April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Philadelphia Insurance Companies has made it a priority to educate drivers on the importance of staying aware while behind the wheel.  Etler-Kettenacker Agency stands behind this campaign to make drivers aware of the dangers of driving while distracted.  First, we must admit we all do it.  Our cell phone rings and we glance to see where it is on the seat next to us or in our purse.  We glance away from the road just for a few se...

With many Tri-State schools starting up this week, we thought it appropriate to issue a little PSA: Dont text while driving. Please. Whether youre a 16 year old who just got their license or a veteran driver -- please, put the phone down! A few facts and figures: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2012 driver distraction was the cause of 18 percent of all fatal crashes – with 3,328 people killed – and crashes resulting in an injury &...

Weve all been there -- youre driving on the road, minding your own business, when a deer suddenly jumps in front of your vehicle. Or, perhaps you notice a squirrel or bird in the middle of the road as you approach -- but it doesnt seem to notice you. Or, youre in your neighborhood when a cat wanders into the street. As the temperatures cool down, youll notice more animals wandering around -- especially deer. You generally have precious few seconds to react -- and how you respond could be the ...

We "fell back" last weekend; and while that may have bought you an extra hour of sleep on Sunday, you were probably shocked to find it getting dark at 5 p.m. Daylight savings time brings winter, shorter days and longer nights -- which means youll likely be driving in the dark a lot more. Here are our top tips for making sure you stay safe as you navigate the dark: 1. Check your vision Even if you have 20/20 vision, youll find your depth perception isn’t as keen at night. If you...

With warmer weather here, perhaps you’re dusting off the motorcycle for the summer! Or, maybe you’re in the market for one of these fun (and fuel-efficient!) vehicles. Before you hop on your hog, please consider the following: 1. Consider upping your liability coverage Liability insurance is required in most states; however, how much coverage a driver has can vary. Liability insurance pays for damages or injuries you cause in an accident, as well as your legal defense if neede...

We all know we shouldn’t text and drive. So when Apple introduced its CarPlay system, we had lots of questions.. and concerns. Here’s a brief breakdown of the issues at play. What: The CarPlay is a system that integrates the iPhone with in-car entertainment systems. The setup includes a console touchscreen as well as buttons on the steering wheel that activate Siri, Apples voice command system. CarPlay allows drivers to make calls, listen to voicemails, hear and dictate text mess...

Its a fact: most car accidents are the result of distracted driving. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each day over 8 people are killed and 1,161 are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. Whats more alarming, is that the number is likely much higher due to inconsistencies in reporting. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. The CDC classifies three main types of di...

We all know we shouldnt be texting while driving. Soon, Apple will make it impossible to text and drive. Apples iOS 11, a new version of the operating software for Apple mobile devices, will contain a "Do Not Disturb While Driving" feature. Whenever the device is connected to a car using either Bluetooth or a cable -- or if the car is moving -- the phone will withhold any notifications for things like text messages or news updates. (Dont worry about being rude -- the sendee will get an auto...

Car insurance companies are paying out claims in record high numbers. Inevitably, this will have an effect on your insurance premium, as insurers have to raise rates to offset these claims. Whats causing this spike in claims, and what can you do? The experts at Selective Insurance explain the 4 reasons your car insurance rates are rising: 1. Drivers are driving more Maybe its due to airfare being expensive, having to commute to work or gas prices making car travel more affordable - but Ame...

This week is National Teen Driver Safety week!  It feels like just yesterday your kiddo was born and today, they’re getting their driver’s license.  It’s exciting and terrifying all at the same time!  You have to trust that your child has listened to all of your words of wisdom, when they take control of that 3,000 pound vehicle/death machine.  Take a deep breath parents!   While no one can take away the concern you will have when you w...