Quintessential Apps for Every Type of Car Enthusiast

Whether you enjoy watching auto races, fantasize about modifying your daily driver or simply want to get the latest from the auto world, we have you covered. Check out these apps, recommended by CNET and Automobile Magazine, to satisfy your inner gearhead.

For the Motorsports Fan

Driving Sports TV (iPhone, Android, free)

Have automotive entertainment at your fingertips with the Driving Sports TV app. Watch this web channel’s original videos optimized for your device and live-streaming programs. The app features a broadcast calendar and even lets users submit personal videos right to Driving Sports TV. Never be bored while you’re away from your computer again.

For the Auto News Junkie

Automobile Magazine News (iPhone, Android, free)

Stay tuned to the auto world with Automobile Magazine’s app. Get an inside look at race tracks and auto shows, explore car reviews and get the news. More than just a mobile version of the print mag, the app offers interactive content, including exclusive videos and beautiful photos.

For the Gamer

Top Gear: Race The Stig (iPhone, Android, free)

You may not be able to beat The Stig’s infamous odd facts, but you may have a chance to out-race the mystery driver from the BBC TV series Top Gear. Top Gear’s newest mobile game, “Race The Stig,” provides the option of in-app purchases for engine boosts, cars and helmets.

For the Collector

Edmunds Mobile Car App (iPhone, Android, free)

Have the previews got you excited about the 2016 models? Whether you’re lured by a new car smell or in the market for a used vehicle, the Edmunds Mobile Car App may be your expert best friend. Access consumer reviews, find local auto dealers for specific vehicles, and get true market value pricing info.

Learn How You Can Dine Out For Less

Who doesn’t like dining out? It’s social, you can try new things and, best of all, you don’t have to cook. The downside? The bill. In 2013, the average American household spent $2,625 eating at restaurants. While dining out can quickly become expensive, there are ways to save. Here are 8 of them:

1. Add coupon websites to your menu

If you’re a savvy diner, you’re likely acquainted with sites like Restaurant.com. If you’re not, introduce yourself to the site that sells discounted gift certificates to various restaurants. Groupon and Living Social offer similar discounts. Simply sign up for the sites’ emails, as well as specific restaurant sites, to learn about their promotions.

2. Scout out specials catered to kids

If eating out is a family affair, look for restaurants that have kids specials. Some offer free kids meals with the purchase of an adult menu item; others have kids-eat-free nights with no purchase necessary. Check out KidsMealDeals.com.

3. Foursquare before picking up your fork

Check in and save on your check – simple enough, right? Foursquare can help you find special offers at a wide range of restaurants. Sometimes all you have to do is check in at the location to receive a discount. You can also search nearby restaurant specials and redeem them when you visit. Some restaurants offer exclusive discounts to visitors that check in frequently.

4. Hunt for happy hour deals

Many restaurants offer reduced drink AND food prices during happy hour. If dining before the traditional – and busiest – restaurant dinner time isn’t your taste, try ordering your meal right before the end of happy hour.

5. Download apps before ordering apps

Free dining apps to help you save are plentiful. Savored, for instance, can save you up to 40% when you book on its site. Find deals at restaurants, bars and cafes with Scoutmob, which features an extensive database of restaurants in some of the country’s most popular cities.

6. Pick up points with restaurant rewards programs

Dine out often? Consider signing up for restaurant rewards programs, such as iDine or OpenTable. iDine members can earn up to 15% in cash back benefits. OpenTable members can also earn points when they make a reservation through the site. Once you accumulate a certain number of points, you may redeem them for future meals.

Have a favorite dining spot? Many restaurants offer their own loyalty rewards programs. Just ask.

7. Share meals, get deals

Many restaurants serve very generous portions. If you’re dining with a group, consider ordering a few different meals to share, rather than one per person. This way, everyone can sample from several plates. Plus, splitting meals may leave more room for dessert, which makes the savings even sweeter.

8. Save by being a social butterfly

From big-name chains to mom-and-pops, restaurants of all sizes are becoming more social media active. Becoming a friend or fan on their Facebook and Twitter sites can often lead you to deals.

Do you have a favorite savings strategy to add to our list?

How to Prevent Car Sickness in Toddlers

Getting car sick is no fun at any age, but it’s especially troubling to watch a young child not feel well. Children 2-12 years old are particularly susceptible.

What causes car sickness?

Car sickness is essentially motion sickness that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body: the inner ears, eyes and nerves in the extremities.

 

For example, if your child is in the back seat and can’t see out the window, their inner ear will sense motion, but their eyes and joints may not.

 

If your child is prone to getting car sick, consider these steps from Nationwide Children’s Hospital to prevent and relieve discomfort:

Before you leave

• Give your child a plain snack to eat, such as crackers
• Avoid a large meal before travel, especially spicy, greasy or caffeinated foods and drinks
• If possible, travel when your child is tired, so he or she can sleep during the ride

During the ride

• If your child is in a safety or booster seat, make sure they are elevated so they can see through the windshield (read the safety rules provided by the car seat manufacturer)
• If children are old enough, sitting in the front seat can help prevent sickness
• Provide plenty of ventilation
• Avoid smoking and keep strong-smelling food out of the car
• Encourage your child to look out the window
• Discourage them from focusing on books, games, movies or anything that involves looking down
• Encourage activities that don’t require much visual focus, like listening to music, singing or playing verbal games
• Have a pillow or headrest handy to avoid unnecessary head movements
• Keep flavored lozenges on hand. The gingered-flavored variety, in particular, can help settle an upset stomach
• Have water available to keep them hydrated

If your child gets car sick

Pull over for a short break and have your child lie on their back with their eyes closed. A cool cloth on the forehead also helps.

If symptoms persist, contact your child’s doctor about over-the-counter preventative medication.

Kick Your Holiday Season Stress with These Savvy Apps

Who couldn’t use a little help chipping away at the holiday to-do list? Look no further than these seasonal apps to get the jobs done.

Greeting Cards: Sincerely Ink

You want to send holiday cards to family and friends, but you just haven’t had the time to run to the store or even sit down at your computer to create something. The Sincerely Ink app can design, customize, print and ship your holiday greeting cards directly from your smart phone. Simply import addresses from your contact book and recipients will receive your personalized greeting within a week.

Gift Giving: Checked Twice

Still getting Mom perfume every year? And does finding something new for Dad seem impossible? Checked Twice is a family gift registry that lets you create gift lists with items found online. That way, you can claim items so that nobody ends up purchasing a duplicate present and keep returns to a minimum.

Holiday Party: Pro Holiday Planner

The gifts are wrapped and it’s time to get ready for a house full of guests. Forget the pen and paper. Pro Holiday Planner helps you create a table map to manage seating arrangements, keep track of invitations, RSVPs and thank you notes. You can even decorate your house virtually to see how the decorations will look.

Lingering Leftovers: 4 Day Throw Away

Everyone is stuffed from your feast, but look at all those leftovers. Before you pack your fridge, download the 4 Day Throw Away app. The app will help you determine refrigerator and freezer storage times, so you know when to get rid of all those leftovers.

Want to reduce your stress even more? Create a customized holiday budget with these helpful tips.

8 Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Last year’s winter season will be remembered for bringing record-breaking snowfall to much of the country, with cities including Detroit and Chicago having some of their snowiest months on record. Parts of America were unprepared for the heavy storms, such as Georgia, where winter storms caused an estimated $25 million in damages.

Homes not prepared for such heavy snow can see damage ranging from burst pipes to a collapsed roof. Fixing these damages could be expensive, so prepping your house for the colder months in autumn is a smart approach. By following these tips on winterizing your home, you can help avoid costly repairs this winter season.

1. Fortify your roof to prevent ice dams

Ice dams, which occur when water builds up behind an ice blockage, can cause damage to ceilings and roofs by allowing melting snow to leak into a home. To prevent ice dams from forming, you need to keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. Take this time to increase ventilation, add insulation, and seal off possible air leaks to be ice dam free.

2. Insulate pipes

When water pipes freeze and burst, they can cause water damage. Avoid flooding and a messy cleanup by insulating your water pipes with materials such as heating tape and fiberglass.

3. Seal air leaks

By preventing cold air from leaking into your home, you can save money on your energy bills and also make your home warmer. To reduce air leakage, place a sweep at the base of your door and apply caulk or weather-stripping around drafty windows.

4. Seal the attic

Sealing the attic is a great way to avoid heat loss through your roof in future winters. Make sure your attic insulation is 12 inches deep. If you’re going to install a new layer of insulation over an existing one, avoid using kraft-faced insulation, which can lead to moisture problems.

5. Weather-strip the doors and windows

Melting snow can lead to mold and mildew problems around your windows and doors. Seal up any gaps with weather-stripping seals or caulking to prevent moisture from getting in.

6. Inspect the furnace and chimney

Make sure your furnace and chimney are in working order before the cold weather hits. Both should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional each year to ensure safe and efficient use.

7. Prune your trees

Snow and ice buildup on trees can cause branches to break and land on your house. If a tree is close to your home, prune its branches and cut down any low-hanging limbs before the start of the winter.

8. Install wind-proofing materials

Strong winds can cause substantial damage to your property. To help avoid wind damage this winter, install wind-proofing features such as permanent window shutters and impact-resistant shingles

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

Curious how your fellow Americans spend their Thanksgiving? We compiled facts and figures from TripAdvisor, Orbitz and the U.S. Department of Transportation to give this Turkey Day snapshot:

Who travels?

43,400,000 Americans travel for Thanksgiving

Why do they travel?

40% travel to have dinner with family 4% travel to have dinner with friends

How far do they go?

50 miles or more on average

Where do they go?

The 5 most popular cities to travel to for the holiday are:

• New York City
• Orlando
• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

How do they get there?

38,900,000 travel by car 3,140,000 travel by plane

1,400,000 travel by bus, train or ship

When do they leave?

27% of drivers leave on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving – the busiest travel day

64% plan to travel during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic

Where do they stay?

44% of travelers stay at the home of family or friends

42% stay at a hotel or vacation rental

How do they book their tickets and accommodations?

57% of travelers use a mobile device in the booking process

How much do they spend on traveling?

$384 is the average domestic airfare

$162 is the average hotel rate

What about the food?

235,000,000 turkeys are raised in the U.S. each year

46,000,000 turkeys served for Thanksgiving dinner

736,000,000 pounds of turkey served for Thanksgiving dinner

16% of people eat at a restaurant on Thanksgiving

How much is spent on the feast?

$49.04 is the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people

$21.76 is the average cost of a 16 lb. turkey

$75 or more is the average for a ready-to-eat meal from a grocery store

#SelfiesWhileDriving: A Dangerous Phenomenon

Everywhere you look, people are taking “selfies” – from sporting events to graduation ceremonies. But the reckless act of taking a self-portrait while driving can endanger you, your passengers and others on the road.

 

The selfie fad is so new that statistics linking it to traffic accidents don’t yet exist. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation cites more than 3,300 deaths every year caused by distracted driving. Taking a selfie is a distraction from driving – reaching for your phone, opening the camera app and taking a photo. Distracted drivers are three times more likely to get into a crash, yet 80% of drivers admit to using their phone while driving.

The rise in driving hashtags

Hashtags that refer to driving tell part of the story. The following driving-related hashtags are among the most common on Twitter and Instagram – accounting for thousands of posts this year alone:

 

#Driving: 40 million+ posts

#Drivinghome: 80 thousand+ posts

#Drivingtowork: 16 thousand+ posts

#Drivingselfie: 21 thousand+ posts

#Drivingselfies: 5 thousand+ posts

Selfies while stopped are still unsafe

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Russ Rader noted that taking a selfie even while stopped at a traffic light is dangerous. “It is still distracting,” he said, “and driving requires your full attention.”

 

A common accident involving vehicles stopped at a red light or traffic sign is a rear-end collision. While you can’t control the actions of the driver behind you, taking a selfie can distract you from moving quickly enough to avoid being hit. It also can delay your response once the traffic light turns green – causing you to hit the vehicle in front of you.

 

Plus, in states that have deemed it illegal to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle, you could be ticketed.

Ad focuses on the potential selfie aftermath

Toyota’s “Don’t Shoot and Drive” campaign uses Instagram to call out the dangers of taking selfies while driving. For impact, it uses images of a totaled car edited in various Instagram filters.

 

When you’re behind the wheel and you’re holding a phone, you’re a distracted driver. And no conversation, text or selfie is worth the risk.

Tis the Season...for Theft Prevention

5 Tips to Keeps Your Belongings Safe from Holiday Theft

 

 

 

The holidays are a cheerful time, but while you’re celebrating, someone may be eyeing those new gifts. Beware of the burglars waiting to get their hands on your presents.

 

According to Nationwide claims data over the past three years, there were nearly 15,000 home thefts during the holidays and travel months of November, December and January.

Here are 5 tips to help avoid being a victim of theft over the holidays:

1. Save the status updates for later

Four out of five burglars used social networks last year to find out when people were not home.

 

Telling friends and family your holiday plans on social media may seem harmless, but that social media message can be an advertisement to burglars that says, “I’m not home.” Don’t let your social media behavior while you’re gone put your home at risk for a burglary.

2. Add home security devices to your gift list

Adding these items to your wish list can offer some extra protection:

• Sensor-triggered lighting
• Motion-activated webcams
• Smart phone home security

Also look into technology that lets you connect with your phone for 24/7 surveillance when you’re on the go.

3. Close the curtains before turning in

Open blinds may invite unwanted eyes, allowing thieves to check out the layout of your home, or view your belongings.

4. Don’t leave ladders up after decorating

Ladders can help a burglar gain access to your home. Once you’ve hung the outdoor lights, store the ladders and tools in a locked shed or garage.

5. Create categorized inventory lists

Put your gift list-making skills to good use and keep an ongoing record of items in your home. Free apps like Know Your Stuff can help you take inventory with pre-programmed categories and locations.

 

An inventory list will come in handy if you have Brand New Belongings insurance* coverage, which can help replace your insured belongings if they’re stolen or destroyed – regardless of age or condition.

*Optional feature. Exclusions and limits apply. Damaged items may be repaired in some cases. Details vary by state and policy language. Please consult your policy for the specifics of your selected coverages. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval.

ELECTION DAY!

Dont forget to vote today for our State and Local Representatives!!

 

 

So get out there and place your ballot because...

 

To get registered or check your registration status, find out when and where to vote on Election Day (or how to vote early!), figure out who's on your ballot, and more - go to: Rock The Vote for all your Election Day needs!

 

Top Apps to Save You Money for Your Daily Routine

 

One major perk of owning a smartphone is that you have access to apps that can save you money for every part of your day. From grocery shopping to picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy, your apps are crucial to spending as little as possible. According to U.S. News and Kiplinger, the apps below can help you do just that. Consider some of your weekend activities:

Get those groceries – 9 a.m.

First weekend errand? Grocery shopping.

 

Must-have app? Grocery IQ.

 

Not only is this app an organizational tool, as it allows you to build customized grocery lists, identify your favorite products and check off items as you shop, but it can also save you money. The coupon gallery gives you the option of clipping, printing and emailing coupons to yourself and to others.

Fill that gas tank – 10 a.m.

Low on gas? Arrow is approaching “empty.”

 

Must-have app? GasBuddy.

 

GasBuddy detects your current location and finds the closest gas stations with the cheapest prices. Why drive around aimlessly in search of an affordable fill up when you can have the research done for you?

Shop ‘til you drop – 11 a.m.

Is it time to treat yourself to a new outfit and shoes to match? Obviously.

 

Must-have app? ShopSavvy.

 

Select your favorite stores and products while ShopSavvy does the rest. You’ll receive an alert when there’s a sale and if you identify a particular item, the app will inform you of where you can purchase it for the lowest price. That’s one shopping companion you should never leave behind.

Feasting at lunch – 12 noon

Did that shopping make you hungry? Starving.

 

Must-have app? Groupon.

 

Groupon partners with countless businesses so that you can enjoy products and experiences for a fraction of the cost. Simply apply your location and the app will spit back tons of dining discounts in your area—you’re bound to find something that will satisfy your taste buds.

Pharmacy prescription pick-up – 2 p.m.

Are your sinuses acting up? Happens every summer.

 

Must-have app? GoodRx.

 

This app allows you to search for a specific medication and compare prices at pharmacies near you. For additional savings, you have access to special coupons and discounts so that you don’t have to empty your pockets for your medications.

Relaxation time – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s no app for that.

Family dinner outing – 5 p.m.

Dining with the kids? It’s a Saturday night tradition.

 

Must-have app? Kids Meal Deals.

 

Isn’t it a pleasant surprise when you find out that the restaurant you’re at offers free dining for children? With Kids Meal Deals, you don’t have to wait to be surprised. The app compiles all of the restaurants in your area where kids eat free.

There you have it – a collection of some of the most valuable apps to keep your wallet full and make your day a little easier. Which ones would you use?

The Latte Effect: How much could you be saving?

 

Do you regularly spend a few dollars on everyday things that you could probably live without? We’re all guilty of it but we tend to ignore the bigger picture. Think about it: if you saved the money you spent on small, day-to-day purchases, you could quickly save up a large sum of money that could be better used to benefit you down the road.

 

Get familiar with the latte effect – the idea that unconscious spending on small things each day adds up to a vast amount over time.

Change your spending habits

While a dollar here and there may seem trivial in the scheme of things – as you can see, those dollars accumulate quickly. That’s not to say, however, that you should cut out all of life’s little luxuries. Pleasures such as medium lattes, manicures and lunches out can be enjoyed in moderation. It’s all about balance and discipline with your finances.

 

Think about your everyday purchases – do they provide long-term value? The answer will help you put your priorities in order and see where you can redirect your money.

 

How much could you be saving? Track your daily expenses to discover where you can cut back.

Hype vs. Help: New safety features in cars

 

Advances in car technology have made it difficult to choose what add-ons you really need and which are excessive or worse yet, dangerous. We’re all for innovation, but we want to help you find out what new safety features are all hype and which ones can actually help protect you on the road. Whether you’re in the market for a new car or you’re simply curious about the newest safety features, check out our assessments of some of the most cutting-edge car technologies.

Front crash prevention

Front crash prevention includes features that both warn you when a front end collision is imminent and automatically apply the brakes to help you avoid a crash. New crash avoidance technologies, such as front crash prevention, are already reducing insurance claims from at-fault drivers. This safety feature is quickly becoming an available option in all new cars, but it can vary in effectiveness. Check the make and model of the car you’re considering on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety ratings to find out if it has a superior front crash prevention system.

HELP Less “bang” for your buck.

Voice activated texting

Phone related driving accidents are responsible for a growing number of car crashes. Texting while driving is the number one offender, but taking your eyes off the road for any reason is extremely hazardous. Hands-free car technology that allows you to keep your eyes on the road may seem like an advance in car safety, but studies have shown that voice activation systems cause mental distractions that can slow down a driver’s reaction times.

HYPE Use your head. Texts can wait.

Lane departure warning

Lane departure warning technology alerts you when you’re about to veer out of your lane unless your turn signal is on. This feature has progressed recently to include Lane Keep Assist, which automatically corrects your car’s course to keep you centered on the road. It might sound like a self-driving car, but the steering wheel movements are very subtle and can be overridden at any time.

HELP What’s not to like?

Rain sensing wipers

Windshield wipers are a critically important car safety feature, but why change something that doesn’t need improving? With the flick of the wrist, windshield wipers are as easy to operate as power windows. Rain sensing wipers use infrared lights to detect if your windshield glass is dry – something the human eye can do just fine. If you aren’t able to spot when it’s raining, you probably shouldn’t be driving in the first place.

HYPE If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Touch screen controls

Similar to smart phones, touch screen car consoles also require you to take your eyes off the road to operate. Touch screen car controls can be difficult to use and some even come with highly distracting features like an integrated web browser. Limited touch screen functionality, like GPS, can be useful, but conventional knobs and buttons make it easier for you to keep your eyes on the road.

HYPE Overly complicated touch screens are distracting.

Backup cameras

Cameras that allow you to see what’s in the blind spot behind your car are useful for parking, but more importantly they can save a life. Accidents that result from backing up cause an average of 292 deaths per year. Backup cameras are especially useful on larger vehicles, such as SUVs, where the blind spot might be large enough to hide a small child from your view.

HELP Another pair of eyes can only help you see better.

The World’s First Ever “Self-Cleaning” Car Unveiled

 

That newly washed car look never sticks around for long. The exterior loses its shine after one rainy day drive and it’s time to head to the car wash. However, with the recent advances in car paint technology, you may not need to.

 

Nissan recently developed a self-cleaning car prototype that uses nano-paint technology to repel mud, rain and dirt. While nano-coating has been used on items such as mobile phones to diminish fingerprints and resist water, this is the first time it’s being used on an automobile.

How exactly does it work?

The technology, called Ultra-Ever Dry, builds a layer of air between the paint and the environment that shields the vehicle’s finish from muddy water and road spray. The dirt simply rolls off the surface. Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe are testing whether the paint can withstand various weather conditions. Depending on the results, this feature could become an after-market addition.

What are the benefits?

The upside is obvious – fewer trips to the car wash means one less errand to run resulting in more money saved. A typical full-service automatic car wash can range from $15 to $30 depending on the services, type of vehicle, protectants, polishes and waxes used. According to Autos.com, most companies charge from $6 to $22 more for larger cars.

 

If grime-resistant paint becomes available, it will likely carry a steep price. Would you buy the self-cleaning car if you could avoid doing the dirty work?

Any third-party trademarks or brands are the property of their respective owners. Their inclusion here is provided for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an endorsement of any third party by Nationwide. Nor does it imply, directly or indirectly, any sponsorship or affiliation between Nationwide and such third parties.

Hybrid, Electric, and Natural Gas Cars: What are the Pros and Cons?

More hybrid, electric and natural gas vehicles are taking to roads. Can you tell the difference between them? Each has advantages and disadvantages, based on cost, fuel, maintenance and size. If you’re considering an alternative to the internal combustion engine, this chart may help you understand the upsides and downsides of each type of vehicle:

What is a hybrid car?

A vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move – for instance, gasoline engines and electric motors.

 

Click here for the full aritcle including a list of Pros and Cons...

Tired of Driving in Circles? Check out These Parking Apps

Innovative smart phone apps are helping to solve a major headache for drivers: Finding a parking spot that’s available and affordable. Conversely, owners of parking spaces are renting out their in-demand real estate when they don’t need it or when they want to make extra money. The whole idea is a win-win, isn’t it? If done right, it can be.

 

Want to rent out a private driveway or garage space? A growing number of apps are making it easy to find a convenient and affordable place to park your wheels.

 

Parking Panda lets companies and individuals list a parking space for free. When someone makes a reservation, a 20% transaction fee is assessed. Drivers can search real-time listings in over 40 cities and save as much as 70% with Parking Panda. Renting a spot can be done daily or monthly, and spaces are guaranteed – even if a garage sells out.

Other parking apps doing it right

ParkWhiz: Using a prepaid booking system, parking owners are able to advertise their spaces, get exposure and earn money for the use of their spots. Drivers can search for open spaces by location in real-time. Prices, amenities and customer reviews are available.

 

JustPark: Owners can list a parking space with photos and a description. When it’s booked or there’s an inquiry, they receive an email and text message. Drivers can search by date, distance and type of parking to search from thousands of spots that can be rented for 30 minutes to a year.

 

SPOT: This new app, which launched this summer, allows owners to advertise spaces for free and choose a payment method. Drivers search by city to find available spots that can rent for an hour, day, week or month.

 

ParkMe: Geared towards companies and venues, ParkMe displays available parking options and uses its ParkMe Operator Dashboard to update rates, hours of operation and payment types. Drivers can filter by location, vehicle type and length of time. They may also reserve a spot two weeks in advance.

 

According to a 2013 survey conducted by the International Parking Institute, many people believe the future of parking is mobile parking apps. What do you think?

Innovative Technology Aims to Detect Drowsy Driving

 

Driving drowsy is an accident waiting to happen – causing more than 100,000 auto accidents and 1,550 deaths each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

In response, carmakers and tech companies are developing technology to detect tiredness in drivers.

 

Volvo is researching a system that uses dashboard sensors to recognize if a driver is inattentive. The sensors monitor the driver’s head position and angle, the direction of their gaze, and how open their eyes are. The data is then relayed to the car’s Lane Keeping Aid and Collision Warning with full auto brake to alert the driver.

 

Ford’s Driver Alert System, featured in its Fusion Hybrid model, uses a forward-looking camera to identify signs of driver drowsiness, such as drifting between traffic lanes, and triggers a two-stage warning system.

 

Mercedes-Benz’s ATTENTION ASSIST determines driving style by analyzing more than 70 factors in the first few minutes of a drive, including steering movements, interaction with the vehicle’s controls, and even wind and road conditions. If it all adds up to driver fatigue, ATTENTION ASSIST sounds an alert.

 

Volkswagen’s Fatigue Detection system also analyzes driving characteristics after 15 minutes of driving to calculate a fatigue estimate. If the system determines the driver may be drowsy, it shows a warning in the Multi-function Display and sounds a signal.

 

Toyota Pre-Collision System with Driver Monitor focuses on the movement of the driver’s head. It projects the possibility of a collision based on how long the driver turns their head away from the road. First, a pre-crash warning alarm sounds; if the situation persists, the system will briefly apply the brakes.

 

Tech companies are in the game, too. DriveSafe, specifically designed for Google Glass, uses an algorithm to calculate your fatigue level based on factors such as the number of times the driver blinks and the angle of the driver’s head. DriveSafe then sounds off an alert signal to grab your attention and provides nearby location options for you to pull over.

 

Researchers in the UK are testing a sensor system built into the fabric of a car seat that monitors a driver’s heart to determine focus and alertness, and signals them to pull over if drowsiness is detected.

 

These technologies may help protect drivers and passengers, but these features are all supplemental to the driver’s own judgment. It’s up to the person behind the wheel to be responsible and not drive while tired.

Four In Five Women Take Social Security Early

Maximizing benefits key to enduring financial challenges in retirement but just 3 percent of women do

 

More than four in five women elect to take their Social Security early, which locks in a lower payment for life, but provides immediate income. Despite that many of those retirees say financial problems have taken the shine off what are supposed to be their golden years.

 

Social Security can represent up to 40 percent of the total income Americans receive throughout retirement. However, according to a survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute SM, only 15 percent of women waited until their full retirement age and only 3 percent took it late. Women who don’t maximize their Social Security benefits can miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars of retirement income.

 

“There are many reasons women take Social Security early. Some mistakenly believe taking it earlier will result in more money over the long run, while others may have been forced into retirement early and need the money,” said Shawn Britt, director of advanced consulting for Nationwide.

 

Women who took their benefit early report an average monthly payment of $1,025. Those who collected it at their full retirement age have an average $1,270 monthly payment. Of the 471 women surveyed by Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide, only 10 delayed collecting their benefit until 70. They report an average monthly payment of $1,630 (or 59 percent more than if they had taken it early).

 

“Many people are not aware of the different options available for taking Social Security income. For example, married women might think about having their husband file and suspend, which will still allow the wife to collect spousal benefits,” Britt said. “The husband will then wait to age 70 to take his. That way, if he dies, she ends up with a much higher payment as a widow.”

 

“Too many spouses think they can’t do this because they still work. That’s a huge mistake and you can’t go back to correct it later and get that money back,” she added.

 

Filing early also makes sense if you’re in poor health and don’t expect to live long. But more often than not, the decision is tied to an incorrect expectation about longevity or fear of Social Security running out of money.

 

“Many people file early because they think ‘once I am in the system they can’t kick me out.’” Britt said. “Others miscalculate how long they have until they breakeven. Many think it’s 85, but for many people it is around 80.”

 

The fact is life is long – especially for women. Women’s average life expectancy is 86, with one in four reaching 92. That’s a long time to rely on savings, so maximizing retirement income is crucial.

 

In the survey of 471 women aged 50 or older who are either already retired or plan to retire in the next 10 years -- only 29 percent say life is better than before retirement and 28 percent say life is worse. For those who say it’s worse, most say it’s due to lack of income in retirement and higher than expected cost of living expenses.

 

Since Social Security benefits are based on average earnings over the best 35 years of a career, women are often penalized for leaving the workforce to raise children or care for a parent.

 

“Some women have to retire early to care for an elderly parent who has no long-term care coverage,” Britt said. “Women caregivers are two-and-a-half times more likely to end up in poverty and five times more likely to depend primarily on Social Security for income.¹

 

“Having children and being a caregiver can cost women $565,000 in lifetime earnings; plus $25,400 in Social Security benefits and $67,000 in pension benefits²,” Britt said. More than 2.6 million women over the age of 65 lived in poverty in 2012, according to an analysis from the National Women’s Law Center.

Work with an advisor

Women not working with a financial advisor are nearly three times as likely than those who do to say their Social Security payment was less or much less than expected (37 percent vs. 13 percent). Yet, only 33 percent of women work with a financial advisor. “Women who work with an advisor are more likely to receive good advice on optimizing Social Security,” Britt said. “If you have the ability to sacrifice a little for a few years it is worth it. Maximizing benefits will result in less chance of outliving other income sources and reduce the chance of not being able to maintain your lifestyle.”

Methodology:

The 2014 Social Security Study was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide Financial between Feb. 27 and March 4, 2014. The respondents comprised a representative sample of 471 U.S. women aged 50 or older who are either retired or plan to retire in the next 10 years. Results were weighted to the U.S. General Online Population of adults by race/ethnicity, education and region. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys. Because the sample is based on those who were invited to participate in the Harris Poll online research panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

 

[1] American Association for LTC Insurance, January 2013
[2] Minnesota Women’s Press, Take time to make long term care plans, November 2013.

Nationwide Moves to One Brand

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company announced today that it will align its products and services under its most recognizable brand—Nationwide.

 

The company, which currently operates under multiple brand names – including, but not limited to Nationwide Insurance, Allied Insurance, Harleysville Insurance, Nationwide Financial, Scottsdale Insurance, Crestbrook Insurance and Veterinary Pet Insurance – is moving to a one-brand approach to leverage its diverse product portfolio, financial stability and business relationships more effectively.

 

“This is an exciting time for Nationwide. We’re a company that has a much larger footprint than most people realize,” said Nationwide Chief Executive Officer Steve Rasmussen. “Nationwide is in all 50 states and features more products and solutions than our competitors, but customers in many areas aren’t aware of our strength, offerings and size because we feature so many brands that can appear to be unrelated. Updating our mark and going to one brand will allow customers to find us when they’re looking for solutions, both now, and in the future.”

 

To highlight the shift to one Nationwide brand, the company is introducing an updated version of the Nationwide N and Eagle brand mark that harkens back to the company’s heritage and the famous 50-year-old tag line, “Nationwide is on your side.” The refreshed N and Eagle brand mark will be introduced in the marketplace beginning this week, replacing the blue frame.

 

“We’ve used the N and Eagle as a visual element in our Join the Nation campaign, and feedback revealed that this memorable feature still resonates with members, agents, producers and the general public,” Rasmussen added. “The Nationwide brand is the core and embodiment of who we are as a company, and research shows it is our best-known asset. We plan to leverage this asset to shine the spotlight on all of the products and solutions we offer.”

 

Nationwide will transition to the new brand look, for the most part, over the next 18 months. It will impact everything, including advertising assets, branding on and in company-owned real estate, digital platforms like Nationwide.com, sales collateral, agency signage and various other communications channels.

 

On Sept. 4, Nationwide’s new NFL advertising, featuring Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, airs and will reflect the new brand mark. The company will also feature the refreshed brand mark on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 car at the Richmond International Raceway NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sept. 6.