Jul 4, 2020 | Accident prevention, Car Accidents, Uncategorized
Whether you’re in the kitchen or behind the wheel, what you smell can tell you a lot about a situation. When it comes to car smells in particular, there are a few in particular that you need to watch out for. From sweet to sickly and everything in between, our guide is here to help you be prepared in case something strange wafts up your nose when you’re behind the wheel. Furthermore, consider performing routine maintenance to combat these issues before they ever begin.
Car Smells: What to Watch For
Sweet syrup
The smell of sweet syrup might seem like one of the more pleasant car smells. However, it actually can indicate a major issue. In particular, this sort of smell could indicate a possible problem with your engine’s cooling system.
This sweet smell tends to come from ethylene glycol, which is a crucial component in your engine’s coolant. When you smell this, it may be because your radiator or a hose has sprung a leak. This is something you’ll want to get fixed as soon as you can, and thankfully, it usually isn’t too complicated. You may just need to get a new hose or heater core, and then you’ll be good to go.
Burning smells
Other car smells to watch for are any burning ones. A constant burning rubber smell probably doesn’t have anything to do with your tires. Rather, it could be due to a shifting drive belt, which may be rubbing up against another engine component. This can be seen just by looking into the engine, just make sure you give it time to cool down first!
A burning carpet smell, on the other hand, may be coming from your brakes. Now, if you’ve been using the brakes a lot, this isn’t something to worry about. However, if it lingers, then you may have a problem with your brake pads and should inspect them to see if they need replacing.
Rancid smells
Rancid car smells are definitely not pleasant. Not only that, but they could indicate some serious issues with your car. For instance, old locker room-like scents could be due to mildew forming in your car’s air filter. Running the fan on high for a few minutes can fix the problem.
A rotten egg-like smell coming from underneath your car might be from a failed catalytic converter. It could be that all you need is to replace your fuel filter. More-serious issues may need you to go even further and have the entire converter itself replaced.
Apr 4, 2020 | Accident prevention, Motorcycle
After you ride long enough, you’ll have to deal with riding in the rain. Being prepared with the right motorcycle rain gear can help make these rides more tolerable. However, it’s important to know all your options so you can make the best choice for you and stay safe in unforeseen road conditions..
Motorcycle Rain Gear: Keeping Dry
Material construction
Not all motorcycle rain gear is created the same. In fact, there are several different options and materials to choose from. For example, PVC is very common for waterproof jackets and pants. However, these days, more breathable waterproof options like Gore-Tex are becoming popular as well.
How breathable your gear is is also important. PVC gear is the cheapest option, but it also builds up heat and moisture. This could leave you just as wet after your ride if the heat isn’t vented out properly. This is why Gore-Tex materials are becoming more popular, but they do cost a bit more.
Visibility
Visibility is also important to consider when picking out motorcycle rain gear. Rainy weather lowers visibility on the road, making it harder for other drivers to see you. Combine this with the tendency for drivers to focus less on what’s around them, and you can be at serious risk.
It’s always good to make sure your gear has reflective patches or stripes. These should be on places which will be visible to other drivers too, like your back or arms. Many rain gear manufactures also offer high-intensity color options which can help with your visibility.
Boots and gloves
It’s important to not forget about your hands and feet as well. Rainy weather could loosen your grip on your bike and cause your hands or feet to slip. That’s why you should make sure to get some good boots and gloves for rainy riding.
Recently, many rain gear manufacturers have started making their own boots and gloves. Gore-Tex, for example, has begun making gloves and boots for motorcycle riders. Still, any good kind of waterproof material will work. These boots and gloves often will come with additionally straps or lacing to help increase their waterproof seals.
Just like when riding in the cold, it’s important to have the right kind of gear for riding in the rain. Luckily, there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from. You can find the right combination of style and protection that will best suit your needs are a rider.
Feb 19, 2020 | Accident prevention, Driver Safety
With springtime in full swing and the winter weather long gone, you might think driving will be a bit easier. However, spring driving comes with it’s own hazards that you’ll want to watch for. Being mindful of these risks will help keep you safe and enjoy the spring weather while on the road…
Spring Driving: What To Watch For
Rain & floods
If winter is a time for snow, then spring is a time for rain. Springtime rain will make the roads wet and slippery, making your spring driving much more dangerous. Rain itself accounts for almost 50% of weather-related accidents. This rain could even cause flooding, which could completely block off roads and water-log your car. That’s why it’s important to know how to handle this kind of weather. You’ll want to watch your speed and give plenty of following distance when driving in the rain. This will allow you to slow down and stop safely as well, preventing potential hydroplaning. If the rain really bad, it’s probably best to just stay off the roads until it passes.
Road wear & tear
Winter weather can cause some serious damage to roads. Ice can cause cracks and holes to form in the asphalt, which remain well after the ice is gone. Snowplows, salt, and sand can also tear up the roads, causing potholes and other problems. As a result, your spring driving could be taking place on some pretty worn-out roads. Due to these less-than-ideal roads, you’ll want to pay extra attention to the roads ahead. Try to be on the look for any potholes or cracks which could cause problems for you. If you can, try to avoid these hazards. When you can’t, slow down and drive over them slowly to avoid serious damage to your tires and suspension.
Increased activity
Spring also brings about some increased activity on the roads. Bikers, cyclists, and even animals will be much more common on the roads now. That’s why you’re going to want to be extra attentive when doing your spring driving. Make sure to share the roads properly, and avoid any distractions which could lead to accidents.
Nov 20, 2019 | Accident prevention, Personal Injury
While dogs have become known as man’s best friend, most often that means their owner’s best friend. When it comes to strangers, some dogs aren’t quite so friendly. For this reason, dog bite injuries can be quite common… and dangerous.
Not only are they very common in neighborhoods and living complexes, but they mostly happen to children. They are also common on-the-job injuries for employees that have to approach or work in homes. While certain areas have leash laws and other protective measures, it’s still important to practice these tips when approaching a dog you don’t know. After all, a dog bite might seem less severe than other types of personal injury but they can be just as serious.
Avoiding Dog Bite Injuries: Personal Injury
Don’t Approach Too Quickly
When dealing with a dog you don’t know, you never want to approach too quickly. For one thing, you don’t know the demeanor of the dog, so it’s best to keep your distance. In addition, coming up to a dog very quickly can put them on alert. Of course, the dog isn’t familiar with you either so they don’t know if you’re a threat…
When you approach too quickly, they may feel like you are going to attack. In that case, they may react out of fear and you could face dog bite injuries. As a child, it’s very natural to run up to a cute, furry dog. So, it’s important to teach your kids to approach slowly as well.
Be Aware of Their Food and Toys
Dogs can feel very protective over things that are theirs. Therefore, they may become aggressive when eating or playing with a chew toy. So, it’s best to avoid bothering them while they eat. At that point, they may become aggressive due to their protective instincts. If you’re reaching down and they snap too quickly, you could face serious dog bite injuries to your hands or fingers.
Don’t Try to Calm Them
When facing an aggressive dog, it can be tempting to try to calm them. However, that can lead to dog bite injuries very quickly. While some dogs don’t mean anything by their bark, others mean business. It doesn’t always mean they need to get to know you or sniff you out first.
Those tactics can calm some dogs and they will settle down rather quickly. However, you may just be putting yourself within a closer bite range. If you don’t know the dog or it’s owners, don’t assume you can calm them by talking to them or letting them sniff you.
If You’re On the Job…
Some jobs demand that you approach or even work in a person’s home. For instance, mailmen and other delivery service employees must approach stranger’s homes everyday. In addition, working in construction, electricity, plumbing, and other services can place you in a stranger’s home.
As a stranger in or around the home, you can seem like the biggest threat to a dog. Because of their protective instincts, they may try to snap to protect their owners and their territory. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious when approaching home. Be on alert for dogs that may roam the yard freely or run out of the door quickly. Dog bite injuries at work can be serious and lead to injuries that will prevent you from being able to do your job.
The best way to avoid dog bite injuries is to keep your distance until you feel safe around the dog and the dog feels safe around you…
While you may know to stay back, many kids do not. It’s instinctive to reach out to a dog as a child, especially if they have pets at home. So, be sure to teach your kids about keeping their distance when they don’t know the dog. By doing so, you can help prevent your children from facing serious dog bite injuries.
Aug 11, 2019 | Accident prevention, Car Accidents
If there’s one thing any driver hates, it’s car problems. Car issues can lead to potential breakdowns, and some seriously costly repairs. However, performing some good car maintenance can really help keep your car in good shape. Doing so will help save you headaches and cost in the future…
Car Maintenance: Keep Your Car Going
Check your tires
It’s very easy to take your tires for granted. However, it turns out that 738 accident-related deaths were caused by poor tires in 2017 alone. Therefore, it’s important not to neglect your tires. Instead, you want to regularly check them for issues as part of your car maintenance, both the obvious and the harder-to-spot kinds.
First, check for anything like screws, nails, or tears which weaken your tires and lead to leaks. It also helps to check your tire pressure once a month, and get it up to its proper level if needed. Tire rotations also help improve your tread life, and should be done every 6,000-8,000 miles.
Inspect the oil & other fluids
Drivers also tend to gloss over their car’s fluids, but they’re a key part of proper car maintenance. Your oil, for instance, is crucial for keeping your engine running right. Therefore, it helps to check it every month or so to see if it’s time for a change.
However, your car has other fluids besides oil. Remember, you have power-steering, automatic transmission, wiper, and break fluids as well. Try to give these fluids a look each time you check your oil.
Other components
There’s a lot of different components that go into your car that you’d want to look over as part of your car maintenance. For instance, your lights are very important for safely driving, so check them out to see if they still work and aren’t burnt-out or cracked. Don’t forget about checking your windshield wipers too.
Of course, you’ll want to check the internal core parts too. While you don’t have to do anything crazy, simply keeping your battery free of corrosion and cleaning your radiator can go a long way. For those harder-to-reach areas, it helps to bring your car to an auto shop and have them check things out for you.
Jul 25, 2019 | Accident prevention, Work
While the summer months definitely bring the heat, they also bring allergens. Many people see their allergies flare up during these months, and they can carry over into the workplace. Workplace allergies can seriously get in the way of your work, just like any work injury. However, there are ways for you to manage and overcome them…
Workplace Allergies: Ways To Manage
Recognize your allergies
In order to manage your workplace allergies, you first need to be aware of what your allergens are. Most people tend to get allergy tests as kids to see what they may or may not be allergic too. However, over time, new allergies could develop, or you could grow out of old ones. Therefore, it doesn’t hurt to get checked again as you get older.
It’s also important to know how severe your allergies are. For example, some allergies might just be annoying, like pollen allergies. However, others may be life-threatening, like food-based allergies. Knowing how severe your allergies are can help you take the appropriate steps to keep yourself safe.
Your allergies & your work
Once you recognize what your workplace allergies are, then it’s time to see how they may show up in your work. This depends on both the kind of work you do, and what your allergies are. For instance, a pollen allergy might impact you more if you work outside instead of inside.
However, some allergies might get in the way no matter where you work. The most apparent kind might be food-based ones. You could run into co-workers who have food you’re allergic to. Or, your work might offer foods that you don’t know the ingredients for, putting you at risk.
Managing your allergies
As it turns out, managing your workplace allergies doesn’t have to be all that complicated. The first thing you’ll want to do it take steps to limit your exposure. Of course, this goes beyond you just staying away from your allergens. It helps to let your co-workers and boss know about them too. That way, they can help make the workplace safer and more comfortable for you.
Still, some allergens might be out of their control. In these cases, it helps to take some extra precautions. You may want to wear some extra protective equipment when working, especially if you’ll constantly be around an allergen. Plus, you can see if allergy medicines can help minimize the symptoms.
