Welcome to our December eNewsletter.

As the year winds down, a feeling of excitement and anticipation begins to fill the air. We immerse ourselves into the hustle and bustle of public places and busily begin preparing for gatherings with friends and family. We're out and about, shopping and socializing, smiling and toasting, and we're all looking forward to a fresh start with the coming of the new year.

Please remember to take a little extra time and consideration during the holiday rush. Whether it's remaining patient in a mall parking lot, or volunteering to be the designated driver after a holiday get-together, we encourage you to think of others as well as yourself. Our first and foremost concern is your safety.

In this newsletter, we've included a few tips on safe driving and an article about a new technology that has been developed to help prevent auto accidents.

We at Brooks Insurance Services sincerely thank you for your business, and we look forward to continuing our relationship in the new year.

Warm holiday wishes from our family to yours,

Steve Brooks, CIC, CPIA
Founder/President
steveb@brooksins.com
www.brooksins.com

Steve Brooks Named Chairperson

Steve Brooks has been named the 2009 Chairperson for the Personal Insurance Committee for Insurance Brokers & Agents of the West (IBA West).

As Chairperson he will be responsible for ensuring that the Personal Insurance Committee lives up to its mission to create and maintain successful products for the personal insurance marketplace.

Of the appointment Brooks says, I'm thrilled to Chair the Personal Insurance Committee for IBA West. My involvement in this organization and specifically this committee has been instrumental in my ongoing education, which is imperative in this industry, no matter how long you've been in it. I am honored to have been selected as Chairperson and look forward to seeing that the Personal Insurance Committee continues to live up to our mission and fulfill our goals.

Steve Brooks opened Steve Brooks Insurance Services in 1989 as a full service, independent property and casualty agency. Since that time Steve Brooks Insurance Services has grown to become one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the tri-county region of San Luis Obispo, Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

In the past Brooks was also appointed to the Board of Directors for the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) and was recognized as the National Award Winning Young Agents Chairperson by the organization.

Hi-Tech Gadget Helps Keep Teen Drivers Safe

With the increasing popularity of cell phones, the question of how to prevent people from talking or texting while driving has become a growing concern.

Researchers at the University of Utah might have a solution. Their invention, called Key2SafeDriving, prevents the use of a cell phone while driving.

The way it works is fairly simple. A car key goes inside a device that is connected wirelessly to the driver's cell phone. In order to place the key into the ignition, the driver must either slide the key out of the device or push a button to release it.

When the car key loses its connection to the device, the device sends a signal to the driver's cell phone, placing the cell phone in driving mode and thus making it unusable until the car key is placed back into the device. (911 and other emergency numbers can still be called.)

If the cell phone receives a call or text while the key is out of the device, the driver's phone sends an automatic response that says I am driving now. I will call you later when I arrive at the destination safely.

Although the product is not currently on the market, the university hopes to make it available by June 2009. The cost is estimated at around $50 per key plus a monthly service fee, which hasn't been determined yet.

Parents of teens will undoubtedly embrace the new technology, but we adults may want to consider practicing a little self-discipline as well. It is no secret that we too are guilty of talking or texting on our phones while driving. Unless the government steps in to enforce laws against the use of phones while driving (see next article), we must be responsible for ourselves and others.

Staying Safe On The Road

Being a good driver is mostly about using common sense, but sometimes we all need a reminder. For example, wearing your seat belt should be a no-brainer nowadays, but there are still some people who forget. Here are a few driving tips to keep you and other motorists safe.

1. Hang up and drive. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, texting while driving will be illegal in California, according to a new law signed by Governor Schwarzeneggar. If you are caught writing, sending or even reading a text or e-mail message while behind the wheel, you face a fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for repeat offenses. Since July 2008, California motorists over 18 have been required to use hands-fee devices for phone use while driving, and drivers under age 18 may not use any electronic devices. Go to http://www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.html for more information.
   
   
2. Keep your eyes on the road. Rubbernecking is the cause of many accidents. Learn to adjust and use your mirrors correctly, and when you need to glance over, do so with caution. Your mirrors are there for a reason; please use them.
   
   
3. Don't tailgate. Generally speaking, if you bump, tap, slam or crash into the car in front of you, you are the one at fault. So help prevent that from happening by simply keeping a safe distance.
   
   
4. Be a calm and courteous driver. Oftentimes, being stuck in traffic or being annoyed by other driver's actions can lead to a serious case of road rage. In these instances, take a deep breath and calm down. Clear thinking will lead to better driving.
   
   
5. Slow down, slow down, slow down. Perhaps the most important rule of the road, abiding by the speed limit will keep you, your passengers and other motorists safer. Sometimes we don't even realize we're speeding, so check your speedometer often.