Vehicle Safety Tips

Since insurance rates are determined by claims, preventing losses is in everyone's best interests.

By reducing hazards, you not only protect your property, you keep your family safe and you help to reduce or maintain insurance rates. At Westminster Mutual, we are concerned about the safety of our policyholders and their property. When you're a Mutual policyholder, you're an owner and you share in the financial success of your company, so preventing losses is to your benefit.

Use these tips to protect your family, and your vehicle:

Don't Drive Impaired

The message seems to be getting out about the dangers of drinking and driving. Hopefully most people are now aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

What may be less understood, however, is that people may be impaired under a variety of conditions, each of which should be a reason not to get behind the wheel. Examples include:

• Under the influence of drugs, including some prescription and even over-the-counter drugs
• While excessively tired
• While eating
• While concentrating on an electronic device, such as a cell phone or PDA

Above all, common sense should prevail. When not properly controlled, a motor vehicle can be deadly.