The Car Tech Revolution

For decades Americans have had a love affair with their cars - from the sweet 1950's Ford Thunderbird to the slick Corvette of the '80s. There is just something about being behind the wheel - it's that free feeling you get on the open road.

But that love affair is changing. Every year, car manufacturers are adding new safety features and the latest bells and whistles to new models. And it's not just auto makers who are changing the game. Companies like Google, Amazon and Uber are challenging the way we think about driving and transportation altogether. The act of driving as we know it is about to change - dramatically!

Throughout 2017, ERIE will keep a finger on the pulse of automobile technology advancements to keep you not only informed, but maybe even riding safer in your travels, too. For now, here's a glimpse into some of the exciting trends to watch for this year.

CARS THAT TALK TO EACH OTHER - AND TO YOU

Some car makers are introducing a revolutionary system that allows cars to share information about driving conditions like weather, speed, sudden braking and accidents. Imagine your car "reading" traffic signals and telling you how long you'll have to wait for the green light. Check out the source article from USA Today that describes this and other hot car technology trends.

WHEN WILL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES BECOME COMMONPLACE?

2017 may be the year car manufacturers take us farther down the road toward fully autonomous driving. A substantial number of automakers have introduced - or will introduce this year - significant developments that bring us closer to an autonomous reality. Think brake and lane-keeping assistance and radar-assisted cruise control. Recode magazine, an independent journal featuring tech news and reviews, put together a complete timeline to self-driving cars that might answer your questions about when all of this will become routine.

And while you may not be able to buy a fully autonomous vehicle from the lot just yet, you may see them next to you on the road, depending on where you live. Uber has deployed a fleet of self-driving Ford Fusions in Pittsburgh to test the technology and introduce it to passengers. And according to Wired, a magazine focused on emerging technologies, Google is vigorously testing autonomous technology in minivans, too.

ARE THERE ETHICAL CONCERNS SURROUNDING SELF-DRIVING CARS?

Behind the wheel, drivers are constantly making human judgement calls - for example, swerving to avoid a pedestrian in the street. With the influx of autonomous car technology, suddenly those ethical questions become more complex: Who makes those human judgment calls when a machine is behind the wheel? Is it possible to program an "ethical" crash? This article from Fortune Magazine takes a closer look at the issue.

DIESEL ENGINES COULD MAKE A COMEBACK

Diesel technology delivers high fuel economy and very excellent performance, but has been virtually unavailable since Volkswagen got caught up in an emissions-cheating scandal. That said, diesel could make a comeback after Chevrolet and Mazda do some testing on new diesel models being introduced this year.

ELECTRIC CARS MAY CHARGE INTO MAINSTREAM

Demand for electric cars will face a crucial test this year. The Chevrolet Bolt and other manufacturer's electric cars are expanding the range a single charge provides, allowing the cars to compete with gasoline-powered gamily favorites. 2017 may be the best year car buyers choose to switch to zero-emissions options like the Bolt, Volkswagen e-Golf, Kia Soul and Tesla's Model 3.

WHEN WILL BACKUP CAMERAS NO LONGER BE JUST OPTIONAL?

2018. A new ruling by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires all new cars, SUVs, Vans and small trucks (under 10,000 pounds) to have rear visibility technology (i.e. backup cameras) by next year. That means some 2017 models will be the last to have this as an optional feature. This should significantly reduce the risk of back over accidents. With the compliance date on the horizon, many automakers are already incorporating the equipment into this years models in preparation for the change.

Other safety technology likely to become standard includes automatic braking, parking sensors and inflatable seat belts. There will be plenty of technological developments to look for if you are shopping for a new vehicle in 2017.

HOW YOU PAY FOR TOLLS MAY DRASTICALLY CHANGE

If you regularly travel toll roads as part of your commute, you're probably familiar with E-ZPass or other automatic toll paying systems, If not, you may soon be exposed to this technology as more areas automate or eliminate toll booths.

The New York Times reports that in several states, open road tolling is the new norm and toll booths are being removed, which means no more fumbling for loose change or hoping the booth will take credit. Where these systems are in place, drivers can say farewell to the traffic congestion caused by frequent stops at the toll booths.

The open road tolling system uses sensors and cameras to charge cars that pass through, saving travelers' time and fuel. This means drivers may need to purchase a transponder, which is the small device that goes in your vehicle. This article gives the low-down on which transponders to consider as well as apps that can enhance your travels.

IS RIDESHARING MORE THAN A TRANSPORTATION TREND

There's been an explosion in the ridesharing economy over the past four years, with ridesharing becoming a billion dollar industry. With the popularity of phone application-based ride services like Uber, Lyft and more, today there are hundreds of thousands of drivers and millions of riders. According to Concur, a travel management company, 70 percent of business travelers say that ridesharing is an acceptable or preferred ways to get around.

The impact on drunken driving crashes alone makes ridesharing technology a trend worth keeping an eye on. Plus, research shows ridesharing drivers are among the safest on the road. It would seem ridesharing is a movement that is here to stay.

STAY TUNED...

 Regardless of where auto and transportation technology takes us In the future - whether you drive the car or the car drives you - ERIE will be there for you. Be sure to check out their blog throughout 2017 for updates on trending topics. And be sure to connect with us so that we can help make sure you stay protected on the road.

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.

14 Hacks to Deal with Snow and Ice on Your Car

Even people who love winter do not enjoy one of the season's most unpopular jobs - clearing snow and ice off of their cars.

The good news is that the job can definitely be made easier by following a few rather simple tips. They include:

• Turning on your front and rear defrosters as soon as you start clearing. If you have a push start, now is the time to take advantage of it!
• Give yourself more time than you think. This can be a tough job, and you may need a break or two after scraping away at ice for a long stretch of time.
• Don't pull on frozen windshield wipers! This could TOTALLY ruin them. Instead, use an ice scraper to chip away at the ice and give the car defroster some time to do its job.
• Avoid hot water! Pouring hot water on ice-cold glass can cause the glass to break. (Plus, the puddle it leaves behind can lead someone to suffer a nasty spill!)
• Use a proper snow brush. Shovels and other brushes not marketed for safe use on cars can leave behind scratches.
• Start from the top. Clear snow from the roof and work your way down - clearing the top part of the car later could undo the work you did on the bottom half of the car. And you can't drive around with a roof full of snow anyhow.
• Consider using a de-icing spray. Commercial-grade sprays can make the job faster AND easier.
• Blow through a straw to let your breath melt a frozen lock. Another option is to apply a bit of hand sanitizer to your key and the door lock.

Of course, the best way to deal with winter is to park your car in a garage or carport. If that is not possible, try taking these steps beforehand.

• Place socks over your windshield wipers and pop them up. This will help prevent them from freezing.
• Put plastic bags over your mirrors. Use rubber bands to secure them into place.
• Spray a little cooking oil on rubber seals. This will help prevent them from sealing doors shut.
• Apply ice prevention spray on windows. You can find this at any auto specialty store!
• Cover your windows. A piece of cardboard, towel or folded sheet can help prevent ice from forming on your windshield.
• Face your car East. In for the night? Then try to park your car facing East so the rising sun can help melt the snow and ice!

Clearing the snow and ice off of your car definitely isn't the most fun job, but it helps keep you and other drivers safe -- and it might even be the law in your state!

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.

10 Ways for Your Business to Deliver Great Customer Service

At the heart of every great business is great service. And there are certain things that businesses with a reputation for incredible service all do.

Curious about what they are - and ready to take your business service to the next level? If so, here are 10 tips to do just that!

1. Greet each person who walks through the door. It's a small gesture, but trust us, it goes a long way!
2. Empower your employees. In addition to knowing how to do a job, your employees need to know how to treat a customer. Share your service guidelines with new employees - and offer refreshers to veteran employees as needed.
3. Offer customer comment cards. Giving customers the opportunity to weigh in shows that you care about their experience - and helps keep you in the loop when it comes to what your clients really want.
4. Have a web presence. People want to learn about your hours and other specific things about your business online. A website is best, but a Facebook page with photos and information about your business can work as well, or in addition to.
5. Respond to online comments. Whether someone leaves a comment on a social media page, a review website like Yelp or sends a message through your website, it is important to acknowledge and respond to each one.
6. Offer a customer loyalty program. Did you know that it costs anyway from five to ten times more to gain a new customer than it does to sell to an existing one? One way to keep loyal customers is with a customer loyalty program. There are several kinds of programs to consider, so definitely read up on how to create an effective customer loyalty program for your business.
7. Send out an e-newsletter. E-newsletters can inform your customers of specials, new deals and events. Also consider offering special subscriber-only coupons through yours.
8. Immediately acknowledge any issues. If a customer has a legitimate complaint - or you simply sense that things aren't up to snuff - act fast. Immediately acknowledge the issue and apologize if necessary. Considering adding a discount to the work performed or offering an upgrade to compensate for the inconvenience.
9. Give them something extra. Let customers know how much you appreciate them by offering a little something extra from time to time. Some ideas can include an unexpected discount, a small gift or promotional swag.
10. If possible, offer a guarantee. A money-back guarantee or a performance guarantee can entice customers to buy and shows them that you are serious about service!

These are just some recommendations for increasing your customer service and customer retention! There are tons more ways out there that might be better tailored to your business. Sometimes, just a smile can give a little encouragement!

4 Green Home Improvement Projects that Will Save you Money

You know the old sayings about money going out the window or prices being through the roof? There is some truth to these statements when it comes to home and energy use.

The good news is there are ways to improve your home's ability to hold onto cash - and do something good for the environment! Below are some green home improvement projects that can make a measurable difference in the state of your home's financial picture. Perhaps 2017 is the year to tackle one (or more) of them!

1. DO AN ENERGY AUDIT. In order to know where you stand with your energy usage, it's always a good idea to start with an energy audit. In one simple home visit, an energy professional can quickly determine the areas in your home where you could improve your energy ratings. Armed with this knowledge, you'll know just which projects to tackle first.
2. UPDATE YOUR WINDOWS. The first place to look to find long-term home energy savings is your windows. How old are yours? What shape are they in? Do they feel drafty in the winter? Are they single or double pane? While there is certainly an initial investment to upgrade older windows to today's energy-efficient versions, the payoff in the long run makes this home improvement project well worth the cost.
3. INVEST IN SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY. The ability to efficiently control the temperature in your home can set the tone for both energy and financial savings. Look down below to see a few technologies worth considering.
4. CONSIDER AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT ROOF AND/OR SOLAR PANELS. A roof in disrepair can lead to energy leaks and high utility costs. Make sure yours is in good shape. If it sustained damage from a recent storm or is starting to show signs of aging, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient surface such as a metal roof. A metal roof can reflect sunlight so that it isn't absorbed into your home, which helps reduce overall cooling costs. This large area over your home can also generate energy with the installation of solar panels. By harnessing the power of natural resources, you will reap additional savings.

Keep in mind that savings on energy use will come with time. What you invest today to create a more energy-efficient home will soon show up as extra money in your pocket.

Technologies Worth Investing In:

• Smart thermostats can be used to adjust your heating and cooling units to run only when you are actually home.
• Water Sense labeled fixtures will reduce water use and your water bill.
• Energy Star appliances use modern technology to reduce energy use by as much as 50 percent.
• While not a smart home technology, most advanced and efficient spray foam insulation will prevent energy from escaping your house.

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.

Avoid Electric Shock After an Accident

Car accidents are scary. And they can be even scarier if they involve a utility pole that is charged with electricity! Reduce the risk of shock after a vehicle-utility pole crash with these safety rules:

• If you have hit a pole, stay inside the vehicle and call 911 from your cell phone or yell for help.
• Never leave the vehicle until a utility line crew arrives to de-energize the line and tell you when it is safe. Keep any passengers inside the car, too!
• In the rare case of a fire, jump out of the vehicle as far as possible and land with both feet on the ground. Then, shuffle or hop away keeping both feet touching the ground simultaneously.
• Never touch any downed pole or wire. Always assume energized electricity is running through them.
• Stay clear from all areas near any downed poles and/or wires - including the ground, a car, tree or rooftop.
• If you witness a pole accident, or need to repot a downed wire, call your local electric company as soon as possible!

Safety rules provided by Pepco, a PHI Company providing electric service in Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland.

Work Zone Driving Safety Tips for Motorists

Across the nation, nearly 1,100 people die and more than 40,000 people are injured each year as a result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA). SHA offers these tips for driving safely in work zones:

1. Slow down. Speeding and aggressive driving are major contributors to work zone crashes.
2. Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits are often reduced, traffic lanes are often changed, and people are often working on or near the road.
3. Don't tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you (use the 3-second following rule). The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear-end collision.
4. Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely through the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
5. Keep a safe distance between you and the construction workers and their equipment.
6. Pay attention to the signs. The warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you've left the work zone.
7. Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway, avoid changing radio stations, and do not use your cell phone while driving.
8. Schedule enough time to drive safely to and from your destination. Check radio, TV or online for traffic information before you leave. Expect delays when road-work is ongoing, and leave early so you can reach your destination safely and on time.
9. Keep up with the flow of traffic. Motorists can help maintain the traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Don't drive right up to the lane closure and then try to cut in line.
10. Be patient and stay calm. Work zones aren't in place to inconvenience you. Remember that the work zone crews are working to improve road conditions for you and make your future drive time safer and easier.

For more information on work zone safety, go to: http://www.safezones.maryland.gov/workzonesafety.html or http://www.marylandroads.com/OC/Workzone.pdf

Today's safe driving tips brought to you by Chesapeake Employers Insurance.

5 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather!

Cold weather can mean an increase in heating bills for your family. And if you aren't careful - some of them can reach to be $500 a month or more! Majority of families have not budgeted for this and it can create a serious financial strain during the colder months. With a few easy steps, you can help prevent it!

Identify and Seal Leaks

This is very important during the warmer months as well. If your home is leaking too much air, it is going to take more power to both heat and cool it. To find out where you have leaks, run your hand along windowsills, door mantles and baseboards throughout your home. Be sure to double-check around cabinets and closets, since they may be a big source of leakage that we commonly miss. If you feel a difference in the temperature around these areas, it is a leak. Seal up the cracks to help keep air inside, or outside depending on which way you look at it!

Check Your Window Panes

Ideally, your home should have double-paned windows, but some homes still use single pane. If this is the case with your home, the window glass itself is going to radiate cold. To prevent this from leaching cold into a home you're trying to heat, cover the window with Visqueen plastic to create a second layer to block the airflow. Visqueen can be found on Amazon and at around $13 a roll, is much more budget friendly than a high heating bill!

Check the Furnace Itself

Before cold weather kicks in, double check that your furnace is working correctly. If not, we recommend you get it fixed before you need it. Emergency services are always more costly than a regular service call. Make sure that the fans, blower and that the filter is brand new. A dusty filter can cause your furnace not to heat properly!

Check the Insulation

If your home is poorly insulated, no amount of sealing is going to be effective. Check the attic of your home to be sure that the insulation isn't too outdated to be effective, and that the covering is thick enough to do the job.

Pick Up a Couple of Electric Heaters

This may seem counterintuitive. but picking up a couple of ceramic space heaters can actually help in lowering your heating bills. The amount of power they use to generate heat is often far less than you would use if you turned your furnace up. They are especially handy if you are the type of person who likes to be warmer than others in your home. Mobile heaters allow you to heat up the room you are in without heating the entire house! They will help you save money over several winters so they are absolutely a great investment.

These five steps to prepare your home for cold weather should be done while it is still comfortable enough outside. If you wait until it becomes too chilly, you might be too late (although - better late than never) to cut costs all season!

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.

Five Ways to Stay Safer on the Road

In addition to avoiding the most common driving distractions, take extra precautions to avoid cell phone distractions:

• Let it roll. Incoming calls to voice mail, that is.
• Do it later. If someone calls you while they’re driving, ask them to call you back later and hang up.
• Pull over. If you must talk or text, pull off the road first.
• Lead by example. If you want your children to drive safely, show them how it’s done. A Consumer Reports survey found that almost half (48 percent) of young drivers had seen their mom or dad talking on a cell phone while driving, and 15 percent saw their parents texting.
• Know your state’s driving laws. Several states have banned texting while driving. Distraction.gov lists the laws for individual states.

Today's insurance tips and ideas brought to you by ERIE Insurance.