(StatePoint) Nearly 60% of Americans say they send thank you notes at least occasionally to show their appreciation for a gift or favor, according to a recent poll from AmericanGreetings.com. While writing thank yous might seem time consuming, it’s actually a wonderful opportunity to teach children important life lessons such as kindness, gratitude and empathy.

Whether they are thanking their new teacher, their favorite fall sports coach, or a friend or family member, here are a few tips and tricks for creating meaningful – yet simple – thank yous with kids this back-to-school season and beyond.

Focus on the Positive

It’s important to give children a “why.” Parents should explain that when people receive a thank you note, it not only makes them feel good, but it lets them know that the gift arrived safely and was appreciated. By placing the emphasis on the person who gave them the gift – rather than on themselves – it changes thank yous from a pain-point to a positive.

Make it a Fun with Devices

Kids love devices – so put their screen time to good use with apps like American Greetings Creatacard for iPad. The app offers a fun, easy and engaging tool to make and send greeting cards. Plus, receiving them will be just as exciting – as homemade cards from kids are enjoyed by 93% of Americans!

Whether making a card from scratch, coloring a card or customizing a pre-made design, the Creatacard app allows kids to explore their imaginations. Simply choose from a variety of virtual (and mess-free) tools, such as pencils, paint, markers, photo frames, stamps and stickers to add designs, images and personalized messages. Best of all, the app is free to download, and cards can be sent instantly via email, text, messaging apps or shared on social media.

Power of Personalization

According to the American Greetings poll, personalized messages are the most important and enjoyed part of thank you notes. Parents should encourage kids to think about what made the gift so special and be sure to communicate that message. Was it something they really needed or wanted? Will they use the check or money for a specific purpose? Spending a few extra minutes personalizing each note will go a long way to show their sincere appreciation.

Timing is Everything – The Sooner the Better!

It’s proper etiquette to be timely in sending thank you notes. In fact, 54% of Americans say they should be sent within one week of receiving a gift. Build good habits with kids by sending thank yous as soon as possible. It may be helpful to plan ahead and establish a set time within a week of the celebration for children to create and send their cards. And luckily, if you’re sending digital greetings, they’ll arrive instantly, save money on postage, and save time by eliminating the need to find current street addresses.

Teaching kids the importance of properly showing gratitude is a life skill they can take with them as they grow older. Starting small with thank you notes can be an invaluable step to becoming a kinder and more gracious person.

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(StatePoint) Intelligent cashflow management is the essential fuel of startups and digital businesses, particularly in a challenging economy. According to experts, it can mean the difference between surviving, thriving and failure.

“Poor cashflow management will kill your business. In fact, it’s killed some of the biggest businesses in the world. No matter how fast you’re growing, you could be destined for the startup graveyard if your outgoings exceed your revenues,” says Dominic Wells, serial entrepreneur and CEO and founder of Onfolio Holdings, a leading online conglomerate that acquires and manages a diversified portfolio of online business holdings.

To help startups and digital businesses not only survive a downturn, but remain profitable while accelerating growth, Wells is sharing some top actionable insights for the current moment:

1. Know that capital is harder to secure. While during periods of low interest rates, it was possible to burn through capital, that’s no longer the case. “Don’t assume you can just raise more money. Investors are avoiding businesses that aren’t already cashflow positive,” says Wells.

2. Change your priorities. Founders must review spending line items and identify the areas generating the greatest returns. Double down on those. Cut or reduce your spending elsewhere.

3. Focus on short-term growth. Certainty beats speculation right now and investors are choosing businesses that will generate near-term certainty with monthly recurring revenue over those with potential long-term growth.

4. Make profitability your number one goal. Aim to be profitable enough to pay yourself a decent salary, cover business overheads and keep cash in reserve. If you’re looking for a buyer or investor, have solid numbers to show them. In Onfolio’s case, the investment criteria are established businesses generating annual profits over $500,000 in sectors and niches with high-growth potential. Without the metrics to support why you deserve funding, investors and buyers aren’t lurking around the next corner, ready to leap out with a check.

“It’s not easy to execute, but your goal is simple. Keep asking yourself, ‘are we profitable?’ If the answer is no, do everything you can to get there quickly,” says Wells.

5. Become more financially secure. At a time when many operations are cutting costs, making your service indispensable to customers so that they stay with you, or even spend more money, can help make you more financially secure. It’s time to deploy strategies and technology that generate more revenue from your current customers. For example, if you’re a website owner without a subscription upsell, now is the time to implement one.

For more tips and insights and to learn more about digital company acquisition, visit onfolio.com.

“New challenges arise for small business owners and digital companies during downturns,” says Wells. “Being savvy about the current climate can mean not just your survival, but your continued success.”

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(Statepoint) Summer travel is heating up despite packed airports, crowded destinations and rising prices. In fact, 80% of Americans are planning to travel as much or more than they did last summer, according to a new Harris Poll survey from T-Mobile.

No matter where you’re going, here’s how to watch your wallet while making the most of your adventures.

Plan Ahead: With international travel restrictions lifted, global bookings have surged by over 200% compared to last year, according to AAA. And some of the most popular destinations searched for on Google Flights for this summer are London, Cancun, Paris and Rome. If you’re planning to travel internationally and need a passport, estimated processing times are 11 to 13 weeks instead of the usual 8 to 10 due to an uptick in applications and demand. So, get going!

Be Flexible: If you can avoid traveling during peak summer travel season from mid-June through August, try booking during the “shoulder season,” which is the time just before and after. For this summer, travel experts recommend booking travel in September to reduce cost.

Stay Connected: Reliable wireless when traveling is no longer a luxury, but an absolute necessity, with 95% of American travelers in the T-Mobile survey saying it’s a travel essential. Some phone plans — like the new Go5G Plus from T-Mobile — give customers built-in travel benefits and coverage that works the minute you arrive. With free in-flight Wi-Fi and free high-speed data in more than 215 countries – the journey is seamless from start to finish and all included in the price of your monthly plan. To learn more about T-Mobile’s travel benefits and their new Go5G plans, visit t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans.

Pack Smart: An estimated 2.2 million bags were lost or mishandled on U.S. airlines in 2022, an increase from 1.4 million in 2021, according to the 2022 Air Travel Consumer Report. If you’re nervous about checking your luggage, place an Apple AirTag in your bag or luggage to know where it is at all times. Some bags, like T-Mobile’s limited edition Un-carrier On, even come packed with the tech you need to ensure a smooth trip, including a power bank and smart tag device.

Use Points: According to T-Mobile’s Harris Poll survey, nearly half (47%) of summer travelers used miles, points or rewards to book their summer travel this year and nearly two-thirds of all travelers (66%) rely on discounts and deals when booking travel accommodations. Certain credit cards give you points or miles to use for future travel when you sign up. If you’re a T-Mobile customer, you can save up to 40% on select hotels and car rentals by booking through T-Mobile TRAVEL from Priceline. Most bookings come with free, flexible cancellations so you can plan with peace of mind.

Americans are eager to travel this summer, and with a little planning, nothing should get in the way of some much-deserved R&R.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.
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(StatePoint) May, which is National Small Business Month, is the ideal opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of small business owners, take a closer look at the challenges they face, and connect them with valuable resources.

“Being a small business owner within an ever-changing landscape can feel intimidating without support,” says Michelle Van Slyke, senior vice president of sales and marketing at The UPS Store, Inc. “Fortunately, a variety of resources exist to help business launch and thrive.”

With more than 5,100 locations across North America, The UPS Store network comprises the nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers, and is leveraging its expertise to offer new and seasoned entrepreneurs alike these small business tips:

1. Find a one-stop shop. One of the first steps in creating a business is sending out paperwork for the business formation and acquiring the licenses or permits needed. Save time and effort by using a one-stop small business services shop to have documents notarized, faxed, copied, scanned and securely shredded.

2. Simplify correspondence. Consider using a private mailbox rental, so you can give your small business a real street address, as well as establish a central location to pick up mail and packages. Consider a mailbox service that offers package acceptance from all carriers, receipt confirmation, mail forwarding and holding, and easy delivery updates.

3. Get out the word. Be sure to regularly let your customers and prospective customers know when you’ve added new products and services to your portfolio with both print and digital marketing. Update the company website, blog and social media channels regularly and be sure to use tried-and-true methods of promotion as well, like direct mail services. The UPS Store, which can help you design, print and mail postcards, flyers and other marketing materials, offers two direct mail options, one that provides total market coverage, and another, more targeted option to reach a specific list of customers.

4. Don’t pay full price for business services. Some vendors may have discounts for qualifying businesses, so be sure to inquire about that. You can also access deals and promotions on packing, shipping, logistics management, printing, marketing consultation, secure mailboxes and more by joining The UPS Store email program.

5. Get inspired by the work of other small business owners. The UPS Store and Inc. Magazine have teamed up to host the 2023 Small Biz Challenge, an opportunity for entrepreneurs to win up to $25,000, one-on-one mentoring with a business expert, an editorial feature in an upcoming issue of Inc. Magazine and Inc.com, and a trip to the final event in New York City. Recognizing the inspiring business skills and expertise of entrepreneurs, this year’s competition requires entrepreneurs to demonstrate their unique problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.

“Every day we see entrepreneurs overcome obstacles on their path to success. Our goal is to find the most unstoppable business owners across the country,” says Van Slyke.

To learn more about the contest, the nine semifinalists, and to vote for your favorite entrepreneur, visit https://www.theupsstore.com/smallbizchallenge.

For more tips and resources, visit The UPS Store small business blog at: https://www.theupsstore.com/small-business-services/small-business-blog.

Running a small business presents new challenges every day. However, finding the right resources can help you focus on the big picture, so you can grow your business and see your vision through.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.
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(StatePoint) According to the National Fire Protection Association, local U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1.35 million fires in 2021 – an average of every 23 seconds. These fires resulted in 3,800 civilian deaths and 14,700 reported civilian injuries, but the devastation didn’t stop there. They also resulted in an estimated $15.9 billion in property damage loss.

Fires can affect not just the health and safety of family, friends and community, but also take a major financial toll on homeowners and businesses. The International Code Council’s 2023 Building Safety Month campaign focuses on general building safety awareness, including how to recognize and practice fire prevention strategies and be aware of potential risks in your home or business.

Potential Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries and Chargers

Over the years, lithium-ion batteries and chargers have caused many fires with sometimes devastating consequences. Found within common household products such as electronic toys, small and large appliances, headphones, cellphones, laptops and more, their popularity has grown thanks to their high-energy density and longer lifespan. But with this growth comes the need to learn how to properly handle these products.

Below are actionable steps and fire prevention tips from Beth Tubbs, chief fire protection engineer for the Code Council, to help ensure lithium-ion batteries and chargers are used and stored safely. These are general safety tips, so you will need to refer to each device’s owner manual for specific safety and maintenance instructions.

Buyer Beware: Only purchase an appliance or device with a lithium-ion battery and charger from reputable manufacturers to ensure it’s designed, manufactured, tested and maintained according to applicable safety standards. This is a critical first step in battery fire prevention.

Use an Approved Battery Charger, Correctly: When charging a lithium-ion battery, use a proper charger that is manufacturer-approved or listed as acceptable on the device. Lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to charging conditions and using an incorrect charger, or using it incorrectly, can result in the battery overcharging. When a battery overcharges, it can overheat, catch fire and, in the worst-case scenario, explode.

Never charge lithium-ion batteries when you aren’t home to supervise it. If a potentially dangerous situation does arise, you can act quickly to rectify it by unplugging the battery, using a portable fire extinguisher or calling your local fire department for help. When charging appliances, such as micromobility devices (scooters and e-bikes), plug them directly into the electrical receptacle, not through multiplug adaptors or extension cords.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, including the recommended charge time. This will increase the safety and performance of your battery.

Location, Location, Location: When it comes to safety, where you use a lithium-ion battery device or charger is extremely important.

Because these batteries can pose a significant fire risk, it is crucial that they aren’t located in front of an exit or escape route. If the battery is mishandled or exposed to extreme conditions and a fire erupts, you will need an unobstructed escape route.

Store batteries in a cool, dry environment to maintain their performance and safety. It is recommended to store batteries indoors, away from direct sunlight, excess heat, combustibles and potentially flammable substances.

Follow Maintenance Guidelines: Reputable manufacturers provide instructions on how to best maintain the performance and safety of their batteries, often found online or in the device or appliance’s maintenance guide.

Some common maintenance tips include:

• Regularly inspecting the battery and charger for visible damage

• Routinely checking the battery’s charge status

• Observing and noting the runtime of your battery (and any changes in this time)

• Disconnecting the battery from the charger once it reaches full capacity.

Resources for Fire Prevention

Lithium-ion battery fires can start in a matter of seconds; it’s important to use them safely.

The Code Council’s Building Safety Month website has several resources to help you understand and implement key fire prevention measures and protect your home or business. Access these resources by visiting iccsafe.org.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.
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(State Point) As consumers focus on filing taxes and spending returns, a new study reveals a need for increased awareness around tax-efficient financial strategies. Lincoln Financial Group’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker reports that only 2% of Americans can correctly identify financial solutions with tax advantages, despite one in three saying they prioritize investments that would help them pay less in taxes either now or in the future.

“Lincoln’s research shows consumers are under-educated about tax strategy and tax-efficient investments, revealing a disconnect between aspirations and actions,” said David Berkowitz, president, Lincoln Financial Network, the wealth management arm of Lincoln Financial Group, which provides advice and guidance through its network of independent financial professionals. “Consulting a financial professional and learning more about products and solutions can grow one’s confidence in their financial decisions.”

While not intended to be legal or tax advice, Lincoln Financial Group recommends considering the following five tax-efficient strategies as part of a holistic financial plan:

1. Contribute to a workplace retirement account. Pretax contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan will reduce total taxable income and allow savings to grow tax deferred. A good rule of thumb is to save at least 10% to 15% of your pay, but if that feels out of reach, start wherever possible and increase contributions a little each year to see big changes in total savings over time. Remember to save up to the employer match, if one is offered.

2. Explore the value of lifetime income. At a time when people are living longer and face greater risks to their savings, an annuity can provide protected guaranteed monthly income that can last a lifetime. Taxes on the gains aren’t paid until the money is withdrawn, so interest can be earned on the money that would have otherwise been paid in taxes. Being in a lower tax bracket during retirement means potentially paying less in taxes overall on the same amount of money. A financial professional can help determine which type of annuity might best fit your specific needs.

3. Prepare for unexpected long-term care costs. The greatest changes to income and lifestyle may result from an unexpected long-term health care event. Different solutions can help provide a cushion, and many of these benefits are income tax-free. Understanding the various policies is the first step in helping ensure you’ll receive needed care without passing a financial burden on to family or loved ones.

4. Diversify a portfolio with life insurance. Adding cash value life insurance to a larger financial plan can help protect savings and provide an income tax-free death benefit for your beneficiaries, as well as tax-deferred growth opportunities. It can also offer advantages that help meet goals at every stage of life, including funding a child’s education costs; strengthening retirement savings; creating additional cash flow; and protecting wealth for future generations. Keep in mind that if loans or withdrawals are taken from the policy, it will reduce the value of the death benefit and other payouts, as well as have potential tax consequences.

5. Work with a financial professional. According to Lincoln’s study, just 1 in 5 U.S. adults feels very confident about making financial decisions to minimize exposure to taxes, yet 47% say they are more concerned about the impact of taxes on their retirement savings due to the current market. A financial professional can help tailor a holistic plan to your needs, as well as provide education about various insurance and retirement solutions.

“Ongoing challenges like market volatility, inflation and changing tax laws have the potential to hit wallets hard,” said Berkowitz. “That’s why tax-efficient investing is an important aspect of financial planning that can help you build wealth and achieve your financial goals.”

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.
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(StatePoint) Smartphones are our lifeline – we use them to connect us to just about everything and everyone in our world. Americans check their phones an average of 344 times a day — once every four minutes — according to a 2022 Review.org survey. But when was the last time you upgraded your phone? If it’s been more than two years, you may be missing out on some of the latest tech upgrades. Here are five must-have features to consider when shopping for a new smartphone:

• Battery Life: When it comes to battery life, you may not realize what you’ve been missing out on until you start using your new phone. A decade ago, smartphone battery capacity ranged from 1560mAh to 3200mAh, according to findings from Android Authority. Today, that capacity typically ranges from 4000mAh to 5000mAh, with some batteries as large as 6000mAh. And, the latest development of USB-C ports has allowed for faster charging capabilities, charging a near dead phone in just 30 minutes. Look for phones with fast charging technology, from 15W to 20W, and wireless charging options.

• Phone Storage: Storage matters, especially if you’re a business owner, gaming enthusiast or social media influencer. Read-Only Memory (ROM), the internal main storage on your phone, allows you to store media, files and games, and ranges anywhere from 64GB to 128GB, even 256GB and higher in some of the latest models. Random Access Memory (RAM) is used for short-term data like apps, photos and videos. The more RAM you have, the more multitasking you can do. When purchasing a new phone, look for at least 6GB to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of ROM.

• Camera: Phones have nearly replaced traditional cameras, with 90% of people using only their smartphones to take photos versus digital cameras, according to 3D Insider. If you’re an avid photo taker, make sure your new phone features editing software, a variety of camera lenses, like ultra-wide and telephoto, and special functions like night mode to optimize lighting.

• Network: How you stay connected is an important decision. The latest deals can help you select a phone and wireless provider. For example, Samsung just unveiled its latest Galaxy S23 lineup, and T-Mobile is the only provider that can light up 5G standalone three-carrier aggregation, unleashing faster speeds and better responsiveness for some of the newest 5G smartphones – 16% faster speeds on average than phones without it. And switching to what studies have shown is America’s largest, fastest and most reliable 5G network comes with perks. New customers can get $200 off via a virtual prepaid card (allow 8 weeks) for each line they switch to T-Mobile ­– that’s $800 off for a family of four. And paired with T-Mobile’s offer to save $800 on the new Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup via bill credits when they choose the Magenta Max plan, that family gets four new phones and saves a total of $4000. To learn more about Samsung’s latest Galaxy S23 Series lineup, visit www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/samsung.

• Security: Gone are the days of remembering a PIN or typing in a password to safely access your phone’s data. Biometric security features like fingerprint, facial or voice recognition are crucial for keeping your private data secure. Most new smartphones feature in-display fingerprint screening and facial recognition, and more institutions like online banking apps are using this method now over passwords.

Other important deciding factors include overall phone display, size and water resistance. Priorities may vary from person to person, but selecting what’s important for your new smartphone is something only you can determine.

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Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.
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Did you know that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States commute to work by bicycle, according to the U.S. Census Bureau? That’s a lot of cars off the road each day, a lot of gasoline saved and a ton of calories burned.

Maybe you’re a bicycle commuter already — or maybe you want to give it a try. These tips from the League of American Bicyclists and other organizations will help you prepare for the challenges you’ll face on your way to work. (We’ve included a few tips for drivers, too.)

1. Be prepared. Always check your bike and other equipment before you leave on each trip. Also carry the proper tools and gear (including wet-weather clothing, if needed).
2. Obey the law, traffic signals and signs. You have a right to be on the road with cars, but you also have the same duties.
3. Stay right. Ride with the flow of traffic in the right lane. Leave room to make emergency maneuvers.
4. Be visible. Drivers are often distracted, and many aren’t expecting to see cyclists on the road. So make them see you! Stay out of blind spots. Wear bright-colored clothing during the day, with reflective clothing and lights at night or in inclement weather. Also use hand signals so motorists know your intentions.
5. Consider the conditions. Riding can be miserable when it’s wet, unless you have waterproof rain gear. Watch out for slick roads, too.
6. Be hyper-aware. Scan your surroundings constantly so you can react quickly. Pay attention to cars parked alongside the curb; a door can fly open at any moment.

Bonus tips for drivers: Stay on the lookout for cyclists. When you see them, be patient — they have a right to the road, too. If you park on the street, check behind you before opening doors. And, always remember that your significant size and speed advantage can be deadly in an accident.

Cars and bicycles can, in fact, peacefully coexist on the roads. All it takes is a little preparation and a lot of awareness, along with some understanding thrown in for good measure.

If you’re biking to work, we may be able to help you get a special discount on your car insurance for driving your vehicle less. Call 740-477-3311 today for details!

Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Driving Habits

Even if you’re a good driver, you might be costing yourself extra money every time you get behind the wheel in Central Ohio. How? By doing things that can increase wear and tear on your car — even things that seem perfectly normal.

You may not even realize you’re doing them (most habits are unconscious behaviors), but these driving behaviors may be at least partially to blame for your frequent repair shop visits. So, help keep your car in better shape by asking yourself a few questions about your driving:

1. Is my gas light always on? Regularly driving on a nearly empty tank can increase wear on your car’s fuel pump. It’s best to keep your fuel level at a quarter-tank or above.
2. Do I shift too quickly? Shifting your car into drive while you’re still rolling backward is one sure way to increase stress on your car’s transmission. Always stop before shifting.
3. Am I always on the brakes? Maybe you aren’t leaving enough following distance between you and other cars. And, when you’re going down a steep grade, consider shifting into a lower gear. That can help you slow down more naturally, without putting unnecessary wear on your brakes.
4. Is my car usually packed with stuff? Additional weight means additional stress on many different parts of your car, including your transmission, your brakes and your suspension. So, unless you really need it, don’t pack it.
5. Do I have a lead foot? Putting your foot to the floor might be exhilarating for you, but it’s not so great for your car — especially if it’s still cold and oil hasn’t reached all the different parts of the engine yet. It can wear out your tires more quickly, as well.

If these behaviors fit your driving patterns to a T, it’s time to form new habits behind the wheel. Ones that won’t take a toll on both your car and your bank account over time. And, that’s something both you and your vehicle can be happy about!

Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

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Spring is here, which means you’ll likely see more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is “see.” People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they’re not accustomed to looking for them.

It’s obvious yet bears repeating: Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than car and truck drivers and passengers. Not only are there many more cars and trucks on the road, but there’s no such thing as a “fender bender” for a motorcyclist. Even a low-speed collision can seriously injure a rider, not to mention total the bike, so it’s important to always give motorcycles extra space and an extra look.

Below are six tips to help you safely share the road with motorcyclists.

Objects in mirror. The object in your mirror may be closer than it appears — especially if it’s a motorcycle. Due to its size, it can be harder to determine how close a motorcycle is and how fast it’s moving. When turning into traffic, always estimate a bike to be closer than it appears to avoid forcing a rider to quickly hit the brakes — or worse.

Watch those left turns. One of the most common motorcycle accidents involves a car making a left turn directly in front of a bike at an intersection. Give yourself an extra moment to look specifically for motorcycles coming toward you when turning into traffic.

Double-check your blind spot. Carefully checking your blind spot before changing lanes is always a good idea. When it comes to motorcycles, it’s critical. A bike can be easily obscured in the blind spot, hidden behind your car’s roof pillars, or blend in with cars in other lanes, so make a habit of checking carefully before changing lanes. Plus, always use your turn signal.

Don’t tailgate. This is another general rule for all drivers, but it’s especially important when following a motorcycle. Be aware that many riders decrease speed by downshifting or easing off the throttle, so you won’t see any brake lights even though they are slowing down. Following at least three seconds behind the bike should give you enough time and space to safely slow down or stop when necessary.

Stay in your lane. Obviously, motorcycles don’t take up an entire lane the way cars or trucks do. But that doesn’t mean you can cozy up and share a lane with a bike. Just because the rider may be hugging one side of the lane doesn’t mean you can move into that space. Riders are likely doing this to avoid debris, oil on the road, or a pothole, so a bit of mild swerving within the lane can be expected. Do not crowd into the lane with a bike.

Think about motorcycles. Making a habit of always checking for bikes when you drive will make the above tips second nature and make you a better driver. To personalize it, think about your friends and family members who ride bikes and then drive as if they are on the road with you. Motorcyclists — and everyone else — will thank you.

Contact Us!

Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency can help you re-evaluate your insurance needs, just give us a call at 740-477-3311 to speak with one of our agents or contact us here.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance

Photo by Andrei Ianovskii