Traffic engineers in the United States have never agreed on how to time yellow lights so the interval between green and red is just right.
If it’s too short, drivers may run the red light by mistake. If it’s too long, they may intentionally risk driving through the intersection.
In the past, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has tried to come up with a formula, but they couldn’t get enough support from their 15,000-plus members. That was 30 years ago, but they’re trying to create a standard again. Their findings might come before the board late this year at the earliest.
The current proposal relies on four factors: determining how long the yellow should last; vehicle approach speed; driver perception-reaction time; and the deceleration rate and grade of the road. Because no studies are available on these factors, the information they use will be approximations.
Timothy Gates, an engineering professor at Michigan State University and co-author of an ITE report, says it’s a matter of validating appropriate input values.
“If the formula suggests you need 4.5 seconds, and if you provide drivers with 3 seconds, you’re putting drivers into a case where they either have to stop abruptly or proceed through and run the risk of running the red light,” Gates reported recently in The Wall Street Journal.
Super Bowl 50 Madness
Super Bowl Sunday is an unofficial American holiday. Last year, about 114-million viewers tuned into the game on NBC. Over 118-million took in Katy Perry’s half-time performance, making it the most-watched broadcast in the history of U.S. television.
On February 7, 2016, even non-football fanatics will be among the 68,500 tickets holders in Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, home of the San Francisco 49ers. Hundreds will see the game from the stadium’s luxury suites, and millions will tune in on CBS’ broadcast with fans of all ages.
NBC is so confident of its enormous audience, the price for a 30-second ad has gone up 11 percent to $5 million. People often tune in to see the ads.
For the first time ever, the Bowl game is branded with the Arabic numeral 50, rather than Roman numerals. The franchise and every spectator is on the 50 yard line celebrating the fiftieth game. Pepsi, sponsor of the already anticipated halftime spectacular, says the On the Fifty theme will honor the past, recognize the present and look forward to the next 50 years.
Legendary players and coaches of winning games will join popular music artists to ensure a thrilling, star-studded event sure to make history of its own. The stage is the largest in the world. When Coldplay was confirmed as the headliner, Chris Martin, the Grammy award-wining British rock band’s lead singer, said the thought of performing on it made him nervous, but the privilege was the “greatest moment in our band’s life.” Bruno Mars and a host of other stars will join Coldplay on stage.
Stadium security will be strict and intensified.
5 Types of Business Insurance and Why You Need Them
By Karen Johnson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Karen_Johnson/2212166
No matter the size or nature of your business, one thing that remains the same is the need for business insurance. There are many different aspects of your business that you’ll want to take into consideration when looking for new business insurance – or reviewing your current insurance coverage. Since every business is different, each one will have different insurance requirements. For example, a company that produces physical goods may need different insurance than a company which offers services. In either scenario, there are some similarities, and listed here are a few types of insurance that all businesses should consider.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance – for your employees
Workers’ Comp insurance is required by law in almost every state. It can provide coverage for medical costs and a portion of lost wages for an employee who becomes injured or ill on the job. Typically, this type of insurance only covers injuries or illness that occur on the job site – for example, if an employee slips and falls on a wet floor.
Since the laws regarding Workers’ Comp can be different depending on where your company is located, it’s important to work with an insurance professional to make sure you’re getting the coverage that’s required, as well as what you need for your particular business.
General Liability Insurance
General Liability Insurance is designed to protect you and your business from a variety of claims, including accidents, injuries, or claims of negligence. This type of insurance can help pay for things like property damage, medical expenses, libel, slander, legal costs, and faulty products. No one expects to get sued, but the reality is that it’s always a possibility. You don’t want to leave your business open to these types of situations, and the broader the protection, the better.
Professional Liability Insurance – “Errors and Omissions” coverage
Professional Liability Insurance can also be known as “Errors and Omissions Insurance,” or “Malpractice Insurance.” It protects you from lawsuits that allege negligence in providing professional services, providing shoddy work, or making mistakes or omissions. This type of insurance is particularly important if you have a service-based business, but can also be necessary for other types of businesses as well. Mistakes happen – so adequate Professional Liability Insurance can be helpful, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.
Property Insurance
The definition of “property” is broad, and can mean different things to different types of businesses. That’s why it’s important to make sure you carry adequate Commercial Property Insurance. Without this type of insurance, most small businesses wouldn’t be able to replace their equipment should something happen to cause damage or destruction. Property covered by this type of insurance can include buildings, computers, inventory, supplies and equipment. There are two types of Property Insurance: “all-risk” policies cover just about everything, and is a good way to avoid duplication or overlap of coverage, as well as gaps in trying to cover your liabilities. “Peril-specific” policies, or “named-peril” coverage applies only to particular perils that are specifically named in the policy. They’re usually needed when there is a high risk in a very particular area.
Life Insurance / Key Executive Insurance – protection and benefit
Offering life insurance for employees can be a valuable benefit when trying to attract high-quality employees. A business can even offer additional coverage for executives. These employees are deemed to be crucial to the running and success of the business, and may sometimes require additional insurance, above and beyond what the normal employee benefits provide. This can be another benefit in attracting top talent.
A business can also offer special “Key Person” policies for employees without whom the business could not function. Key Person Insurance protects against a key employee’s unexpected death – often times the benefit amount equals the expected revenue loss and costs required to find and train a suitable replacement. The business pays the premiums, and the insurance is considered a business asset.
It’s possible to combine some of these basic coverages as a package policy, often referred to as a Business Owner’s Policy, or BOP. Many insurance companies bundle certain coverages, and this can save you money, as long as you make sure you get the proper type of coverage.
Even if you feel you have adequate business insurance coverage that meets all your current needs, it’s still advisable to review all your coverage on an annual basis, to make sure that your coverage continues to provide everything that you need. This is particularly important if you or your business have experienced any major changes, such as change in family status, or a significant increase or decrease in business activity. Additionally, be sure to work with a reputable, licensed insurance agent or broker, who has knowledge regarding business like yours.
Key fobs are handy targets for thieves
Your car is always listening for the electronic signal from your key fob. If it’s a newer model, you might not even have to press a button, just approach your car and the doors will unlock. In some cases, the engine will turn on.
The key fob’s signal is easy for thieves to intercept and might let them drive off in your car. The fob uses a computer chip to create a unique code that it sends to the car’s security system. The car has a chip that uses algorithms to generate a second code. If the codes match up, the car opens.
Each key fob/car security pair is unique, but researcher have found that by intercepting the signal twice, they could narrow down the possible combinations. After that a computer can figure out the code in just a half-hour and unlock the car.
USA Today‘s Kim Komando says always-on fobs present a serious weakness in your car’s security. As long as your keys are in range, anyone can open the car and the system will think it’s you. That’s why newer models won’t unlock until the key fob is within one foot.
Thieves, however, can buy an inexpensive signal amplifier over the Internet. That means your keys could be in the house, but a thief could walk up to the car and open it.
You can buy a signal-locking pouch to hold your keys. Or you can put the key fob in the refrigerator.
You can also just wrap the key fob in aluminum foil, but wrap it well so it can’t leak the signal.
Warren Buffett says … ‘If cars are better, and they clearly are, drivers must be worse’
Safety experts at the National Safety Council, and insurance companies such as Allstate and Geico, were surprised by the 14 percent increase in fatal auto accidents during the first half of 2015. Geico is part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway group. Figures for the second half haven’t yet been compiled.
Insurers say drivers could be facing a period of rising premiums. Some companies are reacting to the statistics with rate increases and others are expected to follow.
What caused the accidents
Buffett’s statement about drivers being worse is not quite on target, though driving longer hours on trips and on crowded roads can be stressful.
* Roadways were more dangerous in 2015 as travel increased to a record 1.54 trillion miles through June, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
The average number of miles individual Americans drove remained at the same level as in 2007, but there were more people driving.
* Low gasoline prices, the lowest since 2010, encouraged more travel.
* The low unemployment rate of 5.1 percent meant people could afford to take more trips, according to the American Automobile Association.
Allstate president Matt Winter told analysts that increased vehicle complexity could be a factor, but it’s typical for people to drive more and have more accidents as the economy rebounds from a recession.
What you can do
Traditional cautions are even more important on crowded roads: Take it easy and don’t be aggressive. Allow more time to reach your destination. Drive defensively. Be ready for another driver to make a mistake.
Get Ready To Drive Abroad
Driving abroad can get you to all sorts of amazing destinations. It allows you to be in control of where you go and how soon you get there. Before you arrive, there are some ways to prepare.
Can You Drive in the Country?
There are a few things you want to look at to make sure that you can drive in the country. There may be some special requirements in the country. You may also be required to get an International Driving Permit, which translates your driver’s license into a variety of different languages.
Do You Have Everything You Need?
It is important to have everything that you need prior to arriving, or at least have everything in place. It’s a good idea to have a paper map of the cities you will be driving in as well as a GPS. If you have your own GPS, be sure that international maps are loaded, otherwise you can rent one from the rental car company.
Are You Protected?
Have insurance in place so that you are well protected against various issues. This includes collisions as well as simple dents and other issues from parking, hail, and other driving conditions.
Are You Ready?
Be ready for driving in the different cities/countries that you may be visiting. This includes knowing whether you will have to drive on the “other” side of the road as well as any different driving conditions that you may not be used to, such as roundabouts. It’s also important to understand the most common road signs so that you can stay safe while driving.
You don’t have to go through the auto insurance buying process alone. Our knowledgeable agents can help you with choosing the right coverage and comparing rates across the state. Call InsureUS now and let us help you.
Plumbing Issues: Will Home Insurance Pay?
Bellaire, Texas is a growing city that offers a number of sites and events. It has seen its share of BBQ competitions and music festivals. With a population of more than 17,000 people, it is part of the Houston-Sugar Land metropolitan area. Due to its location, there are many job opportunities within the city as well as with a short commute.
When you buy a home insurance policy in Texas, you want to look at whether plumbing issues are covered. This requires reading some of the fine print to determine what events will count and what ones will not.
Some of the issues you may deal with in regards to your plumbing include:
– Broken pipes
– Clogged drains
– Broken toilets
– Broken water main
– Sewer replacements
Whatever it is that is going on, you want to deal with the issue quickly. You could experience some water damage as a result of the plumbing. The water may be going everywhere, damaging not only the floor, but also your furniture, carpet, and potentially even drywall and home structure.
With water damage also comes mold – and this can be a costly thing to take care of as well in Bellaire. You want to pay as little as possible. After all, that’s why you have home insurance. It’s much easier to file a claim and let the insurance company pay so you don’t have to. They take care of all of it, including making the repairs so you can simply enjoy being a homeowner.
In many instances, the home insurance policy will pay for plumbing issues, but it has to be coverage that’s included on your policy. Otherwise, the claim will get denied.
Call and talk to one of our agents for help with a policy and quotes now.
Spring your Spring,Texas Business Into Spring
Spring, Texas has a long business history. In fact, it traces its start to 1838, and just two years after the town was founded, William Pierpont started the area’s first trading post on Spring Creek. In two more years, the town would grow to 153 residents, far from the estimated 55,000 who live here now.
Depending on the type of business you have in Spring, the change of seasons will likely mean more activity. People are getting out more and income tax refunds are being spent. It is a time many businesses look forward to and enjoy. It is also a time when the threat of spring storms increases. Is your business prepared? Do you have the appropriate coverage to cover the increasing role technology is playing in your business? Is your storefront covered for glass breakage? What if there were to be flooding or a lightning strike? The time to find out is now.
This is a very good time to get a commercial insurance review from InsurUS. We serve the Spring area with a full line of personal and commercial insurance products. We are an independent broker. Being a local and independent agency works for you in multiple ways.
- We can review policies no matter what company initially issued them.
- We have access to get quotes from many different companies.
- Since we are independent we work for you, not a particular company.
- We are here to answer questions, conduct reviews, and even assist in the event of a claim.
We invite you to try us for a comparative quote right online. Visit our website, answer a few questions and we’ll get you a homeowners or auto quote. For a business insurance review and quote, please contact our office.
Before our weather “springs” any nasty surprises on us, contact InsurUS. We are here to serve you!
Will Home Insurance Cover Car Damage?
West University Place is found within Harris County, Texas. It’s a relatively small city of 15,000 people, though it is located within the Sugar Land-Houston metropolitan area. The city focuses on many different events throughout the year and offers a significant amount of parks and recreation to keep people outdoors and active.
As a homeowner, you want to make sure you have a home insurance policy that you can rely on in West University Place. There may be various things that happen on your property and you want to know that it’s all covered.
If something or someone hits your car while it’s on your property, what happens? Car insurance may not pay due to the coverage you have or because of what actually happened. This means you then have to turn to your home insurance policy because it happened on your property.
Some of the things that could happen include:
– A branch falling on your car
– A contractor backing into your car
– A flood damaging your car
– A drunk driver hitting your car
– Much more
There’s no way to know what could happen and therefore you need a policy that’s going to protect you from most of it in Texas. It’s possible for home insurance to cover a significant amount of car damage that could occur. You have to make sure the insurance company has the correct information on your car and that you look to see if the coverage levels are adequate based upon the value of your car.
Finding a home insurance policy doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Call and talk to one of our knowledgeable agents today and let us find you a policy. We will start by getting quotes from different companies.
Basic Form vs Special Form and What It Means To Your Texas Business
Many Texas businesses only think about their commercial insurance on three occasions. The first time is when they first purchase it. Of course, they also think about it when they get their bill. The third time may be when they have a loss. Many times the first reaction is “I hope I’m covered.” That is a bad time to ask that question.
There is no reason to live in doubt with a commercial insurance review from InsurUS. We are an independent, Texas based insurance broker. Because we are independent we are not tied to selling the loss prevention products of one company. We can review your policy no matter where you purchased it.
Do you know the difference between basic form vs special form coverage? There’s an important distinction. With basic form insurance, each covered peril is specifically laid out in the policy. If it is not listed, you are likely going to be out of luck if you suffer a loss under perils not mentioned. With special form insurance, coverage is inclusive. That means you will be covered under all perils unless they are specifically excluded in the policy. Most Texas businesses prefer special form due to the wider range of coverage it provides.
Don’t go another day not knowing. Contact InsurUS for a commercial insurance review that can bring peace of mind, and perhaps even savings. Our agents work to find you the best coverage at the most competitive pricing. Try us with your personal insurance with a hassle-free, no obligation online quote for your homeowners or auto coverage. We think you’ll like what you discover.
Discover the powerful role an independent insurance agency can play in your coverage and your costs when you contact InsurUS.
