Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/40418
upfront the price of distraction Tenants On Guard F rom now on, you're going to want to think twice about making a phone call from behind the wheel. As of Sep- tember 1, it's an offence in Alberta to talk or text on hand-held cell- phones, use other electronic devices, read, write and attend to personal grooming while driving. Drivers engaged in any of these activities can be charged under the new law – the fi ne for a distracted driving offence is $172 (with no demerit points). Distracted drivers could face additional charges if they commit other violations, such as running a stop sign or making an unsafe lane change. Drivers can still use cellphones or radio communication devices, but only in hands-free or voice-activated mode. They're also allowed to use hand-held CB or two-way radios when escorting over- sized vehicles and participating in search, rescue and emergency situations, and to contact an employer. 12 WESTWORLD >> SEPTEMBER 2011 Resist Temptation Here are a few ways to keep your attention on the road: • Send calls to voicemail. • Plan for safe locations to stop (for exam- ple, rest stops or commuter lots) to make and receive calls. • Allow plenty of travel time. • Pre-program driving routes on your GPS before you leave. • Set your climate control and your radio prior to driving. • Place reading material out of reach. Learn more: ama.ab.ca/distracteddriving. Also, visit yourpledge.ca to take a stand against distracted driving. Congratulations, you've found the perfect place to rent. All the boxes are unpacked and the only thing left to do now is throw a housewarming party. Or is it? Many renters forget about or forgo insurance. Renter's insur- ance covers furniture, electronic equipment, clothes and other personal property in the event of fi re, theft or vandalism, among other things. Paying a few dollars a month to protect thousands of dollars worth of goods seems like a no-brainer, yet many renters don't buy it – some under the erroneous impression that their landlord's insurance will cover them. The truth is, most landlords only have property insurance, meaning just the building is protected, not tenants' personal belongings. So it's best for renters to take out their own insurance. The policy may even cover items temporarily away from the insured premises, such as bicycles, laptops and sporting equipment. Renter's insurance also usually offers liability coverage, meaning if some- one is injured or his or her property damaged in your home, you're fi nan- cially protected. (left) Steve Prezant, (top) Ryan McVay/Getty Images