Accidents & Injuries Archives - O'Connor Insurance Agency

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

April 30, 2019 Rachel V

Next time you’re reading a book, stand up and try to walk around while doing so. It’s tougher than you’d think, right? Simply reading and responding to texts, checking the weather, or putting in an address into GPS while driving creates an even more distracting environment.

We know that accidents caused by distractions are severely underreported, but we do know that at least a thousand people are injured each day by distracted drivers, with nine of those people dying. Drivers between the ages 18-24 are at the most risk, and startlingly 20% of that age group does not see texting while driving as a distraction.

So what can we do?

1) It should go without saying, but just wait until you park to do anything with your phone.

2) Teach teen drivers the importance of paying attention to the road at all times. If you have a specific worry with your child, research blocking programs that shut down text functions while a vehicle is in motion.

3) Take the safe driving pledge as a family. Younger kids may get a kick out of being on “cell phone/distraction” patrol in the car.

4) Spread the word! If you’re in a car where someone is texting and driving, let them know it’s not safe. Sure, you may feel funny at first, but safety is so much more important than being a little awkward.

We still aren’t sure exactly how many accidents are caused by distracted driving, but we do know that putting any distractions down while behind the wheel WILL lower your risk of being involved in a fatal car accident. So take the pledge and advocate for safer roads.

Build Your Winter Car Kit

January 31, 2019 Rachel V

We are well into winter, so you may think you have your winter driving routine down to a T. Preparation is key, though, so make sure you have the following things in your car in case of a winter weather emergency:

Sturdy ice scraper. The worst feeling is going to clean off your car in the morning, and breaking your dollar store scraper, so invest in a one that will last more than a season or two. As a bonus, many have snow brushes, as well.
Warm things. Throw an extra blanket, pair of gloves, and sweater in the trunk. In case of an emergency, you may have to change into dry gloves – remember, the cold can turn dangerous very quickly, stay warm.
Emergency flares. These should already be in your emergency car kit, but if they are not, get some now. Visibility may be decreased during a storm, making them more crucial.
Collapsible shovel. These handy inventions collapse down to about a foot, making them a compact solution to a potentially large problem.
Rock salt, sand, or kitty litter. Either of these will help your tires gain traction if they are stuck in the snow. As an added benefit, the bag will add a few pounds of extra weight in the trunk, which also helps increase traction.
Personal care products. Water, nonperishable snacks, a cell phone charger, a flashlight, and a basic first aid kit should stay in your car year-round, but especially in winter (when it may take longer for an emergency crew or tow truck to reach you) they become critically important.
Standard car kit. Things like jumper cables, a tow chain (or rope), small tool kit, and extra windshield wiper fluid can help you do minor repairs on your own – saving time and money. YouTube is a surprisingly good resource for learning basic mechanical skills, like changing a tire or jumping a battery, so settle in with some hot cocoa and teach yourself something new. While you’re at it, reread our tips on driving in the winter.

We hope the rest of your winter is accident free, and you don’t need anything in this kit, but keeping these things in your car can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major tragedy.

Should You Be Worried About Your Appliance Hoses?

October 24, 2017 Karen O'Connor

There’s a ticking time bomb in your house right now, waiting to strike when you least expect it. In fact, there might even be more than one, and each can cause thousands and thousands of dollars in damage.

We are talking about faulty appliance hoses, of course.

Consider your humble washing machine: According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), washing-machine failures cost an average of more than $5,000, and faulty hoses are responsible for more than half of those failures.

You can take steps to defuse these ticking time bombs — or at least make them less likely to go off. Here are the common hoses and tubes you should be checking:

Washing Machine

Most washing machines come with rubber hoses that connect to your water supply — hoses that can wear out and eventually burst. The IBHS says to check frequently for blisters, worn tubing, stress cracks and loose connections. Even if there is no obvious wear, replace hoses every five years. Use a reinforced steel-braided hose, as they are less likely to fail.

Dryer

Although you should clean the lint trap in your dryer with every load, danger lurks behind the dryer as well. Flexible plastic or foil ducting can easily trap lint and increase the risk of fire, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency recommends the use of a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead. Whichever you use, be sure to disconnect and clean the ducting annually.

Refrigerator

If your refrigerator has an icemaker or water dispenser, it also has a hose connecting it to the water supply. Replace the standard hose with a steel-braided line for added security.

Dishwasher

Dishwasher leaks can easily go undetected, so it’s important to check these connections regularly as well. Make sure that hoses and lines have no kinks, and periodically remove and clean the filter in the dishwasher, which is designed to stop food pieces from making it into the drain hose.

Gas Grills

At least once a year (typically when you fire up the grill for the first time after winter), check the hose connecting the fuel source to the burners. Simply brush it with some soapy water, turn the gas on (do not light the grill) and check the hose for air bubbles. If you see any, replace the hose and fitting.

In addition to checking your hoses regularly and replacing them when needed, there are monitoring systems available now that can automatically shut off your water supply in the event of a failure. Some detect leaks with moisture indicators, while at least one new system actually checks your water meter for unusual activity.

To further protect you, your homeowners insurance may cover certain damage that results from appliance hose failures. But, it all depends on the circumstances of your situation and on your specific policy. You may find that an appliance hose failure is not covered by your insurance, so it’s best to maintain your appliances to avoid damage in the first place.

If you have questions about your homeowners insurance coverage or need help with a claim, we are happy to help.

Do you need rental car insurance?

August 31, 2017 Karen O'Connor

You’ve probably been at the rental-car counter, listening to the representative ask if you want to purchase the company’s insurance, and the thoughts start racing through your head – “Is this a rip-off? Doesn’t my regular auto policy cover me? What about my credit card? Why didn’t I figure this out before I left on my trip?”

At O’Connor Insurance, we are here to help. While not every situation is the same, we’ve got some general tips that will help you make an informed decision the next time you’re standing at that counter.

Know your personal auto policy.

Because insurance policies vary, it’s a good idea to give us a call — before you rent a car — to make sure you have the coverage you need. In many instances, your personal auto policy will provide coverage for a rental car — but that coverage may be limited to the value of the car you own, rather than the one you’re renting. Of course, if you don’t have a personal auto policy, you’ll need to purchase coverage from the rental company.

Keep in mind that in the event of an accident, many rental companies will charge fees beyond repair costs. They may assess a loss-of-use fee for each day the car is unusable, as well as charge you because the value of the car has decreased. Not all insurance policies cover these fees.

Also know your homeowners or renters policy.

If you’re traveling with expensive electronics or other valuable items, you probably want to consider what coverage you’ll have in the event they are stolen. Your personal auto policy and/or credit card coverage likely won’t provide protection for this scenario.

Check your credit card protection.

Most credit cards will also provide some coverage, but often payment is limited to reimbursement of your personal auto policy deductible (after that policy pays for repairs). Generally, loss-of-use and other fees are not covered, but it’s important to check with your credit-card provider to determine their policies. And while some cards may offer additional protection for a fee, usually coverage is limited to damage to the car, not liability for any injuries to others. Remember, to receive any sort of benefit from your card, you must use that card to pay for your entire car rental.

Consider any unique circumstances.

Are you renting a car in a foreign country, or for more than a week? You’ll definitely want to get confirmation of coverage from both your insurance carrier and credit card company because different rules might apply. Also, no matter where you are, vehicles such as trucks, RVs or exotic sports cars often aren’t covered under standard agreements. If you’re using a car for business purposes, your personal coverage might not apply. Finally, if multiple people will be driving the car during your trip, make sure your coverages will apply to them.

Learn about the insurance offered by the rental car company.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, rental companies offer four main types of coverage:

A Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) relieves you of responsibility if your rental car is damaged or stolen. This may also provide coverage for loss of use.

Liability Protection provides protection from lawsuits if you are sued after an accident.

Personal Accident Insurance covers you and passengers for medical bills after an accident. You may not need this if you have adequate health and auto coverage.

Personal Effects Coverage protects you if items are stolen from your car. You generally are covered for this under your homeowners or renters policy, but keep in mind that the loss must exceed your deductible for you to receive payment. If you have a high deductible, it may make sense to purchase this coverage from the rental company.

When you go on vacation, you don’t want to stress out about insurance. So give us a call before you leave. Then, when you head over to the rental-car counter, you can stop worrying about your coverage — and start enjoying your trip!

Stay Safe on Your Jet Skis and WaveRunners

August 25, 2017 Karen O'Connor

For a lot of people in Missouri, summer means getting out on the water – and you don’t even need a boat to do it. Personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners, provide a fun and accessible way to enjoy the water.

However, these small, fast and maneuverable watercraft can present their own set of safety issues. So if you’re planning to make waves, let us help you out with some safety tips. We want you to be able to hit the water next summer, too!

Make sure you’re following the law

In addition to U.S. Coast Guard boating regulations, which operators and passengers must follow (personal watercraft are classified as Class A inboard craft), many states have specific laws regarding personal watercraft such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners. Make sure you are aware of these laws before you hit the water.
While state regulations vary, they may require the operator to be of a minimum age, complete a safe boating course and/or obtain an operator’s certificate. States and cities may also regulate speed limits, hours and areas of operation.
Because they are classified as Class A inboard craft by the Coast Guard, the following items are required on board personal watercraft: An approved personal floatation device for all passengers, a fully charged B-1 type fire extinguisher and a whistle or horn for signaling or warning.

Be prepared with safety gear

Other things to have handy on board include:

Your owner’s manual
A small waterproof first-aid kit
Flares, brightly colored cloth or a mirror to use as a distress signal
A tow rope
Sunscreen
A helmet – many personal watercraft injuries are to the head
Sunglasses or goggles

When you’re on board

First, make sure your kill-switch safety lanyard is attached to your life jacket or wrist, so if you fall off, the engine will stop. And remember, you are required to know and obey the rules of the water. It’s a good idea to take a boating-safety course to learn these rules, as well as other essential knowledge.

Other helpful tips:

Know your load limits, and don’t carry more weight than your watercraft can handle.
Know where you’re going, and the hazards in that area, such as rocks, pilings, etc.
Remain constantly alert for other watercraft, as well as swimmers, divers, water-skiers and people fishing. Don’t operate your watercraft in swimming or fishing areas.
Weekends and holidays with high boat traffic can be especially dangerous.
Never operate your personal watercraft after dark.
Be considerate of others. Noise is a common complaint about personal watercraft, so don’t stay in one location for too long. Also, avoid early-morning rides.
Remember, you are responsible for any damage caused by your wake. Avoid creating wakes near other individuals or boats.
Finally, don’t use alcohol before or during your time on the water. Your passengers and fellow boaters will be grateful, and you’ll be less likely to have an accident.

We hope to see you out on the water this summer, and remember, we can help you get the insurance coverage you need for your personal watercraft. Give us a call today!

Put the top down and hit the road in St. Louis

August 17, 2017 Karen O'Connor

The call of the open road is at its strongest during the summer – and so is the call of the convertible. If you’re one of those drivers who has long dreamed of dropping the top and heading across Missouri and beyond, we have some buying tips for you.

And before we forget, make sure you’ve got plenty of sunscreen!

Safety considerations

Of course, you want to be safe when driving your new car, so here are a few things to look for in a convertible, according to Edmunds.com.

Roll bars: Generally, convertibles offer some sort of roll bar to protect passengers should the car roll over.
Airbags: Side airbags that deploy from seats can be an optional feature on less-expensive convertibles and something you should consider. Some of these airbags offer extra protection for the head.
Rear-view cameras and sensors: When the top is up, it can be difficult to see out of the rear window. Cameras and sensors can provide added safety.

Hard or soft top?

You have two main choices when it comes to tops: Soft, which can result in more road noise and may be more susceptible to damage, and hard, which often look better but add weight and take up more trunk space when down. (A third option is a completely removable hard top, such as those found on some Jeeps.) This choice is largely a matter of personal preference, though cost can be a factor.

You’ll also want to test the top for leaks – regardless of whether it’s a soft or hard top. Spray water where the roof connects with the windshield and where the glass meets the roof along the sides. You’re looking to make sure no moisture gets inside.

Everyday issues

If you’re planning to drive your convertible frequently (and why wouldn’t you?), there are some practical things you should take into consideration:

Wind noise: When you have the top down at highway speeds, you might find it difficult to hear the stereo system. If you’ll be driving a lot with the top down, getting the upgraded stereo might not be worth it. Then again, a better stereo can have more power, allowing you to actually hear your music.
Putting the top up/down: A motorized top, of course, makes everything easier. But they are more complex. Be sure to test out the top and how long it takes you to put it up or down, especially if it’s a manual process. After all, if it starts raining suddenly, you want to be able to get the top up as quickly as possible!
Luggage space: Most convertibles aren’t large to begin with, but trunk space is even smaller when the top is down. If you plan to take your convertible on vacation (or pack golf clubs or other bulky items), it’s a good idea to really take a hard look at the trunk space before you buy.
Passenger space: Do you need to take more than one passenger on many of your drives? If so, a roadster (two seats) isn’t an option. But even if the convertible you’re eying has four seats, hop in back and check the comfort level. If you aren’t comfortable, your passengers probably won’t be, either.

Special features

According to Edmunds.com, there are certain features that truly make a difference in convertibles, such as wind deflectors, heated/cooled seats and sun-reflective upholstery. Certain features, such as heated seats, can make your convertible much more comfortable to drive on cooler days when they come.

Above all, you’ll want to choose the convertible that best fits how you’ll use it. If you’re lugging golf clubs (and golf buddies) around in the summer, you probably don’t want a roadster. Conversely, if your idea of a great weekend is to toss a duffle bag in the passenger seat and hit the road, smaller may be better.

One of the great – and annoying – things about buying a car is the sheer number of options out there. But if you get frustrated, remember one thing: You’re buying a convertible. Your friends are probably envious!

And when you buy that convertible, give us a call. We’ll make sure you’ve got the right coverage – and we’ll probably be envious, too!

Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Safety

August 4, 2017 Karen O'Connor

Whether you’re taking your Harley and heading across country, or just hitting the Great River Road in Illinois, we want you to be safe on the roads this summer. Here are a few top tips:

No one’s too old to wear a helmet

A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is forty percent more likely to sustain a fatal head injury in a crash than a rider with a helmet. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study reports that “helmets saved 1,658 motorcyclists’ lives in 2006, and that 752 more could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.” Buy a full-face helmet for the best protection for your head and eyes. Wear other protective gear as well: heavy leather or synthetic gloves, long pants and jacket, and over-the-ankle leather boots.

In a crash, the SUV wins

When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually because the driver of the car failed to see the cyclist. With more SUVs on the road, it’s even more critical to take extra steps to become more visible. Use your headlamps—both night and day—and wear yellow, red or orange jackets to make yourself easy to see. Make a point of positioning yourself in your lane for visibility.

For drivers? Be extra cautious during cycling season, and double check when switching lanes. The popular bumper stickers have a point: “Watch out for motorcyclists!”

Training saves
One out of four motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2006 were driving with invalid licenses. Safeco offers discounts to riders who attend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s safe riding courses or are active in one of 10 approved groups that promote safe riding. Do both those things and you can reduce your premium.

New Gear? Update your policy

Some companies offer special coverage for custom parts and equipment—but you have to make sure each piece of equipment is listed on your policy. Any time you buy new leathers or safety equipment or customize your bike, call your independent insurance agent at O’Connor Insurance before you head out on the highway.

Going Camping? Keep Your High-Tech Gear Safe With These Tips

July 27, 2017 Karen O'Connor

First things first: Do you really need to bring your tablet or laptop on your camping trip? Are you really going to watch a movie instead of looking at the stars? Check your email instead of roasting marshmallows? Work instead of play?

Well, OK. We can’t stop you. But we can help you keep your devices safe at the campground, if you ever tear yourself away from them long enough to take a hike, that is.

Here are five preventive measures you can take to help protect your stuff from theft or damage:

Make a list, and check it. “Pack it in, pack it out” usually refers to garbage, not electronics, but keeping an inventory of everything you brought will help ensure everything also makes it back home.
If you’re going out, lock up your stuff. The best place to put things is in your car if it’s nearby — it’s a lot more secure than your tent. Keep valuable items out of plain view, wherever they are.
Create a ‘neighborhood watch.’ Getting to know the people at nearby campsites can build more than friendships — it also can increase safety. Offer to watch their site while they take off for a while, and have them do the same for you.
Don’t forget the animals. No, they aren’t after your iPad. But, a bear rummaging for food isn’t exactly going to tiptoe around just to spare your expensive devices. So, don’t attract critters. Clean up your site regularly, and never leave out food or garbage.
Ask around about security. If there’s campground staff around, or campers who have been on site for longer than you, ask them how secure things are. Have there been any thefts? Are unfamiliar people wandering around? You’ll want to secure your items no matter what, obviously, but it’s always good to know if there are specific safety threats.

Of course, certain electronics, such as GPS devices and phones, can provide important safety functions for campers. And, we know not everyone wants to completely disconnect.

So, whatever your stance on bringing technology to the great outdoors, we encourage you to keep your campsite safe to make everyone’s stay more enjoyable.

Let's Keep Our Lawns – and Ourselves – Safe

July 13, 2017 Karen O'Connor

For many of our neighbors in St. Louis, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard – often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly.

Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from lawn and garden tools, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Don’t let your landscaping efforts land you in the hospital! Follow these handy safety tips.

Tool safety tips from the U.S. CPSC

Dress appropriately. To protect yourself from debris when using lawn tools, wear eye protection, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes, and no jewelry. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and ear plugs may be appropriate depending on how loud the device is.
Before starting, remove objects from your work area that could cause injury or damage, such as sticks, glass, or stones.
Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Never let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised. And never assume children will remain where you last saw them.
Use extreme caution when backing up or approaching corners, shrubs and trees.
Teenagers using power equipment should always be supervised by an adult.
Handle gasoline carefully. Never fill tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Of course, you should never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or any gasoline-powered equipment.
Do not work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

Lawn Chemical Safety Tips from Texas A&M University

If you use chemicals to control weeds or pests in your lawn, read the product label carefully so you understand the potential effects on humans, animals and the environment. Follow all instructions.
Keep children and animals away from the application area, and protect your skin, eyes and nose during and after application.
Remember, use only the recommended amount. Using more of the chemical will not do a better job.
Ask yourself if you truly need to use a general pesticide. Is there a product that will specifically treat only the problem you need to solve?

Here’s to keeping both you and your lawn healthy this summer!

Playing With Fire (In The Backyard)

July 6, 2017 Karen O'Connor

It’s a great feeling to hang out with friends and family around a blazing fire — unless, of course, that fire blazes a little too much.

While a fire pit can be a wonderful addition to your home, all fires are potentially dangerous. So before you sit down with some marshmallows to roast, we gathered some tips to help you keep that fire in the pit (and away from everything else).

Are you legal?

Before building or buying a fire pit, check the regulations in your area to learn about restrictions.
Your fire pit may be legal, but a fire might not always be. Monitor and follow community burn bans.
Be respectful. Nothing can extinguish the good vibes of a nice fire more quickly than police complaints from smoked-out neighbors.

What kind of pit do you want?

You can buy a fire pit or build one. If you choose the latter, there are plenty of resources online to help you design it. Don’t dig a hole just anywhere and throw some rocks down. Put some thought into it and you’ll have a better — and safer — spot to enjoy.
If you want convenience, a propane model might be right for you. They produce less smoke and have an adjustable flame.

Ready to build your fire?

Actually, you probably aren’t ready yet.

First, ensure the area under and around the fire pit is clear of flammable materials. Keep the pit itself at least 10 feet from any structures.
Before you start the fire, have a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy.

Okay, now are you ready to build your fire?

Choose hard, seasoned woods. Sparks from softer woods like cedar can increase the danger of igniting something nearby.
Don’t use liquid fuels, even lighter fluid, to get your fire going. And don’t burn paper, cardboard, leaves, garbage, etc.
If you have a metal fire pit, don’t overload it and always use the included safety screen.

Is the fire out?

When you’re done, spread out the ashes and let them cool off for a bit. Then gently pour water or sand over them. Stick around for a little while to watch for flare-ups.

We want you to have plenty of nice, warm nights — without getting burned. Here’s to making memories around the fire!