42,642 died in car accidents

No one wants to think about it, but our roads can be dangerous places. Even for those who use the greatest care, can have errors in judgment, and or make mistakes. No matter how well, or carefully you drive; there is always the risk of being hit be a driver not sharing your caution.

42,642 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2006. The Institute publishes statistical facts about the motor vehicle safety picture in 2006, the most recent year for which fatality data are available. Fatality Facts are updated once a year, when the US Department of Transportation releases data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).

Fatality Facts

The idea is not to send you out onto the roads terrified, but to remind you of the seriousness required each time you get behind the wheel.

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Historic Drop in Highway deaths

Thursday, August 14, 2008
Press Release:
DOT 113-08 Contact: Brian Turmail
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters Announces Historic Drop in Highway Fatalities and Rate Motorcycle fatalities still rising, Secretary Peters says, while announcing increased safety, drunk driving outreach and enforcement efforts
WASHINGTON – The number of people who died on the nation’s roads dropped again last year, reaching historically low levels, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced today. Secretary Peters said that in 2007, the overall number of traffic fatalities fell to 41,059, the lowest number since 1994. In addition, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 1.37, the lowest fatality rate on record, she noted. The Secretary added that 2.49 million people were injured in highway crashes last year, the lowest seen since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began collecting injury data in 1988.
“Thanks to safer vehicles, aggressive law enforcement and our efforts, countless families were spared the devastating news that a loved one was not coming home last year,” Secretary Peters said. “You can be sure that we’re not stopping here, the quest is not over until that bottom line number is zero.”
She noted, for example, that motorcycle safety continues to be a problem. Motorcycle fatalities now account for 13 percent of all fatalities and, in 2007 alone, the number of motorcycle riders or passengers killed on the nation’s roads increased 6.6 percent over the previous year, the Secretary said.
To address these challenges, Secretary Peters announced the launch of new advertisements that focus on motorcycle safety and drunk driving. They can be viewed at http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/planners/crackdown2008/planner/index.cfm
Tomorrow, the Department will kick off its annual impaired driving enforcement crackdown called, “Drunk Driving. Over the limit. Under Arrest.” The effort runs through Labor Day. During today’s announcement, made outside of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s Second District headquarters, Secretary Peters viewed a motorcycle safety demonstration.Secretary Peters added that the Department will continue its efforts to combat impaired driving, increase safety belt use and improve motorcycle safety.“As these new statistics show, we are making progress, but far too many of our friends, neighbors and family members are still getting killed or seriously injured,” Secretary Peters said.

Alcohol related Crashes, Breathalyzers, DUI, DUI ticket, MADD, NHTSA

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Why Choose Urban Insurance Agency?
It's simple. We offer the lowest car insurance quotes in Chicago on SR-22 filings, SR22 car insurance, non-owners, liability insurance and electronic filings.
We can help drivers in Chicago, Illinois get the lowest quotes even if they have a DUI, suspended license or pending suspension.
We will compare rates at more than 20 different companies in order to find the exact coverage you want at the lowest price.
Unlike many insurance companies today we can offer you auto insurance without "running your credit". This can save you hundreds of dollars on your policy.
We also offer Insurance for tow trucks, messengers, long and short haul trucking.
We sell insurance in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Florida.
We also offer preferred rates for low risk drivers, good student discounts and renewal discounts.

Find out more about the wide range of insurance products offered by Urban Insurance Agency.
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I have never been insured before, can I still get insurance?

Yes!
We have no problem finding quality insurance for people who have let their insurance lapse, or those who have never been insured before. Get a free quote....
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Storm Damage in the Midwest

or a more likely response.

Oh S#!T, There’s a Tree on my Car.

by Larry Lubell

Walking home last last night, I could see the sky was getting darker, signaling a major storm was clearly in the offing. Luckily I was barely in the house before the drops began falling.

by 10:00pm the storm's arrival was announced by both the National Weather Service Warning as well as by a sky "Lit" by lightning. The very quantity and brilliance trumpeted that this storm would leave it's calling cards long after it departed.

These Severe thunderstorms moved across the Midwest during the late night, ripping roofs from buildings, sending people to shelter and leaving thousands of homes and businesses in the dark.

These storms set off tornado warnings for downtown Chicago, resulting in Fans being evacuated from the stands at Chicago's Wrigley Field, and travelers from the upper levels of terminals and planes at O'Hare International Airport.

Walking to work the today, I noticed the number of trees that had either completely fallen, or had one or more large branches that separated from the trunk.

First, It is critical that you approach this situation with great care.
Trees or large branches are very heavy. A branch that is partly separated from the rest of the tree, are unstable, and if you are not careful you can get crushed. If the branch is on your car, keep in mind your car might be the only thing holding it up.

The tree might have a “Power line” tangled within the leaves, unlike in a “Tom and Jerry cartoon”, a shock from a downed power line can result in death or life changing injuries. There are many stories of a homeowner taking a power saw to downed tree only to accidentally cut into a live wire.
There are things that are best left to those with the expertise and equipment needed to do the job safely.
If a tree damages you auto, it is a good idea to snap a picture of the tree resting on your car. Understand that if the storm damaged your car, it is likely that insurance adjusters will be quite busy with many other claims.

Tree damage to your car is covered under the Comprehensive part of your car insurance policy.

If you have a question, please contact us at 1-800-680-0707.

Urban Insurance Agency - Car Insurance and SR-22 Filing or SR22 Filing in Chicago, Illinois

Urban Insurance Agency - Car Insurance and SR-22 Filing or SR22 Filing in Chicago, Illinois

Driving Points in Indiana

Not all tickets are equal? The amount of "Points" the Secretary of state will assign, will vary Depending on the nature and severity of the offence. The more dangerious the action the greater the number of points.

Some of the more common point values are listed below.

1 – 15 mph over the speed limit................ 2 point violation
16 – 25 mph over the speed limit............... 4 point violation
26+ mph over the speed limit................... 6 point violation
Failure to use headlights......................... 2 point violation
No brake or signal lights...................... .. 2 point violation
Disregard stop/yield sign........................ 6 point violation
Fail to yield to emergency vehicle.............. 8 point violation
Improper U-turn................................... 4 point violation
Following too closely.............................. 6 point violation
Unsafe lane movement........................... 4 point violation
Failure to yield................. ................... 6 point violation
Speed contest on road............................ 8 point violation
Improper motorcycle headgear.................. 4 point violation
Improper motorcycle passenger................. 4 point violation
Driving while suspended ......................... 8 point violation

The number of "Points on your MVR, will be an important factor in determining the cost of your car insurance. There are many compaines that will not even provide you with a Quote on Car Insurance if the point total is over 6 points. Urban Insurance is an independant agent that has contracts with more than 15 companies in order to find the lowest rates for each of our customers.
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Why do I need SR-22?

I went to court in Hammond because I was caught driving without Proof Of Insurance. The judge told me I needed to show proof of SR22; what is an SR22.

SR-22is actually the name of the form used by insurance companies to notify the state that an insured has the required insurance coverage. As a result people will often refer this type of car insurance as SR-22, or FR Filing. The law in Indiana states the following: When a motorist's operator license is suspended upon conviction of a major offense, that driver must submit proof of insurance to the BMV before being reinstated. This filing provides that the driver has an auto liability policy in effect that cannot be canceled without prior notice. A valid SR-22 Proof of Insurance form must be filed with the BMV for three years after the end of the suspension. If the BMV receives a cancellation notice or does not have a current SR-22 form on file at any time during the three-year period after reinstatement, the motorist's driving privileges will become suspended again.
This is why it is critical that you find an insurance agency that is equipped to issue Same - Day SR22 Insurance. If you are required to file an SR22, then your insurance company must submit the correct form in order to remove a suspension order placed by the Indiana Secretary of State's office. The filing is needed to provide a certificate to the Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles that your insurance company has issued a policy of at least the required minimum liability coverage, and that your insurance company will notify the Indiana Secretary of State»s office should the insurance ever lapse for any reason.

Sr22 Insurance in Indiana

Tell me, am I required to carry auto insurance in Indiana?
The simple answer is Yes!
Driving without car insurance not only puts your assets in jeopardy, but it also illegal and can leave you subject to fines. A motorist who operates a vehicle without an automobile liability insurance policy is subject to a 90-day driver license suspension or a one-year suspension if it is a repeat violation within a three-year period. In order to obtain a reinstatement of the license, the motorist must pay a reinstatement fee of $150, $225, or $300 depending on whether it is a first, second, third or subsequent offense, and provide current proof of insurance signed by an agent or representative of the insurance company. SR22 is actually the name of the form used by insurance companies to notify the state that an insured has the required "certificate of compliance" of proper insurance coverage. When a motorist receives a "certificate of compliance notice," he (or she) must find an insurance agency that is equipped to issue the needed SR-22 insurance, and to file the certificate to the BMV within 40 days. Failure to return the "Certificate of compliance" to the Indiana Secretary of State»s office, as required will result in a license suspension
Call 1-800-680-0707 or click here to get your free car insurance quote.

Want a hard Job, try Selling RV's

One of the headlines in the business section today was:
Winnebago Industries Inc. said Friday its third quarter profit skidded 73 percent.
The article goes on to detail how their Sales fell almost 40 percent to $139.7 million from $231.7 million a year ago.

What a SHOCK!
Winnebago is having a difficult time selling $50,000 - $280,000 RVs that get 3 miles per gallon at a time of $4.50 gas and a slow economy.
Truth is, you got to give them credit for getting up out of bed each morning, going down to the dealership and giving it their best shot.
Between the price of gas, Insurance, up-keep, as well as paying the monthly payment. it seems like quite a difficult expense to justify. Add all of the cost associated with a large RV and divide by the number of days used and You could stay in a suite at the Four Seasons for less per night.
That is a difficult sell!

The biggest difficulty for Winnebago is that this is not a temporary problem. The days of $2.00 Gas are gone. I have not read a report that indicates a likelihood that we will even return to $3.00 gas. Also it is hard to design a 38 foot long, 12 foot wide vehicle with a 30,000 lbs gvw, that gets 30 miles per gallon. Fact is, it is difficult to see an economic climate that helps the RV industry any time soon.
Winnebago's are made in Forest City, IA recently announced a strategic decision to idle production at the Company's Charles City Manufacturing Facility, effective August 1, 2008
That manufacturing consolidation will cost 190 people their jobs. It is sad to see good manufacturing jobs disappear; so I wish Winnebago all the luck in the world. By all accounts they build a fine product, and have a name associated with quality. It is difficult to run a business in the best of times, but when world events conspire against you, it is especially hard.

Larry Lubell
Larry@urbanInsuranceAgency.com

Best Selling Cars of 2008

Top 10 Best Sellers
1. Toyota Camry: 31,601
2. Honda Accord: 23,957
3. Nissan Altima: 21,635
4. Honda Civic: 20,993
5. Toyota Corolla: 20,736
6. Chevrolet Impala: 17,544
7. Chevrolet Cobalt: 17,310
8. Chevrolet Malibu: 14,105
9. Pontiac G6: 13,942
10. Ford Focus: 11,600

Motorcycles, the answer to $4.00 Gas?

For an ever increasing number of people, the answer is yes.
The $100 fill-up has arrived in the United States.

No more than a few years ago if someone would have told you that a fill-up could run upwards of $100; you would have laughed loudly to their face. No ones laughing now.
(But the execs at "Big Oil" Companies are wearing a grin). Crude Oil which had been trading at the $20 range, and had never hit $50, has now broken through $120 a barrel.
The national average for regular unleaded is $3.53 and rising daily. Last year at this time, people were complaining that it was $2.86 per gallon. According to AAA, 24 states and the District of Columbia are averaging at or above $3.50 a gallon for regular unleaded.Premium, which is required for many cars and SUVs can run 40 to 60 cents higher. Once again, California is home to the nation's highest average gas prices.
•San Francisco $3.97 per gallon; last year $3.
• Los Angeles $3.85; last year $3.
• San Jose $3.89; last year $3.36
• Sacramento $3.86; last year $3.30
• San Diego $3.88; last year $3.35
As scary as these prices seem now, many are warning that Americans should expect the price to increase another 25 cents over the next month and continue to climb over the summer months.
"A national average approaching $4 a gallon for self serve regular is likely, with cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York seeing prices for Premium at over $4.75 per gallon. Those type of prices will be devastating to America's already weak economy. As you read this blog, millions of families are struggling to make their mortgage payments, many of which are adjusting dramatically upward. In fact America finds it's self in a recession while simultaneously suffering inflation. We also find that the government as well as individuals and business are deep in debt; as a result, our options are limited.
Now is an auful time to be trying to sell Motor Homes, but a great time to be selling mopeds and scooters. I have had customers of ours tell me they are "Putting away" their car and buying a 125 cc bike.The allure of 60 or 70 miles per gallon is too hard to pass up.

Get a Motorcycle Quote
Urban Insurance Agency can save you money on your motorcycle insurance.

Read 10 Ways to Save Money on Motorcycle Insurance.

Owning and maintaining a car has never been cheap. And, gas is one of the biggest, of those expenses. With gas prices at all time highs, this has never been truer. But you can save gas and save money if you follow the following tips.

Mandatory Insurance Driver's License Suspension

Beginning July 1, 2007, individuals convicted of driving without liability insurance under 625 ILCS 5/3-707 will lose their driving privileges for a minimum of three months. The suspension will be extended for an additional six months, if the individual is convicted of a second offense while the first offense remains in effect. The law, Public Act 91-1035, requires that a $100 reinstatement fee be paid to the State prior to license reinstatement. The law does not allow any driving permit during the course of this suspension.

Do you offer SR-22s to someone that does not own a car? Yes. Fill out the request a quote form and we will provide you with a quote to get your insurance started.
Get a free quote.
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Keeping Warm this Winter

Global Warming might be a very real danger facing our planet, but that does not change the reality that it gets very cold in the winter in Chicago.
With the cold weather comes a variety of health concerns. Clearly sub zero temperatures can have serious risks for even the healthiest in the population, but the situation is far more serious for those that are already in a weakened state.
IDoA Director Charles D. Johnson said. “The state has a number of resources available that seniors can use so they aren’t left to make difficult decisions about paying their heating bills or taking their prescription drugs this winter".
" I hope that older persons, their families and those who care for them will take these practical, simple steps to prepare for the cold weather ahead.”
Read complete Tips for Keeping Warm
Senior Care Resources can help provide the information, sources, and manpower to help you care for your loved ones and keep them on a positive path to wellness.