My Personal Finance Blog

There have been hundreds of front page headlines over the apparent failure of Toyota to deal with what is called sudden acceleration syndrome. This is where you are just sitting in your vehicle with the engine running or driving it on the road and, without warning, it suddenly accelerates. If you believe the stories, we have had people unable to stop on the highways even with helpful emergency services telling the drivers to switch off the engine. It seems some drivers are really determined to experience uncontrolled acceleration, and their experiences may make it more likely driver error is one of the main causes of the syndrome. Indeed, if you listen to the manufacturers, they all sing the same tune. With the accelerator and brake being next to each other, it’s easy for the driver to make a mistake and press the wrong pedal. In reality, the syndrome has affected almost every make of vehicle on the road over the last ten years. It was because of the scale of the problem that manufacturers introduced the shift interlock system which makes it impossible to engage drive unless you have your foot on the brake.

Let’s put Toyota’s problems in context. Every major manufacturer has had recalls with problems affecting driver and passenger safety. The air bags in the Acura MDX were defective, and a plague of electrical problems affected the headlights in the Ford Focus. One of the reasons why Toyota has attracted more attention than the others this year is a type of protectionism. You attack the safety record of foreign importers to boost the sales of locally produced vehicles. Taking the statistics overall, Toyota actually has a better safety record than most other manufacturers, i.e. fewer people are injured per mile driven. With virtually every make and model recalled, the manufacturers show they are paying attention. Your safety is important to them. But what happens to your insurance premium if your vehicle is recalled?

Insurance companies find any excuse to raise their premiums but it’s very unusual for rates to rise following a recall. That would be penalizing you for the manufacturer’s design defects, and most states have regulations in place to prevent increases solely based on a recall. If you think you have been victimized in this way, report the facts to your local Department of Insurance. Should you prefer to change insurers, make sure you follow the terms and conditions for cancelling the policy. Many insurers impose penalties for early cancellation.

One word of warning – do not ignore a recall notice. Auto insurance companies like to find reasons to avoid paying out on claims. If you do not have your vehicle repaired and the defect causes an accident, that will be your fault and your claim will be reduced or refused. Even if there is no accident, the insurer can impose a surcharge or refuse to renew the insurance. It would be good if auto insurance companies always showed themselves in the best possible light. Unfortunately, the drive to make the maximum profit often makes them seem vicious and cold-hearted. There is no compassion in business. So always approach insurance like every other service. Shop around to find the best make and model of vehicle – one that does well in crash tests and is not popular with thieves. Then get auto insurance quotes from as many companies as possible and find the best deal. Rest assured. Recalls are the least of your problems and do not affect the premium rate over the short term.

Article by Michelle Bery

The first aid kit may seem like an old-fashioned concept but the truth is that today – just as always – an appropriately assembled, comprehensive first aid kit can save the most amount of time when treating injuries. Also, in the event of an emergency, a well-placed first aid kit can administer front line care until emergency services can arrive.

A thoroughly stocked first aid kit should always be kept in your home as well as in each of your cars. Additionally, you should always keep a travel first aid kit handy to take with you on vacations, family outings, etc.

The properly assembled first aid kit should include a number of important things. First and foremost, a first aid kit should include those items necessary for treating wounds; bandages of all sizes, gauze, tape, and small scissors, alcohol or other antiseptic to clean the wound, bottled water, clean, dry cloths, and antibacterial cream or spray. Those administering the first aid should also have sterile gloves and antibacterial wipes for clean up afterwards.

In addition to these important items, your first aid kit should also include a variety of medicines – pain relievers, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicines, a fast-acting allergy medication such as Benadryl, and extras of any medications you or your family take on a regular basis.

In the event of accidental poisoning, contact poison control immediately – keep the number handy in your first aid kit – and be prepared to administer Syrup of Ipecac if necessary. There are small containers of this important medicine available in most stores that will fit nicely into a first aid kit.

Also keep numbers of your doctors, pharmacy information, and pertinent health insurance information readily available in your first aid kit. This will save you quite a bit of time should you need information quickly.

You can purchase pre-assembled first aid kits at most drug stores. These are convenient and compact and usually include most of what you need. But in order to assemble the most comprehensive first aid kit it is best to do it yourself. You can find a number of small kits available in drug stores. Make several first aid kits at a time and store then in the appropriate places.

Being prepared can arm you with power. A comprehensive and well thought out first aid kit can be your insurance against sickness and injury no matter where you are.