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Safe &
Sound
- Asleep
at the Wheel
Don't become a statistic this winter. Make sure you're alert when
you're on the road.
- New
Rollover Ratings
Find out the latest on the national safety rankings for vehicles
of all kinds.
- Take
Advantage!
Don't miss out on all the advantages MetLife has to offer.
- H2Oh
No!
Take care that spring showers don't cause headaches around your
house.
- Homework:
Spring Cleaning
Put this checklist to work for you to get things in shape around
your place this spring.
- WomanMotorist.com
Check out this website for fast facts and easy car language.
Asleep
at the Wheel
The start of Daylight Savings on April 3rd prompts almost universal
grumpiness over the loss of one hour of sleep. But that loss of
sleep isn't just an inconvenience. If you drive while drowsy, it
can be a killer. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
estimates that 100,000 crashes each year are directly related to
driver fatigue. And a survey by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF)
reveals that 51% of adult drivers -- that's 100 million people --
say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy. Keep yourself
awake -- and safe -- on the road with these tips from the NSF.
- Plan
for Daylight Savings.
On the Saturday night before the time change, go to bed 30 minutes
earlier than usual and sleep for at least eight hours. Sleep a
half hour longer on Sunday.
- Avoid
caffeine, heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime.
- Recognize
the signs of drowsy driving, which include difficulty focusing,
frequent blinking, missing exits or traffic signs, irritability
and frequent yawning.
- If you
get tired while driving, find a safe place to pull over and
take a 20-minute nap. Drinking a caffeinated beverage may help,
but it can take up to 30 minutes to have any effect. Contrary
to popular belief, cranking the radio or opening the windows will
not help.
- For more
information, visit sleepfoundation.org
and drowsydriving.org.
New
Rollover Ratings
Most consumers are familiar with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's 5-star system that rates vehicles, in part, on
their likelihood of a rollover in a single-vehicle crash. Last fall,
that system -- which ranks SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and passenger
cars -- was enhanced to include the results of a road test, in addition
to the established static test. Search safercar.gov
by make and model to find a vehicle's 5-star rating, its percent
chance of rollover and how it ranks in its class.
Get
the Advantage with Metlife Auto & Home
Are you protected by Substitute Transportation coverage? This optional
auto coverage comes in handy if your vehicle is involved in a collision
or other loss. For a minimal fee, it covers the cost of a rental
car during the time your car is in the body shop for repairs. Those
costs can add up to hundreds of dollars if the repairs take several
weeks. If this coverage has already been added to your policy, it
will be listed on the declarations page. If not, call your MetLife
Auto & Home agent or representative for a quote.
H2Oh,
No!
Spring
showers bring May flowers -- but they also may bring a big headache
if water ends up inside your house instead of in the garden. Do
you know how to prevent water damage to your house? Test yourself
with this quiz:
1. T/F
Old, brittle caulk can let rainwater seep into the house.
2. T/F
Keepsakes and memorabilia should be stored in plastic containers,
not cardboard.
3. T/F
Water stains around the toilet are normal.
4. T/F Rust on your hot water heater is part of common
wear and tear.
5. T/F
If wet or damp materials are dried within 24 to 48 hours of a leak
or spill, in most cases mold will not grow.
ANSWERS:
1. True.
Take advantage of spring's warm weather to recaulk windows
and doors.
2.
True. Plastic containers resist water damage better than
cardboard boxes.
3.
False. They may indicate damage to the rim and tank seals,
which should be replaced.
4.
False. It can indicate the tank is ready to fail.
5.
True. For more information,
visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website at epa.gov
and click on "mold."
Home
Work: Spring 2005
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Change
batteries in smoke detectors. Do this at least once a year;
the first day of spring is a great time to start this habit.
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Inspect
the air-conditioning system and change the filter. Clogged filters
make the cooling system less efficient. Replace them monthly
and you could save 2% on your energy bills. |
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Get
out the paintbrushes. Check all exterior walls for holes or
cracks; repair and paint as needed. Paint not only adds to your
home's visual appeal but also protects the exterior from weather
damage. |
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Look
for signs of termites in the basement and house foundation.
Not sure if you have a problem? Call a pest control professional.
Many offer free consultations. |
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Check
your house numbers. Are they clearly visible from the street?
If not, an emergency vehicle-like an ambulance-might have trouble
finding your home. |
WOMANMOTORIST.COM
Knowledge is power, and that's especially true with your car.
Whether you're negotiating to buy a new set of tires or get the
best price on a repair, head to this website that breaks it all
down in easy-to-understand language any car owner-male or female-will
appreciate. WomanMotorist.com
|
Special
Offer!