With fall around the corner, you and your family may be starting to enjoy walks around the neighborhood. Of course, you will likely be joined by the neighborhood dogs and their families as well.
Here’s what you can do to help your child stay safe while meeting new dogs.
Talk before you walk
Once your child spots a new friend, they may not be listening to your panicked warnings. Talk to your child about what to do when they see a new dog. Before every walk, go over what to do until the right behaviors become a habit.
When you talk to your child, remind them to have good dog manners, such as:
Keep in mind, no matter how cautious you are around dogs, they are animals and may act in unpredictable ways. If a dog owner lets your child pet their dog, watch carefully so that you can intervene if the dog starts to show signs of aggression.
Some dogs perceive children as a threat
There are more than enough stories of small children getting bit by dogs to be shy about letting your child approach a new dog. Part of preventing a dog attack, however, is understanding why a dog might be aggressive in the first place.
While your child may seem sweet and innocent to you, when a dog meets a child that is about the same size, the dog may see the child as a threat. Some dogs are not raised with children or do not encounter them often. A dog will assume that the small child is going to start a fight for dominance, and the dog may try to win.
]]>In 2017, there were at least 14,000 distracted driving crashes in Ohio, resulting in more than 50 fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if you’re driving while talking on your phone, you can miss 50% of the activity around you. This “inattention blindness” can overlook pedestrians and other vehicles, and it can be deadly.
With 1.2 mobile devices for every American, distracted driving is a huge problem. In Ohio, trying to educate commuters about the dangers of distracted driving isn’t enough. So law enforcement is cracking down.
What is distracted driving?
The fact is, when you’re traveling at 60 mph, the road requires your full attention. Distracted driving includes any behavior that interferes with your attention. Some of these behaviors include:
In Ohio, any number of the above behaviors can result in a $100 ticket. Drivers can avoid the fine by completing a distracted driving course. Education is key here. The more educated drivers are to the dangers of distracted driving, the fewer unnecessary injuries and deaths.
Again, distracted driving is an epidemic on American roadways. It’s also a totally preventable problem. Keep your eyes on the road.
]]>Creating a will can be an intimidating idea task. You may look around your home and be overwhelmed at the thought of a document that communicates who should get what after you pass away.
This is what you should think about as you are preparing to write your will.
I have a lot of stuff
Over the years you may have built up a collection of trinkets from vacations, or you may have a diverse collection of crafts from a hobby you enjoy. No matter how many items you own, it is possible to write a will that is clear and allows you to pass on your assets to the people in your life who will value them the most.
If the number of items is overwhelming, think of then in categories rather than individual pieces. Also consider that collections may have more value as a group, rather than distributed evenly among your loved ones.
You are in control
While it may seem like a formulaic process, creating a will is primarily up to you. If you want to itemize everything you own and list who will get each item, you can. You can also categorize your assets more globally so that you can leave categories of items to specific people.
The biggest priority is for your executor to understand your will so that they know what to do after you pass away. Your executor will no longer be able to ask you for clarification, so it is best to get the details clear as you are creating your will. Talk to them about what your goals are for your estate, so they know what to do when it is time to distribute your assets.
]]>Often, when there is a motorcycle accident, the other motorist claims they were not able to see the person on the bike. All drivers on the road have a responsibility to see and be seen. Everyone is safer when all motorists are doing their best to be visible.
Here’s how you can make sure other cars can see you while you are enjoying your motorcycle.
Wear reflective clothing
Driving at night can have its own challenges. Even if you can see well in the dark., other drivers may struggle seeing someone with a smaller vehicle.
In addition to maintaining all the lights on your motorcycle, wear bright or reflective clothing when you plan to be out at night. Bright clothing makes it easier for other traffic to see you, no matter where you are.
Avoid blind spots
Smaller than most other vehicles on the road, motorcycles can easily fit into a car’s blind spot. Unfortunately, drivers do not always check their blind spot for other vehicles before turning or changing lanes.
If you are passing another motorist, pay attention to where their blind spots are and move through them as quickly and safely as possible. Try not to linger directly to the side of another vehicle, especially near large trucks.
For the moments when you are in someone’s blind spot, try to pay attention to signs that they may try to change lanes. If they attempt to move and do not see you, you will want to be able to respond as soon as possible.
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