Effective July 1, 2009, a person under the age of 18 may not operate a motor vehicle while using a cell phone unless calling 911. So, parents let the kids know that talking on a cell phone while driving a car when you are under 18 is illegal. We all know that underage drivers are more prone to being involved in car crashes then adult drivers. Now, studies show that underage drivers who talk on a cell phone are at an even greater risk to be involved in a car crash. Remind the kids to stay off the cell phone – no email, no texting, and talking on the phone – while driving.

A 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine estimated that up to 98,000 people die in the United States as a result of preventable medical errors and lapses in patient safety. The Institute of Medicine’s followup study in 2004 reported that little progression had been made in improving patient safety.

1. Choose a doctor you feel comfortable talking to.
2. Make sure all of your doctors know what medications, both prescription and over the counter, that you are taking.
3. Tell all of your doctors about your allergies and any allergic reactions you have to medication.
4. There should be one doctor who has overall responsibility for your medical care.
5. Do not be afraid to ask questions; if a doctor will not answer your questions, find another doctor.
6. If you are told that you have a serious medical condition, get a second opinion.
7. If you have an option, choose a hospital where many patients have undergone the type of surgery you need.
8. If you are going to spend a night or longer at the hospital, a close friend or family member should spend the night with you.
9. Before you receive a medication, ask the name of the medication, why it is being given and by who’s order.
10. If you have a test, do not take it for granted that no news is good news; call the doctor to find out the test results.

1. Review your insurance policy with your insurance agent immediately. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage, including medical payment benefits and both uninsured and under insured motorist coverage. You will be surprised to learn how inexpensive it is to raise coverage, for example, from $100,000 to $250,000 per person. If you rent a car, talk to your insurance agent about the gaps in insurance coverage.
2. Keep your auto insurance information in the glove compartment.
3. Keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment.
4. No matter how minor the crash, call the police.
5. Stay at the scene of the crash.
6. Be sure to exchange contact information with the other driver - names, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, a description of each car.
7. Take photographs of each vehicle before leaving crash site.
8. Notify your insurance company right away.
9. File a crash report.
10. Do not give a statement to any person other a police officer without first speaking to an attorney.