Follow These Safety Tips Whenever You're Staying at a Hotel

No matter how safe your hotel is, someone has a key to your room. Here are the hotel safety tips you need to know.

Travel can be exciting or burdensome, depending on your personality and the purposes of your trip, but whether you’re on a thrilling vacation or a boring business trip, one thing is always true: Your hotel room is your refuge. No matter how swanky (or unswanky) your hotel might be, after a long day it’s where you go to rest your bones, slather on sunscreen, and/or practice your big presentation while demolishing your mini-bar.

But hotel rooms leave something to be desired when it comes to safety and security. Sure, your hotel door has a lock and a deadbolt, and possibly a security chain, U-bar lock, or security latch for extra security—but all of these security features are mass-produced and pretty easy to circumvent either physically or via sophisticated tools. Hotel doors are designed to be relatively easy to open both for staff access needs and evacuation needs—and we really have no idea how much crime happens at hotels, because most hotel chains work very, very hard to keep the police out of their hotels.

Whenever you’re staying in a hotel room, don’t take your security for granted, and don’t rely on the tools provided by the hotel to ensure your safety. Follow these hotel safety tips to enhance your security and ensure your stay is as restful and restorative as you expect.

Tip one: Inspect

The first thing you can do to increase your safety in a hotel room is to check it out before you even unpack:

Prop open the door with your luggage so you have an unimpeded escape route.
Inspect the room—check for anyone hiding in closets, under the bed, or behind curtains. It might sound paranoid, but the worst way to find out someone’s hiding in there is when you’re alone and unprepared.
Check the door locks. They’re easy to bypass, yes, but if they don’t work at all you should request a new room. If your room has a balcony or a walk-out with sliding doors, check the locks there as well.
Check the peephole. Make sure you have an unobstructed view of the area outside your door. Then cover the peephole with something—a Post-It note works just fine, or a piece of tape.

Step two: Reinforce

Once you’ve checked the room, it’s time to consider reinforcing your door security. Since you can’t rely on hotel locks—and since plenty of staff members have access to your room at all times anyway—you should take steps to secure your door on your own. There are a lot of pretty simple options:

Door wedge. These range from simple hunks of rubber to more sophisticated devices with built-in alarms. The advantage here is their size: They’re easy to pack, easy to install in any door, and will prevent someone from pushing the door open even if they’ve managed to disengage the locks.
Portable door locks. You can add a second (or third) lock to your door using a variety of devices. You can also add something like the Lock Locker or a deadbolt strap that prevents the deadbolt on your door from being turned even if someone has the key.

If you don’t have these items on hand (or forgot to pack them) and you’re concerned, you can try a few hacks that will get the job done. A pair of clothes hangers from your room’s closet can be used to jam the door handle, and simply draping a towel over your door handle can prevent folks from using an under-the-door tool to gain access to your room.

Step three: Take care

Now that your room has been inspected and your door locks reinforced, there are a few extra hotel safety tips you can take to ensure your security isn’t compromised during your stay:

Toss the card sleeves. If your hotel hands you the room cards in one of those sleeves with the room number marked on it, throw it away. Advertising the hotel and room you’re in while you’re clearly not in your room is a bad idea—especially since all of the extra security discussed here requires you to be in your room to be effective.
Trust but verify. If someone unexpectedly knocks on your door and claims to be hotel staff, don’t let them in until you’ve verified their presence with the front desk. Even if they know your name, it could be a ruse to gain access. All the portable locks in the world will do you no good if you simply open the door the moment you’re asked to.
Mind your valuables. Since you can’t secure your room effectively when you’re not in it, don’t leave anything in the room you can’t afford to lose. If your room has a safe that’s an okay option (although you can’t be certain who has access to it, and hotel safes are not exactly legendary in their security), but leaving stuff with the front desk might be better. Best of all? Keep anything you can’t afford to lose on your person when you leave the room.

By Jeff Somers Published August 28, 2023 - permission to share

www.lifehacker.com September 2023

Take Steps to Avoid Injury or Death While Walking

We rarely are more vulnerable than when walking in urban areas, crossing busy streets and negotiating traffic. We all are pedestrians from time to time, so it's important to pay attention to what is going on around us. In 2021, an estimated 8,984 pedestrians died in traffic and non-traffic incidents, with 7,388 of those killed in traffic crashes on public roads, according to Injury Facts.

All Ages Are Vulnerable

According to Injury Facts, in 2021, more than 17% of all traffic deaths were pedestrians. Every age group is vulnerable, but the largest number of pedestrian deaths occur among 55- to 64-year-olds (1,343). While children under aged 5 to 9 experienced the fewest number of pedestrian deaths (50) in 2021, these deaths still represented nearly 14% of all traffic deaths for this age group.

Follow these tips to stay safe as a pedestrian:

Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic
Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals
Cross streets at crosswalks
If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic
Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you
Stay alert – avoid cell phone use and wearing earbuds
Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking
Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight at night
Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots
Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult

Head Up, Phone Down

Distracted walking incidents are on the rise, and everyone with a cell phone is at risk. We are losing focus on our surroundings and putting our safety at risk. The solution: Stop using phones while walking, and not just in crosswalks and intersections. Over half of distracted walking injuries occur in our own homes, proving that we need to stay aware of our surroundings whether indoors and out.

Pedestrian Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

When driving, help keep pedestrians of all ages safe:

Obey all traffic laws, especially posted speed limits in school zones
Watch for pedestrians at all times and be extra cautious when backing up
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, making eye contact to indicate that you see them
Never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks
Stay alert – avoid distracted driving
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below.

Heat Cramps: Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.

First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.

Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion:

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,

First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once,

Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour

Heat Stroke:

Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.

First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.

Using a fan to blow air in someone’s direction may actually make them hotter if heat index temperatures are above the 90s. For more information on all of these heat related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.

Published with permission from WRN - May 2023

February 5-11, 2023 is National Burn Awareness Week

https://ameriburn.org/advocacy-and-prevention/burn-awareness-week/

12 Safety Tips For Driving At Night

It’s not just paranoia: Driving at night is actually more dangerous. Fatal accidents are three times more likely at night compared with the daytime, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The main reason for this—not surprisingly—is that we can’t see as well in the dark, says Alex Epstein, director of transportation safety at the National Safety Council: “You see less of the road ahead of you and have less room and time to stop.” Ironically, some kinds of light—like the glare from too-bright lights—can compound the problem.

But other factors add to the challenge of driving at night. Here are 12 tips that could help reduce the risk.

1. Be Extra Defensive

Drinking and driving poses a bigger risk after dark, according to NHTSA, which has found that the rate of fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment is almost four times higher at night than during the day. Of course, never get behind the wheel after drinking, no matter what time of day it is (don’t drive while distracted either); but at night, it’s a good idea to put your defensive-driving instincts on high alert.

2. Combat Fatigue

Drowsy-driving crashes are most likely to happen between midnight and 6 a.m., says NHTSA. So be aware during these hours that there may be sleepy drivers on the road—and keep yourself alert. Have some caffeine, pull over in a safe area to get some rest, or stop for the night. Some drivers have reported other activities that can help: turning the radio on (not too loudly); rolling down the windows periodically for fresh air; and talking or singing to yourself.

3. Clean Up Your View

Dirty or damaged windshields can scatter light and potentially increase the effects of glare, according to NHTSA. The group also reports that dirty or damaged headlights can decrease your visibility and cast glare onto oncoming drivers. So clean headlights and windshields regularly; you can use a special cleaning kit for headlights.

4. Avoid Two-Lane Highways

NHTSA says two-lane highways may be a “worst-case scenario” for nighttime glare, due to oncoming cars’ headlights, lower overall light, and the fact that these roads tend to have more sharp curves and hills than a freeway. If you can, take a safer route at night.

5. Slow Down

Speeding-related crashes account for 37 percent of nighttime-driving fatalities, says NHTSA—compared with 21 percent of those during daylight hours—due to lower visibility and shorter reaction times. For example, your headlight typically shines 160 feet in front of you, but even at 40 mph, you need 190 feet to stop. Adjust your speed to take conditions like visibility into account, says Russ Rader of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

6. Angle Your Headlights Correctly

If the beams tilt down too much, you’ll lose some of the illumination you need while driving. But if they tilt too high, they can blind oncoming drivers. Some states’ annual inspection tests include checking the headlight angle—but otherwise, take the initiative to make sure yours are pointed correctly. “This isn’t usually a DIY project,” says Rader. “Consumers should go to their car dealer or a repair facility for assistance.”

7. Use High Beams When Appropriate

High beams are underutilized, says Rader, but can be very helpful in rural areas or on open roads. Just remember to dim them when you’re within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle (so you don’t temporarily blind the other driver), and don’t use them if you’re following another vehicle. If you’re in the market for a new car, Rader recommends looking for adaptive lighting systems that automatically adjust your high beams depending on the presence of other cars.

8. Tweak Your Inside Lighting

If your dashboard lights are too bright, glancing from the dashboard to the dark road ahead can be disorienting, says the NSC’s Epstein. “Dim the interior lights at night, so that critical controls remain easily visible but not distracting,” he recommends. “And use your visors at night to shield you from outdoor street lighting and glare.” Many new cars, he adds, have mirrors that automatically dim the reflections from bright light.

9. Look In The Right Direction

While you should always keep your eyes on the road, avoid a fixed gaze and never stare at oncoming headlights, says Epstein. When approaching an oncoming vehicle, avoid being blinded by its headlights by shifting your eyes down and to the right, using the right edge of the road or lane markings as a guide to stay on track. Lift your gaze back up when you’ve passed the oncoming vehicle.

10. Watch For Wildlife

Collisions with deer often happen at dusk or at night and are more common from October to January. Your high beams can help you spot an animal’s glowing eyes. When you see them, the safest way to avoid an accident is by slowing down and stopping—not by swerving.

11. Take Care Of Your Eyes

Get your vision checked every year, suggests the NSC; glare becomes more problematic for people as they age. You may also need a different prescription at night.

12. Test And Use Your Lights

Regularly test all your lights, including low beams, high beams, daytime running lights, turn signals and brake lights. And make sure to use your headlights to stay visible; not only do you need to turn them on when it’s dark, but you should turn them on in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow and hail.

article courtesy of Geico

Ride-hailing tips to travel safely this summer

Between the high cost of gas and increased traffic on the roads, ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an attractive way to zip around this summer. They are also a great travel tool when exploring unfamiliar cities.

Ride-hailing services require the use of a digital app, accessible via a smartphone or tablet. After signing into the app and adding credit card information for payment, users enter their desired destination and choose from available ride options, such as car size, price and drop-off time.

A driver working for the service then accepts the rider’s request, picks up the rider, confirms their details, and takes them to their destination. Upon arrival, drivers and riders use the app to rate each other, and riders can pay the fee and add a tip directly in the app.

According to a survey performed by the Pew Research Center, more than 80% of ride-hailing app users report they have never had a negative experience when using these services. Users say the services save time and stress, are a good option for older adults with limited mobility, and are more reliable than taxis or public transportation.

However, for people to continue to use these services, experts stress that safety is an important factor to consider. Ride-hailing companies agree, placing great emphasis on ensuring both riders and their drivers are always safe.

Ride-hailing service safety
The drivers for most major ride-hailing services are background checked; all routes are tracked with GPS; and emergency notification, either to 911 or the company’s own safety line, is possible directly through the app.

Additionally, riders are encouraged to review and follow safety tips before hailing a car:

Request your ride while inside a private or public location to minimize the time you’re waiting alone outside. The app will notify you when your driver is arriving.
Check the driver’s rating on the app. If you are uncomfortable for any reason, cancel the ride and use the app to schedule another.
Check to make sure you’re getting into the right car. Match the license plate, car make and model, and the driver’s photo in the app. Do not get in the car if there are any discrepancies.
Have your driver confirm your name by asking, “Who are you here to pick up?” Your first name will be displayed for the driver in the app. There is no need to share your last name, phone number or other contact information with the driver — this information is safely stored in the app and not provided to the driver.
Ride in groups when possible. Some services offer ride-sharing options that allow multiple app users to travel together and share the cost.
Sit in the back seat unless you are riding with multiple people and always wear your safety belt.
Share your trip details with a friend or family member — this can usually be done directly through the app.
Trust your instincts. If something feels uncomfortable or unsafe, use the app to request help or dial 911 directly. You can also ask to end the ride at any time and should exit the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible.
When the car arrives at your destination, exit on the side of the vehicle that allows you to avoid moving traffic. Payment is processed through the app, so you can exit quickly and courteously.
Report any issues directly to the ride-hailing company through the app. Report potential crimes to the police.

Remember, just as you can rate your driver after a ride, your driver can rate you. You rate one another from 1 to 5 stars, based on the trip experience.

Your rating should reflect the quality of service provided by the driver. The driver’s rating will reflect how long you made them wait upon their arrival for pickup, whether you were courteous to them and respected their car, and if you acted in a safe manner throughout the ride.

Article courtesy of: Sharp Health News

15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

Learn 15 easy ways to stay safe from scams, theft, and other common safety concerns while traveling. Everyone should know these simple travel safety tips that can be used anywhere.

From drive-by purse snatchers to identity thieves to much more dangerous criminals like kidnappers and sex traffickers, there's always some story in the news about someone taking advantage of travelers.

So far in my travels, I've never had any serious problems, thank goodness, and the vast majority of travelers will never fall victim to anything more serious than pick-pocketing. Even so, I always keep these safety practices in mind when I travel, and I recommend you do, too.

If you're planning your next trip and wondering how to travel safely, look no further than these 15 simple and straightforward travel safety tips for your ultimate safe travel guide.

15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

1. Don't wear flashy jewelry

Wearing expensive, flashy jewelry is one sure way to make yourself an obvious target for robbery. Leave it at home, friends, especially if you plan to travel to crowded areas!

2. Drink responsibly

This has to be one of the most important safety tips for travelers.

Lots of people enjoy exploring the local nightlife while traveling, and there's nothing wrong with that. But keep in mind that it's even more important than ever to drink responsibly when you're traveling.

When you're away from home you’re more likely to get lost or end up in a dangerous neighborhood, and being obviously drunk makes you an easy target for scams, robbery, or worse.

Oh, and ladies, never forget the golden rule of safe drinking in public: keep an eye on your drink at all times!

3. Be smart about your money

Any solid resource of travel safety information will tell you that it's never a good idea to carry huge amounts of cash. Instead, open an account with an international bank or credit card company so you can use local ATMs. If you absolutely must withdraw large amounts of cash at once, leave the bulk of it locked up safely in your hotel or hostel and carry only what you'll need for the day.

When using ATMs, try to use only those that are attached to banks as these are less likely to have been tampered with by scammers.

Never keep all of your money in one place. Keep cash and credit cards in two or three different places so that if one of your stashes is stolen you aren't left completely empty-handed.

4. Be aware of popular scams

Research the place you're visiting to see what the local scammers are up to. Scams range from RFID scanners to ploys using children to play on your sympathy. You'll be less likely to fall for these scams if you've heard about them ahead of time.

5. Know the phone number for emergency services

Be sure to look up the emergency services number for your destination, even before you get there. It's also a good idea to look up the number for your country's nearest embassy before you leave. Write them down or save them in your phone so you'll have quick access to them in the event of an emergency.

6. Use the right bag

Cross-body bags are safer than shoulder or hand bags and can prevent people from grabbing your bag as they run or drive by. There are tons of bags made specifically for travelers with features such as slash-proof straps, RFID blockers, and locking zippers. Invest in a good bag that suits your needs and preferences.

7. Bring travel locks and use them

You can save a few bucks by coming prepared with your own lock if you plan to stay in a hostel. Even if you're not staying in a hostel, having a travel lock that can secure your bag to your seat or chair while dining or in transit will help keep your valuables safe from theft.

8. Keep digital copies of important documents

When traveling, your passport may be the most valuable thing you carry. In the event of a stolen passport, having a digital copy will help make the process of getting a replacement easier.

9. Try to blend in

Tourists tend to carry larger amounts of cash and valuables and are more vulnerable to scams. Try to avoid being an obvious tourist.

Dress as the locals do, don't stop abruptly in the middle of busy streets to take photos, and even when you're lost try not to make it apparent. If you need to ask for directions or consult a map, step inside a shop or cafe to do so.

10. Use reputable transportation companies

Research which taxi companies are reputable before you arrive in a place, and use only those. If you're ride-sharing using an app like Uber or Lyft, double check your driver's vehicle information and verify their name before you get in the car with them.

11. Check in with friends and family often

Before you leave let someone know your itinerary, and update them to any changes of plans. Make a habit of checking in with a close friend or family member back home at the end of each day.

I know this can seem like a hassle, but ultimately it's better to be safe than sorry. If something terrible were to happen, you'll get help faster if someone knows where you were supposed to be that day.

12. Ask locals for advice

When you check in at a hotel or hostel, ask for recommendations about which neighborhoods are safe and which are not so safe and mark places to avoid on your map.

13. Use apps for emergency alerts

There are a variety of apps out there aimed to provide safety travel information and help travelers safe.

Sitata is a great app that alerts users to potential dangers or disruptions to travel in real time. It also includes tips for avoiding the latest scams and helps users locate nearby hospitals.
Smart Traveler is the official U.S. State Department app for travelers. There are many useful features, including notifications for travel advisories and alerts and locations of U.S. embassies. I'm sure there are similar apps for citizens of other countries, but I was unable to find any information about them online.

14. Stay aware of your surroundings

You should always pay attention to what's going on around you, whether you are in a crowded tourist spot or walking down an empty street. Would-be offenders often seek out people who are distracted or disengaged from their surroundings to target. This is particularly important for solo travelers, especially solo female travelers.

15. Trust your instincts

If someone or some place is making you uncomfortable, there's mostly likely a reason. Often our subconscious picks up on things that we aren't consciously aware of, and that's where our "gut feelings" come from. Listen to those feelings. They will help you stay safe.

Now that you're armed with these simple safety tips for traveling, it's time to get out and explore the world!

Happy and safe travels, everyone!

https://www.worldpackers.com/articles/simple-travel-safety-tips

Fatigued Driving

Drivers are Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep while driving in the previous 30 days, and many more admit to driving when they were sleep-deprived.

These startling figures show how prevalent drowsy driving is. What drivers may not realize is how much drowsy driving puts themselves – and others – at risk. In fact, an estimated 6,400 people died annually in crashes involving drowsy driving, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Impact of Drowsiness on Driving

Driving while drowsy is similar to driving under influence of alcohol:

Drivers’ reaction times, awareness of hazards and ability to sustain attention all worsen the drowsier the driver
Driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% – the U.S. legal limit
You are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued

A driver might not even know when he or she is fatigued because signs of fatigue are hard to identify. Some people may also experience micro-sleep – short, involuntary periods of inattention. In the 4 or 5 seconds a driver experiences micro-sleep, at highway speed, the vehicle will travel the length of a football field.

Prevalence of Drowsy Driving Crashes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that every year about 100,000 police-reported, drowsy-driving crashes result in nearly 800 fatalities and about 50,000 injuries. The real number may be much higher, however, as it is difficult to determine whether a driver was drowsy at the time of a crash.

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated that 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually. That's more than three times the police-reported number. The same study found that 109,000 of those drowsy driving crashes resulted in an injury and about 6,400 were fatal. The researchers suggest the prevalence of drowsy driving fatalities is more than 350% greater than reported.

Beyond the human toll is the economic one. NHTSA estimates fatigue-related crashes resulting in injury or death cost society $109 billion annually, not including property damage.

Interventions for Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving affects everyone, but especially those under age 25, who make up an estimated 50% or more of drowsy driving crashes. That means interventions focusing on this age group – males especially – can help reduce drowsy driving among those vulnerable. One such intervention is for parents to incorporate discussions and rules on drowsy driving while completing their parent-teen driving agreements.

Other ways to reduce drowsy driving include:

Crash avoidance technologies: New and existing safety technologies, such as drowsiness alert and lane departure warnings, can detect common drowsy driving patterns and warn drivers to stay in their lane or take a break
University interventions: College students receive less than average sleep, with some estimates at less than six hours a night; education programs aimed at college students may help curb drowsy driving and instill healthier behaviors that can last into adulthood
Getting more sleep: According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, adults should get seven or more hours of sleep each night
Medication labels: An article by Consumer Reports found that side-effect warnings are not always clear; new labeling guidelines may help drivers understand when to drive or not drive after taking these medications
Employers: Workplaces with strong off-the-job safety and health programs can include key information on getting sufficient sleep and refraining from driving drowsy

Key Resources and Drowsy Driving Initiatives

Too Tired to Drive?

The following are signs and symptoms of drowsy driving, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine:

Frequent yawning or difficulty keeping your eyes open
"Nodding off" or having trouble keeping your head up
Inability to remember driving the last few miles
Missing road signs or turns
Difficulty maintaining your speed
Drifting out of your lane

**May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month ….Share the Road**

QUICK TIPS: General Guidelines For Riding A Motorcycle Safely

Be visible: Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles. Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night. Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Avoid riding in the blind spots of cars and trucks. If possible, flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. Have an escape route in case a motorist doesn’t see you and violates your right-of-way. Dress for safety: Wear a quality helmet and eye protection. A full-face helmet provides the best protection.  Wear leather or other sturdy, protective clothing (jacket and pants); over-the-ankle boots; and gloves. Bright clothing and a light-colored helmet increase the chances of being seen. Dress for a crash as well as for the ride. Apply effective mental strategies: Constantly search the road for changing conditions. Use the Search-Evaluate-Execute strategy (SEE) to assess and respond to hazards before you have to react to an emergency. Give yourself space and time as you search for traps and escape paths. Give other motorists time and space to respond to you. Use lane positioning to see and be seen. Search for vehicles that may turn across your path, especially at intersections. Use your turn signals for all turns and lane changes. Ride as if you’re invisible. Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Know and follow the rules of the road. Know your bike and how to use it: Study your motorcycle's owner's manual and make a habit of doing a pre-ride check. Visit msf-usa.org to take one of our online courses or review the wealth of information in our library. Get formal hands-on training and take refresher courses. Call 800.446.9227 or visit msf-usa.org to locate a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourseSM near you. Develop your riding techniques before venturing into traffic, especially emergency braking and swerving maneuvers. Practice often to keep your skills sharp. Corner within your skill limits. Aggressive cornering is a major cause of crashes. Know how to handle your bike in adverse conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces. Remember: Be mindful of collision traps and escape paths. People driving cars often don’t notice motorcycles. Ride within your skill level and situational limits. www.msf-usa.org

March is National Ladder Safety Month

Almost every home in the United Sates has one, and chances are you have used one personally either at work or at home. From changing out a lightbulb to getting on top of a roof, ladders are a common piece of equipment used in almost every home or building and appear to be harmless — and yet according to Injury Facts, thousands of people are killed due to falls from a ladder or scaffolding work. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of death next to highway crashes.

Understanding the different types of ladders as well as safe ladder practices are key to preventing falls and other potential injuries.

Here are some helpful tips to always keep in mind when using a ladder provided by OSHA:

Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.
Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing (see diagram).
Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes.
Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet.
Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position.
Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose.
Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement.
Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (see diagram). Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.
The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see diagram).
A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder.
Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder's load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment.

While some of these dos and don'ts may seem obvious, it's important to keep things in perspective. According to National Ladder Safety Month, every year over 100 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling injuries.

The good news, however, is that ladder safety is becoming a key safety topic among employees in the construction industry. Don't miss the 2018 Stats as reported by National Ladder Safety Month for spreading the news about the safety dangers ladders can create and how to work safely both on and around ladders.

While falls from ladders are a growing concern, it's also reassuring and important to remember that ladder-related injuries and fatalities are completely preventable.