Back-to-School Safe Driving Tips
August 14, 2017
A new school year is about to begin for millions of students across the country, bringing with it a return of school buses to the road and children walking to bus stops and neighborhood schools.
<p>For motorists, including <a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/" rel="noopener">Penske Truck Rental’s</a> do-it-yourself movers and <a href="https://www.penskelogistics.com/" rel="noopener">Penske Logistics</a> professional drivers, the additional pedestrian and bus traffic will mean taking a few extra precautions.</p><p>Recognizing this, Penske and <a href="http://www.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/ZipCode.woa/wa/route?area=partnerJoin&skin=Default&partnercode=IPENSKE" rel="noopener">AAA</a> have provided some tips for drivers to navigate school zones to help keep children safe.</p><p>A new school year brings with it excitement for children filled with meeting new teachers and classmates and reconnecting with old friends. The surge of emotion can distract children from making good choices when walking to bus stops and schools.</p><p>“During the first couple of months, you need to be even more alert because students might make unpredictable moves,” said Chuck Pagesy, director of safety for Penske. “These are young children, and they may not make the best decisions. They could run out in the street chasing a ball or another object.”</p><p>When entering a school zone, drivers should follow any speed restrictions related to that school zone – whether it is a flashing sign with red lights or just a posted speed limit.</p><p>Consumer renters should take special care in school zones with stopped buses or children crossing the street. “Many of our larger rental vehicles are sitting up higher, and the hood could potentially obstruct seeing a young child in front of one of our trucks,” Pagesy cautioned.</p><p>Drivers should also keep an eye out for crossing guards and follow their instructions.</p><p>“And just because an intersection does not have a crossing guard doesn’t mean you won’t come upon young children who may dart across the road. There is that risk potential,” Pagesy said.</p><p>Risks do not disappear when drivers are out of the school zone. Drivers should be watchful at dismissal times for young children in the neighborhood surrounding the school.</p><p>AAA offers these additional tips for drivers:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li><strong>Slow down.</strong> Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.</li> <li><strong>Come to a complete stop.</strong> Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.</li> <li><strong>Eliminate distractions.</strong> Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone or eating while driving, for example.</li> <li><strong>Reverse responsibly.</strong> Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children on the sidewalk, in the driveway and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children to never play in, under or around vehicles.</li> <li><strong>Watch for bicycles.</strong> Children on bikes are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least 3 feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride. Find videos, expert advice and safety tips at <a href="http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/bicycle-safety/#.WYnyFtIrKHs" rel="noopener">ShareTheRoad.AAA.com</a>.</li></ul><ul class="ee-ul"> <li><strong>Talk to your teen.</strong>Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and a large portion of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get evidence-based guidance and tips at <a href="http://teendriving.aaa.com/PA/" rel="noopener">AAA.com</a>.</li></ul><p>Do you have tips for readying your children for the new school year?</p><p>Share them in the comment section below.</p><p><em>Are you an AAA member planning a household move? Penske is AAA’s exclusive truck rental partner offering AAA members </em><a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/aaa/" rel="noopener">discounts</a><em> on truck rentals and moving supplies.</em> <em>Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental </em><a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/" rel="noopener">website</a><em> for more information</em><em>.</em></p><p><em>By Bernie Mixon </em></p></div>
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Getting to Know Your New Surroundings
August 04, 2017
Now that your summer move is complete – and your Penske rental truck is unloaded – it’s time to get to know your new surroundings.
<p>That means locating schools, parks, the best places to shop and getting to know the character of your new city or town.</p><p>The excitement of moving to a new area can quickly turn to stress if you are not sure how to navigate your new surroundings.</p><p>Here are a few tips to get started:</p><p><strong>Seek out </strong>the visitor’s bureau or local chamber of commerce for maps, guides and information on local attractions. <a href="http://www.google.com/maps" rel="noopener">Google Maps</a> is a great resource to get to know your new area. Just type in your address and you will get a bird’s eye view of your neighborhood.</p><p><strong>Set aside </strong>some time to explore. Slip on a comfortable pair of shoes, grab your phone – in case you get lost – and go exploring. Start in your neighborhood and map out the closest convenience store, coffee shop or post office. It will come in handy later.</p><p>Are you looking to <strong>volunteer</strong> in your new community? Contact the <a href="http://www.unitedway.org/" rel="noopener">United Way</a> for information on your local chapter which can connect you with organizations seeking volunteers in your area. Volunteering is also a great way to get to know new people.</p><p><a href="http://mashable.com/2014/02/16/new-city/#zJ2W3x8acsqN" rel="noopener">Social media</a> is a great way to get to know your community. Do you have a <strong>favorite hobby or sport</strong>? A quick search of Facebook can lead you to neighbors in your area who have similar interests. You may find a new hobby or interest you never considered before.</p><p>Once you have a list of <strong>local attractions</strong>, take time to go visit them with your family before the first day of school or work. Remember to snap some pictures to share with family and friends. Sharing memories of your new surroundings with loved ones helps you stay connected and allows them to share in your adventure.</p><p>Do you have tips on how to acclimate to a new city or town? Share them in the comments section.</p><p><em>Are you planning a move to your next new hometown? Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.</em></p><p><em>By Bernie Mixon </em></p></div>
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Staying Healthy and Fit on Your Move
July 28, 2017
Now that your Penske rental truck is packed and you’re ready for your summer move, don’t forget to take a few steps to stay healthy and fit during your road trip.
<p>Normal nutrition and fitness can take a back seat when you are distracted from your normal routine. Fast food restaurants are enticing, quick options when on the road, but they may not be the best nutritional choice.</p><p>Just like when you are at home, preparation is the key to good nutrition and fitness to maintain your health on the road.</p><p>Here are some tips to help you plan ahead:</p><p>Nutrition:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Pack a few snacks for the road, such as fruit slices, vegetables and other finger foods that everyone enjoys. Coolers are great to store snacks and keep them handy.</li> <li>Hydration is important – especially in the dog days of summer. Remember to pack plenty of water and sports drinks. Keep colorful, fun sports bottles on hand to make hydrating fun for small children.</li> <li>If rest stops or fast food restaurants are your only option, pay attention to calorie count, opt for grilled over fried, choose salads with vinaigrette dressings and avoid the creamy dressing options whenever possible.</li> <li>Here are some more <a href="https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/on-the-go/healthy-snacks-on-the-go/" rel="noopener">ideas</a> on how to keep your nutrition on point.</li></ul><p>Fitness:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Stopping for gas provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to get out and stretch their legs, walk around and maybe do a set of jumping jacks.</li> <li>If your trip takes you cross-country, consider stopping at one of the nation’s picturesque <a href="https://blog.gopenske.com/rental/moving-cross-country-park-and-enjoy-the-parks/">national parks</a>. You could take a short walk or hike to take in the scenery and snap a few family photos as keepsakes of your trip.</li> <li>Planning to stay at a hotel? Check to see if they have a gym on site. Keep your running shoes handy – as well as a water bottle and towel – so you can put a dent in those <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/nation-now/2017/04/14/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-walk-10000-steps-health-fitness/99681306/" rel="noopener">10,000 steps</a>.</li> <li>Want more fitness ideas? Check out some <a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/how-to-exercise-on-a-long-road-trip/" rel="noopener">here</a>.</li></ul><p>Do you have some tips for staying health and fit from your summer move? Share them with us in the comment section.</p><p><em>It’s not too late to plan your summer move. Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.</em></p><p><em>By Bernie Mixon </em></p></div>
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Make Moving Stress Child’s Play
July 24, 2017
Moving can be stressful on a family but even more so for the littlest movers.
<p>Long after the <a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/" rel="noopener">Penske</a> rental truck has left the driveway, the impact of the new, strange surroundings can be pretty tough for small children.</p><p>Not only faced with a new neighborhood, but the prospect of making new friends – and for school-aged children meeting new classmates – can be a lot to take.</p><p><a href="http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/buy-a-house/make-moving-easier-on-you-and-your-kids/" rel="noopener">Parents Magazine</a> has offered some tips for parents to help children through the transition:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>One of the first things parents can do is <strong>prepare </strong>children for the move. If possible, take them to the new house or neighborhood touring familiar settings like playgrounds. Also, check your local library for books dedicated to helping children adjust to new surroundings.</li> <li>Allow them to <strong>express</strong> their emotions about the move. That may mean crying and some acting out, including some temper tantrums. Those emotions may linger. It can take up to six months for kids to fully get used to the new setting.</li> <li>Limit uncertainty by keeping a sense of <strong>consistency</strong> for children. Keep a familiar family meal and bedtime schedule.</li> <li>Meeting new people can be awkward – even for adults – so give children many opportunities to <strong>meet </strong>their new neighbors. Host a housewarming party and invite children in the neighborhood. Sign up your children for activities and sports they enjoyed in their old neighborhood.</li></ul><p>Change can be hard for everyone, but by taking a few steps, you can minimize the impact for your children. Check out our <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/penskemoving/moving-with-kids/" rel="noopener">Moving with Kids</a> board on Pinterest for more tips on moving with children.</p><p>Do you have tips for parents to help children adjust to a new setting? Share them in the comment section.</p><p><em>Are you planning a summer move? Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.</em></p><p><em>By Bernie Mixon</em></p></div>
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Moving Season: Add Kids to the Checklist
April 17, 2012
An important, yet sometimes overlooked component of the do-it-yourself move is including the needs of children. For the family’s youngest members – who may only know one place as home – a move can be scary and upsetting.
<p>It is important to take some steps to make this major transition easier on your kids. Here are some tips from the moving experts at <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/"><strong>Penske Truck Rental</strong></a> for helping your children adapt to a new place, along with some practical moving advice for families:</p><p><strong>* Keep the communication open.</strong> It can be hard to tell your kids that they'll be moving, but making sure they know they can talk about how they're feeling about the move is important. Try to keep the conversation positive by telling them about all the fun things they'll be able to do in their new home, but acknowledge that they'll feel some sadness about leaving their old one.</p><p><strong>* Help them say goodbye.</strong> Organize a going-away party for your children and their friends, and work with the parents of their friends to gather contact information so they can keep in touch after you move.</p><p><strong>* Keep them involved with inventory.</strong> Take a minute with each child to go through toys and clothes to see what can be donated. By letting them help with these decisions, you can eliminate any angst that might come if they realize something they wanted was left behind when you get to your new home.</p><p><strong>* Pack a first-day box.</strong> Have each child pack a box of things that they will want the first day you move into your new home, like favorite toys, books or stuffed animals. Have the movers <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/discounts/">pack these boxes</a> last so they are the first thing that is unloaded when you arrive. If you are moving a long distance, have each child pack another bag with items to keep them entertained during the trip.</p><p><strong>* Form a moving team.</strong> Creating roles for your older children so they can help you move can make your move go quickly and smoothly. If possible, arrange for somebody to watch your younger children so you can focus on moving tasks. Hiring movers can also help take some of the pressure off you so you can tend to your children. Your younger children may also be thrilled by the chance to see the <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/moving-trucks/">moving truck </a>up close, so take the time to show them.</p><p><strong>* Introduce them to the new home.</strong> Showing your children new parks and other attractions in your new community will help them feel excited about their new home. Plan ahead to get them enrolled in activities with other children so they can quickly make new friends. However, be sure to explain to them that making new friends takes time, so they aren't discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. Communicate with their teachers to see if there's anything special you can do to help your children feel more comfortable at school.</p><p>By doing the little things to help your children cope with the tough parts of moving, you'll put them in a position to acclimate quickly and easily. For more helpful moving tips, visit <a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/"><strong>www.PenskeTruckRental.com</strong></a>.</p><p>https://twitter.com/#!/PenskeMoving/status/192223593831219200</p><p> <em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p><p><em></em></p></div>
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