​Although snow can make winter driving difficult, it's not the real threat. Icy roads are one of the top causes of car accidents in the United States, and cause hundreds of deaths each year. It's easy to lose control of your car when the roads are icy and is difficult to gain control again. There aren't any fool-proof ways to avoid black ice, but you can certainly protect yourself by understanding and knowing how to deal with this seasonal issue!

• Know where to expect black ice -- Black ice is generally formed when a light rain or drizzle falls on a road surface that is below freezing and is most common at night or in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest. AccuWeather suggests watching out for bridges and underpasses, road areas shaded by the sun, or low-lying areas that may have standing water or run off from nearby melting snowbanks.
• Look for black ice (when you can) -- If lighting conditions are right, a driver might be able to spot ice on the road. If the majority of the road you are driving on appears to be a dull color except for one section that appears to be shiny, odds are, the glossy area is ice. Keeping headlights on might help provide that visible shine.

 

• Check your tire tread -- Use the penny test to check treads — if you can see Lincoln's head, get new tires! If not, you're good to go. For more car preparation tips like this one, follow our blog to the Winter Auto Safety Checklist.

Here are some tips to help you regain control of your car if you're sliding on black ice:

1. Stay calm.
2. Don't make sudden movements, you would only lose more control.
3. Do not hit the brakes.
4. Try to keep the steering wheel straight.
5. If you feel your car sliding right or left, make a gentle turn in the SAME direction you feel you're going.
6. De-accelerate slowly by lifting your foot from the gas pedal.
7. If you can, shift into a lower gear.
8. If you still cannot gain control of your car, try to steer into an area with low impact like a snowbank or empty field.
9. Find a safe location to park your vehicle as soon as possible.

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Hopefully you now feel better prepared to brave the winter ahead!​

If you live in a climate with snowy winters, you'll most likely be putting your motorcycle away for the season.

Your bike is an investment of your finances and your time, and it's important to think about keeping it clean and safe while the weather is cold and snowy. When you prepare your motorcycle for storage, keep these helpful tips in mind to ensure it's in tip-top shape for next year!

Please note: You should also follow the manufacturer's recommendations for any other winterizing requirements not mentioned in this article.​​

• Clean it up
  Give your bike a good wash and wax and cover it with a breathable cloth cover. This will protect your bike from dirt, dust or other airborne matter in your garage.
• Gas it up
  Top off your tank and add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer prevents your fuel from breaking down and producing a brown residue that can coat your carburetor. Run your engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated gas. Since gas is flammable, do not store a motorcycle with a full tank of gas in an area where there is open flame, pilot lights, sparks or motors.
• Change the oil
  Just before you put your motorcycle into storage, change the oil. Used oil that sits in your bike all winter becomes corrosive and can damage your motorcycle's parts.
• Check the coolant
  Since motorcycles are not used in freezing temperatures, many riders overlook the use of coolant. Use a floating-ball device to check if your coolant level is sufficient to resist freezing. If it's low, always add according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Charge the battery
  Remove your battery, store it at a temperature above 32 degrees and trickle-charge it once a month. If you're able to run the bike once a month, leave the battery in the bike and disconnect the negative cable end.
• Remember the tires
  If you can manage it, store your bike off the ground. If you can't do this, make sure the tires are properly inflated, set the bike on its stand and rotate the front and back tires every so often to avoid flat spots.
  

By taking the time to properly prepare your motorcycle for storage, you'll save more time in the spring when you want to take your bike out on the open road. Stay safe, and ride on!

Content provided by Foremost Insurance www.Foremost.com

Please check our our motorcycle rates! We have some of the best in town!

​Unique among motor sports, driving all-terrain vehicles in Texas combines an exhilarating workout with a test of maneuvering skills and a hearty dose of adrenaline. Fun as it is though, it can be a risky activity. So, take a systematic approach to keeping things safe before, during and after your outings.

Before You Go

·        Take a Course
Formal hands-on training courses cover how to control ATVs in commonplace situations. The ATV Safety Institute typically offers its ATV Rider Course free to anyone who buys a new qualifying machine from an institute member. Call 1-800-887-2887 or visit atvsafety.org for class information.


·        Dress for Success
A motorcycle or other motorized sports helmet, certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation, is a must. You’ll also want to suit up with over-the-ankle boots and long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, goggles and gloves.


·        Remember Insurance
Riding on state-owned land? Many states requireATV insurance, which offers coverage options similar to what’s available for motorcycles – liability, comprehensive, collision, safety apparel replacement, roadside assistance and more.

During the Ride

·        Don’t Share the Seat
You’ll want to be free to shift your weight according to the terrain and the situation. Passengers make it difficult – and dangerous.


·        Stay Off the Road
ATVs simply aren't street-legal machines, at least not in most states. The solid rear axle with no differential means they can be hard to handle on pavement.


·        Let Kids Be Kids
Children should never be allowed to drive or ride on an adult ATV. Someone under 16 on an adult ATV is twice as likely to sustain an injury as a child riding a youth ATV, according to ATVSafety.gov.

After the Outing

·        Wait to Celebrate
This is when you get to unwind with a cold one, not before. You need sharp reaction time and judgment, so don’t ever drive ATVs under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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We here at First Community Financial Group want you to enjoy your ATV outings this summer, while staying safe. Just give us a ring if we can help you explore ATV insurance options!

​Being in an accident is one of the most worrisome of situations. You worry about your safety and that of others with you. Then you worry about the condition of your car. You also worry about the other driver.

In situations like this, auto insurance is there to help. Sometimes, the other driver will be at fault. This means he or she made mistakes that led to the accident. If this occurs, the other driver’s auto insurance should cover the loss you face. But, what happens if the driver doesn’t have insurance?

Having Insurance Is a Legal Requirement
In most states, drivers must have car insurance to operate vehicles on public streets. Liability insurance is often a requirement. It helps cover the damage a driver causes to others on the road. In this case, the other driver’s liability insurance should cover your loss.

There are situations where the other driver’s insurance may lapse. For that reason, they may not be legally eligible to operate a vehicle. No matter the reason, uninsured drivers are still responsible for the damage they cause. You may have to resort to a lawsuit to cover your losses. Before you do that, turn to your own car insurance plan.

Will Your Car Insurance Help?
Most auto insurance policies allow you to maintain underinsured and uninsured coverage. This type of coverage protects you when the other driver lacks insurance. It only applies if the other driver is responsible for the losses. And, it only covers the damage to your insured vehicle. It does not cover damage to other people or the other driver.

This type of car insurance is a must for many drivers. There is no way to know if another driver has proper coverage when you are sharing the road with them. However, you can still protect yourself. Car insurance like this is often inexpensive. It is also usually easy to add to an existing insurance policy.

For those choosing car insurance, underinsured and uninsured coverage is a good investment. It helps you when you didn’t cause the problem but suffer the loss. This type of scenario can happen to anyone. With coverage, you do not have to worry about the outcome. If you do not have coverage, talk to your car insurance provider about the options available to you to add it for your current policy.

We’ve got you covered. Contact us at First Community Financial Group for a fast, free auto insurance quote.

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Spring is here in Deep East Texas, which means you'll likely see more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is "see." People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they're not accustomed to looking for them.

It's obvious yet bears repeating: Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than car and truck drivers and passengers. Not only are there many more cars and trucks on the road, but there's no such thing as a "fender bender" for a motorcyclist. Even a low-speed collision can seriously injure a rider, not to mention total the bike, so it's important to always give motorcycles extra space and an extra look.

Below are six tips to help you safely share the road with motorcyclists.

Objects in mirror. The object in your mirror may be closer than it appears — especially if it's a motorcycle. Due to its size, it can be harder to determine how close a motorcycle is and how fast it's moving. When turning into traffic, always estimate a bike to be closer than it appears to avoid forcing a rider to quickly hit the brakes — or worse.

Watch those left turns. One of the most common motorcycle accidents involves a car making a left turn directly in front of a bike at an intersection. Give yourself an extra moment to look specifically for motorcycles coming toward you when turning into traffic.

Double-check your blind spot. Carefully checking your blind spot before changing lanes is always a good idea. When it comes to motorcycles, it's critical. A bike can be easily obscured in the blind spot, hidden behind your car’s roof pillars, or blend in with cars in other lanes, so make a habit of checking carefully before changing lanes. Plus, always use your turn signal.

Don’t tailgate. This is another general rule for all drivers, but it's especially important when following a motorcycle. Be aware that many riders decrease speed by downshifting or easing off the throttle, so you won't see any brake lights even though they are slowing down. Following at least three seconds behind the bike should give you enough time and space to safely slow down or stop when necessary.

Stay in your lane. Obviously, motorcycles don't take up an entire lane the way cars or trucks do. But that doesn't mean you can cozy up and share a lane with a bike. Just because the rider may be hugging one side of the lane doesn't mean you can move into that space. Riders are likely doing this to avoid debris, oil on the road, or a pothole, so a bit of mild swerving within the lane can be expected. Do not crowd into the lane with a bike.

Think about motorcycles. Making a habit of always checking for bikes when you drive will make the above tips second nature and make you a better driver. To personalize it, think about your friends and family members who ride bikes and then drive as if they are on the road with you. Motorcyclists — and everyone else — will thank you.

​Content provided by Safeco Insurance.
First Community Financial Group Incorporated (safeco.com)