage of home buying boils down to how much you can afford.

Understand total homeownership costs

Home ownership costs do not start and end with the down payment and purchase price. There are long-term expenses associated with owning a home, which can include:

• Maintenance and repair costs
• Homeowner association fees
• Lawn care
• Property taxes
• Homeowner insurance
• Utility bills

Once you have recognized the total amount you feel comfortable spending on your home each month, add up the local and average costs of the above factors. That total should be subtracted from what you feel comfortable spending on your home each month and the remainder is your ideal monthly mortgage payment amount.

Pre-approval is crucial

Before you start the home search process, choose a mortgage lender to help you navigate the process. Finance professionals will help you choose the right mortgage, and will let you know the amount of home loan you qualify for through pre-approval.

Obtaining a pre-approval loan amount kick starts your search because it can act as a budget reality check, while also demonstrating to sellers that you are serious about purchasing. Professionals can also help you find governmental assistance programs for first-time home buyers, and will provide information about home prices and the buying market in your area.

With these tips in mind, you can begin your home search armed with information about your finances, the market and the exact features you need in a home.

Source: UMB

Tax planning is for everyone. Get ready today to file your federal income tax return. Planning ahead can help you file an accurate return and avoid delays that can slow your tax refund.

Steps you can take now to make tax filing easier

• Create or access your account information at IRS.gov/account
• Gather and organize your tax records
• Check your individual tax identification number (ITIN)
• Make sure you've withheld enough tax
• Get banked to speed tax refunds with direct deposit

What's new and what to consider the next time you file

• Taxpayers may receive a Form 1099-K
• Changes that may affect your tax refund
• Avoid refund delays and understand refund timing

Bookmark IRS.gov resources and online tools

Make your first stop IRS.gov where you'll find online tools to help you get the information you need. The tools are easy-to-use and available 24 hours a day. Millions of people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their accounts, and get answers to tax questions.

• File your taxes
• Get your refund status
• Volunteer to help eligible taxpayers file in your community
• Protect yourself and your money
• Download publications

IRS.gov

You are an integral part of the Lallis & Higgins Insurance family and we are so grateful for your support!

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, we want to give thanks to all of you, our exceptional clients who make our growth not just possible, but worthwhile. Our customers are the reason we thrive and the reason we are here. Thank you so much for choosing us time and time again. The economy may be in a struggle right now, but we do know one thing: Without your loyalty, your feedback, and your support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

May this Thanksgiving be as joyful as you deserve, and the start of a fun and happy holiday season and a successful and healthy new year! In this time of giving thanks, we want to thank you, our customers. Wishing you all the best, and a very happy Thanksgiving.