Annoying driving habits: Are you your own worst enemy?

Think of the worst driver you know.  What is it exactly that makes them “bad” at driving?  This recent survey shows that sometimes what’s annoying actually IS unsafe!  Are you guilty of any of these?

The most annoying driving habits are:

1. Following others too closely: 14 percent
2. Driving too fast: 13 percent
3. Driving too slowly: 10 percent
4. Cutting off other drivers: 8 percent
5. Talking on cellphone while driving: 7 percent
6. Merging too slowly onto the highway: 6 percent
7. Getting lost: 6 percent
8. Taking inconvenient and/or long routes: 6 percent
9. Fiddling with radio/CD player: 6 percent
10. Failing to stay in their lane: 6 percent
11. Not signaling: 5 percent
12. Taking turns sharply: 5 percent
13. Looking at passengers while talking: 4 percent
14. Braking at green lights: 4 percent

Don't let squirrels drive you nuts this spring-- 3 easy tips!

The puffy cheeks and goofy chompers make squirrels cute when it comes to cartoons and movies, but we know you better than that!  You’re too clever to fall for their attempts at schmoozing!  If you live in this area, you know that squirrels can pose a serious threat to your car!  Here are a few tricks to have in your arsenal in the event of a bright-eyed bushy-tailed attack.

-If it is safe to do so, leave the hood of your car open during the day.  This makes your car less of an ideal place to nest.  You can close it again at night—like us, squirrels are not active during the nighttime.

-You park in a garage, so you’re covered… right?  Not quite--keep in mind that squirrels can squeeze into spaces as small as two inches wide.  Make sure to block any openings proactively, throughout the season, so you don’t create a larger problem for yourself later.

-Squirrels want to be in your car for more than just nesting purposes—they want to get their teeth on some wires!  Put a bad taste in their mouth with bitter apple spray or another similar spray (found at pet supply stores). 

Remember, if in doubt about how to prevent or deal with car damage due to squirrels, give us a call!  We’d be happy to help you.

DOs & DONTs of Spring Break travel: Keeping your home safe while you’re away

If you’re anything like us, you have had it with this brutal winter.  You probably can’t wait to load up the car and head for a warmer destination, right?  Whether you’re lucky enough to have a spring break or you’re just planning a little getaway to a sunny spot, remember that safety is key.  If you want to return to a house that looks exactly the way you left it, follow these tips:

DO:

Put automatic timer on lights.  You might even want to leave a radio on (preferably a talk radio show) so it sounds like there is someone in your house.

Make a record of the serial numbers for your valuable items and take the list with you, store it in your safe deposit box or send the information to your personal email account.

Make sure your friends and relatives know where you will be vacationing. Call friends or family members to let them know that you have arrived and returned safely.

DO NOT:

Hide your house keys in a mailbox, under a doormat or planter or anywhere outside.

If you are leaving a vehicle at home, do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle.

Advertise your plans to strangers or on social media outlets.