Fall into defensive driving habits to reduce the risk of deer-car collisions

Madison, Wis. (September 29, 2011) - Fall has arrived, and so has the time when motorists in many states are more likely to encounter deer on streets and highways. Unfortunately, these meetings often result in a serious traffic accident.

Hundreds of thousands of animal-vehicle crashes occur each year, the majority with deer. This results in millions of dollars of damages, injuries and in some cases, even death.
Sometimes these accidents are unavoidable, particularly during the fall months into early winter when deer are active and breeding. However, attentive drivers can take several simple precautions to reduce the likelihood of these encounters resulting in a traffic accident.

For 2010, American Family customers in the company's 19 operating states submitted claims for animal-vehicle crashes totaling nearly $84.5 million, with Wisconsin ($23.4 million), Missouri ($15.7 million) and Minnesota ($10.9 million) reporting the highest numbers, accounting for more than 58 percent of claims, with an average cost per claim of $2,573 (see chart below for statistics on the top 12 states among the 19 states in which American Family operates).

Here are some defensive driving tips to help avoid deer-vehicle accidents:
•       Fasten your seatbelt. It's simple common sense and the best defense in the event a crash is unavoidable.
•       Pay attention to deer-crossing signs.
•       Be especially alert at dawn and dusk. These are the times deer are most active.
•       If you see one deer, expect more to follow. Deer typically travel in single file.
•       If you see a deer on the road, brake firmly and blow your horn.
•       If a crash is unavoidable, don't swerve! Studies show the most serious crashes occur when motorists swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or object, or roll over.

One preventative measure you might hear about is the use of deer whistles. Deer whistles produce ultrasonic noise when the vehicle they are attached to exceeds 30 mph. The idea is the deer will be warned upon hearing the noise. It's unclear whether deer hear the noise, but regardless, studies show the whistles have no effect on deer behavior, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

If you do strike a deer, contact the authorities. You may be legally required to report an accident with significant vehicle damage, depending on state laws. Also contact your insurance company to report your claim. Collision with an animal is covered under the comprehensive section of your auto insurance policy. Since comprehensive coverage is optional, be sure to check your auto insurance policy for specific coverages.

2010 American Family claims for animal hits*
Ranked by number of claims
State   Number of Claims        Cost of Claims
Wisconsin       9,051   $23,449,682
Missouri        6,060   $15,748,155
Minnesota       4,366   $10,910,038
Kansas  2,366   $6,677,384
Illinois        1,807   $4,805,393
Iowa    1,770   $4,675,789
Ohio    1,206   $3,001,267
Indiana 1,193   $3,024,176
South Dakota    1,154   $2,777,437
Nebraska        904     $2,553,822
Colorado        832     $2,797,008
North Dakota    698     $1,637,216
Average cost per claim $2613
*Top 12 states

Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, health insurance, business and farm/ranch insurance in 19 states. American Family insurance ranks 358th on the Fortune 500 list and is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company

French-inspired Nouveau wine tradition is a 27-year tradition in Galena, Illinois

GALENA, Ill. - "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!" Simply translated, "Wine lovers: get ready, get set, go!" The third Thursday of November marks the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau and the opportunity to be among the first to sample the new, shortly fermented wine, previewing the current year's fall harvest.

In France, this tradition began more than a century ago. In Galena, Illinois, it kicked off at the hands of Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery in 1985. Today, it's grown to be a full-blown community celebration inviting epicureans of all levels to enjoy all things wine.

The weekend officially kicks off at noon on Friday, November 18 with traditional French stew and wine-inspired lunches at many area restaurants. At 2:30 pm, the familiar "clip clop" of horse hooves will be heard throughout Galena's downtown. On board the horse-drawn wagons sporting revelers is a celebrated guest that will have the entire town in merriment all weekend?Galena Cellars' 2011 Nouveau wine.

Local restaurants continue the celebration with live music, wine tasting, dinner specials and receptions. Throughout the weekend, wine lovers can also enjoy vineyard tours (Galena boasts three area vineyards open to the public), winemaker dinners, wine-inspired pampering such as spa and shopping specials and lodging packages.

Offered for the second year in a row is the Grand Tasting, providing the opportunity to sample a variety of more than 200 wines?worldwide wines from Albarino to Zinfandel. From value-priced Chardonnays to pedigreed Cabernets, this tasting has it all and is a great value at only $30 per person ($35 at the door). The Grand Tasting takes place on Saturday, November 19 from 3:30-6 pm at Galena's Convention Center (900 Galena Square Drive).

Advanced tickets purchase (recommended), as well as a complete list of weekend happenings are available online at www.nouveauweekend.com. Additional area offerings and visitor information may be found at the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or by calling 877.464.2536. While in town, visit the CVB's Old Train Depot Visitor Information Center at 101 Bouthillier St. (corner of Park Avenue) for on-site assistance and countywide information.

 

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NITIATIVE PROMOTES SAFETY, OUTDOOR EDUCATION AT CHILD CARES/PRESCHOOLS

Initiatives at 11 Scott County child care centers and preschools, funded with more than $200,000 in funds from Scott County Kids, have created safer and environmentally educational spaces for hundreds of young children.

The awards, which ranged from $2,996 to $40,000 each, were contracted to child cares and preschools throughout the county last fall. Work is now complete.

"These funds provide these quality centers an opportunity to make their outdoor spaces safer, while inviting and encouraging children into learning more about the environment around them," said Marcy Mendenhall, executive director of Scott County Kids.

One of Scott County Kids' goals is to provide environments that enable children to be physically healthy, intellectually curious, emotionally sound and socially competent. This initiative's goal was to increase the quality of outdoor play environments at state-licensed child care centers and preschools.

Through the application process, a child care nurse consultant (also funded by Scott County Kids) offered guidance to help centers determine the best courses of action that would provide a good experience for children and improve quality, Mendenhall said.

At Our Savior Lutheran Preschool in Bettendorf, the $26,723 project involved the installation of a climber tunnel and a sand and water table, as well as an expansion of the playground space. It also paid for learning tools such as musical instruments and arts and crafts items. Volunteers helped with additional funding and elbow grease.

Lisa Piotter, the director of the preschool, said the new equipment will help ensure that Our Savior will be able to maintain its high state ranking.

With the equipment and work provided with the funding, a few of the centers are exploring Nature Explore Classroom status from the Arbor Day Foundation, including Calvary Preschool in Walcott. The initiative recognizes schools and other organizations that make a commitment to providing outdoor classrooms and comprehensive programming to help children use the natural world as an integral part of learning.

Calvary partners with its church to provide an outdoor play space in a garden area, and have a commitment to showing that the preschool "cares and appreciates the beautiful setting we have been given."

"Besides getting necessary fresh air and sunshine, the children will also benefit from exploring nature and watching seeds grow and mature," Calvary said in its application, specifically mentioning "opportunities to dig for worms, roll in freshly mowed grass and smell flowers that just opened."

For licensed centers interested in learning about the potential for funding in the fiscal year beginning July 1, contact Diane Martens at Scott County Kids at (563) 326-8221 or diane.martens@scottcountyiowa.com.

Funding awarded by Scott County Kids

Calvary Preschool, Walcott, $4,653 for mini-bricks, a storage bench, rain gauge, interlocking blocks superset, glockenspiel and aqua blocks

Children's Garden Preschool, Davenport, $15,044 for a custom play structure, fall zone materials, fencing

Scott County Family Y - Bettendorf, $2,996 for supplemental learning tools, including musical instruments

Skip-A-Long, Davenport, $15,752 for outside play structures

Head Start at Fillmore, Davenport, $9,235 for safety requirements, including a fence, fall zone, removal of an unsafe play structure

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool, Bettendorf, $26,723 for outside play structures, including a climber tunnel, sand and water table, and supplemental learning tools, including musical instruments, arts and crafts items

St. Alphonsus Early Childhood Education Center, Davenport, $16,595 for outside play structures, including a playhouse and bridge

Head Start - North Scott, Eldridge, $18,026 for outdoor play structures, including a playhouse and safety requirements, including fall zone turf

Scott County Family Y - Palmer, Davenport, $40,000 for supplemental learning tools, including an art easel and musical instruments, and outside play structures including an activity center and playhouse

Positive Parenting at Trinity, Davenport, $40,000 for supplemental learning tools, including musical instruments and building bricks, and outside play structures, including a balance beam

Scott County Family Y - Downtown Learning Center, Davenport, $21,929 for outside play structures, including a playhouse and bridge, and supplemental learning tools, including musical instruments and an activity center

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The aspiring artist.  The math whiz.  The avid reader.  The athletic go-getter.  Each child is different, with their own special talents, interests, developmental patterns, and emotional needs.  This is a key consideration when selecting a school for your child.  An environment that is right for one student may not be the best choice for another.  Fortunately, in the Quad Cities, we have educational options!  When exploring schools for your child, it is important to consider:

·         Is the curriculum appropriate for my child's talents and goals?

·         Will the school challenge my child, without overwhelming them?

·         Will my child be comfortable in the school's environment?  Will I?

·         Are the opportunities for my child to pursue individual interests?  And is there encouragement to do so?

At Rivermont Collegiate, intellectual curiosity isn't just encouraged or "taught" - but "caught."  Students' personal interests are fostered and rewarded, both by their peers and by faculty.  Faculty don't teach to a class average, but tailor curriculum, homework, and projects to each student.  Rivermont is small by design, with a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring not only individualized attention, but a close teacher-student relationship and a family-like school environment.

The selection of a school for your child shouldn't be taken lightly.  It is quite possibly the most important decision you can make for their future.  Study your options!  Send for information, tour schools, observe in classrooms, let your son or daughter experience a day in class, and talk with administrators, faculty, and current parents.  What are you waiting for?  Explore what Rivermont has to offer!  Drop in for:

Rivermont Collegiate Open Tours

Tuesday, October 4th - 8:30-10:00 a.m.

No appointment necessary!

This casual event gives families the opportunity to tour campus and explore our philosophy and programs.

Rivermont Collegiate, located in Bettendorf, is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, multicultural college preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade.  Rivermont is located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.

Visit us online at www.rvmt.org!  For additional information on Rivermont or Tuesday's Open Tours, contact Brittany Marietta at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or marietta@rvmt.org.