Amica Offers Safe Driving Tips ? and an Accident Checklist ? for the Holidays

Lincoln, RI (Vocus) December 20, 2010

Amica Insurance reminds everyone to drive safely this holiday season and offers the following safety tips ? as well as a checklist of what to do if you are in an accident.

"The holiday season is a great time to travel and be with friends and family. But if you?re driving, it?s important to be extra careful,? said Lisa DeCubellis, a senior assistant vice president with Amica Insurance. ?A lot of people are on the roads, so there is an increased risk of accidents. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you get to your destination safely.?

????Buckle up: Seat belts are the best way to prevent death or injury in the event of a crash. Make sure you and your passengers are properly buckled, and that children are secured in appropriate safety seats.
????Pay attention: Many states now have laws prohibiting the use of cell phones and/or texting while driving. Pull off the road if you have to use your cell phone or other mobile device.
????Stay fresh and alert: Get plenty of rest before a long trip. Take lots of breaks. If you get tired, pull off the road and get fresh air, or get something to eat or drink.
????Never drink and drive: If you are going to dinner parties and other events where alcohol will be served, make sure there?s a designated driver.

?It?s also a good idea to know what to do in case you?re involved in an accident, so we?ve created an Auto Accident Checklist which we posted here and on Amica.com,? DeCubellis said.

Auto Accident Checklist from Amica.com

This is a quick checklist of what to do in the event of an accident. You may want to print a copy to keep with your vehicle.

If you are involved in an accident:

Remain calm and polite.
Turn on your hazard lights.
If safe to do so, move your vehicle away from traffic.
Do not discuss who is at fault or your insurance limits.
Do not leave the scene of the accident.
Contact emergency personnel

If anyone is injured, call 911 for medical assistance.
Do not move an injured person.
Give police your version of what happened.
Obtain the police officer's name, department and incident number.
Exchange information

Vehicle owner's name, address, telephone and/or e-mail address
Insurance information (company and policy number)
Other vehicle information (year, make, model and registration plate)
Driver's name, address, telephone and/or e-mail address (if different from the vehicle owner's information)
Obtain contact information from passengers and/or witnesses.
Note the accident location.
Take photos/video if safe to do so

Accident scene
Traffic controls
Street names
Road conditions
Vehicles and other property damage

About Amica Mutual Insurance

Amica Mutual Insurance Company, the nation?s oldest mutual insurer of automobiles, was founded in 1907. The company, with corporate headquarters in Lincoln, RI, is a national writer of automobile, homeowners, marine and personal umbrella liability insurance. Life coverage is available through Amica Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. Amica employs more than 3,200 people in 40 offices across the country.

CONTACT:????Vince Burks , Corporate Communications, 50 Amica Way,

Lincoln, RI 02865-1155, 800-652-6422, ext. 24563????

Website: Amica.com

Twitter: AmicaMutual

Facebook: Amica Mutual Insurance Co.

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