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Blue Macaw Parrot Well Known From The Movie ‘Rio’ Is Officially Classified As Extinct

By
Riley Cooper

Do you remember the gorgeous parrot called Blu which won on-screen fame in 20th Century Fox’s movie ‘Rio?’ 

Well, while in the movie, Blu flies all the way from America to Rio de Janeiro in an attempt to find the last Macaw female, in which he succeeds, thereby saving his species, in real life, however, this species didn’t make it.

The leading cause of the disappearance of this charming bird from its natural habitat is deforestation.

What’s worse, Spix’s macaw is just one of 8 bird species that has been added to the list of confirmed or suspected extinct bird species.

In addition to deforestation, global warming and the increasing expansion of urban areas are two other grave issues that force a lot of animals all around the world to either adapt or die.

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Scroll down to check out the official trailer of the movie  ‘Rio,’ thanks to which it’ll still be possible for future generations to derive joy and pleasure from the breathtaking, unique beauty of this adorable bird.

Faith In Humanity Restored: Wildlife Authorities Rescued 550 Birds Stuffed In Small Metal Cages

By
Stephanie Reeds

I cannot believe the world that I live in. Each and every day I am disgusted by everything that humanity does. Yes, I am a human being, but I am not proud of that fact. If you ask me, human beings are cancer on this planet.

We are selfish, greedy, wicked and dangerous. We destroy entire forests, we cut down trees, we kill innocent animals for food and for sport, we wear their fur, we pollute our world and what’s even worse, we feel no remorse for doing that whatsoever.

But every once and a while, a rare kind of loving and compassionate human beings appear out of nowhere and prove to me that there is still hope. They bring back my faith in humanity and reassure me that everything is not as black as it sounds.

This is a story about that kind of people. A story that gives us hope that everything is not lost. Read on!

One month ago, wildlife authorities rescued 550 birds that were found caged in metal boxes and were ready for selling.

Can you believe it?

This happened during a raid at a market in Central Kolkata. The poor birds that were up for selling were protected species that instead of enjoying their freedom in the wilderness were actually waiting to be sold at the market as pets.

However, thanks to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, 550 of these protected Indian birds were rescued and immediately taken to veterinarians for proper treatment. Unfortunately, they couldn’t rescue all of the animals since some of the newborn chicks were already found death due to the terrible conditions that they were living in.

This is not the only case in West Bengal. Recently this place has emerged as a massive market for wildlife smuggles. Luckily, authorities reacted on time and arrested nine of the traders. These people will be prosecuted and punished for the crimes they did.

As for the birdies, after everything they’ve been through, they will get to keep their freedom and get back to where they belong –the wilderness.

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Dealing With The Loss Of A Pet Is Painful Process And People Need To Understand That

By
Stephanie Reeds

I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine myself living without animals. My whole life I’ve been taking care of stray cats and dogs that I honestly know of no life without these furry creatures. They are the reason for my happiness. They are my entire world.

So, you could imagine how painful and difficult it would be for me to deal with their loss one day. It would literally break my heart to pieces. It would shake me so hard that I would need days and maybe months to deal with that pain. Luckily, all of my cats and dogs are in good shape because I give my best efforts in providing them the best life that they could possibly have.

Still, that doesn’t mean that I haven’t felt the gut-wrenching pain of losing a pet.

I know how it is to deal with the death of your best friend. Your best pal.

Twenty years ago, I lost my husky dog called Bella. I still remember the call I got from my mom. She was trying to be calm, but I could feel the panic in her voice. She called me to tell me that Bella was not feeling well so they had to take her to the vet. But what she didn’t want to tell me was that Bella was in fact poisoned.

I remember that I had a class after her call, and I remember not being able to focus on the lecture. Something in me knew that Bella is not okay. Thirty minutes later, I received another phone call. This time my mother couldn’t hold it in, so she burst into tears. The doctors did everything they could, but Bella wasn’t strong enough to overcome the pain.

And so, she died.

I remember I had a hard time accepting that fact. I struggled for a long time. But the thing that shocked me the most was the fact that there were people who perceived me as an unstable person. In a moment where I could use anyone’s support to get back on my feet, some of them couldn’t understand why someone would cry that much over a dog. “She was just a pet” they would say. “It’s not like you lost a person”.

Well, let me tell you something.

I know that some of you out there have never felt the pure and genuine, animal love and as a result never felt emotionally tied to these loving creatures. But that doesn’t give you the right to judge our love for them. And it most certainly doesn’t give you the right to judge our methods of coping with their loss.

Every time you try to mock a person for being too emotional over the death of their pet, remember that you have no clue how they really feel. You also have no clue about the true depth of the connection they shared with their pet.

It can be truly difficult for some of you to understand how close a human can become with an animal, but that is something that you will realize only if you feel that love. All I can say is that animals provide an immense amount of unconditional love that sometimes human cannot. They love without limits. And they love purely. They love in a way that no human being could ever be capable of loving. That is why their loss is like getting shot in the chest.

Any animal lover would understand what I am saying.

But no matter how much I try to explain this to you, the only way you can experience it on your own is by feeling it.

That’s why, the next time you get the urge to comment something inconsiderate like “It’s just a dog”, think before you speak. You don’t know how that person is feeling and you have absolutely idea what that dog meant to them. If you aren’t sure what you are supposed to say, don’t say anything. Just hold their hand and be the support that they desperately need. That will do more for them than your words ever will.

There is a significant amount of trauma and grief in the hearts of people who are going through this sort of experience. Understand their sorrow and respect their feelings.

If you know someone who is going through the same painful process, share this article with them and let them know that you are there for them.

4-Month-Old Pup’s Reaction To Shopping At Target Makes Social Media Users Fall In Love With Her Instantly

By
Riley Cooper

Did you know that our furry friends enjoy shopping?

Well, Zira, a lovely 4-month-old Corgi, certainly enjoys shopping for stuff.

Zira’s owners took her on a shopping trip to Target and they took photos of her excited, human-like expressions to the shopping and posted them on her Instagram profile.

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In a Facebook post, Zira’s owners said:

“We spontaneously decided to go to Target yesterday morning, and took Zira. She absolutely loved it! Zira got new treats and a toy. While we were turning a corner, this woman shopping saw her and freaked out! She couldn’t stop going on and on about how cute Zira was.”

“Zira just started licking her, and the woman loved it. She even picked Zira up and let her kiss her face! She kept telling us what a beautiful and sweet dog, Zira is. Just another day of Zira spreading love and joy to the world… She loves meeting new people and getting attention!”

So far this adorable puppy has 57.9k followers on her Instagram profile and her photos make everyone fall in love with her instantly.

Following are some of Zira’s photos. Enjoy.

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Hero Pit Bull Drags 7-Month-Old Baby To Safety After House Goes Up In Flames

By
Riley Cooper

This is a story that proves that certain breeds of dogs that have a reputation for being unpredictable and even aggressive don’t actually deserve the stigma that is attached to them. The pit bull breed is probably at the top of this category since these dogs are often regarded as fierce, unpredictable, and aggressive.

However, one mother from California learned firsthand that this breed’s reputation for being dangerous isn’t deserved at all. Moreover, she has her pit bull to thank for saving both her and her 7-month-old daughter’s lives.

Latana Chai was at home together with her baby Masailah and her 8-month-old pit bull Sasha when all of a sudden she heard the pup barking loudly at the back door. She immediately knew something was wrong since Sasha’s behavior was so strange – she’d never barked so intensely and frantically before.

Mom Latana Chai explains that her daughter and the pit bull are very close. They’ve spent every moment in their lives together as they were born only days apart.

The bond between the child and the four-legged pet was about to become even closer when their neighbor’s house went up in flames.

As soon as Latana heard Sasha barking, she opened the door so as to check on her, and that is when she saw flames and black smoke coming out of her neighbor’s house.

As the fire was spreading fast from the neighboring house over to her own, Latana quickly ran upstairs to get her daughter – just to discover that Sasha was already trying to drag the baby to safety by holding her in her mouth by the diaper. Then, Latana took everyone outside to safety.

It’s no wonder Sasha’s being called a hero because if it wasn’t for her warning, things could’ve ended really bad.

Find out more about this amazing dog and her heroic deed in the video below.

Let the Light In: 9 Reasons to Love Plantation Shutters

By
Elizabeth Williams

Plantation shutters are a beautiful window treatment. Find out why we love these easy to operate and elegant shutters.

Have you been considering plantation shutters for your home? If not, you should be!

Plantation shutters are among this years’ trending window treatment ideas and for good reasons. They are elegant, timeless, and add a beautiful charm to any room in your home. Plus, they are more durable than blinds and cleaner than curtains.

Keep reading to learn why we love plantation shutters and why we think you will too!

  1. They Add Character and Curb Appeal

You may not think that having shutters on the inside of your home would boost the appeal of your home on the outside. But it does!

Plantation shutters add charm to your windows that can be seen from the exterior. They look unified and clean. You don’t have to worry about some slats being open and others closed such as what happens with traditional window blinds.

Even when closed, the shutters look great from the exterior. They provide privacy without looking shabby or uninviting. 

  1. They Look Great Inside, Too

If you’re going for a southern charm feel inside your home, or you just enjoy a clean and unified interior look, then plantation shutters are for you.

The design of the plantation shutter is to be sturdy and uniform, so you never have to fix one slate or louver or have to worry about missing pieces. Plus, they are neutral in color so they lighten up your space and can be matched with virtually any other color. 

Plantation shutters also look great for room transitions. If you to add some charm to your open floor plan, shutters on a track that fold in and outlook beautiful and can allow you to close off a section of your home when wanted.

  1. They Provide Extra Insulation

There is a reason this shutter design has been used for hundreds of years. They not only look great but they provide extra insulation during those cold winter months and hot summer days.

Shuttercraft shutters can reduce heat loss by as much as 50%. Closing your shutters adds an extra barrier for your windows, keeping the weather that sometimes seeps through from reaching your living space. 

  1. They Pair Nicely with Curtains

You don’t have to say goodbye to curtains with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters actually work really nicely with curtains due to their simple and neutral design.

So, if you’re someone who loves the character that curtains bring to a room, then slatted shutters are still perfect for you. Check out some examples of shutters paired with curtains in the Shuttercraft inspiration galleries.

  1. They’re Convenient

Plantation shutters are easy to close and open. With just a pull-up or down on the tilt rod, you can close or open the entire shutter.

If you have plantation shutters with a horizontal rail, you can open the top or bottom half of the shutter while leaving the other half closed. This provides a unique look but also a perfect solution when you want some natural light but not too much.

Some plantation shutters are built so that all you have to do is close or open one of the louvers and the rest will follow. This makes it even easier to change the lighting and privacy of the room.

Lastly, some slat shutters are designed to open like french doors. This is a beautiful and super convenient way to open up those windows and add light to the room.

  1. They’re Durable

Plantation shutters are made of real hardwood making them highly durable and long-lasting. No more plastic blinds breaking or chipping on you.

Some styles are also water-resistant. This means you won’t have to worry about water damage for those shutters in the kitchen, bathrooms, or indoor-outdoor spaces.

  1. They’re Suitable for All Window Types

That’s right. It doesn’t matter how large, small, or unique your windows are. Slat shutters come in a variety of sizes and styles so you can choose what works for your needs.

Plantation shutters are suitable for large windows such as bay windows. You can choose from full height, half height (cafe style), top opening (tier on tier), track mounted, skylight, and conservatory shutters. 

There are also special shape shutters, too. Angled or curved shutters are possible for those truly unique window frames.

No matter your needs, a plantation shutter can be designed to fit.

  1. They’re Perfect for Room Darkening

Have you ever tried to have a movie night in the summer when the sun refuses to set until bedtime? We have all been there. With plantation shutters, you can virtually eliminate all outside light sources by closing the large louvers.

Because the louvers are larger than blinds, there are fewer cracks between each slat. Also, louvers on plantation shutters are thick because they’re made of wood. This means less light can get through the cracks between the slats and more opacity of the shutters themselves.

So, if there are times when you want to darken your home (maybe it’s a headache this time), then having slated shutters are the way to go. 

  1. They’re Easy to Keep Clean

Plantation shutters have large louvers that make them easy to clean. Rather than the one inch or fewer slats you get with blinds, louvers are typically three inches wide or larger. This means, with just one wipe or dusting, your slat is clean. 

This also means less dust and fewer allergens making your home cleaner and more environmentally healthy. Plus, less time cleaning means more time you can be relaxing and enjoying your home.

Are You Convinced Yet?

Plantation shutters are among the hottest interior window designs right now. But not only because they look amazing and add southern charm to any home.

Slatted shutters are also economical, durable, and flexible. They’ll save you money with extra insulation and their longevity, and can be used for any window type and any room design.

 

 

Raise the Roof! Roofing Facts and Trivia

By
Elizabeth Williams

The roof on our homes doesn’t receive enough credit. Do 30 year shingles really last 30 years? What weather can damage a roof? Find out roofing facts and trivia

We don’t give enough credit to the roof we have over our heads.

The roof of our home is what gives us shelter, but what do we really know about it?

Keep reading to learn some roofing facts you can’t overlook. 

One Of The Key Roofing Facts: Where You Live Determines Your Roof Style 

You might not even realize this, but some types of roofs actually work better in certain climate and regions. Take Gable roofs for example.

These roofs are formed by two triangles at a 90-degree angle and they’re ideal for snowy cold climates. These roofs are also ideal if the homeowners wish to have an attic with a vaulted ceiling. 

Hipped roofs on the other hand, which are the roofs that have four slopes of equal length on all four sides that join at the top to form a ridge, are more wind resistant than let’s say a gable roof. So if you live in a windy area, you’re more likely to have a hipped roof over a gable one.  Team Roofing, an Atlanta roofing company, can help you determine which type of roof is the right choice for your home, as this area’s stormy weather and hot summers can make this decision more complicated.

If you live in an area where it rains all the time, you don’t want a flat roof. Flat roofs make it easy for water to pool, and are best for drier less rainy climates. 

Water tends to pool more easily on a flat roof, which means this type of roofing system might be best in a drier, less rainy climate. Also, flat roofs aren’t entirely flat, they do have a slight slope of about 1/4 of an inch per foot. 

A Roof Is a Lot More Than Shingles and Wood

A solid roof has no less than seven key components. There the roof decking which supports all the weight of your roof system. Then there is the water or ice barrier which helps prevent damage if there’s any ice damming. 

Your roof needs to either a water-resistant or waterproof underlayment to protect the deck from any moisture directly creeping in.

Next, there is usually a metal flashing. This ensures that water will run off the edges of the roof. There’s also a drip edge which acts similarly. 

And lastly, your roof has shingles and a ventilation system which is known as the soffits, this vents which air is able to circulate.

There Are Different Types of Shingles 

When it comes to shingles, they differ on many levels the first being what the shingles are made out of. There are two main varieties of shingles, either organic or fiberglass. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass shingles are made up of a layer of waterproof asphalt coating, a top layer of ceramic granules that protect from any damage caused by UV rays, and a woven fiberglass mat. 

Since there is fiberglass, these shingles need less asphalt when they are manufactured. Because of this, you will have a more light-weight but still durable and fire resistant shingle. Ninety percent of all asphalt roofs in the United States are fiberglass shingles.  

Organic 

Organic shingles are made from recycled layers of felt paper which is saturated in asphalt. These layers are then coated with adhesive asphalt and embedded ceramic granules so there is extra protection.

Forty percent more asphalt is involved in the making of organic shingles compared to those made out of fiberglass. Which means that organic shingles are heavier, cost more and ironically despite being “organic” are actually worse for the environment. Organic shingles also don’t last very long, which is why they are rarely used on newer homes. 

Shingles Design 

Shingles can also vary in terms of how they are designed. There are about three main shingle styles. 

3-Tab Shingles 

This style is also referred to as “strip” as it’s made out of a single piece or layer of material and had two cutouts on it’s exposed surface. You also can get this design as a three-tab, slate-like look.

Laminate Shingles

This style is also referred to as “architectural,” as it contains a second set of shingles on top of the first one so it looks like it’s 3D while also having some resistance.

These are considered to be the best design of shingles for residential roofs and are bought the most frequently by homeowners. You can also get laminate shingles in premiums varieties and their line looks like wood shake and heavy slate. 

Large Form Shingles

These are either horizontal or rectangular and have no tabs or cutouts on them.  

The Lifespan Of A Shingle Roof 

Most homeowners often wonder how long their roof is good for. Well, usually the least expensive roofs typically are the most prone to damage, temperature changes, hight winds, sun exposure, and storms.

You might see damage to these types of roofs in five to six years or less after the roof is installed. Overall, these roofs will last the shortest amount of time of an average of ten to twelve years. 

Shingle granules are applied to your roof to protect your roof from UV rays, weather, and sunlight. When these granules begin to wear off, the faster your roof will age and leaks are more likely to happen. 

A New Roof Can Up Your Resale Value

You might not want shingles if you plan to stay in your home for over five years. But if you’re looking to sell your house soon, shingles might be the best solution. Remodeling Magazine found that a new roof can actually increase the resale value of your home to a national average of about $12,000.

This is why it’s important that you think about implementing if your home has an older roof. Buyers will appreciate your improved curb appeal an not having to worry about leaks. 

A Faulty Roof Can Break A Home Sale

Not only can a new roof help sell your home, on the same token a weak or faulty roof can break the sale of your home. Meaning a roof that has missing or damaged shingles, leaks or shows any other signs of disrepair. A new homeowner does not want to spend money repairing a roof, so you’ll want to fix your roof first before you sell your home. 

Common weak spots on your roof are areas that are in need of protection from flashing. Common causes of roof leaks include damaged shingles or damaged waterproofing materials under your shingles.

You might need to fully replace your roof because of damaged shingles, but if the leak keeps happening and isn’t managed then there could be dry rot. Or if your roof is old, it will need to be replaced.

It’s Not Okay To Cover An Existing Roof

You might think a quick fix inexpensive fix to your roofing problems is to simply cover up your roof. When actually this does not solve the problem, as double layered roofs cover up big roofing issues that should be addressed.

Double layering roods also add weight by hiding the corroding material which just makes the problem worse. If earlier roofing materials were installed on top of your existing roof, you will need to replace your entire roof as soon as you can. 

You Can’t DIY A Roof

You might think that almost any household issue can be fixed with a simple DIY, but this is not the case with roofs. A roof is actually an incredibly complex system of layers that need to be properly installed by a skilled professional who has the proper tools and training to make sure everything properly works together. 

If you try to DIY your roof, you can damage your walls, wood frame, electrical systems, and attic. So don’t risk it and check out these roofing leads and get a professional to help you sooner rather than later. 

Roofs Breathe

While it might sound counterproductive of what roofs are supposed to do, roofs actually need a little breathing space. Roof ventilation or the flow of air on the underside of your roof deck is one of the most key aspects of your entire roofing system. 

Roof ventilation lets moist, warm arm escape, and drier cooler air come into your attic. If you don’t have this ventilation in your roof, then condensation will build up in your attic which can damage your insulation, wood, and walls.  

A Roof Can Be Good For The Environment

“Cool roofs” are environmentally friendly and can reflect ultraviolet infrared rays from the sun away from the building. This can lead to a higher thermal emittance or the ability for the room to emit radiation efficiently. Cool roofs don’t only help homeowners with energy conservation, they also can reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as well as mitigating heat that is radiated into the atmosphere.

Professional Roof Cleaning Companies Are Key

You want to keep your roof clean and maintained to extend your roof’s life. That means keeping your roof clear of fungus/lichen, algae and moss. Professional roof cleaners have special products and technique to properly clean your roof in a way that your shingles won’t get harmed.

Also, the cleaning solutions they use are biodegradable which is harmful to the environment and plants and the environment.

To understand the causes of a dirty roof, see Premier Roof Cleaning Inc’s website for more details.

Fix Your Roof Today 

Now that you know these valuable roofing facts, make sure you keep your roof in the best shape it can be in. It doesn’t hurt to have a professional roofer check out your roof once in a while. It’s better to catch these problems early before you’re without a roof. 

For more information on pretty much every aspect of your life, take a look at some of our other blog posts! 

5 Ways to Maximize Your Compensation in a Car Accident Settlement

By
Elizabeth Williams

Car accidents come in all shapes and sizes. Some are minor fender benders between compact sedans. Others are high-speed collisions involving tractor-trailers and SUVs.

Some vehicle crashes are the result of distracted driving, while others occur due to a specific traffic violation such as running a red light or driving while under the influence.

When so many potential factors are involved, it not really possible to assign a standard value to a car crash. If you’re the victim in a collision, the insurance company will study a variety of factors and make an offer based on an aggregation of these elements.

But there’s almost always some wiggle room in the numbers, and it’s up to you to maximize the compensation you receive. 

Five Tips for Maximizing Your Compensation 

In the wake of a car accident, it’s imperative for you to think about valuation and try to obtain as much compensation as you possibly can for damages and suffering. Here are five essential tips. 

  1. Document the Evidence 

If you’re physically able to, take the trouble to gather as much information as possible while you’re still at the scene of the incident. This includes the name and contact information of other drivers, witnesses, and law enforcement officers who are present.

“It is also a good idea to take photographs while you are still at the accident scene,” Nolo advises. “Most of us carry cell phones, and most of those cell phones have camera capabilities. While you are at the accident scene, take pictures of the following: the locations of the vehicles, areas of physical damage on each vehicle, and the license plates of each vehicle.” 

  1. Obtain a Police Report 

If you fail to obtain a police report at the scene of the crime, you’ll find yourself facing a steep uphill battle during the insurance claim process. So it’s highly recommended that you call the police, have them fill out a report, and have them provide you with a copy of it later. 

  1. Understand Negligence 

In order to understand how car accidents are regarded in the insurance arena, you have to familiarize yourself with the subject of negligence. That’s the principle that allows you to sue someone for an auto accident.

In order for negligence to lead to compensation, it must be proved that someone’s actions caused you to be hurt (physically, emotionally, and in other ways). In some states, comparative negligence comes into play.

“Comparative negligence refers to the assessment of fault on both sides of a vehicle crash,” Will Ferguson & Associates explains. “Sometimes, you can be in an accident where both parties hold some blame. That doesn’t preclude you from going after the other party for the role they played in the collision. You can still sue the other party because of the law of comparative negligence.”

In other words, if you’re 45 percent to blame and the other party is 55 percent to blame, you can still get compensation for 55 percent of the damages. Comparative negligence is essentially a way of prorating the case’s value and assigning levels of liability based on blame. 

  1. Don’t Accept the First Offer 

An insurance company isn’t going to bring its best offer first. If the case is worth $15,000, they might offer you $7,000 to start with. As much as the company may act as if this is its “bottom line offer,” it most likely isn’t.

Continue to negotiate until you reach a figure that you believe is: (a) reasonable, and (b) adequate to cover your expenses. 

  1. Hire a Car Accident Lawyer 

Although you’re completely within your rights to negotiate the insurance settlement on your own, it’s not a move that most people would advise. Insurance companies have well-trained, experienced adjusters who understand how to negotiate and manipulate claimants into accepting low-ball offers.

In order to counteract this, you should hire a lawyer who specializes in car crashes and injuries, and understands how the insurers operate and can make smart counters. 

Focus on Your Recovery 

At the end of the day, money is just a tool. Yes, it can help make you more comfortable, but it’s not the most important thing in the world.

Your health is what matters most: Without it, you’ll continue to suffer long after the accident is over. Focus on all aspects of your recovery — not just the financial side of the matter — and you’ll find joy in the midst of challenging circumstances.

What You Can Do to Prevent a Car Accident

By
Elizabeth Williams

Car crashes happen all too often. Most of the time they seem to come out of nowhere. In some cases, there’s nothing you can do to avoid a collision caused by someone else.

You can only do your best to deal with the aftermath. However, prudent drivers do their part to make the roadways safer by changing a few of their driving habits.

People who drive with greater care are less likely to cause or get into a collision. If you’d like to make the roads safer for everyone, here are four major things you can do.

  1. Put Down Your Phone

Over the last five years, distracted driving has surpassed drunk driving as the number-one cause of vehicular crashes in the United States. Most distracted driving incidents occur because the driver was using a cell phone while he or she was behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 3,166 people were killed in the United States due to phone use on the road. It’s not very heartening to note that nearly half a million people admit to using their cell phones while driving.

You can substantially reduce your risk of getting involved in an accident by putting your phone down when you drive. Put it in your purse or in the back seat if you must to avoid the temptation.

If you need your phone for directions, use a hands-free mount and leave it alone while the vehicle is in gear.

  1. Have a Plan When You’re Out with Friends

Drunk driving is the second most common cause of accidents on the roadway, and it’s also the most preventable. The best way to stop yourself from getting behind the wheel when you’re drunk is always to have a plan.

You might not know when you’re going to end up drinking when you go out with friends or attend an event, but you can keep the number of a cab company handy or choose a designated driver among your party.

Claire Taylor of Integrated Family Community Services suggests asking a friend to hide your keys if you’ve been drinking. “In case the roles were reversed and it is your friend who is drunk, don’t think twice about hiding his keys too,” she suggests. “Give him other transportation alternatives … offer to drive him home or call him a cab.”

  1. Slow Down

You might think exceeding the posted speed limit is harmless, but it’s the most common manifestation of reckless driving. When you’re always in a hurry, you don’t often heed all traffic laws, which can get you in trouble in more ways than one.

Avery Thompson of Popular Mechanics uses math to illustrate the way that increased speed creates such dangerous circumstances. “We tend to think about speed linearly, which can be misleading when trying to determine how fast is too fast….

“You have to think about energy, not speed,” he says. “An object’s kinetic energy is proportional to its speed squared, which means doubling a car’s speed quadruples its energy.”

This means if you’re going 75 miles an hour when other cars are going 50, your vehicle will have twice as much energy as the other cars do. Even if you both slam on your brakes, you probably won’t be able to cut your energy enough to minimize a catastrophic impact.

  1. Know How to Drive in Bad Weather

Education can also prevent serious accidents, especially in the case of bad weather. Many drivers aren’t aware of the proper behavior to adopt when their vehicle enters a bad weather situation.

For example, do you know how to control your car when you hit a patch of black ice while going 65 mph? Most people instinctively slam on their brakes and turn the wheel away from the ice, but that is the worst thing you can do.

Hitting the brakes will cause your truck or car to skid, and turning the wheel can cause it to flip and roll. Instead, do as little as possible.

Don’t hit the brakes and keep the wheel straight. Once you’re past the black ice, touch the brakes gently and pull over to assess the situation, if you can.

Terrible conditions in rain, hail, snow, and even major catastrophes like tornadoes can be survived if you brush up on bad weather driving protocols.

How to Handle Anxiety While Driving (or in a Car)

By
Elizabeth Williams

It’s not uncommon to feel a creeping anxiety while driving a car. It could be because you’re learning to drive for the first time and you’re not sure of yourself. It could be because you were once involved in a car accident, and experienced trauma that now makes every car ride difficult.

In any case, this anxiety can make your life more complicated, preventing you from driving when and where you feel, or causing distress whenever you’re in the car. Fortunately, there are some strategies that can help you manage that anxiety.

Accept Your Anxiety

Anxiety tends to come with a self-contained feedback loop; you know you have a tendency to have anxiety, so you feel anxious before you even get in a car, wondering whether you’ll have a panic attack mid-trip. This cycle can be tough to break, but one of the most important steps is to come to terms with your own anxiety.

Understand that anxiety is a normal human response to stressful situations. In some cases, anxiety may arise with greater severity than is warranted, but that doesn’t mean it’s something to be feared or hated. Also, try to acknowledge the root causes of your anxiety. Were you involved in a traumatic car accident at some point? Are you nervous while traveling at high speeds? What is it, specifically, that triggers your anxiety? Your awareness and acknowledgment can make you more comfortable, which can keep your anxiety from spiraling out of control.

Practice Exposure Therapy

One of the best treatment methods for phobias, panic disorders, and anxiety is exposure therapy. While typically exercised by a licensed practitioner, it can be used by ordinary people hoping to make a positive change in their lives. The basic idea is to gradually expose yourself to the condition or situation that makes you feel anxiety, teaching you that there isn’t anything to fear.

For example, if you feel severe anxiety while driving, consider getting behind the wheel of a parked car, turned off, and try to calm your nerves. Do this frequently until you feel in control. When ready, move onto sitting behind the wheel of a parked car that’s idling. When you’re comfortable with this, consider taking the car to a big, empty lot and driving short distances in a straight line. With enough time, effort, and patience, you can eventually work your way up to driving on streets and highways.

Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a cognitive and emotional tool you can use to get more control over your emotions, and filter out some of the creeping feelings of anxiety or dread that come with driving a car. The idea is simple; you’ll pay attention to something consistent, like the rhythm of your breath, and allow yourself to be enveloped fully in the present moment. Whenever you notice your thoughts deviating from the present, gently bring yourself back and notice the drifting thought as if you’re a separate observer.

This takes a lot of consistent practice, but when you’re experienced, you’ll be able to call up this state of attention in almost any situation. Calling upon it when you feel a sense of anxiety while driving can almost instantly relieve the pressure, at least partially, and help you feel more in control.

Drive With Someone You Know and Trust

As you become more comfortable with driving and test the limits of your own anxiety, consider traveling with someone you know and trust. If desired, start with them driving and you in the passenger seat. When ready, drive with them riding shotgun. The presence of another person you inherently trust can make the entire situation seem less anxiety-inducing. You can also incorporate this strategy into your plans for exposure therapy.

Consider Getting Professional Help

If these strategies aren’t helping you, or if you’re dealing with anxiety for deep, complicated reasons, you may need to seek the help of a professional therapist. For example, if you’re suffering from multiple PTSD symptoms and anxiety is just a small part of what you’re going through, it will be hard to get over those symptoms on your own. A therapist will help you understand what you’re thinking and feeling, and put it in a context that’s easy to understand. They may also be able to recommend a medication or alternative strategies you can use to improve yourself.

Everyone experiences at least some anxiety when driving, even if it’s exclusively in response to unexpected events (like a car swerving in front of you). But when it becomes so severe it interferes with your ability to drive safely and consistently, it’s time to take action. Learning to manage your anxiety is challenging, but entirely possible with the right mindset and adequate support.

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