Motorcycle Safety

Ride safe with these motorcycle tips

Motorcyclists know that riding gives them a freedom that driving a car just can’t match. But the best riders also know that motorcycles require more focus to operate and don’t provide the same protections cars do in the event of a crash. The best riders also take great care in all situations, whether they’re in heavy traffic on 53 or 94, stuck in the rain or just taking a quick ride on a perfect day.

If your habits aren’t as safe as they could be, or if you’re new to motorcycling, don’t worry! Instead, take time to improve. The quick safety tips below are a great place to start.

Want more? Check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (http://www.msf-usa.org) or the American Motorcyclist Association (www.americanmotorcyclist.com). And remember to give us at Mower Insurance a call at 715-723-5525 when you need to get coverage for your bike (or your home or auto, boat or more)!

First things first

·         Wear proper safety gear and, most importantly, a helmet – no matter how short your trip may be.

·         Make sure you can be seen by other motorists. Make it easier for them by wearing reflective clothing, always using turn signals (and perhaps hand signals as well) and keeping your headlight on.

·         Even when taking the above precautions, stay alert and assume that other drivers don’t see you — especially at intersections and when making lane changes or passing.

·         Be patient. Don’t tailgate, and if someone is tailgating you, get out of their way.

·         Don’t ride after drinking or taking any medications that could impair your abilities.

Riding at night

·         Again, make sure you’re visible — particularly at dusk. Consider upgrading your headlight or adding other lights to your ride. Is your bike black? What about your clothing? Both will make you more difficult to see at night.

·         Your vision needs to be clear, so keep your visor or goggles clean and free from scratches. If you don’t use face or eye protection, consider it.

·         Carry a flashlight or other emergency gear with you so a mechanical problem doesn’t leave you stranded — and invisible — on the side of a dark road.

Bad weather?

·         Keep rain and cold-weather gear handy. Riding isn’t just more enjoyable when you’re warm and dry — it’s safer, too.

·         Use extreme caution when it first begins to rain, as the roads are most slick at that point. Pull over and wait if necessary. It’s better to be late than ride in unsafe conditions.

We wish that all of your rides could be on sunny days with wide-open roads, but we know that’s not going to happen. So think about safety every time you start up your bike!

Classic Car Show

Make the most of a classic car show

As the weather warms, you’re likely to start seeing announcements for classic car shows in our Eau Claire suburbs.  These automotive events are a great way to kick start your weekend or vacation. Classic car shows are held all across the country, from small rural towns to large metropolitan areas, and they draw classic car enthusiasts from near and far.

Some people attend classic car shows as spectators to check out unique and rare vehicles. Others go to connect with fellow car buffs or to show off their prized possession. And some attend shows to shop or to sell.

Whether you’re planning to shop, sell, show, or just go, here are some tips for making the most of a classic car show.

·         Family fun. Larger classic car shows typically feature entertainment, food vendors, raffles and more. Bring the whole family for a day of fun.

·         Plan. Take note of the event schedule, plan before you go, and make sure you’re aware of the hours for check-in.

·         Be the early bird. If you’re entering your automobile in a competition, sign up early. Most are limited to a certain number of entries, and it’s usually first come, first served.

·         Know the value.  If you are planning to sell or buy, you must be well versed on the value of the vehicle and the market conditions. Buying or selling a car—especially a classic—can be an emotion-driven experience. Knowing the facts is essential if you are to get the right deal.

·         Need parts? Some larger car shows also feature a swap meet. Before you go, research the show and take note of car accessories and parts you might need.

·         Get some rest. Larger car shows can sprawl for miles upon miles. Make sure you’re rested, hydrated, and fed so you have plenty of energy for a long day of roaming.

·         Pack a bag. Be prepared to get the most out of the day by bringing along what you might need for the weather – from coats to sunscreen – and for your basic needs – from water to snacks.

Whatever your reason for attending the next classic car show, we at Mower hope these pointers will ensure you make the very most of it.

RV Gadgets

Useful tools to enhance your RV experience

You know that taking to the road in your RV is fun – that’s why you do it! But vacationing on the road can have its troubles, like dead batteries, flat tires and missed destinations because of wrong directions. Wouldn’t it be great if there were tools and gadgets to help avoid these situations?

We at Mower Insurance Agency want to help make your RV trips not only easier but also better, whether you’re headed to Yellowstone or just Pine Harbor Campground. So we’ve found some handy items to help do just that.

GPS

We know this isn’t exactly a “new” thing, so why not make the most of your RV trips by knowing exactly where you’re going? Your family will thank you. And some GPS models even show restaurants and other attractions.

Portable battery charger

A dead battery will bring your trip to a quick halt, so make sure you can charge up in an emergency. Some portable chargers are solar-powered and include air compressors to pump up a flat tire.

Tire monitors

A flat tire not only can ruin a day’s drive, it also can be dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to maintain your tires and make sure they’re properly inflated. RV tire pressure monitoring systems alert you when you have a tire running low so you can fix the situation before it gets worse.

Power inverter

These days, everyone has something to charge — from phones to laptops and even e-readers. There are tons of options for inverters that provide portable power, without using your generator, so your devices are ready to keep you connected and entertained.

Silicone cookware

A “must-have” for many RVers, silicone cookware is renowned for nonstick performance. Stacked pieces also don’t rattle while you’re on the road.

Satellite TV

Perhaps you’re RVing to escape “regular” life, including TV. But if you just can’t live without it, you have several choices from dishes that attach to the RV to portable models.

Games

Packing a few games is a great idea for when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your vacation or if you just want to make some new friends at the campground. Classic board games are a fun way to spend a rainy day, and it’s always a good idea to have a deck of cards or two around. Outdoor games like Cornhole (also known as “beanbag toss” or “bags”) are sure to get your competitive juices flowing.

Where to find gadgets for RVing

Of course, there are thousands of useful tools that we just don’t have room to list here – kitchen gizmos to barbecue grills, solar panels to RV tracking systems. Any of these gadgets could improve your experience, whether you’re headed across the country or just across the state! Your local RV dealer likely has more than a few accessories to help you, so they’re a great place to start. Sites like amazon.com and campingworld.com have a lot to offer as well.

Jet Ski and WaveRunner Safety

Stay Safe on Your Jet Skis™ and WaveRunners™

For a lot of people in Chippewa Falls, summer means getting out on the water. And you don’t even need a boat to do it. Personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners, provide a fun and accessible way to enjoy the water.

However, these small, fast and maneuverable watercraft can present their own set of safety issues. So if you’re planning to make waves, let us at Mower Insurance help you out with some safety tips. We want you to be able to hit the water next summer, too!

Make sure you’re following the law

·         In addition to U.S. Coast Guard boating regulations, which operators and passengers must follow (personal watercraft are classified as Class A inboard craft), many states have specific laws regarding personal watercraft such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners. Make sure you are aware of these laws before you hit the water in Wisconsin.

·         While state regulations vary, they may require the operator to be of a minimum age, complete a safe boating course and/or obtain an operator’s certificate. States and cities may also regulate speed limits, hours and areas of operation.

·         Because they are classified as Class A inboard craft by the Coast Guard, the following items are required on board personal watercraft: An approved personal floatation device for all passengers, a fully charged B-1 type fire extinguisher and a whistle or horn for signaling or warning.

Be prepared with safety gear

Other things to have handy on board include:

·         Your owner’s manual

·         A small waterproof first-aid kit

·         Flares, brightly colored cloth or a mirror to use as a distress signal

·         A tow rope

·         Sunscreen

·         A helmet - many personal watercraft injuries are to the head

·         Sunglasses or goggles

When you’re on board

First, make sure your kill-switch safety lanyard is attached to your life jacket or wrist, so if you fall off, the engine will stop. And remember, you are required to know and obey the rules of the water. It’s a good idea to take a boating-safety course to learn these rules, as well as other essential knowledge.

Other helpful tips:

·         Know your load limits, and don’t carry more weight than your watercraft can handle.

·         Know where you’re going, and the hazards in that area, such as rocks, pilings, etc.

·         Remain constantly alert for other watercraft, as well as swimmers, divers, water-skiers and people fishing. Don’t operate your watercraft in swimming or fishing areas.

·         Weekends and holidays with high boat traffic can be especially dangerous.

·         Never operate your personal watercraft after dark.

·         Be considerate of others. Noise is a common complaint about personal watercraft, so don’t stay in one location for too long. Also, avoid early-morning rides.

·         Remember, you are responsible for any damage caused by your wake. Avoid creating wakes near other individuals or boats.

·         Finally, don’t use alcohol before or during your time on the water. Your passengers and fellow boaters will be grateful, and you’ll be less likely to have an accident.

We hope to see you out on the water this summer in the Midwest.  And remember, we can help you get the insurance coverage you need for your personal watercraft. Give us a call today!