June, 2025 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership
Safety Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle In Bad Weather Conditions
Riding a motorcycle in bad weather requires extra caution and preparation. Here are key safety tips to help you stay safe:
- Check the Weather Before You Ride
- Avoid riding during storms, heavy rain, snow, or icy conditions if possible.
- Look for sudden changes in temperature that might indicate ice or slick roads.
- Wear the Right Gear
- Waterproof Gear: Use a waterproof riding suit, gloves, and boots.
- High-Visibility Colors: Use bright colors or reflective strips to stay visible.
- Full-Face Helmet: Protects from wind, rain, and debris; use anti-fog visors.
- Slow Down and Increase Following Distance
- Wet roads reduce traction and braking efficiency.
- Increase your following distance to at least 4–5 seconds behind the vehicle in front.
- Ride Smoothly
- Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, or sharp turns.
- Use both brakes gently and evenly; downshift carefully.
- Watch the Road Surface
- Be extra cautious of:
- Painted lines, manhole covers, and metal surfaces (slippery when wet)
- Potholes and standing water: Risk of hydroplaning or hidden hazards
- Leaves or debris on the road
- Use Your Lights
- Keep your headlights and taillights on at all times, even during the day.
- Flash brake lights when slowing down to alert drivers behind you.
- Maintain Your Bike
- Tires: Ensure good tread and proper pressure.
- Brakes: Should be responsive and evenly adjusted.
- Lights and Signals: Fully functional for visibility.
- Know When to Stop
- If conditions become too dangerous—like strong winds, lightning, or freezing rain—find a safe place to stop and wait it out.
Read more
How To Protect Your Business From Liquor Liability Claims
Protecting your business from liquor liability claims is essential if you sell, serve, or allow the consumption of alcohol on your premises. Here’s a comprehensive approach:
- Obtain Liquor Liability Insurance
- Specialized Coverage: Ensure you have liquor liability insurance separate from general liability insurance.
- Adequate Limits: Work with an insurance broker to determine the appropriate coverage limits for your risk level.
- State Requirements: Some states mandate this insurance—make sure you meet or exceed the legal requirements.
- Comply With Local, State, and Federal Laws
- Licensing: Keep all liquor licenses current and valid.
- Age Verification: Strictly enforce ID checks to avoid serving underage patrons.
- Hours of Sale: Adhere to regulated hours for alcohol sales and service.
- Train Your Staff
- Responsible Beverage Service Training:
- Use programs like TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) or ServSafe Alcohol.
- Focus on recognizing signs of intoxication and how to refuse service safely.
- Document Training: Keep records of staff certifications and refresher courses.
- Establish and Enforce Clear Policies
- Service Policies: Write clear guidelines about when and how alcohol is served.
- Refusal of Service: Empower staff to say no and back them up when they do.
- Incident Reporting: Require documentation of all alcohol-related incidents.
- Monitor Patron Behavior
- Visible Intoxication: Don’t serve anyone visibly intoxicated—it’s a common trigger for lawsuits.
- Security Presence: Have trained personnel, especially for events or peak hours.
- Limit Promotions: Avoid promotions that encourage excessive drinking (e.g., “all-you-can-drink” deals).
- Use Technology Wisely
- Surveillance Systems: Install cameras to monitor service areas and entrances.
- ID Scanners: Use ID scanning tools to verify age and identify fake IDs.
- Know Your Legal Defenses
- Dram Shop Laws: Understand your state’s dram shop laws, which hold businesses liable for serving intoxicated or underage persons who later cause harm.
- Comparative Negligence: Know if you can argue that the customer or a third party was partially responsible.
- Consult Legal and Risk Experts
- Regular Legal Review: Have a legal expert review your policies and procedures periodically.
- Risk Assessment: Work with a risk manager or insurance advisor to identify vulnerabilities.
Read more
How To Drive Safely While Also Avoiding Glare From the Sun
Combating glare from the sun while driving is crucial for safety and comfort. Here are the most effective ways to reduce or eliminate sun glare:
- Use Polarized Sunglasses
- Why it works: Polarized lenses filter out horizontal light waves, which are the main cause of glare from reflective surfaces like roads and windshields.
- Bonus: They also help reduce eye strain.
- Keep Your Windshield Clean (Inside & Out)
- Why it works: Dirt, dust, and streaks scatter sunlight, intensifying glare.
- Tip: Use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget the inside of the windshield, where film buildup often occurs.
- Use Your Car’s Sun Visors Effectively
- Why it works: They physically block direct sunlight from reaching your eyes.
- Tip: Some visors can extend or pivot to the side; use both front and side visors when needed.
- Adjust Your Driving Schedule (if possible)
- Why it works: Avoiding driving during sunrise or sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon, can prevent the worst glare.
- Alternative: Use routes with more shade or buildings that block the sun.
🪟 5. Apply Anti-Glare or Tint Film to Windows
- Why it works: Window tints reduce brightness and UV exposure, and anti-glare films diffuse intense light.
- Note: Check local laws about how dark window tints can be.
- Use a Dashboard Cover
- Why it works: A matte-finish dashboard cover reduces the amount of sunlight that reflects off the dashboard and into your eyes.
- Adjust Seat and Steering Wheel Position
- Why it works: Slight changes in your posture or position can alter how sunlight hits your eyes.
- Tip: Try tilting the seat slightly lower or higher depending on sun position.
- Use Clip-on or Built-in Sun Glare Shields
- Why it works: Aftermarket sun glare extenders (e.g., tinted visor panels) can give you extra coverage beyond what your visor offers.
Summary:
The best combo is polarized sunglasses + clean windshield + smart use of visors and tints. Add other tools like glare shields or tinted films for enhanced comfort.
Would you like recommendations for specific products (e.g., sunglasses or glare shields)?
Read more
How My Car Is Affected In Extreme Heat Conditions
Extreme heat can have several negative effects on your car, impacting performance, safety, and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of how it can affect different components:
Battery
- Heat accelerates battery fluid evaporation, which can lead to internal corrosion.
- High temperatures shorten battery life, especially in older batteries.
Fluids (Oil, Coolant, Transmission Fluid)
- Coolant becomes especially important to prevent engine overheating.
- Heat can thin engine oil, reducing its ability to lubricate properly.
- Transmission fluid can degrade faster, impacting gear performance.
Engine
- Heat causes tire pressure to rise, increasing the risk of a blowout.
- Underinflated or overinflated tires are more vulnerable in hot conditions.
Interior
- UV rays and heat can crack dashboards, fade upholstery, and damage electronics.
- Cabin temperatures can climb dangerously high, posing health risks.
Paint and Exterior
- Prolonged sun exposure can fade paint and degrade rubber trims and seals.
- Waxing your car and using a car cover or shaded parking can help.
Other Effects
- Belts and hoses are more likely to crack or burst in heat.
- Electronics like infotainment systems and sensors may become glitchy.
Tips to Protect Your Car in Extreme Heat
- Check fluid levels regularly.
- Park in the shade or use sunshades
- Monitor tire pressure weekly.
- Get your cooling system serviced.
- Clean and wax your car to protect the paint.
- Use a windshield sunshade and crack windows slightly when parked.
Read more