National Safe Driving Week - Preventing Distracted Driving

Updated:
August 28, 2019

For National Safe Driving Week, Scrivens is dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and advice for staying safe while on the road in Ottawa. One of the best ways to stay safe is to prevent distractions while driving.

Recent studies have found that talking on a cell phone while driving impairs one's ability even more than driving while intoxicated. Talking on a cell phone and other driver distractions pose a major threat to everyone on the road.

To minimize risks while driving, consider the following:

  • Do not talk on your cell phone or any messaging apps.
  • If you absolutely must conduct a conversation pull over to the side of the road or parking lot.
  • Never touch up your makeup or hair.
  • Limit your conversations with passengers and ask them to keep their voices down so you can concentrate.
  • Do not smoke while you are driving, as you will likely pay more attention to not burning yourself or putting out the cigarette than driving safely.
  • Only adjust the radio or CD player when you are completely stopped.
  • Never allow pets to sit on your lap while driving.
  • Do not eat or drink while driving.
  • Avoid reading maps or directions. Instead, pull into a parking lot to get your bearings and determine where you need to go next to reach your final destination.
  • Do not take notes or search for phone numbers.
  • Bad weather, work zones, or heavy traffic all require your complete attention and have increased risk.

Allowing yourself to become distracted while driving can lead to dangerous, and even fatal consequence. Be a responsible motorist and make paying attention to the road your number one priority when you're behind the wheel.

FAQs

What is financial advising?

Financial advising involves providing guidance and advice to individuals, families, or businesses to help them make informed decisions about their financial matters. This can include various aspects such as investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and more. Financial advisors analyze their clients' financial situations, goals, and risk tolerance to create customized strategies that align with their objectives.

Why is financial planning important?

Financial planning is crucial for several reasons:

Goal Achievement: It helps individuals set and achieve financial goals, whether they are short-term, such as buying a home, or long-term, like funding a comfortable retirement.

Risk Management: Financial planning addresses risks by considering insurance, emergency funds, and other protective measures.

Budgeting and Saving: It promotes responsible money management through budgeting and saving, fostering financial stability.

Wealth Building: Effective financial planning can lead to wealth accumulation and the creation of a secure financial future.

Can financial advisors help with debt?

Yes, financial advisors can help with debt management. They can assess your overall financial situation, create a budget, and develop strategies to pay down debt efficiently. They may also negotiate with creditors on your behalf, provide debt consolidation recommendations, and offer guidance on prioritizing and managing debt repayment.

What exactly does a financial advisor do?

The specific responsibilities of a financial advisor can vary, but generally, they:

  1. Conduct a thorough analysis of a client's financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
  2. Develop personalized financial plans based on the client's goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
  3. Provide investment advice and portfolio management services.
  4. Offer guidance on retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, and insurance.
  5. Monitor and adjust financial plans as needed based on changes in the client's life or market conditions.
  6. Educate clients on financial matters and empower them to make informed decisions.
What is the average fee for a financial advisor?

The fees charged by financial advisors can vary widely based on factors such as the advisor's experience, the services provided, and the region.

Common fee structures include:

Hourly Fees: Advisors charge an hourly rate for their services.
Flat or Fixed Fees: A set fee is charged for specific services or a comprehensive financial plan.
Asset-based Fees: Fees are a percentage of the assets under management (AUM).
Commission-based Fees: Advisors earn commissions on financial products they sell.
Combination of Fees: Advisors may use a combination of the above fee structures.

It's important to discuss and clarify fee arrangements with a potential financial advisor before engaging in their services.