It's time to Spring Forward NC!

Don't forget to change your batteries in your smoke detectors!

Getting Your Drivers License? Call Us First!

Before you go to the NCDMV to take your driving test or restore your driving license after a suspension, make sure you call us first! The N.C. General Assembly has enacted legislation to require some (but not all) driver license applicants in North Carolina to submit proof of automobile liability insurance coverage in order to obtain a North Carolina driver's license.

Proof of liability insurance coverage applies to those: Applying for an original license, including transfers from out-of-state; whose licenses are being restored after revocation or suspension; or Awarded a "Limited Driving Privilege" by the court.

Certification of liability insurance coverage must be submitted on DMV Form DL-123, or an original liability insurance policy, binder or an insurance card and must come from an insurance company licensed to do business in North Carolina: These documents must show: Applicant's name; Effective date of policy; Expiration date; and Date the policy was issued.  A  Form DL-123, binders and certificates are valid only for 30 days from the date of issuance.

Please make sure you call our office and add your teen driver to your policy before going to DMV so that we may issue you a DL-123 form.  Do not wait until you are at DMV unprepared or they will re-schedule your testing date!

Having a Safe Workplace is Smart Business

Business owners have the absolute responsibility for the day-to-day health, safety and welfare of employees and worksite visitors. To make your work place safer, know the three common areas of risk: people, environment and company.

People First!

Keeping your employees safe and healthy is good for your business. To do that:

• Offer prevention and wellness activities
• Have options in place so injured employees can receive immediate treatment
• Consistently search for and eliminate workplace hazards
• Offer early intervention and rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol abuse and mental health problems
• Make free flu shots available

A Safe Environment

Heavy equipment, electrical hazards, even keyboards can pose health threats to your employees. For a safer workplace environment:

• Conduct routine maintenance and housekeeping measures
• Frequently check for proper ergonomic conditions
• Check all equipment for unsafe wear and tear
• Educate workers on identifying hazards and risks
• Make sure employees wear necessary protective equipment
• Create and rehearse a worksite disaster plan
• Control and eliminate toxic chemical use where you can
• Make your workplace smoke-free

From the Top

Safety starts with a company’s leadership. To establish and communicate your vision, mission, policies and trust:

• Keep confidential medical information protected
• Offer educational programs to improve health and safety
• Thoroughly analyze accidents for prevention
• Have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence
• Offer access to cost effective health care benefit programs
• Begin an employee assistance program

If you have any employees, most states require you to have an active workers compensation policy to insure coverage for those employees against a workplace injury. In most cases, the owners of a sole-proprietorship or a partner in a partnership are not considered employees and have the option whether to cover themselves or not.  For more information about workplace safety and disaster preparedness, visit these sites:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission – www.cpsc.gov
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration – www.osha.gov

For more information about insurance for business owners, contact us at 704-684-0082, e-mail us or fill out our contact form.

Cell Phones and Teen Drivers: A Dangerous Combination?

A new traffic study suggests NC teenagers have not paid much attention to state law that bans cell phone use by drivers under 18. The law went into effect in Dec. 2006.

A study was conducted by the UNC center and the Institute for Highway Safety. Researchers parked outside of 25 high schools discovered over 11% of teens were talking on cell phones while driving away from school.

Another study found 64% of teens were aware of the law forbidding cell phone use but only 39% of parents were aware of the ban.

Experts liken the use of cell phone while driving to have the same effects as being under the influence of alcohol.