Katie Reed

Most of us don't have the willpower to ignore the cell-phone ringing while driving. Teen drivers have an even higher risk of being involved in an accident while talking or texting on the phone.

In an attempt to improve teen driver safety one company is simply taking away the option of using your cell phone while driving. Canadian company, Aegis Mobility, hopes to offer a service starting next year that informs a caller or texter that the intended recipient is driving and can't be reached at the moment. Meanwhile, the driver would be oblivious to the call and free to focus on driving.

A downloadable software, called DriveAssist, use motion sensing technologies to determine when someone is driving. There would be a feature to disable the service if the user is a passenger. DriveAssist claims that the software recognizes more than just speed, it actually recognizes what driving looks like.

The phone would still be able to make and receive 911 calls, and would have other features, such as allowing some numbers to always come through. The price is expected to be $10 to $20 month. No wireless carriers have signed on to the service yet. What do you think? Too much control or good use of technology?

State Farm® is aware of this technology and will monitor developments about this product to determine whether it will have the intended and measurable effects on driver safety outcomes.

As your Western Shawnee good neighbor State Farm representative, I think it is my duty to make sure everyone aware of free stuff available to them. That's right I said FREE!!

As you may or may not know State Farm spends millions of dollars each year in charitable donations to different organizations and charities. They also are sponsors of many programs that are available to each and every one of us. I have listed just a few freebies below. For more information on State Farm programs contact me at 913-422-0123 or shoot me an email at Katie@Nickreedagency.com. I hope you enjoy this Freebies!!

1. Looking to shed a few pounds or just live a healthier lifestyle? Get a free pedometer and healthy lifestyle tips by clicking here.
2. New baby on the way? Call 1-888-SF-EVENT for a free pregnancy book on what to expect or a book on the baby's first year.
3. Recently engaged? Get a free wedding planner by calling 1-888-SF-EVENT.

Make sure to mention that your local Western Shawnee State Farm Agent, Nick Reed told you about this cool stuff!!

Economic times are tough, call me for a free auto quote @ 913-422-0123 to see if I can save you some money!!

In today's economy we are all looking to stretch each and every dollar. While, the economy in Shawnee, KS remains strongs we can all benefit from reviewing our insurance policies to make sure we are maximizing our dollars.

Ten strategies to reduce automobile insurance premiums

1. Reduce coverage on older vehicles. If your car is old and paid for, consider eliminating collision coverage, which pays for any damage you cause to your vehicle.

2. Use one insurance company. Group all of your insurance policies -- automobile, home or renters, etc. -- at one company to earn a multiline discount.

3. Raise your deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket when you make a claim. The difference between a $250 deductible and a $1,000 deductible can be substantial. Decide how much you can afford to spend out of pocket, and adjust accordingly.

4. Get a quote before you buy a new vehicle. Some models cost more to insure.

5. Drive carefully. Safe drivers are rewarded with lower insurance premiums. Avoid speeding and stay out of accidents.

6. Drive less. Are you an infrequent driver? Then tell your insurance agent about it. Less time on the road means less opportunity to get into an accident, which often translates into a lower premium.

7. Seek teen driver discounts. Ask about a good-student discount if your teen carries a B average, then check to see if a safe driving course could result in a second discount.

8. Skip monthly bill pay. Avoid add-on fees by asking to be billed every six or 12 months instead.

9. Skip roadside and car rental coverage. Your auto insurance probably comes packaged with a lot of extras you don't need -- roadside assistance and car rental coverage being two possibilities. Go over your insurance policy carefully and remove any coverage you don't need.

10. Improve your credit score. Many insurance companies now use your credit score as part of the criteria for determining the cost of your insurance premium. To ensure the best deal possible, pay your bills on time and contest any errors you find on your credit report.

Besides insurance, what are other ways you have found to make your dollars stretch?