Predatory Stationary Objects℠ are everywhere!
What is a Predatory Stationary℠ Object You Ask?
"PREDATORY STATIONARY OBJECT℠" DEFINITION:
A "Predatory Stationary Object℠" is a sign, pole, curb, tree, mailbox, and other fixed objects that suddenly, and violently comes out of nowhere when you are driving, walking or just about doing anything. It is in these unfortunate instances that you become involved in a truly avoidable accident causing your car significant, and embarrassing damage and you ankle twisting and toe stubbing pain and embarrasment.
Let me share my wealth of knowledge with you and the claims history that gave rise for the coining of the phrase "Predatory Stationary Object℠". It all started decades ago when I was handling personal line auto claims I noticed a trend of accidents that were similar in nature, yet went unnoticed. An IDEA came to me, yes it was that bright, to identify the most common objects that were the root cause of backing, sideswipe and straight-line auto accidents, along with those general liability claims that involved walking, standing and occasionally slowly walking and provide that knowledge to consumers to assist in identifying accidents before they happen and saving them time, money and dignity.
Based on my many years of investigating over a thousand insurance claims I've identified a list of the more common Predatory Stationary Objects℠:
- poles -any shape or size, in particular yellow ones
- mailboxes
- orange cones/pilons
- fences (metal and wooden)
- walls
- curbs
- trees (especially really tall trees as they are particularly dangerous)
- cars especially parked ones
- stairs
- steps
- area rugs
- sidewalks
- paths
- walkways
Let me teach you how to avoid them!
This is based on my decades of my professional risk/insurance/claims experience-to serve you!!!
FOLLOW MY THREE SIMPLE-STEP PROCESS
I've developed, based on my years of experience, a three simple-step process to help you prevent being a victim.
1. Learn to accept that these commonplace 'Predatory Stationary Objects℠" are waiting for you. How you can increase your awareness of them is solely based on you opening your eyes and turning your head from left to right. Go ahead and try it, its called “Keeping your head on a swivel.”
2. Put your phone down. Go ahead and try it, give it a go, I am sure that no one is watching. Multi-tasking is only good for desk-oriented work, in other words walking and chewing gum is enough for most people-add when using a smart phone and you are flirting with your medical co-pay or insurance deductible.
3. Alternatively, if you are driving, check your mirrors and maybe walk around before you enter your car to check your immediate surroundings for a tree, pole or mailbox that is hiding in plan site. Consider the percentage of use of your Reverse gear in your car and the increased percentage of getting attack by a pole, tree or the dreaded curb.
Admit your fault that you were a victim of a "Predatory Stationary Object℠"
Admit your fault that you were a victim of a
"Predatory Stationary Object℠"
Admit to being a victim and learn to grow from your experience. In other words there was probably some conveniently explained lack of judgment that caused you to be distracted thereby allowing for the "Predatory Stationary Object℠" the prime opportunity to make you their victim.
Bright color poles are the worst!
Let's be honest you never saw that pole as it was hiding in plain site. The yellow paint was just camouflaging its true dangerous intent.
Identifying a 'Predatory Stationary Object℠" is key. In this case I would use a spotter as that pole may not be seen.
Average claim costs of backing into a hidden yellow pole can total well over the average $500 insurance collision deductible. A cost best saved for a week's worth of sugary mocha latte coffees.
Danger Lurks Everywhere!
Tripping and Falling
Walking up or down a flight of stairs and BAM you hit a step you didn't
see, stub your toe and fall flat on your face! Or even better you roll down like a drunken heap of humanity onto your pride, located just near your dignity at the bottom of the stairs. Get that insurance claim form ready.
We all have done this! Well not me.
I never saw that tree!
This is by and far the worst version of a "Predatory Stationary Object℠"' These are planted years in advance, even decades, waiting slowly to pounce on your bumper like a cat on catnip.
Increased Costs and Embarrassment
Crumpled fenders, fractured ankles and the use of your medical co-pay.
Statistics
Trip and Fall Statistics
1 in 5 falls result in serious injury! Curbs are the culprit.
Backing your car
41% of all accidents with a Predatory Stationary Object℠ occurs when putting your car in reverse. Considering you drive your car less than 1% in reverse your chances of hitting a "Predatory Stationary Object℠" increases exponentially when you shift into 'R'.
Think ahead before you move backward.
Real testimonials
I have a friend who heard someone say "Where in the $*&# did that tree come from?"
Sideswipes
20% of victims claim that they were subjected violently and with warning to a parked car, tree or mailbox when changing lanes, turning or driving in straight line.
Share the news
Have you had that difficult conversation with your spouse, or loved one about their tendency to be a victim to a Predatory Stationary Object℠? If not please do so today.
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