Transportation Safety Tips
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[edit] Life Saving Transportation Tips
Every day we travel via road, air or water and put our lives at risk. However there are many ways to minimize the risks and live longer while enjoying transportation activities.
[edit] Boat Safety Tips
When most people get out on the open waters they feel like there is no threat of an accident since there is no traffic. This is wrong. Relaxing and getting complacent will lead to accident. Here are some tips to stay safe on the waters:
- Don't drink and drive
- Wear a safety vest at all times
- Don't drive fast around other boats
- Don't drive fast in choppy waters
- Don't turn too sharp at higher speeds
- Take a boat safety course
- Be absolutely sure you know how you are dealing with
This may sound like common sense, but serious heed. If you have a 20' power boat on a new trailer, you can pretty much get away with any qualified transport company. But, if you have a 38' sail boat, be sure the transport company you hire has dealt with such a load. There are many boat transport companies who's main business are the smaller loads, or even large power boats, but the big boats require special loading and handling. First, ask if they are the ones who are just a broker. Second, ask if the driver they intend to load your boat has experience with your type of load. Do not be intimidated by your own ignorance on how to load boats. Ask as many specific questions as you can: how they intend to load your boat, will it require any special equipment, will the load require any special permits. If they cannot answer these questions easily and professionally, chances are they are either a broker or unfamiliar with your type of load.
- Shopping around for the "best price"
Again, if you have a 20' power boat on your own trailer, shop around to your heart's content, being sure you stay with reputable transport companies. However, if you have a large boat, shaving a dollar here and there can cost you a bundle. If you have a large boat, or any type of sail boat, and have cost as your first priority, please read tips #1 again and again. Professional boat transporters are expensive because they do their job right. They require the proper equipment, they hire experienced drivers and loaders, which command a premium price. Don't gamble with your boat just because a transport company has insurance either, anyone who has been around boats long enough knows that reparing damage is not quite the same thing with a boat as with other vehicles. Many times insurance companies try to save money on repairs wherever they can, and even with good intentions, getting a perfect repair is of course an impossibility. We do not receive commission from any boat transport companies listed, we have no financial gain, it's simply the best free dvice you are going to get.
- How to get the "best Price"
Having laid down stern warnings, there are still ways of shopping arouns to get the best price. The easiest way to prevent trouble is also the easiest way get a good price: take the time to shop around with several transport companies and ask as many questions as you can. Don't know what to ask? After a couple of conversations you will.
Obviously we are not advocating taking the lesser price, however, there are factors in boat transport which can affect price among the most qualified companies. For example, you can get a better price with some quality transporters if your load is return freight, that is, headed back in their direction. In this case, it is simply a matter of timing as far as what type of price you will get, and also determining whether or not there are any carriers a boat transported to Florida, be sure to call the transporters in that area for any available loads.
Another way to save money is with type of equipment used. For example, your boat could be a boarderline height limit. You could call one carrier and your load would cost $10,000, yet contact another just as qualified carrier and the load is only $7,500. The reason for the lesser amount from a carrier just as qualified is because they have special low profile trailers which would put your boat under the height requirement, removing the need for costly permits and possibly fewer escorts.
The best way to find out if there are any special savings to be found for your particular situation is to call around. First, determine which are the most qualified carriers for your type of load, then work on price with the remaining carriers. Keep in mind however, we are not referring to price haggling, as we have stated, the cost is based on a transporter's expense, and anyone who can fluctuate to any extent in price through bartering, is someone you should stay away from in the first place.
- Know what type of insurance coverage you are getting
All transport companies have a general proof of insurance form, ask specifically for it. Find out exactly what amount of cargo insurance they have and what their deductible is. Anybody can present themselves as a "valid" transport company, but it is in the service, especially when things go wrong, but if somethings go wrong, that the quality companies become apparent. True, you could go with a low to mid grade company and nothing go wrong, but if something does, the difference between a low and a high quality company will become very apparent as you spend valuable time trying over and over to recover any losses or damage.
- Do a walk through with the driver
Do a complete walk through concerning the physical condition of your vehicle with the driver, because damages happen. We have our drivers mark detailed inspection sheets, plus even take pictures of vehicles with damage if the situation requires it.
- Be very clear with your requests and details
By the time the drivers shows up at your door to pick up the vehicle, your information has been passed along several times. You need to be very clear how payment is to be made, who will meet the driver, how they are going to contract you before pick up, when they will arrive, is the vehicle operable, where the vehicle is exactly located, etc. Many times people pay the extra for "in-op" vehicle, yet fail to realize that the truck coming to pick it up is a 70 foot long semi and the car is at the end of a long, one way driveway, requiring an additional tow vehicle resulting in costly driver down time, which is usually pased on the customer.
[edit] Top Reasons to Boat
Several studies have shown that being with family and friends, relaxing and being outdoors and close to nature are the primary reasons people spend time on the water.
- Boating is about family
Work. School. Music lessons. Sports practice... Ever feel like your family is being pulled in a million different direction? Bring them back together on a boat!
Time to spent on a boat is quality time. Whether you're fishing, swimming, tubing or just cruising along taking in the scenery, you're having fun together. Out on the water there are no distractions. You can have conversations. Share stories. Laugh. Reconnect and create memories that will last a lifetime. Life really is better on a boat
- Boating Lets You Relax
It's hard not to relax when you're on a boat. Out on the water there are no faxes. No computers. No interruptions. There is the open water. The fresh air. The sun warming your face. And a sense of freedom and adventure you can't find anywhere else.
Whether looking for blissful, deadline-free days or pulse-quickening adventures, you can find them on a boat. After all, you're the captain. The only rules are the ones that you make. And you're free to break those.
With a boat, great getaways are just a weekend away. You may be just a few miles from home, but it fels like you're a million miles away from the huslte and bustle of your daily routine.
Go boating-and find the freedom to be your best.
- You'll never catch your limit of fun
On a boat, you'll never catch your limit of fun. There are always new places to explore. Bigger fish to catch. Friends to be found. And new memories to be made.
Reeling in the big one, catching a wave off the board or just taking in the scenery, after a full day of fun on the water, it's easy to remember why it's called the "Great Outdoors".
[edit] Motorcycle Safety Tips
Theres nothing like the adrenaline rush one can get from riding a motorcycle. However, it is easier to die in an accident on a motorcycle for obvious reasons. You just don't have the same protection as a car. Here are some riding safety tips.
- Wear a helmet even if its not required.
- Wear leather pants.
- Slow down!
- Don't ride between cars in traffic.
- Take a motorcycle safety course.
- Don't show off even when its tempting.
- Don't get road rage, the car will win.
- Wear a visor to protect from bugs.
Follow these tips and you will most likely stay alive a lot longer.
[edit] Auto Safety Tips
Automobile accidents are the number one cause of deaths in the USA. That is so significant but so overlooked by the every day commuter. Here are some tips to make our driving experience safer.
- Regulat maintenance
- Always use safety belts
- Check tire pressures periodically
- Don't talk on cell phone
- DOn't drive when overly fatigued
- Drive the speed limit
- Adjust speed for weather conditions
- Don't drink and Drive
- Don't drive angry
