Many people have a limited definition of “distracted driving”: They think it only means texting behind the wheel.

There’s good reason for that, because texting requires visual, manual and cognitive attention – the same attention required for safe driving. But although texting is perhaps the most dangerous distraction, there are many others that can impact how you drive, whether you realize it or not. And they can be just as deadly.

How deadly? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2014 more than 400,000 people were injured in crashes caused by distracted drivers – with more than 3,000 killed.

Here are just a few of the things that can distract drivers on the road:

• Talking on the phone, even with a hands-free device.
• Eating or drinking.
• Talking to passengers.
• Grooming (yes, there really are people who apply makeup or shave on their way to work).
• Reading, including maps.
• Adjusting the stereo.

Younger drivers are the most distracted of all – according to the government’s distraction.gov website, people in their 20s make up 38% of drivers who were using cell phones before a fatal crash, and 10% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted, too.

With distractions more prevalent than ever – more than 150 billion text messages are sent in the U.S. every month, for example – how can you, and those you love, be safer behind the wheel? Here are a few tips:

• Don’t use the phone: This includes texting as well as talking, unless it’s an emergency. Even hands-free conversations can take your attention off the road.
• Eat before you leave, or after you get there: Scarfing down that burger with one hand on the wheel means your focus is divided – and you probably don’t have as much control over your car as you should. Bonus benefit: Keeping your meals and your driving separate means you’re much less likely to get ketchup on your pants.
• Know where you’re going: Nobody likes to be lost. But messing around with your car’s GPS (or the maps app on your smartphone) while you’re moving can lead to something you’ll hate even more – an accident.
• Talk to your family about safe driving: Having a conversation with your spouse as they’re driving home? That’s a perfect opportunity to say, “I’ll let you focus on the road; we can talk when you get here.” And if you have young drivers in the household, be sure to have a conversation about their phones and other potential issues, such as their passengers – a key distraction for teens.
• Watch for other distracted drivers: Just because you aren’t distracted doesn’t mean that other drivers are focused on safe driving. Stay in control and be vigilant – you’ll be ready to react when someone else makes the wrong move.

Distracted driving isn’t just “one of those things” that happens, like a tire blowout or mechanical failure that isn’t anyone’s fault. It’s 100% preventable – and by committing to avoiding distractions while you drive, you’ll help make the road safer for everyone.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Whether you’re planning a trip to a local attraction in Sout Carolina this summer, or headed all the way across the country, you want your vacation to be relaxing. It’s a getaway from work, not to mention your day-to-day life. So we’ve got some tips – from packing smart to protecting yourself from pickpockets – to make your trip the best it can be.

Before you go

Even if you’re only headed across the state, a packing list is a must. How many times have you left home and arrived at your destination, only to find that you forgot your most comfortable walking shoes? Or your swimsuit? Put everything on this list, even if you think you would never forget it. A toothbrush is easy to replace when you get there – your prescription medication isn’t.

Be sure that you have printed itineraries for everyone in your party, and make color copies of important ID documents as well. Keep the copies in your bag, separate from your passport and other IDs. It’s also a great idea for each person to have a list of emergency numbers, either for them to call or for someone else providing assistance.

Of course, packing light can make travel a lot more enjoyable. Who wants to lug 100 pounds of luggage through the airport? Not us. Here are some ideas to help you lighten the load:

• Do laundry at your destination. Nobody wants to do laundry on vacation, but if you’re willing to sacrifice a little time, you can pack far fewer items of clothing. If you won’t have access to facilities, you can wash clothes in the hotel sink and hang them up to dry.
• Easy on the shoes. If you can, pack only one or two pairs of shoes. It’s best to wear the heavier pair during travel if possible, and pack the lighter one.
• Ditch the books. Consider using an e-reader instead of packing actual books – that way you can carry hundreds of books on your trip! If you don’t own or want an e-reader, you can buy books once you reach your destination. Thrift shops are great places to find inexpensive books.
• If flying, don’t check your bag. This will not only force you to take smaller pieces of luggage, but with most airlines charging checked-baggage fees, it will save you money! It saves you the hassle of baggage claim, too.

When you’re there

Once you arrive at your destination, it’s time to relax! But don’t let your guard down completely. After all, tourists often are targets for those looking to separate you from your money. We’re talking mainly about thieves, but don’t forget, you also lose money when you spend more than needed. Here are some ways to protect your wallet from criminals and other money traps:

• Don’t carry much cash. Most places accept credit cards, and those that don’t often have ATMs on site.
• If you carry a wallet, keep it in your front pocket. For a purse, hang it across your body. Both will make it more difficult for a thief. You could also consider carrying a money belt, which is a good way to conceal cash and cards.
• Staying at a hotel? Check to see if they have “resort fees.” More and more hotels are charging these, which often provide things that used to be included in your room rate (such as access to the fitness center). Some will waive it if you complain — and it can be worth complaining because the fee can be $10 – $25 each day.
• Eating out too much? If your hotel room has a refrigerator, you can easily purchase and store sandwich ingredients for a cheap lunch or dinner. Many people find it more economical to rent a condominium or house for their vacation and cook most of their own meals. The money saved on restaurants can make up for any cost difference between a condo and hotel.
• Think about travel insurance. Yes, this costs money up front. But if you have a long and expensive vacation planned, travel insurance can end up saving you a lot of money if something goes wrong and you need to come home early or even cancel your entire trip. Depending on the coverage you purchase, you could receive reimbursement for additional airfare, hotel charges and more.

Finally, remember that you’re on vacation to relax and escape everyday life. So when you get there, get out there! Meet some locals, do some things off the beaten path. In fact, the locals usually have the best recommendations. And you just might make some new friends, too!

Color, price, body style, gas mileage – there’s a lot to consider when picking out a vehicle for your daily commute or weekend road trips. One area not to overlook? Safety features.

With more advanced technology than ever before, today’s cars are helping to keep us safe on {city, state or region} roads. Here’s how:

1. Electronic stability control: Helps detect and reduce loss of traction. Now standard on 2012 cars and newer.
2. Forward collision warning: Alerts you if you’re about to collide with something ahead.
3. Automatic emergency braking: Slows or stops your car when forward sensors detect an impending collision.
4. Backup camera: Provides visibility behind your car when you are in reverse.
5. Lane-departure warning: Sounds an alarm if you start drifting out of your lane.
6. Blind-spot detection: Senses when another vehicle or object is in your blind spot on the driver or passenger side, triggering a light or other alarm.
7. Adaptive headlights: Shift to provide better visibility as you make turns or go around curves.

As impressive as these features are, keep in mind they’re not a substitute for all of the things you need to do as a responsible driver, such as staying alert, driving at the right speed, etc. But, they can help make our commutes and journeys safer, and they may even help you save on your South Carolina car insurance. Ask us how!

Finally, to check the safety rating of a car you’re considering, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at Safercar.gov/Safety+Ratings.

When the temperature heats up in South Carolina, all you can think about is cooling off at the local pool. Just remember: Where there’s water, there’s risk.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t jump in (carefully) and have some fun with family and friends. It just means you should keep these safety tips in mind any time you swim in {state, city or region}:

1. Don’t go it alone. Swim only in designated areas, with a lifeguard if possible, and use the buddy system – even adults shouldn’t swim when no one else is around. As for children, they should never be left unattended in or near the water or supervised by another child.
2. Mind the rules. If an area forbids diving or is closed for swimming, that means it’s unsafe to do so. Save yourself a trip to the hospital and follow all posted rules and warnings.
3. Keep away from drains. In a pool or spa, a drain’s powerful suction can trap children and adults. Be sure everyone knows to keep their distance. The same goes for riptides and currents if you’re in an open body of water.
4. Know how to respond. When someone is missing, especially a child, always check the water first. Learn CPR and other skills that can save lives.
5. Use common sense. Don’t use drugs or alcohol during water activities. Do have life jackets for inexperienced swimmers, and keep plenty of sunscreen and water on hand to help everyone beat the heat.
6. Alert a lifeguard if you see someone struggling. Alternately, you could throw the person a floating object or reach out with a long object.

With a little caution, and a whole lot of supervision, you can help ensure your day at the pool or lake goes swimmingly. Have fun getting wet!

The kids are itching to go someplace exciting for summer break in South Carolina, and nothing fits the bill like an amusement park – a classic staple of American fun.

However, unless you take some safety precautions, an amusement park or water park can also be stressful or even dangerous. So, brush up on these safety tips before the thrills begin:

1. Follow the rules. Ignoring this tip is why most injuries occur in the first place. The rules are there for your safety, not to limit your fun, so be sure to observe and obey them. That includes any and all restrictions regarding age and height, as well as guidelines about physical conditions that may make it unsafe to participate. Listen to instructions from park employees, and keep arms, legs, feet and hands inside rides at all times. Finally, always use the provided safety restraints.
2. Educate your kids. Make sure they know how to behave safely, both on rides and in crowded public spaces.
3. If you’re at a water park, take special care. Children under 4 feet tall, and people who are weak swimmers, should wear life jackets. Know where lifeguards are, and signal them if you see anyone in trouble or struggling. Observe proper hygiene in and around the water. Use waterproof swim diapers, try not to get water in your mouth, shower before getting in any pool and so forth.
4. Have an emergency plan. Designate a meeting place in case anyone becomes separated from the rest of the group. Use a buddy system to ensure children are never alone.
5. Don’t overheat. Bring plenty of sunscreen (the waterproof kind if you’re at a water park) and drink lots of water during the day. Don’t forget to spend some time in the shade, too.
6. Know your limits. Be mindful of the health limitations of any people in your group, and check with the park ahead of time to see if they offer any special accommodations. Remember, kids can sometimes overdo it when they’re having fun, so build in time for regular breaks.

Plan ahead for safety, and you can help make sure the only roller coasters on your trip are the ones you ride. Have a great time!

Parking lots in South Carolina – we love the convenience but hate the frustrations, especially when people are driving too fast, backing out of spots without looking and otherwise modeling bad parking lot behavior.

That behavior just so happens to be the cause of many a door ding and irritated driver. Even worse, careless behavior can cause a collision or injury. So, let’s all slow down and follow these five tips to make parking lots safer for everyone:

1. Don’t Speed
   Speeding decreases the amount of time you have to react when a child runs out in front of you, another driver stops suddenly or a car begins backing out unexpectedly. Is a collision – or even a fatality – really worth the price of getting to your destination just a bit sooner?
2. Use Your Eyes – and Mirrors and Cameras
   Keep a lookout for perils at all times, even if the lot seems empty. When you’re pulling into a spot, watch for doors being opened. When backing out, look all around, in your mirrors and in your rear-view camera and proceed slowly.
3. Give Yourself – and Others – Some Space
   Parking in between the lines and in a spot sized for your vehicle may help to minimize dings and scratches. Better yet, park in a less-crowded area and enjoy the stroll into the store – just don’t park where you feel unsafe. And, always park away from stray carts.
4. Expect the Unexpected
   Assume things will happen. That someone will dart out in front of you, that a cart will come rolling toward you, that someone backing out of his/her spot won’t see you backing out of yours. When you’re on guard, you’re better prepared for those who aren’t.
5. Be Respectful
   A little kindness goes a long way in a parking lot or parking garage. So stop for pedestrians, don’t cause traffic jams waiting for a spot and, above all, don’t lose your cool.

Remember, when you’re watching for dangers, you have a better chance of avoiding them. If an incident does occur, we here at DeWees Insurance Partners are ready to help.

Your South Carolina business does more than serve people in the community — it helps to strengthen the community. But, are you maximizing your impact and the recognition you get for it?

An event, sponsorship or marketing push centered around a holiday, such as Independence Day, can help you do both. And, these efforts can increase your business, particularly if the summer months are slower for you.

The options are almost limitless, whether you want to celebrate the holiday or just summer in general. Here are four great ideas to help you make an impact this July:

1. Host a holiday gathering. If space permits, host a barbecue for the public sometime around (but not on) the Fourth of July. This is a great way to build community and allow neighbors — and your employees — to get to know each other. You can also promote your business with signs, brochures and special offers just for the event. Sending a press release can even bring media coverage, especially if your event is unique.
2. Sponsor larger celebrations. Your community might have a fireworks display or other event. Be a part of it! There are likely sponsorship opportunities that include logo placement in event advertising, on programs and more. You can promote your involvement on your Facebook page and other social media, too.
3. Have a contest. People love contests, holiday-related or not, so you might offer a prize for the most patriotic photo posted on your Facebook page, or have a random drawing among customers who visit your location during July. The more interactive the better – a contest can generate some serious buzz. For example, newspapers and TV often cover or host photo contests around Easter featuring Peeps candy.
4. Communicate! Sending a holiday-themed email or blog post is always a great idea, even if you don’t have anything business-specific to promote. Customers appreciate helpful information, such as tips about fireworks safety or food preparation.

Remember, your holiday promotion doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply making an effort can make a difference for the community and your business. Enjoy the Fourth!

A 2009 survey shows that identity theft is on the rise – and it’s more likely to start with a stolen wallet than an online phishing expedition.

Researchers at Javelin Strategy & Research reported that the number of identity theft cases increased 22 percent to 9.9 million in 2008.

Crimes of opportunity, such as stolen wallets, represented 43 percent of cases, compared to 33 percent in 2007, indicating an increase in the desperation of criminals.

Women were 26 percent more likely to be victims of identity theft, reporting a higher incidence of lost or stolen information during purchases in stores.

Only 11 percent of cases involved online access.

The smartest way to protect yourself from identity theft is to prevent it from happening to you. However, if your identity is stolen, you’ll be able to lessen problems by acting quickly.

• Call your credit card companies immediately. Explain what happened, and ask where to send a copy of the police report.
• Call and report to the police. Make several copies of police report.
• Complete a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Theft Affidavit and FTC report (call 1-887-ID-THEFT to request the forms).
• Call your bank. They can place an alert on your Driver’s License number and Social Security Number, and freeze your account.
• Call fraud units of credit report agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

Fortunately, identity theft protection is available as an endorsement on most homeowners’ policies at a small cost. For example, Safeco offers Identity Theft Protection for $12 a year to homeowner policyholders. The coverage reimburses certain expenses associated with identity recovery. Customers can also get guidance on how to protect themselves from ID theft before it happens and may receive assistance with identity restoration.

If you’re interested in learning more, call Josh DeWees at (803) 386-0003 or request a quote!

10 Ways to Keep You and Your Family Safe This Independence Day

In South Carolina, summer truly begins when the Fourth of July arrives. It’s a holiday full of fireworks and food, barbecues and boating, family and friends. It can also be full of danger — and we’re not only talking about the fireworks.

Whether you’re lighting your own fireworks at home, going to a community show or heading somewhere else, here are 10 ways to help ensure a happy and healthy holiday:

1. Stay protected — and hydrated. If you’re going to be outdoors during the day, use plenty of sunblock (and bring extra). You’ll also want to drink water throughout the day, particularly if you’re drinking alcohol (in which case don’t drive). It’s easy to get dehydrated in the heat.
2. Watch what you eat. We’re not talking about counting calories. We’re talking about making sure your food is fully cooked. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meats (steaks, roasts or chops) need to be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, ground meats to 160 and poultry to 165.
3. Watch what you serve. If you’re heading to a party and bringing food, put it in an insulated cooler with ice or ice packs so it doesn’t grow harmful bacteria between the time you leave your house and the time people dig in. Pull it from the fridge right before you leave for the party.
4. Don’t drink and drive. We shouldn’t need to tell you this, of course, but the period around the Fourth of July holiday is a deadly one for drunk-driving fatalities.
5. Don’t drink and boat. Alcohol is a factor in about one-third of recreational boating deaths, says the Coast Guard, so boating under the influence is never a good idea.
6. Make sure everyone’s got a life jacket. If you’re going to be near or on the water, life jackets are a must. On a boat, there should be enough life preservers for everyone, and remember that kids need an appropriately sized jacket.
7. Lighting fireworks? Be prepared. Keep a hose or bucket of water close by, and make sure you’re not aiming at people, animals, homes, plants or cars.
8. Supervise the kids. Youngsters shouldn’t be lighting fireworks at all, and older kids need to be watched closely. Even sparklers get much hotter than you think.
9. Keep your distance, too. Thousands of people show up in the emergency room this time of the year with firework injuries. Don’t be one of them!
10. No matter what you’re doing, keep safety in mind at all times.

Those of us at DeWees Insurance Partners wish you and yours a happy and safe Fourth!