Texting While Driving Can Be Deadly! It Can Also Lead to Financial Consequences

Have you ever driven while talking on the phone or texting a friend? Maybe you feel comfortable doing other things while you drive, but it’s time to reconsider. Distracted drivers cause many of the accidents on the nation’s roads, and cell phones are a major distraction. Even experienced drivers are not able to drive safely while talking on the phone, and texting is even worse, taking the driver’s eyes away from the road.

Halfway through this year, 1,200 tickets had been written in Kentucky for texting and driving. This is much worse than last year, when approximately 800 tickets were written for the same offense during the entire year. Although enforcement is being increased, many people continue to use their cell phones while driving.

Keep in mind that nearly 7,200 accidents were linked to distracted drivers last year, and 22 people died in those crashes. The next statistic could be you or someone you know. If someone you care about is driving while distracted by anything, whether they are texting or looking at a map, encourage them to pull over safely and do what they need to do.

There have been several attempts to pass tougher laws in Kentucky to deal with distracted driving, but so far not everyone is on board. Currently, there is a $25 fine for the first offense and a $50 fine for the second offense, plus court costs. Kentucky has also banned the use of personal handheld electronics for drivers under 18 years old. You might have to pay serious prices if you drive and text.

Fortunately, there is a “TextLimit” app that you can  download onto your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry phone.  The app will disable text messaging capability while your car is in motion. All you have to do is sign up and enter the code, “NOTEXTKY”, to get a free subscription for one year. This technology could save many lives in Kentucky and help discourage people from texting while driving.

For more information, watch the following video from WKYT in Lexington: http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Kentucky-joins-national-texting-enforcement-movement-252531981.html?ref=981.

READERS, what do you think?

Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? And do you text while you drive? If not, do you know of people who do or who have had to face legal or other consequences because of it?

What would you say to a friend or family member who is endangering themselves or others by texting while driving?

And would you use  the “TextLimit” app to keep you from texting while driving?

References:

Internet Forestry. (2014, July 25). Kentucky: Distracted Driving Laws, Legislation. Hands Free Info. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from http://handsfreeinfo.com/kentucky-cell-phone-laws-legislation/.

Smith, S. (2014, March 26). Kentucky Joins National Texting Enforcement Movement. WKYT. Retrieved September 24, 2014, from http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Kentucky-joins-national-texting-enforcement-movement-252531981.html?ref=981.

Protect You Identity from Hackers

Recently, one of the largest Internet hacking schemes was uncovered. Overseas hackers were found to have stolen 1.2 billion Internet usernames and passwords. This means that, unless you change your usernames and passwords, the hackers can sign into your e-mail or social media accounts and send spam from your e-mail address. Hackers might even pose as your e-mail contacts and send spams to you. To protect yourself from hackers, change your usernames and passwords for your e-mail and Internet accounts. Avoid any strange or out-of-place messages that you receive from your online contacts. Do not be swayed by advertisements or be tempted by spam.

Such incidents of hacking remind us to always be on our guard and protect our personal and financial information. To avoid falling prey to hackers, do not use the same password for more than one account. If your online account providers give the option, elect for a two-step authentication log requiring two passwords. Change your passwords regularly to frustrate persistent hacking attempts. Finally, be sure to monitor your credit report regularly. If a hacker is able to steal enough of your information to open an account in your name, regular credit checks will help you find and correct the problem as quickly as possible.

READERS, what do you think?

Does widespread hacking make you want to be more careful online? In what ways?

Have you been a victim of hacking? What did you do the fix the problem?

Reference:

O’Toole, J., & Pagliery, J. (2014, August 6). Russian Criminals Steal 1.2 billion Passwords. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2014/08/05/technology/security/russian-hackers-theft/index.html?hpt=hp_t1.

More Students are Borrowing Less for Education and Training Beyond High School

A recent survey by Sallie Mae and research firm Ipsos found that more students are making shrewd borrowing decisions for their education. This year, the amount of money borrowed for college dropped to its lowest level in several years. More parents and students are opting to pay for college using their savings rather than with loans. By avoiding student loans, families are able to save themselves thousands of dollars in interest in the long-run.

Avoiding student loan debt is not easy, as the cost of attending college continues to rise. Surveys have shown that students are managing the growing cost of higher education by going to less expensive colleges. In the past four years, the number of students attending two-year community and junior colleges has gone up by 11 percent, while the number of students entering four-year universities has decreased by 11 percent.

Community and junior colleges are a great money-saving option for families, as they charge less for tuition. While the average four-year private college costs over $34,000 a year, a two-year public institution costs about $11,000 per year on average. Two-year public colleges are usually located close to home, and offer transferrable credits for those who want to move on to a four-year degree. You do need to make sure the credits you get at a two-year institution will count when transferring to your particular four-year institution, as they might not. Doing the research beforehand will help prevent wasted credits (and money).

School choice is not the only way students have been cutting their dependence on loans. Students and their families have also worked to reduce the living expenses that usually contribute to debt. Rather than living in pricey dorms, more students are choosing institutions that allow them to live at home. Other students are working while in school in order to contribute more money toward their education.

Students entering college should take advantage of this trend and explore ways they can limit their dependence on student loans. When researching potential colleges, pay close attention to the yearly costs, and do not neglect to inquire about the community colleges in your area. In order to save on living expenses, consider schools that will allow you to live at home. If you do choose a four-year institution, consider one that will not charge you out-of-state-tuition. These cost-cutting decisions will save you a great deal of money over time.

READERS, what do you think?

Would you be willing to go to a community college if it meant avoiding student loan debt? Why or why not?

Reference:

Hicken, M. (2014, August 1). How Americans Are Paying for College. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2014/07/31/pf/college/paying-for-college/index.html?iid=SF_PF_River.