my fi rst


Four personal and dramatic stories that can help you be a safer driver.


TIPS THE UNEXPECTED


Maurillo went years without an accident, but that all changed in an instant. Never take your driving skills for granted. No matter how experienced you are, certain circumstances—like severe weather or other drivers’ poor decisions— can lead to a collision. To prepare yourself for the unexpected, consider taking a refresher course and possibly earn a Defensive Driving Course Discount of up to 10 percent. Contact your State Farm®


agent to Donna Maurillo SCOTTS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA


A familiar drive on a wet, curvy mountain road FIRST ACCIDENT FACTORS:


I COMMUTE TO WORK ALONG California’s Highway 17: a winding, dangerous 12-mile stretch of mountain highway with steep slopes on both sides. One morning, when the road was wet with rain, I steered my car leſt to follow an S-curve in the road—and my back wheels began sliding to the right. I grew up in snow country, so I knew I had to steer into the


skid, but that maneuver sent me crashing into the guardrail. T e car bounced back toward the center divider, then back to the guardrail again. Finally it made a 180-degree turn and stopped, facing oncoming traffi c. I heard a loud explosion, and my car fi lled with smoke. I was terrifi ed. Luckily the car had stopped in a turnout lane. I held my


breath to avoid inhaling the smoke and managed to exit the vehicle safely. I thought the engine had exploded, but aſt er


fi nd out which programs qualify. Meanwhile learn a lesson from Maurillo and follow these tips to drive safer in every situation.


1 Always wear a seat belt.


1 Slow down as you approach a curve, especially when the road is wet. Brake gently to avoid skidding.


1 Keep the lights on in any kind of wet weather. Use the defroster or air conditioner to keep windows clear.


1 Listen to your radio for severe weather alerts. Light rain can quickly turn into high winds and hail.


1 Keep your State Farm agent’s number handy. And contact your agent to learn more about Good Driver and Accident-Free Discounts.


getting out I noticed that the deployment of the air bag had caused the noise and smoke. I was evaluated in the emergency room and, except for a


bruise across my chest from my seat belt, I was completely unscathed. T e ER doctor was amazed: I didn’t even have a run in my stockings. My car didn’t make out as well—it was totaled. But I simply


fi led a claim with State Farm and bought a new car. I received a check to cover the cost, and the amount was more than fair. I had absolutely no hassles. As frightening as it was, that accident proved that I could really depend on State Farm in an emergency. I’ve been with them since 1973, and I’ll never switch.


statefarm.com 5


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