Belgrade, Montana Personal Injury Blog

Summer brings many newly licensed teen drivers out on the roads. Some are driving to and from summer jobs, running errands for their parents and chauffeuring younger siblings. Still others are driving to the lakes, mountains and other destinations to hang out with their friends.

While teens have grown up hearing about the dangers of texting and talking on the phone while driving, a surprising number still admit to doing it. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety says that over half of the teen drivers it surveyed reported using their phone at least once in the last month while behind the wheel. Over a quarter admitted to texting while driving.

Summer heat brings challenges for Montana gun owners, including owners of Remington rifles. In order to minimize the risk of injuries or death due to firearms, it is critical for gun owners to take precautions specifically related to summer heat, such as keeping guns and ammunition in vehicles that can overheat quickly.

Ammunition is unlikely to explode due to being kept in a hot vehicle since the interior would have to reach a temperature of hundreds of degrees for that to happen. However, it is always a good idea to avoid storing guns and ammunition in your vehicle for too long because they can become hot to the touch and that in turn can result in inadvertently mishandling them. That can lead to accidents and corresponding firearm injuries.

With the cold winter months firmly in the past, it's time to prepare your vehicle for the summer heat that's sure to come. By doing so, you're able to confidently maintain a high level of safety every time you get behind the wheel.

Here are a few things to consider as you prepare your vehicle for summer:

• Check your tires: Bald tires are more likely to blow out when driving on hot roadways. Furthermore, tires with little or no tread don't provide the stability you need when driving in the rain, which increases the risk of hydroplaning.
• Inspect your windshield wipers: When the rain begins to fall, you'll rely on your wipers to keep your windshield clear, allowing you to see the road ahead.
• Cooling system: A top cause of summer breakdowns, your cooling system should be flushed, inspected and refilled approximately every two years.
• Inspect your brakes: If you notice anything wrong with your braking system, such as longer stopping distances, have your mechanic take a closer look. Your brakes work hard at all times of the year, so they should always be in good condition.

Things have changed over the years, and gun safety is more important than ever before. If you're keeping guns in your home, it's critical that the safety and well-being of you and your family is priority number one.

There are a variety of ways to safely store your guns at home, including the following:

• Trigger lock: With this, you can prevent a gun from being loaded or fired by anyone but yourself. So, even if someone gains access to your gun, they're unable to load and use it.
• Gun case: Gun cases range in price based on the size, material and strength. When you keep your guns inside a secure case, it's nearly impossible for someone to get them out without a key or combination.
• Security case: Similar to a gun case, portability makes this a popular choice. A security case allows you to properly store your gun, while taking it with you on the go. This is perfect for people who regularly remove their guns from their home, such as to go hunting.
• Gun safe: If top-notch security is on your mind, a gun safe is a must. It's the most secure gun storage option, as unauthorized access is impossible. The best gun safes have interior storage options, such as racks, along with lined interiors to protect your guns from damage. Furthermore, the weight of a gun safe makes it impossible to move.