Drivers of commercial vehicles in Massachusetts should take note of an important new regulation.  U.S. DOT has banned the use of hand-held phones while driving a commercial motor vehicle in Massachusetts (49 CFR Part 392.82). 

Use of a hand held mobile telephone means: (49 CFR Part 390.5)

1. Using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone to conduct a voice communication;

2. Dialing or answering a mobile telephone by pressing more than a single button, or

3. Reaching for a mobile telephone in a manner which requires a driver to maneuver so that he or she is no longer in a seated position.

Guidance:

• This rule does not prohibit a driver from using a mounted mobile phone which can be easily accessed from the driver’s seat and activated with a single button.
• Driving means operating a commercial vehicle while on a public road, and when stopped in traffic on such a road. Driving does not include instances when the driver is safely parked. Emergency use is permitted.
• The term mobile telephone does not include two way or Citizens Band Radio services, however the term mobile telephone does include mobile services which are provided for profit, have inter-connected service and is available to a substantial portion of the public.

Penalty: Driver is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for 60 days with the second offense in 3 years. (120 days for each subsequent offense within 3 years) Only applies if violation occurred while driving a CMV.

http://www.massagent.com/publications/issue.cfm?id=151#U.S.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area affected by the major storm during the period of October 29-30, 2011.

Click here if you’d like to receive FEMA updates during disasters

Click here  if you’d like to read the news release

Hooray! Aronson Insurance has been awarded 2011 Best of Business award status for the Insurance agents, brokers, and service category in Needham, by the SBCA Community. The SBCA Community provides small business owners with information and resources they need to comply with laws and regulations, and to take advantage of government programs and services to help them start, expand and run their business.

Aronson Insurance, in conjunction with Plymouth Rock presented a donation to the Needham SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) at Needham High School. Check out the photo (Steven Aronson, Plymouth Rock and Needham HS students pictured).

Check out this short video from The Hartford on some of the common misconceptions about cyber risk:

Hartford Cyber Risk

We wrote an article in WickedLocal.com’s Annual Gift Guide.  Check it out and let us know if you saw it in your local paper:  http://specialsections.wickedlocal.com/SS/Page.aspx?sstarg=&facing=false&secid=111685&pagenum=9

The Guardian Life Insurance Company has just released its dividend scale for 2012, and we are pleased to announce that despite the record low interest rate environment and the rocky, unpredictable stock market conditions, there is an increase over the prior year. These findings are further evidence that the addition of permanent life insurance, from a top rated insurance company, into a well-balanced financial plan has tremendous benefits; life insurance is a non-correlated, tax advantaged asset class that helps stabilize inconsistent investment returns from other asset classes.

Over their 150+ year history, The Guardian has consistently provided our participating policyholders with strong dividend performance through our long-term investment management focus, sound underwriting and prudent expense management. Dividends are one of the most important ways that Guardian, as a mutual company, provides value to its participating life insurance policyholders. In 2012, The Guardian approved a $795 million dividend allocation to its individual life policyholders, the highest in the Company’s history. Further, the Dividend Interest Rate, which is the investment component of the dividend, will be 6.95% in 2012. Guardian’s long-term investment strategy is aimed at optimizing policyholder value while protecting Guardian’s financial strength and ratings.

Guest blogger: Martin F. Lowenthal, MSIM, CLTC is an Associate at The Bulfinch Group, where he has dedicated his life to helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve financial security. He can be reached at Aronson Insurance.

Your smoke alarms should get new batteries once a year. According to FEMA, 12% of homes without alarms account for more than half the fires, and it is estimated that a third of the smoke alarms are not working, often due to a worn out battery. Daylight Savings is a great way to remind yourself to perform this important maintenance.

We hope all our friends and family are enjoying a safe and happy fall season.