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Driving Safety Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

Our safety resources keep you, your family, and your employees safe on the road.

driver texting
 

Driver distractions, such as texting and driving, winter weather snow and ice, or other issues, pose serious risks to drivers on the road. We've got the information you need to keep your family and your company safe and claim-free.

 

Packing Your Car Emergency Kit

This year you’ll probably be spending a lot of time in your car. Before you head out on a trip, make sure your car is in good condition.

  • Keep your gas tank full.
  • Check all your other fluids too, like your antifreeze, your motor oil, and your windshield wiper fluid.
  • Check your spare tire too. It’s easy for it to deflate, or for you to lose the parts of the jack you need to make an emergency tire change.

Here are a few supplies that can help you if you’re stranded or waiting for rescue.

You probably have your cellphone with you, but make sure you also have a phone charger.

Have a snack and water in your car to help keep you going.

Other basics to pack include:

  • A blanket to stay warm, or as a mat to crawl under your car.
  • Cat litter for extra traction on slippery roads
  • A flashlight and extra batteries
  • An ice scraper and snow brush

Don’t forget the most important rules of the road: Drive safely. Pay attention to other drivers. Go slowly in bad weather. And remember: your emergency kit is there if something goes wrong.

 

Blog Posts

Man yawning in car: either take a nap or drive your car, not both.

Simple Ways To Avoid Driving While Drowsy

November 4, 2021 - 9:49 AM

November is Drowsy Driving Prevention Month, which makes a lot of sense — it’s when the time change happens, and the days get shorter. But schedules remain the same, and tiredness behind the wheel can be dangerous or even fatal...Full story

Young woman texting while driving: eyes on the road!

What Children Are Doing To Protect You On The Road

June 17, 2021 - 2:32 PM

It’s an old story: you’re driving home on the route you take every day. It’s late in the afternoon and there’s not much traffic. It feels like you can relax a bit, so when you hear the sound of a new text on your phone, you...Full story

Young driver buckling seat belt - buckle up every time.

The Benefits Of Buckling Up

May 24, 2021 - 2:49 PM

In the U.S., vehicles have been required to include seat belts since 1968. In many states, drivers are now required to use the seat belts or risk a fine or traffic citation. It’s a safety measure that has been successful in reducing traffic fatalities ...Full story

man cleaning snow off of car before winter driving

Driving Safe In The Snow

February 3, 2021 - 3:04 PM

Over the past few months, the team at Hastings Mutual has been taking a close look at our policyholders to find out who they are and what they’re looking for in their insurance coverage. We discovered that drivers at least age...Full story

young man texting while driving

How Your Phone Can Kill

June 17, 2020 - 3:29 PM

Kira Hudson of Indiana told her story to the Indianapolis Star newspaper about an incident that happened to her in 2005. She was arguing with her boyfriend on the other end of her phone as she drove her SUV down a deserted road...Full story

elderly man driving a car

How Senior Drivers Can Protect Everyone On The Road

November 6, 2019 - 1:08 PM

When I got my driver’s license at 16, I remember a feeling of freedom. It would be a while before I owned a car, but now at least I had the opportunity to go where I wanted when I wanted. It’s a feeling...Full story

angry man driving a car

The True Costs Of Road Rage

October 2, 2019 - 1:08 PM

Sometimes it feels like you can’t help it. Someone is driving slowly in the fast lane, or they race through a red light when you’re about to make a turn. You make an angry gesture and slam on your horn. Watching the news that night...Full story

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Safety Thoughts

Safety Thoughts are short papers intended to raise auto safety awareness and safe driving practices.

Avoiding Deer Related Collisions thumb

Avoiding Deer Related Collisions

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Fighting Driver Fatigue thumb

Fighting Driver Fatigue

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Avoiding Rear End Collisions thumb

Avoiding Rear End Collisions

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Drive Defensively – Avoiding Intersection Accidents thumb

Drive Defensively – Avoiding Intersection Accidents

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avoid distracted driving accidents thumb

Avoid Distracted Driving Accidents

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Winter Driving Safety thumb

Winter Driving Safety

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How Good Drivers Get Hurt thumb

How Good Drivers Get Hurt

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Look and Check Before You Back thumb

Look and Check Before You Back

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Additional Safety Topics

  • Farm Safety
  • Home Safety
  • Workplace Safety
 

Accident Forms

The following documents are to help you secure the necessary information in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

Auto Accident Witness Card
Auto Accident Witness Form
 

Insurance Coverages

Explore our lineup of insurance products for auto owners. We’ve got the coverage that’s right for you!

  • Personal Auto
  • Business Auto Emergency Roadside Assistance and Towing Service
  • Business Auto Protection Plus
  • Umbrella Policies
 
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Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
404 E. Woodlawn Ave.
Hastings, MI 49058

 

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8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (EST)

 

(800) 442-8277

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