Car safety

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According to NHTSA, over 450,000 vehicles are sold annually in the United States with fraudulent odometer readings, resulting in losses exceeding $1 billion for American car buyers each year. Mileage fraud, also known as odometer tampering, is a serious crime that can cost car buyers thousands of dollars. In this blog post, we'll discuss what mileage fraud is, how to spot the signs, and how to protect yourself when buying a used car.

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If the hood of your car unexpectedly pops open while you're driving, it can be a dangerous situation and should be handled with caution. Here's what may happen and what you should do:
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 individuals every day, or one every 39 minutes, lose their lives in drunk driving accidents in the United States. In 2021, 13,384 more individuals died in traffic accidents than in 2020 as a result of drunk driving. All of these fatalities were avoidable.

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Are teens really the worst drivers out there? Is texting the main reason for car accidents, or is it driving under the influence? Here are some interesting statistics about life on the road.
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A little bit goes a long way, and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. These are common sayings that certainly pertain to auto maintenance. For most people, their automobile is likely one of their biggest investments and also one of the things they depend on most. Here are some easy things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle and minimize future repairs.
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You are experiencing a roadside emergency. Maybe there's a problem with your tire or your engine. Or maybe you didn't notice how low on fuel your gas tank was. It happens. Being prepared for a roadside emergency is essential for your safety and the safety of others.

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Nothing can turn a good day into a bad one like a flat tire. However, you may be able to help prevent this with some good, old-fashioned maintenance, precautions and knowledge. That said, here are a few tips you should consider adopting into your routine:

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Distracted driving is defined as engaging in any activity that takes your attention away from driving: It can be considered manual, when you move your hands from the wheel; visual, when you focus your eyes away from the road; cognitive, when your mind wanders to other tasks; or any combination of the three. Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world's largest telematics provider, just released its 2022 U.S. Distracted Driving Report, and the results are staggering, with distracted driving levels at their highest point since the pandemic's onset. "Over the past two years, distracted driving has been like a pandemic within a pandemic, increasing at alarming rates and changing drivers' behaviors as the pandemic wears on. As more drivers hit the nation's roads, this intensified distraction will put even more people at risk," says Ryan McMahon, vice president of strategy at CMT.

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Car crashes are the leading cause of death among children from infancy to 12 years of age. Despite this horrifying trend, it is estimated that between 40 and 45% of children killed in car crashes were improperly restrained.

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As winter thaws into spring blossoms, summer beckons with backyard cookouts and campfires under the stars. Like many people in Minnesota, spring also means an overhaul of all the recreational toys and gear that make those summertime adventures comfortable, including the family camper. Here are some considerations when readying your RV for all the camping and travel expeditions ahead.
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Think you can multitask while driving and it won't affect your risk of having a car accident? Think again. Brain researchers say it's a terrible idea, even with a hands-free device. But just how terrible? Researchers say it's akin to driving while legally drunk. That's because distracted driving impacts and impairs one's visual perception, in particular, peripheral sight. That text or phone call can wait.

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The holiday season is upon us, meaning it's time to be jolly, gather with friends and family, and, hopefully, stay safe. But in addition to the things we're all wishing for, the holidays can bring some unwanted gifts in the form of accidents, damages, or injuries that might result in an insurance claim. So what are the most common holiday-related insurance claims and how can you avoid them? Read on to find out.

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Pets often become more like family members, and in the case of dogs (and the occasional cat), we tend to take them wherever we go. But before you pack up Fido for a summer road trip, it's important to think about how to keep your beloved pet safe when temperatures are extreme.
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Recreational Vehicle (RV) sales soared during the pandemic, as stir-crazy families across the U.S. realized that road trips might be the safest and only way to get out of the house. And according to recent consumer reports, the trend shows no signs of slowing.
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Good tires that are in good shape are critical to safe driving. Every driver should know a little bit about how to assess their tires and how to purchase new ones when they're needed.

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Braking is a critical function of driving. After all, we need to brake or slow down for red and yellow traffic lights, stop signs, pedestrians and much more. But safety experts say that most drivers brake hard and/or slam on their brakes far too much, adding extra wear and tear on their vehicles and tires and increasing fuel costs. Not to mention that slamming on your brakes might cause you to lose control of your car.

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Car accidents can occur anytime, anywhere. They're definitely no fun, and sometimes they can be deadly. Take a look at this list of three of the most common types of auto accidents. It's a great guide for what NOT to do while you're on the road:

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This summer, during these unprecedented times, families are taking to the road as a way to vacation in the safest way possible during the pandemic. While driving may minimize your risk of contracting COVID-19, it isn't always the safest way to travel - in fact, the summer months are some of the most dangerous to be on the road. Here are the top 10 risks that you should be aware of if you're planning on taking that summer road trip.

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If there's one thing that research points out, it's that teens are, literally, the worst drivers. According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teenagers, and the risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens aged 16-19 than among any other age group. So while your teen is probably thrilled to be driving, and you're probably thrilled to not be driving them everywhere, it's important to continue teaching them how to stay safe and smart on the road. Luckily, teenagers are stubborn but still pretty impressionable. Here are the most important things you can instill in your brand new teenage driver, and guidelines to have them follow.
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Even if you're used to it, driving on ice and snow can be nerve-wracking even during clear skies. But when a storm rolls in, driving can get extremely scary, as well as dangerous. Whether you live in a climate that gets severe winter weather or are just traveling through one, here are some tips for safer driving in a storm:
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Your car is made up of a number of different parts, and like any well-oiled machine, every part needs to be in tip-top shape to run smoothly. If one part starts to fail, it could affect how the whole car runs. There are a number of things you should do to help keep your car maintained, but do you know why performing certain regular maintenance checks on your car is important? From monitoring fluid levels to testing brakes, understanding your car's needs can help you identify potential issues.

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Icy weather can create challenging, and potentially dangerous, driving conditions in the winter months. Black ice forms on roadways and can produce a nearly invisible hazard. As temperatures approach freezing, icy conditions can develop, especially on roadways where elevation is higher, and bridges and overpasses. Adjusting your driving behavior for these conditions can help keep you, and others around you, safe on the road this winter.

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Car crashes are the leading cause of death among children from infancy to 12 years of age. Despite this horrifying trend, it is estimated that between 40 and 45 percent children killed in car crashes were improperly restrained.

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13 Essential Auto Insurance Tips for Human Drivers

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Summer is here, which means you're likely seeing more motorcycles on the road. And the key word here is "see." People driving cars and trucks often fail to notice the motorcyclists around them, partly because they're not accustomed to looking for them.

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In 1991, video footage went viral (as viral as video could be in 1991) of people taking shelter from a tornado by leaving their cars and climbing up underneath an underpass. The tornado passed over, and the people emerged a little freaked out but otherwise unscathed. It was quite dramatic.

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In 12 of 15 states with hands-free laws, traffic fatalities have decreased by an average of 15 percent. And it will help law enforcement keep Minnesotans safe. Because drivers aren't allowed to have a phone in their hand, it'll be easier for law enforcement to see violations and take more effective action. Through public awareness and education, the goal is for Minnesotans to comply with the new law without enforcement action.

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It's summer, which means that millions of Americans will soon start packing their cars to go camping, visit the beach or faraway relatives; or to take part in recreational activities like surfing or biking only to find that there's not enough room for all of their stuff. Fortunately, there are many ways to carry that extra gear or cargo on the roof of your vehicle but it's important that you do it safely. Here's all you need to know about securing your stuff before you hit the road.
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We're all distracted these days. In every moment, there are dozens of things competing for our attention, and well, driving is no exception. Loud music, texting, or an unruly kid in the back seat can threaten to take our focus away from the road just long enough for an accident to happen.

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According to the National Safety Council, someone is killed in a car accident every 15 minutes, and many more are injured each day. Car accidents remain a leading cause of death in the U.S. year after year, and yet, reducing our risk on the road isn't something most of us think about once we've passed the exam and joined the ranks of everyday drivers. Here are some basics to review to make sure that you're doing your part to be a responsible driver, and to protect yourself and your community.

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Millions of Americans will do some traveling this winter season - the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you're simply driving around in the Twin Cities or headed to Duluth or Des Moines.

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More than 40,000 Americans died on the roads in 2016, the most significant increase in deaths over a two-year period in more than 50 years.¹ Whether someone you love has been known to text and drive, or you have found yourself distracted behind the wheel, these tips can help avoid dangerous activity on the road.

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Car seats are expensive. That's why you're thinking of accepting one from a friend who doesn't need hers anymore. But should you put your children in a used car seat? Safety experts say you'll want to ask some important questions before you do:

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Your car battery might be begging for your attention.

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Out drinking for the evening? It's always best to get a ride home instead of driving yourself after a night out.

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The Federal Highway Administration database claims that the total number of reported collisions in the U.S. are around 300,000 per year, with many more going unreported for various reasons. Colliding with an animal is a traumatizing experience for all involved, and it's important that every driver knows what to do when it does. Here are some tips to avoid hitting animals in the first place, and how you should handle it if you do.
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Fact or myth: Your rubber tires will stop lightning from striking your car.

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3 Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Car Crash

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As vehicle owners, it's easy to to focus solely on the mechanics — in other words, the inside parts. Is it running well? When was the last oil change? While a regular maintenance schedule is ideal and recommended, don't neglect the outside. The body needs attention, too!

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Are your windshield wipers squeaking and leaving behind streaks? It may be time to replace those old wipers with some new ones. Here are a few guidelines to help your replace your wipers.

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Ah, freedom... if learning to drive is on the horizon for your teenager, he or she is probably thrilled about the prospect of getting to travel outside the confines of your schedule and neighborhood. You, on the other hand, might be thrilled about not having to drive them everywhere but the excitement ends there.

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It can be a stressful situation if your car breaks down while you're on the road. While regular maintenance to your vehicle can help avoid serious issues, there's no way to guarantee that your car will run as it should at all times. The best way to handle these situations is to be prepared. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you experience car trouble while driving:

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As technology evolves, cellphones continue to be one of the biggest distractions to today's drivers. It is not uncommon to see drivers on their phones talking, texting, streaming music, looking up directions, or even "quickly" surfing the web. This type of distracted behavior endangers not only the driver, but also everyone else on the road.

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They may be your own, or they're your grandkids or your friend' kids, but driving with kids is a task that should always be taken seriously. Having kids in the car can be quite distracting. Perhaps they are fighting in the back seat, or maybe one is asking you for a snack while the other has to make an urgent bathroom stop. Paying attention to the road and to the kids is a trying experience. Read these tips to find out how to keep your pint-sized passengers safe and sound, for any trip at any age.
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Even though Rongstad Insurance Services will be there to respond to your auto theft claim, having your vehicle (or your personal property inside) stolen is never fun. That's why it's important to remember a few simple theft prevention rules like these listed below:

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At some point, every driver in Minnesota has to deal with rainy weather. But, many don't know what to do, so they just drive as they normally would.

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Buying a Car for Your Grad? Here's What to Keep in Mind

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How many times has the following happened to you? You're speeding down 35W when you spot a Minnesota State Highway Patrol car. You quickly hit the brakes and slow down, relieved that you didn't get caught ... this time.

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5 Ways to Avoid Parking Lot Fender Benders in Minnesota
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Getting ready for winter weather

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Millions of Americans will embark on a road trip before winter. Whether you are headed across the country or have a much shorter trip in mind, here are some great ways to have a safe and happy getaway:
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There is no shortage of distractions in the modern world. Distracted driving has become a national issue, and many schools and public agencies are scrambling to raise awareness of the problem. The National Safety Council estimates that one in four car accidents involve cell phone use, but many people still believe that talking or texting while driving is harmless. Using electronics while driving is only one of the dangerous habits that have become all too common for today's drivers.
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Do you have a child who is a clutter bug? Chances are, your vehicle tells the story.
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They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, from the rounded-off, vintage "teardrop" types to the mirror-shiny Airstreams and the clever pop-up models. Some are strictly no-frills, utilitarian shelters for fishermen to park by the river for a few days; others are incredibly appointed bastions of luxury that seem as long as a city block and can keep a family of 12 comfortable and. Summer is at its peak, and it's not just the hot sunshine, sandals, and barbecues that remind us; it's the amazing assortment of travel trailers moving all over the U.S. highways. Families love to travel in the summer, and what better way to do it than with a mobile house on wheels towed behind your car or truck, providing all the comforts of home in virtually any new locale you desire?
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New parents have their hands full. While the nine months leading up to the birth of a child afford plenty of time to research the best gear and make necessary preparations, the list of concerns for that fragile bundle of joy can be intimidating. And selecting the right car seat is one of the most challenging. Between reviews, recalls, budgets, and difficult-to-understand instructions, the world of car seat shopping is not for the faint of heart. But it needn't be so complicated: once you know the lingo and your needs, it's just a matter of finding the right fit for your vehicle and family.
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