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Are Cell Phones Causing a Distracted Driving Epidemic?

We see the same story in the news almost on a daily basis now;  another traffic accident caused by distracted driving. More specifically, increasing numbers of drivers and passengers are being injured or killed due to someone driving while texting or talking on cell phones. Why is it so difficult for some to put away their cell phones while driving?

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives.  The number of smartphones in use rose dramatically from 21% of Americans in 2011 to 46% in 2012, according to the Pew Research Center (webmd.com). With this increase and consistency of smartphone use, Americans are seemingly becoming dependent on their devices to communicate, entertain, and even organize their personal affairs and daily routines. In fact, many experts have come to the conclusion that smartphone use has become an obsession, compulsion, or even an addiction for some people.

Of course, a larger number of smartphones in use (and the need to stay connected) means a greater instance of smartphone abuse. The majority of the time the abuse is merely an annoyance or an inconvenience;  people talking on their phones at the restaurant, texters who walk around with their heads down, not watching where they are going. Unfortunately, smartphone abuse does not end there.

The number of drivers distracted by smartphones on American roads is disturbing.  As many as 660,000 Americans may be driving while distracted at any time during a typical day (edgarsnyder.com).   With so many Americans driving while distracted, it shouldn’t be too surprising that 330,000 injuries occur yearly, a result of 1.6 million distracted driving crashes; and these numbers continue to rise every year.

Teens Driving While Distracted:

Distracted driving numbers for teen drivers are even more staggering: In 2013, 21% of teenage driving fatalities were caused by smartphone distraction. Teens are four times more likely to be involved in distracted driving crashes or near-crashes.

Whether it is a teen or an adult, distracted drivers have made our roadways less safe for all of us.  As responsible drivers, it is our duty to keep our eyes, and our attention focused on the road ahead. At 55 miles per hour, a vehicle travels 100 yards in the 5 seconds it takes for you to simply look down at a text; making it nearly impossible to react in time to avoid an unforeseen circumstance such as a deer in the middle of the road.

If you’ve gotten into the habit of constantly checking your phone when you’ve gotten an alert, try making an effort to store your phone in an unreachable place while driving until you have arrived at your destination so the temptation to check it is gone. It is also advised to pre-set your GPS or navigational system prior to departing for your trip to avoid the need to do so while driving. Pre-setting your desired radio station or asking a passenger to operate the radio controls is also recommended when behind the wheel.

Whether we see it as an epidemic or not, the death and injury numbers associated with distracted driving caused by smartphone use are sobering. Our lives can be so full of pitfalls and dangers, doesn’t it make sense to eliminate such an obvious distraction where you can?  Be considerate to yourselves, your families, and the drivers around you by not driving distracted.  No call, text, tweet, or Facebook post is worth a life.

When it comes to car insurance, a driver’s premium is influenced by a number of factors that can vary from state to state.  Your driving record, which consists of your history of traffic tickets, accident claims, and arrests for intoxicated driving is a major factor in determining your cost out-of-pocket each month. Learn the top factors that insurance companies use to calculate your car insurance premium in Connecticut by clicking here.

8 Tips for Flying and Driving Trips This Summer

Summer vacation is just about here, and the fantastic weather, holiday celebrations and long weekends mean it’s time for some traveling! Whether you’re hitting the road or boarding a plane, there are a few things you can do in advance for a smooth, stress-free vacation.

Flying and Driving Tips

When you’re flying, you hope for a turbulence-free flight. Although this may be out of your control, here are a number of items you can personally plan from the time you check-in until the time you leave your destination’s airport for ‘bump-free’ travels:

1.  Purchase your airline tickets early, and make sure to use your name exactly as it appears on your identification. While you might not always use your given or legal name, or the name listed on your form of identification, this is the name that officials will be looking for when you check in.

2.  Arrive at the airport early. With heightened safety measures being taken by the Transportation Security Administration, the TSA lines can be long, and there can often be delays. It’s important to be ready to go when your plane is boarding, and arriving early can bring you peace of mind. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before any domestic flight, and at least 3 hours before any international flight.

3.  Update your passport. Some states have now mandated an updated passport. Research the requirements before you board, and give the government enough time to process a passport update. Typically, passport updates and renewals take about eight weeks; expediting your update for an additional fee can be done in about two to three weeks.

4.  Mark your luggage. Tie a ribbon or colored strap to the handle, consider a piece of unique fabric, or find another creative way to make your luggage stand out from the crowd. This will help you move faster through when it comes time to pick up your bags.

If you choose to hit the open road this summer, preparing in advance can help prevent you from having to put the “hazard lights” on your entire trip:

1.  Ensure your car has had the proper maintenance. Before you load up to leave, make sure you’ve had an oil change and checked the air pressure in your tires. If you have any hesitations, take your car in for a tune-up. Don’t forget to bring a spare tire, first aid kit, and road kit, and fill your tank up with gas before you leave.

2.  Know where you’re going. Bring along a programmed navigational system. Whether you have an aftermarket GPS or your vehicle has a built-in system, make sure to program the directions before you leave, as many systems are automatically turned off when the vehicle is in motion. You should also consider bringing a fully charged cell phone and physical map as backups.

3.  Never drive tired. Too many accidents happen each year because of tired drivers. Check your map before you go to find appropriate stops to sleep. Whether you find a relative’s house along the way or stop at a hotel, give yourself ample time to rest.

4.  Prep for passengers: If you’re traveling with children, make the trip comfortable for them, as well. Car games, toys, electronics, snacks, drinks and special “car packs” can help keep them entertained, fed and hydrated, while cutting down on the ever-popular “Are we there yet?” question.

Finally, regardless of how you travel, always keep your house protected. Don’t post your travel plans or itinerary online. This can tip off burglars that you’ll be out of town, and will help to prevent any break-ins. It’s also a good idea to ask a trusted friend or family member to check on your home, bring in the mail, and give the impression that someone is at home.

Wherever or however you decide to travel this summer, try to take as many precautionary measures as possible to ensure a happy, safe journey for your entire family. This includes staying properly hydrated! When the beating summer sun is out, it can do unspeakable damage to the human body. For information on how heat and dehydration can hurt your body internally, click here!

The 7 Most Serious Traffic Violations in CT.

The summer season is just kicking off, and it’s the perfect weather for road trips, hopping in the car and heading to a park, or just going on a leisurely, scenic drive. With more people on the roads, the chances are greater that motorists will commit traffic violations of all sorts. There are seven, though, that can be especially serious. These driving infractions in Connecticut are severe enough to not only raise your auto insurance premium but can also carry some hefty legal penalties.

  • Driving without insurance:

Uninsured drivers will receive a warning notice when their insurance has been canceled or lapsed. Registrants must either enter into a consent agreement or obtain insurance and pay a fine of $200. If they do nothing, they’ll get a suspension notice in the mail; if they choose not to respond, they could face suspension of their registration as well as any renewal or registration privileges for any motor vehicle.

  • Street racing/stunting:

Street racing can result in an automatic one-year suspension for drivers caught speeding, as well as a fine that can range from $75 to $600. Second offenses can lead to another one-year suspension, as well as a fine that can range from $100 to $1,000. Any damages can also lead to further charges. The act of street racing is also VERY dangerous to all motorists involved and is always discouraged outside of a legal and professional racing forum.

  • Driving with a suspended license:

Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Connecticut, and can lead to criminal penalties, including fines of between $150 and $200, as well as three months of jail time for the first offense. Subsequent offenses can lead to higher fines and lengthy jail time.

  • Failure to stop when signaled/Evading police:

Drivers who fail to stop when signaled by the police can face a license suspension of at least year one year and fines starting at $100, depending on the severity of the outcome. Always pull over to the right side of the road when a police cruiser signals behind you via flashing lights and/or sirens; and be sure to yield in the same manner for emergency response vehicles as well.

  • DUI (driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol):

Driving under the influence can have serious repercussions. Aside from the penalties of being caught, drivers who have chosen to get behind the wheel under the influence can be responsible for extensive property damage, physical injuries, and even death. The first offense can bring a fine of $500 to $1,000. By the third offense, a driver could face up to $8,000 in fines. Drivers may also receive a license suspension, as well as potential criminal charges.

  • Hit and run:

Also known as evading responsibility, a felony hit and run charge can lead to probation, between one and ten years in jail, or a fine of up to $10,000.

  • Vehicular manslaughter:

There is a difference between voluntary and involuntary vehicular manslaughter. A driver who intended to injure a victim with their car and ends up killing them could be convicted of first-degree manslaughter, face up to 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. On the other hand, a driver who was acting negligently and caused someone’s death accidentally may receive a punishment of up to one year in prison and $2,000 in fines.

The distractions of summer fun can sometimes take their toll and can end up costing you higher insurance premiums or much worse. Operating a motor vehicle should always be taken seriously, especially during a season of crowded roadways. Always use caution and abide by all Connecticut state driving laws when traveling anywhere to avoid traffic violations or injuries to ensure the safest, happiest summer ever!

If you believe a recent traffic infraction might threaten your current auto insurance premium, give us a call here at Waitte’s Insurance Agency. We pride ourselves in helping all motorists obtain the best possible insurance rates for over 100 years!

Involved in an Accident? Take These 8 Steps Immediately After

No one expects to be in a car accident, but in the off chance that it does happen you need to be prepared. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, the following steps will help you weather the storm with as little distress as possible.

Pull over

If you have been involved in an accident, the worst action you can take is continuing to drive, as this can result in serious legal ramifications. Whether you are at fault or not, pull over to the side of the road where it is safe. If you cannot move your car, turn on the hazard lights or place cones around the vehicle. Then, take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to calm down before you get out of the car to talk to the other involved parties.

Check for injuries

Check to see if you or any of your passengers have been injured. Call 911 right away, even if the injuries are minor. Although you may want to check your passengers right away, check yourself first, to determine if you are well enough to be helpful to any injured parties in the car.

Call the police

Call the police and stay on the phone with them until they arrive on the scene. Calling the police will assure that there is an official record of the accident. This will become important if either party wants to initiate a lawsuit. The police can also call for additional help if necessary once they assess the situation. Don’t forget to make note of the officers’ names and badge numbers, just in case you will need the information later.

Remain in your vehicle

Eventually, you will have to leave your car if you are able to. However, remain in your car with the seatbelt fastened until it is safe to exit the vehicle. Standing near the card can put you in danger of being hit by oncoming traffic.

Exchange information

Get the contact information of the other person or people who were involved in the accident. Important pieces of information to get include names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle identification numbers, insurance company names and policy numbers. Also, make note of the makes and models of the other vehicles that were involved.

Talk to witnesses

Talk to anyone who witnessed the accident. Write down the information they provide and make sure they agree to let your attorney and insurance company contact them if necessary.

Take photos

Photos of the damage to your car and the other cars involved will document it in case your insurance company needs it. It can also protect you if the other party claims their injuries or the car damage is worse than what actually occurred. Also, take pictures of all of the people involved in the accident.

Call your insurance company

Call your insurance company as soon as you can to report the accident and file a claim. The faster you take this step, the quicker you will start the process of having your car repaired and obtaining a rental vehicle if necessary.

Following these steps will help you make an unnerving situation more manageable. If you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, Waitte’s Insurance Agency want’s to ensure that you’re covered financially and compensated appropriately. In between insurance premiums? You can receive a rate quote by clicking here.

Your Annual Physical: NOT Just For the Sick

Not everyone goes to the doctor for an annual physical every single year. However, if you are one of these people, then you could be seriously compromising your health without even knowing it.

Going to the doctor for an annual check-up is crucial to your long-term health, regardless of your age. Most people are unaware of underlying health issues they may have until they are seen by their doctor. Even if you are experiencing symptoms, you might not find them relevant until your doctor addresses them. For obvious illnesses such as a fever or the flu, a check-up is recommended immediately to treat whatever is temporarily ailing you. However, by not scheduling an annual physical for an overall examination of your health, dormant illnesses and/or diseases that you may have could go undetected and have time to metastasize or become worse.

Check-Up Preparation:

When you go in for your check-up, it’s important to be prepared. Try to have all necessary forms filled out prior to your appointment time and arrive 15 minutes early in the event you need to fill out additional forms. You should always know your family’s medical history dating back as far as your grandparents and create a list of questions and concerns for your doctor to address.

Common Physical Protocol:

Medical professionals typically inform patients of all the tests and procedures they will be performing during their physical, but always inquire about any part of the process you are unclear about. Know what ailments they will be testing for, why they are doing the tests and how they will be administered. Physicals commonly involve becoming up-to-date on all vaccinations, checking weight, blood pressure, and most likely blood testing to check cholesterol or a number of other factors.

Be Honest!

One thing to keep in mind when seeing a doctor for any reason is that you should always be as honest as possible. Medical professionals take a sworn oath to not judge anyone’s lifestyle or health decisions and make treating patients their number one priority. Even if they are not thrilled with some of your answers, knowing all of the facts about your history and daily habits only allows your doctor to treat you most effectively.  Stretching the truth, or “fibbing”, about factors such as the amount of alcohol you consume or if you smoke cigarettes ties the hands of your doctor and leaves you vulnerable to a misdiagnosis or being  prescribed unnecessary medications that could harm you further. So remember, be straight with your physician for the best possible results.

Although it may be unpleasant for some to visit the doctor, scheduling a simple physical annually can make the world of difference in your long-term health. Stay on top of any indications that your well-being is diminishing and always follow your physician’s recommendations.

When someone’s health begins to decline for any reason, medical bills will inevitably grow with the increased doctor visits. This is precisely why your health insurance should also have an annual check-up! If you need your current health insurance policy reviewed or would like to know your options for a new premium, Click Here to Receive a Free Rate Quote.

Back-to-School Preparation: 101

As we head into August, it’s time to start planning for the kids to head back to school. In order for your child to be successful in the upcoming school year, it’s imperative that they are prepared in a multitude of areas. This starts now as the back-to-school season is upon us.

Here are some tips on how to make the transition into the new school year easier for you as well as your children:

Start Your New Sleep Schedule Early

During the summer you probably let the kids stay up late due to it being lighter later in the evening. You now need to get them back on an appropriate sleep schedule for school. The adjustment can take some time to get used to, so it is advised to begin the new sleep schedule a few weeks before school commences. Being well-rested is invaluable when it comes to school work and they need to adjust to make sure they’re getting enough sleep.

Plan Your Student Pick-Ups/Drop-Offs

In order to assure a smooth transition daily, you must prepare both your morning and your children’s morning in accordance with bus pickup/drop off or your schedule if you’re the one taking them to and from school. You don’t want to be rushing around and worrying about not having enough time to get everyone ready. Practicing this new routine ahead of time will also allow you to prepare for unforeseen circumstances that may occur, such as bad weather.

Attend All Open Houses & Orientations

Before school starts be sure to attend any orientations or open houses to confirm what is expected of your child as far as supplies and curriculum. Parent/teacher meet-and-greets are also a great way to learn about school policies, extra-curricular options, and dates for school events. Knowing how your child’s school operates will better serve you to assist in their educational journey.

Stick to the Bare Necessities

Make sure your children have the required supplies but refrain from buying unnecessary items such as electronics, toys, and other extras. They will be carrying around a lot in their backpacks and you want to keep in mind to take the weight of the textbooks that they will receive into account.

Begin with a Clean Bill of Health

Plan ahead of time to fit in any and all necessary medical exams, physicals and dental exams before the kids go back to school. This will help limit any time they need to spend away from school later on. If possible, schedule these a few weeks before school is back in session as these places are sure to be busy with other parents having the same idea.

Maintain a Clean Bill of Health!

Make your children’s lunches personally and provide well-balanced and healthy foods. There are a lot of poor lunch options for kids in certain schools so make sure you provide them with healthy foods from home. Lunches consisting of vitamin-packed foods such as fruits and vegetables will promote good health and a better ability to focus on their studies.

After-School Activities

In addition to a morning schedule, you’re going to want an after-school schedule as well. Homework should be a priority so that children have time for other activities and sports. It’s important for them to do the work, but also have some free time when they can get it.

Review/Update All Necessary Insurance

Health insurance should always be up-to-date in time for the first day of school. It’s always better to be safe than sorry in the event an unexpected illness or injury arises. As for teenaged students with valid permits or driver’s licenses, be sure to have all required automobile insurances before they hit the road.

Taking the extra time to make the proper preparations can make all the difference in having a smooth transition into the new school year for both you and your children. As important as it is to have everything in order to achieve the highest level of success, also be sure to let your children enjoy their last few weeks of summer vacation!

8 Things to Know Before Purchasing Homeowners Insurance

Buying a home is one of the greatest decisions that you make in your life, which makes buying homeowners insurance equally as important. Having a suitable insurance policy or protection plan for your phone, computer, or other personal items is essential for covering your investment, right? So why wouldn’t you make sure that you got the same out of your homeowner’s insurance?

Just in case this is the first time you have gone through this process, there are several critical things that you want to keep in mind when shopping around for a fitting insurance policy. Here are a few tips that will help you on your insurance hunting adventure.

1. Know What Your Home is Worth

Has it been some time since you have had your home inspected? No better time than the present, especially if you are purchasing homeowners insurance. Get an exact value from a home builder or a home assessment company so that you can get a better idea of how much you need to insure your home for. This will also put into perspective in the worst possible scenario, what it would cost to replace the entire house, from the foundation up.

2. Find Out Exactly How to File a Claim

In the painstaking midst of something awful happening to your home, the last thing that you want to do is get put on hold. Know exactly who you need to talk to, what information you need to file an insurance claim, and what to do in the event of a home emergency.

3. Use Simple Tactics and Tools That Can Save You Money on Insurance

One great way that you can save money on a homeowners insurance policy is to take advantage of some simple devices, that many don’t think of. Things that could potentially make your policy cheaper are:

  •    -Deadbolt locks
  •    -A home security system or alarm
  •    -New, working fire alarms and sprinklers
  •    -Safe wiring and updated electrical systems
  •    -Being located near a fire and/or police department

Ask your insurer about these to see if you can have money taken off of your premium.

4. Take Inventory of All of the Valuable Items in Your House

Keep an inventory of all of the valuable items in your home, such as jewelry or fine artwork, and the costs associated with those items to the best of your ability. Anything that is important to you or costly should be catalogued somewhere safe so that you have an idea of the possessions you should insure in your home.

5. Shop Around Before You Buy a Plan

Don’t buy through the first insurance company or buy the first plan you come across. Make sure you shop around before you are absolutely certain of which kind of plan is adequate for your particular needs.

6. Compare Insurance Plan Deductibles

Part of shopping around is in comparing deductibles. The deductible is the maximum out-of-pocket costs that you would pay in the event that something disastrous happens to your house or personal property. Compare prices to make sure that you aren’t overpaying and that you are financially capable of paying your deductible.

7. Note the Environmental Risks That Your Premium is Based On 

Think about some of the environmental factors that would put your home at a higher risk for a claim or an unfortunate incident. This is where factors like neighborhood, crime rate, natural disasters specific to your area, and distance from freeways or congested areas would apply.

8. Understand What You Are Covered For

You would be surprised how often this one gets overlooked. Homeowners insurance policies can look like an entire novel’s worth of information, which makes it even more critical that you know exactly what is included in your policy. Ask your insurer or agent any questions that you might have on the policy, and if you need some added reassurance have an attorney review your policy.

By abiding by these simple eight precautionary tips, you will be well on your way to purchasing the most appropriate coverage for your new home!

Statute of Limitations: Filing a Workers Compensation Claim in CT

If you live and work in the state of Connecticut, you probably know that you are entitled to file for workers’ compensation if you become ill or injured while on the job and are no longer able to work. The workers’ compensation system in Connecticut provides wage replacement benefits and medical treatment to workers to ensure that they and their families are supported even if their job resulted in their injury or illness. However, what you may not know is that the time you have to file a claim is limited and that in fact, a term called the “Statute of Limitations” applies in workers’ compensation cases.

What is the Statute of Limitations?

Broadly defined, the Statute of Limitations is the time period in which you can file a claim with the state of Connecticut presenting your case for workers’ compensation benefits. After the statute expires, you can no longer request benefits because too much time has passed in between the original illness or injury and the time that you are filing the request. The statute exists to ensure that all employees are presenting fair and accurate information as to their workers’ compensation needs. In Connecticut, the Statute of Limitations is currently one year for injuries and three years for illnesses; the time begins when the injury is first sustained or when the first symptom of the illness is felt.

What should I do to file a claim?

There are several steps you must follow when filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. As long as you are within the time limits described above, you can follow this process, but it is recommended that you complete the paperwork as soon as possible to avoid issues later on. To request benefits, simply file a 30C Form with the Workers` Compensation Commission, and specifically in the District Office that corresponds to the area of the state where you live. You should concurrently file a form with your employer. After filing, wait for the commission to get back to you on the status of your benefits. If you are denied, you are entitled to an appeal that you can file with the Workers’ Compensation Commission Review Board as soon as you receive your rejection letter.

For further information on how to file a Workers’ Compensation claim in the event that you are injured on the job, contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency by calling (860) 886-1961 or by clicking here.

Prevent a ‘Fall’ Out: Prepare Your Home for Autumn

Towards the beginning of September, people begin to notice that change is in the air. The air gets colder, the days get shorter, and the leaves begin to evolve into a kaleidoscopic splendor. The Autumn season is quickly approaching, and homeowners must take the proper precautions to ensure their home will survive the sometimes harsh weather conditions of the later months in the year. Here are 10 tips for home maintenance that will prepare you for fall in New England:

1. Check Your Roof and Chimney

Start by cleaning off all the dead leaves and debris, then check for any damaged or loose shingles that may become a problem later on if they are left without being repaired. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional to ensure that it is ready for the firewood that you will burn as the cold weather sets in. Make sure that you have stocked up on firewood as well, especially if you are gathering your own.

2. Repair Your Siding, If Necessary

As with your roof, make sure that the siding on your home is not damaged, and if it is, it’s important to fix the problem before the weather changes and you are no longer able to do so. You can try to fix it yourself, or call in a professional.

3. Reinforce Windows and Doors

This is one of the most important things you can do to not only prevent drafts and leaks but also to save energy, and therefore, money. Use caulk to seal up gaps along the frame of your doors and windows, which allows you to keep warm air inside and avoid a loss of energy.

4. Clean the gutters and check water drainage

Make sure that your gutters are free of dead leaves and debris, and that water has a clear path from your roof, through the downspouts and out onto the ground. Otherwise, large pools of water could collect on your roof in the fall and lead to leaks.

5. Take Apart Garden Hoses

Separate the hose from the outside spigot and turn off the faucet. Be sure that you drain the hose and store it in a dry place. This is to prevent the water that is left over from freezing and damaging the hose.

6. Check Your Sprinklers and Irrigation System

As with garden hoses, you may have to drain your sprinklers to prevent freezing when the cold weather sets in. Speak to a professional to check exactly what you should do, as this can prove to be taxing.

7. Inspect Landscaping

Check that your trees are trimmed and your plants have protective mulch around them to be ready for when the frost sets in. Also take note of any tree branches that extend over your home or driveway. Weak or dying branches are most susceptible to breaking and landing on valuable property; especially when weight is added, such as snowfall.

8. Test and/or Replace Home Protection Devices

Make the start of the Autumn season your designated time to check the batteries in all home safety devices, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They should be equipped with fresh batteries and tested at least twice a year.

9. Store Away Seasonal Furniture

Lawn chairs, picnic tables, and other outdoor furniture should be stored away in a dry, undisturbed area to prevent weather damage.

10. Organize Your Garage/Shed

With all of your summer furniture and equipment being stored away for the season, things can get pretty tight for storage. Take the time to organize and store away your summer items and remove any liquids that can freeze during the fall/winter months.

*Bonus Tip

Winter isn’t the only season for hazardous driving conditions. Throughout Autumn, roadways will inevitably be covered with leaves that fall as the weather turns colder. After rainfall, wet leaves on the road can be just as slippery and dangerous as snow. Before the leaves even begin to change color, always review and renew, if necessary, your automobile insurance policy to ensure you’re protected from any unforeseen incidents that may occur during the latter months of the year. Call Waitte’s Insurance Agency at (860) 886-1961 or click here to double check your current coverage.

Seasonal Depression: Monster or Myth?

With summer in the rear-view mirror, the calendar begins to turn towards the autumn and winter months. Especially in New England, the temperatures will gradually decrease, the days will become shorter, and the warm sunshine will start to feel like an old friend that you just don’t get to see anymore. This combination of lack of sunlight and colder weather can cause many to feel a little down in the dumps. It’s not unusual this time of year to feel the winter blues, but is that all it is? Could there be an underlying cause? In the past couple of decades, a lot of attention has been given to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or how many refer to it as seasonal depression; but what is it exactly?

SAD Explained:

Seasonal Affective Disorder is the name given to a mood disorder that seems to affect people, who are otherwise fine the rest of the year, with symptoms of depression during the same time each year, typically in the winter months.  It is thought that the colder temperatures, which forces people to stay indoors longer, coupled with the lack of sunlight in the winter months, causes people to feel depression.  Symptoms include lack of energy, decreased motivation, withdrawal from friends and family, overeating (which can lead to weight gain), and difficulty concentrating.  It is estimated that this disorder affects up to 6% of the American population, mainly concentrated in northern climates where winter is most pronounced.

Fact or Faked?

However, even though SAD is now an official clinical diagnosis, the question remains “Is SAD a legitimate disorder?”  A number of recent studies seem to suggest otherwise.  One major study published in January of 2016 examined a major cross-section of the American public (over 34,000 participants) and concluded that there was no conclusive evidence to suggest that SAD is real, or that factors such as amount sunlight or temperature have any long-term effect on a person’s mental health. The results of the study suggest that SAD is an idea that might be  more rooted in folk psychology and old wives’ tales than actual science. In another clinical study in Norway — a location known for its long and severe winters — also examined a large subset of the population and concluded that there was no evidence to suggest that these symptoms were more prevalent in the winter.

The debate about Seasonal Affective Disorder will likely go on for years to come.  Even though many individuals continue to report having symptoms, evidence is mounting that SAD, in fact, might not be scientifically validated as the actual “disorder” as it was once suggested. As a result, many medical professionals are starting to question the prevailing school of thought.

Regardless, when there’s a chill in the air and the nighttime falls earlier, try not to let it get you down! Grab a nice book and bundle up by a warm, crackling fire or go outside and build a snowman with your family.  Continue to find ways to enjoy the unique activities that fall and winter can offer you in New England!

One particular activity that Connecticut and its surrounding states specialize in during the winter months is snowmobiling. Do you or someone in your family own a snowmobile and need to get it insured? No problem! Contact Waitte’s Insurance Agency to get coverage on all of your winter and recreational vehicles.