Motorcycle Safety

A multiple vehicle accident resulting in a Boise motorcyclist's death reminds us that it is warming up outside and we need to be on the lookout for both motorcycles and bicycles while driving. For more information regarding this accident, please see KTVB.com's article at: Motorcyclists talk safety after deadly crash. Remember, always wear your helmet while on a motorcycle. 

If you have any questions regarding Motorcycle coverage on your insurance policy, please contact your Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho agent.

Please see information below from the Idaho Driver's Manual. 


Motorcycles

Motorcycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other
highway users, and they must obey the same traffic laws.

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars. They’re easily hidden
in a car’s blind spot. Because it may be hard to judge the distance to
motorcycles, or to tell how fast they are moving, be alert to their presence
and be extra cautious.

Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor
vehicle, so it is important to practice safe driving in order to help avoid
collisions.

Since approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another
motor vehicle, including important safety practices for drivers will help
avoid collisions. Here are some situations that call for special attention
when motorcycles are around.

• Left turns: Cars turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle cause
nearly 40 percent of serious car/motorcycle crashes. Drivers may fail to
see a motorcycle rider in the traffic scene. Or a driver may fail to judge
the speed of an oncoming motorcycle. As a driver, the correct precaution
is for you to look and then look again. Make sure you see the motorcycle
and know its speed before you make a left turn.

• Turn signals: Most motorcycles do not have turn signals that turn off
automatically. At times, motorcycle riders may forget to switch the signal
off. Before you make a turn in front of a motorcycle with a signal
flashing, be sure the motorcycle is turning and not continuing straight
into your path.

• Lanes: Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as all other
vehicles. Good motorcycle riders are constantly changing positions
within the lane so they can see and be seen, and to avoid objects in the
road. Never move into the same lane alongside a motorcycle, even if the
lane is wide and the motorcyclist is riding far to one side.

• Bad weather: Weather conditions and slippery surfaces can be serious
problems for motorcycles. Allow even more following room when it’s
raining or the road surface is slick.

• Road surface: Unusual road surfaces and irregularities in the road that
don’t affect other vehicles can create problems for motorcycles. Gravel,
debris, pavement seams, small animals, and even manhole covers may
force a motorcycle rider to change speed or direction.

• Visibility: Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking
mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic or an
intersection. Motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or
missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always use turn signals
and brake lights to signal your intentions for turning, changing lanes,
merging, slowing and stopping. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate
traffic flow and find a safe lane position. Allow more than 3 seconds
following distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle. This allows
you and the motorcyclist enough time to maneuver or stop in an
emergency.

Excerpt from the Idaho Driver's Manual (courtesy Idaho Transportation Department), April 2011 edition.

Tonight's Special is Charity!

With over 20 of the area's best restaurants in the line-up...

                                                          this year's Great Potato Bowl Plus! VII will not be one to miss!

If you haven't done so already, be sure to mark down Monday, May 2, on your calendars! The Great Potato Bowl will once again be taking place in the ISU Student Union Ballroom on the Idaho State University campus (click here for directions).

You can purchase advance tickets by calling: 237-7914 or 234-6097. Tickets may also be purchased at any Bannock County Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance field office.

All proceeds from this year's event benefit The Idaho Foodbank and Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho.

Please click on poster for more information.

About the Great Potato Bowl Plus:

The Great Potato Bowl Plus is a charitable event where a group of the area’s leading restaurants comes together for an evening dedicated to charity.

This year, join us as an exception ensemble of Pocatello-are chefs donate their time and talent to serve up signature dishes for the 7th Annual Great Potato Bowl Plus! Categories include potato and non-potato dishes, soups, salads, entrees, desserts and sides. Vote for your favorites. Everyone's invited!

PREPARE, RESPOND, RECOVER

Acting now, before disaster strikes, will reduce damage and speed recovery.

STEP 1
Things you can do when there is imminent risk of flood:

One-third of homes outside flood zones experience flooding.

• Clear drains, gutters and downspouts of debris.
• Roll up area rugs and carpeting, where possible, and store these on higher floors or elevations. This will reduce the chances of rugs getting wet and growing mold.
• Move furniture and electronics off the floor, particularly in basements and first floor levels.
• Anchor fuel tanks. An unanchored tank can be torn free by floodwaters, and the broken supply line can cause contamination or, if outdoors, can be swept downstream and damage other property.
• Prepare an evacuation kit with important papers, insurance documents, medications and other things you may need if you are forced to be away from your home or business for several days.
• Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure proper operation. If a sump pump has a battery backup, make sure the batteries are fresh or replace the batteries.
• Shut off electrical service at the main breaker if the electrical system and outlets will be under water.
• Place all appliances, including stove, washer and dryer on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation 

STEP 2
Things to do if time allows:

• Hire a licensed electrician to raise electric components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) at least 12 inches above the expected flood levels for your area.
• If flood waters enter the sewer system, sewage can back up and enter your home. To prevent this, hire a licensed plumber to install an interior or exterior backflow valve. Check with your building department for permit requirements.
• Make sure your yard's grading (slope) directs water away from the building.
• Have the installation of your furnace, water heater and other permanently equipment modified so that they are elevated above the expected flood levels for your area. 

STEP 3
Recover: Things to do after a flood:

• As soon as it is safe to do so, disconnect all electronics/electrical equipment and move it to a dry location.
• Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the building.
• Remove water-damaged materials immediately.
• Ventilate with fans or use dehumidifiers to dry out the house.
• Acting quickly can increase the chance of salvaging usable materials, reduce the amount of rust, rot and mold that might develop, and limit the likelihood of structural problems.

(information and article courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.)

Campaign reminds drivers to "Stop Speeding Before it Stops You"

BOISE - Excessive speed causes too many motor vehicle crashes that result in people being seriously injured or dying, so the Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with Idaho law enforcement agencies to Stop Speeding Before it Stops You.

The aggressive driving education and enforcement campaign is planned for April 7-18. Law enforcement agencies statewide will step up patrols to catch speeders on all roads in Idaho.

Speeding is an aggressive driving behavior that is consistently a contributing factor in more than one third of all fatal crashes across the state, according to ITD highway safety statistics. One-fifth of all serious injuries are a result of speed-related crashes.

"We want motorists to know that doing simple things like obeying traffic signs, waiting for other drivers, or just slowing down can save your life and the lives of others," said Cecilia Awusie, with ITD's Office of Highway Safety. 

Safety messages will be featured throughout the campaign on billboards, radio and television. A high-visibility enforcement effort also will be important to this spring's safety effort.

"Even one life lost to speeding is one too many," said Awusie. "We want all family members to make it home safely at the end of their day."

The education and enforcement campaign is funded by a federal grant administered by ITD. The campaign is part of the department's commitment to achieving a goal of zero deaths on Idaho's highways.

The above release is courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department. http://itd.idaho.gov/
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Idaho wants to remind you to drive carefully, cautiously, and within the law.