Out on 495 today, just on my way to work and a good portion of the people are in an unbelievable hurry. One guy in a Cadillac got into the merge lane to pass the person in front of him. At least 3 other cars were weaving in and out of traffic in an effort to get wherever they are headed. Yesterday, on my way home, one person failed to yield (yes, he had a yield sign) and we almost collided.

It is tough to be overly critical of these people. I am sure we all do our fair share of aggressive driving. I for one have days when I put the hammer down and cruise. So how do we keep safe from, and avoid becoming an aggressive driver?

VA DMV to the rescue! Here is an article posted on the VA DMV Highway Safety portal: http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/safety/programs/aggressive/index.asp. The article provides basic safety procedures when you come across aggressive drivers, and tips on how to avoid becoming one.

I see an aggressive driver:

Buckle up, just in case.
Don’t make gesture or eye contact.

Don’t be one:

Don’t drive angry
Check traffic and weather reports, and leave early enough so you are not rushed.

Happy Holidays! Be safe out there.

Online Password Management company, SplashData, has released this years "Worst passwords of 2011". Please take a look at the article and be sure you are not making your online accounts easily acessable to hackers. Here are some of my favorites from the list:
letmein,
qwerty,
12345678
See the full article from Insurance Journal here: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2011/12/07/226606.htm

Later this month, your home will be visited by superheroes, ghosts, goblins and (if you are lucky) Harry Potter. All of these miniature visitors will say things like “Trick or Treat”, and will expect you to give them candy. It is one of the cutest holidays ever invented.

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year, but it can also be an accident waiting to happen. Here are some tips to help keep your little visitors safe and your property protected.

1. The path to your door must be well lit and free of debris. Take some time this weekend to:
a. Check the light bulb on your front porch.
b. Move Halloween decorations off the path and out of the way.
c. Fix cracks in sidewalks and stairs.
2. Use special light bulbs in your jack-o-lanterns.
a. Real candles can start a fire that can cause major damage to your home.
3. Do not hand out:
a. Homemade treats
b. Toys
c. Open or Expired Candy
For the Trick-or-Treaters
1. Wear light colored costumes or have reflective tape incorporated into the costume.
2. Stay in groups, don’t wander off by yourself.
3. Have a flashlight available in case it gets dark.

Have a Happy Halloween and be safe!