The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division first started the ‘Click It or Ticket’ initiative in 2002. The campaign aimed to curb automobile injury and death due to the lack of a seatbelt through federal grants which funded, increased law enforcement, media campaigns, and also community education. Only 51 percent of automobile occupants in Massachusetts were using safety restraints when the ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign first took off in 2002, by 2009, the percentage had jumped to 74 percent. Although this is a huge leap in the right direction, Massachusetts is still lacking when compared with other states.
The ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign has been a step in the right direction for Massachusetts residents, the campaign pushed for buckling up to be included in the driving routine; which has proven to increase steadily from 2002. Massachusetts state law (see here) requires that any occupant in a vehicle be properly restrained, but still, much too often seat belts are not worn. Special restraint requirements apply to children depending upon their age (Child Passenger Restraint Law), kids are especially vulnerable to automobile injury if not properly restrained. For any person, not wearing your seat belt increases the risk of danger by 50 percent.
Ultimately, wearing a seat belt (or not) is a choice that each person must make for themselves. Warning of the unpleasant affects or rattling off statistics just isn’t enough for some people. Although ‘seat belt wearing’ percentages have risen each year in Massachusetts, fatalities still occur that should be avoided. State and local police are handing out $25 tickets to any passenger within an automobile that’s not buckled in. Don’t take the risk, buckle up!
For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.
You can also find us on all your favorite social networking sites!
Berry Insurance is a family-owned independent insurance agency, passed down within the Berry family starting in 1922. Conveniently located, in both Franklin and Quincy, Massachusetts, Berry Insurance can manage all of your insurance needs. As an independent agency, we provide more personal attention to clients through exploration of various insurance companies to provide you with the ‘best fit’ for your needs.
With our primary location in the center of downtown Franklin, Massachusetts, community has also been central to our office culture and our hometown roots. We take pride in serving both individuals and businesses in the Massachusetts and New England area. With that in mind, the Berry marketing team created “Partners of Berry Insurance”, a program in which Berry Insurance connects with local businesses within the community and assists them with their marketing needs. The Berry marketing ladies, Kaitlyn Pintarich and Amanda Spittell, enjoy helping Massachusetts business owners to grow their businesses with digital marketing and social media tools.
Recently, the Massachusetts Association of Independent Agents (MAIA) announced a video contest asking agencies around the Commonwealth to showcase their agency, and what sets it apart from others. We are thrilled to participate and have determined that the greatest aspect of Berry Insurance is our team work and dedication to the local community through our exclusive “Partners of Berry Insurance” program. Envirotek Solutions, Kensington Real Estate Brokerage, Kidz Wurld, and Greenpark Mortgage are just a few of Berry Insurance’s Partners featured in the video posted on the MAIA Facebook Fan page. We welcome everyone to view the video!
To vote in the contest just click “Like’ under the post with our video. Voting is open until October 27th, 2010 at 12 noon! Good luck to all involved, and thanks for voting for our Berry Insurance video!
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For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your Massachusetts insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at http://www.berryinsurance.com/ or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Brakes are extremely vital to your automobile working properly. Ensuring that your brakes are in proper working order is imperative to avoid danger on the roads. Brakes do give drivers some warning signs when maintenance is needed, but ultimately the car needs to be taken apart for a true inspection of the braking system. The point is, you’d rather be safe than sorry! It wouldn’t be pleasant if when you hit the pedal, nothing happened. Don’t let this be the way you find out that your brakes aren’t working!
Although changing of your car’s brakes should be done by a professional, you can certainly watch for indicators that your brakes may need service. Squeaking or squealing of the brakes is the first indicator that your brakes may need attention. Rainy conditions can also cause squeaking, so give the brakes a few days to dry after damp weather. Turn all avoidable noise off in the car, and listen very closely for a clicking sound when the brake is pressed, as this can be another sign of trouble.
Cars are all slightly different to operate, with different years, makes and models; creating a need for familiarity with the car in order to notice a change. When pushing on the brake pedal, be careful to be attentive to the pedal pressure. If the pedal is losing pressure, this could mean that your car needs brake fluid. Either way, this means that your car should be serviced by a professional. If the brake pedal is pulsating when you push on it, your car certainly needs attention sooner rather than later! Driving your automobile with these problems will only cause more damage to the car, so get this taken care of as quickly as possible.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
It isn’t always fun, but every once in a while your car really needs a good interior cleaning! This can be done before or after the washing of the exterior of your car according to ehow.com. First, take a trash bag, and get all of the trash that has been accumulated out of the car. This includes papers, empty bottles and anything else that doesn’t belong.
The second step is removing all of the items that do not belong in the car. (If you’re anything like me, then you might have books, magazines, extra clothes, shoes, and many other things in your car). Next, grab a towel and some car cleaner, and wipe down all vinyl surfaces to help control dust. Use a paper towel and glass cleaner to wipe windshield (front & back), all windows, mirrors, and radio unit to avoid streaking.
Last but not least – vacuuming. First remove all the carpets from the car, as often dirt and trash can get pushed underneath. Use the vacuum attachments available to reach small spaces in the car to the best of your ability, and shake carpets out before placing back into the car. For finishing touches, place a new air freshener in your car!
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Washing a car by hand at home is not difficult, but believe it or not, there is a right way to do it! The following steps outline the suggested process that should be used to do an at-home wash according to ehow.com.
First, choose a place away from trees to prevent sap from dripping or leaves and acorns from falling on your car during the washing. Next: time to set up. Make sure that all the doors and windows are closed so that you’re only washing the outside of your car! Grab a bucket, rag, some car/dish soap and the hose.
Put a dash of soap into the bucket (you don’t need much). Then take the hose and fill the bucket half way and set the bucket to the side. Take the hose and rinse any excess dirt off the car before the wash begins. Start from the top of the car, and work your way down to the tires. Take the rag and dip into the bucket of soap and water, starting again with the roof of the car.
After the entire roof as been washed (which may take more than one dunk into the bucket), rinse the roof off with the hose. Wash the other four main parts of the car in separate sections, rinsing each before starting the next! After each piece of the car has been washed, give the car one more good rinse down with the hose, before towel drying. Drying, like everything else, should start at the roof of the car, working down.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Just the thought of bed bugs makes people cringe! Not understanding the source of the bugs, or how to exterminate them, can make life much more stressful. Before you say you’d never have bed bugs in your house, remember, the infestation has nothing to do with cleanliness. Clutter can contribute to the spreading of bed bugs, but typically the initial source is from something brought in to the home. Usually this happens when luggage is brought back into the home from a vacation.
Once the bed bugs are in your home, the damage is done. Unfortunately, the only way to verify that you have an infestation in your home is actually finding a bed bug, at which point you should immediately call a professional exterminator (you can actually spread the problem if not correctly dealt with). So what do these little buggers look like? Well, not too much different than a tick or roach. Bed bugs have six legs and are reddish in color. They do not fly, they scurry much like an ant, typically into dark, hidden areas.
Often these creatures ‘feed’ in the very early hours of the morning. Feeding consists of drinking blood, like mosquitoes; bed bugs only drink about two drops of blood every five to ten days. This causes no pain or discomfort for the person being bit, and can take two to fourteen days before redness or irritation is visible on the skin.
Can bed bugs really hurt you? Well, bed bugs are not known to transport diseases, and if you are bit, you should try not to itch since this can turn into an infection. People who already have medical conditions or children have a greater risk for infection because of an already low immune system.
Although bed bugs are not fun to have in your home, take care of them in the most efficient way possible, using a professional exterminator. After verifying that you do indeed have bed bugs (by finding a bug in the house), stop and call a professional! (Unfortunately, an infestation of bed bugs isn’t covered by your homeowners insurance.) With bed bugs, communication is vital! Allowing embarrassment to keep you quiet from informing guests about the infestation may cause people who were unaware to spread the bugs to their home or office.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your Massachusetts business or personal home insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Have a special event that you want to remember forever? Jen Osojnicki is an experienced lifestyle photographer with a glowing passion for working with individuals, couples and families to capture ‘the shot’! Jen’s enthusiasm and unique style is evident in every picture she takes and she enjoys capturing relaxed emotions, allowing for your true personality to be captured. Jen mainly focuses on family portraits, weddings/engagement photos, senior portraits, and also environmental/business headshots.
Jen’s passion is in wedding photography, and as she puts it, she loves “documenting love”! She truly enjoys capturing your special day and works in an unobtrusive manner to record your event as it naturally unfolds. Jen knows how important your wedding is, and only schedules one wedding shoot per day so that all her attention and time is focused on you! She also has several wedding packages to choose from, or you can customize a package that works best for your needs. And don’t worry about missing a shot. Jen uses only professional Cannon digital equipment and always has back-up equipment in case something unexpected happens.
In addition to weddings, Jen also enjoys individual and family portraits, and unique photographic events, such as the increasingly popular “Trash the Dress” sessions. Jen’s unique style and knowledge of current trends are evident in her pictures and her use of different outdoor locations really brings photos to life with bright colors and unusual scenery. The beach, train tracks and abandoned buildings are some of Jen’s favorite locations. Viewing Jen’s gorgeous photo gallery for yourself is really the only way to understand her natural and energetic style!
Don’t just choose any photographer to capture your memories. Make sure you select one who has the passion and drive to capture your day in a meaningful and memorable way that you can look back on for years to come! Choose Jen Osojnicki! And through Berry Insurance’s Partners Program, Jen is offering an exclusive discount of $50 off a sitting fee! Call Jen today to schedule an appointment!
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your Massachusetts personal or wedding insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
Having the right amount of air in your tires it vital since low tire pressure can be very hazardous! Keeping tires filled to the correct pressure will extend the life of the tires, improve gas mileage, and also provide an overall smoother ride. Tires that are filled to the correct air pressure are more able to stop on command, and are also less likely to skid out when taking turns.
Do not just simply add air to your tires. Be sure that you actually need to first! When checking the air pressure in your tires they should be cool (because they are less inflated), so wait about an hour after driving. Every car is different when it comes to the correct tire pressure. You can check the side of the driver’s seat, the inside of the gas cap, or in the glove box to find the correct pressure for your tires. If you cannot locate the pressure in any of these locations, you can always find it in the Owner’s Manual of your car or check with your dealer.
Once you’re ready to fill the air, the valves on the tires should be removed one at a time. Use a tire gauge to check the current pressure of the tire, and then decide if it needs air or not. Sometimes, the front and rear tires require different pressures, so be careful to be mindful of this! Take the air gun and add the amount of air necessary. Added too much? Don’t worry; there is a way to fix this (as long as you do not explode the tire first)! Just push on the release lever of the air pump. This process should be repeated with each tire, replacing the valve caps as you move around the car so that you will not lose them!
As a final reminder, be sure to check the air level of your tires before and after air is added. This will help you determine if there are any leaks in the tire and if you’ll need to get a plug or replace.
For more information about this topic, or if you have any questions about our Partners Program or any of your personal or business Massachusetts auto insurance needs, our agents at Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
They say the car you drive is a reflection of who you are, so what impression are you giving? Your car, truck or SUV likely set you back a few bucks, so why not take care of your investment! Maintaining your automobile helps to retain its value, and ensures the road is a safe place for all. This Automobile Maintenance Blog Series is for anyone with a vehicle! Various ways to ensure safety, retain value and just keep your car looking good will be discussed!
Planning your wedding can be stressful. You have to arrange the church, reception, cake, flowers, dress, etc. … the list goes on and on. The planning can seem daunting, especially once you start adding up the expenses. So today, many couples are looking for ways to save on their wedding. One way couples think they can save is by not hiring a professional videographer. Once the special day has come and gone, turning back isn’t an option, so before you make the decision not to hire, ask yourself a few questions:
Would you want your friends or relatives running out of battery power while they record the event for you?
Are you ok with missing out on footage of important activities during the day?
Do you want to have shaky or bad footage?
Is the cost of the videographer more than the emotional cost of not being able to hear your own vows on the tape?
If you’re like me, you probably answered ‘No’ to all of the above. Having a professional on your side truly makes all the difference. And hiring a professional that is willing to work within your budget is an added bonus … cue Wedding Reels Video!
Wedding Reels Video was started in 2007, by husband and wife team Nathan and Lori Suher. This dynamic duo has a passion for telling the story of your wedding through attention to detail, creative camera work, and artistic editing. Their professional and experienced staff will make sure all of your wedding day is captured and the memories are preserved for a lifetime!
Worried about the cost? Don’t be! Wedding Reels Videos offers many packages to choose from and are willing to work with couples to make their dream a reality. They are also the only videographer out there to offer a Wedding Video Gift Registry where your friends and guests can gift money towards your wedding video plan.
And it doesn’t end there! The Wedding Reels team doesn’t just stop at just weddings. They’ll document any special time in your life: anniversaries, dance recitals, birthday parties, baby showers, kids sporting events, or anything else worth preserving! Looking for a great gift? How about archiving your memories on new media? Wedding Reels can convert your old video film from VHS or 8mm to DVD for you. And all the editing is done in house!
So be sure to call Nathan and Lori today to book your next special event! Through Berry Insurance’s Partners Program, Wedding Reels is offering you 10% off all videography services! Click here to print the coupon.
If you’re interested in learning more about our Partners Program,how Berry’s social media engineers can help you with your digital marketing strategy, or have questions on your Massachusetts wedding insurance needs, Berry Insurance would love to help! Call us at (800) 941-3317, visit our virtual insurance office at www.berryinsurance.com or stop by one of our locations in Franklin and Quincy, MA.
