Are You A Bad Driver?

When asked, almost everyone will claim they are a good driver, yet the National Highway Safety traffic Administration (NHSTA) statistics show otherwise.Ever year, 40, 000 drivers are killed in auto accidents.Of these, 98 percent were caused by distracted drivers.

This means that, statistically speaking, most of us would be considered bad drivers.Surprising?Not really.Human behavior alone dictates that people will lean more towards breaking rules than living by them, so why would driving be any different?

However, no one would argue the fact that being a good driver equals being a safe driver but just what is a 'good driver.'

Traits of Good Drivers

Good drivers are often defined by their ability to operate their vehicles and obey the law.

Other positive traits include:

- Car maintenance - a good driver makes sure his car is kept up and in tip top shape.

Things like break pads and tire treads are routinely checked as they can affect the safety of the vehicle.

- Courtesy - a good driver is courteous...he doesn't cut people off and will always concede the right of way when applicable.

- Obeys the laws of the road - a good driver is conscientious of the rules in his city and state and follows them.

- Observant - a driver keeps both hands on the wheel and his or her eyes on the road.By doing just these two things, the driver reduces his own chances of getting involved in a major accident and could avoid a major pile up that may ensnare other, less attentive motorists.

Traits of Bad Drivers

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a bad driver feels he or she is above the law and can do whatever they want.

They often engage in risky behaviors that can be hazardous to themselves and other drivers.

The traits of bad drivers include:

- Speeding - drivers who speed seldom realize that each mile per hour over the speed limit increases the risks of death should a collision occur.

Slowing down decreases this risk and may even enable you to react in time to avoid an accident.

- Cell phone use - there is nothing wrong with having a cell phone but plenty wrong with talking on one while driving.Statistics indicate that individuals who chat on the phone while driving have the same impairment as a drunk driver with a .08% alcohol level.

- Rude aggressive behavior - Aggressive drivers are not only bad drivers but they are very reckless and have no respect for anyone other than themselves.If someone is driving too slowly, go around them.If they flip you off, ignore them.Flashing lights at slow drivers or amping up dangerous behaviors due to someone else's belligerent attitude can end up endangering your life and the lives of others.

- Constant distraction - picking stuff up form the car floor boards or yelling at the unruly kids in the back seat are not activities one should engage in while driving.It is always best in scenarios where your attention will be taken off of the road to pullover rather than to continue driving.

- Poor car upkeep - driving with worn car treads or ignoring obvious break problems makes the car far more dangerous than a car that is routinely taken care of.

If you find that you are bad driver, don't despair.It is never too late to start adopting the traits of a responsible motorist.The trick is to change your mindset.It isn't our god given right to be able to speed or chat on the cell phone when driving - in fact, these things can contribute to a life altering accident.

Indeed, you won't be able to change your driving habits until you realize how potentially harmful they are.Once you do this, you will become not only a safer driver but a more conscientious one as well.

About the Author

Complete home and car insurance in Ontario.

Get an accurate, no obligation car insurance quote in Ontario online.We will help you select the best coverage for your needs.

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Property Management -- Allowing A Home Based Business In A Rental Unit

Many property management companies have a blanket rule against using a real estate rental for a home-based business and often for good reason.However, like most things there are two sides to every issue.There are some types of home-based businesses that may actually help you keep a good tenant in place.Rather than have an inflexible policy, a good property management company will carefully consider each case individually.

How Will The business Impact The Real Estate Rental?

If the home based business requires a large number of people coming and going, this may have a large negative impact on the real estate rental.Simply by the number of people coming in and out, there will be greater wear and tear on the carpet, people will be touching the walls and fixtures, and the amount of trash produced will increase.The impact may not be noticeable at first glance but over time, this will definitely put a greater stress on the real estate rental.

As the business volume increases, so will the amount of traffic produced.Customers will require a larger number of parking spaces, which will quickly become an issue if the building was not designed to accommodate such volume.Complaints will start to come into the property management office as other tenants find customers parked in their allotted spaces.

If the situation goes unattended, you run the risk of driving off other potentially better tenants.You'll also want to be aware of how deliveries are to be made and how often to expect them.Delivery trucks can be very disruptive in a residential neighborhood.

Be Aware Of Zoning Laws

Regardless of your policy on home-based businesses in real estate rentals, you will need to be aware of the local zoning laws.

Some cities make it illegal to have any type of home-based business in a residential area.Sometimes these laws are subject to review and exception.

For example, running a child care business will have many restrictions but running an internet based business usually will have few or no restrictions.When a home-based business is allowed, the property management will want to consult with the tenant about the number of customers they expect on a regular basis.If a large number of clients are expected, they may fall under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which could have an impact on the use of the remaining part of the building.

Make Sure Everyone Involved Is Protected

If a home-based business is approved, an agreement ahead of time between the property management and tenant should be made as to who is responsible for any damage that may occur while the business is under operation.

You'll want to consult with your insurance agent to guarantee that your policy is in full force if a business is operated in your real estate rental.You may be required to purchase additional or modified insurance coverage and you may want to have the tenant take out a policy to cover your potential loss as well.

If the home-based business is very small and doesn't have a large client base coming and going frequently, such as with an internet based company, it may actually help you to allow the business because you keep a good paying tenant.A satisfied tenant is a good source of word of mouth advertising.However, if the home-based business is going to cause problems down the road and become a liability to you, don't hesitate to try to seek a compromise or refuse the rental.The short-term gain will not be worth the long-term headaches.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly writes for Chicago Beal Properties.

With 80+ years experience being a property manager and real estate rental company, Beal Property, LLC offers an apartment rental in many of the city's historic neighborhoods.

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