Five Things You Need To Know To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Road Rage

It’s a split second impulse: You whip your car into the next lane to avoid a possible collision as cars in front of you come to a screeching halt, cutting off the person next to you. This seemingly innocent act got you out of one troubling situation, but into another much more precarious: The cutt-off driver charges toward your back bumper honking his horn, flashing his lights, and lurching at you against his front wind-shield like he wants to put his middle finger through your teeth and out the other side. You are alarmed, but don’t think much of it until the guy jerks into the lane next to you, and charges up alongside your window, screaming, and trying to edge you either off the road or into another car.

You stop your vehicle and pull over toward the side of the road, and the guy races ahead about 200 feet—before hurtling the half-ton up onto the curb, pulling a u-turn, and screaming back at you with the all the fury of hell. This time you don’t know what to do: You’re heart is pounding and shots of cortisol are erupting into your brain causing you to lose focus, attention, and rationality. You are under attack; the aggressor is blind with rage; you feel like you might die.  

What do you do now?

Road rage is a serious and troubling occurrence, and often marked by the victim being chased, cut off, and the vehicle being hit by the aggressor’s vehicle. The most tragic side of road rage is what follows when the victim decides unwittingly to get out of the vehicle to ‘settle matters’ with the aggressor, which often results in physical harm, and, in extreme cases, even death.

So what do you do to avoid becoming (or worse yet are) a victim of road rage? The following are some simple tips to help you:

·  1. Take road rage seriously: When it happens, do not underestimate the rage of the aggressor, or what he/she is capable of. Don’t mess with them or provoke them or somehow try to assert some foggy sense of self-appointed justice. Treat every incident as potentially highly dangerous and explosive.

·  2. Disengage: Do whatever you can reasonably to avoid this conflict: smile, wave, mouth the statement “I’m sorry,” etc. Acting in such a way can diffuse the situation by showing the other person that you are only human, and that you made a mistake without any intent to offend.

·  3. Steer Clear: If you are being pursued, put as much distance as possible between you and the aggressor, and get out of the way as quickly as possible. Do not try to pull over on the side of the road to settle things “man to man.”

·  4. Avoid Eye Contact: Looking and staring another driver can be perceived as an act of aggression, and thus will only add gasoline to the flames. Look away, focus on the road, and get your breathing slowed down, which will help you calm down.

·  5. Get Help—Fast!:  If you believe the other driver is following you, or is literally pounding fists of fury against your window and spattering saliva-threats against the glass, do not get out of the vehicle.  If you have a mobile phone, call the police immediately. Otherwise, drive to a place where there are people around, such as a mall parking lot, police station, or even a hospital. When you arrive, honk your horn relentlessly—this will possibly deter the aggressor from continuing his onslaught, as well as put you in a more protected situation.

Road rage is serious. Our world is a place full of speed and stress. The slightest thing can trigger an explosive situation. Slow your pace down, signal when turning lanes, check blind spots, and have a mannerly posture, letting others into lanes and even have a parking spot if you and another vehicle roll up to it at the same time. Most importantly, have patience. 

We are all humans, and for the most part do not willingly want to do harm to another. Remembering that is important for both aggressor and victim.

How Aggressive Of A Driver Are You? Why You Might Just Be This Guy In Bond's Rearview Mirror But Don't Even Know It

According to a 2012 Leger Marketing poll, nearly 80% of Canadian drivers admit to aggressive behaviour that could be considered road rage, such as use of profanity, yelling, or following other vehicles too closely, with speeding as the most common.

Here's How Some of the Stats Break Down:

• 8 in 10 Canadian drivers are guilty of aggressive behaviour
• 83% are men, while 76% are women
• 2 in 5 admit to using profanity during traffic
• Young drivers aged 18-34 are most guilty of cutting people off
• 1 in 5 are guilty of tailgating
• Seeing other people distracted by mobile phones or other ways is the most common trigger for most road-ragers
• Men are more likely than women to experience road rage when cut off
• Women express road rage more than men when they are running late
• Drivers under the age of 45 are more likely to blame their road rage on a bad day than those age 45 and older

Behaviours Of And Conditions That Trigger Road Rage:

• Speeding
• Swearing during traffic
• Tailgating
• Yelling/swearing directly at someone
• Rude hand gestures
• Cutting people off
• Weaving in and out of traffic

Take the Self-Test By Answering Yes or No To the Following Statements:

• I regularly exceed the speed limit in order to get to a given destination.
• I tailgate other drivers, especially those who sit in the left lane.
• I flash my lights and honk my horn to let drivers know when they annoy me.
• I verbally abuse other drivers whether they can hear me or not.
• I frequently weave in and out of traffic to 'get ahead'.
• I feel that I am the only person on the road who 'knows how to drive'.
• I have a compulsion to set drivers straight when they violate my own set of road rules.

If after reading this you realize that you fall into the aggressive driver camp, you're not alone. More importantly, however, you can change your behaviour. By being aware of your tendencies while driving, you can make a different decision each time you get in your vehicle and get triggered. By stepping back, taking a deep breath, and resisting the urge to retaliate, you are making yourself and others safer.

It's important to realize that traffic is part of a larger system: poorly designed roads, complexities and rapid pace of modern life, work/life stressors, faster vehicles, and the list goes on. As drivers we are part of that larger system, and therefore it is not any one person's fault on the road. We are the result of innumerable complex factors colliding to create the reality called 'traffic'. The guy that flipped you off is part of a larger system beyond merely driving that is causing him to react in such a way. It's not just the traffic. Remembering this, and remembering to be patient, is another way to stay cool when the roads heat up.

The Future Of Driving In Canada? Really?

Many of us believe that the future will for the most part resemble the past; however, a striking spike in technology forces us to pause.

The Ontario Government announced early this year that it is "looking into testing self-driving automobiles," according to Ontario Car & Auto Insurance News. The article continues that it will be a five-year auto pilot project which the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario "sees in its proposal to test the safety of autonomous vehicles not only a first for Canada, but also an opportunity to thrust Ontario into the limelight as a starring performer in technology development leadership."

But an abstract concept such as leadership is not the main reason for this pilot, rather it is the ability to attract new business and jobs to Ontario that is of greater importance and tangibility. According to a statement by veteran auto insurance consultant Willie Handler, also quoted in the article, "This is a billion dollar industry and it could save the auto sector in Ontario."

In the fall of 2010, Google made headlines by claiming that it had developed a fleet of "self-piloting" Toyota Prius Hybrids, which had already logged over 140,000 miles (combined) mostly on Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Powered by artificial intelligence software and outfitted with a sophisticated GPS system, mapping software, and optical reader and laser sensors, the car could stay on track, know where it was going and see what was happening around it. The car, in spite of its marvels, caused an uproar: not over that people were sharing the car with driverless cars, but that Google wan't sharing the cars with them. According to a recent Fast Company article, "Google's autonomous vehicle has gone on to log 300,000 accident-free miles, mostly on the highways of California and Nevada." And this striking invention has compelled a host of early adopter car companies to follow suit, announcing that their version of the driverless cars will be ready by 2020: Audi, BMW, GM, Nissan, Toyota, and Volvo.

One significant barrier, however, to this technology becoming ubiquitous is not the technology itself, but rather, according to the same Fast Company article, us, for "the winner of the race to roll out a mass-produced AV is the one who can finally convince us to take our hands off the wheel." And this is why car manufacturers are beginning now to persuade customers to give up more control of their cars, such as with GM's connected systems that is touted as a link in a chain that will one day lead to autonomous driving and an accident-free, congestion-free future.

Our reluctance to give up full-control of a vehicle is actually based on very real legal and ethical issues, such as in the event of an accident is the driver, car company, or software company liable? If the human isn't driving, is it his/her fault if a collisions occurs? There is also the issue of the kind of innovative road and highway infrastructure that would accommodate both normal and driverless cars.

And these issues are just a few facing Ontario as it looks ahead to this five-year pilot. Indeed, under our current laws, one needs to be in control of one's car at all times; however, what is considered "under control" must be expanded over time. Indeed, as mentioned above, the concept of 'fault' in the Insurance Act will need to be expanded to facilitate driverless cars from an insurance perspective. Hence, the insurance issues alone throw up a bees nest of complexity for this seemingly simple pilot.

In spite of these issues, however, technology has a history of moving faster than conventionally foreseen. A story in the Wall Street Journal, for example, states that such driverless cars are closer to mass-market development than conventionally believed.

Why You're At Risk For Vehicle Impoundment

Have you, or someone you know or love, driven with a suspended license? Know what the consequences are? Once you know these facts, you will think twice before doing it--even if you're driving to the corner store. You will also be in a position to inform a friend or loved one if the temptation arises. Here's how it all breaks down, according to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation.

If you drive while your license is suspended, you can face one of two kinds of impoundment:

1. At the minimum 45 days, if your license has been suspended under a Criminal Code conviction. In this instance, the driver will be given an impoundment notice by a police officer, and the vehicle will be immediately towed to an impoundment yard for the 45 day minimum. The vehicle owner or plate holder must pay the towing charge and storage costs before the vehicle is released at the end of the impoundment period, which can be up to $1,800. Additionally, suspended drivers may face fines from $5,000 to $50,000 if convicted, or

2. 7 days, if driving with a license under a specific Highway Traffic Act suspension. Similar to the above process (albeit almost 7-times shorter), the police officer will issue a notice of impoundment, and the vehicle will be immediately towed to the impoundment yard. To retrieve the vehicle at the end of the 7-days, the owner/license plate holder of the vehicle must pay both towing and storage charges.

Did you notice a very important detail in the above: it is not the driver who pays the towing/impoundment charges, but the vehicle owner/license plate holder! That means that if you lend out your vehicle to someone you know who's license is suspended, you are at risk of not only having your car impounded but also paying the full expenses out of pocket. 

Other behaviour that, if caught, will result in vehicle impoundment:

1. Those driving without a vehicle ignition interlock device when required to do so will also face impoundment, as well as those with a Blood Alcohol Concentration over 0.08 or who fail to comply with the demand to take a breath sample. 

2. If you want to become the star of the next Fast and Furious sequel by showing your stuff on Ontario roads through races, contests, or stunts, your vehicle will face the 7-day impoundment penalty as well.

To get your vehicle out of impoundment, you will have to contact either the police officer who or police service that impounded the vehicle in the first place, from which you will be given instructions on retaining your vehicle. The instructions can vary, depending on the police service, community, region, etc.

Shocking Insights For Those Who Have A Teen Driving or Riding With Those Who Do

Bruce Murakami lost his wife and daughter to a tragic accident: a teen, street racing in a rented car, lost control of his vehicle and slammed into the mother and daughter's van killing them both. Over a period of tremendous mourning, Bruce decided to turn the tragedy into an act of forgiveness and humanism: he forgave the teen, and started a non-profit, called Safe Teen Driver, that raises awareness of the importance of teen realization of the real dangers of driving. As part of his work, Murakami has been working with Justin Cabezas--the teen who killed Murakami's wife and daughter--partnering up on their high school visits during which they talk to teens about the importance of safe driving habits and awareness. Of Cabezas, Murakami states that "he's a good kid who did something really stupid."

Here are some findings by Murakami that will strike you:

• The greatest cause of teen death is car accidents.

• Teen drivers carrying one teenage passenger have twice the risk of a fatal crash as teens driving alone.

• Teen passengers have twice the risk of a fatal crash as teens driving alone; and teen passengers are killed more frequently than teen drivers

• There is a higher level of distractibility with this generation of drivers than ever before: cell phones, texting, music, iPods.

• The part of the brain that controls judgment is not developed until the age of 22-24.

There are ways that you can talk to your teen about the dangers of driving, and better prepare him or her for the challenges and dangers of being a driver or passenger:

• You need to be concerned with all aspects of teaching your child road safety, as both driver and passenger. Some basic research of the risks before your child begins driving or going out with friends who do is both essential and basic.

• Know what your teen is doing, such as whom he or she is getting into the car with, where your child is going, and the number of passengers. You must take a proactive role when it comes to whom your child rides with.

• Look into safety options for your vehicle, for instance Ford's "MyKey" allows parents to disable their child's cell phone with a key, and sound continuous alerts if the driver and passengers don't wear seat belts. 

• Consider your own bad driving habits: riding without a seat belt, talking or texting on your phone, speeding, etc. Your behaviour is being modelled to your child.

• Have continuous discussion with your child about safe driving techniques, including learning how to communicate with him or her, and keeping those lines of communication open.

For two great websites in this regard, check out Kidproof, and Bruce Murakami's website Safe Teen Drivers--it is U.S.-based, but remains compelling and insightful for us here in Canada.

A Startling Discovery About The Effects of Driving--On the Brain!

Distracted driving is now conventionally understood as driving while texting, updating your Twitter page, or talking on your phone. However, what is not often discussed is what neuroscience tells us about the impact driving actually has on our brains: 

Did you know that driving is actually one of the most distracting activities for a human being to take part in, and that which can lead to serious attention lapses simply because it can be so boring? 

According to research in lapses of attention done by Ian Robertson (A neuropsychologist),  keeping one's mind on a particular routine task, such as driving a bus or car, is one of the most difficult things for the human brain to do. In fact, as Robertson explains in Psychology Today, since the Autobahns in Germany were built, civil engineers have discovered that they have needed to build unnecessary bends in the highways--simply to keep the drivers alert. And this is not just the Autobahn; for other highways are putting such neuroscientific research to work on the designs of their roads, spending, collectively, trillions of dollars simply to keep switched on a crucial network in the driver's brains that controls attention.

The system, according to Robertson, is called the "Sustained Attention System," and is controlled by the right-half of your brain. The core feature of this system is that it is "internally drive": you keep your mind on a book, lecture, or the road, even though those stimuli are not offering you any attention-grabbing features. Your cognition is thus 'internal controlled,' meaning that you are the one who has to keep yourself engaged. Conversely, an external stimulus is one that is controlled from the outside, such as a really exciting computer game, or a hilarious movie. Here your attention is in the hands of the director or creator of the game. As such, we can give our internal control system a rest, and let the external system take over. 

The problem with driving is that there is very little external stimuli to keep your attention focussed, which thus leads to distraction and accidents.

The rhetoric is that cell phone use is a distraction that can increase the likelihood of accident. What neuroscience tells us is that the biological reaction driving has on our brains leads to lapses of attention before the distracted driving activities can even have a chance to start.

Which One Of These 9 Types Of Annoying Drivers Are You?

• Spontaneous Horn Honker: If you honk at the car in front of you within five seconds of a light turning green, or for someone taking a little longer to get through a left-hand turn at an intersection, you're this type of annoying driver. Better to take a deep breath, and relax. 

• Tale-Gater: Do you like to pressure the driver ahead of you by getting as close to his/her bumper as possible? Add the flickering headlights for extra leverage? If so, then you fall into this category of annoying drivers. Even if the person ahead is going 10 kilometres under the speed-limit, it's not their problem, it's yours.

• Slow-Poke: If you're getting a shot of schadenfreude at the category above, because you're one of those drivers that drive slow in the left lane to annoy the Tale-Gater, you're not off the hook. This is one of the most annoying types of drivers. Ever notice that there are fewer radar on the roads during rush hour?--it's because people have places to go. Chances are, that person burning down the left-lane has somewhere to go, so why take that moment to prove a point? Better to simply move over to the middle lane and let him/her pass.

• Ambiguous Lane Changer: One way to get back at the speed-demon tailing you, though you're both in the wrong, is to blithely drift over into the middle lane--without using your turn-signal. This not only eats the guts out of the person revving up your tail-pipe, but is a danger to the drivers coming up in that middle lane and/or looking to turn in from the right-hand lane. Your signals are important safety features for your vehicle--use them.

• Butt-Flicker: Yep--you got it: if you're one of these, then you are prone to flicking the cigarette butt out your window when your finger tips start to burn. Didn't you learn about pollution when you were in kindergarten? Thought you'd add another layer of harm to those around you in addition to the effects of second-hand smoke? Smoking is within your rights to do--in spite of taking years off your life, as you'll read in a previous post--but put it in an ash-tray and dispose of it as you would other trash. (Incidentally, this is in the same category as the McSlinger: Those who decide that the best place for a paper bag of greasy remains from that burger combo is the side of the highway--slung from the window of their speeding vehicle! If you're a McSlinger, you deserve 6 months of community service. If you're a Butt-Flicker and think McSlingers are Neanderthals, you're one-step away from it my friend...).

Ok--had to include this hilarious clip of David Letterman taking socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor out on a fast food joy-ride. 

• DJ-Wannabe: Didn't quite realize your high-school dream of being that dude spinning tunes to a sweat-soaked gymnasium of writhing fans? Is that why you turned your vehicle into something the Guvernment nightclub would envy? Those around you, even if they dig the song, find it annoying, especially if it's competing with their tunes. Think you're somehow immune to the sorry cliche if you're playing Johnny Cash instead of a bad-remix of Chaka Khan? Nope. 

• Brake-Hitter: Ok--you know who you are: Maybe you're prone to freak-out flash-backs from the 60s, or you have a bad case of restless leg syndrome, but whatever it is, you are compelled to hit your breaks in the middle of traffic flow for no apparent reason. If this is you, stop. It's really dangerous to yourself and those behind you. If you are somehow uncomfortable or anxious while driving--or a bee just blew in through your window--try to pull over and deal with whatever's going on. Issues you have while driving are not bad in themselves, but putting other people at risk is.

• Villeneuve Clone: You think you're the next Formula One champion--in your Honda Civic: darting in and out of lanes, cutting people off, not using your signals, flying at high speeds. Here's the truth: nobody's in the race with you--there is no race. You might find another Villeneuve Clone to race you, but you make those around you scared to death. Get a membership at a racing club where you can pursue your inner passion for danger and speed in a controlled environment--but don't put the rest of us through it.

• Dart Vader: You can't quite figure out which lane is better, because at some time or another, they all are. In fact, you don't want just one lane, you want all of them. To this end, you dart in and out of lanes, invading other vehicles' padding of space between them and the next vehicle, in this unflagging urge for better flow. For those of you who must endure the Dart Vader, may the force be with you...

Some Professional, Fun, and Downright Crazy Things You Do That Make You Considered High-Risk For Life Insurance

The story is shocking and sad: 41 year-old David Stather’s “secretive” base-jump off a 4,000-foot canyon deep in Navajo territory inside the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona goes tragically wrong, plummeting the much-honoured Calgary respirologist to his rocky death. Given that base-jumping is banned in many areas throughout North America, there are very few known base jumpers in Canada, many of whom commit such death-defying stunts in secret.

However, there are many across the nation who take part in sports and hobbies, or even professions, considered too risky by most insurance companies for a life insurance policy. Here’s a breakdown of such activities:

Professions

1. Underground miner
2. Private or commercial pilot
3. Lumberjack
4. Farmer or rancher
5. Construction worker, particularly work that involves structural steel or highway construction
6. Offshore oil rig worker
7. Offshore commercial fisher
8. Police Officer
9. Firefighter

As a result of these high-risk professions, life insurance policies are typically offered through employers. However, many employment life insurance packages do not offer enough life insurance to adequately support a family in the wake of an untimely death. Hence, shopping around for a supplementary life insurance policy is important, but not without difficulty.

High-Risk Hobbies

1. Amateur race car driving
2. Bungee jumping
3. Mountain or rock climbing
4. Skydiving and B.A.S.E. jumping
5. Scuba diving, as a result of the high incidences of drowning and decompression sickness
6. Aviation, particularly a private or personal aircraft, simply because it is less monitored than commercial aviation. Other activities most likely uncovered are hot-air ballooning and hang gliding.
7. Back-country skiing, simply because of the remoteness and the risk of avalanche, not to mention that rescue of injured persons is much more difficult.
8. Extreme water sports, such as power boating or boat racing, surfing, and white water rafting
9. Boxing, given that those who take part in it are highly susceptible to injuries that may be so severe that they could reduce quality of life.

Insurance companies make money by insuring people considered safe bets, namely those who will pay the premiums every month and not die unexpectedly. By engaging in a high-risk profession or ‘extreme’ sport, one is considered high-risk and thus will find it more difficult to get coverage without higher premiums, making the policy more expensive to get and maintain over time. For instance, if the underwriter feels that you’re more likely to die than others your age and sex, you’ll either be denied coverage, or you’ll get a rating that leads to higher premiums. These ratings are expressed in percentages: if you get a 50% rating, you’ll pay 50% more than a standard rate, while 100% rating means you’re premiums will be double. Ratings run from 50% to 400% more than standard, and therefore being labeled high risk can lead to premiums four or five times higher than standard. So for instance, if you’re a 40-year old female non-smoker who wants a 20-year term policy for $500,000 your standard rate will be approximately $60 a month. But think about it: if you’re considered high-risk, that same 20-year term policy for $500,000 will cost you up to $240 per month.

If you’re young and starting a family, or have one and engage in the high-risk professions or hobbies above, it will be very important to shop around and talk to an insurance professional to see what options are open to you for life insurance.

If having security for your family in the event of your unexpected death outweighs the thrill of your high-risk hobby, maybe it’s time to drop it for good to get you into a better, more cost-effective policy rating. Remember, the greatest asset for you and your family is your life—your ability to provide for yourself and your family. Life is unpredictable. Making sure your family is insured for the greatest amount possible is critical for their longevity and well-being. 

10 Of The Most Important Tips To Keep You Safe This May Long Week End

It's been a long winter, which makes May long week-end sweeter: a time of getting the cottage opened up and readied for summer, or just taking a trip up north with your family.

But remember...you're not the only one with such a brilliant idea, especially during May 2/4. There will be an influx of drivers on the road, which will increase the risk of vehicle collision. 

There have been many reports over past May long week-ends of collisions and fatalities along roads that could have been avoided. With such a higher volume of traffic, and increased risk on the roads, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) urges motorists to drive with caution and consider the following road safety tips as a guide:

1. Never drink and drive. If you have had a drink, make sure you have a designated driver. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver's reaction time, which makes collisions much more likely.

2. Avoid driver distractions, such as talking and texting on hand-held phones. According to a recent study, 75% to 80% of all motor vehicle collisions are a result of driver distractions.

3. Ensure proper use of seat belts, booster seats, and child seats.
If you're expecting driver fatigue, pull off the road to a safe spot and have a nap. Driving drowsy can be just as fatal as driving sober.

4. Obey all rules of the road, respect posted speed limits, rights of other drivers, and drive according to road conditions.

5. Share the road. Be cautious of cyclists, motorcycles and pedestrians. Always be on the lookout for vulnerable road users, even if they don't have right of way.

6. Night driving doesn't have to be intimidating: If you drive carefully and use your headlights properly, you shouldn't have a problem reaching your destination.

7. Check your car for any tire damage, under inflated or over-inflated tires, depth of tire tread; as well as properly working brakes, and wiper fluid top-up.

8. Before you tow a trailer or haul a load, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the job.

9. If you see a wild animal on or near the road, brake firmly but don't swerve. Honk horn in a series of short bursts to frighten animal away.

10. Take all safety precautions when boating, which means understanding the weather, water conditions, and having enough lifejackets for each passenger, and refrain from any and all alcohol consumption. Boating safety is key to keeping you and your family and friends safe while enjoying the great lakes.

Are You Ready To Put A Tracking System In Your Car That Records How You Drive?

Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) is the latest buzz-term in Canadian insurance. In a recent Toronto Star article, UBI could cut the average annual cost of insuring a car by 15%--a welcomed state of affairs for GTA drivers who are known to pay the highest insurance rates in the country.  This two-step 15% decrease in rates is said to be about one-year away, dangling out before drivers the possibility of substantial savings. The Quebec insurance company Desjardin is currently the insurer offering a user-based program in Ontario, with three other companies having been approved by provincial regulators.
But what exactly is it?

UBI bases your insurance rates on empirical data collected from your actual driving habits through a GPS, or telematics, tracking system that records how you drive, including acceleration, braking, and overall speed. Additionally, it can capture information much more acute and even indemnifying, such as how quickly you accelerate and brake, whether you drift out of your lane, how sharply you take corners, and whether you drive mostly on highways, or quiet side streets. The data are then transmitted wirelessly directly to your insurance company that builds a profile of your driving habits over time, thus leading to your policy being adjusted or re-evaluated accordingly. Indeed, it is an incentive-driven system that lowers drivers’ rates the better they drive.

Such a method differs from more conventional methods of ‘data collection’ that are most common, but indeed less accurate, such as statistics information garnered by questionnaires that are filled out, and often fudged, by the driver him/herself.

Some insurers describe UBI as a win-win for both drivers and insurers. Insurers win because there would be less accident claims and less money paid out. It is also touted as being able to record fraudulent insurance claims, such as staged accidents, etc.

And it’s a win for drivers, simply because the pure act of having one’s behaviour recorded in most cases will lead to a transformation of that behaviour, translating into better driving.  Who wouldn’t drive more carefully if one knew that every movement of the car were recorded and sent directly to the insurance company?

In Canada, the move to a telematic system has been rather slow, not only on the part of insurance companies, but also, according to the Toronto Star, FSCO (Financial Services Commission of Ontario) that regulates the insurance industry, the rationale being that it wants to ensure that consumers are protected and that the information is not in anyway misused by the insurance companies.

FSCO also regulates how premiums change over time according to the data recorded. In Quebec, where UBI has been ‘piloted’ since 2012, motorists receive a 20% discount on their monthly bill. However, FSCO will only allow rates to change annually when one’s insurance contract is renewed. Some claim that this taints the incentive of the program; that being able to cut one’s monthly premium by 20% will naturally lead to more focused, successful driving. However, according to FSCO, such monthly fluctuations can lead to a kind of volatility to the insurance system.

No doubt, UBI offers incentives and some drawbacks. For those who choose to take part in it, they will most likely see great discounts on their insurance rates, but the question remains how safe their information will be. However, UBI also provides some very compelling incentives: better driving, lower monthly payments, and fewer collisions.

Which side of the fence are you on?

If You're Concerned About Being A Victim Of Car Theft You Have To Read These Simple Tips

The average number of car thefts per year in Canada is declining, with some reports stating that it is the lowest since 1976. That said, in a Global News article reported on June 7, 2013, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, even though car theft numbers are not on the rise, on average a car is stolen in Canada every three and a half minutes—about 420 per day. The report continues that, “every year it is estimated that about 40 people die and 65 are injured as a direct result of auto theft.” Stolen cars are often sold for a quick profit, and often used to fund other criminal activity.

Below is a list of the top ten most popular stolen cars in Canada:

1.     2000 HONDA CIVIC SiR 2DR

2.     1999 HONDA CIVIC SiR 2DR

3.     2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SS 4DR 4WD

4.     2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

5.     2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4DR AWD

6.     2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

7.     2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4DR 4WD

8.     2005 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

9.     2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

10. 1999 ACURA INTEGRA 2DR

All-terrain vehicles are becoming more popular, for they are often shipped and sold overseas to countries like West Africa, the Middle East.

There are a number of ways to avoid car theft—some are quite obvious, while others may be eye-opening:

• Close all windows, lock doors and trunk—even if you leave the car for only a moment. Leaving your car for even seconds can present an opportunity for theft.

• Never leave the car running and always remove the keys from the ignition, especially when at a gas station or ATM machine, or convenience store.

• When in a car and stopped by a stranger, be wary of anyone asking you to wind down your window or get out of your car, for this may be a scheme to steal your vehicle.

• One form of car-jacking is the culprit bumping your car from behind at a fairly low speed. When you jump out to check for damage, the culprit hops in your car and speeds off. If you are suspicious—and your gut will tell you—stay in your car, lock your doors and windows, and call the police from your mobile phone.

• Try to park in a well-lit area, and preferably off the road. Avoid leaving your car in a car park for an extensive period of time. Best place to keep your car is parked in your garage at night. Having your car parked outside may be more convenient, but it means that it is vulnerable and visible to would-be thieves.

• To minimize your car falling prey to being towed away by a thief, always leave your car in gear if it has manual transmission, or, if automatic, in park—and always put the emergency break on, and turn the steering wheel to point the front wheels to the curb.

• Hide your personal belongings, especially mobile phones and laptops/tablets, purses/wallets, etc. If your stereo has a removable face, take it with you.

• Take your information with you: Instead of storing your ownership, insurance information, and registration in your glove compartment, you should keep them with you. Leaving them in your vehicle increases your chances of falling prey to identity theft.

10 Things About Car Insurance That Sound True But Aren't

1. No fault’ insurance means it’s not my fault: It actually means that your insurance company covers your insurance regardless of who’s fault it is. It does not mean that no one is at fault at the accident. However, someone may still be found at fault at the accident, and he/she may be hit with a higher insurance rate as a result.
2. I can’t buy a red car because they cost more to insure: The colour doesn’t matter. What matters, however, is make, model, body type, engine size, age of the car, and the records of the drivers on your policy.
3.  I’m covered under my employer’s insurance when I use my vehicle for work: Your auto insurance only covers your personal use of a car, not commercial use. So if you’re using your vehicle, say, to deliver things for your job, your workplace will not cover that.
4. If my friend drives my car and gets in an accident, it won’t show up on my insurance: In actuality, if you lend your car you also lend your insurance. So even if you were not involved in the accident, if you are the policy holder and registered owner of the vehicle, your insurance is tagged for the accident.
5. My parking tickets are going to drive up my insurance rates: Parking tickets have no correspondence to insurance rates. However, unpaid parking tickets can lead to your license being suspended, which will drive up your rates.
6. There’s no point in shopping around for insurance—they’re all the same: Car insurance companies all have their own system of rating a policy, and each weighs in different factors differently. As well, at bottom insurance companies compete for your business. Shopping around can indeed lead to a lower rate.
7. I am covered under any car I drive: See number 4—and this also includes car rentals. You can purchase insurance from the rental company, but if you do not, you may not be covered for any damage to the rental vehicle.
8. I am covered anywhere I go: Canadian insurance companies will cover you everywhere in Canada and the United States, but not if you cross into places like Mexico, in such cases you will need to purchase separate car insurance.
9. My rate will go up if I get into an accident: Indeed, if you are at fault in an accident, and don’t have no-fault insurance, your rate will go up. However, rates go up for other reasons as well, which may not correspond at all to a given accident. Rates are adjusted periodically to keep up with statistics that apply to your situation (age, driver history, vehicle type, etc).
10. Comprehensive coverage protects me in all situations: Comprehensive insurance is one among a number of different types of protection. It covers only for damage caused by an event other than a collision.

Why Wearing Pajamas Is Not A Good Idea And Other Killer Productivity Tips For Working From Home

Working from home is slowly becoming more commonplace, especially with the inevitable rise of various video-conferencing and social networking applications.

But working from home, while a comfortable way to get the job done, offers a variety of challenges around productivity that working ‘on-location’—with its imposing social protocols—doesn’t present.  At home, we experience a series of conscious and unconscious cues about the kind of environment we’re in. Our home speaks with these kinds of statements and many more: “sit down,” “get something to eat,” “watch some t.v.,” “take a nap,” “go for a walk,” “get to the store and buy things for dinner,” etc. The environment of our homes rarely urge us to roll up our sleeves pound out that report that’s due, or setting up that video conferencing call.

So how do we maximize our productivity while under the spell of ‘home sweet home’? Here are some tips:

Dress for Success: While getting down to business in your bathrobe may be the quintessential act of work-from-home-freedom, it may actually impact your mindset around getting down to serious work. Shower, groom, and dress for your day as if you would be going to work will do wonders in getting you in the mindset of working. As well, when dressed for work, you are much less likely to do non-work stuff around the house, such as cleaning or giving the dog a bath.

Keep a Routine: Our work environments are filled with routine: get into your office/cubicle, get set at your computer, check emails, prepare reports, have meetings, chat at the water cooler, etc. At home, there is much less of those explicit routine cues. By beginning or following a routine, as if you were at the office, will help get your mind focused. By settling into your routine, you are telling yourself that you are beginning to work, and not lounging around at home. This routine could be something fun or enjoyable, such as getting a workout in before showering, having a healthy breakfast, brewing your own coffee instead of rushing out to Starbucks, etc. This takes discipline, and is fundamental to work-from-home productivity.

Allow for Breaks: A tendency is to plug away at your work masochistically without the usual breaks that you would take at the office. It’s important that you take the same kinds of breaks at home that you would at work: lunch break, and in-between coffee/stretch breaks. This will boost your productivity and help you avoid burn-out.

Nap for Productivity Boost: As explained in a previous post, taking a nap in the middle of the day has been confirmed through numerous studies to be critical for boosting mental and creative functioning. Working from home is the ideal way for you to take the kind of quick cat-nap needed to ensure your afternoon is a less-distracted, more productive one. If you haven’t done this before, thinking it is an act of laziness, look at the research and give it a try. You’ll see a notable difference in brain function and overall physical and emotional health.

Get Out for a Quick Walk: There are a series of culturally frowned upon activities that are actually good for productivity and creativity, such as napping and taking a walk outside. Steve Jobs was renowned for his impromptu walks outside to have conversations with people, talk on the phone, or recoup from a tirade. Working at home means you are not under the scrutiny of narrow-minded people. Taking a walk is not only good for your body, but it also gets oxygen to your brain, which enhances your ability to think and make good decisions.

Disconnect When the Work-Day is Over: It is easy for work to flow into your post-work time when you’re at home: emails that come in during dinner, or the constant reminder of the report sitting on your desk while walking from the kitchen to the family room to watch a movie. You can ‘semi-work’ your way to burn-out very easily when you lack discipline to truly disconnect, which, overall, harms your productivity when you re-enter work-mode the following day or at the start of another week. Create very clear boundaries around your work and your home time: turn off email notifications, refuse to answer emails beyond a certain time, and stop brainstorming ideas when you’re not on the clock. Let your mind relax, spend time with your family and/or friends, be thankful for the ability to work from home, and tune out of it. You’ll be much more productive the next morning when you re-enter your work again.