How to stay safe while driving

Safe driving habits will not only help you prevent a car collision, which will protect both yourself and those around you, but it can also lead to lower car insurance quotes. Think of it as a reward, if you like. Auto insurance companies are more comfortable offering you low quotes because you have a history of good driving habits. Although common sense is always a bonus when on the road, some good driving habits are learned, not innate. By following a few simple steps, you can improve both your safety and the safety of other cars on the road.

Here are a few important tips that will help you stay safe while driving:

Be Alert! Make sure that you don’t drive when you are too tired. What many people don’t know is that driving while extremely fatigued can have similar impact as driving under the influence. Both inhibit your reaction time and awareness of those around you. If you feel too tired to drive, pull over to a safe spot and rest. It’s not worth getting into an accident, which can threaten your life, not to mention raise your auto insurance quotes.

Don’t Drink and Drive: This is one of the first things we teach young people when they are learning to drive. However, a lot of adults don’t follow this simple rule themselves—often with devastating consequences. According to statistics, almost 275,000 people die every year because of drunk driving, and that includes innocent bystanders and motorists. Not only will a DUI land you in jail and result in the suspension of your license, drunk driving will dramatically raise your car insurance quotes.

Drive the Speed Limit: When you are running late to work or an important event, it’s tempting to put your pedal to the medal, but driving 20 miles over the speed limit can double the impact of an automobile collision. Getting a speeding ticket will cost you more than any other driving violation, and each one you get will further tarnish your driving history, making you less and less attractive to auto insurance companies. In the end, if you speed, you can probably count on a higher auto insurance quote.

Avoid Distractions: Eating while driving, rubbernecking at nearby accidents and texting on the phone all reduce your alertness while on the road. In fact, using your cell phone at all is now illegal in some states—and for good reason. Distractions are a leading cause of accidents in the United States, and accidents will raise your insurance.

It’s important to remember to drive defensively, and avoid aggression toward other drivers while on the road. Behavior like tailgating, honking without just reason, turning when you should yield, and purposely flashing your lights at other cars are all considered aggressive behavior. By reducing aggressive behavior you can help insure your own safety, and the safety of those around you. Be courteous to other drivers, and you will be rewarded with less tickets, and lower car insurance quotes.