US DOT bans the use of hand-held mobile phones beginning 1/3/12

No driver shall use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a commercial motor vehicle. (49 CFR Part 392.82) A commercial motor vehicle is defined by the US DOT as a vehicle with a single or combined GVWR, or actual weight of over 10,000# utilized in interstate commerce. (Note: Most states have adopted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for intrastate commerce with vehicles at weights ranging from 10,001 to 26,001#)

Use of a hand held mobile telephone means: (49 CFR Part 390.5)

1. Using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication;

2. Dialing or answering a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button, or

3. Reaching for a mobile telephone in a manner which requires a driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated position.

Guidance:

This rule does not prohibit a driver from using a mounted mobile phone which can be easily
accessed from the driver’s seat and activated with a single button.
Driving means operating a commercial vehicle while on a public road, and when stopped in traffic on such a road. Driving does not include instances when the driver is safely parked. Emergency use is permitted.
The term mobile telephone does not include two way or Citizens Band Radio services, however the term mobile telephone does include mobile services which are provided for profit, have inter-connected service and is available to a substantial portion of the public.

Penalty: Driver is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for 60 days with the second offense in 3 years. (120 days for each subsequent offense within 3 years) Only applies if violation occurred while driving a CMV.

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 Americans, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. Let’s talk about some of the potential fire hazards and other dangers in this holiday scene:

Location, location, location:

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to ignite more easily by heat, flame or sparks.

Plant Precautions:

Poinsettia plants have been associated with stomach upset, nausea and vomiting in humans and are potentially life-threatening in cats and dogs.  Be aware when planning your holiday décor and keep toxic plants out of reach of small children and pets.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree….

Selecting a tree can be a great family occasion, but you should be sure to pick wisely. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

All is Merry and Bright!

Lights on your Christmas tree are beautiful. They set the scene aglow for a majestic Christmas experience. But those lovely lights can be lethal when left unattended on a dry tree.  Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.  Keep your tree base filled with water at all times to prevent your tree from drying out.

A few other tips…

Unwrap and Recycle

Never burn used wrapping paper in the fireplace as it may cause intense flash fires. Consider recycling instead!

Hang stockings with care
Never hang stockings in front of a burning fire. Stockings can be hung when the fire is not lit, but should be moved to another location when the fireplace is in use.

Be Safe and Happy Holidays from NorthBridge Insurance Agency!