10 Ways To Prevent Falling Asleep While Driving

Let's imagine you're taking a lengthy vacation and want to make sure you're always aware behind the wheel. You know what to do if you become sleepy on the road, but what can you do ahead of time to prepare? Here are some ideas for you.

1. Download some intriguing podcasts or invest in satellite radio that you can take with you everywhere you go before your vacation.
2. Another effective approach to keep yourself occupied is to listen to audiobooks; local library may have some suggestions.
3. Avoid driving during usual sleeping hours, roughly midnight through 6 a.m. Late afternoon drowsiness is also prevalent.
4. Avoid alcohol and cannabis. This should go without saying whenever you’re behind the wheel. Liquor or pot makes for dangerous driving decisions.
5. Prescription medicines that cause drowsiness should be avoided. Check the labels of any medications you're taking to make sure they won't affect your ability to stay awake.
6. The night before a big journey, get a decent night's sleep (7-8 hours).
7. Talk to your doctor about how to drive safely if you have (or fear you have) a sleep issue like apnea.
8. Plan your vacation ahead of time to prevent driving for large periods of time in one day. You'll be able to handle drowsiness better if you spread your journey out across two or more days.
9. Make arrangements for the company. Even if they aren't able to assist with driving, a friend or family member (even a youngster) can help you keep them aware.
10. Know where the rest spots are on your journey and keep an eye out for safe locations to pull over.

We've all experienced how tiredness can sneak up on us without us even realizing it, but there are a few warning signals that should alert you to the need to pull over.

7 Driving Drowsy Warning Signs 

1. You're drifting out of your lane or slamming into the rumble strips.
2. You realize you've been immersed in a daydream all of a sudden.
3. You have a habit of yawning.
4. You miss your exit or become lost or confused about your whereabouts.
5. You're having trouble keeping your eyes open or you're blinking too much.
6. You have no recollection of the last few miles you have driven.
7. You suddenly realize you're tailgating the automobile in front of you.

If you notice any of these signs, you should take action right away to relieve your tiredness, even if it involves pulling over to the side of the road for a little nap. Any of those signals could mean you're going towards microsleep, a condition in which you sleep in small bursts while doing anything else.

Who is the most vulnerable to drowsy driving?

Drowsy driving affects about one out of every 25 drivers every month. Although exact data on falling asleep at the wheel is difficult to come by, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that it causes 91,000 crashes each year, with 800 of these resulting in death.

Moreover, despite the fact that Americans have driven less during the pandemic, data reveals that we are having more accidents and driving more irresponsibly, including driving while tired or sleep-deprived.

Some populations are more vulnerable to it than others. If you fall into one of these groups, you're more likely to drive when drowsy.

Professional drivers: When they've been on the road for hours without stopping, long-haul truckers and others who drive professionally may experience sleepy driving. Federal restrictions limit the number of hours an interstate truck driver can travel per day to 11, with a ten-hour break between shifts.

Nearly 15 million Americans work evenings or alternate between night and day shifts. This can throw off the body's circadian rhythm, making getting to and from work difficult.

Those with untreated sleep problems: Those who suffer from sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or other sleep disorders are already dealing with the difficulties of interrupted or inadequate sleep. You run the danger of sleepy driving or falling asleep behind the wheel if you drive in this situation.

Young drivers: high school and college students lack the years of driving experience that older drivers have, and they frequently work long hours while studying and working part-time job. Driving home after working or studying all night might be a recipe for catastrophe.

Male drivers: According to a study published in 2019 by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, men had a harder time staying awake when driving than women.

Individuals who drive for rideshare firms like Uber should also be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving. In fact, in 2018, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) issued a policy statement warning rideshare drivers to be aware of the public safety risk they pose when driving when tired.

Drowsy driving can occur at any time of day, but it is most common between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. If you're used to sleeping during those hours, it's a good idea to be especially cautious if you're traveling late at night.

Anyone with a low resting heart rate in the 30-50 beats per minute.  

If you become drowsy while driving, you should:

Allow a friend to take the wheel. If you're driving with someone, they can take the wheel while you close your eyes and relax. Turn off the light every two hours or so.

Pull over to a safe location and take a brief sleep – this is possibly the most effective way to avoid drowsy driving. Consider bringing a weighted blanket with you in the drive so you can cozy up and fall asleep quickly. Even a half-hour snooze should suffice to rejuvenate you.

Every two hours, take a break. You don't have to wait until you're tired to use this advice; it's a good idea whenever you're on a long trip, regardless of how alert you are. Get out of the car, stroll around the parking lot, stretch, or jog in place when you come to a halt.

Take a coffee or energy drink break. Coffee isn’t an ideal stimulant, because it only works for a while and then leaves you more tired than before. And energy drinks contain sugar that provides a short-term lift — followed by a crash. But in a pinch, they can stave off drowsiness for the short term.

Avoid going too fast. You may believe that if you're sleepy, you should drive faster to get to your destination faster and nap - but this is risky thinking that could result in an accident or, at the absolute least, a speeding ticket.

6 Key Elements Of An Estate Planning Road Map

Creating an estate plan may not seem urgent when everything is going on well until life happens. Tragedy or death can happen unexpectedly. While you can’t prevent such occurrences from happening, you at least have a chance to plan ahead and protect the future of your loved ones despite your absence.

You may be asking yourself why estate planning is necessary. An estate plan will allow for the distribution and management of your assets in case of death or mental and physical incapacity. Picture a scenario wherein during your absence, your assets are distributed to people you would never choose as beneficiaries, and your loved ones end up destitute because your properties were wasted by the wrong people. You wouldn’t want that, right?

The idea of creating an estate plan may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be so, especially when the plan is broken down into easy-to-understand pieces. Below are the key elements of estate planning that you must prepare for:

1.     Will

This is the first and most recognized component of estate planning. A will is a legal document that would contain instructions as to how you want your estate to be distributed when you die. It names the executors of the will, beneficiaries, and may also list all your assets. It can also contain instructions on how and where you wish to be interred upon your death. A will also names appointed guardians if there are young or minor beneficiaries.

The catch is, you must know how to execute a valid will by following the laws of your state. Failing to follow the requirements would make your will void or inapplicable upon death. To be sure, you can check out online services like Willed that will help you create a valid will online.

On the other hand, if you die intestate, the laws of your state will also have default provisions that would guide the division of your estate upon death. However, a lot of issues could arise from this scenario—especially if a family member is not satisfied with their share.

2.     Trust

A trust is a legal arrangement where a person gives another person their right over the management and administration of a property. A trust can also be used to hold and distribute properties in the name of your beneficiaries. When you put up a trust, you will give instructions on when and how the beneficiaries will receive the assets put in the trust.

There are two types of trusts:

• Revocable: You still have the power to control and revoke the terms of the trust.
• Irrevocable: In this type of trust, you’ll relinquish all your rights over the property held in trust and no longer have control.

3.     Power of Attorney

This is a legal document that authorizes another person (an agent) to act on your behalf. It’s usually prepared with the help of a lawyer. The person you appoint is called an agent, who’ll take over the running of your affairs in case you become incapacitated. The appointed person should be someone that you trust because they’ll have the power to make financial decisions on your behalf.

A power of attorney can either be general or specific. A general power of attorney allows the appointed person to take charge of your general affairs, while a specific power of attorney is limited and only gives the appointed person power to transact specific aspects of your property or business. 

While a power of attorney is not generally controlling upon your death, it is still useful in the event that you’re hospitalized or when you’re physically or mentally incapacitated to manage your affairs. 

4.     Healthcare Directive

Also known as a medical directive, this is a document similar to a power of attorney. The only difference is that the appointed person will make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or terminally ill.

There’re two documents to be executed at this stage: 

• A Living Will: This is a written statement that would give directives for your healthcare when you’re incapacitated or too ill to make medical decisions.
• Healthcare Proxy: This appoints the person who will make healthcare decisions on your behalf in case you’re incapacitated or terminally ill. 

5.     Beneficiary Designations

Your estate planning strategy should include an updated retirement plan with beneficiary designations. The beneficiary designation outlines who will receive your work benefits in your absence. You should however note that the beneficiary designations usually override the instructions in your will. It’s therefore important to revise it regularly as needed.

 6.     Implementation

You can create an estate plan by yourself or with the help of a lawyer, but either way, it has to be implemented when the time comes. A qualified lawyer will help you draw up the required documents, and advise you on the legal implications of your plans or wishes. The lawyer will also help you transfer property to the intended beneficiaries.

Working with a lawyer will ensure that your estate plans and documents have all complied with the requirements of the law, and their validity will not be questioned—even when you’re gone. 

Conclusion

Once you have an estate plan in place, it’s important to review it regularly to make sure it still reflects your current wishes. The way you relate with your beneficiaries can change, your health can get better or worse, or your financial situation may also change. Major events in your life may also change your perception of things. Therefore, reviewing the plan regularly will therefore ensure that the plan still reflects your true wishes and intentions.

Be a Rideshare Pro: Tips for Success, Safety, and Insurance

With the growth percentage of the rideshare industry in the double digits, services such as Uber and Lyft are always looking for drivers. But it takes much more than just a driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and an Android or smartphone to snag those top earnings.

Before you jump into the popular rideshare game, learn the ins and outs of doing it successfully and safely.

Being a rideshare pro also includes having the right insurance on your vehicle. Find out if car insurance covers Uber, the most popular ridesharing service, as well as Lyft, the second-largest ride-sharing app.

Tips for Rideshare Success

Whether you’ve joined the ranks of rideshare drivers as a full-time gig or just a side hustle to help cover emergency costs, you want to be successful at it. Here are several pointers to do just that.

Rideshare Customer Service

The more of a people person you are, the better a rideshare driver you will be. Excellent customer service that will get you good ratings and garner more money include: 

●    Go where the passengers are. Instead of driving around aimlessly, be aware of busy spots. You’ll waste less gas, get more business, and have clients who have to wait less for you.

●    Be friendly and greet each passenger with a smile.

●    Be presentable.

●    Keep your car clean.

●    Use your emotional intelligence to “read” your passengers. If they want to converse, by all means, get chatty. But if they’re non-communicative or look busy, cut the chatter but stay pleasant.

●    Master the art of staying calm and focused under pressure.

●    Provide that extra level of customer service with a good phone charger.

●    Become familiar with what to do and how to do it quickly when a customer is unsatisfied. Your finesse and speed in problem-solving will help your ratings and your earnings.

Rideshare Driver Care

Providing great customer service while dealing with driving can be stressful, so don’t make it harder on yourself: 

●   Take advantage of the job’s flexibility. As an independent contractor, you can choose when you work, how long you work, and even what pickups you do. So keep yourself in the best state of mind so you get the best ratings from customers — which leads to better earnings. 

Know your limits, and don’t push them. Working longer and harder without taking proper eye breaks and stretch breaks may end up causing all kinds of complications, from generating less-than-stellar reviews for being tired and grouchy to, much worse, engaging in drowsy driving that could result in an auto accident.  

●    Keep snacks and water handy. Keep yourself well fed and hydrated so you don’t waste time and money on takeout. 

●    Know where the bathrooms are. Not to be indelicate, but all that hydrating will lead to this essential knowledge. Scope out public restrooms with free parking. You can’t be a peak rideshare driver if you’re stressing about your personal hygiene. 

●   Know your surroundings. This means knowing the most congested traffic times as well as what construction is going on. Paying attention to both of these items can help you avoid them and lower your stress. 

●    Get a reliable GPS. You can use Waze or Google Maps while driving for Uber or Lyft. But if you want the best car GPS, The Rideshare Guy polled Uber drivers, whose top three are Garmin DriveSmart 51 NA LMT-S, TomTom GO 520, and Garmin Drive 50 USA LM. Mount your phone where you can easily see it to help reduce dangerous distractions. 

Also, look into the possibility of having photo-enforced locations on your driving app. This is a free map of red light cameras, speed cameras, traffic cameras, and toll road cameras for your phone. 

While the quicker you get your customer and get them to their destination, the more money you make, being mindful of traffic cams will help remind you not to drive recklessly, including speeding, and get pulled over.

Tips for Rideshare Safety

 

Go the extra mile for you and your clients when it comes to safety.

Rideshare Safety Protocols

Keeping your car clean has been of even greater importance this past year, as both Uber and Lyft instituted health protocols to assuage passenger skittishness in the wake of the pandemic. 

Make sure you comply with the safety protocols — not only to make your passengers feel better but also to protect yourself. 

If driving for Uber, stay stocked up on the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes the company provides so your passenger can get a notification in the app before their ride. They can ask you for so they can wipe down potential “hotspots” like seat belt buckles, door handles, and window buttons. 

If driving for Lyft, install the vehicle partition the company provides. 

With both services, wear your mask, request that riders wear a mask, don’t touch your face, wash your hands frequently, open windows for additional airflow, and pause pooled and shared rides.

Personal Safety for Rideshare Drivers and Passengers

Keep risk to you and your clients as low as possible with these tips: 

●    Park as close to your client as possible.

●    Stop at an area in which your client has a clear path to your vehicle. Look out for possible slip, trip, and fall hazards.

●    Stay in well-lit areas: Park under a street light, if possible.

●    Keep a flashlight handy in case a client needs assistance at night.

●    Verify your rider by asking them to confirm your name before entering your vehicle.

●    Encourage back-seat riders.

●    Always wear your seat belt, and ask your passengers to do the same.

●    Don’t share personal information, such as your contact information, last name, or social media handles.

Tips for Rideshare Insurance

Most personal car insurance doesn’t cover rideshare services. If you’re getting paid for using your car, then your vehicle is no longer just for personal use. 

Reaching out to your insurance carrier when you’re looking into becoming a rideshare driver should be mandatory. 

Not only could your insurer cancel your policy if they find out you haven’t disclosed that you drive your car for money, but they can provide you with the information you need to be fully covered on the job. 

For example, Uber and Lyft do provide insurance, but there are coverage gaps since this insurance doesn’t apply the entire time you’re on the job. 

You can purchase rideshare insurance if it’s available where you live. This is a hybrid policy that includes coverage for personal auto use and for the times drivers are signed in to a ridesharing app but not covered by the insurance Uber or Lyft provides. Some rideshare policies will also provide coverage on top of what Uber and Lyft offer. 

If rideshare insurance isn’t available, then you would need a commercial insurance policy to be fully insured and avoid being dropped by your carrier.

Uber and Lyft Rideshare Coverage

The Uber and Lyft insurance coverage gaps to which we’re referring are during what’s known as Period 1. This is when you’re online and waiting for a request. 

During this period, the only insurance provided is liability “when necessary,” meaning they will maintain $50,000 for injury, $100,000 for total liability, and $25,000 for property damage if you don’t have applicable insurance of at least that amount. 

So you have no collision coverage from Uber or Lyft and much lower liability limits. And your personal insurer likely won’t cover you during this time, either. 

Uber and Lyft will cover you during Periods 2 and 3. Period 2 starts when you accept a ride request and are en route to your passenger. Period 3 starts once your passenger enters your vehicle and continues until the passenger exits. 

That coverage features $1 million in liability, the same amount for uninsured/underinsured motorist injury, and contingent collision and comprehensive up to the actual cash value. Uber has a $1,000 collision deductible and Lyft has a $2,500 collision deductible.

Where to Get the Best Insurance for Rideshare Drivers

Rideshare insurance is the optimal type of insurance coverage for rideshare drivers since the additional cost for it is much lower than for additional types of coverage, ranging from only $20 a year up to 20% of your premium. 

Many top-tier and second-tier insurance companies offer rideshare insurance: The highest recommended ones are Allstate, Geico, Farmers, State Farm, and USAA. 

Also look for ridesharing insurance from Bristol West, Erie, Liberty Mutual, Mercury, Quoteasy, and Safeco. 

A commercial car insurance policy would cost more since it has higher liability limits than typical policies. Look to spend on average from $1,200 to $2,400 annually for this type of policy. The best commercial policy insurers are Farmers, Nationwide, and Progressive. 

The point is to compare multiple companies, whether you need ridesharing or commercial car insurance or even usage-based car insurance. You’ll be surprised by the difference that each company will quote you on a rate. 

So factor that in, along with researching business ratings and customer reviews, to find the best rideshare-related insurance for you. 

Karen Condor is an insurance expert who writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceCompanies.com. Karen specializes in rideshare driver insurance coverage and related savings.

 

7 Efficient Tips To Help You Cover Your Emergency Car Repair Costs

Car breakdowns can happen when you least expect, and the worst timings are when you are broke. It is a situation that leaves you stranded as you try figuring out how you will pay for the car repairs when you have no money. 

You can get the cash you need to fix your vehicle in different ways, many of which could see you finding the money you need fast. Below are 7 tips on how you can sort your car repair costs when you lack the money. 

1. Use A Credit Card 

A credit card can be one of the fastest ways to sort your vehicle repairs when your emergency fund is dry or does not have one. However, it would be best if you were prudent with how you use your credit card. 

Ensure your budget for your credit card repayments. You must pay off what you are owed as soon as possible, especially when the interest rate is high. Try to find some wiggle room when budgeting by trimming the costs for things like eating out and paying for unused subscriptions. 

If you do not have a credit card, you can apply for one. But you should review the interest rates to ensure you pick a card with the best deal. For instance, a credit card with no annual fee is an excellent choice if you are keen on saving money. 

2. Apply For A Personal Loan 

A personal loan is another viable option that will help you meet your unexpected automobile repairs. You can visit your bank or credit union and see if they can help you since you have an account with them. Alternatively, you can go online and search for a reputable lender. It could be a fast answer to your woes. 

The smart thing will be to shop around comparing the offers to find the best interest rates and long terms. Search for any hidden details like extra fees as you try to determine which offer will fit your budget. 

In case you have bad credit, it should not be a reason for too much concern. Bonsai Finance is one of the companies that can help you secure a personal loan irrespective of your credit score. 

3. Set Up A Payment Plan 

At times, your struggles of figuring out how you will pay the costs of fixing your vehicle can be as simple as talking to your automobile technician at the repair shop. Most of them are willing to offer you a payment plan that will not feel burdensome. 

Discuss your situation and iron out the details of the plan before agreeing to the payment amount. Get to know about any extra charges, the due dates, and the interest rate. Keep in mind that you should settle for a loan you can afford to repay. Therefore, take the bold step of negotiating the terms until everyone is comfortable with the agreement. 

4. Find Title Or Payday Loan 

If you are run out of viable options, consider taking a payday loan or title loan. The downside to this option is the loans have high interest rates of nearly 300% - 500% APR. However, they can be a means to an end, helping you settle your money owes. You can get as little as £50 payday loans, direct lenders a great short-term fix for an emergency.

Go for the best deal that has a short-term repayment plan. The sooner you can settle the loan, the more you get to save on the interests if you can afford to make the monthly payments. 

Moreover, you can get a payday loan or title loan with interest rates of roughly 36% - 40%, which are a better deal. Nevertheless, remember that these are loans known for becoming a financial nightmare when not thought through thoroughly before agreeing to them. 

5. Get A Side Hustle 

If landing a fast loan is not happening for you, and your budget cannot accommodate cuts any further, where not get out there and earn the money you need. You can engage in a side hustle and make some extra cash besides your work schedule. It can be anything of interest. 

For instance, you can engage in services like house cleaning, yard work, or dog walking. Joining a rideshare service as a driver can also be an excellent option, the same as working for a food delivery service app. Freelance writing or other online content creation jobs can be a side hustle that makes you good money. 

6. Find Out If The Repairs Service Is Covered 

If you plan accordingly for emergencies, a protection policy or warranty could cover much of your car repair expenses. Why not research this as you struggle to find a payment method for the repairs and have no money. 

Review your car insurance policy terms or credit card protection plan to understand the fine details. You might discover that they offer free roadside assistance or towing services that can reduce the bill. And if your vehicle has a warranty, find out what’s covered. You might be glad to learn that the warranty covers all the repairs. 

Get in touch with your insurance provider if you were in an accident. They might cover the entire bill after you meet all the deductibles. 

7. Ask Family Or Friends For Help 

While this might not be a comfortable option, people are quick to ask family and friends for some money when they lack other options. Discuss your situation and ensure you reach terms that you both agree on before taking the money. 

You can request to pay some interest on what you are offered and ensure everything is put on paper and signed. And honor your promise of paying them back on time and in full lest you burn that bridge and soil your chances of getting help in the future.

A Guide to Start a Taxi Cab Company

Often, the best types of businesses let you begin small and then scale the business, and this is very true of operating a taxicab service. Whether you intend to drive for a ride-sharing service, utilizing your own vehicle or a rental, or you plan to launch a taxi business of your own, it's important to understand what you should expect.

It's important that you have a high-quality vehicle, a good attitude, and the ability to work the long hours that will be required as you get your business started.

Starting as a Ride-Share Driver

In the past, there was only one way to operate a cab company. However, ride-sharing services such as Lyft and Uber have changed the market entirely, making it easy to earn money by shuttling individual customers from place to place, without the need to start your own taxicab stand. The best thing about working as a driver for these companies is that you work for yourself without the need to pay start-up costs. You will find, however, that you may not make as much money as you would just doing your own thing.

To begin as a ride-share driver, it's important that you have a valid license and insurance, as well as a vehicle that's clean and in good condition. You'll have to go through an application process and be approved, as if you are working for an employer. However, once you've gotten started you'll primarily be allowed to choose the areas you want to work in and to set your own schedule.

Get Started with One Taxicab

The best thing about starting this type of business in the modern era is that you don't have to own a yellow car with a large sign on the roof. You can purchase partitions, taximeters, and a roof light to put on almost any type of vehicle, if you want them. You can also obtain a ride-sharing decal to help reassure potential passengers that you are working with the ride-share service.

If you're planning to purchase a vehicle, you'll need to plan on spending between £10,000 and £15,000 for this part of starting a business. This doesn't include any other equipment you may have to purchase. You'll also need insurance and a business license so that you can meet your state and municipality's guidelines for taxi drivers. If you're a single-car operation, you'll be able to avoid the expense of an office and equipment, however, as you can work from your home.

Adding More Vehicles

If you prefer to have more vehicles, you'll be branching out into the cost of getting started with and managing a fleet. This means buying and equipping the vehicles, as well as keeping insurance on all of them, as well as hiring appropriate drivers and paying them. This will also mean drug screens and background screens so that you can protect your business against potential liability that can occur if you hire the wrong individual.

After you've hired numerous drivers, you'll need a way to keep track of it all. Luckily, there is now software available that can help you keep track of things without you needing to keep an entire team on staff to take calls and dispatch drivers. Instead, customers can request their rides through an app, and drivers can take the calls themselves, then give the ride to the customer without needing a dispatcher to handle it all. If you'd like to have a staff member taking phone calls, you can hire them to use these apps to keep track of drivers.

Staying Competitive

Now, many big cities have only one of these types of transit providers taking care of the entire area. You'll be dealing with competition not only from ride-share services, as well as local cab companies. One thing that can help is making sure that your cars are available to contact at hotels and airports locally. Additionally, make sure to shop around for insurance for your cars – especially important with a fleet – look here to compare taxi insurance for better value.

After you've lined up all of the marketing, it's important to be sure that customers are pleased when the car actually arrives. It's important to insist that your drivers are safe, professional, and polite, and to keep high standards of cleanliness for all of the vehicles in your fleet. Be sure to consider each customer complaint seriously, so that you can catch problems with unsafe drivers fast and avoid endangering passengers.