Lawn Care Safety Tips

Lawn Mowers

1.        Read the mower’s manual, heed safety and operating instructions and learn the controls.

2.       Children should be at least 12 years old before operating a push lawn mower, and age 16 to operate a driving lawn mower.

3.       Do not allow children to ride as passengers on a lawn mower, and be sure to keep children out of the yard while mowing.

4.       Clean up toys and other objects, such as rocks, from the yard to help prevent injuries from flying objects.

5.       Never leave a running mower unattended.

6.       Never operate the mower in an enclosed place where carbon monoxide can collect.

7.       Never unclog or work on a lawn mower while the engine is on or when the spark plug is connected.  Doing this puts the user at risk for being injured by the blade.

8.       Wear non-slip shoes, long pants and ear plugs for protection.


(Information taken from Travelers Insurance Insights)




Frank Zimmerman, CIC
Mars Insurance Agency, Inc
815-459-0711
Fax:  815-459-1174

Targeting Distracted Driving: Cell Phone Ban While Driving

On January 1, Illinois joined roughly a dozen other states with laws banning the use of cell phones while driving. Though the state already has a prohibition in place for texting and driving, once House Bill 1247 takes effect Illinois residents will no longer be allowed to talk on cell phones when driving, unless using hands-free technology.

A survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010. Proponents say the new law will cut down on distracted driving, making Illinois’ roads safer.



Violators of the law will be fined $75 for a first offense. Fines of as much as $150 could be issued for repeat offenses as well as facing a moving violation on their driving record, though drivers are still legally allowed to make calls on hand-held phones in emergency situations.

Another law will increase penalties for motor vehicle accidents involving someone who was using a cell phone or other communication device while behind the wheel. House Bill 2585 increases penalties for drivers who were distracted by these types of devices, which led to a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious injury or permanent disability. These types of offenses were previously considered a petty offense; however, as of January 1, those convicted could be charged with a felony, carrying penalties of up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.


Information provided by Senator Pam Althoff’s office