Amica Insurance Offers Driving Tips and Accident Checklist for Memorial Day Weekend Travel

LINCOLN, RI (PRWEB) May 24, 2012

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, which means many people will be traveling for cookouts, pool parties and vacations. With so many people on the roads this weekend, Amica Insurance reminds everyone to use extra care while on the road.
Here are a few reminders:

   •      Don’t drink and drive. Make sure you have a designated driver.
   •     Wear your seatbelt at all times. Police in many states are cracking down on seatbelt violations.
   •     Avoid distracted driving. Many states now ban the use of hand-held cell phones and/or texting while driving.
   •     Don’t speed or drive carelessly.
   •     Get plenty of rest before a long trip and stop for frequent breaks. Don’t drive when you’re tired.
   •     Slow down for road construction and beware of detours.

“Memorial Day weekend is supposed to be relaxing and fun, but with so many people celebrating, it’s important to be extra careful when you’re out on the roads,” said Lisa St. Onge, an assistant vice president with Amica Insurance.
Unfortunately, holiday weekends also result in an increase in traffic accidents, St. Onge noted. “If you are involved in an accident, it’s important to remain calm. First, make sure everyone is okay and then focus attention on damage to your car and other property.”

Here are some other reminders:

   •      If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Do not move an injured person.
   •     Turn on hazard lights and move the vehicle out of traffic, if it is safe to do so.
   •     Contact police and don’t leave the scene until police arrive. Give the officer your version of what happened. Write down the officer’s name, department and report number.
   •     Exchange information with the other driver, including name, address and telephone number. If the driver isn’t the owner of the car, get contact information for the owner as well. Also get the names and phone numbers of any passengers and/or witnesses.
   •     Note specific details about the location of the accident. Take photos and videos, if possible.

These tips and more are available in an accident checklist on Amica.com and Amica’s mobile app.
“You may want to print out a copy of the accident checklist and keep it in your car or download Amica’s mobile app, so it’s available on your phone,” St. Onge said. “We hope you never have to use it, but it could come in handy in the event of an accident.”

About Amica Mutual Insurance

Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation’s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, RI, is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,100 people in 40 offices across the country.

Website: Amica.com
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